Chelie Lacrosse: TEAM Arizona Rider of the Month February 2016!
Last Updated: December 1st, 2020
We often use the word passion when we talk about our Riders of the Month. We could use it again this month, but we don’t think it is enough. When we heard Chelie’s story we were instantly hooked. We think you’ll be hooked, too, which is why she’s our Rider of the Month for February 2016.
What is your story, Chelie?
A few years ago, I drove to Sedona to meet a friend for breakfast. He suggested we go up to Jerome, and I followed him in my car while he, of course, rode. There were so many riders – the weather was perfect and the scenery was breathtaking. I knew at that moment I wanted my own two wheels. Three months later I signed up through TEAM Arizona to get my endorsement. I was the oldest person in the class and as hard as it is to admit – the very worse. My instructors and classmates were so encouraging, and although I didn’t walk out feeling 100% confident … I had a license to ride! That was 3 years and 4 bikes ago. I haven’t looked back and I thank TEAM Arizona every step of the way. I have taken advantage of their advanced riding classes and with each new bike: one-on-one individual training with a private instructor.
What is your favorite thing about riding?
Freedom has been said so many times. But as a woman rider, freedom means so much more. It is being in control, feeling confident, turning off all the daily noise, and having the time to really listen to my own thoughts. I also like being a trailblazer for other women. I love it when a little girl in the backseat of a SUV smiles, waves and gives me a thumbs up!
What do you want to accomplish with motorcycling?
Keep learning and leaning. I enjoy all types of riding and want to continue to expand my horizons. My first bike was a 620 Ducati Multistrada. I purchased it from a 70+ year old man who had more than 30K miles, many states and a trip through Mexico and South America on it. He had taken such great care and shared some great stories. He was happy to sell it to a newbie. Five thousand miles later, I upgraded to a new and much larger, so I thought, Monster 696 and quickly put on 10K miles. Now I alternate between my MV Agusta F4 and a new dual purpose Ducati Multistrada 1200. There will be a cross country ride in my future. Either up the coast to Vancouver or cross country to New England.
What would you tell your 20 year old self if you could?
Be grateful you started riding at 55. I know my 20 year old self wouldn’t have taken this sport as seriously or be nearly as safety conscious. Starting later in life is truly a life decision; everything is thought out, what size and type bike, proper gear, gloves, helmet and who you ride or won’t ride with. Although I’d like to have those extra years to explore more open roads – I really appreciate the ones I was able to experience today! My favorite ride is still that ride from Sedona up to Jerome for breakfast – and then the twisties down Mingus Mountain!
Trailblazer. Role Model. Road Warrior. See? We told ya you’d be hooked!
Please join us in welcoming Chelie Lacrosse as our latest Rider of the Month. And if you see a red blur zip past you on Mingus Mountain give Chelie a wave!
Riders, we want to honor YOU! Do you know someone who should be TEAM Arizona’s Rider of the Month? Entering their name is SIMPLE.
- Email Bill (bill@motorcycletraining.com )
- In the subject line, type “Rider of the Month”
- In one paragraph, tell us why this rider deserves the title TEAM Arizona Rider of the Month!
Let’s have some serious FUN with this gang! There are some great stories out there and we don’t want to miss them, so tell us about yourselves!
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