Why I Ride: Blaze - Featured in Jonna Travels

Name: Sisters Eternal WMC, National President, Blaze (https://www.sisterseternalwmc.com/)

Residence: Houston, Texas             

Occupation: Accounting

 When did you start riding?

When I was eight years old, I found an old Honda dirt bike in the shed of a property my father purchased covered by things such as a roll of carpet and other miscellaneous items which needed to be cleaned out of the shed. After tinkering for a brief time, we had the dirt bike up and going. Once I climbed in the saddle, I have never been able to look back.

Why did you start riding?

Ever since I was a small child, I have always had a love for motorcycles. I was captivated by the artwork and individuality from each rider through the customization and design of their machines. At the fairs, I found myself always choosing a motorcycle replica over the monster trucks, boats, and other options available on rides.

What was your first bike?

Honda XR75

What do you ride now?

MY DREAM BIKE! Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special: “Maverick.”

What is a typical ride for you?

Monday through Friday I typically conquer what I like to refer to as, “the motorcycle Olympics.” Living in an overpopulated city full of aggressive drivers who feel that their need to arrive somewhere is far more important than the next definitely provides its challenges. All-in-all the average person will tell you that you would have to be a maniac to ride a motorcycle in Houston. If you remain offensively defensive, however, you’re perfectly fine! The trick is to keep your head on a swivel looking for, “escape routes.” On the weekends, I am usually out and about with my Sisters working on fundraising for charities such as the Alzheimer’s Association, exploring, or looking for twisties to ride. After all, “Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing At All,” in the great words of Helen Keller!

What is your favorite thing about being on two wheels?

Throughout my life, it’s become much more than just a hobby, but also a part of who I am. It’s given me a desire to dream, discover and explore. It’s also introduced me to many riders, friends, and even uncovered some family stories of the sport. I’ve enjoyed riding the sand dunes on dirt bikes growing up just as much as falling in with hundreds of choppers carving through scenic escapes along the way – and all the while the bond is the same. It’s all about the passion of the riders and the soul of their machines. It’s the best feeling in the world and I could never imagine not riding. From the moment I climb in the saddle, my worries and stressors from this chaotic world we live in immediately fade away without fail. It’s the best medicine in the world. I truly Thank God for the blessing that I’ve been given of not only learning to ride, but also for having a father who gave me the knowledge to be able to maintain my own machine. 

What is your worst bike memory?

In the Winter of 2015, I was in a collision with a pickup truck. When I came to, the Bluetooth module on my helmet had connected to my phone to which I woke up to, “Welcome to the Jungle,” by Aerosmith blaring in my ear. I had broken the bones in each of my forearms and shattered both wrists, but at the time I was not quite clear on what had transpired. All four lanes of traffic were backed up across the highway, to which I was spread across two. The only thing I could see was my bike lying next to me with holes where there should not have been any. After a horrible rush of adrenalin, my temperature freezing, and my body shaking with what felt like the longest ambulance ride known to mankind, we finally arrived at the hospital. As they were wheeling me into the emergency room, the paramedics asked me if I had any questions. Which, of course I did. I always do! I inquired as to how long it would take to heal being I had never broken anything prior. When they told me that I was easily looking at two months, I then asked if there were any ways to speed up the process while explaining that two months was just not acceptable. After all, I had things to do!

What is your best bike memory?

There truly are so many that it is hard to choose just one! I will say that the Sisterhood in which our women’s club, Sisters Eternal WMC, has formed across the nation is complied of many things that make each trip special whether a short or long haul. It’s a warm smile on a cold and rainy day while you’re drenched from head to toe in your leathers in the middle of winter, a friendly hug that quickly turns into a pile of Sisters tackling you, or even a cheerful hello while taking in to gorgeous scenery across the horizon realizing just how far you’ve come together. It’s all that a good and lasting friendship is, only better. It’s treasured. It’s sacred. It’s knowing that there will always be someone there for you no matter what time, day or night. It’s dreams shared and goals achieved. It’s counting on others and being counted on. It’s real. It’s family.