Women Who Ride : Putting Women in The Spotlight Who Ride Two Wheels (Week Five)
This is the last week of Women's History Month so it's our last week putting these amazing women in the spotlight (if you missed it be sure to check out last week's post, Women Who Ride: Week Four). With that being said, we will continue to post women riders in our regular @lowbrowcustoms Instagram feed. Thank you for celebrating Women's History Month with Lowbrow Customs!
Malary Lee
What is your full name?: Malary Lee
Do you have any nick-names?: Wild card, Gnar-Lee
What kind of bike do you have?: I have 5 motorcycles currently: a 2000 FXDX, KTM 150 xcw, KTM 250sx-f, 1972 Honda CB350 and a 1996 Harley Sportster that's been converted for hooligan racing
What got you into motorcycles?: My partner of 10 years would always take me on rides when we first started dating. Finally one day I told him that I wanted to ride next to him, not behind. I was a broke kid starting college, so we found a shitty little Honda for dirt cheap that didn’t run. We built the bike up together & got it road worthy. I learned a lot from that bike. Since then I’ve had a lot of different motorcycles which have all taught me something. In the past few years, I’ve gotten more into dirt biking & the racing aspect of motorcycles.
How long have you been riding?: 9 years
What are some of your favorite events to attend (if any)?: I honestly really love attending new events, when they are fresh and not completely overwhelmed by sponsors and activities. My favorites firsts have been Babes in the Dirt, Dream Roll, the Fox Run, Motos in Moab.
What was your first time on a motorcycle like? You as the driver: Honestly, it was super exhilarating. I remember when I understood how the clutch worked and I was gone. I didn't want to ride back and park the bike, because I was so excited!
Something interesting about yourself: I competed in the X Games for flat track racing.
What do you think the biggest misconception is when it comes to women and the motorcycle "scene" ?: Being someone who's 5'0 I feel like a lot of misconception is that shorter females can't ride big or tall bikes. I know when I started I was on a little 185, but now I ride a dyna that's 666lbs and a dirt bike that I can barely touch on one side. It's all mental and women are so much stronger than we are given credit for.
If you could give one piece of advice to a girl who is afraid of the "stigma", what would it be?: Start where you're comfortable, take it at your pace, and don't give up; because we all start somewhere. Imagine where you could be in a year from now! Whether it's with learning to ride or starting to race. Seat time is everything.
Genevieve Davis
What is your full name?: Genevieve Davis
Do you have any nick-names?: the muskrat
What kind of bike do you have?: 2000 Harley Davidson Sportster 883
What got you into motorcycles?: When I was 19 I had a boyfriend who bought a vintage Triumph. The relationship didn't last long but my affinity towards his motorcycle did. I never got on the back, I wanted my own right away. 3 years later I had saved enough for a beat up 1974 Honda CB 360 and the rest is history.
How long have you been riding?: About 10 years
What are some of your favorite events to attend (if any)?: I've been lucky enough to be the staff photographer for many women's motorcycle events, and all of them have been an absolute blast. Babes Ride Out, Blacktop Ramble, Wild Gypsy Tour, & the Dreamroll, to name a few.
What was your first time on a motorcycle like? You as the driver: Challenging! At the time I was living in Laguna Beach which has these ridiculously steep up and downhill grades. I stalled a lot.
Something interesting about yourself: I live full time in a sprinter van I converted into a tiny home with the help of friends. I love surfing as much as I love riding motorcycles.
Who is your favorite woman in history?: My favorite female motorcyclist in history is Bessie Stringfield. She was a black woman who rode her motorcycle solo across the United States during Jim Crow's south. When I started riding long distance I drew a lot of inspiration from Bessie. If she could ride through the lower 48 back then I can muster the guts to ride anywhere, with or without company.
What do you think the biggest misconception is when it comes to women and the motorcycle "scene" ?: There was a time I heard a lot of grumbling about women only riding motorcycles to be popular on Instagram. I still don't fully understand that, because even if it were true it would still require a woman to learn how to ride. It's not really something you can fake for ulterior motives.
If you could give one piece of advice to a girl who is afraid of the "stigma", what would it be?: I'm not really sure what "stigma" you're referring to here, but my best guess would be that motorcycles are reserved for old white men? I would say don't be shy, there's a tribe of badass, friendly women waiting to embrace you into their crew with open arms over the shared love of these two-wheeled machines.
Christa Malinky, photo by Savannah Rose
What is your full name?: Christa Malinky
Do you have any nick-names?: "Mom"
What kind of bike do you have?: 86 FXR, and two project bikes, a stock 67 Bonneville and a 49 Panhead
What got you into motorcycles?: My dad. I grew up around vintage Triumphs and started riding on the back in elementary school. As a teenager my dad and I took a couple of cross country motorcycle trips out west. Both trips were a total of 3 week trips long each, camping all along the way. Showing up at Sturgis as a 16 year old in the late 90s was life changing. I remember thinking- yep, these are my people. This is what I want to be when I grow up.
