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]
Nannette
Bikes came into my life more than
thirty years ago when I got married. I
was always happy riding on the back,
it worked for me. Then seven years
ago I found myself divorced and
even though we remained friends,
my whole life changed. I decided to
enroll in nursing school and was so
glad to find that half of the class was
over thirty since I was over forty at the
time. Being within school helped me
and I loved it. I have to admit the first
time around my parents paid for school
and I did the typical college stuff, but
this time I paid and I kept a 4.0 GPA.
Photographer: Vickie Jo Mullin
someone else drive it home for me.
With all of the changes in my life I found that I missed
riding. I would ride back seat on occasion with friends
when I could and this was sufficient to keep the smile
on my face and wind in my hair for a while and led me
to meeting the people in the US Vets motorcycle riding
club. I attended many of their events and eventually they
became my biker family. As time went on I found I did not
want to be dependent on my friends to ride, I wanted to
be able to ride whenever and wherever I wanted to ride.
I woke up one Monday with the thought that I wanted
my own bike. To fund my purchase, I sold my wedding
rings. I hadn’t really known what to do with those rings
and this seemed a positive exchange for a new adventure
in my life.
The next day on Tuesday I signed up for a three day
class and before Sunday of that same week I bought my
first motorcycle. All of my friends gave me their opinions
and helpful suggestions but in the end I bought what I
wanted-- A 2013 Sportster 1200. Since I hadn’t yet
finished my motorcycle safety class, it was hard to watch
24 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
So there I was with a Harley Davidson Sportster sitting at
my house and waiting for me