Senior Moments
SUZANNE ‘Q’ BEASLEY LOCATION: CHESTER • VA 56 YEARS
Suzanne Beasley, known to friends as “Q” (short for SuzieQ), resides on Kent Island in Chester, MD. Her first “off road” experience was with a go-kart but she quickly graduated to minibikes and dirt bikes in fields and woods with friends. Both of her brothers rode motorcycles. When Suzanne was first married, her then-husband bought a 750 Shadow. The couple lived in West Virginia at that time and if you had a license to drive a car, you were legal to drive a motorcycle - which Suzanne did. But riding was put aside when it was time to raise children and the bike was eventually sold. The couple purchased a small dirt bike for their son which Suzanne also enjoyed. But riding just didn’t fit in while trying to raise a family. When Suzanne found herself a divorced woman, she desperately began looking for activities to fill up free time. She owned a jet ski for a while but enjoyment was limited by weather and temperatures. Her friend talked her into joining Biker Or Not (BON) to meet new people. Her friend list grew but not many people wanted to share their ride if you weren’t their girlfriend. While everyone was out riding, she was still left behind. Suzanne decided to take control. She took the rider’s course and purchased a used Yamaha VStar 650. Soon after she traded that in for a newer model and eventually moved up to an 1100 VStar. She recently sold that bike and purchased a Harley Dyna Low. Riding allows Suzanne the feeling of being in control, yet letting go; of letting the wind blow the stress away. She also appreciates the camaraderie in the biker community and all the wonderful friends she has made through motorcycles. “We are there for each other in times of need. I pray for all my friends daily; for God to keep them safe.” In fact, Suzanne met her current husband, Travis, through motorcycles. Travis has been riding most of his life. They have been together for 5 years and married a little over a year ago, with family and all of their biker friends in attendance. Suzanne has been employed as an ultrasound tech for over 20 years. Although she did not serve in the military, her husband and both of her brothers served in the Air Force and her father served in the Navy. Suzanne doesn’t belong to any specific group of riders but adamantly supports our Veterans. She has participated in the Honor Flights out of BWI and supports many other military and charity rides. She believes in supporting those in need. Suzanne’s longest ride was to Myrtle Beach. She rode down fast and hard in one day but rode the coastline home over 2 days. She prefers the leisurely ride. Suzanne enjoys riding anywhere but scenic back roads with photo opportunities are favored. When asked what advice she would give to new or inexperienced riders, Suzanne says, “Slow down, pay attention, enjoy the ride! Life is a journey, not a destination. If you fly through it at top speed, you’re going to miss it! Riding is a privilege. Don’t give a bad name to those who obey the rules of riding.”
FAST LANE BIKER
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