Name: Debbie Voss
eMail Address: debbiev2006@gmail.comCell: 512-350-0689
City: Austin State: TX
Country: United States of America
Share how you came to be a motorcyclist? What Make and Model do you ride? How has riding shaped you into the person you are today?
My husband started riding when our children were young. I wasn't interested, it was always 'his thing'. When our kids started getting older, I started to ride 'on the back'. I enjoyed it and met some really nice people, but I was never comfortable. One day I just decided I wanted to 'learn to ride my own'....the rest is history!
I now ride a 2006 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe
Motorcycling literally turned my life around.... shortly before I 'took hold of the handbars' I also decided to lose weight too, and lost 125#. This was 12 years ago.
Between both of these decisions in my life, the world has opened up to me. I love to travel, I have been to more beautiful places, seen more than things and have met wonderful people than I ever thought possible!
I have shown myself how to push beyond my fears and just to keep going. At times I still cannot believe the confidence & the strength both motorcycling & the weight loss has given me. But at the same token, it is a quiet humbling peace within myself.
Riding a motorcycle takes confidence and courage. What and who are the people that instilled those qualities in you? How did you develop them?
My husband has been the best support person for me. My first 2 years of motorcycling I wouldn't go anywhere without him!
Also, reading about the ladies in the 'early days' of motorcycling were a great inspiration to me. When I started solo riding, I thought 'if they could do it back then...I can do it now'.
Of course, every lady rider to me is an inspiration, we all have our reasons for throwing our leg over the saddle, and overcoming obstacles.
I try to 'give back' to new lady riders to help by mentoring & encouraging them till they eventually get more confident.
I think of everyone that has influenced me when I hear the song 'You are the Wind beneath my Wings'.
Out on the road, riders face daily challenges. Being vulnerable, a rider needs to be very focused and ready for anything. How do you prepare both mentally and physically for your daily adventures? How do you connect with your inner self and prepare for challenges like fatigue, poor weather conditions, etc.
By keeping myself physically fit, eating healthy and getting a good nights rest.
I've also learned a lot with the practice of Yoga & Martial Arts.
I also keep in mind one of the very first films from the basic class 'Murphy's Law'...if it can happen, it will'. I ride as if...
Also keeping my bike very well maintained. To me, my life depends on it.
You've been riding for X amount of time. What makes it still exciting for you? What do you get out of it? How has it changed (for you) over the years?
Riding is such a joy, my bike is not a 'thing' but like a part of me, a 'friend'. Every ride seems like a adventure.
Even though I may be going down the same roads, it brings back memories of a ride with friends or what was going on at the time.
I love long distance riding and look forward to at least 1 good long ride every year!
If you could tell the world one thing about yourself, what would it be?
That I am passionate about eating healthy & riding! And I am a very Positive person (I know that 3 things!)
Paying it forward appears to be a large part of who we are as members of the motorcycle community. Who or what was your inspiration to encourage you to give back? Why do you do what you do?
Talking and encouraging the new lady rider, because I will never forget how nervous I was those first couple years of motorcycling (and how I still am at times!). There were times I was tempted to 'stop motorcycling' but something inside of won't let me.
My bike is packed and I'm heading out on the road. These moments are my favorite. That feeling of excited anticipation as I start the engine, and pull out.
Describe the feeling you get as you head out on the open road. On a trip, solo? Or with a group? Early morning peace, the sound of motorcycle, not quite knowing yet what this adventure will bring you (whether solo or group)!
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln wrote in the Gettysburg address… This nation, under God shall have a new birth of freedom. A new birth of freedom. Hmm... lots to think about here. In "Me and Bobby McGee" Kris Kristofferson wrote… Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose. Tell us what freedom means to you?
On my motorcycle, feeling the wind and sunshine in the countryside on a nice pleasant day!
What's next for you?
My personal goal is to get a photo of my motorcycle in all lower 48 states. I have about 15 more to go (mostly the Northeast!)
About the Steel Horse Sisterhood
“At the end of our lives what really matters is the answer to the question, “How well did we love?” When we tap into the force of love, suddenly the unforgivable can be forgiven, the un-healable can be healed.” - Sara Stover
This quote is the essence of the Steel Horse Sisterhood.
As women who ride, we share a common bond. We share the passion of helping others, the love for our countries, the love of riding and the love of our motorcycles.
The Steel Horse Sisterhood:
- Is a collaboration of the life stories of women who live, giving of their time and talents for the benefit of others
- Is a community of women who share the love of the ride, the love of each other and what fuels their passion
- Transcends age, race, economics, religion, borders and abilities
- Is a spiritual connection
The inspiration for the Steel Horse Sisterhood and the Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit came about in September of 2012 as a vision to rider and business owner Joan Krenning aka Lady Road Dog
To find out more about the Steel Horse Sisterhood Click Here
To become a sponsor of the Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit please contact us at info@steelhorsesisterhood.com
Please visit the following website to find out more about these passionate women who share the love of motorcycling.
www.steelhorsesisterhood.com
Motorcycling News & Reviews
Speakers
Inspirational
Do you know of a website that should be featured?We would love to hear about them.Please e-mail us at info@steelhorsesisterhood.comBe inspired ~ Be happy ~ and Ride on....through this Journey called life.
Lady Road Dog
Love your article..as I sit here trying to decide if I want to make this solo journey to the summit, it has inspired me, I want to,..but I hesitate..your story could make the difference. Thanks for sharing.
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