I started riding March of 2001. I had gotten my license the previous year, but never seriously thought about riding until I saw others riding that spring. I found a bike (Suzuki Savage) and my life took a different path than I would have expected. It's definitely for the better though. I immediately joined the Motor Maids. It is the oldest women's motorcycle group in North America and there are women representing each state and several provinces. I am also a member of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club. I find that joining riding clubs and groups is a great way to meet people, and find people with common interests. My greatest accomplishment since I started riding was when I rode to Milwaukee, WI from Baltimore MD. I rode by myself and stopped each night at various friends' houses. I put 3500 miles on my bike and had no problems whatsoever. When I think about it, it seems like a dream because I just can't believe I was able to take two weeks off from work, and ride at my own pace and do what I wanted to do. It was very freeing and I can't wait to do it again. I went to Toronto, Niagara Falls and other big cities along the way. Those places were all nice to visit, but there is really no place like home. When I'm not riding, I work as an engineer for a pharmaceutical company. I also like reading and watching football in my spare time. I have one dog, who I try to spend as much time as I can with in the winter, so come spring, I can hit the road and not feel too guilty. In addition to my other hobbies, I am an active member of www.motorcyclecity.com. I have been a member for almost two years now, and I am also one of the moderators for the site. It's tough being the only female moderator, but someone's gotta do it! If I had to give one word of advice to a woman that is interested in riding, I would say 'Just get up and do it. Rearrange your priorities and follow your dreams. Things just don't happen on their own, you have to make them happen.'