I started riding when I was 6 and went through several dirt bikes growing up. One was so tall, my feet didn't come close to the ground and I would have to start out and stop leaning against something.

My first road bike was a 750 Kawasaki Vulcan. I then saved a Suzuki Intruder, which my husband now uses for commuting, from rusting away in a co-worker's garage.

A Kawasaki Concours is my main bike now. I ride about 14,000 miles a year, mostly in commuting miles. Not only do I commute to my regular job as a highway designer, but I also teach, or coach as they call it these days, motorcycle safety classes for three different organizations. One of those is in Illinois and includes the Chicago area. So, I get to have long commutes on my bike when I coach there.

This season, I'll be teaching somewhere almost every weekend, and a lot of weeknights too. One exception is during the AMA races at Road America in June. My daughter is already bugging me with "Mom, how much longer until Road America?" Yes, we are looking forward to our fun, family weekend. Our camp will be set up in the Carousel Campground if you are looking for me.

I have two kids. My son currently rides a Honda XR70 and my daughter rides a Honda XR50. I'm hoping to add a full-sized dual-purpose bike to my stable soon so I have something with which to follow my kids on the trails. They never say it, but I think the kids think it's cool to have a mom who picks them up from school on a cycle. We've learned my son's violin travels nicely in a baseball equipment bag and a backpack fits in my saddle bag. Last year, my daughter's "child of the week" presentation was of her and my motorcycle safety gear. Can never start 'em too young.

I haven't traveled long distances very much yet. With kids (and a husband <grin>) to raise, I don't stay away too long. I try to squeeze in long (300-700 miles) day trips when I'm not teaching. My only big trip so far was taken last April. I went to Denver for a wedding, then to Dallas for some instructor training, then home again. The most unusual part of that trip is that the day before I left, I found out I had a broken foot. The doctor sent along a removable cast which I would wear when I wasn't riding and strap on the seat behind me when I was. Once my kids get a little older, we hope to explore more of this great country on two wheels. And by the way, I broke my foot cleaning my house. Remember, cleaning your house is dangerous, riding motorcycles is safe!

I joined Women On Wheels® in 2002. If you're wondering where I am while you are out enjoying all the great group rides and why you rarely see me around, remember that I'm probably on a range or in a classroom somewhere helping other women (and men too!) learn our sport in a safe manner. In the winter, I spend many weekends at seminars and training opportunities learning more about safe motorcycling. That's one advantage/drawback of teaching for three different organizations. I attend fall wrap-up and spring kick-off meetings for each place. I do enjoy the learning opportunities even though it means less time for "fun" riding.

One of the mottos I've seen is "The more you know, the better it gets." It's true of my teaching and learning opportunities as well as the people I meet. I have had a couple of opportunities to get to know some of you at the 2003 Christmas dinner and at the 2004 New Year's Day ride. And, I hope to see some of you again this year at the Women's Day at Capital City Harley Davidson. Even though I don't ride with the group much, at least I know my dues are going to help support women in motorcycling. Ride, ride, ride...