How long have you been riding?: I got my first bike when I was 18, but I was too busy partying to ride it much, so I mostly just rode on the back of a bike for 10 years or so. Then I stopped drinking - and bought another bike - that was 8 years ago. I absolutely thank sobriety for getting me back in the drivers seat.
What are some of your favorite events to attend (if any)?: I love Fuel Cleveland, Barber Vintage days and all AMCA swap meets.
What was your first time on a motorcycle like? You as the driver: I rode my little 78 Hondamatic through my backyard. I'm pretty sure I laid it down immediately! But that didn't deter me.
Something interesting about yourself: I'm a member of both the Motor Maids and the AMCA. I love surrounding myself with people who have been into this stuff for 30+ years. They have a lot to teach, if you're willing to listen.
Who is your favorite woman in history?: Bessie Stringfield was a black woman ahead of her time riding her motorcycle all around the country unafraid from the 1930s-1990s. Her tenacity and fearlessness are awe inspiring.
What do you think the biggest misconception is when it comes to women and the motorcycle "scene"?: That the woman are only involved because of men. Yes, my husband happens to build and race motorcycles, but I rode them before we met! Could I figure out how to build this Panhead on my own if i had to? Yes. Am I happy he is here to help me - absolutely!!
If you could give one piece of advice to a girl who is afraid of the "stigma", what would it be?: Even if you don't have a desire to ride your own, I really recommend you the learn the skill. You never know when you might need it.
Suzy Pilaczynski
What is your full name?: Suzy Pilaczynski
Do you have any nick-names?: Grenade Suzy seems to be the one that has stuck with me the most, although I’m not gonna explain the origin
What kind of bike do you have?: A 1977 Shovelhead we call the “Hexaglide”
What got you into motorcycles?: Watching Terminator 2 one too many times, with hopes of being a badass one day. Or my husband, I can’t remember which
How long have you been riding?: Not long enough to have that tough, weathered look
What are some of your favorite events to attend (if any)?: Born Free and the One Moto show are ones I usually attend, I haven’t really been able to make it to any others yet
What was your first time on a motorcycle like? You as the driver: I wanna say liberating, but truthfully my life probably flashed before my eyes
Something interesting about yourself: I can wink with both eyes at the same time. I grew up in a cult (two, depending on your beliefs). Oh and I have an identical twin sister. I don’t know which of those is more interesting
Who is your favorite woman in history?: It’s difficult to pick a favorite because there are far too many amazing women who are unknown or under appreciated, but one that stands out to me is Hedy Lamarr. She was an actress, who at one time was considered the world’s most beautiful woman, but she was also an inventor. Because of her looks and her gender, she had difficulty being taken seriously and it wasn’t until her later years that she received recognition for her achievements. Although she had no formal education or experience, she created frequency hopping which is still implemented in WiFi and Bluetooth technologies today, she advised Howard Hughes on his airplane designs, making them more streamlined and developed various other technologies which have had a lasting impact. She’s inspiring because she proves that a woman can be multidimensional and contribute to what is usually viewed as male dominated industries.
What do you think the biggest misconception is when it comes to women and the motorcycle "scene" ?: That we all enjoy having our picture taken. That we’re all a size 2. That we’re all fearless - I’m usually scared shitless.
If you could give one piece of advice to a girl who is afraid of the "stigma", what would it be?: There will always be haters- you can give in or prove them wrong. At the risk of sounding cheesy, there’s two quotes from Dr. Seuss I love (among many):
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose”
and
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”
Or “one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish”, I can’t decide 😄
Kate Kamalsky
What is your full name?: Kate Kamalsky
Do you have any nick-names?: Durt; this is the result of hanging with the boys too much. I also have a girlfriend named Ric.
What kind of bike do you have?: 2007 Sportster
What got you into motorcycles?: I rode on the back of my dude's bike for about 7 years before I decided I might need a bike of my own. I went out and immediately bought a 1995 Yamaha Virago 650. A month later I took the safety class and haven't looked back since. 3 bikes and 5 years later; it's the best decision I ever made for myself.
How long have you been riding?: About 5 years
What are some of your favorite events to attend (if any)?: The Lowbrow Get Down! - The ride up to Nelson's Ledges from Columbus rules and what's better than camping and swimming in the woods with your friends and a bunch of bikes.
What was your first time on a motorcycle like? You as the driver: Oh god. This ride consisted of 3 turns and about a mile back to my house from a parking lot I was practicing in. Things got hairy and I ended up in a dead end of a back alley where I panicked and dropped my little Honda VLX right in a giant puddle.
