Riding + Music + Friends = Love of Life An Interview with KT DID

In 2007 I found KT DID's blog and I've been following along ever since. She is definitely a woman that I look up to in the motorcycle world. She rode her motorcycle from California to Sturgis...BY HERSELF! How awesome is that? AWESOME! In the next year I'm going to focus more of my interviews on female riders and I thought what better way to begin then interviewing KT! Meet KT DID, aka Kathy Hurwitz.

Give us a bio about yourself.
Fifth generation California kid. I grew up in Northern California. A place still close to my heart. Lived in Contra Costa County then moved into Alameda, a very diverse city and good for me to discover. Going back to Alameda always sets me into the basics of life. Small town, big politics and loads of historic boasting. The Bay is always a comfort zone for me so to speak, but I love Southern California too. For me, California is the perfect State loaded with National Parks, beaches and mountains all within hours from each other and even minutes. I am one of six kids and couldn't wait to move out of the house. I did just that right after high school. I hitchhiked to Tahoe making a Russian River stop on the way, then stayed and worked in South Tahoe where I met some life long friends. Got married, divorced and married again and halted. Woot!


Was there something specific that drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle?
Since I was a teenager, I have always loved motorcycles, riding on the back was only what I knew and was happy with it. But then I discovered Prings in San Leandro. Choppers and hot rods used to cruise the "strip" there. I would take my cousin's MG (he was in the Navy) and cruise it with one of my girlfriends. We would actually cruise it for hours and read our Easy Riders Magazine to figure how to build one. LOL... never did. High School was then over and we all went our separate ways. The ex had a '57 Panhead that I rode after taking the CHP Riders Course back in the 80's. We split up shortly after I got my license and the logistics of life sent it all on the back burner again. Wasn't until I retired that I became so bored with my everyday life that I actually decided to write a list of what I wanted to do the rest of my days. Motorcycling was the first. Captain's License was second and third was being a Pilot. I never got to the second or third.

How long have you been riding?
Riding my own really started in May of 2005.

What was your first motorcycle?
2005 Harley Davidson 883L Sportster...the worst choice for my first bike. I kept dumping it as it was too top heavy for me. I ended up keeping that in the garage while I skilled up on a Suzuki GZ250. I called it my "milk" bike. I went to the store on it to buy milk and it milked my confidence enough to get back on the Sportster. So, in essence the GZ was probably my first bike.

What do you currently ride?
2006 Harley Davidson Deluxe, 2010 Street Glide Trike, and just acquired a 2011 Nightster.

How many motorcycles have you owned and what were they?
5 and 2 scooters. 2005 883L Sportster, 2005 Suzuki GZ250, 2008 1200L Sportster, 2008 Ural Sahara, 2010 Street Glide Trike, and 2 BMS scooters, and now a 2011 Nightster.

How do you feel when you are riding?
The way I describe it this: close your eyes, and think of the best concert or song you have ever heard and totally get into that moment... to me that's how it feels. Like Music. Like my first concert. The Beatles. The best concert in my whole life ever. I will never forget the feeling of being in a crowd and getting into the motion of the whole arena thing. Wondrous! That's the ride for me.


Is there a motto that you live by?
I have a couple: "I don't care what you think of me, its none of my business anyway" and "Give To Ride, Ride And Give. I think it is important to give back in any way you can. Those peeps that say they do and in reality they don't, make me want to barf.

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle and are a woman?
I don't know what that "difference" would be. I do know people do stereotype me sometimes, but I don't get bothered with it cause I usually open my mouth and throw my 2 cents into it. I would do that normally in any part of my life though.

Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community?
No and I don't want to be. The "Diva" syndrome makes me want to barf. However, if I can share the zest for riding, that's different. This is why...I needed extra confidence to get back on my bike after dumping it. Threw me back a little in the beginning. But then I realized the more I talked about it and more I "shared" about it, the more confidence I gained in knowing others were out there patting my back and giving me that push forward. Some women told me not to say anything to others because it made women riders look stupid. But I needed to find out why I was dumping and what I was doing wrong... so I asked and talked about my weaknesses. When I was honest and open to peeps, I got honest help. I believe everyone needs a "you can do it" person in their life.. If I can be that person, I'm thrilled.

Why Harley Davidson?
It was never anything else for me. I have had the other 2 (Ural & Suzuki), but Harley is the "it" bike for me. I feel safe on it and they have been able to lower the bike for size for me. It was also the bike I wanted from way back. However, I am not a snob to it. I don't care what you ride, just ride if that is what you wish to do.


Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you and why do they fall in this category in your life?
Heroes: Veterans are my heroes. They show me the way with pride. These are the real "You can do it" peeps. Mentors: V-Twin Mama. She was the one I connected with on the Internet when I knew absolutely no one that rode. For months she held my hand through cyberspace and coached me up my driveway from hell. I will always be thankful to her. It was also through her website I got to meet one of my riding buddies, Gloria, also known as Map Girl. We have made a lifelong friendship through riding and that's joy to the soul for me.

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?
Nope. I think I have hung with and met some of the best peeps, and that includes my blogger peeps. I hope I continue to meet more riders and to single someone out over another would limit me. No limits.

Do you have a favorite rally or event?
It used to be Laughlin. Just because it was my first real ride and it was a meeting of girlz and we would all have a blast during the weekend. I ride it every year. However, last year put me in a different zone with all the lock downs. Don't know if I will go back. I say that every year though. LOL.

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
Northern California, Yosemite. Its my ride of moment. I ride to the Bay then ride over to 120 into the Gold Country and Yosemite. Its so amazing to see and its endless beauty is magical. I am making it a yearly jaunt.


What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
I was riding through Yellowstone and couldn't find a place to stop at. So I pulled over to munch on a snack and then went into the bushes to visit motha nature. While there, I heard rustling through the bushes and I started to look around. I saw a sign on the ground that had a bear on it. Geezzz! I got up ran to the bike and realized I had food still out in the open. Crammed it down my throat like Lucy eating the candy off the conveyor belt and left. I realized my helmet was still unhooked and I started hysterically laughing. Had to pull over again I was laughing so hard I couldn't see. No one around, just G-d above cracking up with me. Stuff like that happens to me all the time and makes each adventure a long strange laughable trip.

What has your most memorable ride or trip been?
My solo ride to Sturgis 2010. Put me through the test of actually waking up and making deadlines. Each day was a song. At times I couldn't believe I was actually doing this solo. It was at those times, I felt like I could accomplish anything. It was great. I topped off every night with a Hostess cupcake...yum.

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Know your skill boundaries. Don't try and ride beyond them, no matter what. Don't listen to others egg you on when you "know" you shouldn't be crossing over that grey zone. Its a major rule of mine now. Stupidity kills. So does drinking and riding.

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
I prefer riding solo. No rules. That's not to say I don't like to ride with others. There are a couple of peeps I love to ride with that are on my same time zone. We go away for short weekends and enjoy the sites. If I can't stop and see what the road brings and why I am riding to these spots, to me its senseless just to put the miles on. I don't count miles... I count the times I am out enjoying my time on the road and can't stand going to the same places over and over. So I avoid a lot of rides with friends that involve going to the same places. Solo is the best for me, but I love meeting up for lunches and music.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Learning to say No and not having any children.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
There is definitely a sense of community within the brands and types. Some bike groups only allow specific bikes, etc., but I never see a problem riding with other makers. In fact, a couple of my girlfriends ride sport bikes. They don't care who they ride with as long as they can ride. The way it should be.


Do you have any advice for women that are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
Do it. Take a safety class. At the end of the class you will know if you want to go on to purchasing and riding your own motorcycle. Its a minimal fee and worth every penny. Have a level head when you go into it. Check the leather ego at the door. Go into it with a huge smile. Its fun and the valuable information you receive in a class will always stay with you. Also, get online and check out some sites. WRN has a great site and there are plenty more to google. Do your research and don't be afraid to talk to riders when you have a chance. I can't tell you how many peeps I got to know and spread the word of riding just by talking to them at a gas station. I have learned a lot just by doing that.

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
Write a letter to my loved ones and say goodbye and ride out into the sunset....

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
I love to stay at home with my loved ones and nest. Even when I am done with riding for the day on the road, I just want to be in my room and nest it out and watch tv. That's my relaxing time.

If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
If I had a magic wand, I wouldn't mind a couple of extra inches on my 4'11" frame...LOL!

What do you think makes a "Biker"?
I wouldn't know. I don't consider myself a biker. I ride motorcycles. That's just another stereotype I would like crossed off the books.

Tell us about your photography business.
It's more of a hobby. I put a site up and peeps came to buy. It was pretty amazing. Nothing special, but all of a sudden it happened. It's still fun. If it becomes not fun... I won't do it anymore. But I have met some great photographers, and like riding, we have our own little community of advice and sharing.


