The Litas
The Litas are a world wide, all female motorcycle collective. They've banded together to create a community and culture that celebrates individuality, female empowerment, motorcycles, friendship and freedom. They raise hell in the best kind of way.
I have such respect for women who fearlessly go after their passions. I was stoked to meet up with the Long Beach crew on their ride to Vasquez Rocks and asked them each why they ride.
““Regardless of how we were raised, what color our skin is, our beliefs, we all have one common bond...motorcycles.””
JAYME
Riding opens up a comradery between people that I've never felt before. Regardless of how we were raised, what color our skin is, our beliefs, we all have one common bond...motorcycles. People want to talk to you, they want to give you a thumbs up, they want to tell you how they wish they would've done it when they were younger. I ride because it's fucking awesome and I've met some of the most amazing people over the last 2 years because of it.
How do you feel when you ride? Unstoppable. I have no choice but to be confident in my actions. There's a confidence and trust that is only earned by riding a motorcycle. You develop a relationship with your bike, this machine is the only thing between you and the pavement. Riding demands 100% of your undivided attention, leaving no room for any other distractions. It's a way to both clear my head and to feel powerful...I feel like a badass.
REX
Why do you ride? It's fun as hell! It's such a euphoric experience to ride, and the cherry on top is meeting new people and exploring new places together on rides!
Riding is one of the most freeing things I've ever felt. When I ride my mind feels so calm, yet extremely focused. It's a constant challenge riding through crazy LA traffic, but the feeling I get from riding is worth the risk...
““The noise drowns out the noise.””
LISA
I ride because the noise drowns out the noise. I feel alive and in control. This bike was purchased by my mom in the early 90's and painted by her friend. Although she has had many bikes over the years and still rides solo at 74, this one is her favorite. She handed it down to me and I will ride it with pride until I can hand it down to someone in need of some wind therapy which is what this bike brought my mom then and is bringing me now.
““ I enjoy nothing more than the recluse feeling of a ride through a mountain or a long stretch of road.””
GABBY
I ride for the thrill of it. When you take a curve on a fun road....THAT feeling. Also, for a friend whom passed away. In my 6 year long break from riding, he always encouraged me to return and I said I would. He helped me get my first motorcycle. Three bikes later, he was my first thought on the way out of the dealership.
It can be incredibly meditative for me. The motorcyclist has been bolstered as the modern-day cowboy/cowgirl, and there is truth in that. I enjoy nothing more than the recluse feeling of a ride through a mountain or a long stretch of road.
““It’s the closest I can get to flying.””
NANCI
I ride because it is necessary for my soul.
I feel free and it's the closest I can get to flying. My brother always had a motorcycle, and once in a while, when I was a kid, he'd give me a ride. I loved that, and thought, I'm gonna do this myself!
JEANNIE
I truly enjoyed the back seat, for many years. Actually never desired anything more. After a lifetime of putting others needs before mine, I was discontent when I was alone. I longed for companionship. Divorced, empty nest, some might say midlife crisis. I look at it as self development. Why I ride is complex. Learning to enjoy being alone. Knowing I can overcome fears of loneliness and yet belonging to a culture, community of like minded, or not like minded.
