Fast Babes Featured Rider: @lizstorby

Name: Liz

Instagram: @lizstorby

Liz is based in Palm Springs but hails from a small town in Iowa. Her love for motorcycles was passed down from her father, and she in turn passed it on to her wife who now rides with her! Read the full interview with Liz!

Photo: Victory Jon 

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

I grew up in a really small town called Lake Mills, Iowa. I moved to Palm Springs, California when I was 20 years old and have been here ever since!

How did you initially get involved with motorcycles?

My dad for sure. He is a biker through and through. He was a single father and almost all of my childhood memories with him and my brother have something to do with motorcycles. As I grew up I always had friends that either rode dirt bike or motorcycles so I would jump on a dirt bike from time to time with friends or ride on the back with my dad or my friends that had bikes. 

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

 I finally got my first bike in 2018. I sold my truck and got myself a 2018 Harley Sportster Iron 883 and that was my daily driver for a little over a year.

What do you currently ride and why?

I still ride my Sportster. I have spent the last few years upgrading the bike. A couple years ago I did the 1200 upgrade kit on it. I really love this bike and have a special attachment to it because it was my first one. I plan to eventually get something bigger for longer rides, but I think I'll always hang onto my sporty!

What is your happiest memory that involves motorcycles?

Oh man, I have so many happy memories that involve motorcycles. The first one that comes to mind is one of my oldest childhood memories with my dad and my brother. My dad had this awesome sporty chopper with big ape hangers and I remember him taking me and my brother on rides. I would sit in front of him on the gas tank, hanging onto his arms, while my brother was on the back. It doesn't sound super safe now, but it was the 90's! 

The other happy memories are all related to the moto trips that I've been on with my friends. From Babes Ride Out campouts, to Fast Babes campouts, to an international moto trip to Bali - any trip that involves motorcycles becomes an amazing memory. 

Outside of motorcycles, tell us a little about yourself?

As I said before, I come from a very small town in Iowa. I spent the first 20 years of my life in the midwest until one of my best friends was moving to California and asked me if I wanted to come with her. That was the scariest decision I've ever made, but also the best decision I've ever made. Moving to California has changed my life in so many ways. I got to see actual mountains for the first time, went to the ocean for the first time and eventually met my wife out here and have built a pretty great life. I think making such a big move in my 20's made me realize how big the world is and has helped me say "yes" to more opportunities and experiences. 

I currently work for a medical device manufacturer as the Manager of Global Complaints and Incident Reporting. I am also in the process of finishing up college after taking a big hiatus from it when I made the move to California. I am on schedule to have my Bachelor's Degree in March and I am super excited about it! 

Photo: The Joyner Company (@thejoynercompany)

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

My riding confidence has honestly just come from consistent practice and challenging myself. I took the basic safety course when I first got my bike and learned a lot of the essentials in that class. A few years later, thanks to Fast Babes, I was able to take the Intermediate Riding Course. My riding confidence shot up after taking the intermediate course because I was on my own bike and there was a lot more focus on throttle control and riding through curves. I think it's important to challenge yourself as a rider in order to gain more confidence. I will admit there have been times where I was a little nervous to ride in certain situations (rain, steep hills, curves, etc.) but I think forcing myself to just do it has made me a better rider. 

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

This is a hard one because there are so many amazing places in the states and internationally that I want to experience on a motorcycle. One of the rides that is very high on my bucket list is riding the Avenue of the Giants up in Northern California. I've lived here for 13 years and I haven't had the full experience of seeing the giant red wood / sequoia trees so I definitely want to make that ride happen this year! If anyone has done it or also has it on their bucket list and wants to join, let me know! 

Photo: Maggie Hicks

How do you think motorcycles have changed your life?

Motorcycles have changed my life in so many ways but the biggest thing that stands out is the friendships I've gained since I started riding. Through the various group rides and campouts, I've met some super rad people who share the same passion and love for riding. Motorcycles have a way to bring people together and has opened the doors to some amazing opportunities. This last year a couple friends I met at Babes Ride Out, Maggie Hicks and Emily Dury, organized a week long motorcycle riding trip in Bali. After hearing the details, I knew I had to jump on the chance because....BALI! I learned so many things about myself and about riding on that trip and gained some solid friendships at the same time. It was the most technical riding I have ever done and I was so impressed with my riding and the riding of the others in my group. Being able to visit and experience a new country on a motorcycle is such an indescribable feeling and if you ever have the opportunity to do it, don't hesitate. BOOK THAT TRIP! I promise it will change your life and spark a fire in you to explore the world on a motorcycle. 

Do you have any upcoming motorcycle trips/rides planned?
Nothing set in stone at the moment. I've been talking to a few friends about getting together for a camping trip this year in either Yosemite, Northern California or Zion. I've also been talking to a couple friends about a possible international trip this year but we're still trying to figure out if we can make it work. If not this year, definitely in 2025 but the destination is still up in the air. The conversation is leaning towards India at the moment, which would be amazing! 

Photo: Maggie Hicks