Chapter Member Spotlight - Marcie Marcellino

Chapter Member Spotlight - Marcie Marcellino

Riding motorcycles is not a comfort zone activity, so why did I buy a green Honda 125, with chrome fenders, back in 1974? Maybe for the sense of freedom and independence. I really didn't fit the biker image. For years I was the only woman rider I knew. My first Harley was a TX-125, AMF owned by Harley at that time. Later, I sold both bikes to buy builders risk insurance for my first house. Years later my need to travel was satisfied when I bought a used FXRP low rider in 1997. Then in 1998 I joined the Cajun HOG Chapter. I agonized over selling the FXRP, but I needed a touring machine. In 2003 I got my Heritage Classic for longer trips to Wyoming, New York etc. Then wanting more conveniences I made a 2010 Street Glide my main ride.

I've been a chapter member for 20 years. The machines don't last forever, but the memories I've made with chapter members will. There's satisfaction in belonging to a large group. It's larger than ourselves, like a sense of family. It's a great feeling to ride on beautiful, challenging roads with good friends. I love taking the long way there and the long way home. After 138,000 miles I still love every minute of riding with fellow bikers.

The greatest adventures of my life have been with Cajun Chapter members. Riding endless miles through perfect scenery or scraping floorboards on a gnarly bend on mountain " twisties " makes for a sense of joy and accomplishment at the end of the day. One of the best was to ride the Historic Route 66, The Mother Road. Five men and I rode from Lafayette to Los Angeles, California to Chicago, Illinois and home. My dream trip is to ride California's Hwy 101 to Washington, and another is to tour Utah's Zeon and Bryce Canyons, and all points in between.

For half my life I have loved riding motorcycles. As a young teacher, for over 20 years riding was not a constant activity. After I retired I began riding my FXRP and was always hanging out at Cajun on Congress. I got into retail sales and found myself working for Cajun Harley Davidson on Congress and in Scott. Working with the customers and other employees at Cajun HD made me realize what makes us alike is so much greater than what makes us different.

By Yvonne Menard
Multimedia/Photographer