Rider Profile - Doris Maron
Doris Maron, mother of 3 and grandmother of 5, was born June 5, 1948 in Alberta – seventh in a family of nine. She grew up on a farm in east-central Alberta and attended a small country school. She married in 1967, divorced 15 years later and raised her children as a single mom. Doris continued her education in computers and finance obtaining an accounting certificate and several computer software certificates. Later, she completed the CFP courses required for Financial Planners and worked as an Investment Advisor.
Doris began riding in 1989 at age 41 and loved it from the first day out. She had wanted to have a motorcycle since her teens but it was unheard of for a girl in her family. During her training course she swiped the bumper of a car and smashed her right leg badly, but that didn't stop her. She completed the course and got her license and first bike that year.
When asked what it is about motorcycling that keeps her riding, her response was “I love the freedom of the open road, the wind in my face, the smell of nature all around me. I love the power of the bike and ease of maneuvering through corners, curves and traffic. My bike is an extended part of me.”
Doris enjoys long distance rides (touring) and curvy roads – and the feeling of the bike leaning into the curves. . She loves to see new country, meet new people and experience new cultures.
It's difficult for Doris to identify her favourite motorcycle is because she's enjoyed all the bikes she's owned. “If I had to choose I'd say my 1500cc Honda Goldwing. It is comfortable for long distance riding, handles great and has plenty of room for packing what I need. My second choice (and very close to the Goldwing) would be my Honda ST1300 – fabulous bike!! (for all the same reasons).
Her favourite motorcycle experience was her 3 year trip around the world on her 750cc Honda Magna. She traveled mostly solo into 44 countries on 6 continents from August 2001 to end of June 2004 often staying in the homes of local families. “What better way to witness first hand how people live in other cultures?”
She taught English in Thailand , hiked in the Himalayas in Nepal , saw the Dhali Lama in India , received a police escort across the desert in Pakistan on her 55 th birthday, broke down in the desert in Iran and battled the border crossings and won! She faced major challenges and fears to live a dream that became “the best adventure of my life.”
You may read about her journey in her upcoming books; Untamed Spirit – around the world on a motorcycle. The first book covers her journey from home to Alaska , Australia , New Zealand , Singapore , Malaysia , Thailand , Cambodia and Laos and will be on the market this fall – likely in September. The second book continues from Nepal to home going through India , Pakistan , Iran , Turkey , Europe, Morocco , South America, Central America , Mexico and home. You can visit Doris at her website.