Something interesting about yourself: Hmm...my eye is two different colors. Think Kate Bosworth.
Who is your favorite woman in history?: This comes a week after the passing of my Grandmother so she's going to take the ticket here. She was strong, feisty, independent, and didn't take shit from anyone.
What do you think the biggest misconception is when it comes to women and the motorcycle "scene" ?: For me it's about actually being a rider. I didn't get a bike because it was cool or what I thought anyone would think. I got my bike because I fell in love with it. I fell in love with freedom of ripping around with my friends, baking in the sun, and gas station beers.
If you could give one piece of advice to a girl who is afraid of the "stigma", what would it be?: WHO CARES. Anyone passing judgement can beat it. If you're a girl and want a bike...go take the safety class. And if you live near Columbus, call me...let's go!
Kendall Wright, Photo by Ben Stucker
What is your full name?: Kendall Wright
Do you have any nick-names?: Not really
What kind of bike do you have?: I have a 78' Shovelhead and a 04' Triumph Bonneville
What got you into motorcycles?: In my past life, I spent summers up in Alaska. I would always watch these old timers riding without helmets through Fairbanks. I wanted to be right there with them! At the time, I was getting out as much as I could adventuring/ camping/living with a truck. Yet, since I was young, Always had the dream to hit the road with whatever I could throw on the back of a motorcycle. Fast forward a few years I moved back to Toronto Canada from the west coast, got a deal of a lifetime on my Triumph and I never looked back.
How long have you been riding?: 7 years
What are some of your favorite events to attend (if any)?: The community has grown so much over the years there are so many events now!
The Brooklyn Invitational. (RIP) I would bike down through the scenic routes every September for several years from Toronto to NYC. That show and City hold a special place in my heart for sure.
I’m not the first to say : Babes Ride Out 3 and Dream Roll 2 and 3 were awesome. Travelling to these all ‘female events’ was a first for me. It’s where I’ve found some of my closest friends.
Fuel Cleveland is by far one of the favorite’s on my list. I’ve ridden down to Ohio for the last 3 years. The show is humble and authentic. It brings out incredible talent and the nicest humans.
Keeping it local up here in Canada, specifically in Ontario (the province I live in)
Freedom Machines is my go too in the summer. It happens in July at Frontier Ghost Town located a few hours north west of Toronto.
The Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival is coming up on its 4th year, I was fortunate to have helped out with the first year it started. Watching it grow has been amazing. Worth the journey to Toronto for the weekend to check out all the rad and inspiring films from around the world.
I usually pick the Events I can ride too that stand out and I make it happen. Also, Getting my ass to Japan for Moon Eyes is a must someday.
What was your first time on a motorcycle like? You as the driver: First time ever riding a bike was when I signed up for my weekend Learn to Ride RTI course. I bicycled about 10 km (6.21miles) one way to get to the parking lot for 7am. As soon as I arrived, It started to piss with rain and didn’t stop the entire day. I soaked through my boots, my pants everything but I didn’t care, I had a shit eating grin the whole time. Honestly, Learning in the rain and cold made me a better rider. I always wanted to do it and it was happening. My Dream was literally coming to life so I didn’t care.
Felt like I already knew how to ride when I was learning. I loved it. And yes, I bicycled back in the rain another 10km afterwards. I think the others thought I was a nut.
Something interesting about yourself: I work in the Film and TV industry. Sometimes in production most times as an Actor. I’m writing my journey currently of how I rode across America (and back) on my Triumph Bonneville with my friend Danielle who was also on a bike. Took 7 weeks. I got some stories...
Who is your favorite woman in history?: How do I choose just one!? Peggy Whitson, former NASA Chief Astronaut, Biochemistry Researcher is a BOSS.
What do you think the biggest misconception is when it comes to women and the motorcycle "scene" ?: I guess one is that Women just Selfie on bikes and pretend to ride. I laugh how some men can pose with their bikes and never ride anywhere and still be considered legit. But when I women does it she is sometimes considered a poser? Everyone’s gottah chill out.
You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Just be real. The women I know, wrench, are not afraid to get lost and dirty and bike harder than most men. We also scream laugh with what kind of shit we get up to.
It’s a heavy sigh when dudes walk up to me at a random gas station in the middle of nowhere and ask if I need help kick starting my Shovelhead. The best part is when they don’t even ride! Men who don’t even know where the choke is let alone how to turn over the engine. Would they say that to another man? Highly unlikely. Sorry bud, but you are never touching my bike.
If I’m trouble shooting an issue, need a certain tool, or a certain mechanical part I have no problem explaining the situation and asking for help to someone who knows what I’m talking about.
