I began motorcycle riding in 2004, a time when many people found it an odd or adventurous challenge for a woman no longer a glowing youth. My glow may be a bit tarnished, but my patina flowed into my second or third childhood! I found myself searching everything I could find to read and re-read regarding motorcycling, touring, safety, machines, destinations, and anything somewhat motorcycle related. I read, rode, practiced and learned.
Now many thousand miles later, I enjoy finding others like myself, wanting to ride, looking for places to go and information to get there. I hope to fill some of the gaps found in the female motorcycling community, you know the ones, leaving out the largest growing population of new riders, women!! Though this site is not female specific, it is definitely geared to women and new riders, but I would hope there is a bit o’ something for every motorcyclist, new and old.
From ride reports around the country, forum links, road links, to bit o’ this and that, I welcome your comments and suggestions! Take some time and look around and Welcome to demenshea.com/blog!
Donna aka Demenshea 
Demenshea sez... Ya, we don't like to see ads, either, but it helps pay the rent... so please visit our (randomly supplied) sponsors to keep the content coming! ;-)
Hey Donna,
Great site. I am scared to death with both seducing your neighbor and infecting her with the ‘do not wear your seat belt’ virus.
Just came back from a ride to Death Valley, and there were motorcycles everywhere. Best time of the year to go there, but would you take the responsibility to take a passenger? I cannot.
It is at the end a very personal and challenging choice. Both you and your husband turned out to be happy riders. It seems to be a rare case that both partners find themselves with the ability to ride. You make it sound easy because it was. What do you think made you successful in that attempt? The Moto Safety Course is surely the best way to see for yourself how you fare with a mopped, but surely that is not enough.
You mentioned that you were a grand mother. Does that mean the rebel alternative lifestyle of a biker can be pondered?
Best wishes and long miles to this site.
~oS`o
Eric
Eric, hello and thanks for your kind words.
I had to internalize your thoughts a bit before replying as you have queried some interesting dilemmas.
For many non-riding women, it is difficult to conceptualize being on a motorbike, whether as rider or passenger. Couple that with the reluctant pillion carrier and you definitely have two people who more than likely aren’t going to be riding together!
For Gary and I it was much different. He didn’t mind commandeering the bike, it was I who didn’t like relinquishing control. I knew that I loved the open-air mobility, but didn’t like being submissive to another’s riding whims.
Even with the MSF, you don’t really know whether or not it will work for you until you get out and ride in the real world on a real motorbike. That will make it or break it.
It made it for me! I can’t imagine not riding now, and realize that is what keeps me riding as much as possible. I do believe there is a finite amount of time that one CAN ride and being a grandmother is a reality check for riding while I am able and for as long as I can!!
Donna, I LOVE what you have done with the place!!! When I think of role models and riding, your name always pops up. Any rider would do well to emulate the accomplishments you have mastered on two wheels. Your blog is a cover to cover reader I can tell after the first story. Fascinating Darling!!
J
Donna, any friend of Jesters, is a friend of mine. Many times I find it difficult to ride with others due to the limitations of my Ural/sidecar. So I venture out a lot on my own. I am a camera nut at heart, check out my website, and stop often on my rides to take pics. That’s another reason I would slow others down. But I do carry extra water and snacks, just ask those who I have gone with. Anyway, I think I will start a page similar to yours soon so others can see where I’ve been. And as Jester said, you are a great role model. Take care and ride safe.
Bear
Congrats on the 75,000 miles.
I have always said experience on a motorcycle is measured in miles not years.
Would you consider publishing a post about what you have learned along the way?
Hey Donna
I enjoyed reading Viajar por España.
Your detailed report and photos are amazing
As an Iberian, a live in Portugal, and having traveled in Andalucia quite a lot it is always interesting to read a diferent perspective of a country and culture that I kow so well and is so close to me.
I have sent the link of your Blog to a friend of mine(female) with whom I have done long motorcycle travels.
Keep writing and travling.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Carlos for sharing my blog with your friend!! I got a very nice note from her!
I hope to return to you country in the next year or so. I only got a small sample of the country and roads. I believe that the northern area much be fabulous and I feel the need to see it for myself!! ; )
Thanks again for your wonderful comments!
Hello Donna, I first saw you on Pashnit and followed your link to this site, which I love. I cracked up at the picture of you putting your lipstick on looking into the mirror of your bike. Something I do all the time. I ride mostly with guys and they are always kidding me about that. I would love to go on the girl ride but will have to see how my circumstances work out as I am currently unemployed and it would have to be during the winter months. I love your blog keep up the good work!
Karin…the whole lipstick thing is irreverent and fun. I never ride without some, but it goes on after a base coat of burt’s bees!! Thanks for joining my blither and it would be wonderful if you could connect on the Girly Ride. It’s usually a blast. Hope to see u then!
HI Donna,
Just found your site! Love it! We seem to have so many of the same outlooks on riding, riding pillion, travel, etc. I just don’t get to travel as much! I look forward to reading through your posts and drooling some more.
-Steel Cupcake/Lori
For Love of a Motorbike