A kick ass woman biker
July 2nd, 2008 19 Comments » | View blog reactions
I had heard the rumor of an American girl touring Europe on a vintage motorcycle. Today I learned that it’s true, her name is Jacqui Van Ham and she’s riding a 1972 BMW R75/5 (Thanks to my buddy Olaf, for the tip).
I think it’s bloody great what she’s doing, and I wish it was me. I always wanted to do some grand tour of something on a vintage motorcycle. Somehow that appeals more to me than doing it on a modern comfortable bike.
A common saying among motorcycle riders is that “it’s not about the destination, it’s the journey”. Riding a vintage motorcycle sort of enhance that state of mind. It’s like running a marathon, which is a great accomplishment in it self, and then running a marathon in a white hot dessert. You’re bound to, and sometimes forced to find adventure on your way.
Jacqui is doing her trip alone, and is more or less at the mercy of the people she meets on her way. That’s kick ass of you ask me. You meet so many nice people and everybody will do their best to help you out.
You can help Jacqui out by visiting her site and donating some gas money. The price for gas in Europe is insane these days.
Way cool.
She reminds me of Danica Ptrick a bit.
That sounds like an awesome adventure.
Hey Jesper!
Thanks for looking me up!It’s been amazing so far, and I’ve only been here a week! Stay tuned….
xoxo-jvh
Hey, it sounds all groovy and that , riding a classic bike a long way, but it is sometimes also about the road, the journey, the characters that you encounter and what you leave behind. I ride a Shiny new Korean bike because it was cheap yet reliable.
Go Jacqui.. Ride on… and don’t forget… The “Wild hogs” kicked the Deigos asses in the movie.
Like Aretha F., Jacqui gets my R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Now, a few questions for the adventuress:
(1) What “gear” (apparel, bags, helmet, other) is working for you on your Euro jaunt, and what gear isn’t?
(2) How is the parts availability on the Continent for your BMW “Toaster”?
(3) Any thoughts about how the journey
is impacting the sojourner?
(4) Most importantly: White Sox or Cubs?
Keep Rockin’, Jacqui!
John
Abilene, Texas USA (“Red Sox Nation”)
’92 BMW R100R
’90 BMW K1
’80 BMW R65
I wish I were riding with her as well. She’s my kind of girl…
1. Loves touring
2. Loves Vintage
3. Loves BMW
She looks pretty hot in that suit!
She’s my kind of girl too
Awesome! Love seeing ladies getting out and after it!
I’m in love….
Any phone number leaked? I want to date her
Everyone should do a tour of Europe on a bike before it’s too late.
So which states in the US have the best roads for touring? I mean nice bendy ones?
Very cool lady! I’d love to do something like that, it sounds like a whole lot of fun!
Yeah, she does look a little like Danica Patrick!!
Yeeh hah!!
Surfing the net, came across the posting. Back in the 1970’s had both a 1966 Triumph Spitfire car, and a 1969 Triumph Trophy 650. Purchase the bike when I was stationed in Iceland. When on leave to Sweden to make the purchase on the Triumph Trophy. Made E5 promotion before leaving the service in 1970 and it was shipped home for FREE. Well, I sold the bike later and called my insurance company to cancel my TR motorcycle coverage. The agent cancelled my car insurance. I drove around for 6 month without insurance. Kind regared.
After rain comes fair weather
Women have sure come a long way from the time of the old lady sitting on the back, you know riding bitch. Well I have my own and I ride just about every day and I would not have it any other way. You go Girl! Maybe well see each other out on the road some day
a must bump into… my next wish is to do europe … the grand canyon i have done
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