Backseat - From Where I Sit

If I had to describe myself, would I use the word biker babe? Well, I am a 37 year old mother of two - not that there is anything wrong with that but I think it definitely eliminates me from the babe category. I ride in jeans and a baggy shirt most of the time. Although I do dress in "oh so slimming black" I can't remember my last halter top, nor do I miss it. In fact the only tight thing wrapped around my chest is the back supporter that I wear on long rides. I know I am getting old when the only words associated with halter top that come to mind are "impractical" and "sunburn" (not to mention gravitational issues that I would rather not go into). I usually do not drape myself in some twisted fashion over the chrome with a come hither look letting my long locks hang seductively all about me (think of the tangles!). Usually, I am struggling with sealing my winter gloves over my leather jacket to keep the cold air out as I plop in the back seat behind my old man. With my hair pinned back under a do-rag, wearing my goggles, my bandana, my helmet, and my leather jacket, I look basically unisex. It's not glamorous, but it is me. From what I see when I am out on the road, it is also the reality for many of us.

I don't deny that the bad boy/sexy babe image has some real appeal. Maybe that is what drew us to the whole world of motorcycling in the first place. It is not, however, what keeps us there. I heard an expression the other day "RUB" (Rich Urban Biker). I guess this becoming the definition of the "new breed" of biker. As my bank account will justify, I am no where close to being rich. I guess I am part of a group that refuses to conform to any preconceived notion of demographics. Then again, that is probably about the best description of a biker that I can think of - folks who ride to the sound of their own engines.

I see myself as someone who would do anything to keep the wind in my face (and ignore the occasional bug in my hair). I love life and the lifestyle that biking offers. It doesn't matter what you ride, you just know that you are part of something bigger. Something that some people envy, some people ridicule, some people are just plain scared of, and mostly something that folks that haven't been there certainly don't understand.

"From Where I Sit" will be a monthly installment of the joys and perils of life riding behind the rider. We are strong, We are numerous. We are the folks on the back. Remember the view is just as good from behind. The fresh mown grass smells just as sweet. The same wind caresses you. But, and probably best of all, the rider in the front acts as a wind screen for all the really juicy bugs! Until next month.

Thanks for visiting VirginiaWind.

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