the feminist motorist

Ride On, Milwaukee

July 18, 2019 feministmotorist

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_20180728_190415714_hdr.jpg — Milwaukee Museum of Art, Summer 2018

While I love my “sweet home, Chicago,” as I aimed to highlight in my ‘Ride On, Chicago‘ post, I cannot deny that Milwaukee has taken up a special place in my heart. This mid-size city has a mellowness to it that can sometimes be difficult to attain in the midst of Chicago’s hustle and bustle. What’s more, for us motorcycle enthusiasts, Milwaukee has one thing that Chicago certainly does not – the roots of Harley-Davidson.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_20180728_201117838_hdr.jpg — Photo by author. Harley-Davidson Museum, the shed that started it all

If you’re looking for a city that has motorcycle culture irrevocably intertwined in its history – Milwaukee is the place to be. From displays at the Milwaukee Museum of Art that showcase the early days of Harley-Davidson racing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, to the riding restaurants and motorcycle-themes sprinkled down every street – Milwaukee is practically made for motorcyclists.

Through my many adventures to Milwaukee, I have gathered a few favorites that I would love to share with fellow riding enthusiasts. While these suggestions do not exhaust the array of riding-related stops in Milwaukee, they are some of the places I always enjoy visiting.

If you decide to venture to the charming city of Milwaukee, you cannot skip a trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum. This big-name motorcycle giant was started in a small shack right here in Midwestern Milwaukee, and it is truly amazing to see the expansive impact they’ve had. Each year, Harley-Davidson throws a big party for their Anniversary. This past year being the 115th, drawing out thousands of riders from all over the globe.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_20180831_205539139.jpg — Photo by author – Harley-Davidson 115th “Where Are You From?” Map

On any given weekend, however, the Harley-Davidson Museum has plenty of exciting events going on. During the summers, Thursday’s are Bike Nights at the Museum. With live music, good food and tons of bikes this is an excellent way to kick-off a weekend. Throughout the summer, the Museum also hosts other exciting events such as stunt shows, custom bike shows and their outstanding Autism Speaks event. If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, a visit to the museum is still a great call. HOG members can gain free admission, but paying the $22 for general admission is well worth the cost.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_20180728_201204391_hdr.jpg — Photo by Author – Bike Night

If you’re feeling interested in checking out the Harley-Davidson scene in Milwaukee, but don’t necessarily want to commit a day to the Museum, visiting the Harley-Davidson Motor Bar & Restaurant is a great option. The food and drinks are excellent, and you get a gorgeous view of the river as well. This is probably one of my favorite parts of spending summer nights in Milwaukee.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_20180728_193259159_hdr.jpg — Photo by author – Motor Bar & Restaurant

As for other motorcycle-centered places to check out in Milwaukee, a favorite of mine has to be the Fuel Cafe in Riverwest. With amazing coffee and a stellar selection for brunch, you can’t go wrong with stopping in to start your day. Beyond their food and drink selections, as well as the motorcycle-theme, this cafe is super aesthetically pleasing. Be ready to post on Insta after a trip to the Fuel Cafe!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is fuel-milwaukee-coffee-cafe-10-1024x683.jpg — Image courtesy of fuelcafe.com

With the deeply-rooted nature of riding culture integrated in the history and growth of Milwaukee, you really can’t escape discovering regular riding and stunt events, or even seeing shows at the Harley-Davidson stage on the Summerfest grounds. Motorcycles and riding life is everywhere in this city. If you’re looking to immerse yourself – check out the HD Museum. If you prefer to keep your riding-related exposure low-key, well there’s surely something Milwaukee will have to offer.

If you’re a Milwaukee or Wisconsin native and have more exciting riding-related events, restaurants and shops you want me to chat about or visit, please message me on Instagram @feminist_motorist and I will be happy to add to this post! Until then, as always, ride on!

Moto Miss Monday

July 16, 2019July 16, 2019 feministmotorist

Bessie Stringfield

Race is definitely one of those topics that, like feminism, is considered a controversial and “hot button” issue. Nonetheless, I stand firm to my belief in equality – particularly the equality that can persist in a community as welcoming as the riding community is today.

