Two-Wheeled Tales: How “Raven” Found Her Calling
I’ve been known as Raven my whole life. It started as the name of my first motorcycle, and somehow, it just stuck. Now, it’s more than just a name—it’s part of who I am. In the motorcycle community, nobody knows me as Michelle. In fact, my mom once walked into the Elks Lodge looking for me and asked, “Do you know where my daughter Michelle is?” The response? “Who’s Michelle?” That’s when I knew — Raven had truly become my identity.
Riding With Purpose
Motorcycles have given me more than just the freedom of the open road; they’ve given me a purpose. I’m a member of the Elks, a charity organization, and within it, I’m part of the motorcycle committee. This allows me to do what I love while giving back — raising money for veterans and the special needs community. Together, we raise over $100,000 every year for Camp Moore, a camp for special needs children.
We don’t just fundraise — we have fun doing it. This year, I organized the Biker Hunger Games, a day full of motorcycle games that brought in a ton of support for Camp Moore. But it’s not just about the big events. Some of the most meaningful moments happen on a much smaller scale.
I work in hospice, and two years ago, we organized a ride for one of my patients — a 104-year-old Navy veteran. We wheeled him out of the nursing home, and about 100 motorcycles pulled up in front to honor him. We presented him with pins and shirts, and at 104 years old, he stood up and gave a speech. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I’ve had the privilege of organizing similar rides for other hospice patients, and each one is deeply special.
Beyond my work with hospice, I’ve served as the chaplain of my Elks chapter and was recently elected vice president. It’s an amazing feeling to have the support of my fellow riders. If I say, “This is what we’re doing,” I can have 100 bikes behind me in a heartbeat. That kind of unity and purpose brings me so much joy.
One of my favorite traditions is riding in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Asbury Park. As we roll past the crowds, I always notice the little kids watching in awe. But the best part? Seeing young girls pointing at me, eyes wide with excitement, and hearing them say, “Mommy, that’s a girl on a motorcycle!”
That’s what I love the most. I want those little girls to see me and know they can grow up to do anything — even ride their own motorcycles one day. So every time I start my engine, I ride with a purpose: to give back, to inspire, and to live life to the fullest — just like Raven was meant to.
Interview by Gregory Andrus
Portraits of the Jersey Shore
