Ride Thoughts with Nick and Sarah

Hey! We’re Nick and Sarah! Just a few things about us to get started. We’ve been married since we were 19, Nick is an automotive mechanic and Sarah is a photographer. After months of dropping hints, Nick finally got his first motorcycle and after our first ride together, Sarah was hooked as well! Any chance we get we hop on the bikes and go for a ride around the beautiful Oregon countryside. Rain or shine we’re always ready to hit the road together.

We hide our faces to keep a little privacy to ourselves. We get recognized on our bikes pretty often so we want to keep a bit of anonymity in our day to day lives.

We don't want to use our full names. Just first names only. @nickand_sarah @nickrides_ @Sarahreadsandrides

Nick - What’s a skill or habit you think every rider should develop?
 I think everyone who wants to or is currently riding needs to learn slow speed maneuvers. Parking lot speeds, u turns, gravel road, etc. I feel like that’s such a basic skill but gets overlooked a lot. 

Sarah - How did your first ride feel?
Like freedom. It was super intimidating before I started riding, but once I was going, every little thing I saw was exciting. The wind, the road, the cars, the feeling of doing it all on my own it all made me feel alive and completely free.

Nick - What was your first bike, and how did it feel to ride it?
 My first bike was a 2009 Ninja 250r. It wasn’t running when I got it, so after a quick fix, I was able to take it out. I was super nervous at first but it didn’t last long. I couldn’t wait until the next chance I got to go for a ride.

Bodyguard Hoodie 2.0 

Sarah - What would you tell women who are scared to start?
I’d say, Don’t let fear stop you. Find a safe space, like an empty parking lot, and go with someone you trust who’s willing to help. Take it one step at a time. You might surprise yourself with how quickly you catch on, and how fun it truly is.

Nick - If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?

 I would love to go over to Europe and ride some of the iconic roads, or going and checking out all of the historic sites on a motorcycle. 

Sarah - What's your favorite piece of gear?

The NBT Bia Goddess 2.0 pants! They fit like a glove, unlike so many other riding pants I’ve tried. They’re actually made for women, and on top of that, they look super cute while you're wearing them!

Nick - Do you prefer riding solo or with a group, and why?

 I like the occasional solo ride, but riding in a smaller group is my favorite. It’s fun being able to talk to friends while out riding. 

Sarah - What's the craziest reaction you've gotten when people find out you ride?

Ive had people audibly gasp, ask what I ride, then go on to tell me how they have wanted to for so long but they’re too scared to just  start! I usually tell them they should and motivate them to at least try it!

Nick - How has riding brought you closer to nature?
I think riding and being able to feel the change of temperature and smell all of the different things you ride by makes you feel more at one with nature that you wouldn’t get in a car. 

Sarah - What do you look for when buying protective gear?
Something that fits well, looks good, and is actually comfortable! I want the gear to fit me, not the other way around. If I have to wrestle with it just to feel confident, it’s not the right fit. 

Nick - What are some of the must-have items in your saddlebag or backpack?

A few essentials I always have with me is a small tool kit, a tire pressure gauge and some snacks/water.

Sarah - Back-to-school season is here - what would you teach in "Riding 101" for women?

I’d start with the importance of baby steps. Don’t just hop on a big bike and take off! It’s so important to start on something you can comfortably maneuver at slow speeds before moving on to something “faster” or “more fun.” Begin in a parking lot until you feel confident, then work your way to quiet back roads, then in town and so on. Build your skills and confidence gradually. Rushing it can lead to scary or dangerous situations. Take your time! It’s not a race to get out there.

Nick - How has riding influenced your relationships or friendships? 

Riding has definitely brought Sarah and I closer. It’s something we can enjoy together and get away from the daily tasks of life. We can hop on our bikes and just ride for 3 or 4 hours, or ride into town and grab a coffee together. 

Sarah - What would you say to a woman who thinks motorcycles aren't her thing?

It might not feel like your thing right yet, but that could change. It changed my life in ways I never expected, and it might do the same for you. Just give it a try because you will never know what it could change for you unless you try. 

Nick - What’s next for you in your riding journey?

Well, now that I got my dream bike (a 2025 zx6r), I think next for me is just to keep practicing to get more proficient on my bike and I someday I’d love to be able to go to a track and continue getting better. 

Sarah - How important is it that your gear actually looks good on you?

Nick - What's the biggest lesson you've learned from riding?

Don’t ride beyond your limits and learn at your own pace. Not everyone learns at the same rate and that’s ok. 

Sarah - What would you tell your younger self before she started riding?

I’d tell her that the fear she’s feeling right now won’t last forever. Riding will become one of the most liberating, empowering, and life-changing experiences she’s ever had. She’s going to fall in love with it, and it will shape her in ways she never imagined.

Nick - What’s your favorite season to ride in, and why?