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)