To my Dear friend, Jan,
Where do I begin? You came to this group called the motor maids. Quietly listening, watching, learning, absorbing......you became a member. I didn't know you. It took some time before we actually engaged in any real conversation. Could we be any more opposite. I had no idea the extent of our friendship to come. The depth of love we would share. I watched your riding ability. I was impressed. I watched as you one by one tested every motorcycle.....and then added them to your collection. I met you on your golden 2014 street glide. I learned of your love for spider man.........then watched you purchase your spider man bike......not certain of the brand, only that it was covered in webs and mr. Spidey himself. After a short time came the goldwing. I teased as it was as big and yellow as a school bus. Did it make beeping sounds when you backed up. You handled it quite well. You found your way to every Suzy Q's bike night. You are already becoming an amazing and supportive friend.......but still i had no idea where this friendship would take us. Somehow life threw us together to possibly travel over 6000 miles to the 2016 motor maid convention in New Mexico. Yes, it happened. I thought the trip was all about me. It was not about me. It was about you. "Leap of faith" was a trip for you my friend, my love, my sister. Our trip brought us closer than most would ever imagine......it was more than i would have ever imagined. Michelle, myself and you.......we shared love. We shared God. We shared laughs and tears. We created an unbreakable bond. Our trip allowed us the time to grow, learn about each other, push ourselves beyond our fears, and ride like there is no tomorrow. You came up with the most fitting name for this trip and we all loved it! May i just pause for one moment to tell you again, I love you. Because of you, I learned the road better. My lifetime of riding was helpful but the lessons you taught me will be exercised every time i fill that tourpack and hit the road. You have become one of the heros in my life. Your stamina, patience, love of life, determination, skill, faith, knowledge, and everything about you will forever resonate in my life and in my heart. Jan, you honored me with your private personal journal. When it was handed to me, i froze with confusion. Why me? You picked me. I was so so moved Jan. you can't imagine the way you touched my heart. I couldn't open that book fast enough to read your private moments about our long journey to New Mexico and to be able to hold and read the book I watched you write in every single day. It was your Spider man journal. I rubbed your book, held it close to my heart, and opened the pages to find the date. Your love of people, your love of the road, life and motorcycling, your fears, your personal experiences.........they were all in my hands. You blessed me with your words. thank you, Jan. You brought me back to each and every moment of our trip. You made me recall small moments that I would have otherwise forgotten. That horrible hill leading up to the Rockcliffe mansion.......oh yes, we made it up.......treacherous, but we did it on those massive bikes........only to learn that there is level ground on the opposite side of the house to enter safely. Thank you for that laugh. Our visit to the largest ball of twine, Cawker City, Kansas. You left your mark there as well my friend. Your piece of twine will forever be a part wrapped around that ball the way your friendship and love has wrapped around our group. You brought me to each bike night you attended and all the others that were present. You brought me to other rides. Your joy and your spirit is written on the pages. I have photos of all of those experiences your wrote about. Each short story from your finger tips brings my mind to the exact moment. It was an epic adventure, my friend. I am so glad I was able to share that time with you. Getting to know you was a gift. At times i find myself angry and somewhat paralyzed until I think about all the blessings i received since the day we met. You came into my life so softly, and quietly. I will be forever grateful for all of our moments, time, love, laughs, silliness, and friendship. One of a kind, Jan......our friendship is one of a kind. When your day of complete peace comes, may that journey to the light with God be as beautiful and loving as your soul. You will be sadly missed and always remembered with great respect and love. My freind, my sister.........thank you. The piece of me i gave to you.......
Monday, February 6, 2017
MOTOR MAID CONVENTION 2016
MY EXPERIENCE AS A RED RIBBON ATTENDEE AND MY FIRST LONG TRIP THROUGH THE COUNTRY
My name is Susan Quattrocchi. I am 50 years old and have been riding a motorcycle since I was 5 years old. My family owned Quatro Motorcycle Company, which was a Harley Davidson dealership in Pawtucket, RI.
