In 1990 I attended an ABATE of AZ Yavapai Chapter meeting in downtown Prescott, AZ and I was hooked on the train to express my passion for riding and freedom for a life style.

Over the last 20 years I became a member of various organizations such as MMA of Arizona (MMA), ABATE of Colorado, Freedom of the Road Riders in Missouri, American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and Motorcycle Rider Foundation (MRF); remaining a member of my home Chapter of ABATE of AZ. In ABATE of AZ I held various positions at chapter and state level such as Chapter PAC Officer for 11 years, Chapter Coordinator and a seat on the ABATE of AZ Board of Directors. An ABATE of AZ event called “Too Broke for Sturgis” was in Prescott in 1994-98 which I set up the location and permits for the event each year.

In 2001 I served as the first Designated Lobbyist for Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (AZCMC).

In 1994 I joined MRF as a member but before I knew it I was the AZ MRF State Representative which led my journey to the MRF Board of Directors seat where I held 3 different position including Corporate Secretary for 8 years.

Currently I’m on the MRF Board of Directors and the founding Chairperson for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness and Education (MRFA&E) Board of Directors. I still belong to various State Organizations. I serve as a volunteer still with passion for freedom and riding. My job to make money to support my passion is a Commercial Real Estate Broker in the business for 27 years. I bring some of my professional skills to the table for MRF & MRFA&E wherever I can to help all motorcycle riders globally.

In 1998 my brother Chuck and I opened an aftermarket motorcycle shop that helped educate me in the world of the aftermarket business owners.

My rides have been 1972 H-D FXE, 1990 H-D FXSTS and 1977 H-D XLCR as a collectable. Currently my garage houses my 2003 Custom built Hotrod with a 111ci S&S motor, 2005 VRSCA and the newest addition is my 2009 XL1200N.

My passion is still strong and my extended family is all of you who go down the road with the wind in your face along side one another.

I have been riding for a total of about 18 years.  I started riding when I was 14 on the dirt.  For my 18th birthday I bought myself my first street bike, a Honda 350.  It was a big bike in those days.  I was the only woman I knew who rode solo.  After a few years I quit riding.  The usual excuses, men were threatened by me; I had a family to raise, etc.  In 1997 I decided I wanted to ride again.  I found a Motorcycle Safety Course and learned how to ride properly this time.   And I haven’t been able to stay off the bike since. 

When I started my second riding life I also determined that I needed to do more than just ride.  I loved riding and all of the freedoms associated with riding.  I knew if I wanted to continue to enjoy these freedoms I needed to work to preserve them.   So I joined ABATE of Colorado.  While living in Durango, CO I served as Recording Secretary and Public Relations Officer for my district. I was Co-Chairman of our Toy Run for several years.  I put together our first Spring Poker Run.  I then sat on the ABATE of CO State Board as the Southwest Regional Coordinator until 2002. I volunteered at the Four Corners Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally from its inception through 2001. I have been active in various riding groups throughout Colorado.  

In early 2001 I decided to do more than just talk rights.  The rights movement is based on Rider Education being the key to personal freedom.  I decided to directly affect Rider Education by becoming a Certified Motorcycle Safety Instructor.  In order to be able to teach motorcycle classes full time I moved to the Denver area in 2002.  (It didn’t hurt that I married a man I met during my Instructor Prep classes.)  For several years I taught exclusively of any other job.  I was one of those very lucky people who get to make a living (sort of) doing something I absolutely LOVE.  While times have changed somewhat and I now work a regular job, I still teach as many classes as I can each year. 

I currently sit on the Board for Directors for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.  I serve as their Director of Events and Conferences.  I schedule and plan three major Conferences every year.  The intent is to gather all parties interested in protecting motorcyclist’s rights, conduct seminars and network so all can work together to achieve our common goals.  These Conferences are held throughout the United Sates, generally one east coast, one west coast and our large Conference, Meeting of the Minds is generally held in the central United Sates each September.   You can get more information about the MRF and our Conferences by checking out their website at www.mrf.org.  

I have been the Treasurer for the MRF Awareness & Education since the organization was founded.  I have a BA in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College.  I owned my own accounting business for many years prior to moving to the Denver, CO area.  

My husband and I put about 10,000 – 12,000 miles a year on our bikes.  We do ride to almost all of our MRF and ABATE functions throughout the Untied States.   My current ride is a 2007 HD Electra Glide Classic.  In my life I have owned and ridden Hondas, Kawasakis, BMWs and Suzukis as well as several Harleys.   To my way of thinking, it isn’t what you ride, just that you ride. 

I am 64 years old. I have lived in Muskogee, OK for 26 years and recently retired from the Union Pacific Railroad where I worked as a telecommunications technician. I have been married to Bernadette for a little longer.  We both grew up in Kansas City, Mo.  We moved to North Platte, NE when I went to work for the UP in 1982, so it has been two decades since we have lived in a big city and don't miss it a bit.  Bernie and I began riding motorcycles about the same time, but didn't meet until several years later. 

We have an affliction - I mean affection for Harleys. Our current ride is a 2000 Road Glide Ultra that our kids refer to as a “senior citizen land cruiser.”  Cross-country riding is our favorite riding activity.  Bernie has a 1991 Low Rider Custom for her own use and I've had a couple 70's vintage Norton Commandos and BMW/2's (with a Velorex hack) for fun.  I have been involved in the motorcycle related politics for 35 years.  In that time I have lobbied local, state, and federal government officials regarding motorcyclists' rights and safety issues.  I visited Congress in 1975 and 1995 to work for change in national motorcycle helmet use laws.  I am life member of the American Motorcycle Association and have been a member for 35 years.  I am also a charter member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and served as Director of Communications for a couple years. 

I became certified as a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Instructor in 1991. I am a firm believer in the safety program and devote most of my political activity toward promoting action that will encourage the growth of the effective motorcycle safety programs.  My local ABATE of Oklahoma Chapter is about to establish our own safety program in Muskogee. We are convinced that a successful safety program will make Oklahoma a great place to ride in terms of both SAFETY & FREEDOM.

I believe the skills and temperament I have learned in the MSF program has made my motorcycle riding safer and much more enjoyable.  I have never experienced a serious crash.  I credit rider education, plus a measure of good luck for that over the last two decades and incredible luck prior to that time.