Two-wheeled Tales: Empowering Women Riders
I’ve ridden a lot in my life. I’ve traveled the entire east coast, from Canada down to Florida, and even rode out to Sturgis on my own bike with a group of people. Those experiences have shaped my mindset in a big way. Whenever life throws challenges my way, I can’t help but think, “I’m unstoppable. I’ve done tough things before, and I can do this.”
Take, for example, the knee replacement surgery I had just four weeks ago. It’s been a tough recovery, but every time I feel myself struggling, I remind myself: I’ve done hard things. I’m tough. And that keeps me going.
But beyond my personal mindset, one of my biggest passions is helping other women experience the freedom and empowerment that comes with riding a motorcycle. If you’re a woman who wants to learn to ride, my first piece of advice is simple: take a rider’s education class. Don’t try to learn on your own. I’ve seen so many women who, out of frustration, tried to teach themselves and ended up dropping their bike or developing bad habits. Trust me, I’ve been there myself.
When I first tried riding, it was a struggle. But having an instructor teach you the basics — the clutch, the brake, how to balance — makes a world of difference. Once you’ve got the foundation, it’s all about practice. The more you ride, the more comfortable you’ll become.
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had on two wheels was when I took a group of women to the Women’s Motorcycle Rally in Gettysburg with my Stilettos on Steel crew. The ride itself wasn’t too far — about 200 miles, a three-to-four-hour ride — but for many of the women with me, it was a big step. They’d never done a touring ride before, and many of them had only ever done local, day rides. We spent a month preparing: talking about packing, planning our stops, and getting mentally ready for the longer journey.
When we finally made it to Gettysburg, the look on their faces was priceless. These women, who had been nervous about highway riding or passing trucks, were now empowered. They had done something they didn’t think was possible, and it changed them. Seeing their confidence grow was one of the most incredible moments of my riding life.
For me, it’s all about community and empowering others. There’s something truly special about helping someone overcome their fears and showing them they’re capable of so much more than they think. And when women come together to ride, the experience becomes even more powerful. Every time I see a woman get on her bike and conquer a new challenge, I know we’re all a little stronger, a little more confident – Unstoppable.
Gregory Andrus
Portraits of the Jersey Shore
