Fast Babes Featured Rider: @candice_b_rides

Name: Candice

Instagram: @candice_b_rides

Candice rolled into Babes Ride Out East Coast this year and checked off her longest solo motorcycle trip! She meet us at the Lone Wolf Meet-Up and we were so stoked to meet her and instantly felt her positive vibes. Overcoming the challenges of the road and building confidence on the bike are important to Candice and have shown her capable of so much more!

Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?

I was born and raised in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia and I am still living here. We have so many amazing roads to ride with gorgeous scenery.

How did you initially get involved with motorcycles?

I was never around motorcycles until my husband got his first motorcycle in late 2015. I started riding as a passenger and it did not take long for me to start getting curious about riding my own.

When did you get your first bike and what was it? 

I got my first motorcycle in 2017 shortly after taking a motorcycle safety course. I had zero riding experience prior to taking the course. I remember being in a class of three and I was the only girl and the only one who had zero experience. My nerves got to me, but I overcame them and passed the course. It was a proud moment for me. I began to shop around for a used motorcycle and nothing felt right until I sat on a brand new 2017 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob. I fell in love and purchased it that day.

What do you currently ride and why?

Earlier this year I traded in my Dyna for a 2022 Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114. I loved my Dyna, but I wanted something built more for long distance travel equipped with saddlebags, better shocks, and ABS. Since getting the Heritage, I have taken two of my biggest road trips; one being my biggest solo motorcycle trip to Babes Ride Out East Coast. I know that I made the right decision because this motorcycle has performed great for me during my travels and I just love riding it.

What is your happiest memory that involves motorcycles?

The first time I rode with a group of girls was so awesome and empowering. We rode to Grits N Glory Moto, a ladies only moto campout in West Virginia. Even though we rode through a bad storm, it made me so happy that we did it all together and arrived safely. It was my first time riding with a group of all women and my first ladies only moto campout. It was an amazing experience that I still smile about to this day.

Another happy moto moment would be riding in the Outer Banks, especially riding the ferry across the water and crossing over the water on all of the bridges down there. To look around and only see water was a very cool experience. I was definitely smiling under my helmet.

Babes Ride Out East Coast was another absolutely amazing experience for me. The fact that I rode my motorcycle for a 1,000+ mile road trip all alone made me happy and proud. Also, the event itself is so awesome! I have lots of happy memories from that event.

Outside of motorcycles, tell us a little about yourself?

I love having fun, laughing, and just enjoying life! I work full time as an Administrative Assistant. When I am not working, I enjoy crafting, hiking, and listening to lots of music. I am married to my best friend who also shares the love of riding motorcycles. Together, we have a five year old daughter who is just an awesome little girl. As a family, we enjoy taking tent camping trips, going on Jeep adventures, and just living life to the fullest doing what we can to have fun and make memories together.

How have you become a more confident rider? Things you’ve done to help you gain confidence? 

When I first started riding, I barely had any confidence. On top of learning to ride a motorcycle, I had a lot of anxiety and I was a new mom. I never wanted to go riding by myself, so I would go out with my husband so he could guide me. It got to the point where I had to go alone or I was not going to get to ride much. I got brave and started venturing out on my own and realized that I loved riding alone. 2021 was the year where I felt like everything “clicked” and I started feeling more confident. Also, getting my new Heritage Classic was a big boost of confidence because it rides so much smoother than my Dyna and I actually feel safer on it. When I took my biggest solo ride to Babes Ride Out East Coast, I came back with over 1,000 more miles of solo riding experience, so that was a big confidence boost. Confidence comes with practice, so you have to get out and ride!

What is your dream trip/bucket list ride(s)?

Key West and Sturgis are on my wish list and I would definitely like to make it to the West Coast for Babes Ride Out and just to ride the coast. I have been to 10 states on two wheels and would like to continue growing that number. There is so much to see in this amazing country.

How do you think motorcycles have changed your life?

Riding motorcycles is something I honestly never imagined myself doing. To see myself continue to progress and get better at it, makes me proud. I used to be very shy and full of anxiety. Riding motorcycles has helped my anxiety so much. I know motorcycles make some people nervous, but for me when I am riding I feel so relaxed and I just enjoy the ride. I do not listen to music while riding, so I am alone with my thoughts and sometimes that is what I really need. Mental clarity.

Do you have any upcoming motorcycle trips/rides planned?
I have a couple moto camping trips that I am hoping to do in the upcoming months. My husband and I are in the early stages of planning a big trip for 2023, so that is exciting!