Chic Riot Spotlights: Erin

Let’s meet Erin

Erin is the Co-Founder of the Litas Humboldt in Northern, California. Erin positive vibes and friendly warmth are a few reasons we would love to spotlight her; plus her love for the outdoors, nature and motorcycles makes her pretty awesome to say the least.

In a few sentences tell us about yourself...  

Sawasdee Kha/Hello! I’m an Asian American (Thai/White) with an Irish name, Erin. I’m a California native and currently reside in beautiful Humboldt County along the coast of northern California. By day, I’m a professional conservationist and in my spare time you can find me exploring the great outdoors, eating my favorite foods, drinking my favorite drinks, and of course, burning rubber on two wheels.

Who or what got you into riding?

My passion for motorcycles was passed on to me by my dad from a very young age. I grew up in San Diego and my earliest memories as a toddler was dad and I going to motorcycle and car shows (he claims I was going for the free swag and balloons at first). When I was independent enough to hop on the back around 5-6 years old, he took me on short rides around the neighborhood on his Suzuki GS1100E. I suppose I’ve been exposed to traveling on two wheels for a majority of my life...There’s nothing like experiencing that adrenaline rush; wind blowing all around ya, perhaps a few insects or two splattering on ya, and just the unknown thrill of adventure waiting for you every time you hop on that motorcycle.

What do you ride? And what does your bike say about you?

I mainly ride my Harley Davidson Custom 1200 Sportster. As a wildlife biologist, I identify with the intricate dragonfly artwork found on the tank and fenders. Dragonflies symbolize poise and power, which is the foundation of how my motorcycle was built and how I tend to ride it. I also still have my first bike I purchased my senior year in high school, a Yamaha XJ750 Seca. It was a great beginner bike to learn on and I hope to inspire a friend or family member to learn how to ride motorcycles on it just like I did.

How does it feel to be a female rider in this male dominated sport/lifestyle?

When I first started riding motorcycles 13 years ago, I definitely felt like an outlier at times being outnumbered by male riders. It was intimidating at first, but after a while, I realized I had no reason to be. I’ve never experienced any negativity from male nor female riders. Everyone I’ve encountered in the moto world has been super supportive. As time progressed, I started to get bored going on solo rides, so I utilized social media to connect with other female riders in my community. Before I knew it, I was meeting up on “blind moto dates” with other gals and we decided to form a local Litas branch in Humboldt County. With new female riders on the rise, I personally find it rewarding to be a mentor to fellow riders and hope to “pay it forward”. The female riding community is so unique in it’s own special way and I just love the automatic feeling of belonging to a global sisterhood.

What is the most memorable experience or most fun you've had since riding?

Where do I even start!? I’ve made many amazing memories going on father/daughter rides, solo rides, and more recently with my fellow Lita sisters. I aspire to travel the globe and my goal is to explore numerous countries by immersing myself outdoors on a motorcycle. I’d say my most memorable experience was navigating through the absurd city traffic of Chiang Mai, Thailand and weaving through switchbacks to climb to the summit of Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain) with my boyfriend at the time. Several days after our moto ride, he proposed to me underwater while snorkeling.

Bonus question: What is your top 3 favorite childhood TV shows?

Not sure if MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) fits in the childhood category per se, but I watched it religiously since I have a huge passion for music. I’ve been informed by a quick google search the show’s been revived, say what?! I’ve probably watched every episode of Full House, “You Got it Dude”. I watched a lot of Wheel of Fortune with my mama. I swear Vanna found the fountain of youth!

K̄hxbkhuṇ/Thank you for sharing your story with us, and it really goes to show if you build it they will come. Follow Erin on her journey @erinsuree and @thelitashumboldt. Until next time, K̄hī̀ plxdp̣hạy.