Death and isolation has left me too scared to learn to ride a motorcycle. 

Some of my fondest and earliest memories of my dad center around sitting in the handcrafted wooden backseat of the trike he had created from miscellaneous parts. 

The Ladies of Harley and Laramie HOG groups ride to Walden, Colo. Sunday (Photo: Sara Davis)

Safety first for us girls, my sisters and I would wear our ¾ helmets; mine was pink pearl. We took turns as we rode with our dad, two at a time, around the neighborhood. 

My sisters and I would snuggle in the seat, giggle about the bumps on the road and try to grab the air with our fingers spread wide.

But when times got tough and money was scarce, my dad sold his trike and Harley Davidson just so we could eat. 

After that, the closest I could get to that same feeling during my childhood and teenage years was riding my bicycle, which really is not the same.

A few years ago, I met a guy who rode a motorcycle. I told him the story about my dad and he offered to take me for a ride. Although it was not quite the same as I remembered, it still gave me that feeling of freedom. It not only gave me the ability to see things one can miss when in a car; but it made me realize what I had missed all these years. 

I want to ride. 

I want to be in charge. 

I want to drive until the road ends and map my own destiny. 

But motorcycles aren’t for women, are they?

Upon closer observation of the traffic in town and talking to people in the community, I realized motorcycles are as much for women as they are for men. 

Although there are accounts of women bikers since the beginning, motorcycles have traditionally been associated with masculinity. However, motorcycle distributers have realized the large market they are missing out on by not addressing women. 

Many Harley dealerships have garage nights—events where women can go to the shops, get acquainted with the bikes, socialize with other females and break tradition by gaining the confidence to be the driver. 

Laramie is no exception to breaking tradition.  The Ladies of Harley, a sister club to the local HOG club, is geared toward women who love motorcycles with the purpose of encouraging females to ride. 

Ladies of Harley Treasurer Jonnie Jenkins said her group rides together at least once a year to benefit breast cancer, a disease that is home hitting for a lot of females. 

Riding in a group such as the Ladies of Harley is a way of keeping up the momentum to continue riding and serves as a means to meet people who share the same interests.  The Ladies of Harley is not meant to segregate men from women; rather it is a group originally founded to provide extra support for female riders.

Jenkins said the men and women usually ride together. Jenkins got her motorcycle license about two years ago after being a passenger for 20 years. Jenkins said for her it was a matter of feeling comfortable being the driver.

Jenkins still doubles up on her husband’s bike every once in a while, but she likes that she has the option to go for a ride and be in control. 

Naomi Krizan also started as passenger. Krizan said her husband bought their first Harley in 2002, but after riding on the back of the bike she wanted to try it for herself. In 2005, Krizan bought her first bike and has been loving riding since. Krizan said driving the motorcycle is like riding a horse- it gives her great feeling of freedom. 

Both of these women said they primarily ride with their husbands but enjoy riding with other people, as well. Many women enjoy the feeling of taking charge and sharing a hobby with their husbands.

Another female motorcycle rider, Kathy Wickersham, said she found riding has served as a tool to bond with friends and family. After her two sons were grown up, she was looking for something special she could do with her husband.  Now, the motorcycle serves as a way to have girl bonding time with friends.

For women interested in riding, Jenkins suggested taking the basic riding course offered through WYDOT. Jenkins, Krizan and Wickersham took the course and said it was the best way to learn technical aspects and drive in a safe environment.

A gal pal of Wickersham took the WYDOT course as a confidence builder.  The gal pal was an experienced rider, but she was too scared to get back on her bike after a friend died in a motorcycle accident.  The WYDOT course offered the lady a safe environment to gain back her confidence and now regularly takes her bike out for a ride.

Death did not stop her from trying to “live to ride.”

The cost for taking the course is $25 for residents and $125 for non-residents.  Wickersham said the course is a good and cheap way to find out if you are really interested in riding before committing to purchasing a bike because the course provides all sizes and styles of bikes in addition to an in-depth scope of road rules and safety aspects.  

After completing the course and passing the test, riders will have a better feel for what type of bike they will feel most comfortable on.  Lighter weight bikes are recommended for beginner riders because they have the most maneuverability.  And if you are only 5’3” like me, don’t worry, there are bikes especially made to accommodate smaller frames such at the 1200 Low Harley Davidson Sportster.

Also, don’t get down on yourself if you don’t pass the course the first time you take it—not everyone does.  The course is designed to get you familiar with the bike and to gain confidence.  You can always get a permit to practice riding.  

For first time riders Krizan suggests taking it slow to gradually build up confidence and skill. 

I am still tentative about learning to drive a motorcycle because of the possibility of death. Yet, I sent my $25 check and enrolled in the WYDOT basic riding course.  These women have served as an inspiration to me.  I know that I will not be alone out on the road and I will be able to conquer my fears one step at a time.  

Finally, I will be able to feel that freedom from my childhood all over again.

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