With the recent announcements of both a black Little Mermaid and a black female Agent 007, I thought now would be the perfect opportunity to emphasize my support. My identification with feminism is rooted in a knowledge of the history of inequality that has persisted in the United States – for all women, but surely for some more than others. A prime example being – while white women were granted suffrage in 1920, it was not until 1960 that some southerns states finally granted black women the right to vote. That was less than 60 years ago, and such injustice carries lasting effects.

While black women have undeniably been a prominently marginalized population throughout history, they have also been historically resilient. From Harriet Tubman, who not only completed 13 missions through the Underground Railroad and served as a general during the Civil War, to Bessie Stringfield, the valiant black female rider who toured through the Southern U.S. during the Jim Crow era – resilience has been a clear and prominent trait.

What makes me so excited about sharing Bessie’s story is that to her – she was a woman doing exactly what she felt like doing – riding her motorcycle. While what she was consequently accomplishing was successfully desegregating the riding community.

Photo courtesy of BessieStringfieldBook.com

In 1930, Bessie Stringfield became the first African-American female to ride her motorcycle across the United States solo. It was through this valiant adventure that a path was paved for fellow African-American motorcycle enthusiasts who wanted the freedom to ride everywhere and anywhere they chose.

Despite sleeping on her motorcycle at various gas stations through the night, having been denied access at various places to rest her head due to the color of her skin, Bessie made eight long-distance solo rides through the United States. She faced violence and harassment along the way, but that didn’t stop her from doing what she felt she had every right to do – ride her motorcycle.

Her hardcore attitude only increased when she started her work for the U.S. Army as a motorcycle dispatch rider during World War II – as the only female in her unit.

Bessie’s resilience persisted through her life and stood out thanks to her passion for motorcycles. From disgusing herself as a man to participate in a Miami motorcycle race – only to be denied the prize upon removing her helmet, to eventually earning her rightful title as a Motorcycle Hall of Famer in 2002, it’s clear that her resilience seems to have an endless lifespan.

Bessie Stringfield rode her own ride while simultaneously trailblazing for the many women and women of color to follow the path she paved. Despite the struggles she was forced to overcome at the hands of injustice, it is thanks to her resilience that the riding community could morph into what it is today – a space for everyone to ride free.

If you feel inspired to know more about Bessie Stringfield, check out the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame page. If you or a fellow lady rider are interested in being featured, message me via email or through Instagram and Facebook @feminist_motorist. A big thanks to @kcycle_chronicals for today’s suggestion! If you have any suggestions for future Moto Miss Monday posts, please feel free to message as well! Until then, Ride on, lades.

Image courtesy of Giphy – Empowered Women Empower Women

Ride On, Chicago.

July 11, 2019 feministmotorist

My family and I were scanning our menus at a restaurant in Downtown Disney. I was probably in middle school, looking for the food item that contained the most cheese possible. Our waiter came along and greeted us happily, and the minute we started ordering beverages he stopped us – “Lemme guess, Chicago?”

I was baffled. How was it possible this man knew we were from Chicago? My parents laughed, acknowledging the prominence of our Chicago accents. Our waiter jaunted away to grab our drinks and I stared at my parents with my eyes bulging out of their sockets. I had no idea us Chicagoan’s had accents. This blaring memory of insecurity was only temporary, as I have always been glad to come from a city with such rich culture and history.

My dad constantly likes to remind me, the morning after the Chicago fire, the city was up and about rebuilding and planning. Chicago had a Midwestern work ethic with a good mix of its own kind of crazy – it still does.

Growing up near the city left me with an exposure to all that Chicago has to offer. There is really something for everyone, including motorcycle enthusiasts. As a Chicago native, I want to pinpoint some of the best motorcycle related events, restaurants and shops in Chicagoland, while emphasizing some of the other hidden gems the city has to offer.

Chicago has a number of ideal restaurants for those who love to ride. Twisted Spoke is a favorite of my family’s and is easy to spot with its iconic skeleton riding a motorcycle.

