INTRODUCTION
Updated: Mar 7, 2022
Who am I?
Oct 3, 2021
Hi, my name is Crystal and I have been riding sportsbikes for over 10 years. I got my M1 license during my senior year of college after my friend took me on a ride where I rode pillion and we went very fast and did #wheelies and #endos. After that, I decided I needed some control. Who would have thought? My first #motorcycle was a used 2008 #Kawasaki Ninja 250. I rode that for 8 years until I totaled it while riding a road I had ridden over 100 times: a backroad truck route over an abandoned railroad track with potholes all around it. But this particular time, my front tire hit it at the wrong angle and I #highsided and superman-ed over my windscreen. My precious 250cc was totaled. Within a few weeks, I purchased a used 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300.
“But this particular time, my front tire hit it at the wrong angle and I highsided and superman-ed over my windscreen.”
I put 29,500 miles on my first motorcycle by commuting and weekend #twisties. It wasn't until 2020 that I started cross country #mototouring with my Ninja 300. Covid restricted air travel, and what better way to social distance than to ride a motorcycle in my own helmet bubble? And this began my passion of cross country touring. People give me the most surprised looks when I tell them I ride a #sportbike thousands of miles. What can I say? I love my bike and am deeply attached to it. Sportsbikes are more of my aesthetic. I know Harleys are more comfortable, but they're just not my taste.
What am I up to now?
My life path has evolved, but I know this is where I'm meant to be. I've wanted to backpack Europe since my early twenties. But fresh out of college, I wanted to work, get that first job and put that degree to good use. Then as I focused on career growth, this backpacking dream became less and less of a priority. I got the higher career positions, but was laid off in 2018. I solo traveled to Iceland and Cuba, but eventually felt guilty not working. It wasn't the right time yet. I started working another corporate job and got laid off after a year. I told myself, this is a sign: No one gets laid off twice. I need to do my world travels now. And then Covid happened. I have been waiting a year and a half until the EU opened up to US citizens again, and now here I am. It is the right time. My dream of backpacking Europe has now evolved into mototouring Europe when I realized how much faster riding is than walking with a giant backpack.
I purchased a motorcycle in Europe and am currently preparing for my big trip. Paperwork, insurance, packing and more! For the most up to date of what I'm up to, follow me on Instragram or Youtube here:
Female Motorcyclist (@chasing.crystal) • Instagram photos and videos