Passes & Canyons Blog

Some people just like riding alone.

We met Sharon in Crater Lake National Park last week, sharing a four-plex cabin. Of course I took note instantly that one of our neighbors was on a Harley, and the fact that it had a Maryland plate make it that much more interesting. First I saw this middle-aged woman fiddling with the bags and assumed she was riding behind someone else. Then it became clear she was by herself. You bet I had to talk to her.

Sharon took early retirement and bought a motorcycle. Then she decided to take a long trip. “When will you be home?” her family asked. “When I get tired of riding,” she replied. She agreed with me that that might be never.

Yes, she had come from Maryland, the long way around. It was not her intent setting out but she was essentially doing a four-corners ride, having started by coming down the East Coast, then across the southern U.S., and was now going up the West Coast. After all this time alone she was going to meet up with a friend in Portland and another soon after that. Then she would be heading to Colorado.

“Are you going to the Steel Horse Sisterhood conference?” I asked.

Her jaw dropped. Up to this point I had not mentioned anything about the fact that I also ride a motorcycle.

“How do you know about that?” she asked. And yes, she is going to the event.

So I filled her in. Told her I’d be seeing her again in a few weeks.

Then we talked motorcycles. Of course. She asked if Judy rides and I told her only behind me–she’s afraid she’d crash and kill herself if she was operating the bike.

“Fear stops so many,” Sharon acknowledged.

But obviously it doesn’t stop Sharon. She was 5,000 miles and counting and wasn’t even thinking about heading home yet. I had to ask her if she knows Alisa Clickenger, one of the most gutsy women riders I know, and she said not in person but by email. She’s looking forward to meeting Alisa in person at the conference. I think they’ll have a lot to talk about.

As we pulled out Sharon was walking by and I called out to her, “See you in Loveland!”

“See you in Loveland!” she replied. And we will, very soon.

Biker Quote for Today

That road is fabulous, I wish to test it.

Steel Horse Sisterhood logo.

I mentioned last week that the Steel Horse Sisterhood Women’s Motorcycle Summit is scheduled for June 11-14 in Loveland. Here are some additional details.

Full registration for this four-day event is $125, or if you are a supporter or male companion it is $100. Some events are for women only but there is also a guys only ride. My guess would be these things coincide–that would only make sense.

Three are also additional fees for several classes. For instance, the accident-scene management course is $75, and the Western Dual Sport Off-Road Riding Clinic will run you $25. There are poker runs, breakfasts, receptions, and all the usual things you expect at motorcycle rallies. A new rider course offered by Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson is $249.

Here are a few of the items on the program and the presenters.

• Reduce the Odds presented by Laurie Latham
• Think like a Negotiator presented by Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
• A Woman’s Intuition presented by Brenda Simmons
• Alisa Clickenger – Life’s Journey & the Power of the Road
• Finding Opportunity in Adversity with Jocelyn Hastie
• Living Raw with Karen Fritz
• Let’s Talk About Gear – Brittany Morrow + Various Presenters
• Gentle Flow + Yoga Nidra Class presented by Marina Koyen
• Self Care for Bikers with Marina Koyen
• Weapons for Women presented by Laurie Latham
• Women Pushing The Curve of Adventure featuring Patricia Jacques
• Make Fat Cry Featuring Betty Rocker
• The Face of PTSD – A Spirited Panel Discussion
• Put On Your Big Girl Panties, Featuring Terri Collier of Thunder Roads OK/AR

Joan tells me she is expecting perhaps 1,000 people for the Saturday night shin-dig that will be the biggest of the social events. Overall conference attendance she expects to be approximately 300. At last year’s first-ever event the mistake was made to plan the conference for International Female Ride Day (May 5 this year). Apparently there was a bit too much competition on that particular weekend, so this year the event was planned for later. That plus better weather later in the season has hopes up for a good turn-out.

Biker Quote for Today

Dirt bike diva: mud for make-up, gasoline for perfume

The registration page for the Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit. No, don't click that button to get to registration--this is just a captured image.

“Invariably every girl I talk to who’s riding behind says, ‘I don’t ride.’ And I’d say back to her, ‘But you are riding. You’re riding behind. You’re just as important. You may not be holding the handlebars but it’s important what you’re doing back there. This event is for you also.’ And then they go, ‘It is?’ And there’s been such a division between the girls who ride their own and the girls who ride behind.”

That’s Joan Krenning, the founder of the Steel Horse Sisterhood, which will be holding its second annual Steel Horse Sisterhood Women’s Motorcycle Summit in Loveland June 11-14.

In other words, whether you’re the one who controls the machine or you are the passenger–and even if you are a woman who doesn’t ride now but is interested–this conference is for you.

“Last year, in our first event, we had three girls within the two weeks after our event that went out and climbed on their own bikes,” said Joan. “After they came to our event they were excited, they were empowered, they wanted to do it, too.”