My first ride was a 50 cc Harley Davidson. I then graduated to the 80 cc Harley Davidson………of course it didn’t take long to find myself on a 250 Harley Davidson Sprint. All ridden wildly- safely in the yard.
When my brothers turned 18 they were given the opportunity to have their choice Sportster. Being a couple of years behind in age, I dreamed of my first road bike and couldn’t wait to be able to soar through those open roads. The time had finally come when it was my turn to hit the open trails. Dad was not a fan of the idea. Women don’t ride motorcycles. ? I was denied a sportster. It was apparent what I needed to do next. I got a ride to the Honda Suzuki world and purchased a 450 Honda Rebel. And a rebel I became. Needless to say, Papa was suddenly willing to negotiate the terms of my riding. I’m fairly certain his embarrassment was a major factor in that negotiation. QUATRO’S daughter was on a what? HONDA LOL
I’ve got plenty of miles under my belt having been riding all these years, but none of the miles from any distance trips. The longest distance for me would have been from RI to NH. I joined the motor maids in 2013. Since then, I have experienced a bit more distance riding. My longest distance was now from RI to PA.
The 2016 convention is now being discussed, and I am thinking this may be something I would like to attempt. The MARICT district had discussions at most of our gatherings. I made the decision to join the ladies early in the game. (all along thinking…..I can’t do this)
We now broke into three separate groups. 2, 3 and 4. Kellie and Mike in one group. Nancy, Jo, and Darlene in another, Jan, Michelle, Pam, and myself in the other. We separated based on when people were able to leave. I was continuously reassured that the other three women would baby me on this my first long distance ride. My biggest crutch/mommy/caretaker-motor maid friend, announces that she will not be able to make the trip. I am alone. If I cancel, I will look like a fool, a baby, a whimp!
My new group now consists of 3 women including myself. We had a few meetings to discuss our trip, the directions and routes we would be travelling. I was reassured that I would be ok and they would not leave me. I realized that at the worst case, I could simply turn around and return home.
Off we go Saturday morning at 5:30 am. We gather at a gas station in CT. Photos taken, goodbyes and hugs given. As I am riding, I am realizing that I am really doing this. My tour pack and saddle bags filled with all the goodies that everyone told me were necessary to travel with. I am a happy girl. I was very nervous but pleased.
We planned our first day at 400 miles, but covered 525. Day one-ahead of the game. Our plan to shoot down to NM and then take our time on the return quickly got abandoned as the beauty of this fine country began to arise from the roads. RI, CT, WV, PA, OH, IN, IL, MO, KS, CO, NM!! Staying in Rock cliff mansion in Hannibal, MO, seeing as well as adding to the larges ball of twine in kansas, staying in Dodge city as well as taking in a 1800’s style show and gun fight, Legends vintage motorcycle museum, visiting angel fire resort and relaxing in the breathtaking mountains, is just the tip of the iceberg.
My first mountain…… briefly……. Million dollar highway. I did not expect to rise to that occasion nor did I expect to survive it. How will my family understand the end of my life on this ride. At this moment, I was certain that my group was insane and I no longer wished to participate. In fact, my group wanted to kill me. Switchbacks, steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a lack of guardrails. Why? Just Why. I said words I only saw in movies…..some in Italian.
The following day we traveled Black canyon, cotton woods, and 3 more days of touring the mountain roads of Colorado. Why? Because. I loved it. It was then I realized I was also insane.
