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Today I am interviewing a woman from Texas who took up motorcycling when she was 57 years old, and is having the time of her life doing it.
Tepe Hamilton took her first motorcycle ride a few years ago when she rode on the back of someone else’s bike. She enjoyed the experience so much that she opted to get a Harley Davidson Sportster of her own. Why Harley? Because she said loud pipes save lives.
When her son wanted a motorcycle about eight years ago, she was apprehensive about the machines. But, Tepe’s experience on a cycle changed her mind.
She has had to learn some basic motorcycle maintenance skills, and how to pick up a heavy bike when it falls over.
But, Tepe has hooked up with a wonderful group of fellow motorcycling enthusiasts who have guided her on her journey. In fact, she said other cyclists are often very willing to help newbies learn the ropes.
She joined the Panther Creek Riding Club, a group of 400-plus motorcycling enthusiasts based in the Dallas area. She also belongs to several smaller groups that primarily consist of women.
Tepe has taken several long trips already, most notably to North Carolina where she ventured on the notorious Tail of the Dragon highway. It has a well-deserved reputation for tipping over motorcycles and forcing them off the road due to the many switchbacks and steep grades which drivers must navigate.
Her children, who are now in their early 20s, thought it was rather crazy that mom wanted to start motorcycling, but they have been generally supportive of her new hobby.
Tepe encourages others to try motorcycling because she said wind therapy is great for the soul. Just riding in the open has a peaceful and calming effect.
Now that she is officially retired, Tepe plans to live with no regrets. She does not want to become a seasoned citizen who is governed by fears and winds up living with regrets about all the things they could have done if they weren’t afraid to step out in faith to attempt them.
She strongly encourages people over 50 to make an effort to be social because everyone needs human connection. An autonomous and lonely life will not help anyone.
People can connect with Tepe on Facebook and by email at tepehamilton@yahoo.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. If you’d like help in identifying a purpose for your life or to get help planning your next steps, I’m offering a complimentary brainstorming session to members of the Forward From 50 Facebook community. For details, connect with me on Facebook or visit www.forwardfrom50.com.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.