We are so excited to introduce you to our newest retail partner Dirtbag Shop. The shop was started by a fellow rider and a long time wearer of Atwyld: Angela Reiner! We got to catch up with Angela to learn about her inspiration for starting Dirtbag Shop and about how she found her way to a life on two wheels.
What is your name?
Angela Reiner
Tell us about yourself!
I have been a respiratory therapist, for 24 years. Living and working in Redlands. I have 3 adult children and just became a grandma last year!
Where are you from?
I’m originally from the LA area but raised my kids for 15 years in Running Springs.
What is your position at Dirtbag Shop?
Co-owner
How long have motorcycles been a part of your life?
I was always on the back of a motorcycle growing up and throughout my life but I finally went out and obtained my M1 in 2012.
What is it about riding that you love so much?
It’s very liberating! I just feel free.
Is there a type of riding that you have not tried that you are interested in?
Thanks to Babes Ride Out, I have tried Supermoto, Dirt and they also got me on the freeway riding to Joshua Tree and to many other states now!
What is you motorcycle bucket list? Any specific places you really want to ride?
I would love to do cross country (so Babes East Coast is on my list) and Canada!
What are your goals as a motorcyclist?
Just to feel as comfortable on my soft tail as I was on my sportster. I would love to eventually get a dirt bike and do more dirt riding.
How did Dirtbag Shop start? Where did the idea come from?
My husband has had a few businesses in the past and we were really wanting to open a storefront downtown. We have been looking for spots for a couple of years but have never really been set on an idea for what kind of shop we would have. We both make leather goods so that was the basis for our idea. Last year I was really struggling with buying gear for a trip I was taking to Utah. I tried on some awful women’s gear at a local moto shop and really wanted to get Atwyld gear but needed to try it on. I waited until you were at Born Free and finally bought my first pair of Voyagers! I had to try on a couple of sizes and would have been upset ordering them online and having to send them back and forth. That’s where the idea sprouted.
Who are the founders/team members?
Aaron Ohama and Angela, owners/founders. Kelsey Bohlman and Alicia Owens, team members (the babes I ride with)!
What made you want to start Dirtbag Shop in Redlands specifically?
I love Redlands and have been a part of the community for so long, working at Redlands Community Hospital for 22 years! I love the people and the atmosphere and just watched it grow over the years and wanted to be a part of it!
What would you say is Dirtbag Shop all about (if you had to sum it up)?
We are a moto-minded shop making protective gear accessible to try on and feel for yourself how protection, style and comfort are all possible. Bringing you small brands and our own personal leather brand.
What do you look for when you bring a brand in to your store?
We want to provide a brick and mortar shop for small businesses and local makers. We strive to only bring in brands that are made in the U.S.A.
What is the hardest thing about starting and running a business?
I think it was just to take the leap of faith and pour all of our heart into it. We wanted to do this independently so it was just us and our savings! Scary!
What is the most rewarding part of starting a running a business?
The most rewarding is the feedback we get. Our fellow riders are so excited to have a place to walk in and try these brands on and we hear over and over that this is just what the area needed. As we create and get more products in we get to see customers just as excited as we are about these products.
What is your take on the current state of the motorcycle industry as a whole?
I love where the industry is going and how big it is getting! Especially for women! I would love to see more awareness to non-riders. Kind of the idea behind our name. Most closed-minded people think that all riders are dirtbags, but when you look at our logo it’s really nice. Just like us!
Tell us why you chose Atwyld and what some of your favorite pieces are?
It is really my favorite girl brand! I love the fit and the look and wanted other women to be able to appreciate it too. The Voyagers are my favorite, favorite pants in the whole world. The fit, the style, quilting, I love them! The Cosmonaut Fleece jacket is my new favorite jacket. It’s not only super warm but really cute on and fits great! The thermal and sweat shirts are awesome too. The softest, most comfortable pieces I’ve ever had.
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