How I Became a Motorcycle Mama

In 2003 my husband came home with a motorcycle. Mid-life crisis was in full swing with him when he pulled into the driveway riding on a red Yamaha Roadstar. We had been through many hubby-hobbies such as fishing, sailing, scuba diving, hunting, golf, camping, canoeing and so much more ... I figured this new thing would just be another passing phase for him.

He took me out for rides a few times, which I really enjoyed. But I wasn't ready to put on leather pants and a leather vest just yet. I was content just to enjoy Sunday afternoon rides to Galveston along the country back roads.

About a year later, Hubby told me he had found a motorcycle "group" to join, and wanted me to go to the club meetings with him.

"No way! I'm NOT joining a motorcycle gang with you," I proclaimed!

I envisioned a bunch of tattooed, bearded, pierced hoodlums and scantily-clad vulgar women. Hubby went to one of their meetings by himself, and reported that the club members were all really nice. He went on a few short rides with the group, bought himself a leather vest with the obligatory motorcycle patches, and kept asking me to come along. But I still wasn't sold on the idea of joining a motorcycle "gang".

One day, I finally gave in and went to a club meeting with him, where I met some of the nicest people I have ever known. The "hoodlums" I had envisioned turned out to be policemen, principals, firemen, teachers, preachers and postmasters. Not quite the gnarly-looking group I had expected...although there are a few with tattoos among them.

The group we joined is the Star Touring and Riding Association, Chapter 221 out of Pasadena, Texas. We have had some great times with our "221 Family" as we call ourselves. We rode with the group from here in Houston to St. Joseph, Missouri one summer, stopping along the way at beautiful spots in Arkansas and Oklahoma. We also rode as a group to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Smokey Mountains. We have done many weekend trips around Texas with the club, and have especially enjoyed rides to the hill country near Kerrville.

Recently, Hubby was bitten by the Harley bug, so we said goodbye to the Yamaha and moved on to an Electra-Glide Ultra Classic Harley. We love the Harley, and can't wait to take it on more adventures across the beautiful United States with our "221 Family" of motorcycle "hoodlums"!