Moto F.A.M. was created to lend a helping hand to riders who have been involved in a motorcycle accident. It’s also our mission to spread awareness, improve road safety and be a voice for riders.

1) Who are you, where are you from

My name is Michaela George, "Mich" and I grew up in Gardiner Maine.

2) What was your upbringing like

I guess you could say it was simple. I lived out in the country where my parents worked very hard and really pressed upon my sister and I the importance of hard work and independence. We played outside until it was dark almost everyday. Climbed trees, walked for miles eating wild blueberries or raspberries. Rode quads to different swimming holes. Went fishing or caught tadpoles. During the winter we went ice fishing, skated ponds or road snowmobiles.

3) What was your first motorcycle

My first street bike was a 2003 Suzuki sv650

4) Who was your first hero

My Gram, and she always will be.

5) What is the hardest thing you have been through and how did you get through it

It's kinda hard to pick a single difficult experience I've been through. I was a teenage runaway that went from a naive upbringing in Maine to the very real streets of Daytona Beach at 17years old. I've also experienced the loss of family and friends. All of its just LIFE though. I think at some level you get through difficult times knowing it'll pass... As cliche as that sounds. No matter what difficultly we're all facing, there will always be something GOOD to hold onto until it passes. ️

6) What prompted MotoFam

Watching the motorcycle community grow so quickly over the last few years, has definetly brought into light an increase of accidents as well. Seeing the difficult life changes these riders face after an accident weighed heavy on my heart and prompted me to ask myself.... What can I do?!

7) What lessons have you learned from the women you help through MotoFam

Moto FAM helps both men and women riders. I've learned more over the past year of running Moto FAM then I could ever explain.... I'm not even sure I can put it all into words. I've watched people face serious hardship, change, and without a choice. It's helped shift what I hold onto as important in my personal life. It's redefined "strength" for me. I appreciate things differently. I give unimportant things less of my time and energy. It's been a wild year.

8) What does family mean to you

My family is my FOUNDATION!

9) What criticisms have you received and how have they helped your grow and evolve?

I'm ALWAYS open to sincere criticism....but I have to say so far Moto FAM hasn't really received that. We have seen nothing but love & support.

10) What is your mission with MotoFam and in life

My mission with Moto FAM is to pull together the motorcycle community and offer support to riders and their families. Financially and emotionally. Create awareness for the growing number of riders out there. My mission personally is just to surround myself with GOOD people, make GOOD choices and create GOOD memories!

11) Does MotoFam show you a new love for humanity?

Absolutely! The out pouring of support people have shown complete strangers has been amazing. I'm humbled by it literally every day.

12) What specific kindnesses have you seen through MotoFam that give you hope and motivate you?

Moto FAM is completely run by volunteers. People that donate their time everyday to make sure these riders feel taken care of when they need it most. We have people that volunteer at events in 100 degree weather. They volunteer in area they don't nessecassily have experience in but they truly just want to give back. We have companies that repeatedly donate product to each of our events....some of these are grass root businesses that don't generate a steady income and yet they generously choice to support us. I get emails almost everyday from people looking to get involved any way possible. One of the things that motivates me whole heartedly is when I see someone that donates $5 to someone's Gofundme campaign. What that tells me is....they may not have a lot of extra money to give but they have a ton of HEART! That means everything!!️

13) Are there any specific women you have helped through MotoFam that have changed your life?

My life was been forever changed because of Moto FAM. I have watched a mother that lost her son remain strong and persever. I have watch a woman lose her leg and as her life and surrounding change, she remains strong and grateful. I have seen a wife lose her husband and yet wake up every morning and still focus on putting a smile on their kids faces. I had always considered myself "tough" until I experienced quick moments from these peoples lives. I don't really think I'm so "tough" anymore.

14) What motivates you to continue?

I'm motivated everyday because I see that even a small amount of money and a small amount of support can make a HUGE impact in someone's life.

...and that feels good!️

15) What are your dreams for MotoFam

My hope/ dream for Moto FAM is to increase the amount we can donate to each rider. Increase awareness for each Gofundme campaign. To network with certified trainers that offer courses on improvinga riders ability. I also think it's important to bring these riders together and have the ability to share their experiences. Whether it's speaking about losing a loved one, or talking about the challenges of recovery.

16) How have motorcycles changed your life

Motorcycles have changed my life in more than one way. I've found something I'm good at. Something that challenges me. I have built some amazing life long relationships thanks to motorcycles....I'd have to say that's my favorite part.

17) How have you seen the women's motorcycle scene change for the better

It's nice seeing women look out for each-other. It's a community where women feel comfortable enough to ask other women for advice. There's a lot less judgement in the motorcycle community than in other areas of being a female. When you're out riding you're facing all the same dangers and all the same challenges, so women seem to work together a little differently.

18) What lessons have you learned and what advice do you give to others

I am so unbelievably grateful for the way Moto FAM has been received and supported. My heart is so full. I've learned more in this past year than I could possibly write. I try hard everyday to focus on the good.....there is ALWAYS something good. My good friend and VP of Moto FAM Lisa Troop has this quote she says all the time that I think is amazing.....

HEAD UP. HEART OPEN. That's the best advice I can pass on.

Follow Moto FAM: @moto_fam , http://www.motofam.org/