The Biker

Well, since I'm typically focused on my other personas, 'Elena the wanna-be artist', 'Elena the doom&gloomer', 'Elena the spiritual-seeker', I thought it was time I introduced 'Elena the biker'.

I learned to ride at the end of summer 2004 but didn't start riding until 2005 because of an unplanned hysterectomy (blah!). This is Wolfen. My first bike. Harley Sportster 883. I put about 10,000 mi on her on 1-1/2 seasons. My biggest thrill was riding her to Starved Rock. I thought I rode cross country. I thought I was speeding at 45mph. I said I'd never get rid of her. We bonded and I loved her.

I needed someone to ride with, so my friend Lee and I joined a biker gang. Ok, ok, not really a 'gang'. We joined the Windy City Women Riders. It was ok, but I found out I really wasn't interested in doing all those poker runs, and benefit rides. I wanted to experience the road. And shhh - some were a bit dramatic. I quit the gang...

Then I flew out to AZ & the smallest bike they had was a Dyna LowRider. It felt huge but boy could it fly! I came home and traded in the Wolfen. It's ok-she didn't mind-she went to another new rider. I bought Stevie, the Harley Dyna Low Rider 1450cc, six speeds, beautiful, fast, throaty. She and I have been to Canada, MO, MI, WI, well you get the picture. She beefed when I flew out to CA and Hawaii and rented another. I've thought about upgrading to a red Harley Fatboy but I love her speed. At 80 mph she feels like 40 on the Wolfen. We dance on the road, she handles so smoothly.

The girl gang was replaced by a group of guys from work. No drama there! Started hanging out with future hubby...the one in the vest. Our road trips average 1200-2000 mi.

This year was a bit relaxed. The new house didn't allow much time for the group rides. So it's been hubby and I. It's ok. I actually prefer it that way. If I'm not riding with him...then it's just me and Stevie. We're looking into a sidecar for Jazz now. Thinking of taking a trip to AZ next year.

No rentals. This time Stevie gets to go too.