If you’re looking for a rooftop bar with highly reviewed Bloody Mary’s, notoriously good food and a motorcycle theme – Twisted Spoke is the place to be. As for local gems, this restaurant is just down the road from Great Lakes Tattoos – a place that specializes in Traditional American tattoos with some of the best artists around. So, after you fill your belly, you’ll be all set to get some ink.

Another great choice if you’re looking for a moto-themed bite to eat is the Five Star Bar, which hosts Motorcycle Monday’s and leaves you ready to come back for Taco Tuesday’s. With some of the most reasonably priced meals available in the city, along with the excellent selection of drinks and motorcycle atmosphere, you will definitely want to check out the Five Star Bar.

Located in West Town, this restaurant is in one of my personal favorite areas of the city. From the outstanding sweets and Dark Matter coffee served at West Town Bakery, to the vintage motorcycle gear found at Tarnish – the best kind of thrift store for a motorcycle enthusiast. West Town is quaint and exotic in a way that only Chicago can accomplish.

If you’re belly is full and you’re on the prowl for some motorcycle apparel and gear, Motoworks Chicago, Dainese Chicago and Chicago Harley-Davidson are all great options. Motoworks is where you’ll want to go if you’re searching for a new bike, and Dainese is where you’ll want to head for gear-centered options. Meanwhile, Chicago Harley-Davidson, located in Wrigleyville, is a great place to check out first thing in the morning. With Do-Rite Donuts just next door and a coffee bar inside the Harley dealer, it’s a great location to sit and enjoy the city while surrounded by motorcycles, riding gear and apparel.

If you’re a Chicago local or even a tourist to the area in search of a motorcycle event or ride, Chi-town has plenty to offer. From long-distance trips like a Route 66 Guided-Tour to the Progressive International Motorcycle Show held in Rosemont annually, there is always something motorcycle-related to do and see in the Chicagoland area. A little bit of digging, and you’ll be sure to find the right event or ride for you.

Many of these events are hosted by Harley dealers in the Chicagoland area. With the overflow of ongoings in Chicago, the best way to keep up to date with moto events is to follow your favorite dealers, restaurants and shops on social media – show your support while scoring memorable nights at outstanding riding events, that’s the best way to be involved in the riding community.

As a Chicago native, I can say with confidence that these suggestions are not exhaustive, as there is always something new and exciting popping up in the city. If you know of more motorcycle gems that I missed out on mentioning, feel free to comment or message me and I’ll be happy to write an updated “Ride On, Chicago” post in the future! Want to know of more exciting places to check out as a Midwestern motorcyclist? Keep an eye out for next Thursday’s post as I begin my weekend adventure to Milwaukee. Until then, as always, ride on!

Moto Miss Monday

July 8, 2019July 8, 2019 feministmotorist

Dorothy “Dot” Robinson

The more exposure I get to the women in the motorcycle community, the more excited and impressed I become. In an ambition to generate more consistency with my mission as The Feminist Motorist, I have decided to reformat the way my posts function to align with my intentions.

For this reason, I have decided to dedicate my Monday posts to individual women in the riding community who are doing outstanding work and are relevant to building the history and legacy of lady riders. These posts will vary week by week, but will be based on interviews with fellow riders, business owners, and even cover women in history who paved the way.

I am excited to start this writing feature, and given that today is Monday, I decided to begin right away and focus on the admirable adventurer and Motorcycle Hall of Famer – Dorothy “Dot” Robinson.

Dot was born in April of 1912 to a father who was an amateur racer and sidecar designer. By 1918, Dot and her family made the move from Australia to Michigan where her father ran a motorcycle dealership. It was through this motorcycle lifestyle that Dot met her future husband, Earl Robinson, who would stop at her father’s shop daily while the two were in high school.

After their marriage, Dot and Earl participated in endurance runs and races, eventually making a record transcontinental run in 1935. After such riding successes, the couple were approached by Harley-Davidson and opened their Harley dealership in Detroit shortly after which they ran until 1971.

