Ride Em Chrome Cowgirl!!

Cool Looking Biker Chick...Downtown Sturgis.

Forever a Biker Chick - It's in Her Soul!

I always loved Harley Davidson motorcycles but didn't really know any women that road them.  I would see an occasional woman rider and think how cool it was.  I moved to Des Moines around 1999 .  A few years later my sister moved to town.  If you know the "Boom Girls", then you know that our hair is our thing.  Little M found a hair stylist named Kristen Herridge and we both in trusted our locks to her to cut, color, and style.  To say that Kristen is one totally cool chick is an understatement.  She is such a free spirit and so much fun to talk to.  Through conversations with Kristen, I found out that she road a Heritage Softail and had been riding since she was 15.  We'd talk about motorcycles non-stop when I'd visit the salon to have my hair glamorized.  I started hanging with her and her dad, Don, at Porky's bike nights.  One bike night we were sitting around talking about Sturgis and some how I got invited.  I was so stoked because it was something I'd always wanted to do. 

Before Sturgis, Kristen decided to sell her Heritage and purchase a Road King.  I had told Kristen how much I had always wanted to ride my own.  One evening Kristen told me to come over and we'd go up to this church parking lot, by her place, and she'd let me try to ride her Heritage.  I was excited and freaked out because I'd never ridden a motorcycle by myself.  I can't believe how much Kristen trusted me to ride her Heritage.  I remember her encouragement and patience because I did not understand the whole clutch thing.  Finally I got the hang of it and made some circles around the parking lot.  I was so excited and happy that I'd accomplished this step.  I had the riding part down, now I had to get this rather large motorcycle stopped.  Well, needless to say I dropped Kristen's Heritage.  I was so freaked out that I'd damaged her motorcycle but she just calmly walked over and said, "Take your hand off the throttle."  We got her bike picked back up again, Thank God for crash bars.  We inspected the bike and there was no damage.  I couldn't believe how calm she was about the whole thing.  I remember leaving that night with the hugest smile on my face.  Even with the less then desirable finish, I had ridden a motorcycle on my own.  I still smile whenever I drive by that parking lot.  Thanks Kristin for giving me that memory! 

Months later, Kristen had her new Road King and Dan had given his blessing for our travels to Sturgis for the 2004 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  I'm not sure if Kristen realizes how special that trip was for me.  Even though I've gone since, the experience that Kristen and I had together, because of our kindred interest in motorcycling, can't be matched.  From Billy Lane, Rhett Rotten, and our Indian Larry sighting at the Full Throttle Saloon, to the wild nights at the Buffalo Chip.  And all the other cool trips we took through South Dakota, when we'd meet up with her dad, Don, and go riding.  It was a trip I'll never forget and we still conger up the memories now and then.  I always giggle when I think about her and I and our crazy times!  I'm smiling and laughing as I write this post!  Good Times!

Life kind of happens and a few years after Sturgis Kristen got hitched, opened her own salon called Blondies Beauty Parlor, and started a family.  Kristen sold the Road King but that Biker Spirit has never left her.  We still talk about motorcycles non-stop and laugh about all the good times we had.  I look forward to the day when Kristen gets back on two wheels, so that her and I can ride together again.  Thanks Kristen for all the encouragement you gave me along the way to my own ride.  You really put up with listening to me talk about riding my own for way too long.  I'm sure at some points in our conversations you were thinking, "would you do it already"!   I feel like if our paths hadn't crossed I would probably still be dreaming of my own motorcycle and never realized my dream!  You Rock Sister!

A Look into the Life of IHG - One or Two Questions at a Time

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle and are a woman?
People are usually shocked when I tell them I ride a Harley.  I usually get the line..."Wow, you don't look like a biker."  I always want to ask what they think a biker should look like but I don't.  I don't necessarily think I'm treated differently by other bikers.  I'm treated differently by some narrow minded Yupsters but who cares!

The one thing that I thought was pretty awesome was when my Mom told me that she was proud of me for learning how to ride my own motorcycle.  It always feels good when your folks are proud of you!! 

