I am finally coming into my own as a rider, a woman who has found a home on the road, and as an independent spirit. I am happily married, but within that marriage I’ve gained a sense of independence that I never dreamed possible.
The motorcycle Sash is riding on her journey is a Yamaha V Star 650. Here she is all packed up living on the road.
I was on a narrow stretch of pavement that ran through ranches of northeastern Wyoming where I felt this sense of permanence settle in. I was riding my Yamaha V Star 650 and I looked at my husband, Steve, up ahead, leaning his Honda ST1300 into a corner, and felt certain we were headed into new territory in more ways than one.
Leaving the 74th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally last year, we rode west towards the iconic Devils Tower. It stood up like a lighthouse against a flat prairie, drawing travelers towards its strength and protection. Perhaps just as the American Indians came here for spiritual renewal, vision quests, and prayer offerings, I too was having an awakening.
“Did you know I love following you around the country?” I asked him as we gazed up at the Tower. Steve half-smiled in his naturally humble way, and didnt say a word. He only put his arms around me. “And Ill keep on following you, because it’s what I want to do,” I said.
We have covered tens of thousands of miles together, but we’ve come a million more in so many other ways.
The benefits of working and living on the road is being able to visit national monuments like Devils Tower in northeastern Wyoming.
We have ridden coast to coast over the past couple of years, living on the road non-stop, out of motels, hotels and vacation rentals, with no home to return to. To my knowledge, we are the only married motorcycle vagabonds that live this way. We find it quite comfortable and convenient and even somewhat affordable. Tent living would be impossible with our business needs. Its been a challenge finding a good balance of affordability and comfort, while keeping running of our business running and keeping ourselves healthy. We have found what works for us, but that balance would be different for each person, or couple.
There have been other challenges along the way, a flat tire on the interstate, running out of gas, a dropped motorcycle, extreme weather, sheer exhaustion, health issues, arguments, make ups, and working through our love together. I’ve learned through these many miles it doesn’t matter what is up ahead, I know we will come out of it together.
Sashs husband, Steve, helping the tow truck driver get Sashs V Star 650 ready to be loaded up on the flatbed after she got a flat tire while riding on the interstate. This is just some of the crazy weather new rider, Sash, experienced on her travels last year. She was approaching Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado in May on her way to the Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit in Denver. Read more about that journey here.
Fast forward to now, we find ourselves having just embarked on our third year of traveling across the country on motorcycles.
This year we started our road trip by leaving our vacation rental in San Diego, heading into Arizona for Bike Week, with a goal to see the Pacific Northwest and the northern reaches of the Great Plains. We have a few commitments on our travels this year, but aside from that, we’re not making any promises on whom we’ll visit and long how we’ll be there. I’ve learned that life is full pleasant surprises when I don’t have expectations.
Things feel different now. The route we laid out doesnt seem so important to stick to, and the plans weve made arent carved in stone. Going to Fargo, North Dakota, could just as well be exciting as Seattle, Washington. Being on the road is what I want more than anything. I find watching the yellow lines and feeling the thrust of the throttle gives me the sense of blocking worry out and leaving fear behind.
Sash and her husband, Steve, are on an incredible journey of discovery together. You can follow their adventures at RoadPickle.com.
Im excited to be heading out for another summer of a riding this vagabond life. This is just the next chapter to my life of discovering who I truly am. It may have been harsh and difficult from time to time, but it just gets better as time goes on.
I’m reminded of this thinking back to the Sturgis Rally last summer, where I stood in the gravel driveway of our campground with a riding friend Terri Collier. She spoke of self acceptance and serenity in her life today. Then she slung her leg over her bagger and rode away filled with grace and intention.
I’ve seen this same sense of understanding in the eyes of many women over the age of 50. I will celebrate my 50th birthday this year. I don’t know if it’s my age or the road, or both, but I am stepping into this same sense of comfort. I am leaning into the curves of my life, and while I am excited to see the next horizon, I am pleased just to be in this moment, right here and now.
