Meet Andrea, our Rider of the Month!
Rider of the Month: Andrea Porto
Riding Runs in the Family
For Andrea, riding was never a question of if, only when. Her father and brother rode for as long as she can remember, so motorcycles were always part of the family. It took one meaningful gift to finally put her in the driver's seat.
"My father and brother ride, so I have been around motorcycles all my life. When dating my current husband, who rides, one year he bought me a bike for Mother's Day. He knew that I needed an extra push to ride my own. He has since traded in his Road Glide since I don't backpack anymore."
These days, Andrea and her husband are practically a package deal on the road, and her idea of the perfect ride couldn't be simpler.
"My perfect ride has sunny weather, my husband, and ice cream. It doesn't matter if it's 50 or 500 miles, as long as we are out together."
We're proud to feature Andrea as our Beyond Riders Rider of the Month.
On the Road with Andrea
A young Andrea on a motorcycle, long before it was her own turn to ride:
Interview with Andrea
Q: What inspired you to start riding motorcycles?
Andrea: "My father and brother ride, so I have been around motorcycles all my life. When dating my current husband, who rides, one year he bought me a bike for Mother's Day. He knew that I needed an extra push to ride my own. He has since traded in his Road Glide since I don't backpack anymore."
Q: Describe your perfect ride - where do you go, who do you ride with, and how does it feel?
Andrea: "My perfect ride has sunny weather, my husband, and ice cream. It doesn't matter if it's 50 or 500 miles, as long as we are out together."
Q: What's your go-to Beyond Riders gear and why?
Andrea: "My husband loves the protective mesh shirts."
Q: How has protective gear changed the way you ride?
Andrea: "I have never ridden without protective gear."
Q: Any funny, unexpected, or memorable stories from your rides?
Andrea: "We were going on my first big ride on my new 2022 Low Rider ST. My husband always rides behind me, and for whatever reason he went ahead of me. I suddenly found myself in the middle of the intersection, on my left side, down. Everyone stopped and asked if I was hit, and I, concussed as I was, said 'No, I think I let my clutch out too fast.' I don't know why that comment makes me laugh, it's so stupid. Meanwhile my husband saw me on my left and thought, 'That's odd, she usually drops it on the right.'"
Q: Do you customize your gear or bike to match your style?
Andrea: "Oh yes, kitty cat ears and braids on my helmet. Black and gold to match my bike."
Q: What advice would you give to a new rider choosing their first protective gear?
Andrea: "It doesn't have to break the bank. It needs good ratings, and it needs to be comfortable so that you will wear it."
Q: What does being part of the Beyond Riders community mean to you?
Andrea: "It just is a big family. One you didn't know you needed."
Family, First and Always
Andrea's story is a reminder that riding is often passed down before it's picked up. From a childhood spent around motorcycles to a husband who knew exactly the push she needed, she's built a life on two wheels around the people she loves most - sunny roads, ice cream stops, and all.
Thank you, Andrea, for being part of the Beyond Riders community and for showing us that the best rides are the ones we share.