Do you have a favorite rally or event?

My all time favorite biker event was bike night at Porky's on Douglas Ave in Des Moines.  It was the best bike night in town.  I was crushed when they tore it down to build a grocery store that they still haven't built yet.  There is just a big empty lot where Porky's once stood.  It makes me sad whenever I go by it. 

The only rally that I've attended is Sturgis.(2004, 2008, 2009)  I'm hoping in the next year or two to ride my own there!  I think that will probably be one of the greatest times of my life.  Something I've dreamt for many years.  Each time I've been to Sturgis I've cried when we leave.  It seriously has felt like home to me each year I've went.  You have to experience it to understand.  



Lady R Rides Again!

Dianna Stover was one of the first people to ever comment on one of my blog posts.  She started following my blog and I started following her blog, regularly.  It was so much fun to meet someone that was from Iowa and I found it very ironic that her father also had worked for John Deere.  The funny thing is that we both had the same thought about John Deere, as you will read below.  As luck would have it I was lucky enough to meet Dianna when she came home for her mother's 70th Birthday Party.  She is exactly like I thought she would be, super fun and so freaking nice!  I truly can't wait until we can hangout again someday and hopefully ride together somewhere in this great country of ours.  I know you are going to enjoy this interview.  Dianna is such an amazing person with the biggest heart.  I'm honored to know this Super Lady!

Give us a bio about yourself.
I grew up in Dubuque, Iowa. I'm the only girl and the oldest of four children. The fact that my parents waited 7 years to have my three brothers, resulted in my mom having the best built in babysitter ever. My dad worked very hard to provide for his family of six, and as a young child, I always thought that everybody's dad worked at John Deere. If they didn't, I thought they were weird. I remember how surprised I was when I figured out that there were a myriad of professions out there in which to choose from. 'You mean there's something else besides building tractors and farming?'

After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the Navy, where I met my hubby, whom I affectionately refer to as Harley. Even though we were never blessed with children, this past June we celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary. Shew! When our Navy days were done, we tried to figure out where we wanted to go and start our new chapter of life together.

Well... southern boys have deep roots, which is how Alabama became my home for the last 27 years... y'all.

I've spent most of my adult working life in a Dental Office cleaning teeth and managing the business end of oral torture. Be afraid... be very afraid! Muwahahahahaha!

Was there something specific that drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle?
Nothing specific... other than the fact that my daddy had motorcycles, I dated boys with motorcycles, and Harley and I like to ride motorcycles. I always thought they were just another mode of transportation... with exhilaration attached! I'm not sure my lifestyle would be much different if I didn't have a motorcycle... but my house would probably be clean! As long as I'm able to fill my spare time with something adventurous, I'm happy. Right now... it's motorcycles!

What was your first motorcycle?
I was about 10 years old when my daddy got his hands on a Lil' Indian with a Briggs and Stratton motor. It wasn't street legal, but I still can't discount it as my first. I remember having lots of fun on it, running up and down our alley and tearing up the grass in the big park across the street from my house. Good times!

My first real motorcycle didn't come until February of 2006... a beautiful black and teal 2001 Suzuki 800 Intruder. I remember when I sat on it for the first time, I just knew it was going to be mine. It fit me perfectly! I had enough power to play with the big boys, while still having a very manageable bike as far as weight and height. She was the perfect first bike for me to learn my mistakes on. It was such a forgiving bike. I took my first overnight ride on the Suzi and I learned a lot about riding your own on that trip. Awesome memories! I wish I would have kept it, that was a great little motorcycle.

What do you currently ride?
For 4 years I rode a '98 Electra Glide Classic that I also loved, but just recently I acquired a 2004 Fat Boy that I refer to as... "the boy". I'm still adjusting to the downsize from the Glide, but my test drive was most memorable and I felt like I connected with it immediately.