Despite these immense accomplishments for a woman of her time, it is not the dealership nor the endurance racing that drew my attention to Dot, it was her work with other women, like Linda Dugeau, to help pave the way for other ladies passionate about riding. Through the founding of the Motor Maids, Dot helped create opportunities and an organization pivotal in encouraging other women to ride.

After many busy years participating in the riding community, Dot and her husband sold their dealership and spent their retirement riding around the globe. By the age of 85 Dot had totaled a million and a half miles on her bike. She passed in 1999 at the age of 87, leaving a well-paved path for many future female riders to follow for years to come.

If you feel inspired to know more about Dot Robinson, check out the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame page. If you or a fellow lady rider are interested in being featured, message me via email or through Instagram and Facebook @feminist_motorist. If you have any suggestions for future Moto Miss Monday posts, please feel free to message as well! Until then, Ride on, lades.

The Grind

June 26, 2019June 26, 2019 feministmotorist

Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary – photo by me

For a lot of riders, summer means pulling the bike out of the garage from behind the snow blower and heading into the sun for some good old riding adventures. Summer means weekend road trips and spontaneous getaways with friends, riding and making memories to last us through long winter months. When I first started The Feminist Motorist a few months ago, that was my dream for the summer as well. It turns out, reality isn’t so appetizing.

In one of my first posts as The Feminist Motorist, I introduced myself. Today, I want to write more genuinely about who I am as the person behind this blog and this passion. I’m Bridgette Jasinski, a 21 year-old who comes from the wonderful city of Chicago, Illinois. During the academic year, I live in Champaign-Urbana, as I am heading into my senior year as an English Education major at the University of Illinois.

I can say first-hand that a lot of adults seems to have a misconstrued idea of what college life is actually like for students who don’t come from affluent families. This past semester, I went out to a bar once…with my mom who came for a visit and accurately holds the belief that I never go out and “live a little”. That’s because as a student, I do not have time.

Now, in my little head, I figured that after a semester of being a full time student with a job and a plethora of other teaching-related and extracurricular responsibilities, that I would be blessed with finding the perfect used motorcycle for my dad and I to fix up before the summer came to a close.

It’s summer now and the only bike I have operates with pedals and the use of my legs. I ride to work, and that’s pretty much the only riding I have had time to get in this summer. With the looming responsibility of paying my rent once the school year commences again, and with the lost cause that has become finding a used motorcycle in my price range, I realize that being The Feminist Motorist while also being a painfully broke college student is more difficult than I had originally anticipated.

But I think that’s part of why I want to continue talking about this journey.

Even if I spend the next year leading up to graduation without a motorcycle to call my own, there is still so much to discover and talk about. From the importance of waiting to find a bike that’s a right fit rather than leaping into a regrettable situation of fiscal irresponsibility, to covering the adventures I get to take with my dad and the amazing riders we encounter along the way – this is all part of my journey to becoming a rider.

I hope my determination to ride, having already completed the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy, will only encourage other young women interested in riding to keep their chin up. The grind really sucks, but when I’m at work kissing weekend after weekend goodbye from 2 pm to 10 pm, sometimes I stop wiping tables and imagine myself riding through the California Redwoods, or through Miami Beach, or even just down my own block.

I know I am still quite young and I have my whole life ahead of me to ride, and I also know I am fortunate beyond compare to be attending college – grind and all. I am blessed with a dad who takes me riding whenever we have the chance, and a family who supports my desire to ride. I am so lucky to have already met amazing people, like the ladies of She Wolf Moto Co, and The Litas who are supporting and following my journey as well – slow as it may be progressing.

Being a student is my main priority right now, and being The Feminist Motorist has to come as supplemental to the responsibilities being in this position has. A day will come when I throw my graduation cap in the air and simultaneously scrounge my remaining pennies for a bike to call my own, but until that time comes I have so much learning to do, plenty of motorcycle riding to experience with my dad, and more amazing female-centered businesses, and organizations in the riding community to cover.

I can’t wait to keep writing about where this journey winds up taking me.

