Joy,
Though not of the ‘fairer chromosomal tribe,’ I am an avid motorcyclist and have passed on that gene/curse/trait to many of the females in my tribe. I have followed Woman Rider since its beginnings way back when Genevieve Schmidt was involved. I have been privileged to be an occasional contributor to Rider, as well as a dozen or so other magazines, and get to write about what I love…riding motorcycles and meeting other riders.
Having only ridden for 44 years, I still have things to learn and skills to sharpen. A resource such as Woman Rider is becoming is a great boon to the still rising numbers of riders it targets. Though my wife has hung up her leathers so to speak, she inspired our daughter and granddaughter and a few nieces all to become licensed riders. Now we have a great granddaughter who already sports M/C branded gear from Grampa. After many years spent looking at the back of my helmet, my wife at 47 decided to ride on her own. For the next 12 years she tackled several track days, challenging roads all over the PNW, and took to trail riding on our little TW-200’s. (See attached.)
Your candid introduction of who you are and how you came to riding was very touching. Life throws us curves that are not always the kind we enjoy finding on 2 wheels. My daughter died in my arms on the side of a country road while we were on a father daughter ride/poker run, and it was a life changing moment. (It was from Anaphylaxis). She was, along with my son, a ‘bonus’ child; not from me but all mine if you know what I mean. To have your special son to keep safe and nurtured is truly a path so many could not take. I worked with many Down’s kids in High School and have had a few friends with children affected, and as someone once said, everyone should get to have one in their life to change perspectives about happiness and caring.
I look forward to seeing what you will bring to this venue, as I have enjoyed seeing Jenny’s work and am glad she seems to still be an integral part.
All the best!
Ben GetzBen-WA Diversified Services
Hi Ben,
Thank you so much for the wonderful email. You cannot know how much it means to me. I am so sorry to hear that you have been through such difficult times yourself, and I appreciate you sharing with me. Sometimes it helps to know that others understand the dark times. I totally understand how you speak of your ‘bonus’ children. I’ve become so used to just referring to Ty as my son…because he is the son of my heart!
I loved hearing a bit of your – and your wife’s – story. I’m so excited that I have the opportunity to move forward with Woman Rider and continue doing something I love so much. I think it’s going to be a great ride!
Thanks for reaching out! Always love hearing the stories of others!
-Joy Burgess (Editor)
