HER STORY | Amy Zicolella

HER STORY | Amy Zicolella

Her Story. A series of blog posts telling the stories of 'women who ride' from all corners of the globe. We hope that by sharing these stories we can help encourage other women to build their confidence, learn from others and inspire others.

This month we have a story from Amy Zicolella of Long Island. Amy has grown up around bikes and now knows how great it is to get a bike of your own and hit the road. An inspiration to everyone, especially those contemplating hopping on a bike, a gorgeous story from a great chick!

We hope you enjoy her story.

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AMY ZICOLELLA

"My name is Amy, I am 25 years old and I'm from Long Island, New York - born and raised. I’ve been around motorcycles my entire life; one of my first memories is sitting on the magenta gas tank of my dad’s first motorcycle. The sunlight twinkling through the trees, the silver sparkles in the perfect paint shimmering, we’re going slow but I’m so small it feels like we’re flying. My dad has been riding since his early twenties. His two older brothers, Tony and Michael, ride, and my Mom’s brother, Dom, used to ride. You could say it’s in my blood.

The magenta motorcycle is long-gone, but the memories are still there. That early moment is one of the reasons I wanted to ride, to get my own bike. I always said I wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle, that I would do it. This August of 2016 I actually did it.

I would always take the backseat of Dad’s Harley-Davidson Road King Custom or Uncle Tony’s Harley-Davidson Road King. I enjoyed the fresh air whipping on my face, the feeling of the motor purring beneath us. I was jealous of these men in my life getting on their iron horses and taking off with only room for them and a passenger - if they desired. They had freedom.

It was my turn to take the handlebar.

I signed up for a motorcycle training course and in a short weekend I had my license. I started shopping for a motorcycle immediately after passing my exam. September 1st I picked up my Honda Shadow Phantom. It was mine.

My first ride was with my Dad, Uncle Tony, and Uncle Michael. Mom was on the back of Dad’s Harley. I was riding. I was FREE. Everyone was nervous; I was ready. This was the moment I had been waiting for my entire life.

Kickstands were up at 8:30am and even though it was warm, my goggles were fogging up. We started east on Sunrise Highway – one of our major highways on the island – into the golden rays of morning. I was finally riding solo in a group – and for my first ride. It was invigorating. Uncle Tony was leading, Dad was second with me behind in front of Uncle Michael.

There are a lot of diners on Long Island - one of our various hidden treasures. We were headed out for an early morning breakfast at the Trackside Café in Speonk. It’s right next to the railroad and makes for a great destination.

After, we weaved through the back roads of the south shore – minutes from the ocean. The wind, cool against my cheeks, the smell of salty sea water and freshly cut grass from passing yards filling my nose. Our trip brought us to the Shinnecock Indian Powwow – an amazing celebration of the Native peoples and their culture. Most of the Long Island towns are named after Native American tribes.

As we rode home afterward, I basked in my personal triumph. I glowed with pride knowing that I finally accomplished a long-standing goal. I know that I have a lot to practice and even more to perfect, but I did it.

My Dad and my Uncles are my rock-solid foundation and my biggest supporters; I’ll go anywhere as long as I have them at my side. My favorite place to ride is with them along the south shore of Long Island. Riding through the back roads parallel to the coast with the smell of ocean in the air is the best.

We usually take Montauk Highway eastbound through the local towns. On the south shore, Montauk is each town’s “Main Street” and every so often we’ll head a little south and stop on a sandy dead end. The view out onto the bay with the morning sun glinting against the water is one that is beyond compare. You can see Fire Island, hear the ferry boats making their rounds, smell the salty spray, and feel the sun’s warmth. It’s priceless. It’s home.

I’m lucky. I have an immensely supportive family and when I told them I was going to get my motorcycle license I knew I had their vote.

 

If you want to ride: do it. Do it because you want to. Do it because you know you can. Do it for you.

If there’s one thing I know for sure: people come and go, but you will always have yourself. Make yourself happy first and ride."

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Thank you to Amy for sharing her story and if you would like to share your story with us simply go to the Contact Page of the website and fill in the form and we will gladly be in touch.
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1 comment


  • Vito

    I love Amy and her entire family. I am thrilled that she is realizing her passion. Ride safe! And live free


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