How do you feel when you are riding?
For me, it's like recess for my senses and the roads are my playground. What I see, what I smell, what I hear, what it feels like on my face... all of that gets pretty amazing sometimes and I find myself almost giddy with happiness to be riding. I'm able to give my mind a break from the stress and demands of daily life by simply putting a couple hundred miles on the odometer. I've realized over the last couple of years, that life can throw you off balance at any time. Losing control of things you really didn't control anyway, suck. For me, finding that balance again is praying to God and riding. Riding through some beautiful countryside, smelling hay and honeysuckle, listening to the rhythm of the rumble sure can clean the cobwebs... and free the spirit. Talk about rejuvenation!

Is there a motto that you live by?
Housework done properly... will kill you.

Why Harley Davidson?
I like the way they sound. I like the way they look. I like the way they ride. I like the bad boy attitude that still spills over on them. I'm very happy to be a Harley owner.

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
Not really, but I tend to be an optimist. If I think someone has an attitude, I figure they'd have one whether I was on a motorcycle or not. Maybe that's naive of me, but I really don't run into much problem. The fun part about riding, though, is when other women ask me about my bike, or what it's like to ride. That's very cool.

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak non-riders out?
Ha! I'm not sure about that, but I wave at all riders... I'm just friendly that way. Harley laughs at me because I like to throw out an upside down peace sign. Groovy... right? smiling...

Do loud pipes really save lives?
The jury may still be out on this one, but I tend to think so. If my loud pipes grabs the attention away from someone's cell phone convo, text message, music, or general passenger distractions, you just might gain that split second... and sometimes a split second is all you need.

Do you have any mentors or heroes?
I'd have to say my Dad was my mentor and my hero. I'm so much like him, I'm predictable. I even followed in his footsteps and served in the Navy like he did. I always thought it was cool that I was born in a Naval Hospital, and 18 years later, I "swore in" on Pearl Harbor Day. When he died two years ago, it was no doubt, the greatest amount of sadness I've ever felt in my life thus far. It shook my world for a while, but now, when I'm out riding my motorcycle, I see him everywhere. Not only did he retire from John Deere Tractor Works, he was a big collector of all that was yellow and green. I never noticed before, how much John Deere green you can see on a typical country road... Hi dad!

Do you have a favorite rally or event?
Since we have friends that live in Panama City, Florida, we've been to almost all the Thunder Beach Rally's for the last 10 years, and we've attended the Emerald Coast Bikefest in Holt, Florida several times. But my favorite was the Angel City Rally in Unadilla, GA. It was set up like an old western town and it had the best layout of all of them. Plus, the ride over to Georgia is a nice one. Rallies are pretty such the same, I'll admit, but they do make great back ground noise while getting together with friends we don't see all the time. That's the best reason to go... and I get to wear my "hair"!

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
The mountains! Especially when it's summertime and we can escape the heat. We're less than a days ride from the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains and there are lots of places to go. Places like Ft. Payne, AL, Chattanooga, TN, Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee NC are all blessed with beautiful mountains and great roads, it's truly a rider's delight. The mountains are definitely my favorite.

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
I wish I could tell you it involved guns and high speed chases, but... what comes to mind instead was the day I was attacked by a wild turkey! I was leading Harley down the Natchez Parkway during the summer a couple of years ago, taking in the amazing scenery and enjoying a leisurely pace on the Glides. All of a sudden, a big (and I mean really big!) wild turkey started to target me from the left side of the road. She must have had some little turkey chicks close by because she looked pretty intimidating coming across the left lane bobbing her head rapidly like she was on a serious mission. I tried to startle her by revving my motor and adjusting my speed, but I didn't do anything but piss her off. Right about the time I thought she was close enough to peck my leg, she flew up in a flurry of feathers right along side of me and carried herself back to the side of the road. Shew! Checking myself for turkey turd, I came away from my wild encounter clean and unscathed. Harley, who was following, said it was quite an amusing Kodak moment. Thanks honey... I think.

What has your most memorable ride or trip been?
When I rode the Tail of the Dragon for the first time. It was the most awesome experience ever! Although, there are many roads up in that area that are just as challenging and fun, it's the notoriety of the Dragon that makes it special. I think everyone who loves a good ride and a bit of a challenge, should ride the Tail of the Dragon at least once in their lifetime... just to say you did.

