Ladies up Front is a column by and for the women who ride in Colorado both on back and up front. Each month we publish an article written by a lady rider. You will find stories of how these ladies ended up
where they are today, with their opinions, strange and funny things that
have happened to them, their thoughts, dreams and points of view.
Some tell the stories about their journey from the back to the front.
Some relate how they came to motorcycles, some are just interesting
experiences they have had.
We believe that every woman who rides, be it on the front or on the
back, has a story to tell that is worth hearing.
When they share their perceptions and knowledge, they often have
insight and perspectives that can help us all as we journey forward.
Here you will see those experiences and hear of the strength and joy
we have found on motorcycles.
All ladies are welcome and encouraged to join in and contribute to Ladies
up Front. Please contact us at: [email protected]
Mara’s Journey
In July of 2013 I found myself feeling pretty helpless; the
last 12 years had provided a series of heartaches that had
kicked my ass and left me wondering how I would pick
myself up… again.
The loss of my first child, parenting two beautiful children
- one whose special needs came with a complicated
medical history, and learning to live life outside of my
marriage was taking its toll. I was a 47 year old divorced
mother who had lost all imagination for what life could
possibly offer, that is until my best friend let me sit on her
motorcycle.
We had just returned from a walk and
the bike was parked on the street.
She mentioned that her husband was
encouraging her to sell it because they
had upgraded. We had been friends
for 40 years and I had listened to her
dream about riding a motorcycle since
we were 16, but it never captured my
interest. Only crazy sick lunatics rode
motorcycles! Funny how life changes
one’s opinions.
The minute I sat on the 500cc Kawasaki Vulcan, I
knew it was mine! When I realized my feet were
solidly on the ground and that the bike wasn’t too
heavy for me to move, I asked her how much she
wanted for it. The price was reasonable and she
was willing to let me pay her over a year, but she
made it clear that she wouldn’t sell it to me unless
I had taken the basic Motorcycle Safety Training
Course. I was in! I had enjoyed being the passenger on
motorcycles, but didn’t see riding becoming my passion –
in my mind it was a guy thing or something you did with a
man. From that moment, I knew I’d never have to wait for
a ride again. I’d spent my entire adult life waiting for a ride
and this time I was ready to be in charge of where I was
going. I also knew this would be a decision that would be
hard for many people in my life because it was outside the
box I had lived in so comfortably for far too many years.
24 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
I called another close friend that evening
and told him what I’d decided; he had held
my hand through many low points and could
sense the excitement in this proposition. He
thought it was totally crazy, but said it was
a great idea and offered solid
encouragement – he also
teased me endlessly about
buying a pair of black leather
chaps.
I took his ribbing
and was grateful there was
another friend cheering me
on. The next day I phoned my
mother, the woman who would
only be happy if I wore a full
body helmet and never got a
tattoo – two areas where I have
completely failed her. Since
this was a big deal and there was no way to avoid sharing
such a major decision, I just called her and let her know why I
felt like it was a good choice for my life. She hesitated to offer
full-on support because she didn’t want to be responsible if
something unfortunate happened. However, she did say she
wouldn’t tell me not to do it. That was blessing enough for
me!
May 2015
www.thunderroadscolorado.com