Porsche Taylor: [email protected]

@blackgirlsride

1. What is your name, age and date of birth

Porsche Taylor, 41, Aug 20, 1975

2. What was your upbringing like

I come from Inglewood, a lower - middle class neighborhood in Los Angeles. We weren't rich, but we always had enough. I was blessed to have both of my parents steering me in the right direction.

3. who was your first hero

My mom was my first hero. She worked two jobs to make ends meet until she met and married my step dad. She was the definition of a hustler, who always made it happen.

4. What was one of the most significant events in your life

On Halloween 2014, I had a ruptured ovarian cyst that almost killed me. I spent 10 days in the hospital. In that time of recovery, there's nothing much to do, but talk to God. I plead my case to him and really began to plan my life.

5. How did you get into motorcycling?

My cousin bought a bike in 2003, and took me to see "Biker Boyz". This was the first time I'd ever seen women who looked like me, riding their own bikes. I was in awe and determined to get my own.

6. What was your first motorcycle

1998 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R

7. What does it mean to be a black female rider

Great question... As a black female rider, we represent the small percentage of women in our community who are determined enough to ride. We are strong, independent, and knowledgeable. We are caretakers in our community, leaders in business, and fearless on ground. To the little girls who see us, we are superheroes.

8. Are there any prejudices you've encountered

Sure, I've had Trump supporters try to run us off the road in Florida. There's levels to prejudices, and I've experienced lots of them first hand. But overall, the motorcycle community has been welcoming.

9. How has Black Girls Ride changed your life?

Women of color in motorsports had been rarely featured until I created Black Girls Ride Magazine. The magazine was immediately embraced by women excited to see themselves in our pages. Our goal is to continue to feature and educate women who ride across all colors and backgrounds.

10. Who is one woman that stands out to you in the group?

There are so many women we've featured over the years... one that will be amazing as she comes of age is Delshataki "Dirty Bird" Izquierdo. At just 16, she has already completed a cross country ride from Texas to Key West, Fl and from Texas to Los Angeles, CA. She's among those dynamic women who will be the future of motorsports.

11. What is your position in the group?

I am the Founder, Publisher and Editor In Chief of Black Girls Ride Magazine. I am also the Vice President of Steel Horses Motorcycle Club, Los Angeles Chapter.

12. How was it formed and what is the groups main purpose?

The need for a motorcycle magazine in celebration of women of color sprang out of my research on black women riders. I was curious about the beginning of this thing we call “the set” and how it has evolved in the new millennium. Captivated by Bessie Stringfield, who paved the way for all women who ride, race or stunt, I kept looking for women who continued her legacy. As a community, our history tends to be more oral than written. This meant that rider profiles on women of color were very hard to find. Determined to carry on her legacy, and tell the story of the powerful women I knew personally, I set out to create Black Girls Ride Magazine. As we continue to meet new female riders and clubs, we are motivated to chronicle the legacy of our international community riders.

13. What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means curating a vision and orchestrating it's execution.

14. What does friendship mean to you.

Friendship means unconditional love for another.

15. Do you have any significant trips or stories that sticks out from you?

I've got quite a few! My first cross country ride with my Steel Horses brothers from Long Beach, CA to Brooklyn, NY. That was the first time I truly realized my passion for cross country riding and the freedom of the open road. For those 2 weeks of riding across the US, I felt truly free.

16. What do you feel when riding?

I feel exhilaration and freedom. I feel super.

17. How have motorcycles changed your life?

When I first began riding, it was all about speed, and the adrenaline rush you feel carving through traffic and canyon roads. As I mature, motorcycles allow me to slow down and see more of the world.

18. What motorcycle do you ride now?

I ride the Victory Magnum X-1

19. What is the longest you have ridden on a motorcycle?

This summer, I've completed a 6 week trip from Los Angeles to Brooklyn and Back. The longest I've been in the saddle is 17 hours.

20. Where is your favorite place to ride in the country?

Oregon has some beautiful highways, and In upstate New York, I found the most beautiful road that came through a still river. It was gorgeous. My favorite place to ride will always be Pacific Coast Highway in California.

21. What suggestion do you give to new female riders?

Ride your own ride. Move at your own pace. Don't feel pressure to go faster than you want to. Enjoy the view.

22. Any thing else you want to add?

Thank you for the opportunity! I truly love what you contribute to the culture of women who ride! We are honored to become a part of your legacy!