Inspired By Sailor Jerry

June 11, 2019 feministmotorist

Every time I follow a fellow rider on Instagram, I always take a moment to marvel at the inevitably impressive ink they sport. Tattoos are undeniably interlaced with motorcycle culture. My personal infatuation with tattoos started with my own exposure to the inked-up individuals in the riding community, and thanks to my aunt who was the first member of my own family to take the leap and get a tattoo.

I remember as a little kid I would always run over and beg for her to lift the hem of her top so I could see her tattoo. I think that even as a small child, I knew I always wanted to join the fun and get a tattoo of my own. Given the amount of times I got scolded for drawing all over my arms with markers, I’m pretty sure my parents knew it was inevitable too.

My original sketch, also inspired by Sailor Jerry

This past year, when Harley-Davidson celebrated their 115th Anniversary, my dad and I rode to Milwaukee to celebrate. Through the whole weekend we were inspired by the Sailor Jerry bikes and tattoos that surrounded us. We were going to get inked up right there outside of the Harley-Davidson museum, but decided it would be in our best interest to figure out what designs we really loved.

Now, about a year later, we finally got our Sailor Jerry inspired tattoos. This past weekend, I celebrated my 21st birthday. Unlike most, I spent it with my family, including the part where I got my first tattoo. As usual, this was an experience I did alongside my dad. I sketched out both of our pieces, but it was thanks to the amazing work of Chip Douglas at Great Lakes Tattoo in Chicago that our visions came to perfect fruition.

The final product, Dad & I with our first tattoos

For those who are joining the riding community and feel inspired and in awe by all of the amazing tattoo artistry, but feel anxious, I can say that it was not nearly as painful as I had braced myself for. While everyone’s pain tolerance may vary, the best way I can describe the experience was a high degree of pinching or scratch-like pain for just the first few minutes. After, this faded into more of a hot sensation than pain.

So, if you’re looking to get ink, I say go for it!

As for our decision to get a Sailor Jerry inspired design, our artist explained it perfectly – the design is timeless and classic. Even if it blurs and fades with age, you will always know what the silhouette is. The designs are considered a classic for a reason, which explains the appeal they have always had in the riding community.

This is exactly why my dad and I felt so compelled to stick with this particular style, and why its existence in Western tattoo culture has remained a constant.

My dad and I can say with confidence that we love our new adventure buddies, permanent reminders of our riding adventures and the value of appreciating every moment. While tattoos are forever, they can be a reminder that forever really isn’t that long. Living with a little spirit and spunk is exactly what the riding community embodies, and that must be why so many of us sport a little ink as well.

Rolling Thunder

May 27, 2019May 27, 2019 feministmotorist

In honor of Memorial Day, I decided it would be an excellent opportunity to cover one of the biggest motorcycle rallies around – Rolling Thunder. Beginning in 1988, Rolling Thunder is an annual protest and demonstration pushing for accountability and raising awareness for prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA) who have been left behind by the negligence of the United States government. Presently, there are 86,521 unaccounted for service members. As coined by SSG Arthur T. Foss,

“Unaccounted for is unacceptable.”

In light of this, it is a positive that this cause has garnered so much support. This ride draws in motorcyclists from around the United States and the world by the thousands. Unfortunately, this will be the last year the event takes place in Washington D.C. given the rise in costs and complexities of Pentagon security. There is still room for this to change, but for now, the event will become regional and split into many rides across the United States.

Nonetheless, veterans and supporters alike are crossing their fingers that the rally returns to the capitol – myself included. Last year, I was fortunate to have traveled from Chicago to D.C. for the rally with my dad. This year it was my sister’s turn.

Rolling Thunder 2019 – my sister’s photo

What is so disappointing about the dispersal of the ride is that it shows how genuinely careless the United States government can be. When I was in middle school, I learned how politics works when my classmates and I sat through a six hour town hall meeting that went past midnight on a school day. We were there to protest the closing of the Teen Center in my hometown – a place where us latch-key kids could go for homework, board games, snacks and the like once school was out. Needless to say, after speeches from parents, teachers, staff, and countless middle school students – they closed the Teen Center.

