I had a friend named Anna who I looked up to. She was maybe 15 years older than me. I found out she was learning to ride a motorcycle and I thought, jeez, that looks fun. If she can do it, I can do it! I was living in Victoria at the time and that part of the world, with lots of windy roads and seaside trips, is designed for riding a bike. So I learned how to ride as well.

I needed the right gear. This was around 1983, when I was about 25. In the 80s, there wasn’t much motorcycle gear made for women. I got a black leather jacket, black leather pants, and these Roots leather boots. I needed boots that would cover my ankle and lower leg to protect me from the hot pipe on the bike and have a good rubber sole. It was important to have clothes that felt like a second skin just in case you went down.

I looked like a motorcycle mama, but I was by no means a tough girl. I just wanted clothes that would keep me safe. I’d go out on my Yamaha Maxim 400 with Anna or my two brothers or friends. Eventually my husband got into it too and we’d travel all over.

There’s nothing like riding a bike. It’s a rush. You’ve got the wind in your face, the power of the engine between your legs. You’re in full control.

But, in 1990 I had twins. It was either my mom or dad who said, “Mothers of twins don’t ride motorcycles.” I sold the bike but I kept my Roots boots.

In 2000 I bought another bike, a 1200 CC Triumph, and I brought out the boots again.

About 10 years ago, I decided to throw in the towel. I had an accident. I was okay. But it woke me up after 27 years of riding. I didn’t feel like I needed to ride anymore.