Funny Story...

by Jenn Clark
(Seattle, Wa)

My dad and I

Okay, I have often laughed about the real reason I began riding. I was the first born of 2 daughters to a father who always wanted a son; so needless to say, I am my mother's daughter and my father's son. My family never once thought I'd ever ride a motorcycle as I never showed much interest, until one day when my dad challenged me. He wanted me to learn to ride so that if something happened to him I'd be able to get his motorcycle home. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he taught me to ride his motorcycle and that's when it happened, I got the bug. Soon after, I got my license and my own motorcycle, a Vstar 1300 in a beautiful galaxy blue.

I started riding on the streets and suddenly I realized why so many men and women ride, it is a sense of freedom, a moment when I find that one country road, go into the turn and the motorcycle and I become one. It is an extension of myself, that exact moment when my mind clears, the sun warm on my back, the air cool on my skin, the unity and courtesy of other motorcycle riders...that moment when all is right, when the office stress melts away, no more people demanding things from me, working 6 days a week is suddenly worth that one ride...there is only me and my iron horse enjoying a beautiful day. All is right in my life, I am truly being myself and that smile comes across my face. That's the moment that makes me want to ride and the moment that I crave from Monday morning until Saturday afternoon.