Sue's Page

Contact details

Email:     Membershipsecretary@bridgwaterhog.co.uk

Mobile:  07875 051846

Hi - I am Sue Parkes and, as of the 2017 AGM, I am the Membership Secretary.

How I came to ride bikes

I have had the pleasure of being a seasoned Bridgwater Chapter “Lady of Harley” member for 13 years.

Throughout my life I have always been interested in motorcycles - as a child I had 2 uncles who had Honda’s and BSA bikes. I know we all have to start somewhere don’t we and I became a pillion during my teens, always asking my uncle if he was going out on his bike and could I go too.

At the age of 16 and having left school and got my first proper job at Telecommunica-tions which was 16 miles away from where I lived. Buses were not so frequent so my Dad was guarantor for me to be able to buy my first bike. It was a twist and go but it did enable me to commute to work and back. I loved the freedom of being able to ride anywhere I wanted. I carried on riding until I became pregnant with my son who is now 38. I also have a daughter and I must admit that until they got to the age where they were “off my hands so to speak” I stuck to 4 wheels.

I was the proud owner of a Harley Davidson 883 Hugger. This was a lovely bike but it needed a few adjustments. The bars were too wide for my little arms and so the transformation began. A new tank. Chrome engine mounting kit and 2 sets of bars bought from an auto jumble in Daytona Florida. All brought back home in suitcases through customs.

Since 2007 I have owned 4 bikes, 2 of them being Harleys. Unfortunately, due to cir-cumstances in my life I had to stop riding – mainly due to my having to have an operation on my shoulder which left me with reduced strength in my arm to hold the bike up.

So with a very heavy heart I had to sell my 1200 Custom Low and get back on as a pillion again. At first it was  quite strange not being in control but I soon settled into enjoying the views around me.

I have had some amazing trips being a pillion in the UK and abroad going to places like Zilvermere Belgium, Rudeshiem Germany, France St Tropez x 2, Le Ranolien France and many more and lots more still to do.

I have ridden thousands of miles, made so many friends, had so many good times and created lots of happy memories.

Being pillion with Pete has been even more exciting as we share our many Chapter experiences with friends on our various Harley Davidson' models and now looking forward to more adventures on our new Heritage.

Throughout my years in HOG I am very proud to say that I really do enjoy being part of Bridgwater Chapter as it opened up a whole new world and an amazing social life for me.

Being a Bridgwater Chapter Lady of Harley, and now Membership Secretary as well, is special and I look forward to being very much part of our great committee team.