Tell us anything else you would like us to know about you.
I am not rough and tough, but I have my opinions and can handle my own. I like a good conversation with peeps and can take on almost any topic, but when it becomes personal, racial, or belittling others because of religious beliefs or lifestyles, I stop and nip it in the bud. I won't feed hatred. I like to smile and love to laugh. Without laughter and love I'm no good.

Just for FUN!

Do you have a favorite swear word?
Ohhhhh Fuck ME!!!!!!! And then there is "Shit" The first one I say when I have done something really stupid, the second one I say at any given time.

What are you currently reading?
The History of Tuolumne County and A Columbia Diary 1853-1858. I like old books and shop for them at old book stores and such. There's beauty in having a solid book with pages to turn in my hands. In particular, old books with beautiful writing and drawings.

What music are you currently listening to?
Rock and roll is the majority of my Ipod. But I also listen to a lot of Frank and Dino. I will always love the old rock of the 60's and 70's though, that will never go out of me.

Do you have any pets?
Murray, The King Of All Dogdom. He's my 24/7 man of the house.


Thanks to KT DID for giving us a look into her world. Make sure you check out her blog and photo gallery.
KT DID - Lifes Ride as I See It
Photos by Kathy Hurwitz

Check this out!

Giving You Some Swag

As you all know I'm very fond of motorcycles...DUH! I could look at photos of motorcycles for hours. One day I found Swag's Rant on another blogger's favorite blog list and I was instantly in motorcycle photo heaven. I kept thinking to myself...damn, this guy takes great photos of motorcycles plus he writes interesting articles too. Well as time passed I started to follow Swag on Twitter and we became Twitter peeps, so I got up the nerve to ask Swag if he'd be interested in doing an interview. He agreed and also told me I'm the first person to interview him so I'm pretty darn stoked about that. Hope you enjoy getting to know Swag. He's a cool cat from down yonder in Tennessee.

First off I have to know how you got the name Swag...
Swag comes from the music industry... it's what they call the freebies you get from labels and artists, etc.... (tshirts, comp cd's and other junk) One of my riding buddies heard me talking about getting some swag from someone one day and thought it would be funny to call me Swag Boy. Swag stuck and although it really makes no sense whatsoever to the bike community and nobody gets it... that's who Ive become. haha!


Give me a bio about you.

I was born in Kansas City, Missouri but grew up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago where sports, photography, music, hot rods and of course motorcycles were my obsessions. My college years found me back in the Kansas City area and that's when the arts (music, photography, design) moved to the forefront of my life. I supported myself (and not very well I might add) by playing music through the late 1980's with a bunch of bands you've never heard of (haha) which eventually landed me in Nashville, Tennessee where I had very brief stints as guitarist with a couple Contemporary Christian artists in the early 1990's. Long story short, I eventually landed a full-time photography/design gig with a prominent music industry company in late 1994 and have been in that field since. Of course all along my path there have been motorcycles and hot rods so naturally, I sort of fell into side gigs doing photography and design in the regional bike and hot rod cultures.

When were you first aware of your interest in motorcycles?

When I was about 3 years old my aunt came for a visit to our house with her new boyfriend. I remember the distinct sound I heard when they rode up on a Harley-Davidson touring bike and it made such an impact on me that I still vividly recall even some of the details of that bike... like the rail that ran around the back of the seat and the white grips. I also remember how most in my family looked down on the "hoodlum biker" that had stolen my aunt’s heart. It's funny how even at that age I was aware of peoples preconceived notions of bikers... and I’m glad that my parents were not like that. They welcomed this guy and as for me... I could barely contain my excitement over that bike and I thought the guy was cool. BTW... as it turns out, he was a good guy... and he started what was a lifelong love of motorcycles for me. I often think about that when kids approach me today and want to see my bike. I always make time for them just like my aunt’s boyfriend did for me.

What was the first bike that you owned? What do you currently ride?


When I was 6, and after a long time of pleading my case, my dad finally convinced my mother that I wasn’t going to kill myself on 2 wheels and she let him spring for a used Sears mini-bike for me. It was the one with the lawn mower engine on it with the rope pull. It wasn’t much but man I loved it!

