Straight-Up Q&A featuring S&L Rider, Jaime Dempsey
If you are a female rider, chances are you are familiar with Jaime Dempsey or at the very least, the all women's motorcycle apparel brand she co-owns, Atwyld. But did you know that Jaime is also known to be a moonlight bartender and has traveled Asia on two-wheels? We're excited to share our exclusive Straight-Up Q&A with S&L Rider, Jaime Dempsey below along with a custom Spotify road trip playlist and BRO packing list with all of her must-have items.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: In a nutshell- Born in Illinois, raised in the U.K, then went to college in Philadelphia before moving to LA. I am one of the three co-founders of Atwyld, a women’s motorcycle apparel brand, and I am the host of six seasons of a Travel Documentary TV show called Ride N Seek on History Asia. Sorry, it only airs in Asia, but you can find some episodes on YouTube ; ).
Q: How long have you been riding motorcycles? What kind of bike do you currently ride?
A: I’ve been riding street for about 14 years and dirt for about 3 years. I currently have a 2014 Triumph Bonneville which is my daily rider, a 2000 Harley Night Train which needs a little work but is almost there, a 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan for my dual sport adventures, and a 2006 Honda CRF 250X for alllll dirt.
Q: You shoot an epic travel documentary series called Ride N’ Seek. What is your favorite location you‘ve visited, and what is your favorite model motorcycle you’ve ridden while shooting? (they do not need to be mutually exclusive answers)
A: I’ve been lucky to visit a handful of countries in Southeast Asia, and I have to say one of my favorites was the Philippines. I’ve spent a lot of time there, and I’ve traveled through every major group of islands. The people are so friendly, and there are so many different terrains to experience all in one country- twisty mountain roads, coastal beach towns, views of volcanoes and rice fields as well as crystal clear lagoons. It’s heavenly. I had the chance to ride many different styles of bikes while shooting the show, and I have to say I really enjoyed the Royal Enfield Himalayan for its on and off-road capabilities. There were many occasions where the pavement ended but my journey had to keep going, and this bike held up well to both conditions.
Q: In your opinion, is it better to be Slow & Low or High on Rye?
A: Hahaha, I think there’s an occasion for both. It’s all about balance.
Q: From the perspective of being a moto-gear and accessories brand owner, who has influenced you the most professionally?
A: I am greatly influenced by the female moto community as a whole. Every time we have a booth at an event I meet so many women who ride, and have interesting stories to tell. I like hearing first hand what they are looking for in their riding gear, and I can relate to what they feel is missing in the market. It helps me to be inspired to give them what they want and need.
I have to also mention the late Jesse Combs who inspired me not just as a woman pursuing her dreams of success in a male-dominated industry, but who also taught me how to use my public persona to help spread that inspiration and motivation to other women like myself. I feel very fortunate to have known her and felt her powerful energy and influence.
Q: What’s a must-have clothing item everyone should own?
A: A good leather Moto Jacket is something everyone with (or even without) a motorcycle should have. A classically styled leather motorcycle jacket is timeless, will keep you warm on chilly rides, and keep your skin safe from road rash. That’s why Atywld has called its leather motorcycle jacket the Alltime. It will be your all-time favorite jacket to wear.
Q: You’ve been known for moonlight bartending, what is your go-to cocktail to make a friend?
A: I’ve supplemented my income with bartending for many years, and I had always loved it. It’s a great way to be social, and make money while doing it. I’m a very classic cocktail drinker, so I like making Old Fashioneds but with a little twist. One of my favorites is the Smokey Bourbon made with a coffee ice cube, chipotle simple syrup, and orange bitters. The Chipotle syrup gives it a little zing while the coffee ice cube melts giving it an earthy flavor.
Q: This is our second year attending a Babes Ride Out event and we are so excited to spend it with you and the other ladies. What does being apart of women’s moto-culture mean to you? What makes it so special?
A: Babes Ride Out is where you find your tribe. It used to be so rare to find another girl to ride with, and that understood my passion for 2 wheels and adventure. Now I'm connected with a wide network of women all across the country that I can call a friend, and with whom I’ve shared one adventurous ride or another. Being a part of a community of motorcycle riders (not just women) is very fulfilling, and the people you meet through it become your family.
Q: The road less traveled or the path of least resistance?
A: Always the road less traveled!
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Unfortunately I recently had a bit of an accident on my dirt bike at the track. Sometimes I get too excited and confident when I’m riding dirt. I took on a big double, cased it, and even though I still landed on my two wheels and rode off the track, I hit the ground so hard I broke my ankle. So, for now, I’ll be focusing on a full recovery and swinging my leg back over my bike!
