You may not realize it, but the term motorcyclist is not gender specific. And that recent figures show that 10% of us who throw a leg over a motorcycle are women. Of course the figure at my house is 25%, but don't expect to find anything average about us here. So it is not unusual when we travel to meet women on their motorcycles and enjoying themselves. And from time to time we have been know to have quite a few women who ride and their rides parked in front of our house. So take that soccer mom-park your mini-van somewhere else, real women ride!
My first experience with a woman rider was in Albuquerque. Penny rode an R75/5 BMW. I encountered her on South 10, now Hiway 14, and had trouble staying with her in the curves. When we stopped and talked, seems she knew Gerald, my chiropractor and best friend, and knew all about me-but talked to me anyway. Long legged, blond, and attractive, under the helmet she was just another unknown biker, who just happened to ride fast. With the helmet off, she was a woman who rode fast, too fast for some male egos to handle. I loved it.
My second experience was also in Albuquerque. God was dealing with my worship of my R90S, and I was looking to sell it. Rocky, my friend and 1%er, sent Jan my way, again tall, and riding a TX500 Yamaha. We finally did a trade, I got the Yam and some cash, and she got the S. I even rode a couple of times with her. No waiting for her though, I still think she learned patience waiting for me. Must have been the S, no girl could be that fast. She was used to riding with the throttle wide open, so did on the S with twice the horsepower. Gotta love a girl like that.
And of course I know many women who ride. Penny, Roseanne, Paula, Mary FNY, and of course my wife. With a common denominator, they all ride very well, have great skills, and except for Theresa, they all are better riders than their husbands. Note-Mary FNY is single men, if you could keep up with her. I'll gladly ride with them anywhere-Roseanne loves the Ortega, Penny has gone over 120mph on her Sportster, and Theresa has ridden 600 mile days. Paula rides everywhere, and teaches riding courses. We enjoyed a day riding to Montauk Point with Mary FNY. I also think it is nice of them to let me lead, so I don't spend all day catching up. Maybe not better riders than the extreme crowd, but riders just the same. I remember when a woman who rode was extreme. Women who love motorcycles and love to ride. And I think its great.
Now fast women are nothing knew. Or are skilled or perceptive ladies either. Take for example the first Sunday after Jesus was crucified. Here come Peter and John running to the tomb where Jesus is buried. Only to find Mary and other women already there. Their sensitivity to the situation brought them there much earlier that morning, and it was even Mary who had the courage to ask the angel, "where have you taken My Lord?" And the first to hear of His resurrection. And as other examples teach us in the Bible, women have held special places with God. Ruth, the other Mary's, Rehab the Harlot, Sarah, Miriam, Rachel, and Martha and Mary. Women who were bold enough, loving enough, and sensitive enough to the Holy Spirit. And who loved the Lord. And if they lived today, I could see them as woman bikers-all of them. For they have that special sense that only someone who rides can have, and that special spiritual sensitivity that only a Christian lady can have.
Did I forget to mention, all the ladies who ride with my wife are Christians? Gives them a special sisterhood if you would, motorcyclist and Christian. Riding with Jesus, and making a statement about who they are, why they ride, and sharing the gospel. Like the license plate frame Penny gave to Theresa, it says "GET OVER IT! WOMEN RIDE TOO!" And just like many churches, Jesus is not just for men anymore.
So next time you follow a motorcycle, and see a pony tail sticking out from underneath the helmet, take a second look. That biker just might be a woman! Or someone you know! Or even my wife! And if you see them at church, ask them about the freedom in riding their own motorcycle. And the freedom that God allows them in the spirit. And if your wife rides, a double blessing. Hang onto that one, she is special. Jesus loves all motorcyclists-lady bikers too.
And a mighty thanks to God, for now when I say I ride with my best friend, it's my wife. Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles-truly it don't get any better than this.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com