SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - January, 2007

Name:   Julie Geery

Nickname:   FieryRedhead

Marital Status:  Married to Tank for 15 years. Can you believe he’s put up with me for that long???

Location:  Herndon, VA

Hometown:  Originally from Jamaica, Queens, NY, but spent my formative years in Freehold NJ (yes, Bruce Springsteen went to my high school!).

Children:  2 of ‘em - Conner (13) and Patrick (9).

Age:  29. And I’ll be 29 again in February. Accept it!

Occupation:  Unemployed at the current moment though I’ve been in Human Resources for the past 20 years.

Current motorcycle(s):  Yamaha V-Star Custom

How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
I was searching for a club on the internet and almost joined one of those "women’s" clubs. The members seemed catty though and a bit condescending, and why ride with people you wouldn’t even hang out with??!! I joined the Loudoun Chapter in June 2006 because everyone seemed down to earth and warm. Hard to believe...Feels like I’ve known some of you for far longer.

How long have you been riding?
A bit over 3 years.

Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Yep. Twice. Once in Petersburg, VA and one in Sterling.

What was your first bike?
The V-Star is my one and only so far.

How many bikes have you owned?
See above.

Why do you ride?
Because it’s fun, freeing and therapeutic - I can stop sweatin’ the petty stuff when I’m out on my bike (can’t say it stops me from pettin’ the sweaty stuff though ;) ; There’s nothing like being able to see nature, smell it and feel it close-up and personal; I can breathe easier while riding, and put aside any of my cares in the world; Mostly I ride, because I can!

Have you ridden with an organized group before?
The SCRC of course, Before that, no more than about 6 bikes in a group.

What modifications have you done to your bike?
Yamaha floorboards and heel/toe shifter, V-Star 1100 handlebars, windshield, grips, gutted pipes (with the help of Breeze), pod-kit on the intake and re-jetting, Mustang seat (not yet used as of this day!), and saddlebags.

What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
None that I can think of right now. Phew!

What is your dream bike?
Those Yamaha Warriors keeps catching my eye and Tank keeps pulling me kicking and screaming away from them. Someday...

What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
Yes and yes! There’s a time and place for both and in my humble opinion they should be during the same ride!

If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
Puleeeeeeeeeeeeze! Do I have to explain the FieryRedhead thing? My friends and family call me Jules, though my actual name is Julie. I was named after my grandfather, Jules, but he passed away long before I’d even been born. I only hope he would’ve been proud.

What is your favorite riding route?
Most anything involving Lime Kiln Road, but seriously, I never met a route I didn’t like! A special shout-out to Skyline Drive and Thorton’s Gap down 211 towards Warrenton. Whooooosh!

Do you ride your bike to work?
Definitely! Whenever I can (i.e., when I DON’T have to wear a skirt or when I DO need to drive all over creation in one day).

What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
Just about 85. I’m no speed demon.

What is your favorite time of year to ride?
The Spring, but any temperature above 60 is ideal.

Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
Oh yeah! A deer committed suicide on my bike while I was riding toward Point of Rocks on Route 15 in November of 2005. Lots of road rash, and abrasions, stitches in the back of my ankle that kept me out of shoes (and off the bike) for months and a right hand that still doesn’t hold all my weight if it’s flat down (don’t ask!! Lol!)

Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
Nope, Maybe with the new seat I’ll give it some thought though.

If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
Hmmmmm, I guess to the Virginia International Raceway. Nothing too lengthy since it’s a challenge to pawn off the kids on someone for too, too long.

What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
Coming home from Thunder in the Valley in Johnstown, PA. It rained ridiculously hard the entire way home. At a gas stop on the way home I had to literally wring out my gloves, and my clothes and I remained soggy for days.

Do you know how to work on your bike?
Got a hubby for that. (Thank goodness for Tank!)

What is your favorite road song?
I just sing whatever comes to mind. I typically keep the Chatterbox radio off while doing that. You’re welcome!

What was your most adventurous ride?
That ride in the rain home from Johnstown. Really treacherous and utterly fatiguing. It was my first ride in the rain and my road-mates were very surprised that I didn’t ask to just wait it out and come home the next day. Luckily I don’t give up easy ‘cause the rain lasted for 3 days!!!

What rallies or events do you like to attend?
Rolling Thunder, Ride for Kids, Thunder in the Valley, the one at Carlisle, International Bike Show. Actually, I’ve never been to any I didn’t like! Suggest one, I’m there!

Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
My beautiful daughter, Conner.

Off the cuff from...FieryRedhead
Thanks so much for the honor of being a featured member!! I love the folks in this group and Tank and I have become fast friends with many of you. There’s nothing like letting down your hair and hanging out with folks who are warm, open, and who have similar interests. I know I’m over the top sometimes, but so far I haven’t been "kicked off the island" and I don’t plan on leaving till you put me out, so for now, you’re stuck with me! And I like it that way.