Motorcycle Lawyer; I often hear how motorcycling has helped women to gain confidence. Much more than ride skills, but a confidence that transcends to other areas of their life.
Susie shared a bit of her background and has gained confidence from her Yamaha 650 V-Star.
Name: Susie Fairchild
Location: California, MO-population 4,200
Occupation: Special Education and Behavioral Teacher California High School
Currently rides: Yamaha 650 V-Star
When did you start riding?
What got you involved in motorcycles and how did you start? I was scared to death of bikes to begin with. My ex thought it was funny to try and toss me off of his bike. My boyfriend Rick of 3 years rides and I would not go out with him at first because of it. Then his charm won out and I decided to go out with him and it was Halloween so not much riding to worry about. He was patient when we kept banging heads because I was trying to sit in his hip pocket. After a little more comfort and a few rides I thought maybe I want to be one in control! Decided to take class with another girlfriend offered by Freedom of Road Riders. They were awesome! Few months down road bought my bike-Sept. of 2010. Rode with another girlfriend in parking lot and then 2nd day went to go out and wrecked by myself so it slowed me down. Rode lots of short distances over couple of winter months around town. May of 2011 bought windshield and just took off-I finally started really riding. I took off and went to his house which is about 4o miles (Rick’s) in Holts Summit. Now I love it! I raised a daughter with severe cerebral palsy that died when she was 13 and also have 2 boys Zach-20 yrs. old in college and Seth 17 yrs. old in high school. My life was kind of challenging before had to do a lot of care and being single parent. Now my crazy side has come out! All she and my boys have gone through life is precious and we love it and should live it to the fullest! People in my town think I am a little different-Hey are you that lady that rides to school in a dress with your jeans and boots underneath?
How has riding motorcycles impacted your life?
It has given me confidence after an abusive marriage and I also grew up in an abusive household. Confidence to be me and enjoy something totally different!
What has been your biggest challenge with riding?
Getting going after my little crash! Felt kinda low.
What do you like most about your model motorcycle?
Well balanced and pretty good pick up for smaller bike. I have put 8,000 miles in 13 months!
What modifications have you made?
None really yet. Thinking of taking my boyfriend’s Fat Boy because he bought big touring bike! Not sure though because height is a challenge and what if you make modifications and they do not work???
When you’re not riding motorcycles what are you other interest?
I weight lift, run, read, and enjoy my kids and their sports! They are both football and track fanatics!
What advice do you have for other women riders?
Give it a try you might love it!
How tall are you?
5’1″
What is your weather like year round?
Summer 75-100 winter 20-60
How is riding therapy for you?
I love enjoying the feel of wind in your hair and the power! Besides my boyfriend, my daughter, and my boys I have another person that has been an inspiration to me our friend Bob he has stage 4 colon cancer for about last 19 months. He just keeps going we ride with him a lot little group of us! We both say you want to just ride today! He is tough person and keeps going!!
Whether it’s gaining confidence or just hitting the open road and forgetting about life for a while …
Riding is the best therapy I know and as Susie mentions, “Just Ride!”
Ride ON!
Brenda Fox
