Donna's Favorite Pastime: Harley Davidson

Recently, one of my "upper end" clients told me when they became aware of my relationship with "Harley", they had concerns about what type of person I might be. Prior to coming to Grand Forks for their first visit, they privately agreed that the "jury was still out" until they met me and saw for themselves what my personna might be!

We have had many good chuckles about that conversation, but it seemed I should assure you that I am not a "black leather" biker-lady! Yes, I wear black leather, but for safety purposes only! You will be very comfortable with my professionalism.

Now - on with the story!

It's an addiction. Sheer addiction. If you've ridden, you know the feeling!

I've named her "Sweet Freedom" - my customized 2002 White Pearl Road King Classic. "Sweet freedom" is the feeling she brings me.

In the mid 1950's, my brother. Dan, and I virtually grew up on his rusty, old, orange Harley Davidson. He drove. I rode. "Lean with me," he would always say and off we would go. He was in high school, six years older than I, but we had a blast!

Dan was killed in a motorcycle accident when he was 31. He was a doctor, he had just spent two years in Australia. He was living in Los Angeles and negotiating on purchasing a medical practice in the midwest.

An old lady ran a stop sign; he was in a coma for six weeks. He left his wife, a young son and all of us who adored him - a man who just loved to laugh and have fun.

For thirty-three years the fear controlled me - until I got hooked again.

The Security Forces are "my" Squadron at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. In 1998 Mike Martin loaned me his wife's brand new helmet and gave me a ride on his Harley. Mike still remembers me saying, "I've got to have one of these."

Thinking I would never do it, my guy, Les, agreed to get a bike if I got one. When I came home one day saying, "I ordered a new Harley," he knew he was in trouble. He got one, too. We took the Motorcycle Safety Course and I promptly learned that driving and riding were entirely different!

Major John Moes, the Commander of the Security Forces, is our "Best-Bud". He gave me incredible advice and encouragement. John has so many Harleys, he must own Harley stock. He took me on my first highway ride and he put up with my "green-ness". I have learned so much from him. I'm so grateful for his wisdom, his patience and his kindness. (Too bad he's a Minnesota Gopher's fan.)

Les and I have enjoyed countless bike trips with John as well as many other folks. Our friend Greg, who is a mortician; the Dean of the Law School; Blair, an attorney who moved here from Seattle; Howard who owns businesses here and in Minneapolis; many of the law enforcement people; the people in the Grand Forks Chapter - just to name a few.

What great people you meet on a motorcycle. Everyone is so considerate and helpful. I am always surprised by the countless numbers of professional people who love the sport.

Now - we ride every opportunity we get. The signs are clear...a few days of no riding and I'm feeling grumpy. Once I am on the road, all is well!

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