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
No matter what... ride your own ride. The minute you start pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, your in trouble. I'm also a big believer in Motorcycle Safety Training... and helmets. I'm not one to tell others what to do, but I know for a fact that a good helmet saved my husbands life. You'll never see me riding without one.

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
Definitely alone. The only time Harley and I are riding in a group, is when we're riding with our pals in Panama City. Otherwise, we are a club of two. I've seen way too many crazy stuff happen on big group rides and it just doesn't interest me. Don't get me wrong, I love to stand on the sidelines and watch a parade of riders go by and feel the rumble of their motors in my gut, but in those circumstances, that's where I prefer to be... on the side. Otherwise... it's just me, and my two Harleys. Life is Good!

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Honestly... I'll have to say... being married for 32 years. Like I said earlier... Shew!

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
Surround myself with my family and closest friends, let them know I love them and how much they've meant to me, and thank God for all my earthly blessings.

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
My other passions are writing and photography. I have a dream of retiring from the dental field and spending a lot more time doing those two things. I've started many projects, but nothing is anywhere near to the point of completion for sharing (or selling). Story of my creative life!

If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
I procrastinate... very badly! I mean... why do it now, when you can do it later... maybe.

Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community?
Not really, but if I meet a woman who shows an interest, I encourage her to try. I love knowing that I don't have to rely on someone else to take me out and ride. I met this little girl and her family while on vacation this summer, and her mom said she loved to count motorcycles while they traveled. If they see more than 7, she announces to them, it's a good day! I suspect she will be a rider one day. Just look at that smile!

Do you have any advice for women that are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
Motorcycle Safety Training Class! The best way to earn the respect of other riders, is to show them you have their safety in mind, as well as your own. You'll gain the confidence you need to become an experienced rider after you've put a few thousand miles or so on the odometer. Just like anything else we've ever learned to do, the more you practice, the better you get.

You just recently got back on two wheels after a little hiatus. What was that like and how do you feel now that you are back in the saddle again?
Kind of surreal, actually. After Harley's wreck last summer, our unified decision to give up the motorcycles wasn't easy, and only came after much pain and deliberation. It was almost a year to the day, later when Harley announced to me that he thinks he wants to ride again. Hmmmm... this time the deliberation came with much joy and anticipation. I remember having butterflies in my stomach the whole afternoon after making arrangements to test ride a motorcycle, but by the time I heard the rumble of the motor and popped it into first gear, those butterflies had flitted elsewhere. I felt much gratitude to be on a bike again.

Long story short... Harley acquired a 2008 Ultra Classic Electra Glide and I got a 2004 Fat Boy. Two weeks later we took off on our "Reunion Ride" and put 2,211miles on the odometer in seven days, covering six states. Woo Hoo!! Lady R... rides again!

Tell us about your blog Southern Comfort.
I started my blog over 4 years ago under the title "Glider Rider" as a creative outlet for my writing and photography while sharing the places I ride to, and my experiences as a woman rider. The beautiful highways and country roads around my home state, Alabama, have always been the focus of my blog mixed in with fantastic road trips and rally times with friends. But then, I had sold my Electra Glide, and wasn't riding anymore and I felt like I needed to change the name to something less specific. For some kooky reason, I decided upon Southern Comfort. I thought it would provide a great umbrella for a variety of topics written by a mid-western transplant living her life in the south. Now that I'm back on two wheels, our weekly rides in the countryside will probably once again take precedence, but I'm not changing it again. So... Y'all come by now, ya hear?

Do you have any pets?
Harley and I have a collection of three cats, Scrappy Kat, Romeo, and Dusty; and two Papillions, Bandit and Joker. I'm eccentric about my "babies" and I don't care who knows it. Besides... how many kids out there are always happy to see you when you come home! I rest my case! ha!

The bolded links are links to Di's blog and posts she has written.  Di's blog is so wonderful.  You will spend hours reading, laughing and sometimes wiping a tear or two. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview Lady R!  You are truly one of the female riders that I look up to.  Thank you for all the encouragement you gave me along the way to keep on following my dream of getting on two wheels!  I'm so glad that you are back on two, too!  I know it's one of the things that makes your heart sing! 

