Art – the feminist motorist

Moto Miss Monday

August 13, 2019August 13, 2019 feministmotorist

Grey, rainy, overcast – that’s the Monday we woke up to here in Chicago. Thankfully, it’s Moto Miss Monday which means there’s something to brighten up a dreary start to the week! Today, as opposed to covering a female rider from history, I am going to talk about an outstanding artist, small-business creator, Lieutenant and adventurer extraordinaire from the riding community.

Kayla Koeune

As I mentioned in my last post about helmet safety, Kayla Koeune of Inferno Art Studio designs some fantastic helmets, motorcycle tanks and even canvas prints that leave me wishing I wasn’t a poor college student. Her work is absolutely splurge-worthy.

What I love about keeping up with Kayla’s adventures is, frankly, that they are so constant. I find that most people hear ‘motorcycle’ and think stunts, racing and biker bars. In actuality, what many people in the riding community seem to love is the access to simultaneous freedom and adventure – that’s what Kayla’s personal riding account captivates. Keeping up with her evident wanderlust makes me incredibly excited for the riding journeys that lay in my future.

Something I also love about the way Kayla captures the true spirit of being a rider is the way she showcases the people she meets along the way. Certainly, many of her photos are filled with breathtaking scenery, her spouse and plenty of motorcycles – but what people don’t realize about riding is that you generally have a chance like no other to meet some incredible individuals. From riding in India, Europe, Mexico and all around the United States – Kayla has interacted with all kinds of people from all around the globe.

While I am admittedly inspired by Kayla’s plentiful riding adventures, which you can keep up with on her own blog, I am also amazed by her ability to capture the spirit of riding in her art.

Art by Kayla Koeune, Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Kayla’s work is incredibly detail-oriented. From portraits and gorgeous landscapes to incredible looking helmets – if you feel like adding a canvas to your wall or want some sweet looking gear it is certainly worth contacting her if commissions are open. If any artist successfully captures the spirit of riding adventure in cohesion with the peace of mind it provides, it’s Kayla Koeune.

While I have yet to ascertain one of Kayla’s pieces, I will gladly be following along with both her adventures and her artwork. If you are interested in checking out this outstanding modern example of what it means to be a female rider, definitely give her a follow @kaylainfernoart and @roadsareforjourneys!

If you have any suggestions for future Moto Miss Monday posts, please feel free to message me as well! Until then, ride on, lades.

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!

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.

Getting to Know “The Feminist Motorist”

March 26, 2019 feministmotorist

While I have already taken the opportunity to introduce The Feminist Motorist by its meaning and intentions, I thought it would be useful to introduce myself as well. My name is Bridgette Jasinski and I am the lady behind The Feminist Motorist.

Motorcycles have always been a part of my life and the riding community definitely helped shape who I am today. Nonetheless, the “hardcore” stigma of motorcycle culture is admittedly undermined by my other passions.

Outside of riding, I am generally an introverted bookworm. While this may not sound like your typical “wild biker” personality, I think my other interests relate to why I love riding. I have always enjoyed time adventuring in my own mind. This is what attracts me to riding, but it also relates to my love of reading, writing, photography, and drawing.

Sailor Jerry inspired sketch from September 2018

In my spare time, you can often find me with my nose in a book – sketchbook included. I love the way these sorts of activities captivate my thinking and imagination. My passion for this sort of escapism links to my future path as well. I am currently studying at the University of Illinois as an English major with a minor in Secondary Education. If you thought being a motorcyclist seemed badass then you clearly haven’t worked with teenagers. Jokes aside, I am beyond excited to be going into teaching and cannot wait for the daily adventures this profession has in store.

As for more typical adventures, I love hiking and exploring the outdoors. Access to travel is something that definitely increases my love for riding. From road trips making unique stops in small towns to random weekend getaways, travel is something I greatly enjoy and look forward to as I grow more experienced as a rider.

Through all of my interests, hard work, passions, tribulations, and sarcastic comments, my family has always been there for me. Whether it’s sitting through yet another Shakespeare performance, answering the phone when I am stressing about finals, or encouraging me to pursue riding even when others pass judgements – my family is an amazing and constant source of love and support. I may be in my twenties but I happily admit to enjoying when I get to hang out with my family.

As for simpler pleasures, I get a lot of joy from being around people I care about. I also love the little things – sitting on the couch watching yet another superhero movie, walking the dogs while struggling to eat an ice cream cone simultaneously, putting excessive amounts of parmesan on my pasta, falling asleep to Jimi Hendrix, going on long runs to get rid of frustrations, and laughs so genuine that they make my stomach hurt – these simple things are what really keep me going day to day. I may be clumsy, constantly sleep-deprived and a broke college girl, but I look forward to these little moments and know that riding will only make them more frequent and accessible.

I may be a fresh face to riding, and I may have a lot to learn, but I am thrilled to share this journey. I am Bridgette Jasinski, and I am so excited to be The Feminist Motorist.

Have questions? Feel free to comment below!