We still get asked about the "Those Girls" contest we ran last year. Lady riders want to read the stories of other women riders. We feature a different story every month.

I’m one of “those” girls who asks the hairdresser to leave enough length so I can ponytail my hair under a helmet. My favorite “lipstick” is 30 spf and windproof, and I stopped wearing blush because the wind takes care of making my cheeks rosy. My mascara is waterproof for when my eyes start watering at speed. I’m one of those girls who has more riding boots than high heels, and more riding jackets than dresses. My throttle palm has permanent calluses, and I keep my nails buffed short so they don’t snag inside of gloves. I have a DVR full of motorcycle racing, and all the magazines I subscribe to have bikes on the covers. My perfect vacation is riding my bike to the racetrack and camping there with my boyfriend (on separate bikes, of course), so I can be woken up by the roar of racebikes. I buy socks that are taller than my riding boots and, when I try on jeans, I tuck down into a riding position in the dressing room to see if they hit at the right spot when I’m on a bike. I used to get to borrow practically any bike I wanted at my previous job, but now I am happy riding a Kawasaki ZX-6R, my 1984 Honda VF500 or my little Thumpstar. I’m just one of “those” lucky girls bit by the moto-bug and does things a little differently than girls who haven’t been bitten yet. 

- Michelle Baird

We still get asked about the "Those Girls" contest we ran last year. Lady riders want to read the stories of other women riders. We feature a different story every month.

I started riding at sixteen years old, I’m one of “those” girls because my mom is one of them too! As a little girl the motorcycles came out very rarely, but whenever they did, my sisters and I demanded rides all day. I hit sixteen and a motorcycle license was priority number one- I received my MC license before my actual driver’s license. I started on a Honda Rebel 250, then moved up onto a Suzuki SV650S. But soon enough, street riding simply wasn’t enough. What I ride and race that truly makes me one of “those” girls is a 1974 Honda CB360. I race in the USCRA at Loudon NH and its a pleasure to be one of the handful of female racers on the grid. What I wear that makes me on of “those” girls is a customized Vanson leather suit with my race number and last name, and a custom painted Arai helmet. Gear is more than just something you put on, these functional items save our lives and when you are covered head to toe they are the only things truly identifying you on the road/street/track. what do I do for fun that makes me one of “those” girls? Ride the dirt or practice Supermoto on my Yamaha TTR 125 :) To commute, to cruise, to race, to practice, to have fun…..2 wheels or nothing! That’s what makes me one of “those” girls.

-Jen Ross

We still get asked about the "Those Girls" contest we ran last year. Lady riders want to read the stories of other women riders. We feature a different story every month.

I am currently riding a Harley Sportster, I actually call it my Skirtster! It started out in 1998 when I took a rider safety course. I passed the course. Then, a few months after I took the course, my husband and I were in a horrible car accident. I ended up in terrible pain all over and a shooting pain from my back down my legs. The doctors told me I may never walk again. It took 3 years to pinpoint where the actual problem was. I endured seven back operations. I have a metal ladder going up my spine, a bone graft at the base of my spine with a metal plate, I also have a metal plate and a bone graft in my neck. Needless to say, I am in constant pain, even after all the operations. I also have fibromyalgia. There are some days that I can’t get out of bed. After 3 years of having a motorcycle license and no motorcycle, I started asking my husband when I could get my own. My husband told me if I could ride on the back straight for 500 miles, he would buy me my own. I DID IT! My husband bought me a new "09 H.D. Sporty 1200 Custom and I am able to go riding again. We go out as much as my body will allow. I also like to hear " you go girl" from other people. DO NOT EVER GIVE UP!

-Judy Saxby

We still get asked about the "Those Girls" contest we ran last year. Lady riders want to read the stories of other women riders. We feature a different story every month.

I always wanted to learn to ride. When my husband got his second bike he wanted me to try his Kawasaki 500. My first ride was in the DARK yard. I dumped it before even going 20 feet, with his encouragement I didn’t give up. Next I’m thinking, this is easy and I am in love. The wind in my face, the love of my life cruising next to me. Life is good. My THIRD ride- what an adventure. At the highway I sit, scared to be in traffic. Shaking I slowly pull on to the highway, to afraid to go any faster then 30 and not super good at turns, a semi almost runs me over. I ended up in a ditch but with my bike still upright. I head home shaken. After a bit we try again. A 100 miles later we head to my parents place to show off my new skills. So much for showing off. I no more then get into the driveway when I go down. I jump up crying, yes I have some scratches but no I’m crying over my pretty bike with the BIG crushed tank. I know the best thing is to get back on. After that I would ride just to feel the freedom. As for my bike well I am one of “THOSE” girls, I took a class and learned how to repair/repaint my bike all my self. Now my husbands red vulcan is my beautiful blue Vulcan.

-Michelle Orlovetz