This was a slap in the face to me as a twelve year old. Since then, the government has only continued to be a grave disappointment. Politicians are the pinnacle of what Rolling Thunder is not. The Rolling Thunder demonstration shows that there are individuals out there who actually care about those around them. Their fellow Americans, and fellow people.

The disappointment I felt in my local government’s failure through the closure of the Teen Center pales in comparison to the grandeur of what Rolling Thunder stands for – the lives of those who gave everything for the sake of preserving our nation. With nearly 90,000 service members still unaccounted for, alongside the blatant lack of care for veterans facing physical and mental health struggles that persists in the United States, it is clear the government is failing those who are most deserving.

This is why keeping Rolling Thunder alive is absolutely vital. There is an idea that has become prominent, and it’s that politicians are “leaders”. They are not. Their responsibility is to represent the voices of the American people and to enforce changes based on our needs and concerns. This is not what is happening, and this is why protests like Rolling Thunder, which bring to light the necessity for accountability, are so vital. If we cannot rely on politicians, we must rely on one another to take action.

This Memorial Day, we must remember those who served and have made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy things like barbecues on weekends, riding motorcycles, and exercising our First Amendment right to call out the government on their B.S. – which may be the best way to pay our respects and ensure these individuals are never forgotten.

Staff Sgt. Tim Chambers – The Saluting Marine, Rolling Thunder 2019

The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy Experience

May 21, 2019 feministmotorist

Here are some of the course materials, including the Certificate of Completion

Prior to Saturday, I had never ridden a motorcycle on my own. Dirtbike, yes. Passenger, yes. But I had no idea what “roll on the throttle” and “ease out the clutch” meant in action. I had no clue what it felt like to have control of the bike for myself. I had basic knowledge thanks to countless lessons from my dad while we sat in the garage, but taking ideas and putting them to action was something I had yet to experience – until Saturday.

I will absolutely admit that I was lying awake in strange mix of fear and joy Friday night. In all honesty, it wasn’t tipping the bike or even getting hurt that had me feeling nervous, it was the thought that I might not be fit for riding. The idea of being “coached out” of the class due to a lack of ability made me feel absolutely petrified. All my life I have dreamed of the day I get to ride next to my dad on my own bike. I could not shake the terror I felt for the idea that may never happen.

Needless to say, City Limits Harley-Davidson has some amazing teachers and an excellent program set-up for beginning riders. The step-by-step introduction to riding made me feel more at ease than being thrown into the deep-end as a self-taught rider. Taking the class and reviewing concepts from the Basic Ridercourse book on Thursday and Friday, and then putting those skills to action by riding on Saturday and Sunday with discussion breaks was extremely beneficial.

Was I perfect at everything? Absolutely not.

Did I successfully pass the rider course? Yes.

The bikes used are the Harley-Davidson Street 500, a super fun & comfortable ride.

Did I have a ton of fun? Absolutely.

The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy entailed two evenings in the classroom and two days of riding with discussion time during and after. The class ends with a practice run at the Illinois motorcycle license test – both written and riding. The instructors provide helpful feedback along each step of the process and the learning is extremely individualized.

While I definitely need more practice before I hit the road, I went from never riding before to weaving between cones, shifting gears, trying out counter-steering and genuinely riding on my own in the course of just two days. My mom, who took the class with me, also successfully passed thanks to the excellent teaching and curriculum Harley-Davidson offers. It just goes to show, whether you’re 20 or 50, riding can be for anyone.

Mom & I – So proud of us for beating the nerves and learning to ride!

Given the alarming statistics involving accidents and fatalities of self-taught riders, I would recommend this class to anyone looking to officially get their motorcycle license as either a beginner or experienced rider. Even if you have been on the road for years, you may be practicing some poor or unsafe habits without even realizing. If you have never ridden before, it is in your best interest to start out in with the safest skill set possible. The purpose of the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy is to get more motorcyclists on the road and to keep them there for many years to come by introducing safe riding habits and skills. I definitely feel confident in my ability to flourish as a rider in the coming months and years thanks to the excellent foundation I was given in this course.