I currently have four bikes. A 2006 Electra Glide Standard for when I’m feeling may age, a 2001 Suzuki SV650S for when I feel sporty, a 1993 Honda CR250R for when I feel like I’m young again, and a 1984 Kawasaki 550LTD that my dad and I bobbed just for the heck of it.




Tell us about Biker Swag Design and Photography Services.

BikerSwag is the calling card for my motorcycle related work. I do all kinds of biker-related photography as well as web and print design for motorcycle related companies and events.


How long have you been in this industry?

I started considering the motorcycle industry a viable source of work in 2005.



Do you have a favorite photo shoot?

That’s a tough one because they are all fun. One of the most memorable ones though was a few years back when a local company sent me to Las Vegas to shoot guitarist Ace Frehley of KISS. This was back during the bands reunion and when the WWF was still rockin’. KISS was playing a couple songs for Monday Nitro which was the WWF’s big televised event and the shoot was scheduled in the KISS dressing room backstage before the event. It was all so surreal… haha! Here I was in Las Vegas (whacky town), at the WWF’s Monday Nitro (walking around in the midst of larger than life wrestlers like Hulk Hogan) shooting Ace Frehley (of a band that performs in Goth Makeup)! Can’t get much more bizarre than that!

Of course, any time there are motorcycles involved its tons of fun for me too. Like when I shot local builder Browder Ledbetter’s custom Triumph in front of a Nashville landmark for one of our state magazines. A beautiful bike!


Do you work mainly in the Tennessee area or do you travel to other parts of the country?

Most of my photography work is this area but I have design clients across the country thanks to the digital age. There are some clients I have never met face to face. The whole process of concept to completed project is done via email and file transfer.


What has been your greatest accomplishment or are there many?

I’m still working on that one… ha!

Could you tell me about your websites and what people can find there?

The one that would be of most interest to your readers would be Biker Swag which showcases some of my recent work in the motorcycle industry, both photography and design. And there is a blog related to it which I call Swag’s Rant. It’s sort of my personal outlet for all things two-wheel related and includes my thoughts as well as product reviews and interviews.

Do you have any mentors or people that you look up to?

I have been blessed to have more than a few people in the photography/design fields that have been very unselfish with me… especially in the beginning when I was real green… that helped get me pointed in the right direction.

Someone more famous whose photo work I admire is Jeff Cochran of Speed King Photo. His images are just fantastic and capture the emotion of the moment… the kind of images I look at and say, “man, I wish I had shot that!”

What cameras do you use to shoot your amazing photos?

Well, I’m definitely a Canon snob… haha. I’m currently using a Canon 7D DSLR with a variety of lenses for the critical stuff but most of the images you see on my RANT are shot with a very small Canon SD1000 point-and-shoot. I love that camera because it fits in my pocket and does a great job for the web stuff. I process all images with Adobe Photoshop as well.


Do you have any big projects in the works for the future?

Yes, I recently became the Art Director for an upstart Hot Rod magazine called Grease Monkey. It caters to the Rat Rod and Rat Bike crowd and is really cool.

What is your favorite rally or do you have more then one favorite?

Honestly, I’ve never been much of a rally kind of guy. Large crowds usually just piss me off so I tend to avoid them… haha!

Where is the best place in the country to ride?

One day I want to ride the west coast line but last year a couple friends and I rode the Blueridge Parkway to Blowing Rock, NC and it was awesome. Of course most people in and around Tennessee would probably say the Tail of the Dragon, which I’ve ridden a few times.


Do you have any mottos that you live by?

No real mottos but having integrity is a biggie for me. I try to treat everyone from clients to friends with respect and total honesty. I despise people whose word I can’t trust.

What are your other passions beyond motorcycles and photography?

I kind of alluded to it earlier but music is a big deal in my life. I started playing guitar at the age of 8 and have never stopped. For a while it was my source of income.


How does riding enrich your life?

Oh man... beyond words. Its such a soul cleansing thing for me and definitely contributes to my sanity!

What do you think makes a "Biker"?

I know a lot of people are funny about the word biker but to me, anybody who rides and has a passion for two wheels is a biker on some level. And I’m for sure not a brand snob. (Note what’s in my garage.) The old saying that “I don’t care what you ride, if you ride you are my friend” would apply to me.

Are there any motorcycle publications that you would recommend?

I have subscribed to a bunch of mags in the past but the only one that has survived my subscription list is Cycle World. Honestly I mostly just read great blogs on-line like yours. There is a list on my RANT of my favorites.

What have you been published in?

