Mary H. of Denver, CO found her mode of transportation—all things two-wheels—and her people, at 50. She proves that it is never too late to start something new. Here is to all our fierce, fearless females (even better, fierce, fearless females over 50!). 

Tell us about your riding experience. How long have you been riding, and how many bikes have you owned? How did you first become interested in riding?

Learning to ride was one of my 50th birthday presents to myself; a new bike was another! I've been riding for 5 years now, started out on a Harley Sportster but wanted something more along the old cafe racer style. I sat on a Triumph Bonneville, heard that distinct purr, and it was all over. I've had my Bonneville Street Twin for 3 years now, love it, and love sharing it as a Twisted Road motorcycle rental and having people return it with huge grins on their faces!

Have you taken any long moto trips? Tell us about them - where did you go, where did you stay, who did you ride with?

I stay more local, commute to work now and again, and found a women's motorcycle group in the Denver area that I've ridden with a few times. I've taken the bike over Hoosier Pass to Breckenridge from Denver, which was an adventure, and I plan to take longer trips in the near future.

Tell us some more about you - where do you live? What kind of work do you do?

I live in the Denver area and work in Healthcare, although I'm currently building a women's adventure tour business as well!

What are your hobbies - what do you enjoy doing when you're not riding?

I like to say "my other bike is a Cannondale!" (maker of popular road and trail bikes). I love cycling any area with hills, and Colorado's got 'em! Mountain passes, around mountain reservoirs, longer group rides, all are a blast. I think my years cycling in all weather, terrain and traffic has helped me develop a road awareness that's served me well on my motorcycle.

I also kayak and hike, most recently out West. The vast open spaces of high desert in Utah and Arizona draw me, and I hope to get out there on my Triumph this summer! Another favorite pastime is parenting two amazing boys who are nearly out of the nest. They are free spirits and I mostly just watch in awe at their trajectory into the world.

Tell us about your experiences with Twisted Road - as either an owner, as a rider, or both. What do you enjoy most about being part of our community?

I've had a blast renting my bike through Twisted Road, meeting great people around the United States and locally, seeing their delight upon returning the bike, and watching my ridership increase season after season. I found Twisted Road 3 1/2 years ago and can't say enough about the ease of their platform, the customer service, and the care of their renters.

From the start I was pretty impressed at the quick text or email responses I'd get when I reached out with a question. As they've grown that response time hasn't changed, and I continue to feel supported as a renter in this market. Looking forward to the next season, for sure.

What are your favorite rides near your hometown?

Highway 24 from Colorado Springs up through Manitou Springs and out to points West is a great ride, twisting through the canyon. Peak to Peak Byway from Black Hawk, Colorado to Estes Park, Colorado is a stunning and easy day ride, with lots of winding road along the Continental Divide.

Last question - where do you hope to ride one day?

I've dreamed of a coast-to-coast trip, but would settle for more frequent trips out to my favorite areas in Utah and Arizona. The jaw-dropping views and miles of winding road in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument are calling.

Check out Mary's bike available for rent on Twisted Road

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