About Fast-Her
I must admit that I never thought I’d actually have my own (albeit tiny) little corner on the web.
Since it may not be super obvious currently, with the look and feel of this site, I ride motorcycles and this is my reason for wanting to start Fast-Her. I had the idea several years ago now and it is finally starting to come to life; due completely to the help of my excellent buddy Chris (aka ZMoe).
I’ve been riding since September of 2001 when I’d stopped dating a guy who rode and missed the bike much more than I ever missed him, we dated during the spring and early summer. By August, I had decided I would take the MSF class to learn to ride as well as buy my own bike. By the 22nd of the month, I had picked up (with the help of another buddy, Steve) my, new to me, but previously loved, 1993 Honda CBR 600 F2 and since my birthday was just around the corner, it was a gift to myself. I was uber excited! Stanley, as he came to be known, took up residence in the garage for most of the next month until I had taken and passed the MSF class; although I did have one unfortunate incident within 4 days of ownership when I dropped him on my left leg… ouch! Nothing broken, but a slight bruise to my ego.
By October, I was practicing in the neighborhood and by November, I was venturing outside my San Dimas loop. The first time I rode to work, it took me over an hour to go 14-miles on the city streets; I didn’t start riding the freeways until February of 2002.
As much as I loved Stanley, I had already spied the beautiful machine which would become my second bike (or one just like it anyway). I had instantly become completely smitten with a fancy blue Yamaha YZF R6 the first time I saw one. My Stanley, went off to help another newbie in September of 2002 and in October I had procured my very own blue 2001 R6… life was great!!! This bike became known as Mugsy.
In June of 2003, I did my first trackday at Streets of Willow. I was nervous as hell before the first session but as soon as that session was over, I was one-hundred percent hooked!!! I’ve since become a card-carrying track junkie and while my mind and body could handle many more trackdays, my wallet puts a rather disappointing limit on me. Most years I do about 6-8 trackdays. In 2004, I participated in an all female event called Femmoto (check the link on the main page) and have attended every year since. In 2006, I was invited to ride as an instructor/control-rider as part of an all-female staff. Let me tell you, these were two of the toughest days of riding I’ve ever completed, not because I pushed myself so much in terms of riding, but because of the amount of time I spent riding. However, these were also two of the most fun and fulfilling days of riding I have ever had. As tired and sore as I was, I met some truly amazing female riders/racers and had the opportunity to share some of my knowledge with some women who were just getting into track riding. I was even more excited to return for the 2007 event (see schedule and link).
Being a female rider, I’ve found it tough to secure good quality, proper fitting, sufficiently armored, female styled riding gear. Enter the idea behind Fast-Her. One day soon, you will find apparel and gear available for you, the female rider from Fast-Her.
Personally, as of March, 2007, I completed my BA degree in Behavioral Science and let me tell you, there are no words to describe the elation I felt once this chapter of my life was closed. I have however begun a Master’s program having taken only six months off after my BA. I’m studying Public Administration; I’m planning (and hoping) to complete the program within about two years. This program is proving more intense than I had anticipated and I’m quickly learning that if I want to do well, I need to make adjustments to the way I’ve studied in the past. Many days I wonder if I’m cut-out for a Master’s program.
I am the youngest of 3 children. I have two older brothers, and contrary to popular belief, the youngest child is not always spoiled (even a daughter). I’ve been working, in some capacity, since I was 13 when I started ushering at the Rosebowl for concerts and UCLA football games. I was born and raised in Southern California, my parents bought the house they live in, in 1968 when my oldest brother was 8 months old. My brothers and I went to one elementary school from kindergarten through 8th grade and one high-school from 9th through 12th grade.
In September of 2000, I escaped an abusive marriage. Basically, everything I’ve done since then, has been all about forging my own independence, healing my mind and my heart to ensure that I don’t allow myself to become a victim again, and building a life for myself that I am proud of. At this point in time, I feel like I’m doing pretty well, things could always be better but they could certainly be a whole lot worse. Right now, however, I’m mostly satisfied. Since reclaiming my life, I have met some absolutely amazing people who I am thankful to call my friends.
Stephanie