I write a monthly column for Thunder Roads Tennessee and have been published in several of their sister publications including Kentucky, Alabama, Florida… I’ve also been published in The Horse Backstreet Choppers and Road Bike and on the music side of things everything from Guitar Player to Guitar World to Revolver to SPIN and even USA Today.

Where does the design aspect come into your business?

There is always some design aspect when framing a photo but beyond that I’ve been blessed to create several websites for clients in the motorcycle world as well as print design for others. Print Ad Services

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you out on the road?

Nothing all that wild but I did ride through a hail storm with little visibility in the mountains of East Tennessee one time… not interested in doing that again.

What is the most important lesson you've learned out on the road?

Riding is almost a spiritual thing for me… so I often learn a lot about myself when riding. Introspection comes easy when it’s just God, my motorcycle and me.


What is your favorite swear word?

Haha… I usually don’t use them but cut me off on my bike and all bets are off!

What music are you currently listening to?

Anything guitar-oriented is cool for me… but I just got the new Slash self titled CD and it is the best thing he has ever done. There are a bunch of guest vocalists including the great Lemmy Kilmeister, Myles Kennedy, Ozzy, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell and even Fergie. It’s fantastic. Also on the iPod right now is the new Scorpions, The Dixie Dregs and Joe Satriani Live.

What are you currently reading?

I just picked up a copy of a great book called “Inbound Marketing” by Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah. Always trying to gain the marketing edge!

Thanks for the great interview, Swag! Looking forward to many more of Swag's Rants and those amazing Biker Swag photos!!

Christina Shook - Photographer and Author of Chicks on Bikes

Christina Shook is one incredible biker chick! She has created an amazing new book called Chicks on Bikes. I hope you enjoy getting to know Christina as much as I have. You've also got to check out Chicks on Bikes and purchase your copy today!


Please give me a bio about yourself....
Hmm a bio…

Well, I live in San Francisco Bay Area. I’m a professional photographer shooting lifestyle photography (my website www.cshook.com) I have an MFA from San Francisco Art Institute. Two little girls 3 and 8 who are the light of my life and a darling supportive husband who is a sound designer for video games. 2 cats, 3 motorcycles.

When did you realize you had a passion for photography?
I got a camera in college and was a journalism major. I quickly found that taking the photos was vastly more fun than the writing aspect.

Are there any photographers that you draw influence from?
Diane Arbus, Joel Peter Witkin, Willliam Eggleston, Weegee, Iriving Penn… oh so many…

When were you first introduced to the motorcycle lifestyle?
When I moved to SF and finally bought my own motorcycle I was instantly biker chick. I wanted to ride all the time and I did. I didn’t have a car for 8 years.

How long have you been riding?
17 years. Yikes that must make me old!

What was your first motorcycle?
A Honda Nighthawk that had electrical problems and I had to push start it 80% of the time. Fortunately I lived on a hill and San Francisco is hilly.

What motorcycle do you currently ride?
1979 BMW R100S, Ducati ST4, Suzuki Bandit 1200

Why did you decide to do a book on women in the motorcycle world?
When I first moved to SF I didn’t know many women. They seemed harder to meet than men. I was studying photography and I love riding my bike. So combining all three interests, I starting shooting women bikers and haven’t stopped since. I feel compelled to photograph the real women bikers I see in part because the media has so absurdly represented us.

What process did you go through when you decided to write Chicks On Bikes?
It started as a documentary project for school. The class ended but I kept meeting and photographing women bikers. I did a portfolio piece after graduating to show art directors of magazines and I wrote little vignettes to go with them. It got a great response particularly with the words.

Tell me about Chicks on Bikes...
Chicks on Bikes is about real women bikers. It embraces and ponders the relationship between women and our machines. Racers, clubs, sisterhood, mechanics, journeys of mind and body, risk… what all these issues mean to women bikers. It’s a photobook at heart with a lot of words. And I hope I’ve captured the spirit of these wonderful women who ride.

If someone would like to purchase your book where can they find it?
One place only! Go to this link, Chicks on Bikes and I’ll send you a signed copy with love.

Is your work strictly based on the motorcycle lifestyle or do you have other areas that you include in your body of work?
I’m exploring the world of scooters for my next book. It’s a fascinating and distinct culture all of its own. I'll have to get a scooter.

Do you feel that women are finally breaking the glass ceiling in the motorcycle world?
Yes I do. I am particularly proud of what women racers are doing.

Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community?
Only in my avid support for all women motorcyclist to come together and promote the joy and freedom of riding to be acceptable for all women. I think that support of one another is vital. Just like what you're doing Stephanie. There are so many amazing women who have blazed fearless trails in the world of motorcycling.

Who are your role models?
Those women riding in the early days really move me. Like those Hotchkiss ladies riding cross country in 1915. Now that took spirit and guts and a great sense of adventure.

I just read Lois on the Loose and I have to take my hat off to Lois Pryce too.

Do you have any advice for girls and women if they are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
Take a motorcycle safety class and do what feels right for you. Get a bike that fits you and good riding gear.

Do you have any big projects in the works for the future?
I’m still having a great time with Chicks On Bikes. Its opened up so many paths and I’ve met even more amazing people since publishing it.

I’m organizing a mothers day ride here in Nor Cal and would like to try and get others to take their moms for a ride too. Share the passion and the thrill.

What are your other passions beyond motorcycles?
My kids are #1 with me. Also love yoga, leaning to play piano. I’ve been into Twitter and blogging:

Follow me on Twitter: cshookup

My blog: http://cshook.wordpress.com/

Is there a motto that you live by?
You mostly regret the things you didn’t do.

If you could change anything about yourself or your life what would it be?
I’d like to live in San Francisco and not the pretty but boring suburb I live in. I’d like to be independently wealthy. And somehow find more time to ride : )

Honestly I feel very fortunate to have work I love, a supportive loving husband, smart happy kids, good heath and live in gorgeous northern California.

Thank you Christina for taking the time for this interview! You are truly a woman that other biker chicks can look up to.

Photographer, Author, Artist, Garage Girl - An Interview with Sara Liberte

Sara Liberte graduated from Montserrat College of Art in 1997. Since then Sara has been a professional photographer. Motorcycle and portrait photography have been her passion. You may have seen her photos in Easy Rider, In the Wind, Hot Bike, Street Chopper and Iron Works. Her fine art photography work focuses on “Image Fusion”, a technique she uses to combine images. You can see this technique in her “Women and Machine” and “Builder and Machine” photos. And I’m sure you have seen the GEICO Motorcycle Insurance Ads that she created in 2007 for their print campaign. Sara is also staff photography editor for The Cycle Source Magazine.

Sara's passion for motorcycles lead her to becoming co-owner and operator of RT’s North Hills Cycle Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. She designs custom paint jobs and builds custom cycles. When she's not wrenching on motorcycles she is managing the parts and services department at RT’s.

Sara has been part of the motorcycle industry for over a decade and has been recognized as one of the leading motorcycle designers and photographers at the Sturgis Rally. House of Kolor named RT’s North Hills Cycle as the prestigious painter of 2007. This award is the most elite award in the custom automotive/motorcycle paint industry.

If you haven’t already you should check out “How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twin Motorcycles”. Sara penned this book to help motorcycle enthusiasts who want to be able to service their rides but lack only the know-how. You may also recognize the name Sara Liberte from her “Garage Girls” seminars and website that she created with friend and fellow builder, Jody Perewitz.

Sara took some time to answer a few questions for me recently on her life and career in the motorcycle industry.

When were you first introduced to the motorcycle lifestyle?
Early in my life I started out on 3 wheelers, back then they were considered safer then motorcycles.

Did you always know growing up that you wanted a career in the motorcycle industry or did you have other passions first?
No, I never set out with any goals, just took life day by day. I knew I loved art and would end up doing something with art.

What has been your greatest accomplishment or are there many?
Tough question, I’m proud of many things. Mostly the friendships I have made over the years and my relationship with my family.

When did you decide to start “Garage Girls”?
I decided I needed to do more to reach other women interested in the garage lifestyle after I wrote “How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twins Motorcycles”. So many girls were approaching me and wanting to know more about the mechanical aspect of motorcycles. I decided a website would be the best way to rally us all together.

Could you tell me about the site and what people can find there?
The site focuses on maintaining a balance between our body and our machine. The motorcycle becomes an extension of our body so we need to take care of them both. We offer info about motorcycles and info on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We also have a section dedicated to animals. “Cruisin’ Companions” celebrates the 4 legged friends of our lives. We do product reviews and offer technical info. We share info on trying to stay healthy with health and beauty info, exercise and nutrition…you name it.

