Today’s Profile of a Female Motorcyclist Meet Pam is about me. A couple of friends pointed out I don’t have an about section on my blog. Actually, I don’t have a lot of things I’d like on my blog (insert jealous rant about blogs like the beautiful FuzzyGalore.com or all the eye candy Chessie’s Tales, Motorcycles and Rides posts or how Princess Scooterpie posts about the cool people she rides with … sigh, I’ll stop now.) but it has been functional for me. You can find me here on my blog or on Twitter @helmetorheels too!
Profile of a Female Motorcyclist Meet Pam
How long have you been riding a motorcycle?
April 26, 2010 I passed the MSF course and test! It cold and rainy the whole weekend I took the class. But I was so excited I hardly noticed because I was bit by the bug to ride!
How did you learn to ride a motorcycle?
After hubby and I married in June of 1979 he started to teach me to ride. Back then it was not common for women to pilot. We sold the motorcycle before moving to Minnesota so I never got too far learning.
What was your first motorcycle?
I shared a Honda 750 Nighthawk with hubs until this year.
How many have you owned?
Shared one. Owned one – `05 Suzuki 650 VStrom.
Why did you want to ride a motorcycle?
Well, it all started with a trip to the Mall of America (you can read that post here).
Tell us about your riding.
The first year I rode mostly by myself trying to get experience on the motorcycle. I took the motorcycle to work a few times and on weekends when my husband worked I took it out on the back roads around our home.
I only rode a couple of times my second year because of health issues. This year it has been different – yay – I’m ready to get back a motorcycle and we were able to purchase a bike for me! I trying to get out there as much as my schedule will allow!! Yippy!!
What advice do you have for women who ride or want to ride a motorcycle?
Fear of the unknown keeps us from trying many things. Don’t let that happen to you. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has incredible instructors teaching classes (remember Colleen) across the U.S. where no experience is needed. Passing the State of Minnesota’s permit test was a prerequisite for the class.
The other bit of wisdom I’d suggest is learn how to pick-up downed motorcycle. Take it from my experience of dropping the bike in the middle of no where, riding alone, and realizing I can’t pick-up 500 pound bike. (Read about it here.)
In the end I was told there is a technique to pick-up a motorcycle and I saw it demonstrated at the International Motorcycle Show.
What is the longest trip that you’ve taken on your motorcycle?
Recently hubby and I road to Stillwater, MN over 100 miles round trip.
Do you belong to any motorcycle groups?
Nothing off-line. Joined an online group, but haven’t really interacted with the community yet.
Do you have a favorite riding story?
Well, it has to be my recent day trip to Stillwater, MN. It was my first “long” ride (all the iron butt riders are chuckling at my measly 100+ mile round trip). It was a very windy day with wind gusts that threw my head back … once.
After that happened I then tried to be more aware of the conditions. It was so fun to ride the back roads! There were some nice twisties involved! We walked around Stillwater, had lunch, then road back home. Great experience and looking forward to more now that we both have motorcycles.
What do you do when you’re not riding your motorcycle?
I’ve been married for almost 33 years, mother of two married adults, and a grandmother of one! I work full time as a marketing communication manager, managing a team of eleven. When I’m not riding I crochet, read, and exercise (trying to stay ahead of the age curve as I head toward the double nickels)!
P. S. Thank you for stopping by Helmet or Heels female motorcycle community! I am always looking for more stories like your adventure into riding. Your experience, knowledge, and insight will encourage women in their motorcycling journey! Fill out the contact form and let’s connect!
Catch us on Instagram @helmetorheels, Pinterest @helmetorheels or Twitter @helmetorheels – we are just getting started!
10 Responses
Awesome. I am glad you profiled yourself Pam. A peek behind the helmet/heels.
And I hope you never have to pick up your bike again. Of course they like to nap every once in a while. I’ve only had to do it once, but luckily I’d seen the video. It works.
I know I’ve said it before, but I thank you again for putting this series together.
Thank you for your kind words. I hope more women will join in and share their stories. I love reading and learning about them. The Sisterhood of Motorcyclists is awesome.
Pam,
Your super-cool idea totally rocked! I woke up every morning and made a beeline for my tablet so I could read about yet another motoring gal. I’m not sure that you realize what a difference you made for so many of us…plus Brandy has lots more links to cool blogs for exploration by us lurkers.
Teaching new motorcyclists is the most fun “job” I’ve ever had. No matter the age…and I’ve had students from 15 to 85 years old…I can see a bit of myself in each one. I think that may be the glue that holds us all together. You mentioned being afraid and trying it out anyway. I think you’re right…we all benefit from feeling courageous once or twice in our lives 🙂 Learning to ride a motorized two wheeler fits that bill nicely. The added thrill of being in control of our machines is icing on the cake.
Riding a motorcycle can be a solitary endeavor and it isn’t for everyone. Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to join a community of like-minded motorcycle goddesses! Every single woman’s story was unique and valuable. Oh, and I love your bike!
Colleen
Thank you and cyber (((hugs))) to you Colleen! I’m waiting for a few ladies to respond with their profiles so more will be coming soon!
Nice pictures. I love that octopus & baby seems to love it too!
Pam-
Your site has opened up my eyes and heart to the fact that I am not the only crazy girl out in cyberspace lusting after scooters and motorcycles!
I am not alone and it feels wonderous!
I too am eager each morning to get on and see who’s next up on your blog!
Would you mind if I posted a link to your blog over on the ScooterDiva forum? That gang over there would love it and you might get a few more profiles!
Thanks for all your efforts on our behalf!
Deb,
Share a link! Love to get many more two-wheeler ladies to profile!
‘Bout time you posted this one, Pam! Really neat to learn more about you. (LOVE the little crocheted octopus – and your grandson is a little cutie too!) This is just overall a wonderful series!
Bravo! Glad you posted your profile! I love you blog! I used to have a WordPress blog, but decided I didn’t like the platform. I like blogger, but there are things with it too, it’s never perfect.
Thank you for creating this series! I absolutely look forward to reading about the 2 wheeled Sista’s!
Grand baby is beautiful! Little octopus is cute!
Finally, we hear about you. Good idea.
Your experiences are representative which makes your post valuable to others. I concur that learning how to pick up a dropped bike is an essential skill, both for practical reasons and psychological ones. Knowing how, even when one is small physically, gives you confidence.