Gail in Bend, Oregon 2013
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Name: Gail Westwood-Hess
eMail Address: gail1954@hotmail.com
Cell: 719-357-2008
City: Colorado Springs
State: CO
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?
I started riding in 2009 in my hometown of Adelaide, Australia. Moved to the USA with my American born husband in 2011 and bought my 2010 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic.
I love riding form state to state here in this wonderful country and have meet great friends and seen so much.
I am a member of the Motor Maids and a local club here in COS the Zebulon riders and also ride with the HOG group.
Riding has opened up a whole new world for me, I love the freedom it gives me and the women riders I've met along the way have been inspirational.
Riding a motorcycle takes confidence and courage. What and who are the people that instilled those qualities in you? How did you develop them?
Having been brought up in an abusive family in Australia I had to be strong and learn to be independent at an early age.
I have my FAITH and that has got me through terrible trauma and I draw on that now and every time I get on my bike.
I was blessed to meet my husband in 2009 who saw my determination and fight for life and he encouraged me when I told him I did not want to ride pillion with him anymore and I wanted to have my own bike to ride.
Since I've had my bike and been riding in Australia and now here I have so much more confidence and self worth. It has given a reason to keep on keeping on.
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.
I draw on my Faith and try to always be prepared for the worst. I always say a prayer before I get on my bike for those I'm riding with and myself to be safe and focused, and I make sure my bike is ready to roll and am aware of the weather conditions.
I keep active when not riding, play tennis, do yoga and meditate.
Keeping my bike in top condition and having the correct riding clothing for any weather conditions is so important.
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?
I love the adrenalin riding gives me, the freedom, seeing all the parts of this country I've been blessed to see. Riding with others who have the same interest and love riding as much as I do.
The stories behind every ride and we all have them, makes life so much more interesting.
If you could tell the world one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I feel I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I'm a survivor! Often I've felt like giving up but my Faith pulls me through and keeps me going.
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?
When I was very lost and lonely people would appear who were like my guardian angels and helped me when I desperately needed help. I feel it is my duty to give back where and when I can.
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?
That magic feeling of accomplishing something I have always wanted to do and am now in the position to do it. It gives me a reason for living and always something to look forward to.
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?
Living with out being in an abusive situation. Being here in the USA gives me a sense of freedom.
Being blessed to be able to ride across this country on my own bike is freedom.
What's next for you?
Looking forward to the women I'll meet in Denver for the Steel Horse Sisterhood in May.
The following weekend riding with my husband Mike Hess down to Mississippi, Louisiana across to Texas then back to New Mexico and Colorado.
God willing many more rides across the states of this beautiful country.
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:
eMail Address: gail1954@hotmail.com
Cell: 719-357-2008
City: Colorado Springs
State: CO
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?
I started riding in 2009 in my hometown of Adelaide, Australia. Moved to the USA with my American born husband in 2011 and bought my 2010 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic.
I love riding form state to state here in this wonderful country and have meet great friends and seen so much.
I am a member of the Motor Maids and a local club here in COS the Zebulon riders and also ride with the HOG group.
Riding has opened up a whole new world for me, I love the freedom it gives me and the women riders I've met along the way have been inspirational.
Riding a motorcycle takes confidence and courage. What and who are the people that instilled those qualities in you? How did you develop them?
Having been brought up in an abusive family in Australia I had to be strong and learn to be independent at an early age.
I have my FAITH and that has got me through terrible trauma and I draw on that now and every time I get on my bike.
I was blessed to meet my husband in 2009 who saw my determination and fight for life and he encouraged me when I told him I did not want to ride pillion with him anymore and I wanted to have my own bike to ride.
Since I've had my bike and been riding in Australia and now here I have so much more confidence and self worth. It has given a reason to keep on keeping on.
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.
I draw on my Faith and try to always be prepared for the worst. I always say a prayer before I get on my bike for those I'm riding with and myself to be safe and focused, and I make sure my bike is ready to roll and am aware of the weather conditions.
I keep active when not riding, play tennis, do yoga and meditate.
Keeping my bike in top condition and having the correct riding clothing for any weather conditions is so important.
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?
I love the adrenalin riding gives me, the freedom, seeing all the parts of this country I've been blessed to see. Riding with others who have the same interest and love riding as much as I do.
The stories behind every ride and we all have them, makes life so much more interesting.
If you could tell the world one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I feel I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I'm a survivor! Often I've felt like giving up but my Faith pulls me through and keeps me going.
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?
When I was very lost and lonely people would appear who were like my guardian angels and helped me when I desperately needed help. I feel it is my duty to give back where and when I can.
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?
That magic feeling of accomplishing something I have always wanted to do and am now in the position to do it. It gives me a reason for living and always something to look forward to.
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?
Living with out being in an abusive situation. Being here in the USA gives me a sense of freedom.
Being blessed to be able to ride across this country on my own bike is freedom.
What's next for you?
Looking forward to the women I'll meet in Denver for the Steel Horse Sisterhood in May.
The following weekend riding with my husband Mike Hess down to Mississippi, Louisiana across to Texas then back to New Mexico and Colorado.
God willing many more rides across the states of this beautiful country.
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.
Motorcycling News & ReviewsWomen Riders Now
MotoAdventureGal
SpeakersThink Like A Negotiator
Michele Wierznac
Motoress
InspirationalFull Throttle Living
Lady Road Dog
Liz Jansen Blog
Jessi Combs
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