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Harley-Davidson riders cannot be stereotyped.

On Thursday, Feb. 25, women aged 20-something to 60-something gathered at Wolf Creek Harley Davidson in Reidsville for a Ladies Only Garage Party.

Chinqua Penn Plantation gave wine tastings. The Nurtured Body provided free chair massages, and the staff of Wolf Creek educated women on motorcycle models, attire, and parts and service.

Enthusiastic women milled around, wine glasses in hand, discussing the merits of the Softail model versus the Sportster, and how long a pair of riding boots could be expected to last.

Current riders in Harley-Davidson jackets were anxious to share their love of the sport with women who were contemplating buying their first bikes.  

Becky Martin of Reidsville has been riding for about five years with her husband, Joseph. They ride a Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic. 

They started riding when they got married more than 25 years ago but quit after their son was born.

After their son got married, they went right back to riding. Martin loves traveling on the back roads and has taken some long-distance trips to Pennsylvania, Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

When I asked how they get all their stuff packed on a motorcycle for a long-distance trip, Martin replied, “Wrapped real tight.  We have two saddlebags, a trunk and an extra bag. We wrap it tight and get it all in.” 

They ride for about six hours at a time, stopping for short breaks as needed. 

“The seat is so comfortable,” Martin said. They will hop on their bike for shorter trips, too.  “A lot of times if we need to run to Greensboro for something, we’ll jump on the bike and go,” she said. “It saves gas money.”

The bikes average about 60 miles a gallon.

Martin has her own motorcycle but she rides with her husband on longer trips.

They normally confine their excursions to spring through fall, but her husband once went to the beach when it was only 19 degrees.

“He nearly froze to death,” she said with a laugh. “The riding clothes keep you warm but not when it’s that cold.” 

Martin is a member of the Hog Club along with her friend, Barbara Chilton of Reidsville.

Chilton said she wants to ride all the time. “It’s so much fun. You just lose it, forget all your troubles.” 

Her children are 29  and 35 years old, and she confessed  that her son worries about her riding. She doesn’t have her own bike. Yet.

But she has her eye on a
V-Rod racing bike. She came into Wolf Creek to buy a motorcycle and met Howard Hutchins, who is now her fiancé.  “I came in to buy a bike and I got a boyfriend.” Hutchins added, “Luckiest day of my life!” 

Together they go on a Fun Ride nearly every month with the Hog Club. 

“Anyone can ride in the Fun Rides,” she said. Wolf Creek Harley-Davidson has information on the events. 

A  new rider can get into riding a motorcycle for less than you would think. A new Sportster runs around $7,000. Pre-owned bikes also are available.

Several of the women at the Garage Party said they prefer the Softail because it balances a little easier than the Sportster because of its lower center of gravity.

I heard someone remark that riding one is so comfortable it’s like sitting on a couch.

The highest-priced bikes are in the Touring family and they start around $17,000. They even come equipped with a CD player. 

I imagine “I Am Woman” would be an appropriate song to blast while zooming along the highway.

Joni Carter lives in the Bethany community. Contact her at writetojonicarter@gmail.com