About Me
Why am I here?
I currently live in San Francisco and try to eat, sleep and breathe motorcycling. Aside from running GearChic, I work part time as an MSF RiderCoach and at Scuderia West, a KTM/Aprilia/Kymco/Victory dealer in San Francisco, selling apparel. As of September 2011, I quit my day job to pursue motorcycle related projects full time. I highly recommend it! I freelance as a research recruiter and pick up any project managing/assisting work I can.
In 2007, I noticed that there were plenty of websites for you to go and purchase gear. But, no one had any information on how to find it, where to find it and how to shop for it. So I started my website, wholly dedicated to the issue of protective motorcycle gear for women. You already know how to buy things, I’m not here to tell you where to spend your money, so much as HOW to! I’m here to provide reviews, tips and insights on all things related to what you (men and women) should be wearing while riding your motorcycle or scooter. If you’re just starting out and don’t know what to wear, how it should fit or where to get it, I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
Consider me a virtual personal shopper, someone who has done a lot of the homework so you don’t have to.
My dream is to have a MGU, or a Mobile Gear Unit that I could drive all around the country, fitting and sizing women with as much Real protective gear options available to them. But since I can’t feasibly do that, I try to do it virtually via email or facebook or my forum. Traveling with the shows, I saw how difficult it is for women to find gear when the dealers around them can’t afford to have it available to them. It’s a cycle that I’m working very hard to help break. Although women only make up 15-20% of the motorcycling market, I’m confident that in 5 years that number will hit 30-40% and then 50-60%!!
Dealers, I’m here for you too. If you’re dealer trying to figure out what kind of gear you should have in your shop, or have never sold women’s gear and need help selling gear to women, let’s chat!
My Motorcycles
Articles/Contributions
Asphalt and Rubber – Contributor
First article – Yamaha Zuma 50F Scooter Ride Review. Gear Reviews to come!
BlackGirlsRide Magazine - Contributor
May 2011. I’ve just recently been asked to become a contributor to BGR, which is not only a magazine, but a movement, “an inclusive celebration of all women of color who live to ride”.
City Bike – Contributor
Corazzo 5.0 Jacket Review
Examiner – SF/Scooters
August 2010 – December 2010
Shifting Gears at 50 – Bowtie Press
I contributed a sidebar about gear in this book for riders 50+ who are just starting out or getting back into riding after many years off the bike.
Work
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
RiderCoach, San Francisco, CA; April 2005 – Present
Scuderia West
Part time, apparel, April 2007 – Present
Seminars / Speaking
Bay Area Moto Shop, South San Francisco
This is where you can find me giving hands on seminars (for men and women) when I’m not at a major motorcycle event.
BMW Motorcycles, San Francisco
In May 2011, I spoke at the first women rider appreciation event held at BMW San Francisco and gave my Gear 411 presentation. If you’re shopping for a BMW, I highly recommend visiting Larry and his team.
Horizons Unlimited, California Meetup
This meetup happens every year in October on the CA coast. Aimed specifically towards anyone who likes touring and traveling on a motorcycle.
Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS)
“Women Ride” and “The Hub”, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011
As a resource center for women riders (not for women only), our sponsors provided gear to try on and get fitted. I did my best to help women find gear that fits, and help them understand what size/fit/body type they are so they can find better options. If the options they needed weren’t available in the center, then I gave them specific options that existed outside the show, at their local dealers or online. At both The Hub stage and in the WomenRide feature, I gave 2 seminars, “Gear for your Ride” and “Right Bike for Right Now”, courtesy of the Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation.
Interviews/Press
Long Beach Press Telegram
December 12, 2010, Interview for the Long Beach motorcycle show.
Cleveland Plain Dealer
January 8, 2011, Interview for the Cleveland motorcycle show
Her-Motorcycle.com
Read my story featured on Her-Motorcycle.com
Urban Moto Magazine
This interview was for Urban Moto Magazine’s women’s issue, in April 2009.