Her name was Tigerlily. I was obsessed.
When I first threw my leg over the saddle of my very own Harley-Davidson motorcycle I just knew that a brand new chapter was being written because I roared to life.
My obsession for two wheeled freedom machines began with a garage-sale bicycle that was ridiculously too big for my petite nine year-old body. Riding that bicycle was the place where dreams could be clearly visualized and I could be all that my heart yearned to manifest.
A failed engagement served as the means to acquire a down payment for my first motorized freedom machine. The ring was a stunning antique setting but I had to say goodbye to it because he wasn’t coming back and it was time for me to move forward. Free myself. Rock the throttle and not look back. Among the many good things about riding a motorcycle, there is no rearview mirror. You can’t lift your eyes and look behind you. There are side mirrors, yes, just to capture who may be passing through because they, too, are moving forward.
My motorcycle has taught me countless lessons. I’ve shared these wise treasures acquired from riding miles in the saddle in two books that I have authored: Bikerlady: Living & Riding Free! (Citadel Press) and the more recent, Chrome Cowgirl’s Guide to the Motorcycle Life (MBI/Quayside). I have more books in me, too. The epiphanies will forever continue, I’m sure, with every mile I roll. I’m also a musician and write and perform music having to do with the road, riding, life…hot rods. I’ve appeared in eight different films about motorcycles and I have more projects on the horizon. Yes. All these dreams and more have come true thanks to my motorcycle. She’s a phenomenon. Did I mentioned I found my “chrome charming” because of Tigerlily, too?
If my Harley-Davidson were personified, she would be ethereal. She’s my “Earl,” my guardian angel, just like Holly Hunter’s character, Grace, on the TNT show Saving Grace, has Earl helping her to navigate life’s unpredictable journey. The story of St. Theresa of Liseux reveals that Theresa was affectionately nicknamed “The Little Flower.” Oh, her story of struggle and mysticism gave me the desire to name my motorcycle after a flower. But what flower would I be? Easy. A Tigerlily. Because a girl has got to be both a tiger and a lily: roar through life and stake my dream territory while remaining a wild flower in the wind, swaying soft and gentle, seeking nourishment from the simple things. Oh, yes, Tigerlily would be the name of my motorcycle. My motoangel.
