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Listening to Lois – Where Are You Going?

While at the motorcycle show in New York, I sat and listened to motorcycle adventuress Lois Pryce’s presentation of her trip from Alaska to Argentina. It was a life changing endeavor that spawned the book Lois on the Loose.

Watching her move across the stage, a lady in a dress – feminine, funny, seemingly happy – she talked about her love of travel and riding her motorcycle.

Seeing her in person moved me. There she was, a ‘regular’ person who didn’t have to choose between being a lady OR being a motorcyclist. She was both. And that was wonderful.

Following her on-stage talk, Kenny and I made our way over to her booth to purchase one of her books. After a quick, hello she fired off a question:

‘Where are you going on your next adventure?’

Oh, Lois… you just don’t know how that question has been burning away inside of me lately! I am consumed by it. My thoughts have been a constant swirl of wonder, and calculating, and trying to retain a balance between following my selfish heart and honoring my commitments, too.

What to do, what to do?

I guess now is not the time for me to know, not the time for me to make any final decisions.

So, with no answers for myself ~ how about you? Where are you going on your next adventure?

Is the Motorcycle Spokesmodel a Necessary Evil?

During our visit to the bike show over the weekend, we saw a lot of beautiful spokesmodel types representing different manufacturers and vendors. Some just stood around looking sexy and others… well, they were apparently coached to speak to people.

I witnessed one particular exchange that was completely cringe-worthy. When asked questions about the bikes on display the young lady must have been recalling what she memorized on the cab ride over. It was apparent that she didn’t really know anything about the motorcycles she was standing amongst.

“Wow, what’s the top speed on that?”

“Um…  like… 100 maybe?”

Oh, brother. Well, are you asking or telling? 

As a woman, I am more impressed by other women who kick some ass. Women who are out there doing something. Women who are out there adventuring, wrenching and you know… RIDING! Doing the thing that this show was about. Those are the types of broads who give me something to aspire to, give me courage and lead by example. That’s what I identify with.

My question is this: Wouldn’t you rather speak to someone who REALLY knows about the bikes and isn’t just there to look beautiful?

Rock the Gear with Brittany Morrow at the International Motorcycle Show

If you’re attending any of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show dates as it travels around the country, make sure you check the Learning Curve schedule to see if Brittany Morrow is speaking. Her story is really moving.

If you’ve been a motorcycle rider who has used a forum or any other hangout on the web – I bet you know Brittany’s story even if you don’t realize it.

Founder of Rock the Gear, Brittany Morrow is a survivor. At the age of 20, she hopped on the back of a motorcycle as a passenger wearing an ill-fitting helmet, a sweatshirt, capri pants and sneakers. That day would change her life forever.

Brittany survived a 500+ foot slide along a hot New Mexico highway, when she came off the back of the bike which was traveling at about 120mph. From that day forward, she became The Roadrash Queen.

“No one plans on crashing.”

Listening to a person who lived through such an ordeal first hand, really adds a whole other level of “realness” to the story. Just hearing her mention how her kneecaps had to be reattached was gasp-worthy.

My hope is that someone who isn’t already practicing ATGATT hears her message and maybe changes their mind about not rocking the gear.

Even one changed person would be a success.

RocktheGear.org | Facebook | Brittany on Twitter

This Ain’t Your Mama’s DRZ – Roman Levin’s Suzuki DRZ Cafe Racer

This is Roman Levin’s Suzuki DRZ Cafe. You can find more of his work at Full of Hate Cycle Fabrication.

Your thoughts?

I was busy looking at something else when Kenny came sauntering up behind me and said, “Rach, come look at this. Don’t look at the card. Tell me what you think it is.”

“A DRZ?”

Of course, Kenny was amazed at my knowledge. But the truth is, I just looked at the single and the first thing that popped into my head was – why  would he ask me to guess? Because it would be something relevant to my world. And that is the only thumper in my world.

Don’t worry. I’m not getting all smart on you guys ;)

NY IMS – Progressive International Motorcycle Show

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show comes rolling in to New York City on Friday the 20th. I’ll be attending the media event in the morning and will do my best to get some live blogging and tweeting going throughout the day.

If you’re chained to your work desk, you can follow along on Twitter or on my not-so-live blog page for the show.

Who’s got 2 thumbs and is excited? This girl!