IMAGE BY @laurapadillahalcon
Why do you ride?….
Everyone that rides will give you a different answer. For some it’s for their wellbeing, for some it’s to get a rush and some their chill time. One thing’s for sure is that once you ride your life begins to revolve around the next ride and the special something that it gives you.
In our new series Why I Ride we’ve asked some of the riders that inspire us most the big question - Why do you ride?
First up it’s the legendary Gevin Fax of California, US. As a permanent figure amongst the women rider scene and the motorcycle scene at large for many years, Gevin began riding when she was just a kid after father took her to a motocross track with her brother. Gevin was the one who took to it like a duck to water and ever since has lived around motorcycles in many different forms throughout her life. Gevin and her story have always inspired us over at VC and we think she’ll do the same for you.
A huge thanks to Gevin for writing this piece.
Enjoy x
IMAGE BY @laurapadillahalcon
I ride so my soul can deal with the waves of consequence that come with living my dare in this life…..
I began riding motorcycles at the age of 10 and by the time I was 16, I had completed my longest ride which was Niagara Falls with a girlfriend riding on the back. When I become overwhelmed with life, my motorcycle is my escape. It allows me to ground myself and put things into perspective. I love touring the country and beyond. There is something to be said about having all of your possessions like shelter and survival equipment all packed on your bike and in your saddlebags. It truly gives me a sense of independence, freedom and control over my own personal destiny.
IMAGE BY @whereisavory
I remember when I was a motorcycle test rider mechanic, back in 1979. I test rode all of the motorcycle prototypes that came off of the assembly line at the time. I test rode the first CBX 1100 six-cylinder Honda, the first KZ 1300 six cylinder Kawasaki, and the reintroduction of the Belt Drive Harley Davison FXWG wide glide and many more.
Having motorcycles in my life has awarded me a certain amount of strength and courage. Riding has tempered me in patience, tolerance and acceptance. I was always been intrigued by motorcycles as a child. I begin riding when my father first took me to a dirt bike track; I raced my first mini bike race at the age of eight and won. By the time I was 10 I was given my first motorcycle which was actually a moped imported from Italy, it was the Italian Mobilette.
Over the years I’ve owned many different motorcycles. Here they are as follows:
90 CC Bridgestone, 175 CC Honda dual sport, 350 CC CB Honda 1969 Two-Tone Twin, CB 750-4 Honda Super Sport, CB 650 Honda Nighthawk, a 1992 Suzuki Intruder 1400 CC, a 1982 Harley Davidson 1340 CC Wide Glide FXWG, a 2001 1800 CC Road King Classic, a 1999 883 Harley Davidson Sportster Hugger and a 1995 XR250R Honda Dualsport.
Four of the motorcycles mentioned I still own and ride:
1982 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXWG 1300 CC
1999 HARLEY Sportster Hugger 883 CC
2001 HARLEY ROAD KING TWIN CAM
1995 Honda XR250R Dualsport
“Having motorcycles in my life has awarded me a certain amount of strength and courage. Riding has tempered me in patience, tolerance and acceptance.”
I’ve ridden for both pleasure and practicality. I ride to work and commute, but prefer touring the country. My favourite way to ride is getting as remote as possible. I routinely venture to seek out the most remote byways, as far away from people as possible. Sometimes it’s the street or touring bike and sometimes it’s the dirt roads with the Honda dual sport.
Riding makes me feel like I am the Lady King of the world! My very well-being depends on my escape times with my motorcycles. I occasionally like to ride with others because I deeply enjoy the camaraderie. But in all honesty I prefer to ride alone. That is when I take the time to really connect with the earth, my creator and those who have gone before me.
Riding truly is my meditation. When I am asked “Who are you?” , I will answer, “I am everyone”, if I am asked, “Where are you going?” , I will answer, “Everywhere”, if I’m asked, “do you want to do in life?” I will answer, “ Positively everything possible.”