The Feeling of Empowerment

Well, I finally did it.  I finally road out of my comfort zone of central Iowa.  My journey started on Sunday.  The roads were wet but I kept telling myself, as we motored down interstate 35, that this was a great learning experience.  Further down the way the road became dry.  It stayed dry until out of no where this crazy thick rainy fog began.  Spent about a hour at Boondocks and then ventured on down the road.  Where were we heading...Duluth, MN.  400 miles later, Sunday evening, I was pulling my bike into the parking lot of a Radisson hotel in downtown Duluth.  I felt accomplished and empowered.  I had finally done something that I dreamed of for many years.  I road tripped on my own motorcycle.  On Sunday's journey I motored through Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.  I have to say I couldn't really tell that I left Iowa until I made it up to Duluth and saw the beautiful Lake Superior.  Corn, Corn, Corn...Corn....more Corn.  HA!

I've had a great time riding these past few days.  I only freaked myself out twice on the entire trip.  Once was on this wicked steep hill in Duluth.  I need to work on that skill!  I kinda broke the law and ran a red light to make the hill.  Oops!  The other was in this tiny town looking for a gas station.  I didn't dump my bike but there was a quick moment when I thought I was going to.  I'm sure the guys that were watching were like...Holy Hell...get that lady off that motorcycle.  Good learning experiences all the same.  Keep your head about ya!

Tonight I'm chilling at Boom's B & B before taking off tomorrow for home.  In all I'll have about 800 miles under my belt from this adventure.  I'm pretty damn proud of myself!

My words to anyone, especially any woman that is thinking about riding her own, do it and keep doing it until you accomplish your goal of getting on two wheels.  It is truly the best experience I've ever had.  It makes me feel strong.  It makes me feel free!  This trip has helped me clear that stress out of me that has been building for weeks.  Bottom line...I needed this trip to prove to myself that I CAN RIDE!!!  I needed to prove to myself that I am IHG!



BTW...this is my 500th Post!

Girls Wrench Too! Meet Chris Gibbany from Boneyard Choppers

About a month ago I received an e-mail inquiring if I profile women riders/builders.  I'd say that this woman rider/builder e-mailed the right person!!  I love seeing women who forge the way for all the women out there that love motorcycling or anything moto related.  I'm excited to introduce you all to Chris Gibbany and her passion for motorcycles, cars, living an amazing cheap life, and hedgehogs!! 

Give us a bio about yourself.
I am 39 years old, married to my soul mate, Gabe. I was born in California but raised here in Arkansas, currently residing in Harrison. I have worked a bunch of minimum wage jobs only to find that just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it in fact DID, so I have been self employed for 6 years now. I raise and rescue hedgehogs and am one of only about 30 breeders in the whole USA.  I help my husband build vintage bikes (calling ourselves Boneyard Choppers), and am an extreme couponer. I also sell T-shirts, sell vitamins and essential oils and experiment with all kinds of things. I have raised and sold meal worms, sold and shipped cat food, been a professional wedding photographer for 10 years and now I play the "credit card game". I also enter sweepstakes and write a blog called Amazing cheap life.

Was there something specific that drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle?
I've always loved bikes and cars- in fact, that's really all I ever think about. As far as a “lifestyle”, I'm not real sure what that means. I just live the way I want to, do what I want and put every dime I get into all of my toys. I have actually went down to 2 cars (first time since I was 19) because bikes are easier to maintain, take up less room, we can build them in the house, and instead of several thousand dollars for a paint job, at best it costs a couple hundred.

How long have you been riding?
I've been riding since I was 16. I learned to ride before I learned to drive.

What was your first motorcycle?
First bike I learned to ride was a 185 Yamaha Exciter, first bike I bought for myself was a 1990 Yamaha DT Enduro. I bought it during my third year of college in 1993.

