Women Riders Speak is an interview series with female motorcyclists which appears every Monday. Through their stories, they illustrate the transformative role motorcycling has played in their life. In this first interview, Bridget Greer, from Burlington,Ontario, reflects on her experience as a rider. If you are interested in sharing your story, email Liz.

What prompted you to get into motorcycling?

I first started buzzing around cottage roads on a variety of mini or dirt bikes during the summer of ’68 or ’69. We rode in bathing suits and wrapped a piece of cloth around the shifter so it didn’t dig into our bare feet. In the evenings we sat around the campfire and picked the gravel out of our knees, and sprayed on some Bactine so we would be good to go the next day. The old photo is from the summer of ’72. At least we graduated to wearing pants and shoes, but still no helmets!

Changing circumstances and priorities in my late teens led to a hiatus in riding which came to an end thanks to my son. At 16, he went toParison an exchange and fell in love with the Vespa scooter. After working and saving madly all summer, he bought himself an ’85 200cc retired Italian Postal Service Vespa. He was just having way too much fun, and both my husband and I got the bug to get back into riding.

We now own a variety of BMW’s, including two classic 70’s bikes, and three dual-sports. Most days I ride a 2002 F650GS, but I also ride a two-stroke Vespa scooter on occasion. It’s very stylish!

What was your biggest challenge when you were learning to ride?

Learning to deal with traffic. Riding on the road is very different from being on private dirt roads and properties. I took the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) rider’s course to relearn how to ride, and to drop some bad habits. Once I got back in the groove, I was comfortable on the road quite quickly.

I’m a very focused rider and that carries over to driving too. I’ve avoided some serious rear-enders in my car because I’m constantly checking mirrors.

Where have you travelled on your motorcycle?

I commute on my bike for about 10 months of the year. Otherwise, I’ve been west to Wyoming, the entire east coast from Meat Cove,Cape Breton to Florida, primarily riding dual sports. I like to play in the dirt too.

Although I ride in groups to rallies and events on occasion, most of my traveling is just with my husband, and our son joining us on occasion. I like riding on my own and keeping my own time and schedule and groups can be too much work. It’s fun to go out and get lost somewhere.

The next step is to ship a bike to Europe. My son works and studies there, so it would be ideal for him to use it and then I could pick it up to tour on when I visit.

What impresses you most about another woman rider?

I love the courage than some women have to quit their jobs, sell everything, and travel the country, continent or world until they run out of funds. I keep telling my kids not to plan to come home after I retire, because there won’t be a home to come to. I’m buying a good tent and leaving! I also love the spunk of the senior riders who keep on riding well into their 80’s. That’s something I aspire to.

What is your greatest joy from riding?

Riding is very cathartic. I can totally let go of everything in my mind and just focus on the ride. All of the daily troubles disappear. I “see” so much more too, like a caterpillar trying to cross the road; things you would miss in a car.

How do you look back on yourself as a beginner rider now?

All the gear, all the time! I shudder to think how we made it through back then!

Melissa Holbrook Pierson is a pioneer and role model for women - and men - riders.   Her book The Perfect Vehicle, published in 1997, brilliantly,pragmatically and beautifully articulated the allure of the motorcycle.  If you haven't yet read it, you owe it to yourself to do so.

Her blog Girls on Motorcycles provides an eloquent snapshot of her perspective.  

Thank you Melissa.

Motorcycles, Maintenance and Empowerment - The Connection

Ever since the first steam-engine motorcycle appeared in 1867, motorcycles have held a certain mystique. Basically, a bike is a piece of metal and a few other materials on two wheels. Yet so many people shrink away from even the simplest maintenance, thinking it’s beyond them.

Who knew that the basics in an owner’s manual could teach us as much about ourselves as they teach about the bike? I don’t understand all the mechanical, technical and electrical complexities of my bike. I do know, however, that even a little bit of knowledge demystifies it. 

Getting started is simple.   Over and above your increased safety and reduced costs, here’s what you’ll find:

• You’ve got the tools.   The tools that come with your bike are all you need to get started, other than a tire pressure gauge.   
• The basics are easy.  Get out your owner’s manual and try it. Start with the routine things; checking tires for wear, air pressure, oil level, chain tension and lubrication (if you have a chain drive).  Not only will your bike perform better and last longer, it’s much safer.
• You can do more than you realized.  Even small successes breed confidence.  Accomplishing something we thought was out of our league prepares us for the next challenge.  We learn we’re capable of far more than we gave ourselves credit for and are encouraged to try new things.
• You’re a much more confident rider.  Without the understanding, you don’t know what you don’t know. Hence, you get out on the road and you have no idea what could go wrong, nor would you be prepared if it did.   If you routinely check your bike, you know it’s in good repair and it’s not likely to let you down.   You can detect potential problems before they get out of hand.
• Self-Discovery.  You don't know you can do something like that until you do. Too many people give up before they start or even get close to being a success, because they tell themselves it can’t be done. Or they’ve been told they can’t do it. Think of the message that’s playing to your subconscious.
• Greater awareness.  You know it’s done and it’s done right. Just doing it helps you understand how it works.  Then you don’t feel like you’re at the mercy of an unscrupulous mechanic. 

