My Projects in Progress

By now, you know that one of my passions and hobbies includes my motorcycles. If you didn’t know that, now you do. I was lucky enough to get my first one (aka My Boo) in 2014. 

That was definitely a period of transition for me, as I was still finding my way after the demise of a 14-year relationship that was toxic, but was all I really knew as an adult. Then I jumped into another relationship that I probably wasn’t ready for. We weren’t really right for each other at that time.

I was learning, in my early-mid thirties, who I am and what I liked and all that the world had to offer me. My kids were finishing up high school and beginning their own lives. I was all I had. I started making friends for the first time in years. I started experimenting with hobbies, alcohol, dating, and whatever else I could find to get into.

But one thing stuck. My love for these incredible machines. My first is a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750. I called him my beast aka my boo. I know there are stronger machines, but to me he was a beast. (Yes, my bike is a he.) I wanted to customize the bike and make it really mine, but wasn’t in the financial position to do that.

That year, that bike probably saved me in a few ways. I had some health concerns and had so many changes happening that it gave me something to look forward to. It gave me peace, excitement, solace, freedom, and so much more.

It also gave me a sense of owning something I always wanted. Experiencing something that set my soul on fire. It was euphoric. I was proud. I also felt incredibly selfish for spending that much money on something just because I wanted it.

In hindsight, that was one of the first things I did just for me. I’m grateful to my younger self for giving me that. It’s so much more than a bike. The journey that bike started for me led me to right here, right now. I’ve grown as a person, a woman, and so much more because of doors, or roads, that were opened to me because of that decision.

A few years later, my boss at the time backed into my bike at work. The insurance company totaled my bike out. I was devastated. However, there was a silver lining. I was paid out and purchased my second bike, a 2013 Suzuki GSX-R 1000, aka Mandingo. By the way, I was able to purchase the 750 back from the insurance company, so I had 2 amazing machines in my stable.

I had plans of customizing the 1000 as well. And, just like before, a series of things happened that prevented me from getting around to it.

In 2018 some things were happening in my life that led to some serious choices and lifestyle changes for me. I was sick. I was living incredibly recklessly. My lifestyle was killing me. If not physically, mentally, or emotionally, my poor choices would definitely lend a hand. I was out every night, not getting a lot of sleep, drinking heavily, eating poorly, and making choices that were detrimental to my mental and emotional health.

Part of me really believed that I would die when I was 45. I knew that was approaching, but I was almost daring the universe to take me early. I was drinking and riding. At high speeds. I just didn’t care about much.

A series of conversations with a close friend led me to the realization that I could make different choices and my “dying at 45” thought wasn’t set in stone, unless I made it so. I started getting my finances together. I changed my diet and started getting my health in order. I was going out a lot less. I was working so much I didn’t have much time to ride or be out. Things were shifting.

My relationship with my kids and family were slowly improving and deepening. It was more intentional and less going through the motions. I was more present. After I stepped away from almost everything and everyone in my life, I started to reintegrate some socialization with select friends.

There was a lot of figuring out things. What situations and relationships were truly beneficial for all parties involved. And which ones were one-sided.

I took a road trip with one of my closest friends and a group of girls we’ve rode with in Vegas. We went to California for BRO (Babes Ride Out), an all girl motorcycle campout/rally. It was amazing…until our last night on the trip.

Britt went down when we were coming back to the campsite. She was airlifted. She spent 30 days in the hospital in California. Her life was changed forever that day. In a different way, so was mine.

I realized that even though I was making some changes, they weren’t enough. I wasn’t where I should be financially. I would be a burden to my children and my family if something happened to me like that. I was living day to day and had an eviction notice at that time. I didn’t have health insurance. Or life insurance. I was a hazard. To myself, and everyone I love.

When I got home, I vowed to put my bikes up until I had health and life insurance and at least 3 months worth of bills in a savings account. A year later, I was almost there. Then I got hit by an impaired driver (for the second time that year) in my car. I was left with some life changing injuries from that, and wasn’t physically able to ride for over a year.

In fact, the doctor told me my riding days were done. He recommended a few surgeries that I opted not to go through with at that time. He told me not to do a lot of the things I enjoy any more. No horseback riding. No zip lining. No riding. Nothing that I get my adrenaline rush from.

In time, I had to get a second opinion. That doctor recommended the same. He told me realistically, he can’t ask me to stop living. He said my body will definitely tell me when it’s time to sit down. And I do pay for it. Sometimes riding costs me a couple of days of recovery. But it’s so very worth it to me.

Last year, I purchased my third bike, my white girl with the hips. A 2011 Victory Cross Country. Only this time, I did start to customize her. I had a couple of basic plans…and they have grown into a massive overhaul. I haven’t got to ride the Victory for the last three months because she’s been in the lab. But boy am I looking forward to reintroducing her. In fact, I’m hoping to take her on her maiden cross country voyage next month. Actually, a first for both of us. If it happens, you’ll definitely get to read about that journey here.

In the meantime, I have also been able to customize Mandingo. I can share a few before and after pictures of him now. Just know it’s nothing compared to what’s coming!

I hope that everyone gets to experience a passion of theirs, a life-long dream, coming true. To work for it, and finally watch it all fall into place is priceless. It’s worth every thought, penny, second, and everything else that has led me to where I am.

Full photo shoots are coming…just waiting on a few finishing touches!