Fast Facts
- 7,000 mile roundtrip from Minnesota to the Arctic.
- Riding since 16.
- @annaodssey on Facebook, Instagram
Hometown/State?
Duluth, MN
First motorcycle?
1983 750 Honda Interceptor with a V4 engine
Current motorcycles?
2007 BMW F650gs and 2016 Triumph Tiger 800 Xcx low. All time favorite - my 1999 1200 Buell Lightning was pretty special to me.
How long have you been riding?
I have been riding since I was 16. I’m old now.
Why did you first start to ride?
The first time I rode, I was on back and was terrified and exhilarated at the same time. I decided to not be terrified, I needed control.
What makes you most excited about motorcycling?
The focus required is meditative, the community is loving, and pushing my limits on a bike helps me grow as a person.
How did you first learn about Aerostich?
I think I heard about it after a chance encounter with Paul “the Iceman” Mondor about a year ago.
What gear do you use?
I have a Darien Light Jacket, AD1 Pants with boot covers, a wind resistant fleece, and elk skin gloves for my long distance ride on varied terrain, but am excited to get my Cousin Jeremy for my local rides so I can be stylin’!
Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
None really. I do me.
What has been your experience as a female rider?
Sadly, I rarely see other women on the road. I’m trying to change this. My skills and experience are often underestimated. I think the riding community has been really helpful and encouraging for me overall, probably more so because I am a woman. I feel like a bit of a novelty when I’m on the road - people are so curious.
Advice for women riders and non-riders?
Expand yourself riding (or learning to ride) by going outside your comfort zone, whatever that looks like for you. You will be amazed at what you can do on a bike, how it can grow confidence, and how that will change your life - Go solo.
Tell us about your trip to the Arctic.
I conquered over 7,000 miles roundtrip - I set out solo from Minnesota and made my way up the Alaska Highway and the Dempster to Tuktoyaktuk Northwest Territory on my Tiger. I spent 1,100 miles on remote rugged terrain (dirt, mud, dust, shale, river-rock). It's the only public road in North America to the Arctic Ocean. I returned down the Cassiar-Stewart Highway through BC, then to Jasper and Banff. I spent about 3.5 weeks on the road, met beautiful people, faced many challenges (dropping my bike near a herd of wood bison, wiping out on dirt, cold wet weather), and saw remoteness and beauty that I didn’t know existed in this world. I grew as a person as a result of everything. I’ve made many solo long distance camping trips - this was special.
What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
Ride your own ride. Speed, distance, bike, terrain, at a level you are able to handle.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of motorcycling?
I am a high school teacher, a job I love. I like to play pool and cross country ski.
Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
No specific story but I can say that on this trip to the Arctic, I went through 90 degrees and sun to freezing and snow with everything you could imagine in between. I came across a lot of soggy, cold, or too warm riders and found I fared well with comfort and safety compared to those I met on the way.
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Wow, that is so cool. I am coming up on 77 this May and look forward to riding more this year. I ride a Goldwing and have been a a lot of longer trips to Yellowstone and the Smokey Mountains but never a 7000 mile trip alone, that’s impressive. Thanks for “teaching,” our kids need to see that there are journeys to make and places to see that don’t just involve a “screen”. Most of my rides are in the country where I can seek out something I haven’t seen before like new roads and the beauty of our country. Keep going young lady, your not old until you stop.
Anna, you should be really proud of yourself doing this solo, and not just because you are a women – It’s just such a great accomplishment, that 7K mile ride, I know that it sounds cliche but it really makes you reach deep down in your self to see how tough you are. Most of the time I don’t remember the good weather rides, it’s when it’s rainy cold and windy that’s when you fell like you made through that’s the memory that seems to stay with you, also agree with you 100% Anna,ride your own ride. Thanks for taking time to share your story. Sincerely Denis.
Anna, as you said, it would be great to see more women taking up adventure riding. It’s a great way to see the country and meet awesome people on the way. You are an ambassador for all women riders. Ride on my friend.
NONE of my teachers were anywhere near as cool as you.
Kudos!! I fully agree with your tip. 6K in 9 days riding was my biggest. I haven’t hit AK, by bike, yet. Safe travels to you!
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