It’s that mentality of: Woman is alone, Woman is on a bitchin’ bike, Woman must need assistance. Augh brutal.
Most of the time people just look at us Women rider’s like we’re Unicorns.
Occasionally, people even ask for a photo as they explain their life story. You become an anthropologist sometimes! I do like the stories and meeting new people however, there is still this mysticism and sexism surrounding women and motorcycles that I find outdated.
If you could give one piece of advice to a girl who is afraid of the "stigma", what would it be?: The stigma hasn’t really effected me;
I say, do what you want. You don't have to be involved with a particular group, club, whatever to find a tribe. The core line of connection is that you ride. When you do what you love and are authentic, you will start to naturally find other like-minded people both Men and Women. I rode a ton starting out and made solid friendships with men, who saw me as an equal. Wasn’t till later I started meeting and riding with other women riders.
Don’t be afraid to get out there alone either. Most of my trips have been long journey’s solo. Just keep chasing that sun.
Do something that scares you, that exhilarates you, the road teaches so many lessons.
Oh, and leave em in the dirt if anyone says you can’t do something. In the end, we ride for ourselves. It’s you and your machine and wherever you want to go. Don’t let anyone decide what you can do with your life. It’s YOUR life, go live it!
Rachil Moore
What is your full name?: Rachil Moore
Do you have any nick-names?: None that have stuck!
What kind of bike do you have?: I’ve got a 1992 Sportster rigid chopper “The Spritester”, and a 1972 Harley Rapido enduro “Joe Dirtbike”.
What got you into motorcycles?: My mom for sure. She gave me a Honda Racing jersey as a kid, and would have her buddies or boyfriends take me on rides. She had a couple different bikes while I was growing up too, I’ve got the photos plastered all over my desk at work. I never got to ride with her then, but she got to ride cupcake with me after my first long trip I did from Austin to Indianapolis! She always wanted to do a mother-daughter ride to Sturgis, I’m sad we never got the chance. But riding makes me feel connected to her, still.
How long have you been riding?: 6 years?
What are some of your favorite events to attend (if any)?: Babes Ride Out is a must! I also love Mama Tried and Giddy Up Texas. I wish I was able to go to more Midwestern and East Coast shows, like Fuel Cleveland and The Congregation. Gimme a grassroots chopper show any day!
What was your first time on a motorcycle like? You as the driver: I was so stoked! I still have the first bike I ever rode. One of my buddies took me to pick it up and showed me how to ride it around my old apt. complex. It’s kick-only and a right side shift (with an inverted shift pattern), so taking the M1 course the next week was a bit confusing! I met my BFF, Malary, at Giddy Up TX and she was my moto guide, got me out on the road for the first time, then we were cruising! I realized that a 125cc bike was too small after like 3 weeks, so I got a second job and worked 60 hour work weeks through the winter to save up for another bike (my Sporty). I just never had the heart to sell Joe DB!
Something interesting about yourself: Short answer: My hair is almost 4ft. long, and I have to tuck it into my pants/jacket when I ride, so I don’t burn it on my exhaust (again).
Long answer:
It took me 2.5 years to build my chopper. If I could go back, I would definitely change some things about it, but at the end of the day, I’m stoked on the process. There were a lot of hiccups along the way, but I learned so much about how to work on my bike, which I truly value. You definitely learn a lot by trashing your entire stock wiring harness and starting from scratch, taking apart your carb, running new oil lines, etc! I still get stumped, but luckily the moto community is full of super knowledgeable people willing to help if you post a question on Instagram.
Who is your favorite woman in history?: Any woman who carved out a lane for herself in a male-dominated sub-culture! Punk music, motorcycles, whatever! It’s sick and I back it.
What do you think the biggest misconception is when it comes to women and the motorcycle "scene" ?: The two that I come across most often are: That every woman is just using their motorcycle as a fashionable accessory and that a man does all the the maintenance/modification on it. And unfortunately it’s not just some men that think this, I had an older woman (at work) scoff at me over the phone and ask for a man AKA someone who “actually rides”. Little did she know I’ve been riding across the country for a few years. I do love when an older guy comes up to me at the hardware store to compliment my bike and asks about my “Knuckle” or “Pan”. Dude…it’s a Sportster ;D
If you could give one piece of advice to a girl who is afraid of the "stigma", what would it be?: There will always be some kind of implication when you’re newly getting into anything, by people who have “been around” longer than you. Well they were new once too, ya know. Don’t frickin' give a heck!
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| Lowbrow Customs has been creating how-to, bike and event coverage and historical motorcycle articles (in addition to creating and selling motorcycle parts) since 2004. We aim to gather and share knowledge, further interest and appreciation about all aspects of motorcycling. | |
