Classic recollections: Mothers who ride
Motorcycle clubs are some of the most tightly knit social groups, convening in the common love for all things two-wheeled. At the core, they’re held together by more than just their chromed and chopped machines. Most importantly, riders cherish the deep friendships that grow from shared adventures, open highways, late night wrench sessions and experiencing life together.
One such local organization is the High Road Riders, formed in 2001 at the South Barrington church, Willow Creek. The group meets year round, boasting as many as 80 passionate members during the riding months.
While a close and dynamic bunch, if you look carefully among the gleaming rows of V-Twins, hogs and cruisers, you’ll find an even cozier bunch known as the Red Glove Riders. Started in 2003, this offshoot is composed entirely of women riders who sought a special ‘girls-only’ band to roll with. Here’s a quick glance at some of the moms and grandmothers who actively participate in this devoted mechanized sisterhood.
Kate Waldron, Hanover Park, 2000 Harley-Davidson Heritage Springer
For Kate Waldron, the passion for riding started when she was 15. “After going on my first ride as a passenger, I immediately fell in love. From then all I dreamed of was owning my own bike.” Raising her four kids became top priority but the Hanover Park resident never forgot about that thrilling teenage experience. When the timing was right, this grandmother of four purchased a 2000 Harley-Davidson Heritage Springer. “The first time it fired up and idled, I knew it was just perfect. The rumble is, frankly, indescribable!” Since then, Kate has made some long treks on the Suede Green machine, including a 3600-mile excursion to Bear Tooth Mountain, Mont. Along the way she was wed to her bike-riding spouse. “The happiest times in my life have been on my Harley.”
Angie Valentino, Elgin, 2008 Harley-Davidson Nightster
Angie Valentino has been on the backs of bikes since she was 12, but it wasn’t until her two kids were grown that she finally got her own two-wheeler. “Once I became an empty-nester, I was more than ready!” The Elgin resident settled on a sinister 2008 Harley-Davidson Nightster that she purchased new right before Valentine’s Day. “It’s definitely a speed machine and not meant to be flashy or colorful. In its own special way, its beautiful to me!” This grandmother of two takes the matte-black beast out regularly, accompanied by her Harley riding husband. She finds the open road is the best place to have “stress melt away and problems disappear.”
Karyn Daniels, West Chicago, 2006 Suzuki LS650
“As a kid on my bicycle, I would take in the sights and smells of being outside thinking: ‘I could do this all day!’ ” recalls the mother of three, Karyn Daniels. “As I got older, I realized ‘Why am I pedalling when I don’t have to?’ ” Upgrading from her Schwinn, the West Chicago resident purchased her first motorcycle when she turned 18 and now owns a 2006 Suzuki LS650. The grandmother of three’s affection for outdoor touring is shared by her other love, a motorcycle-riding husband. The pair kicked off their life together by taking a scenic, romantic two-wheeled tour. “For our honeymoon, we rode into Canada and around Lake Superior. This summer we’re heading back up north on the same tour to celebrate 20 years of marriage.”
Debi Born, Roselle, 2007 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider
Debi Born was teased with bike-ownership in 1997 when her husband bought a raffle ticket for a new Sportser from the Palatine Harley-Davidson dealership, claiming confidently ‘I have a good feeling about this!’ Debi recalls the incident: “I was extremely skeptical but sure enough, the next day I was informed, ‘Debi, I won the raffle and have your new bike!’ ” The mother of one wasn’t quite ready to ride so the free acquisition was sold to allow for a down payment on a new family home. Years later, when May ’06 arrived, and the Roselle resident was more than ready. Today she sports a jet-black 2007 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider — a surprise birthday gift from her spouse. “Riding with other women is totally empowering! There’s just a connection between us, a bonding that can’t be explained.”
Linda Laut, Lake Zurich, 2006 Yamaha V-Star
Linda Laut surprised her biker husband when she proposed that they get a motorcycle after seeing numerous offered for sale around her job place. “He was thrilled and hurried to find one before I could change my mind!” says the Lake Zurich resident. Now traveling on two wheels, they got plugged in with the High Road Riders and soon the mother of two grew tired of seeing the view from the back. “The other women kept telling of how wonderful it is on your own and I wanted to experience it myself.” Settling on a Harley, the grandmother of three rode happily until a bad spill changed her mind. “Following the crash, I was adamant about never riding again! But after receiving encouragement from Angie, and hearing she was selling her 2006 Yamaha V-Star, I was ready to go at it again.” She purchased the silver and blue cruiser and has since taken it to places as far as a trip to the Ozarks, riding through Missouri and Arkansas. “Now that I’m riding again, it’s been so good to be back.”