Thanks for the article. I am 52 and just started riding this year. I never thought I wanted to ride a motorcycle. Then my husband got a bike and I was a passenger. Then I took the MSF Basic Rider Course to become a better passenger and passed the test the first time through. So I got my endorsement. Now I have my own motorcycle and mister and I dream of a life on the road.
Denise from Chicago, I share your dream of touring the country on two wheels. Been following Sash’s stories, as I also began riding very late in 2013 at age 52. Recently completed my first long solo ride and vacation and have not been so happy in over a decade. I know I have found my passion. I am so glad to have found WRN – to provide encouragement in my newfound love.
Thanks for this inspiring story. I just turned 59. I started riding last year and for the first time in my life I can say that I have found my passion. I was a bit hesitant about this journey so late in life, and there have been some ups and downs, but I knew nothing was going to stop me. I’m riding and learning as much as I can and I’m so excited about this adventure. Life is getting on so there’s no time to waste. I’m so happy that I found Women Riders Now because I get so much inspiration from the articles. My ultimate goal is to see this beautiful country by bike. Thanks again and keep these stories coming.
How can I talk my husband into this! We love riding and traveling together and I could sell the house and become a vagabond in a heartbeat! I look forward to reading your blog!
I started riding at 49. I am turning 54 this year. I have logged more than 35,000 miles behind the controls since I started riding my own bike in September 2011. My husband, Toby, has been a constant source of encouragement and strength. My motorcycle riding has also helped me regain my strength and confidence on horseback. I will hopefully be able to retire in a few more years, and then this life you’re enjoying is what we are hoping to do. Just tour the country, and follow the sunshine. We do camp, and are quite comfy in our little tent with an air mattress. It is amazing just where you can wind up, when your bed and “house” are packed in your trunk.Safe travels, shiny side up, and maybe someday we will see you guys out there.
Hi Sash, Sounds like you are having fun. There is at least another couple who have been doing this for LONG time. Check out their site. Might inspire you further.
Thanks for the article. I am 52 and just started riding this year. I never thought I wanted to ride a motorcycle. Then my husband got a bike and I was a passenger. Then I took the MSF Basic Rider Course to become a better passenger and passed the test the first time through. So I got my endorsement. Now I have my own motorcycle and mister and I dream of a life on the road.
Denise from Chicago, I share your dream of touring the country on two wheels. Been following Sash’s stories, as I also began riding very late in 2013 at age 52. Recently completed my first long solo ride and vacation and have not been so happy in over a decade. I know I have found my passion. I am so glad to have found WRN – to provide encouragement in my newfound love.
Thanks for this inspiring story. I just turned 59. I started riding last year and for the first time in my life I can say that I have found my passion. I was a bit hesitant about this journey so late in life, and there have been some ups and downs, but I knew nothing was going to stop me. I’m riding and learning as much as I can and I’m so excited about this adventure. Life is getting on so there’s no time to waste. I’m so happy that I found Women Riders Now because I get so much inspiration from the articles. My ultimate goal is to see this beautiful country by bike. Thanks again and keep these stories coming.
How can I talk my husband into this! We love riding and traveling together and I could sell the house and become a vagabond in a heartbeat! I look forward to reading your blog!
I started riding at 49. I am turning 54 this year. I have logged more than 35,000 miles behind the controls since I started riding my own bike in September 2011. My husband, Toby, has been a constant source of encouragement and strength. My motorcycle riding has also helped me regain my strength and confidence on horseback. I will hopefully be able to retire in a few more years, and then this life you’re enjoying is what we are hoping to do. Just tour the country, and follow the sunshine. We do camp, and are quite comfy in our little tent with an air mattress. It is amazing just where you can wind up, when your bed and “house” are packed in your trunk.Safe travels, shiny side up, and maybe someday we will see you guys out there.
This is an awesome story. Live life and enjoy the journey.
Hi Sash, Sounds like you are having fun. There is at least another couple who have been doing this for LONG time. Check out their site. Might inspire you further.