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This story is for women who would like to ride a motorcycle, but for many reasons feel they don't dare. I'm a 52-year-old woman and all my life I've wanted to ride my own motorcycle. My place until recently, was always as a passenger. At that time, I could not imagine having my own motorcycle. I'd always been told horror stories to scare me away, that it was too dangerous, too risky, and too heavy to handle for a girl. I had been taught fear, yet each time I had the chance to ride as a passenger I took it. On the road when I saw a group of motorcyclists I always looked at them with envy and thought how lucky they were. Could I do that one day?
A few years ago, I met a guy in my neighborhood who is a motorcycle riding coach. We became friends and one day I took a chance and attended one of his classes. The moment I got on my own bike I felt pleasure, comfort and power. Don't think I was instantly brave and confident. I doubted myself, I fell, I cried, but I wanted to learn. I told myself that I would succeed, and I did.
Marie-Jose on her Honda Shadow VLX 600.
My bike is a Honda VLX, its just perfect for me. At first I was insecure to ride it alone, which took me few weeks to overcome. When I came back from my first ride, which lasted two hours, I was exhausted but I had a big smile on my face. I still have some apprehension, but each ride is a victory, a self satisfaction. Little by little I gain confidence and overcome my fears for that taste of freedom. I'm proud of myself for I can now get away on my bike for a whole day and visit places I’ve never been before. Its a pleasant form of travel that feeds my free-spirit.
All geared up for a ride.
I have a paper written by Linda Pesheck on my wall, near my computer that says, "With time, patience and practice you can do it. Just hang in there and don’t give up!" Reading the stories of other women on WomenRidersNow.com makes me feel good and encourages me to continue pursuing my dream.
For all the women who dream of riding a motorcycle, don't hesitate you can do it. I did and the only regret I have is that I waited so long to get started.
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