While the conference is basically a motorcycling conference, the aim of the Steel Horse Sisterhood is to promote:

Five elements of Healthy Living/Healthy Riding

1. Spiritual wellness
2. Practical life skills including mechanical
3. Physical health of her body
4. Mechanical health of her ride
5. Charitable impact

The Women of the Steel Horse Sisterhood are passionate about contributing to the well-being of the world while viewing it on the back of a motorcycle with the wind in our faces.

Among the extensive list of presenters is adventure rider Alisa Clickenger, who is familiar to long-time readers of this blog; Brittany Morrow, who suffered a life-changing sportbike accident and has come back as a strong spokesperson for ATGATT; Colleen Vetere, who teaches accident-scene management; and, an interesting one for me, Coyo Carbone, a “curandera” (native healer and religious leader) who is also part of Western Dual Sport Motorcycle Adventures, which will be offering dual-sport riding training during the conference. (The reason for my interest is that I’m pretty dang sure Coyo is someone I know and have ridden with as Jacque and I guess Coyo is an alter ego I was unaware of.)

The conference is intended to be a charitable fundraiser as well. According to Joan:

The 2015 Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit will benefit the following charities:

• Realities For Children Charities, a 501c3 charitable organization based in Ft. Collins, Colorado. 100% of all donations made to Realities For Children Charities are distributed directly to the youth they serve through 28 Affiliate Youth Agencies.
• The mission of Grace After Fire is to provide the means for women Veterans to gain self-knowledge and self-renewal. The staff of GAF serves to protect the veteran, connect the resource and renew the women. As of 2014 the GAF administrative cost is at 8% with fund raising at 3%. Therefore, 89 cents of every $1.00 donated goes toward helping women veterans.
• The SHSC Endowment for Levi’s Kids because….the World needs to fund more creative young people. An endowment to fund students who indicate a desire to pursue a future in the arts. These include media arts, graphic design, music, fashion, the visual and culinary arts, dance and theater.
• Safe and Secure – a 501c3 charitable organization based in Arizona, dedicated to the effective means of education to children and teens for the prevention of sexual abuse, abduction, Internet safety and bullying.

So that’s a heads-up for anyone who is interested. I’ll have more information later on the various goings-on that are planned.

Biker Quote for Today

I look my best when I take my helmet off after a long motorcycle ride. I have a glow and a bit of helmet hair. — Eric Bana

by Matt Wessels

The Vintage movement is in full force and old motorcycles are finding their way back to daylight and backroads in record numbers. This year will mark the 5th annual Vintage Motorcycle Show in Golden, Colorado.

Heritage Square will host the event one last time before they close their doors at the end of 2015, and all of their facilities will be operational for the show. Those facilities include bathrooms, restaurants, and a bar.

Erico Motorsports, GrandPrix Motorsports Indian and Foothills Triumph/BMW will be there showcasing some of the factory retro motos. Last year they had a half-million dollar Vincent show up, by the name of the Black Prince. It might make a re-appearance at this year’s show.

The show (Sunday, June 7) is open to anybody with a vintage motorcycle following the structure of a controlled open floor. To enter, respond to the evite and drop a comment so that Bob can get an idea of how many bikes there will be. Being a part of the show is just as free as attending it. They are taking donations for Hospice care, so bring some stray bills to support a good cause!

Much like the show being a celebration of all that was good and right in the motorcycle world, the Hospice donations are a celebration of good people who make it their life’s work to increase the quality of life for those who can not completely provide it for themselves. The idea was started when a friend was immensely impressed with the Hospice workers who take care of his mom, and wanted to give back.

The VJMC is also giving back by footing the bill for the event and wants all motorcycles from all backgrounds, manufacturers, and styles to attend. This isn’t a profitable endeavor, this is simply two enthusiasts who want to bring like-minded people together and celebrate good bikes, good food, good talk, and good experiences.

If you missed the link up above, go HERE to register for attendance. IT’S FREE!

For any other questions or comments, please reach out to Bob @ superhawk65@gmail.com

Many of the same folks meet at the GB Fish and Chips on the first Thursday of every month for Old Bike Night. There are a few other Old Bike Night meetups around the front range area, but not all necessarily connected with this one.

Riding with a group makes motorcycling a social event.

If you’re looking for people to ride with in Colorado, then one of the most open and friendly groups you can try is the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Riders Club. It’s an organization designed to welcome any model and age of bike. Really, it’s a club that’s concerned with combining a love of motorcycling with beautiful and adventurous treks around all of Colorado.

Founded in 2004, the Rocky Mountain Riders Club has been continuously active ever since its inception, now boasting more than 90 members. And, its open door policy means that anyone can join for a trek around Colorado, with guests also welcome. It also boasts a large number of female riders, proving that its welcoming atmosphere doesn’t split along gender lines.

