With a collection of vintage motorcycles and smile you could see from the moon, you can see how Lea initially got our attention. We got to know Lea camping out in the desert and it was there we immediately gravitated to her warm personality and general down for whatever-ness. After chasing her around on her Vintage Yamaha 350 we bonded over our mutual love of the smell of two-stroke exhaust and off-roading. An avid dirt bike shredder, confident street bike rider, a connoisseur of quality made goods and a true tomboy at heart, Lea has the San Fran street swag that’s as natural as the sun… but don’t tell anyone she’s a certified CPA. A true lover of all things FAST, this girl truly embodies the Atwyld spirit.
Where are you from originally? Born in Hollywood, CA, now residing in San Francisco, CA
How long have you lived in SF? 11 years
Tell us about your childhood? Born & raised in Los Angeles to a family of six, my parents originally thought they were happily having a baby boy upon conception—and oh boy! That plan failed. However, most of my upbringing has been what others consider as a “tomboy.” Consisting of scraped knees, perpetual sprained body parts, broken fingers, ruthless trash talk on the playground, hideous bowl haircuts and a slew of whacky hand-me-down clothes from my older brother and sisters, I’ve always had an affinity for all things unconventional. I learned carpentry with my dad at an early age, learning all the essential tools, as well as measuring tricks, which soon developed into my love for Mathematics. I found myself spending ALL my time outdoors from helping my dad with projects, jumping off roofs, climbing trees, and riding my Huffy bicycle. My first introduction to motorcycles was through my older brother (I remember it was a ’90 Honda Hurricane). Too young to reach the floor, he sat me on the tank while he sat on the seat and taught me the basic thinking behind the clutch and gears, and eventually turned on the engine so I can rev it up. It was that moment that my Huffy bike would translate to my Honda motorcycles years later….and viola!
Do you have a nick name? Chill Mami
When were you introduced to Motorcycles? 5 yrs old! Been riding consistently for 11 years now.
How do motorcycles and the community play a role in your life? It’s just comforting to know that there is this unconditional sense of camaraderie and adventure across all ages and all cultures. At some point, everyone I’ve met along the way has either had or been exposed to something two-wheeled. We all have something in common that forges relationships for life.
What kind of bike do you ride and why? I collect a few Pre-1977 vintage motorcycles—‘67 Bultaco Metralla 250, ‘71 Yamaha R5, ‘77 Honda CB400F, ‘67 Triumph T100 Tiger…. At some point in history, I feel like these bikes were revolutionary in terms of design and machinery. Aside from the history of each bike and its temperament, the thrill lies in riding a piece of history and hoping I don’t break down. On the road, you can usually find me on an ’89 Honda GB500 and ‘01 Kawasaki W650. On dirt, ’01 Yamaha YZ125.
Dream bike? 1965 Bultaco TSS 250
Best moto trip you have ever been on? Riding backcountry fire trails on dirt bikes in Yosemite National Park with my best friend, Gretchen.
What is at the top of your list of destinations you want to ride? Riding the Pyrenees Mountains (or the Andorra 500)
What are your goals as a motorcyclist? Better vision/reading the dirt & body positioning. Hitting berms wouldn’t hurt either. And just practice practice practice.
What would you say to new riders as a piece of advice? Roam endlessly. Be free, feel free and be careful. And lastly, it’s okay to fall, everyone does it. Have fun.
Riding a motorcycle is like ________? Taking off in an airplane.
What else are you into besides motos? Vintage cars (sprint cars not muscle cars), going to shows, watching baseball & basketball, occasional gym sessions.
What do you do for a living? Accounting & Tax Wizard
What’s on your current music playlist? Rihanna – Same Ol’ Mistakes, everything Built to Spill, Ramsey Lewis Trio – Wade In The Water, Mark Morrison – Return of the Mack
What is a pet peeve of yours? Chewing with your mouth obnoxiously open
Snack of choice? Have a’ Chips and Salsa, TJ’s Almonds, Cashews & Chocolate Trail Mix
If you were a crayon color, which one would you be and why? Fuchsia, because it sounds fast? I also love the way the word sounds when pronounced.
Who inspires you? Every single person on the Voyager Team.
What inspires you? Just trying to be an overall good person.
Why is wearing technical riding apparel important to you? Motorcycling is inherently dangerous. Wearing proper protective gear allows me to lessen the risks in riding—and it doesn’t hurt to look good too!
What is the most important thing to you when choosing something to ride in? Comfort.
What makes you interested in being an ambassador for Atwyld? I was floored when asked to be a part of Atwyld and the team of girls they assembled. To be shared in the same light as them is truly inspiring.
What do you think of when you hear the word Voyage? Coolio’s song/music video to “Fantastic Voyage.”
What do you think when you look up at a night sky full of stars? The fact that we are just a tiny molecule living on this Earth and there is whole ‘nother galaxy upon galaxies out there. And, I oftentimes try to find Mars and ask myself, “if there was life on Mars, would I move there?”
Photo Credits in order:
Jeff Stockwell, Chad Huff, Matt Reyes, Chill Mami, Jeff Stockwell, Chill Mami, Dadu, Dadu, Annette Hartman, La Familia, Jeff Stockwell