Queens of the Road

Two women, two mothers. One married, the other divorced. Both work at the same college, different departments. What brings them together? Passion for motorcycling.

In 1998 Sandy Kotler, an administrative assistant at Queens College found out there was another woman on the campus who rode a motorcycle. Kotler met Connie Capobianco, registered nurse and director of Queens College Health Service Center, and a friendship developed.

PHOTOS: I.K. Hoffman Capobianco and Kotler yearn to get on the road

Kotler and Capobianco, both with grown children, love motorcycles so much that almost every day (weather permitting) they commute to work on bikes. They also belong to the same motorcycling club, "Women in the Wind". They spend afternoons and weekends riding. They take short and long bike trips. Motorcycling is not just a hobby. It's a part of their lives.

"My brother introduced me to riding," says Capobianco. "About eight years ago I decided to get my own bike. I started on the antique three-wheeled Harley-Davidson. Four years ago I bought the Sportster, and I am perfectly happy with it."

Sandy Kotler always knew she wanted to ride motorcycles.
"I actually had my permit when I was first married," she says. "Then I found out I was pregnant, and since I did not know anyone who rode I sort of put it on the back shelf. Five years ago, when my children were older, I said to myself 'it's time'. I got the license, took a safety course and I've been riding ever since."

Kotler, at 4 feet 10 inches, rides a Honda Shadow VLX. Even at her height, she is still able to stride the seat and put her foot flat on the ground.
"It's harder for me to ride," Kotler says. "It takes a lot of energy, especially with the bigger bike now, but I love it, so I do it." Her friend Capobianco jokes: "You don't carry it, you just ride it."

When on the road, they always get a lot of looks from people. "From men, women and children," Kotler says.

Kotler's bike shows her personality

Kotler and Capobianco spend as much time as possible riding. "Every weekend we pray for good weather," Capobianco says. "We call each other on the phone. The club usually has a ride scheduled for the weekend. If they don't, we say 'let's ride' and we do it on our own."

They ride mostly on Long Island. "But we also try to get off the Island a little bit," says Kotler. So they often go to Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or to Port Jarvis in New Jersey.

They emphasize riding in a safe manner and do not buzz in and out of traffic.
"The point isn't how fast you can go," Capobianco says. "You have to stay within your limitations, within the limits of the law. We always wear our helmets and protective gear."

Both Kotler and Capobianco agree that motorcycling establishes great friendships and great rapport with people.

"There is not that many of us," says Capobianco. "It's not like knowing another woman who drives a car, everybody does. Knowing another woman who rides a motorcycle is pretty neat."

So what is so great about riding a bike? "It's the freedom," Kotler says. "Being in the wind. It's totally different from driving a car. In the car you have a false sense of security. It's a risk on a motorcycle."

"When you get out there it sharpens your senses," Capobianco says. "I think it's mentally stimulating, you have to be so aware of the surroundings, you can't just zone out."

To some people, as Capobianco explains, the speed or size of their bike is their impetus. "We call them the Speed Queens or the Size Queens," she says and laughs. "But to us it's the pleasure of riding, relaxing."

They both agree that women who ride motorcycles are by virtue different.
"You have to be independent," Kotler says. "You are showing people 'I don't care what you want me to do, this is what I do'."

Kotler and Capobianco are also proud that they belong to "Women in the Wind". "Belonging to a club is fun," Kotler says.
"It also opens up a whole new perspective," Capobianco says. "There is so much fund rising that bikers do that a lot of people are not aware of. We raise millions of dollars a year, to give to other foundations, organizations."

In June they will be riding with "Bikers Against Breast Cancer."
"It's just a great feeling to be able to raise money while you are having fun and enjoying yourself," Capobianco says.

Both Kotler and Capobianco admit they always think about motorcycling. They enjoy finding new roads, new slopes and hills.

"Our friend has a message on her answering machine," Capobianco says.
Kotler and Capobianco both laugh and say in concert: "Hello, I'm either riding, thinking about riding, or planning a ride. That's how we are."

GO TO NEXT PAGE - Looking for the Right Fit

 

Feisty, Fast & Female A Road Just Callin' Beaming "Beemers" Dates & Stats Looking for the Right Fit

The Derby,1931 Oh, it's so nice to straddle a two-wheeled job That's flashy, peppy and fast. And it sure is a thrill, to race up a hill, And laugh at the cars as you pass. You know what you have - and they know it too, They have the speed, but you've speed a-la-mode. So they curse you and swear as you give them the air, 'Cause they know you're the QUEEN of the Road. (Thanks to Francis Schiller,who originally wrote "King of the Road")