If you’re looking to get into riding, I cannot recommend this course enough. It is thorough and comprehensive, but still extremely individualized. What’s more, it will give you a feel for the supportive nature of the riding community. My mom and I grabbed lunch with one of the other ladies in our class, we were congratulated by random people walking around the dealership, and others who had taken the class before were absolutely thrilled to see we were learning. While it was a little nerve-wracking, taking this major step in learning how to ride only makes me excited for the journey to come.

Out to lunch with fellow classmates. If you’re in the Chicago area, check out Alley 64!

As my instructor explained on Sunday, the class is meant to be a “celebration of knowledge” by the end of the weekend. Overall, they’re teaching you the steps it takes to ride safe and smart while ensuring you “enjoy the ride”.

If you’d like to hear more about the learning experience, feel free to message me on Instagram @feminist_motorist or through email at FeministMotorist@gmail.com.

Cannot wait to continue this riding journey!

Tips & Tricks for Riding Trips

May 9, 2019May 9, 2019 feministmotorist

Riding with my dad, Rolling Thunder 2018

With the very last Rolling Thunder Rally just around the corner, I can’t help but reminisce on the outstanding adventure my dad and I took last May. From Chicago to Washington DC, starting at 4 am and riding all the way to hit a weekend surrounded by fellow riders and bikes as far as the eye can see.

Traffic is terrible, unless you’re in motorcycle traffic. Then you feel like you’re in an electric sea of rumbling noise and happy people.

This year, my little sister is taking the long journey with my dad, but I will save the details of our adventures for Rally Day.

What I really want to address is how we prepared for a trip that would last 5 days when we rode the whole way. Unlike flying, your motorcycle doesn’t come with overhead storage. Taking a long trip on a bike is a stellar experience, but it shouldn’t be totally spontaneous or you may end up sorry, or terribly unprepared.

Based on our adventure, there are a few tips and tricks I have for anyone looking to take a long, worthwhile, haul on their bike.

Water

US Marine Corps Memorial, Washington Monument, US Capitol Building

If you are going to ride long distance, especially in the heat, you need to get water. While I usually avoid plastic bottles like a disease, these types of trips offer an exception to the rule. Since stops for gas are relatively frequent on a motorcycle road trip, while you’re at it, run inside the station and grab a bottle of water too. Chug it down before hopping back on the bike. Don’t worry about the bathroom trips, odds are you are sweating and heating up on the bike enough to last until the next stop just fine. Staying hydrated means maintaining focus, avoiding fatigue and headaches, and just taking care of your body during a long journey. Once you’re done, recycle the bottle. No clutter or extra weight on the bike needed.

Rain Gear

Our ride to Washington D.C. was like a movie montage. The sun was warm and welcoming, the flowers were blooming, the grass was lush and green. It was truly a gorgeous day. The same was not true when we were heading back home. In fact, we made a pit stop for gas in Indiana and watched as within two minutes of making it under the gas station canopy, dark and angry clouds rolled in and released a torrential downpour. Our phones were bleeping weather warnings, the wind was bending the trees. We yanked out our heavy-duty riding rain gear, dressed up and hopped on the bike. Needless to say, it felt like my legs were being pelted by rocks the rain was coming down so heavily, but we stayed nice and dry thanks to proper gear and preparing adequately.

Shipping

FedEx was truly our friend for this trip. Since Washington DC is a busy urban area, we had a plethora of shipping options. We still packed light in order to keep the package price down, but with a backpack each, the cost to send our bags to Washington DC from Chicago was about $20. Once we made it to DC, we broke down the boxes and put on our backpacks until we made it to the hotel. Same thing heading home, only we re-packed our bags and sent them off. Using this option meant we had plenty of extra space on the back of the bike during the ride for rain gear, emergency tools, and a set of spare clothes in case the package arrived late, and the like. This was an excellent option for us, but be sure to only pack what you will definitely need and use. The lighter your bag, the cheaper this shipping.