What do you currently ride?
I am currently riding a 1981 Harley Ironhead that we built, that I call my “Billy Bike”, because I built it to look like a "billy bad ass". I also ride a Yamaha TW enduro but am fixing to sell it and build a BSA or Triumph to use as my multi-purpose bike. I am almost done with my 1956 Panhead (kick only) that we have been building in the living room for 2 years. I also bought another 'secret” project as I always like to be building something in the living room.

How do you feel when you are riding?
I feel like riding gives you a certain form of “power” and it gives you the sense of freedom that makes all of your troubles disappear. The feeling I get when I am riding is the same feeling I used to get when I was drag racing- except that the riding lasts a lot longer and is WAY cheaper! When my thoughts are taking over my brain, or I just need to clear my head, nothing does that better than getting on a bike and just blasting down the road. I also like to talk to GOD when I ride and since I like to “lolly-gag” when I ride, my mind is always thinking about my next big project or some goal that I would like to accomplish.

Is there a motto that you live by?
“You only live once, so you better make it count”

Why Harley Davidson?
I really love the look and appeal of the old vintage Harleys. Although I started out on small metric bikes, nothing looks OR sounds like the real old iron of yesterday. When I start thinking about an old bike, I wonder about it's owner, and where they went and how that person felt when they owned the bike. The sheer fact that something that old is still around is amazing to me and I wonder why more people aren't into the old bikes. I like the history and I also am BIG into “reduce, reuse and recycle” so I like the fact that we can keep the old bikes. “Old iron never dies”.

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
I feel like I get more respect because I ride. When I am wearing my Boneyard Choppers work shirt, I notice people not only won't talk to me, but they don't even want to be caught staring at me. But when I wear a low-cut shirt, it's a whole different ballgame. One day I was wearing my work shirt and this guy starting asking me about it. He then told me he had a 57 Fl, and I said “Yeah, I have an FL too”. I grew up around here and have always had hot rods and raced, so most people know me and I don't think they think much about it- just Chris doing something else motor-related.

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak non-riders out?
I still get it all the time. Back in the day when there were fewer bikes on the road, it was cool to meet another biker but now with so many people riding, it's just irritating. When I am driving my Corvette, other Corvette drivers wave at me and when my husband is driving his old Jeep, other Jeep owners wave at him. I think it is an acknowledgment that “Hey look, I am riding too” or in a vehicle “Hey, I am driving a Corvette too”. I don't mind it when I am in one of my cars, because you don't see too many on the road. But if everyone was driving a Corvette, (1) I'd get tired of waving and (2) I'd sell my Vette!

What do you think of helmet laws?
I believe in freedom and the freedom of choice. I personally think that EVERYTHING should be legal- all drugs, prostitution, assault weapons, Diet Coke, etc and that WE as responsible people should have the right to choose and if we make the wrong choice, then as in everything else, there are consequences. I think that we should have morals, use good judgment and 'everything in moderation'. So I think there should be fewer laws, fewer rules and less government interference.

Do loud pipes really save lives?
YES! With so many distracted drivers, doing everything BUT driving, the more that you can do to get their attention, the better. It makes me so sick to see everyone on their cell phones and I cannot EVEN believe people drive down the road while texting! I usually try to wear a bright shirt and bandanna and I will swerve back and forth in my lane, thinking that maybe it will gets someones attention if they are not paying enough attention. I still think that people who ride make better drivers and that if everyone had to ride, the world would be a safer place.

Do you have any mentors or heroes?
No, I would say not. I've always said I am my own hero, which means it is up to me to make a good life for myself and accomplish all the things I want to do in this life before I die. Now I do have a lot of respect for people in the business, especially women who have fought their way to the top.

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
Yeah, ask anyone who knows me and of course that would be Jay Leno! For so many reasons- he's super funny, has around 200 cars and bikes and is child-free!

Do you have a favorite rally or event?
We don't go to a lot of rallies. We hit some of the local shows and always make the Branson Vintage Show and Meet, but when you have a lot of animals, you can't really be gone for long and I don't know anyone who would be willing to take care of them. Also, we only make $25,000 a year and we can't honestly justify going to a lot of rallies when (1) It would cost us money and (2) we would rather use that money to buy more parts for what we do have or save that money and buy another toy.

