1. What is your name, age and location and height. Daphne D. Light, 53 years old, San Francisco by way of Detroit, 5’ 8”.
2. When did you start riding motorcycles?
I started riding about 30 years ago.
3. Do you or have you seen any shifts in the motorcycle culture for women?
The shift I’ve seen in the culture (which may have to do with the West Coast in particular) is women riding more vintage bikes and the introduction of fashion forward, lady-friendly, protective gear.
4. What was your first bike - what do you ride now?
The bike I learned to ride with was an SX175 Harley-Davidson, 2-stroke, 5-speed, with a chain drive and drum breaks. From that day forward 2-strokes have been the only bikes for me. I currently ride a 1967 Yamaha Grand Prix YR1, a two-stroke, oil injected, 5-speed, which I have nicknamed McQueen. I also ride vintage scooters, a temperamental 1962 Li150 Lambretta (Lemmy), and a beautiful 1976 Vespa Rally 200 (Ruby).
5. What are the biggest lessons you learned in your first year of riding?
I was taught to ride by a Hells Angel who was fulfilling his community service. By way of introduction to riding, the first thing he did with the class was to show a film of motorcycle accidents and the resulting injuries. I’ll never forget him saying, “You crash, you die,” which is likely the case of Michigan highways. As an instructor and in order to pass, he tested us riding in the pouring Midwest rain, in extreme heat, required zero foot to pavement slow and quick obstacle course, and then closed the class with showing us how to properly pick up a bike (a 1500 Goldwing). He failed more than a few people. I believe everything I learned in that class made me respect riding and has given me confidence in teaching others.
6. When you told family and friends you wanted to start riding motorcycles - what was their initial reaction?
Ha! My family and friends gave up long, long ago telling me what I should and should not do. I’m sure they were concerned for my safety but, likely, they figured I’d do what I wanted either way. :)
7. What is your most recent fear that you overcame? Doesn't need to involve motorcycles.
I face fears on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. In my opinion, you aren’t living if you aren’t. My mantra when overcoming fear is stolen from Herbert, “ I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
8. What is your biggest accomplishment in life so far. Doesn't need to pertain to material things?
What seems like an accomplishment changes in significance as you roll through the years. For that moment it may seem as though there can be nothing greater. I set my goals yearly, on my birthday. I’m able to look back as far as two decades and relish in those small victories. Every single one of those check marks meant something to me.
9. What are some misconceptions you've faced as a motorcyclist?
From other riders I’ve not faced many misconceptions although, recently, a friend said about me, "Daphne is too pretty to ride dirt (bikes)." I have never been told I was too pretty to do anything in my entire life. Dirt bikes have been on my bucket list, and I tell you what, that little quip has pushed that goal way to the top. LOL But, seriously, generally, just showing up on a 2-stroke, vintage, bike is enough to have folks consider that there is more than meets the eye. For non-riders there’s always the misconception that you may be a hellcat or operating with some sort of deathwish.
9. Do you ride with people or are you a solo rider?
I swing both ways. I’m a daily rider. Around town and commuting to work I’m hans-solo. For the long rides, it’s always good to have company especially in California. With these views, you want to pull off your helmet and share your amazement with others.
10. Where is your favorite place to go on a bike?
The California coast is a varied and beautiful experience. In one afternoon you can traverse a mountain range, find yourself riding on a road lined with the giant redwoods, be feet from a cliffside which falls into the Pacific Ocean, or on a one-lane highway with not a soul in sight. I truly is spectacular. #dontvisitsanfranciscoitsterriblehere
11. What do you for a living?
I work for the Judicial Council of California. I like knowing the organization I spend my days with is mandated to provide equal justice for all Californians. It seems even more important right now.
12. Have you ever been in any accidents or sketchy situations riding?
Well, as the saying goes, “There are two kinds of riders, ones that have been in an accident and ones that will.” I had my first accident last year. 29 years was a good run. I broke my left wrist and on gloomy days or on long rides it complains to me and reminds me that I am human, breakable, and gifted with the wonder of healing.
13. What are some suggestions you would give to someone on the fence of getting into motorcycles?
For anyone considering a bike, I would suggest they take a class, a serious class with a very tough instructor, one that will teach them respect for the dangers and an appreciation for the joys of traveling fast on two wheels.
14. What is the most epic motorcycle ride you've been on?
The 2018 California Moto Melee. I feel here I should acknowledge the organizers Jeff and Harley. Also, without my riding crew, Jason, Derrek, and Barry, I would have never made it the 3 days 600+ miles. They accepted a newbie to the team, performed parking lot repairs late into the evening, provided me with roadside debriefs on the terrain, and humored my requests to take bonus routes through rivers and over loose, pockmarked, dirt roads. The ride was amazing, second only to the company.
15. How has COVID affected your life and motorcycle experience?
Do you still ride - are you planning any trips this summer? COVID has limited the rally rides but I still ride. We ride in small groups, packing lunches, masks, oil, cables and a good set of tools.