I ride a motorcycle because of a personal life choice. I have met many people who taught me great lessons about life or riding and have the same spirit for the unknown, the adventure. I meet people now who appreciate the wisdom for living life now, where riding helps them to find courage in their own path.

As a rider, I got wet, cold and hot. I was afraid, I was lost and I always used my head to stay on course. I splattered a bird on a 7 mile bridge in the Keys and I still giggle about that feather trail! I had little girls giggle seeing me come off my bike at church. I had my son tell me I looked old, and my daughter voiced her fears for me riding. I have nearly had a flat tire, while riding and I’ve had my bike not start in 90 degrees in Nashville, TN.

I cracked my pipes enjoying the rush.

I always wore a helmet.

I laughed out loud with the wind. Sang out loud with some great music. I prayed for other bikers I passed and even myself and my riding friends. I’ve seen girlfriends pass away who I rode with, and found solace knowing their soul and mine were once aligned for courageous moments that will never be forgotten.

I spoke a thousand times with myself on those motorcycle journeys. I sang and shouted with joy like a mad person and yes: sometimes I had a few tears. I wanted to go far away at times, being self employed. Literally, like run, ok ride away. 30 miles felt like 300. Motorcyclists know a 3 day riding weekend feels like a week off! It truly resets your soul, lowers your anxiety and just allows you to relax and find joy in the unknown just ahead of your journey.

I have seen wonderful places because of motorcycles and I have taken curves that even my male friends would be proud of. Other times I took curves with fear. I have rode through Atlanta twice: boy was that a crazy idea. I felt stronger as a person after it. The key was I watched my mirrors, went through at decent times and with a plan in place it all worked out. I also swore I wouldn’t do that again. Going back north, toward home my Vstar 1100 died for no reason, just a few miles before an exit. I took the exit and decided the good Lord was giving me a sign to exit the road for a rest.

I stopped many times in my travels to see a site, a building, a river or the ocean. I spoke with perfect strangers. Saw older ladies point and smile. I wondered secretly, had they rode before?

I would go out for a ride with frustrations inside and return home with a feeling of absolute peace in my soul. Anxiety diminishes.

I always think how dangerous riding is, knowing that the meaning of courage is to advance even when feeling fear. 42,000 joyful miles and really no big hiccups. Praise the Lord. I took a break from riding when my stability from being a small business owner wasn’t solid. I didn’t ride when I am exhausted or mentally just not clear. I never rode intoxicated, and I didn’t bar hop with my bike.

Every time I go out on my ride I think about how wonderful it is. I learned through gestures to communicate with other riders. I learned that riding with ladies was the best, it was the sexiest thing I could do as a woman yet not care if a man noticed me either.

I spent money that I did not always have, I gave up many things, sometimes people I thought were friends. It is all worth it: as living and dreaming are good for the soul.

My bike was not a means of transportation but pieces of steel, aluminum and plastic with wheels that I am blessed with. There were many days it felt like just one small part of who I am. Yet I favored it like a child for the happiness it brought me. As a complicated person, riding made my world feel simple. 2 wheels, one helmet, a tank of gas and a world of wonder ahead.

If I pray one prayer for lady riders it’s simple. “May the angels guard my travels, and yours too, for they know the road ahead.”

Vicki Wiederkehr
Blazen Spirit CEO/Founder
April 29, 2024