We all want to live our life to the fullest in whatever unique way that means for us personally. For some of us, that means reading all of the books we can get our hands on. For others, it means checking off bucket list items until we’ve lived a life full of experiences. And some of us want to be an elderly woman squealing it out on a motorcycle without any signs of slowing down. And that’s exactly what Gloria Tramontin Struck is doing. (1)
Gloria the Motorcycle Rider
Gloria Struck is a longtime motorcycle rider and she has no intentions of stopping anytime soon. She’s also 93 years old. According to Gloria, “I’ll be 94 in July [of 2019], still riding.” Gloria explained how she first began learning to ride a motorcycle back in the year 1941. Her brother persuaded her to try it and she since developed her own love of riding. She’s being going strong ever since, despite numerous accounts of challenges and difficulty. (1)
According to Struck, she encountered a bit of backlash during her early years of being a woman riding a motorcycle. Struck explains that there were times when she was refused a place to stay due to her love of motorcycle riding, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing what she loved. “Their opinion didn’t bother me,” Struck said, and she continued riding despite any resistance. (1)
A Lesson in Motorcycle Riding
One of the most beautiful things about Struck’s determination to pursue what she enjoys throughout the years is her ability to develop a beautiful life. Struck hasn’t been on this journey alone, and while it’s certainly had its challenges, Struck has had a full, enjoyable life with many genuine friendships along the way. Many times people feel held back from pursuing their dreams and enjoyments due to a wide variety of reasons: financial limitations, fear of being judged, uncertainty, and so much more. Struck, however, strove after her happiness and built a beautiful life around her passion. (1)
According to Struck, she developed lasting friendships with many women who also enjoy riding motorcycles. She joined a women’s motorcycle group, Motor Maids, Inc., in order to be a part of a community surrouding the culture she loved. Struck has been a member of Motor Maids for over 73 years! (1)
Struck is also an author of her very own book! “Gloria – A Lifetime Motorcyclist: 75 Years on Two Wheels and Still Riding” is the book detailing Struck’s adventures on her bike, as well as her life outside riding. “I never realized the life I led until I sat down to write about it,” Struck said, “and I thought, ‘Oh, my goodness, quite a life,’ so I’m very happy I did it.” (1)
Conclusion
After living a full, adventurous life, Struck has some savvy advice to offer the rest of us: live out your dream. Struck says on the topic, “I’m still trying to live mine, you know. There’s no such thing as having age stopping you from doing things. You want to do something and you’re able to, do it.” Her sage advice offers hope to younger generations due to her willingness to chase after fun, happiness, and wholeness despite the typical expectations or standards for her age.
Struck was first inducted in the Sturgis Hall of Fame in 2011. She was later inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2016. But even with these two accolades, she’s far from done. Struck still plans to ride her bike across the country when she turns 100 years old. We all could learn a lesson about persistence and aspirations from this youthful woman! (1)
