My next guest was sent over to me from @OrgChaosChicago, her name is Kathy “Guz” Guzman motorcyclist extraordinaire and blogger!
How long have you been riding a motorcycle? I have been riding for 38 years
How did you learn to ride? My dad bought my brother and I Honda 70 trail bikes. I sat on it and just took off. The wide knobby tires and bulky frame made it a perfect way to learn to ride.
What was your first motorcycle? The Honda 70 Trail Bike.
Honda 70 Trail Bike
How many have you owned? I have owned 3 bikes in my life time. The little Honda – a Kawasaki 550LTD that I rode all through college and my Harley Sportster.
Why did you want to ride a motorcycle? Freedom. Time alone inside my own head while trail riding as a kid. The open road and untold adventures the ride gives me as an adult. Freedom.
Tell us about your riding. I ride because I ride. I take my bike everywhere. Tooling around the city, long road trips like Black Hills and charity runs through neighboring communities. I ride year round – and living in Chicago – that is saying something!!
Freedom!
What advice do you have for women who ride or want to ride a motorcycle? Get out there and do it. Follow your passion – the ride will never disappoint.
What is the longest trip that you’ve taken on your cycle? The longest road trip I have made was from Chicago to Sturgis and back again last summer. 15 women, bikes and the open, unpredictable roads – I can’t put into words how amazing it was. Actually – I can – and I did – check it out here.
Do you belong to any motorcycle groups? Yes – *Organized Chaos Chicago – a woman’s motorcycle club.
Do you have a favorite riding story? So many really – each time I get on the back of my bike there is a new story being woven into the fabric of my life. Riding with like minded women is a gift to me – the camaraderie and laughter shared – there is nothing like it in the world.
What do you do when you’re not riding? Think about riding.
*Organized Chaos Chicago is a women’s motorcycle group, committed to creating a local community of women motorcyclists and friends of women motorcyclists. Our mission is to support philanthropic endeavors in all communities, while reaching out to empower a community of diverse women through rides, charity events, Pride events and education. (Source)
Riding year-round in Chicago is an amazing feat. My helmet’s off to Kathy!
I love your comments about why you ride. I feel exactly the same. I always wonder why people DON’T ride. Driving a car is SO boring.
hellllooooo Kathy/Guz.
One again it is nice to hear of another lady rider who loves being out on two wheels. Keep on riding and enjoying life.
I used to ride on my mom’s little Honda trail bike so that brought back a few memories.