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
YES-on pavement! I ride almost daily when the weather is decent. I like to just ride into towns, go to thrift stores with my back pack and see what I can find. All riding is good.

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
It involved several cops surrounding us, a ticket, a mirror getting kicked off and us NOT going to jail!

What has your most memorable ride or trip been?
Every time we make it back in one piece, without parts falling off or us not getting a ticket is a good and memorable trip.

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Always have a cell phone with you.

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
ALONE. Since I like to “lolly gag”, I don't like anyone pressuring me to go faster or me having to wait for other people to catch up if I am in the 'go-fast” mood. I don't like to have to look into my little mirror and worry about where the other person might be and wonder if they are mad cause I'm going too fast or if I am going too slow. I enjoy being alone and riding alone.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Not having children! In my 20's I had my tubes tied after my first husband tried to force me to have kids. I have to say I knew as a kid that I didn't want children and it has to be my biggest accomplishment that has allowed me to go on with my life, doing what I want and buying what I want and living the life that I have always wanted.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Yeah I think the stereotype of Sportsters still being a “woman's bike” still exists and when I meet those type of people, I know that they in fact know nothing of the history of Harley Davidson and no matter how much you tell them, they will go on thinking “yeah right, just a woman's bike”. There are still some people who think that if you aren't riding a Harley then you might as well not be riding. I think all those people are idiots! If you ride, you ride. Doesn't matter what brand it is or what size it is. I think that people who believe in these things just do it to make themselves look better but it only works if they are in the company of people who feel the same way. A person who truly loves the machine does not care.

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
Spend it with my husband, pray to GOD and eat lots of ice cream, candy, and everything else that I wouldn't normally overindulge in.

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
Driving my 81 Corvette and my race car, a 1978 Z-28 that I've had for 20 years, hitting thrift stores and yard sales, hunting mushrooms in the Spring, hunting deer in the Fall, shooting guns, gardening, reading self help and non-fiction books, tye-dying,and always trying something new, I am currently learning to weld. I also like entering competitive contests such as bike shows, car shows, Halloween costume contests, tattoo and burnout contests. I have also entered hedgehogs in a Hedgehog Show and took home "Reserve Best in Show", "Grand Champion", 2 first place and one third place ribbon. I once won a contest for saving the most money, a contest for writing about saving money and I was selected to be on ABC Nightly News before the show Extreme Couponing came out but Wal Mart wouldn't allow video cameras so I didn't get to appear. I am BIG into natural and alternative therapies- I love getting reflexology, massages and colonics done. I make all of my own cleaning supplies and use very few chemical laden products. I like to dye my hair pink (all vegan) and it has been pink on and off since I was 16 in 1989. I collect anything with hedgehogs, am always looking for cool motor related art for my house and I like buying bandannas, cool scarves, knitted hats, fingerless gloves, patches for my jeans, buttons and pins and would one day maybe like to design clothes.

If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
I would be independently wealthy! But since "necessity is the mother of invention", I guess I will keep on inventing a new source of income!

What do you think makes a "Biker"?
I think the term “biker” has been thrown around so much that no one wants to be associated with it and everyone who does use it is probably dressed in head-to toe leather. The real definition of “biker”, of what I think makes a "biker" would be one who puts everything into their bike(s), a person who loves the machine so much that they sacrifice other areas of their lives for it, and who lives and breathes motorcycles. A biker is one who protects his bike like it is his kid, who has to be seated next to a window so that he can watch his bike, and a person that when he sees some kid put scratches on his bike, runs out the damn door screaming, not caring if he's going to jail or not. I have always felt like my cars and my bikes have "feelings" and they are not just some piece of metal- I have poured countless hours of time and money into making the machine be just what I want. My cars and bikes ARE my kids!

Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community?
I don't feel I am a role- model per se, but I think that because I am so driven and so passionate about my toys, on such a small yearly wage, that YES, someone could look at that and say “Well, if she can do it on that small amount of money, then so can I”. A person has to have their priorities straight and I have always known what came first. Even when I was younger I never got my ears pierced because I didn't want to have to buy earrings when I could be using that money or saving it for something else. I saved all of my allowance as a kid and when I got into college on scholarships, I was able to buy 2 Camaros and my first motorcycle. I have been thrifty my whole life.

Do you have any advice for women that are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
If you really want to do it- do it for the right reasons- NOT to get attention or to pick up men. There are SO many women around here that do it for that very reason. I would tell them to start small, I think learning to ride on a dirt bike or enduro is probably the best way to learn. Learn the mechanics of the bike and then take the course. Every woman I know who has never rode before, goes out and buys the biggest, heaviest Harley they can afford and then when they drop it or can't pick it up, they give up.

Tell us anything else you would like us to know about you.
I am being featured in the next issue of Throttle Gals magazine. You can read more about my lifelong involvement with cars, racing, bikes and the lifestyle in there. I also have pictures from 20 years ago that go along with the story. I can't wait for it to come out!

Do you have a favorite swear word?
Yes, most definitely.

What are you currently reading?
I just finished "Coming Apart- The state of white America 1960-2010" by Charles Murray, "200 quick cash jobs guaranteed self-employment alternatives" by Todd Abernathy, and "Back to basics - how to learn and enjoy traditional American skills" published by Reader's Digest. I am a reviewer for about 10 different publishers so I get books free. I am currently reading 'Greater" by Steven Furtick and "The coming revolution" by Dr. Richard Lee. Between the local library, all the free books that I receive and all the free magazine subscriptions I get, I never run out of good material to read. The library is the best way to get an education for free and you get to choose your own subjects. I usually focus on one subject a year to learn about. Last year it was vitamins, oils, natural remedies, living healthy, etc. This year it is more on the state of the economy, the zombies (don't get me started), and ways to be more self sufficient.

What music are you currently listening to?
John Conlee "Rose Colored Glasses", Alabama "My Home's in Alabama" and Bob Seger "Still the Same". I've got some Neil Diamond coming in Tuesday! I love all kinds of music - Metallica, Kid Rock, Hank Jr, Waylon, Willie, Merle, AC/DC, but lately and for a while now I have really went back to my roots of what I grew up listening to which was good old country!

Do you have any pets?

YES! My American Staffordshire Terrier (aka the largest of the pit-bull breed), Solomon. I call him my son. He lives in the house and we rescued him from the Humane Society about 6 years ago. He was on the chopping block to be put down and I went through a very tedious process to track him down once I saw his picture in the local paper. I also have 25 hedgehogs! I have had hedgehogs as pets for almost 15 years. I LOVE them and can't imagine ever living without them. I have had all kinds of different animals as pets- squirrel, rabbit, guinea pigs, ferret, snapping turtle, frogs, fish, and different breeds of dogs but I am in love with the Am Staff and hedgehogs!

Make sure you visit Chris' blog - Amazing cheap life. 

If you are interested in learning more about making a hedgehog a pet visit - Got Hedgehogs?!

A Look into the Life of IHG - One or Two Questions at a Time

How do you feel when you are riding?
At first I'm really excited.  Right before getting on the road I get nervous.  Once I start rolling and get the 5 Hail Marys said, I'm as good as gold.  I usually catch myself smiling and I think to myself how cool it is to be riding my own motorcycle.  As the ride progresses I am amazed at how I feel one with the world.  Only a dog or another biker would understand.  It's an incredible feeling that everyone should experience at least once. 

Is there a motto that you live by?
Get to know someone before you decide what kind of person they are.  The reason I say this is because there is a person I worked for that judged me because I was a "Harley Chick".  She had everyone believing I was this hard, mean person.  I always wondered why some people were stand-offish to me.  One day someone said to me that another woman in my area commented to her..."Wow, Stephanie is nothing like "Blah Blah" made her out to be.  She's a very friendly and kind person."  Treat everyone with the respect that you expect and you'll make it far in life!