Harleys & Heels | Biker Bitch Feature #8 | Elizabeth S.

Meet: Liz

1. How long have you been riding?

I have been a back rest for about 5 years, but riding my own for about a year and a half.

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2. What do you ride?

I have a Black 2006 FXSTSI Softail Springer

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3. How many bikes have you owned and why did you choose your current model?

This is my one and only, so far.  To be honest, it was actually a bike my boyfriend had always really liked and so when I saw this one, I honestly believe it helped persuade him that I should be riding my own.  I do really really really love this bike, though.  It had big ole’ 12 inch apes with about 3 inch chrome risers and it just looked so amazing!  I sat on it and it just felt like it was meant to be.

Like, this was the bike for me.

I have since done some upgrades and have many more ideas that I will eventually get to, but we all know that takes money!  My lil work in progress.  🙂

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4. Does your bike have a name?

Not yet… I am totally stumped on a name!   I think a name will jump out at me once I get all the upgrades completed.

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5. Tell us the story behind why/when you decided to ride your own bike?

My dad always had his motorcycle endorsement but he didn’t have a bike when us kids were growing up. Occasionally he would borrow a buddy’s bike and take us for a spin, but that was about it.

Later in life, I met my man, Andy, who had grown up riding motorcycles.  It was in his blood.

Andy & his older brother

Naturally, I started riding on the back of his Road King.  It was about 3 years ago that I decided I wanted to take the motorcycle training class through ABATE of Iowa.  I took it, passed it, loved it, but still didn’t have the bike.  I would dream and search endlessly for bikes online. About a year and a half ago I ran across my dream bike and emailed it to my boyfriend and said:

I think I’m in love!

He thought it was a pretty sweet ride as well, so I started checking into it and the rest is history!  I was SO excited the day we went out to pick her up!   It was a Friday and my boyfriend had just landed at Eppley Airfield after two weeks of business travel and he headed straight for Dillon Brothers Harley Davidson.   He took it for a test ride, looked it over thoroughly, I signed all the papers, we loaded it up in his truck and took her home!   Sadly, I had to work at the bar that night AND had a ton of stuff going on the day after, so it wasn’t until 2 days later that I was able to ride her for the first time.

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6. Do you have a biker who is your inspiration?

I don’t know that I have one particular person in mind, but I can name a few!  For starters, before I was riding my own, every woman rider that I would see got me thinking “I could do that”.

Secondly, my new girls: the “Biker Bi!ches”.   Those gals are so freaking awesome and inspire me to get out, be me and ride! We are all such awesome chicks and so glad that I have met each and every one of them!

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And of course, my best friend and boyfriend Andy.  He knows so much about bikes and can tell you the exact year, make & model of a bike that is 300 yards away.  I just wish I knew half the stuff he does.  He has stood by my side and pushed me to get on my own bike.  I am so happy that he did!  We have made so many memories already and can’t wait to make many more!

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7. What are some of you favorite things about the biker lifestyle?

My favorite thing would be the camaraderie and the sense of friends/family that comes with it.  I have met some of the best people through riding motorcycles.  I think about 90% of my friends ride.   Riding creates an instant bond and no one cares about your social or financial status. The point is you ride and you like to ride. Everyone is so accepting of every walk of life and that makes for one heck of a party!

8. Give us one of your favorite two-wheeled stories.

I’ll give a funny one.   Last year, after I got my bike, I was riding with my boyfriend and all of the sudden a giant bug went up my nose and down the back of my throat.  Nothing about going 70mph down the highway that involves bugs is a good experience. Trust me when I say, it was horrible.  I ended up slowing way down, trying to spit it out and trying not to throw up at the same time ALL while keeping the two wheels moving forward.  Meanwhile, my man had pulled over to the side of the road, so by the time I reached him, I looked mighty fine with watery eyes and slobber all over my cheek and shoulder. all thanks to trying to spit a bug out.   I got off my bike, regained my composure and then off we went again.

Oh, the life of a biker; those bugs never stand a chance, but they sure try!

His and Hers

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9. What advice would you give other females who are thinking about riding their own?

Just do it! If you have ever even thought about riding your own, then I highly suggest the ABATE of Iowa learning course. It teaches you so much and the teachers are great.  Just get out there, don’t be scared.

It is very empowering… not to mention bad ass.

10. There are many “Biker Codes” out there. If you had a favorite what would it be?

I’m not really sure if this is a “biker code” but I absolutely love the saying;

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

I think it fits with us bikers. Yeah, we can be serious and get things done, take care of our families, hold down good jobs but we know that there is still so much more!  The experiences and the views are what we miss when we are so wrapped up in making a living. We have to be able to relax and for us, that’s riding!

We might not know where we are heading but we are out there enjoying the ride…

wherever it may take us!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND, LIZ!!!

Cheers!

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Keep up-to-date on all Biker Bitch Features:

#1: Ashley H.

#2: Jen M.

#3: Chris Y.

#4: Lora J

#5: DeAnn P.

#6: Tyree S.

#7: Marcy L.

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