This WordPress site, once upon a time, was Donna’s motorcycling blog, from 2009 to 2015. With over 600 posts, Donna chronicled her experiences as a solo female motorcyclist in California via a blog titled Ride Like a Girl on demenshea.com. 

Below is Donna’s charter and mini-bio, the original About Donna post. And don’t miss the legacy comments from way back at the bottom of this page.

About Donna (from the before times)

How do you say demenshea??  — de·men·she·a

What does it mean? Despite the accented “men”, the allusion is to “dementia”, but with an emphasis on SHE, and a bit of “demon” mixed in for good measure. It has been my online monikker since the 1990’s.

When my husband first hinted at his learning to ride motorcycles five years ago, I balked, I fought, and found mountains in mole hills, but in the end he bought our neighbor’s used motorcycle and began riding after taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. He was licensed and well on his way to becoming a menace to society on his old school 1986 Yamaha.

While he rode home with stories and photographs of roads less traveled, I became fraught with jealousy. I wanted to partake in the alternative lifestyle of a motorcyclist, a biker, a rebel and so after only three rides as his pillion, I too decided to take the class and ride my own. I was a grandmother, yet found myself constantly grinning in my motorbike helmet as I sought to discover the perfect pavement.

I am now a 6 year veteran rider, with better nonsense than sense, and having the time of my life. In that spirit I begin this site to attempt sharing the absolute overwhelming strength and autonomy I receive from the simple act of riding a motorcycle.

I hope you enjoy my blog keeping in mind that comments, feedback and contributions are always welcome!

Donna and Gary after a fantastic day of riding!

Hooligan Girl…shhhhh don’t tell anyone…. : )

My riding, writing, and irrepressible enthusiasm would not be possible were it not for the unending support and love I receive from my amazing family!!