My eyeballs were huge. I wanted to breathe in every vision and take it with me to share. The flat lands of Kansas, the acres of crops, stunning open earth as far as the eye could see, signs that say river with no water (don’t stand there when it rains), green for miles, brown for miles, mountains, cliffs, snow, scorching heat, red earth, abandoned homes, bankrupt towns, friendly people, odd folks, motor maids along the way, the sound of a rattle snake, hotels, motels, no tells, gas station food, mechanical issues-my team A+, soaking bandanas in ice water, brief cat spitting, fitting my water bottle between my breasts to squeeze for a splash while riding, variety of political views, no music or internet only sermons on the radio , bible states, vintage beautiful abandoned cars everywhere, NO LITTER, 629 mile day, heaven, peace, trust, cows, buffalo, elk, rabbits-lots of rabbits, trucks-oh my Jesus-18 wheelers, lightening, wind, burned lips, laughter, love, friendships, white vests, smiles, leadership, pride, accomplishment, fear, faith, sun block, stinky feet, disagreement, compromise, learning maps, dynamics of the team, roles, strengths, weaknesses, understanding, limitations, sharing, admiration, empathy, dreaming, excitement, anger, disappointment, 100 degrees, cactus, lizard, canyons, amazement, history, Gloria Struck, honor, awards, teamwork, is it spicy-define spicy…………
One other vivid and monumental memory…..the top of cotton woods pass in Colorado. 98 degrees, 12400 feet up, snow on the cliff…..making a snow angel-hoping the snow does not break free and avalanche as I foolishly play. I grabbed a handful of coldness, balled it up, and tossed it off the mountain.
My red ribbon luncheon was spent sitting with Gloria Struck. Her stories made me neglect my meal. It was a pleasure and an honor to be able to meet her, have conversation, and be given the opportunity to sit with a legend. She also shared her memories of my family in the Harley Davidson world and her knowledge of my grandfather winning the Laconia NH race in 1947. There was simply not enough time. I did get her autograph and a photo of the two of us!
I would need to write a book to fit everything. My first convention was enough to make me want to travel to every convention. The experience was amazing. I would recommend it to everyone. 6013.30 miles. My travel partners, Janet Hall and Michelle Savoie – it was an absolute pleasure, learning experience, and spiritual journey. Our team was amazing. We named our adventure, “A leap of Faith”.
Thank you ladies for making my trip possible and wonderful.
Susan Quattrocchi (Suzy Q)
MY EXPERIENCE AS A RED RIBBON ATTENDEE AND MY FIRST LONG TRIP THROUGH THE COUNTRY
My name is Susan Quattrocchi. I am 50 years old and have been riding a motorcycle since I was 5 years old. My family owned Quatro Motorcycle Company, which was a Harley Davidson dealership in Pawtucket, RI.
My first ride was a 50 cc Harley Davidson. I then graduated to the 80 cc Harley Davidson………of course it didn’t take long to find myself on a 250 Harley Davidson Sprint. All ridden wildly- safely in the yard.
When my brothers turned 18 they were given the opportunity to have their choice Sportster. Being a couple of years behind in age, I dreamed of my first road bike and couldn’t wait to be able to soar through those open roads. The time had finally come when it was my turn to hit the open trails. Dad was not a fan of the idea. Women don’t ride motorcycles. ? I was denied a sportster. It was apparent what I needed to do next. I got a ride to the Honda Suzuki world and purchased a 450 Honda Rebel. And a rebel I became. Needless to say, Papa was suddenly willing to negotiate the terms of my riding. I’m fairly certain his embarrassment was a major factor in that negotiation. QUATRO’S daughter was on a what? HONDA LOL
I’ve got plenty of miles under my belt having been riding all these years, but none of the miles from any distance trips. The longest distance for me would have been from RI to NH. I joined the motor maids in 2013. Since then, I have experienced a bit more distance riding. My longest distance was now from RI to PA.
The 2016 convention is now being discussed, and I am thinking this may be something I would like to attempt. The MARICT district had discussions at most of our gatherings. I made the decision to join the ladies early in the game. (all along thinking…..I can’t do this)
We now broke into three separate groups. 2, 3 and 4. Kellie and Mike in one group. Nancy, Jo, and Darlene in another, Jan, Michelle, Pam, and myself in the other. We separated based on when people were able to leave. I was continuously reassured that the other three women would baby me on this my first long distance ride. My biggest crutch/mommy/caretaker-motor maid friend, announces that she will not be able to make the trip. I am alone. If I cancel, I will look like a fool, a baby, a whimp!
