The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me! As a nerdy doctoral student, I never expected to ride a motorcycle!  My dad, a retired veteran, inspired me to take up the sport so that we could have a new hobby together.  At first, it was a little scary, but with practice and taking the class (more than once), I was able to earn my endorsement. I earned my license in 2017, and now, with almost two years of riding under my belt, I am on my third Harley.

To me, motorcycle riding provides a sense of freedom, living life to its fullest in the moment, time spent with my dad, and the chance to be anything and anyone that I want to be. My motorcycle chula identity is only one part of my life, but people are always so surprised when they find out I ride a motorcycle.  I hope that when little boys and little girls see me on my motorcycle, they think that they too could ride a motorcycle when they grow up… or do anything else for that matter.

My Sportster was a great beginning.  It is sturdy, low, and I loved the red color.  However, it is a pretty basic bike, and it is a bit top heavy, making tight turns a little more challenging.  In 2018, I bought the 2018 Softail Heritage, Anniversary Edition (my beautiful blue and black bike), which I named Bruiser.  To my dismay, I totaled Bruiser in an accident in the fall 0f 2018, leaving me to search for a new bike. To those of you who are wondering about how I made out: I was very lucky to incur only some serious road rash, bruising, and deep scrapes.  I have a few scars to remind me a lived a little, but other than that, I am fine.  My bike was the real tragedy for me, and I had to mourn that loss.

Now, I am on a 2019 Softail Deluxe, and I love it almost as much as my Heritage.  It is navy blue and silver, and I have not decided on a name yet, but I am considering Cowboy because the Dallas Cowboys are silver and blue. People ask how I wasn’t afraid to ride again. I got back into the saddle quickly and precisely for that reason – I didn’t want to be paralyzed by fear.  I chose this one because it is another Softail model, the colors called to me, and I like the vintage look of the Deluxe.

My dad and I have had many motorcycle adventures together.  We have been to Denton and Dallas, TX, to Houston, TX, to Las Cruces, NM and all around Hill Country.  This summer, we plan to ride all the way up to Massachusetts, while making stops at places we want to see along the way. Part of our trip will include Rolling Thunder, a Memorial Day ride in Washington, D.C. There will be thousands of Harleys, we will ride past the monuments, and we will be surrounded by fellow patriotic Americans.  I can’t wait!

Thank you for joining me in my motorcycle diaries.  As I continue to experience adventures and learn, I will keep you posted!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton