Teddy Roosevelt said, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” I guess that means we’re almost finished! Ok, maybe not that close, but we’re absolutely halfway there already! I cannot express to you all the joy this project has brought to my life. Over the past 5 weeks, we’ve covered the first four chapters of Queen Bees: Women Riders Who Rule the Street, Track and Dirt.  I’d like to thank each and every rider that has submitted a story to us thus far. It’s been quite a joy reading through the hearts and souls of the people who make this sport what it is, and without a doubt, it’s the women who make it special. I’m rather thrilled with the response so far, but we need you to continue to submit, spread the word, and encourage others to tell their stories.  This book would be nothing without you, so we need you to keep up the great work! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your story is not worth telling…  I will gladly hit them over the head with this thing once it’s finished, and what a doozie it’s gonna be.  – Brittany Morrow

We spent months collaborating and brain-storming for the book; imagining the possibilities of this project and what stories we’d receive from fellow lady riders around the globe.  When we finally put the word out for our plans, I found myself over-whelmed and excited by the amazing feedback we’d received. Our inbox has been flooded with heart-felt submissions from courageous women who twist the throttle. I’ve met so many wonderful girls because of this book and many new friendships have been built. I’ve found comfort in knowing that I’m not alone in this male-dominated sport; there are many girls, like me, who’d rather spend time shifting gears than spending time at the mall – not giving a damn if we break nail! This book has inspired me to make it as successful as possible. It takes a strong and fearless woman to ride her own bike; we’re a rare breed and our stories must be heard. I wake up every morning eager to read new submissions and working toward uniting a strong sisterhood of motorcycling mamas! – Brittny Cleveland

In the spirit of celebrating a milestone, we have decided to pause for a moment and highlight a few of our favorite submissions and the wonderful women behind the stories. We hope you enjoy this preview of the first half of the book – perhaps it will inspire you or someone you know to share something special with us. Read and ride on, queen bees!

Chapter One: Method to the Madness – Why I Ride

We invite you to share with us your story; your reason for riding, your method to the madness. Chapter one is all about breaking down the walls and sharing who we really are with the world for the first time.  We thought no better subject than the reasoning behind why we do what we do.

Stephanie Pietz, model and dirt-biker from Arizona, is a favorite of ours because she breaks the stereotype that pretty blondes don’t like to get dirty and can’t keep up with the boys. “Seeing your friends around you, like a pack of wild animals ripping through the desert, is an almost primitive feeling. There’s no separation of sexes, everyone is dressed the same, riding the same, all having a great time. Considering the industry I’m in and the work I do, there’s a lot of criticism and judgment. When I am out riding with the boys, all of that is gone; I’m just another rider.”

Chapter Two: Seeking the Missing Piece – How I Discovered Riding

How did you discover your passion for the two-wheeled way of life? Did you stumble upon the opportunity, or was it handed to you on a silver platter?  Regardless of where you are now, you had to start somewhere… and the path that led you to motorcycling is unique to every individual. There is no “right way”, there is only your way.  Share it with the world, and give thanks to those who led you here.

“I sat back and realized that even though it was one of the most painful times in my entire life, I had survived it and I would come out it of just fine.  With this new frame of mind, I decided that being afraid was no longer how I would live my life.  I was 35 years old and started looking into learning to ride a motorcycle.” Dawn Chappell writes about her journey into the world of motorcycling. She began her riding career on a Suzuki VStrom but then switched to a Suzuki SV 650S. She is a beloved volunteer at the Annual Women’s Sportbike Rally in Deal’s Gap.

Chapter Three: Addiction in the Making – My First Ride

Think back to the moment you first threw a leg over and sat down, anticipating that in just a few short minutes you would be moving forward.  Even as brand new riders, we are taught to always look where we want to go. However, looking back at where you started can be a reminder of who you’ve become.  Laugh, cry, and shake your head in disbelief that you even survived – it’s a celebration on many levels. What is your story?

Some of us were raised on wheels; fortunate to have parents who helped develop our passion for riding at an early age. But, for other women, motorcycles came later in life, like Donna Palladino. Donna and her husband Jerry are well known for their police-style training system: RIDE LIKE A PRO. “I was always over-thinking every move I made on my bike instead of just riding it and telling it what to do,” Donna said. “It is very true what my husband says; riding is 90% mental and 10% physical. I finally made it out of my driveway, turned right onto our street and never looked back.”

Chapter Four: Home is Where the Heart is – My Favorite Place to Ride

Have you left your heart on a low desert trail, or high on a mountain pass? Does your soul reside on the sweltering surface of a track?  We understand.  In fact, we’re right there with you.  All of us.  We spend our days dreaming of the moment we set our course for that special place where everything in the world is right, and we are whole once again.  We find peace in the chaos and beauty in the grit, and a small part of ourselves changes, grows, evolves every time we visit.  Where is your favorite place to ride?

J. Kaushik writes about a journey along the Indus River, which is responsible for the name of the country we know today as India. The ride includes traveling through the Himilaya Mountains on the highest elevation road in the world, and it is all done on a 2005 Enfield Bullet. “The Indus, by now huge enough to command the reverence reserved for a goddess, moved parallel to the road, occasionally crossing it beneath feeble bridges in its haste to reach the Arabian Sea. At one such crossing, I collected a handful of silt and a bottle of water from the river as a memento of the journey. “

Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of the back half of the book next week.  The final four chapters cover some heavier subjects, so be prepared to be inspired, moved, and ready to share! They are listed below so you can start getting ready now, no excuses. Most importantly, keep it up, fellow queen bees – we are so proud to be a part of such an amazing group of women!

5. More than Just a Bike – How My Motorcycle Empowers Me.
6. Survivors, Soldiers, Warriors – Learning to Get Up After the Fall
7. Independent Women – What it Means to Rule
8. True Queen Bees – Women Motorcyclists Who Inspire

Email submissions are due to Submit@QueenBMoto.com by November 1st, 2011.