Not only this, but the club also accepts any experience level, meaning that you can find some interesting routes and build up your experience with this diverse posse. And, with a lack of snobbery about the kind of bike you own, you can pick up any motorbike for sale and ride with the pack.

The great thing about joining a motorcycle club, generally speaking, is that, while you can still plan your own routes, it’ll be much easier to find new places to journey, and the added company can really enhance the riding experience.

The opportunity to meet other riders who know the lay of the land can be invaluable and it’s almost inevitable that you’ll make some friends as you journey through the mountains and forests of the surrounding area.

There’s an inherent beauty to trekking all around Colorado, with the wondrous mountain ranges at either side of you as you career through vast forest lands, eventually ending up in one of the bustling cities or by the wide open space of its many lakes. It’s always worth a ride through this diverse state.

And, with a pack of 90 members to help you on your way, there’s a much better chance that you’ll be able to appreciate all that you can from this varied and beautiful area. Everyone will have their favorite spot, motel, or diner that they can share with the rest of the group and broaden the knowledge pool of the club.

Where to find a meeting
Meetings generally take place on the first Thursday of every month at the Piccolo Restaurant, 3563 South Monaco Parkway, Denver, which is a great place to eat before a leisurely ride.

Offering Italian and Mexican food stuffs, there’s plenty on offer at Piccolo, with the Italian roasted chicken coming highly recommended. It’s certainly one of the most appetizing meals available, and is rich in the taste of olive oil and herbs. It makes the mouth water just to think about it.

The rides themselves are dotted regularly around the calendar and are perfect for the biker with a day to spare and a predilection toward good company on their ride.

But, for the rider with a little more spare time in their back pocket, some journeys can span multiple days, so if you’re looking to take in all of Colorado’s agricultural and urban beauty, you can set aside a few days for a trip with the club.

Essentially, the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Rider’s Club is an ideal way to learn the finest biking routes of Colorado and, with a single annual membership setting you back a mere $25, it’s not going to set your wallet alight.

Recent from National Motorcycle Examiner
Only a biker knows . . .: Motorcycle wit and wisdom, #29

Biker Quote for Today

It’s not who dies with the most toys. It’s who wears out the most toys.

An excerpted image from the Driven To Ride site.

I got a heads-up the other day about a program that will be airing on public television channel 12 (what used to be called KBDI, but I think it’s something different now) at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 24. It’s called “Driven to Ride” and “The documentary explores the spirit of six women who push the boundaries of two-wheeled freedom.” And it has been produced by Michelle Carpenter, an assistant professor in Digital Design in the College of Arts & Media there at CU Denver.

Says the note I received, “Carpenter’s camera exposes how the road stirs in their blood, a passion they follow down a thousand interstates, blacktops and dusty country roads. Carpenter has submitted ‘Driven to Ride’ to more than 30 film festivals. She is hopeful to screen it at the 2014 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D. So far ‘Driven to Ride’ is an official selection in the East Lansing (Mich.) Film Festival and Indie Fest USA in Garden Grove, Calif.”

Riders featured in the documentary include Betsy Huelskamp, Erin Doherty-Ratay, Masyn Moyer, Janice Ferrante, Debra Conroy, and Julie Graff. Here’s a bit about each of them:

• Betsy Huelskamp is a personal trainer, photographer and journalist. Betsy has been featured in Discovery Channel’s Motorcycle Women, National Geographic’s Hell on Wheels and TLC’s faking it. Betsy rides over 5,000 miles per year on her custom Harley-Davidson chopper.
• Erin Doherty-Ratay is known for her Around-the-World tour with her husband Chris Ratay. Their adventure on two BMW motorcycles took more than four years (1999-2003) and covered 50 countries on six continents, while riding 101,322 miles. At the end of their journey, Erin and Chris discovered they had nearly doubled the record for Longest Motorcycle Ride (Team) and broke the Guinness World Records®.
• Masyn Moyer is a free spirited custom Harley-Davison chopper rider and an entrepreneur. Masyn grew up driving tractors and snowmobiles on her grandfather’s farm in Minnesota. Instead of receiving a horse for her 10th birthday 
present, she received a 50CC dirt bike… the rest is history.
• Janice Ferrante rides a BMW 650 GS and lives for off-road riding adventure. When the pavement ends… she begins her ride.
• Debra Conroy rides a BMW 1100 S and she thrives on long distance riding. She has been known to attempt to ride 50 Colorado mountain passes in 3 days.
• Julie Graff is a custom chopper builder and Julie was born to ride. Both her mother and father are avid vintage Harley Davidson riders and collectors. Julie began to ride at the young age of four and remembers being dropped off at pre- school on her mother’s 1969 Harley Davidson Sportster.

I normally don’t watch television but I may try to catch this. Could be interesting.

Biker Quote for Today

I bought it to ride it, not wax it.