HOG Member Profiles

 

HOG Profile - Callie Cooper

1) When and how did you first get into riding a Harley? Riding behind Guinn I couldn't see anything - he's tall, I'm short.  I got a good view of the back of his helmet, so I slept most of the time.  Decided I'd have to ride my own if I wanted to see anything!  I got my Fat Boy in October, 2003.

2) How long have you been riding? I got my license in June of 2002.  After "practicing" for about 18 months on something other than a Harley, I decided I was ready for the big time and got the Fat Boy.

3) What is your favorite trip or place to ride? My favorite ride is a two lane country road with gentle hills and curves on a mild spring day, no traffic, at about 60 mph.  Preferably somewhere in the hill country, but anywhere works!

4) What gives you the greatest thrill while riding? The thrill of the open road, just me and the machine.  All the stuff in the commercials is great, but to be honest - it's a hoot to people watch.  The envy on faces, because I am on a Harley and they're not!  The surprise that it's a female on that Harley!  And a mature female at that!  Puts a smile (or is it a smirk?) on my face everytime!

5) What is your best memory associated with riding? March, 2007, P.O.T. in Las Vegas, 3 days each way.  I was cold, tired, and nervous with occassional moments of pure terror!  I had a great time - maybe more in retrospect, than in the moment!  But I did it!

6) What do you do in your 'other' life and how does your Harley fit in with that? In my "other" life I 'm a cool granny.  At least, three of the granddaughters tell me they, and their friends, think I am - becasue I ride a Harley.  I think they get a kick out of telling their friends about it and seeing the looks of disbelief.  A granny story: I had to drop the 10 year-old off at school one morning.  The person that met the students in the parking lot didn't recognize the car (my Mustang).  He apologized for not realizing it was her and she said, "That's ok, it's Granny's car."  He said, "That's your grandma's car?  Wow!"  And Ciara says, "Yeah, you should see her Harley!"  Knowing her, the "Well, duh!" was understood - even if unspoken.

7) What is your philosophy of riding?  My philosophy?  Oh, all of the familiar phrases apply.  Safety is a big part of it.  I like the old slogans - Ride Friendly and Arrive Alive.  Both of those are fitting, but if I had to come up with my own phrase, I guess it would be something along the lines of "Bug guts are good for the psyche and prevent old age".