Which Would You Prefer…Politically Correct Pansy or Rude Biker Chick?

Everywhere we turn, we’re told to watch what we say because someone might be offended.  Whatever happened to, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”?  I think we’ve become overly sensitive and much too focused on conformity.  This isn’t good.  Conformists are easily controlled…and a controlled society is never truly free.

Tina "Sash" Walker

Fortunately, most motorcycle riders would never be labeled as conformists.  For most of history, bikers have been viewed as quintessential non-conformists.  Bikers love freedom and generally aren’t receptive to being told what to do, where to go, or what to say. Bikers enjoy expressing their individuality. You can see this in their clothes, their body art, and their bikes.  They have a different outlook and nowhere is this more evident than in the life of Tina “Sash” Walker.

Although I’ve never met Tina in-person, I consider her a friend.  She’s a wife, mother, soon-to-be-grandmother, entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed Rude Biker Chick.  After reading her blog for a while, you’ll know she lives up to the Rude Biker Chick moniker.   Tina tells it like it is.  She doesn’t sugar coat anything and she isn’t afraid to share the deep and emotional life experiences that have made her the woman she is today.  Tina’s language and writing style are far from politically correct; in fact, many may find her use of four letter words a little shocking.  But don’t let her language and tough Rude Biker Chick exterior fool you, Tina Walker has a kind heart.

I Don't Need Permission

Tina is all about empowerment. In her first year of riding her own motorcycle, she and her husband, Steve, rode across the U.S. twice.  During their adventure, Tina had an opportunity to share riding stories with men and women riders across the country.  She learned a lot about herself and discovered how empowering riding a motorcycle can be...especially to women.  Upon returning home to San Diego, Tina launched a new shirt collection based on her discussions with other women riders and her own special brand of Rude Biker Chick ferocity. Her collection isn’t for the faint of heart.  In Tina’s own words,

“Rude Biker Chick shirts are for all of the women who've had enough of being a doormat and are ready to take a stand and declare their independence, power and value… these shirts are the battle cry of the weary wives, grumbling girlfriends, abused employees, frustrated friends and left-behind lovers who won't take it anymore. They are for the mild mannered too, who don't want to shout it out, but simply wear their words as a badge of honor. They are to bring women together; to support, encourage, and laugh with one another.”

Not A Nice Lady

You can check out the line for yourself at www.RudeBikerChick.com.  You won’t find something suitable to wear in most office environments… but, you might find just the thing to make a bold statement at the next biker rally or poker run. 

Tina Walker will never be viewed as a conformist and most likely any woman who wears a shirt from her line won’t be either.  This is a good thing.  We need people who aren't afraid to be different, people who aren't afraid to shock us out of our comfort zone, people who are empowered.  These are the people that embrace freedom and are willing to stand-up for what they believe.

It Ain't Gonna Lick Itself

 

So, which would you prefer, the politically correct pansy wearing a shirt that shouts, “Save the Whales!” or a rude biker chick wearing a shirt that boldly proclaims, "It Ain't Gonna Lick Itself"?  

I chose to Live Free, Ride Hard, and Be Happy!

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Learn More About Tina and Steve's Adventures at Road Pickle

Learn More About Web Design at TooMuch Tina

Check out Tina's Blog at www.sashmouth.com

Check out Steve's Motorcycle Philosophy Blog

Explore Texas - A Ride to the Hamilton Pool Preserve

One of the greatest things about riding a motorcycle is the opportunity to explore the world in a way that puts you in the middle of your surroundings.  Sure, you can reach a destination by car and then explore, but it just isn’t the same.  When you ride, more than half the fun is getting there.  My recent ride to the Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs, Texas is a perfect example.

Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs, TX

The morning was cool and the air crisp as I left my house to meet several other members of the Gruene Harley Owners Group Chapter at Gruene Harley-Davidson.  The weather forecast called for highs in the mid-70’s but temperatures were still in the mid-50’s at meet-up time.  I wore my leather chaps and jacket to keep warm.  I was comfortable and the short ride to the dealership was refreshing.  I could feel the stress of the week leave my body as I glided over the familiar stretch of road between my house and the dealership. I pulled into the parking lot just as the Road Captain started his safety briefing.

You could feel the excitement in the air as we lined-up and prepared to leave.  Everyone was ready to ride.  Our eighteen-bike/two-trike ensemble cautiously made its way into the traffic flow and settled into a nice staggered formation for the hour and fifteen minute ride to Dripping Springs.  Riding in a large group is special.  It fosters camaraderie and connectedness…and it's fun watching the reaction of both cagers and pedestrians as you ride by. You can see the sense of wonder, awe, and even envy on their faces.  Without a doubt, group riding can be fun, but I digress.

The Waterfall at Hamilton Pool

After turning north on Purgatory Road off FM 306, traffic was almost non-existent. I took several deep breaths to take in the fresh Hill Country air. It was turning out to be a beautiful day.  The two-lane road meandered past several ranches before terminating at the Devil’s Backbone (RR 32).  We headed east for a couple of miles and then made our way north on RR 12.  As we made our way to the terminus of RR 12 at RR 3238, I felt as though we had been transported back in time.  I could easily imagine the landscape that lay before us looked much the same as it did when the first Travis County settlers saw it in the early 1840s…rough and rugged, yet peaceful and full of promise. In that moment, I felt like a pioneer.

Five miles after turning northwest on RR 3238 we found the entrance to the Hamilton Pool Preserve.  I’m
not sure who was more surprised, the Park Ranger trying to get all of us into the small parking area; the group when we realized there was a $10 per vehicle entry fee; or me when I realized I had no cash and they didn’t take credit cards.  Fortunately, a friend spotted me the $10 and all was right with the universe again (thank you, Walter).   Once we were off the bikes we walked down the quarter-mile trail to the “pool”.   As we descended into the box canyon, I was impressed with the natural beauty of the area and then I saw it…the Hamilton Pool.

The whole scene was spectacular and so unexpected.  In front of me was a large pool of emerald green water fed by a 50-foot waterfall.  It was something you’d expect to see in Hawaii not Central Texas. We ventured into the collapsed cave behind the pool taking our time to soak in this natural wonder.  It was amazing.  As we hiked out of the canyon, I couldn’t help but think the experience was possible because I enjoyed exploring Texas on my motorcycle.  

I'm already looking forward to the next adventure.  Until then...Live Free. Ride Hard. Be Happy.

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Learn more about the Hamilton Pool Preserve
Learn more about Gruene Harley-Davidson
Check out the Gruene HOG Chapter Facebook Page