Learning Maintenance 101 builds confidence, awareness and independence. It increases safety, motorcycle performance and longevity. It reduces costs. Before you go for your next ride, take a few moments and learn something new about your bike.  You'll be amazed at how empowering it is!

Trillium Motorcycle Tours & Events is offering their final DIY Maintenance Workshop for 2011 on September 10th.  Try it out and see what you learn about yourself!    Details and Registration.

on June 5th, I attended the 2nd Annual C.A.V. (Canadian Army Veterans) Motorcycle Unit D-Day invasion at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Organized by the 1st C.A.V. Paardeburg Unit, and presided by National President and Co-founder Paul “Trapper” Cane, it was attended by C.A.V. members and supporters from across Ontario and Quebec. Padre Don (Reverend Don R. Chisholm, CD) addressed the somber gathering as did Major General Lewis MacKenzie (Ret'd), founder of the C.A.V.'s Old Guard.

What’s so striking about this group? Not only have they served our country, they are all motorcycle enthusiasts. And they are continuing to serve through direct support of local, national and international charities. The courage, strength and positive energy exuded by this group of individuals is palpable. It’s completely humbling and an honour to stand in their midst.

From simple beginnings in a Kingston parking lot in 2003, the C.A.V. has grown to 65 units comprised of 50 to 150 members each. Their motto: Strength and Honour; their mission statement “Ride, have fun, help others.” They are distinguishable by their red shirts, black vests symbolizing mourning for those who have fallen and a large square crest portraying a mounted soldier on a motorcycle, The C.A.V. prominent across the top, Canadian Army Veteran in block letters at the bottom.

These men and women have fought for the rights and freedoms we all enjoy. They have seen unspeakable atrocities. They have had to advance under enemy fire. They have been called to act far beyond their comfort zone and challenge their own physical, emotional and mental safety envelope.

Now they spend their time helping returning soldiers integrate back into society, comforting the families of those who do not return, participating in countless charity rides across the country – focused on being of service to those in need around the world.

These men and women are all heroes. Heroes on motorcycles with “hearts as big as mountains.” according to National President Trapper. Trapper responded immediately when I asked how best to show our support.

1. Ride with them.  Find a chance  - they will welcome you.
2. Wear red. Red Shirt Fridays originated a few years ago to show support for those who have served – past and present.
3. Attend repatriation ceremonies, processions.
4. Serve everyone. Do not judge.
5. Get out and Ride.  As long as you are on a motorcycle, good will come of it.

As I stood there listening, I gazed around the crowd, wondering what thoughts were going through the minds of the individuals gathered there. Behind them, scarlet poppies waved gently in the breeze on the grassy hill. Beyond that, the flag waved proudly from the top of the Peace Tower.

Sixty-seven years ago today, hundreds of thousands of courageous men and women came together to change the course of history. We still have heroes amongst us.  They are changing the course of history too - and the weapons they are using are kindness, compassion and peace.  Let’s make sure they know how much their contribution is appreciated.

Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Units  Website

Sylvia Spice, whom I was honoured to meet early in the evolution of Trillium, made an instant and lasting impression. The profile below was written in April 2006, shortly before she left us.  Sadly, she did not return from the trip to Myrtle Beach mentioned below. However, her legacy lives on through the Durham Divas. They have flourished and are now 74 women strong!

On May 29th, the Divas are hosting the 5th annual Sylvia’s Ride, a poker run to raise funds for Denise House – an emergency shelter for abused women and their children. If you are interested in meeting up and riding there together, let me know. Rain or Shine!

Sylvia Spice is the founder of Durham Divas and is committed to getting other women involved in motorcycling and making them feel comfortable, even if they’re just starting or thinking about starting to ride.

Sylvia is 60 years old, rides a 2003 V Rod and is a professional CEO of an organization providing Home Support to the disabled. She’s a Registered Nurse and has a Masters in Education. She’s known for being influential in “getting people off their tush and riding” and in helping them understand that most limits they set are self imposed. Her self confidence, gentle nature and soft-spoken style are very effective in getting women to push those limits and build their own self-esteem and confidence. The rewards are self-evident.

For many years, she took pleasure in being a passenger on her husband’s bike. 4 years ago, when he was no longer able to carry passengers because of a disability, she decided that if she wanted to continue riding, she’d have to learn how to do it on her own. Of course she loved it and has subsequently enjoyed 35,000 km.

Durham Divas is a women’s riding group with 42 members, 10% of whom don’t ride… yet. Their average age is approx. 35 yrs; they represent a cross section of occupations and ride all makes and models of bikes. They join because they’re looking for other women to ride with, camaraderie, and they want to demonstrate personal ownership - showing that they can do it on their own and don’t have to have a man to support them. Sylvia works hard to promote the feminine side of women riders and dispel the misconception that they are hard and tough. As with most riding groups, the Divas give back to the community and subsequently support local charities through their own activities as well as fundraising events organized by other groups.

Men are welcome to join the Divas on their rides – as long as they follow the rules and ride at the back of the group. If they choose not to, they ride separately and meet the women at a designated destination.

The Diva’s riding season is full swing with regular rides scheduled, including the trip Sylvia and 11 others are making toMyrtle Beach for Bike Week.

For more info on the Divas, membership, activities and ride schedule, visit their website