Hair Care

This one is for the lady riders. I know that by the time we made it to Washington DC after riding for 14 hours, my hair was basically one giant knot. If you have long hair and know how to braid, definitely take that route. French braids will keep your hair tame for most of the ride and keep it from getting in your way. Be sure to wear them a bit loose so you don’t have headaches or pain. For those of us with shorter hair, packing a little collapsible travel brush is a great option. Travel-size dry shampoo also doesn’t take up space and was my favorite during this trip. Helmet hair makes my hair look, admittedly, gross. Using a spray or two of dry shampoo was perfect before heading into a restaurant. You’ll also find that headbands and bandanas are your friend on trips like these.

Fuel

Dad & Uncle chilling with their Harley’s at the Lincoln Memorial

My dad and I had the joyous pleasure of running out of gas. We had to foot the bike a mile with my Uncle and a highway safety patrol following behind us until we made it to the gas station. Again, just a mile away. What would have been really great in this situation is a fuel bottle or two. Most of these come with holsters as well, making them easy to travel with. Unfortunately, with all of the highway construction happening in Ohio last May, we were unprepared for the large gaps between stops. Preparing for even the most potentially unlikely situations is a good call when it comes to riding, especially on long trips like these. Don’t learn that the hard way.

Ultimately, if you want to have the best riding road trip experience, know what’s best for you and definitely take the time to prepare. There is nothing worse than hindering an amazing adventure with a lack of preparedness that could have been easily avoided.

Keep an eye out for more posts as we continue the countdown to Rolling Thunder 2019

She Wolf Moto Co.

May 4, 2019May 4, 2019 feministmotorist

Happy International Female Ride Day!

With the celebration of this excellent occasion, I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about a female-owned motorcycle company that is doing some outstanding work – She Wolf Moto Co.

Founded by Nina Marin and based in Orange County, California, She Wolf Moto Co. is a collaboration passions and interests into a cohesive and well-meaning company. By intermixing veganism, motorcycles, vintage and horror – the business has certainly gained well-earned attention and support.

Unlike many riding products in circulation today, She Wolf Moto Co. advocates for raising awareness around animal cruelty and seeks to educate the community on the intricacies of these issues in a proactive and polite way. While the motorcycle community is leather-heavy, Marin’s belief is that there is plenty of space to make the riding community as ethical and cruelty-free as possible. In her eyes, everything helps.

On top of their ambitions in advocacy, She Wolf Moto Co. stands by their mission through donating a portion of their profits on a monthly basis to various organization that advocate against animal cruelty. As the business grows, their goal is to start fundraising rides for charities and to volunteer at events, such as those for animal adoptions. In the future, they also hope to have curated the perfect vegan material for safe and sustainable motorcycle gear such as gloves, jackets and other accessories. Beyond these localized ambitions, She Wolf Moto Co. hopes to continue expanding, as they are accomplishing with She Wolf Moto Co. East Coast, in order to assist more charities and reach new bounds.

The outstanding work of this female-owned motorcycle-oriented business does not stop with animal activism. She Wolf Moto Co. also provides a spotlight for local artists by collaborating for their apparel designs. Stacey Newmayer created their Logo Ringer Tee. Their Ride Hogs Pet Dogs tee was created by Tokyo Hiro. Proceeds from this shirt also support the Rock and Roll Rescue shelter, run by Hiro’s wife. She Wolf has also featured work by Howlin’ Wolf Tattoo Co. artists.

The more I learn about She Wolf Moto Co. the more excited I am to see this brand flourish. I could not have found a better business to feature for International Female Ride Day. Marin firmly believes that there is a necessity for female-oriented moto brands and is ecstatic at the positive response her business has garnered from women in the community. It is a reminder for how badly these types of organizations are needed, and she is thrilled to be a part of such an empowering community and movement.

Marin explains this connection to the riding community in the perfect way

“I’ve seriously found my pack”

Frankly, when it comes to women in the riding community, I couldn’t agree more.

Go follow She Wolf Moto Co on Facebook and Instagram. Support their cause by checking out their website as well. Ride on today, ladies! And May the Fourth be with you…