This week’s Woman Crush Wednesday series featured Sacha Braddock, co-founder of The Litas Long Beach. On our BGR Live, they talked bikes, learning to ride, and the benefits of our female riding community! Roll with us! Check out her BGR Live Replay here!
Please introduce yourself.
My government name is Sacha, but my friends call me The Mayor of Long Beach. Although that is kind of a joke, I’ve been in Long Beach, CA since 2003. It’s a city I love and am civically involved in. Just about a year ago, I moved into corporate sales when I thought about how I was going to save the money I needed to buy rental income. I saw it as the only way, so here I am. Outside of work and my motorcycle, I teach at a gym once a week which I’ve done for almost the last 10 years. I am a lover of almost all things outdoors. I say almost because I am teaching myself how to love camping – I’m just not there yet. When I think about the big picture and what some of my main goals are, they revolve around others. From the motorcycle community to Long Beach, I want to be able to make a tangible impact on those around me.
Describe your path to how you got to where you are with motorcycling today.
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted a motorcycle. I just never actually knew how I was going to make that happen. I don’t come from a family of riders. I didn’t have any friends who rode. I didn’t have anyone to guide me into the world of motorcycles. When I was living in Houston, I thought it would be a good idea to get a scooter almost as my training wheels, so that’s what I did. I got my motorcycle license because the scooter I was getting was going to be 150cc and that was the true start to my journey. When I finally bought a motorcycle about 5 years later, I thought I was ready! My friend sold me his 2008 Harley Sporters 883 for what he bought it for, so it was a steal. I guess I didn’t prepare myself for that kind of exposure. Luckily I joined my local Litas here in Long Beach and those women welcomed me wholeheartedly. They took me on my first freeway ride and guided me through riding in groups. When I just needed to get more time in my saddle, I always had someone to ride with. I’ve now been riding for a little over three years still with my little sporty and I love it!
What has been your best experience while riding?
Babes Ride Out 6 in Joshua Tree. My first time experiencing the park happened to be my first real long ride on my motorcycle. It was amazing. I went into that experience with zero expectations. Except, I knew I would be camping for the first time, so that wasn’t going to be fun. I was pushed mentally and physically while riding that weekend but I had the support of the entire event. I will never forget that trip and will always be grateful for the power I felt after attending Babes.
And the worst? (Or not so good?)
Vincent Thomas Bridge when I first started riding. It was my first time on the bridge and there are metal plates on top of the grates which lifted me off my bike. Not fun, since then I’ve forced myself to ride that bridge solo so I could get over my fear.
If you could change anything about the world of motorcycling today, what would it be?
I would like for there to be a bigger variety of gear specifically for women that is a reflection of women riders. Either the gear is gaudy, full of rhinestones or the sizing is only for one type of rider.
Do you have any advice for people who want to get into motorcycling?
Even if you don’t have a support system, just do it. You will find a community of riders but don’t wait for that.
If you could go on a ride with any of your motorcycling heroes – living or dead – who would they be?
I just want to cruise with Pink.
If you could teleport to any other place and time in history and ride your bike, where and when would that be?
I’d love to go back and ride with Miss Bessie Stringfield in the 1950s and just ride by her side. Maybe recruit more women and just have her back.
What’s your dream bike? If you could design your dream motorcycle, what would it look, sound, and feel like?
Indian Scout Bobber Twenty, custom seat, and sissy bar, flat green with no visible logos, saddlebags ready to go!
What is your favorite Sunday ride to do when you’re back home?
PCH all day, every day. I am lucky enough to live on the coast of California. There are so many beautiful rides I have access too. When life is chaotic, a cruise down PCH centers and grounds me. It reminds me to be thankful and present.
What was the last great book you read?
The Subtle are of not Giving a F*ck.
Any good music you have discovered of late?
There has been so much good music lately. I honestly spend most of my time listening to mixes on SoundCloud curated by some of my favorite DJs.
The last great meal/food/cuisine you had?
Wild Chive in Long Beach is a new vegan spot and although I am not vegan their french toast is by far the best I’ve ever had.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to be known as the person that got things done – in my community and within the women’s motorcycle world. I want to continue to bring women into the moto world and show them how empowering, freeing, and supportive it is.
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