Straight-Up Q&A featuring S&L Rider, Tamara Raye
We are thrilled to have S&L Rider, Tamara Raye takeover our feed this Friday on her way to Babes Ride Out 7 x Central Coast. Before hitting the road, we had the pleasure of connecting to learn about what influences Tamara, her greatest achievement and what essentials make her Babes Ride Out packing list. Enjoy our Straight-Up Interview with Tamara Raye below and be sure to follow and listen to her custom road trip to Bro Spotify Playlist!
Q: Brains, beauty, badassery - you really have it all covered. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: That’s quite an intro! All anyone needs to know about me is that I have an insatiable natural curiosity for life. There is a big wide world out there, with an infinite number of fascinating places and people to learn from. No matter how much one has seen or done, there is always more. For example, I wanted to know more about the physical world and the machines that have revolutionized our world over the last 200 years, so the answer was to study mechanical engineering. Additionally, my obsession with maps and the need to experience the great outdoors in the most visceral way possible drove me to ride motorcycles. I make a conscious effort every day to talk less and listen more. It is truly astonishing what you can learn and accomplish when you take the focus off of yourself, and cast your net wider to into the unknown. I exist in a black and white mind-frame- if you want something, it is as simple as setting a goal and working your ass off until you achieve it. Hell, even if you fail there are still valuable lessons to be learned along the way!
Q: What are the three things you can’t live without?
A: I’m a simple person. All I truly need is good music, a scrambler, and a good view at the end of a trail. (...probably also snacks.)
Q: What kind of bike will you be riding to Babes Ride Out this year?
A: This year I am thrilled to be riding a 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler to Babes Ride Out. I’ve been riding the wheels off this bike for a few months now, and will roll through 10,000 miles on the odometer at some point during the event! The Street Scrambler is incredibly capable both on- and off-road, and I’ve planned a route to the event containing a healthy dose of both dirt and tarmac.
Q: Who has influenced you the most, musically?
A: Now that is a difficult question. But I have to default to Keith Richards. Growing up, I wanted to be him on every level. The way he plays music, his attitude in life, the sarcasm ingrained in his every word at a granular level. Keith, above all else, is a survivor that has lived through every insane scenario that life can possibly throw at a single person. He not only has survived but thrived- with style and humility. Who wouldn’t want to be like that?
Side note: I highly recommend the book “What Would Keith Richards Do?”. A wonderfully entertaining read.
Q: In your opinion, is it better to be Slow & Low or High on Rye?
A: Slow & Low all the way. I interpret this to mean that it is better to slow down, enjoy the moment, and be present. Doing so with good friends and a tasty cocktail in hand is the way to go.
Q: Best piece of advice you’ve received?
A: “It’s not about you.” Sure, everyone and everything has a purpose. However, I find more value in the concept of freedom from individuality, that you can exist and be a part of the universe experiencing itself, without being endlessly infatuated with material things, with what others think of us, or obsessing over our superficial selves.
Q: What does it mean to be a female rider to you? What makes women's motorcycle culture so special to be apart of?
A: I place a huge focus on just being a rider, regardless of gender. Ultimately equality in male-dominated fields such as motorcycling (or engineering for that matter!) will come from less emphasis put on the separateness of males and females, and instead of making merit-based accomplishments more significant. I find myself inspired by both men and women in varying two-wheeled disciplines that push the envelope farther and farther every time they ride. I think it is important to just get out there and put down miles no matter who you are or how you identify.
That said, Babes Ride Out has become an integral part of my life because I have met so many amazing people as a result of years of attendance. There is a certain comradery amongst the ladies at BRO that I value so much. Until we get to that point of just referring to ‘women riders’ simply as ‘riders,’ it is so important that women know they are not alone in their two-wheeled passions. It has been very exciting to watch more and more women over the last seven years become inspired to get on a bike and change their lives forever as a direct result of this event and culture!
Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A: Happiness. Happiness is difficult to find, and can be extremely fleeting in this modern world of ours. I’ve spent many years defining the word ‘happiness’ for myself- what that means, and does NOT mean. It was no small task changing this life that I live, and the people in it, to finally find what I would call serenity. Waking up every morning excited to learn what the day holds is the best feeling.
Q: The road less traveled or the path of least resistance?
A: I’ve found that things that are worth doing are seldom easy. You will forever and always find me on the road less traveled.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: What isn’t next?! I have a list a mile long of places to see and things to do. In the interest of simplicity, I’ll just say that I would like to push myself beyond my current skill level in the dirt on a big bike. Adventuring on a Street Scrambler has forever changed my perspective of, and approach to, motorcycling. There are many more miles, and many more smiles, coming my way in the next year.
*Photo Credit @commonbloodmoto
