A Passion for the Pavement

If you happen to catch a glimpse of a white Harley-Davidson 2013 Heritage Softail on the road, chances are the rider is Susie Biggs, 55, out enjoying some “wind therapy” on Angel.

“People tell me that the tassels on my handlebars flying in the wind look like wings,” said Biggs. “That’s my Angel. She’s my girl.”

While Biggs has a lifelong love of motorcycles — a prerequisite for every boyfriend was that they owned a bike — she started riding solo only three years ago. Ironically, it was an exasperated boyfriend who finally told her to get off his bike and go get her own.

“I knew nothing and walked into the shop, and an hour later I was riding around the parking lot,” said Biggs.

Like many women riders, she found that riding solo alongside men wasn’t exactly an enjoyable experience as a novice.

“Most guys want to just open the throttle and go fast,” said Biggs. “It is all about speed.”

Through word of mouth, she learned of the Women Riders Only Club (WROC), a group founded in 2004 by women concerned about the reluctance of women to become riders. Current president of the group, Sindy Merrell, 53, recalls working at the time at a Harley-Davidson shop called Bears and Roses.

“I sold bikes to ladies that would return to the shop not as excited as they were when they purchased their bikes from me,” said Merrell. “They said their husbands made them ride too fast for their comfort or skill levels.”

Nine local women who were riding enthusiasts met to discuss the need for a women’s only ride, matching women with a desire to ride with experienced mentors. The group was established to provide a place for women to enjoy their shared interest in motorcycles and ask anything without feeling silly. Initially, 242 women joined the group, and while numbers have fluctuated over the years, the group remains strongly connected.

“We ride because we love the self-empowerment,” said Merrell. “And the freedom to make our own choices and the unrestrained pleasure it gives us.”

Monthly meetings and outside activities — including fundraisers for those in need — keep the group busy. The women riders have a soft spot for veterans, the homeless and other motorcyclists who are struggling. Last year WROC hosted a “Pad the Bag” ride to benefit homeless women veterans, an event that garnered a lot of positive attention.

“We rode our bikes to Costco and purchased cases of feminine hygiene products and set up a donation table at a Roller Derby,” said Merrell. “You should have seen the reaction in Costco. We had people taking pictures with us, the cashiers had a blast.”

Another favorite memory for both Biggs and Merrell relates to a group ride and camping trip.

“There were 10 or 12 bikes and as you know, we can make some noise,” said Biggs. “We pulled into the campground and here comes the campground host, you could tell he thought for sure he had trouble on his hands. As we took off our helmets he realized we were all women and ran to get his wife. They took photos with us and when we left they were filming.”

When she first attended a group meeting, Biggs knew no one. Now she describes the group as a true sisterhood of women who are caring, loving and respectful.

“We care about one another, we are family,” said Merrell. “My mother had to move into a care facility, and guess who helped me pack and clean her home? That’s right, WROC.”

“If you are a lady and have even an inclination to be a solo rider, just know that our group exists,” said Biggs. “We will answer your questions and give encouragement. We will stay with you. There is no pressure and it doesn’t matter what kind of bike you have or if you have the latest leathers or not. All you need is a passion for the pavement.”

There are no club fees, although a helmet is passed for contributions during meetings. To learn more, visit WROC Oregon on Facebook.