SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - November, 2008

Name:   Lorraine Pollak

Marital Status:  Single

Location:  Leesburg, VA

Hometown:  Wallington, NJ (I moved here for employment at 19 yrs old and have now lived in Virginia longer than NJ.)

Children:  None.

Age:  53 and not afraid to admit it

Occupation:  Up until 3 weeks ago was in Human Resources with the Federal Government but now I’m transitioning to "retirement" (but hoping to be reemployed in the private sector after January 2nd.)

Current motorcycle(s):  2002 H-D Dyna Low Rider

How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
Through someone who also rides.

How long have you been riding?
One Year.

Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Absolutely. Wouldn’t have turned the key without it.

What was your first bike?
My current one.

How many bikes have you owned?
Only my current one. Bought it from a friend who bought it new and later thought it was too big for her. It sat in her garage until I bought it in March 2008 (it only had 46 miles on it). I’ve since put over 4000 miles on it.

Why do you ride?
love the freedom, the wind, the sense of power and it brings a smile to my face when women roll down there window and tell me they also ride and men who give me the thumbs up.

Have you ridden with an organized group before?
No. SCRC was the first and a great way to start.

What modifications have you done to your bike?
Just a few chrome pieces. I’m loving the chrome look.

What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
I want to change the pipes, the handlebars, the grips, pegs, a sissy bar and better saddle bags....just a few things.

What is your dream bike?
For the moment, I have it.

What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
Both but prefer backroad straight aways, especially those with with hills. Loved riding through the Shenandoah National Park twisties. Now, on to "The Tail".

If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
Oh, I haven’t had a nickname since High School and as soon as I left town, I left the name behind as well. So sorry, I’m not telling. : )

What is your favorite riding route?
Every route I’m on is my favorite.

Do you ride your bike to work?
Yes.

What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
Hmmmmm....maybe 70 mph.

What is your favorite time of year to ride?
Spring, Summer, Fall. I’m not a fan of cold weather or rain.

Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
Depends on what you mean by down but by the true definition of being down,no, I haven’t. Only my ego was bruised...I learned that if you don’t have that much riding experience (only a couple weeks at this time), don’t go parking your bike in front of Sweetwater’s and when leaving, try to maneuver your way between their front patio boulders when there are A LOT of people milling about.

Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
No.

If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
I don’t know for sure...could have been the ride to W.VA; it could have been the ride to Carlyle, PA; or maybe it was the ride to Outlaws/G.W. Forest and back.

What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
Hands down, coming back from the swap meet at Carlyle, PA this year. Just as we hit Frederick, the sky opened and once on Rt. 15 towards Leesburg, the rain was coming down so hard, the trees were blowing sideways and cars were pulled over. As we already passed the only overpass to stop for shelter, we rode on cause we were so close to home. The only thing guiding me (and I was in front) was the barely visible white shoulder line. As soon as we crossed over the Potomac River....rain, what rain...it was dry as a bone and warm.

Do you know how to work on your bike?
Not really but would like to learn. I do have the manual and I’m right there watching everything if someone works on my bike!

What is your favorite road song?
When I got my license, I signed my emails with some of the lyrics from Steppenwolf’s "Born to be Wild", but when I’m on 4-wheels, I crank up the volume for Golden Earring’s "Radar Love".

What was your most adventurous ride?
I think every ride I’ve taken thus far has been an adventure.

What rallies or events do you like to attend?
I really enjoyed the Carlisle swap meet. I was humbled by participating in Rolling Thunder and I enjoy poker runs.

Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
Oh no...even though my niece wants me to give her a ride, I don’t trust myself with that responsibility just yet.