Hello! My name is Michelle Reynolds and I ride a sweet, super loud, 2014 black and chrome Harley-Davidson Road King named Vader.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve been around motorcycles. My parents and grandparents both owned and rode motorcycles. My parents would put my younger brother and I on the back of their motorcycles and ride across my native state of Colorado. This is where my love for two wheels started.
When I moved to California in 2017, I attended the San Francisco Pride Parade. I had always heard of the Dykes on BikesÒ (DOB) but didn’t really know much about them. When I heard the roar of exhaust and saw them roll down Market Street, something in my head clicked and I was inspired to get my own motorcycle and meet all these women.
I bought a 2007 Honda Shadow and used it to commute. Every time I got on my bike, my passion for motorcycles grew. Whether it was a short ride or a weekend getaway, I fell in love with riding.
After a few years, I decided to reach out to the DOB. My first ride with the DOB was a late summer cruise around the city. We rode through Mission Bay and Oracle Park, up to Fisherman’s Wharf, over to the Presidio, and through Golden Gate Park, and finally through the Castro; everywhere we went, people would cheer and car horns would blare in solidarity. That was the moment I knew I wanted to learn more.
After attending a few rides and a lot of meetings, I knew this was the group for me. I have always heard people say that community was important, and you should find yours. I have been in social clubs, LGBT clubs, and trans-based groups; I never really felt like I fit in with any of them. I am not really a social person, but this was different—I had found my community. I didn’t have to hide who I was. I could be completely open and unapologetically myself, and I knew that was okay.
I asked to prospect in 2021. Prospecting was the most fun experience that I have ever had. I have met so many amazing and inspiring women and we have ridden all over—from Palm Springs to Calistoga and everywhere in between.
On April 2, 2022, my prospect sister and I were waiting outside of our meet-up spot for an overnight ride I had planned. Riders started trickling in, and before we departed, we were presented with our patches. The amount of excitement and confidence I had when receiving this was overwhelming. I made it.
I have never been someone who openly talked about their queerness before, but earning this patch has empowered me to own the label Dyke. I now proudly wear my San Francisco Dykes on Bikesâ WMC patch wherever Vader takes me.
Published on June 23, 2022
Recent Comments