My new group now consists of 3 women including myself. We had a few meetings to discuss our trip, the directions and routes we would be travelling. I was reassured that I would be ok and they would not leave me. I realized that at the worst case, I could simply turn around and return home.
Off we go Saturday morning at 5:30 am. We gather at a gas station in CT. Photos taken, goodbyes and hugs given. As I am riding, I am realizing that I am really doing this. My tour pack and saddle bags filled with all the goodies that everyone told me were necessary to travel with. I am a happy girl. I was very nervous but pleased.
We planned our first day at 400 miles, but covered 525. Day one-ahead of the game. Our plan to shoot down to NM and then take our time on the return quickly got abandoned as the beauty of this fine country began to arise from the roads. RI, CT, WV, PA, OH, IN, IL, MO, KS, CO, NM!! Staying in Rock cliff mansion in Hannibal, MO, seeing as well as adding to the larges ball of twine in kansas, staying in Dodge city as well as taking in a 1800’s style show and gun fight, Legends vintage motorcycle museum, visiting angel fire resort and relaxing in the breathtaking mountains, is just the tip of the iceberg.
My first mountain…… briefly……. Million dollar highway. I did not expect to rise to that occasion nor did I expect to survive it. How will my family understand the end of my life on this ride. At this moment, I was certain that my group was insane and I no longer wished to participate. In fact, my group wanted to kill me. Switchbacks, steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a lack of guardrails. Why? Just Why. I said words I only saw in movies…..some in Italian.
The following day we traveled Black canyon, cotton woods, and 3 more days of touring the mountain roads of Colorado. Why? Because. I loved it. It was then I realized I was also insane.
My eyeballs were huge. I wanted to breathe in every vision and take it with me to share. The flat lands of Kansas, the acres of crops, stunning open earth as far as the eye could see, signs that say river with no water (don’t stand there when it rains), green for miles, brown for miles, mountains, cliffs, snow, scorching heat, red earth, abandoned homes, bankrupt towns, friendly people, odd folks, motor maids along the way, the sound of a rattle snake, hotels, motels, no tells, gas station food, mechanical issues-my team A+, soaking bandanas in ice water, brief cat spitting, fitting my water bottle between my breasts to squeeze for a splash while riding, variety of political views, no music or internet only sermons on the radio , bible states, vintage beautiful abandoned cars everywhere, NO LITTER, 629 mile day, heaven, peace, trust, cows, buffalo, elk, rabbits-lots of rabbits, trucks-oh my Jesus-18 wheelers, lightening, wind, burned lips, laughter, love, friendships, white vests, smiles, leadership, pride, accomplishment, fear, faith, sun block, stinky feet, disagreement, compromise, learning maps, dynamics of the team, roles, strengths, weaknesses, understanding, limitations, sharing, admiration, empathy, dreaming, excitement, anger, disappointment, 100 degrees, cactus, lizard, canyons, amazement, history, Gloria Struck, honor, awards, teamwork, is it spicy-define spicy…………
One other vivid and monumental memory…..the top of cotton woods pass in Colorado. 98 degrees, 12400 feet up, snow on the cliff…..making a snow angel-hoping the snow does not break free and avalanche as I foolishly play. I grabbed a handful of coldness, balled it up, and tossed it off the mountain.
My red ribbon luncheon was spent sitting with Gloria Struck. Her stories made me neglect my meal. It was a pleasure and an honor to be able to meet her, have conversation, and be given the opportunity to sit with a legend. She also shared her memories of my family in the Harley Davidson world and her knowledge of my grandfather winning the Laconia NH race in 1947. There was simply not enough time. I did get her autograph and a photo of the two of us!
I would need to write a book to fit everything. My first convention was enough to make me want to travel to every convention. The experience was amazing. I would recommend it to everyone. 6013.30 miles. My travel partners, Janet Hall and Michelle Savoie – it was an absolute pleasure, learning experience, and spiritual journey. Our team was amazing. We named our adventure, “A leap of Faith”.
Thank you ladies for making my trip possible and wonderful.
Susan Quattrocchi (Suzy Q)
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