When I was about fourteen years old I found my true passion. It all started when my neighbor picked up an old fixer-upper GSX-R600. He worked on it almost everyday and I would always be right there, looking over his shoulder watching his every move. At this point, I was determined to get a bike. Being 14, I only had a few ways to make money. After being denied from a couple local fast-food restaurants, my last and only chance was to mow lawns and babysit. Making only four dollars an hour from babysitting and mowing a couple lawns a week, I accumulated about $1,000 in two years.
Finally, I turned sixteen and got my driver’s license. Since my birthday is a winter birthday, I still had the whole winter to make some extra cash. I applied at about every place imaginable. After a couple interviews I eventually was hired for a “real job.” I couldn’t find a dream bike on my budget, so I ended up buying a Kawasaki Ninja 250 for $1,200 and the rest of my money was for registration. For a birthday present, my parents paid for a motorcycle safety class so I could get my motorcycle license right away. After about two months and 1,500 miles of riding, I sold my Ninja 250 and invested in a 2007 Kawasaki ZX-6R. My Kawi and I are practically inseparable. I am either out for a ride or in the garage working on it everyday.
How to Enter: Have you made an outrageous sacrifice to own and ride your motorcycle? Donated sperm for a year? Worked six jobs to save for a down payment? Tell us how you’ve endured hardships, thus proving bikes are in your blood and you could win a Bikes Are in My Blood helmet and jacket from Speed and Strength. Send your story along with a photo of you and your bike to: ssbmail@sorc.com.