ASHLAND WOMAN aims to set world record circumnavigating the world on two wheels

Bridget McCutchen, a bright-eyed, energy-laced woman, aspires to be the youngest person to ever ride a motorcycle around the world, and her trip of more than 24,000 miles is set to begin this August.

Passion for riding

McCutchen, 21, grew up on a farm in Mason, Wisconsin, which is 15 minutes outside of Ashland. Four of her five siblings, along with her father, ride motorcycles, which influenced her from a young age. Her first ride was on the back of her brother Michael’s bike as a teenager. Eventually he let her ride it herself.

“I thought it was so cool,” McCutchen said. “The interest in motorcycles was always there.”

For McCutchen, riding is simply gratifying.

“I really like being on a motorcycle because it’s so more engaging to me,” she said. “You feel weightless, you feel like you’re flying.”

Being on a motorcycle is not only enjoyable to her, but every ride is also an experience.

“You are also so much more aware of what’s going on when you’re on a motorcycle because everything matters to you. If you are in weather, that weather is immediately affecting you.”

At 19, McCutchen got her riding permit. That same year she set out west to Washington to work on Tall Ships.

“Up until I was 19 , I don’t think I left Wisconsin except to go to Illinois and Minnesota,” she said. Being in Washington prompted her travel bug. She purchased her first bike, a Kawasaki Ninja 250, and started riding her motorcycle, including trips to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and riding by Lake Superior.

“I really like going to the Keweenaw. I really like riding around the lake. I really love water,” she said.