A friend on Twitter, @urbantweeter, thought I may be inspired by meeting a millionaire. She sent a link so I checked it out! Needless to say it was not what I had expected. What an unexpected delight to find a million mile female motorcyclist Voni from the Big Bend of Texas! Checking out her blog is a must and find her on Facebook too! I took a chance and sent Voni an email asking if she would join in the series Profile of a Female Motorcyclist. I am so honored that she replied YES!! It is with great pleasure I introduce you to Voni, a million mile rider!
Voni, million mile motorcyclist
How long have you been riding a motorcycle? Over a Million sMiles over about 37 years
Celebrating 1,000,000 miles!
How did you learn to ride? Trial and error – lots of trial and a few errors. My million miles have been accident free. Since the thought of traffic scared me, I rode my first hundred miles in my yard in rural Iowa. But once I got started, it’s been a collage of the most amazing vistas.
What was your first motorcycle? Yamaha RD250
How many have you owned? 15, more or less, mostly BMWs
Why did you want to ride a motorcycle? So my husband and I could take our two kids on family camping vacations. Something we could all share.
Tell us about your riding. Touring is my favorite. I’ve ridden in all 50 states, all of the Canadian Provinces, New Zealand and five countries in Southern Africa. Lately I’ve gotten the most fun on a Yamaha TW200 dirt bike I call TWouble on the rocky roads around our adobe here in the desert in Texas.
What advice do you have for women who ride or want to ride a motorcycle? Just do it. Being scared is good because it keeps you focused. The joy the daring will bring is immeasurable!
What is the longest trip that you’ve taken on your cycle? Since we retired, my husband and I live on the bikes at least four months a year. We tour all over the US and Canada and camp in some of the most beautiful and remote places. Before that, I often toured alone for weeks on end since Paul didn’t have the vacation time I did as a teacher. One year I rode 73,660 miles in 6 months just because I could. In 2003 I rode in and finished with bronze medal status the 11 day Iron Butt Rally.
Do you belong to any motorcycle groups? Oh, yes. Lots. When I’m not riding I love to read and share about motorcycles. I’m probably most active with the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America and the Iron Butt Association.
Do you have a favorite riding story? Many! Motorcycles have colored my life in the most amazing hues.
What do you do when you’re not riding? I love reading. And photography! And visiting our grandsons. And music. And just living life to the fullest.
Helmet or Heels: I'm comfortable in either! 