Do you have any mentors or people that you look up to?
Of course! My parents have taught me so many valuable lessons that I’m so grateful for. There have also been a few teachers, Christine O’Brien and Linda White, they both taught me lessons I use daily in my world of art and motorcycles. I have many friends I am grateful for as well.

I noticed you have a tribute to Johnny Chop on your website. Could you tell me how he touched your life?
Johnny was one of the guys I would look forward to seeing at the events year after year. I enjoyed our conversations about motorcycles and the struggles of being in business for yourself. We connected especially about the struggles. He had a generous ear and usually words of inspiration at the end of our conversations. I miss Johnny. Rallies just aren’t the same without him.

Have you found it difficult to get people to take you seriously in such a male dominated profession?
Yes… I could go on and on about the struggles but no one likes to hear you bitch…

What is your advice for girls and women interested in careers in the motorcycle industry?
Be involved because it is your passion. The only way you can be happy in such a tough industry is because you truly love this stuff. You eat, sleep, and breathe it! You can’t imagine yourself doing anything else. That is pretty much the only way you’ll survive this world!

Your photographs are beyond words, beautiful. Do you have any favorites?
I have so many favorites because they all take me back to the moment I created them. Whether it was a conversation with someone, or a shot as I was riding in a beautiful landscape or a moment I was alone with an incredible machine.

How did you decide on the concept for your “Women and Machines” and "Builder and Machines” photos?
Women and Machine was born in my head as I was heavily focused on the idea that the machine/motorcycle becomes an extension of your body. You control this machine, it becomes a part of you. “Builder and Machine” is my series that focuses on Craftsmen. Craftsmen are the rare breed, the dying breed. The craftsmen are the guys who can pretty much do anything like metal fabrication, drawing, engineering, machining, wrenching, and fixing broken parts, painting, bodywork, along with mechanical knowledge, etc. I set out to explore the true craftsmen in the motorcycle and automotive culture. Using my Image Fusion technique my goal is to create a portrait of each craftsmen combining a piece of who they are via their unique work. I was also studying certain quotes at the time, this one was a big inspiration for this project, “One Machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No Machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”-Elbert Hubbard.

Do you sell your prints and if so how does one go about ordering them?
http://www.saraliberte.com/ The "Woman and Machine" series is limited to an edition of 150 prints of each image on photographic silver gelatin emulsion paper. All prints are available in 2 sizes of 16x20” or 20x30”. “Woman and Machine” was featured at the Belknap Mill Gallery in Laconia, NH for bike week 2005, as well in the Laconia Television show “Riding with Rossi” which aired on the Travel Channel. This series was also featured on “Corbin’s Ride On” and American Thunder, Speed Channel and also on the Documentary DVD titled “Invasion of the motorcycles, Laconia”. "Builder and Machine" is available as a fine art poster print.

What cameras do you use to shoot your amazing photos?
I am a Nikon fan, I love their glass.

Along with being an amazing photographer, you also wrote a book. Could you tell me about it?
The book is a comprehensive guide to servicing a motorcycle, with useful information for those who have the will to service their rides but lack only the know-how. Part of owning a motorcycle is the pleasure of servicing and repairing it on your own. A motorcycle is a symbol of independence, and whether you're wrenching in the garage or making an emergency repair on the side of the road, doing it yourself is part of that independence. By doing much of the service work yourself, you'll save money and time, and you'll have the gratification of knowing what went into your ride.


Do you have any big projects in the works for the future?
Lots of exciting things for http://www.garage-girls.com/ . I'm hoping to shoot more work for Cycle Source Magazine and develop our garage-girls column more in the magazine. I have some new images I'll be releasing as well.

What is your favorite rally or do you have more then one favorite?
Sturgis

Where is the best place in the country to ride?
White Mountains New Hampshire.

Do you have any upcoming events that you will be at and if so where?
Lots of events going on! Carlisle Summer Bike Fest is one I'm looking forward to most.

Do you have any motto's that you live by?
My mom shared this with me, "the only thing achieved in life without effort is failure."

What are your other passions beyond motorcycles and photography? Animals, they are god’s creatures and deserve to be treated with respect and love. They have little souls and feelings. Too many people neglect that fact.


If you would like to learn even more about Sara Liberte you can visit her websites.
http://www.saraliberte.com/
http://www.garage-girls.com/
http://www.northhillscycle.com/
I'd like to thank Sara for taking the time out of her busy schedule to do this interview with me! Art and Motorcycles...what a gig she has!