I met up with a dozen members of the all-female motorcycle club Hot Rides. They had just returned from Marin on one of their bi-monthly rides. This pack of badass babes who like “smoky, loud, fast, two-wheeled things,” as member Dana Carrison puts it, keeps growing as they continue to meet other women in the city who ride. There is no initiation process, just one simple rule: You have to be hot to ride.
The group is the brainchild of Katie Sue Ambellan and Lea Sabado. Katie explains that Hot Rides is about “being in a group and having pack mentality, about revving it up and riding motorcycles in high heels, about doing something that is dangerous and dangerously fun and sharing it with other talented ladies.”
Rider Celisse Müller tells me: “There is nothing like mobbing up and down dark San Francisco streets wearing furs, red lipstick and black eyeliner, and revving and honking with a pack of beautiful women — on beautiful bikes — like a pack of wild banshees.”
There’s something really refreshing about meeting other girls who like to challenge stereotypes and aren’t afraid to get dirty, ride motorcycles, and shoot rifles in a dress. It’s clear that all of these girls have had outside male motorcycle influences, but each of them got tired of “riding bitch” and ditched the backseat to get behind the handlebars.
I instantly fell in love with these girls and what they stood for. The following week after our meeting, Celisse gave me my first motorcycle lesson in an empty parking lot on her Honda CB360. Making a wrong turn to find myself on the main road was a thrilling experience, to say the least, but balancing on the back of Harley-Davidson FXR while photographing a group of hot chicks riding across the Bay Bridge was one for the history books.
Name, age, occupation
Cassandra Jean, 22, photographer
Bike
2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200
Been riding for
15 years
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
It’s in my blood. Grandpa built choppers; great-great Grandpa opened one of the first Harley dealerships in SoCal.
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
Creating images, working on the bike, slinging whiskey, dirt worshipping.
Name, age, occupation
Celisse Müller, 27, customer service lead at minted.com, part-time model
Bike
1974 Honda CB360
Been riding for
8 years
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
I’ve been riding on my dad’s custom-built choppers since I was five, oftentimes on the fender.
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
I work 40-hour weeks. I spend the rest of my time with my boyfriend, Josh, and our two crazy cats, as well as getting into creative projects with a slew of talented friends.
Name, age, occupation
Lea Sabado, 26, accounting and tax consultant
Bike
1971 Yamaha R5 350 and 1967 Bultaco Metralla 200
Been riding for
5 years
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
After riding as a passenger on the back of one, I decided I never wanted to be “bitch” again.
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
Massive coffee consumption at Four Barrel, obsessively riding bicycles, or at a Giants game.
Name, age, occupation
Sydney Buffman, 27, designer, medicinal plant specialist, entrepreneur
Bike
1975 BMW R60/6
Been riding for
3 years, going on 4
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
My dad used to race motorbikes in his younger days, so I think the passion for riding is in my blood. The first time I actually got on a bike I was about 20. It was instant love.
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
Playing mad scientist in my kitchen, mixing up formulas, tinctures, and topical things. I also like to get out and forage medicinal plants. You’ll probably also find me reading, researching a lot, and drinking whiskey.
Name, age, occupation
Micah Beshada, 27, teacher (working on a master’s in education)
Bike
1974 Honda CB200
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
I got into vintage scooters because of an ex-boyfriend and was in a gang called The Creeps with Lea Sabado! We started as a moped gang and then moved on to scoots and then to motorcycles. Riding has been the perfect way to get around SF, but also to connect with the city on a very personal level.
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
I am in school during the week and I work with kids all over SF. My boyfriend and I frequently escape to the beaches. He surfs, I am learning. I love music and go to as many live shows as I can. Oh, and I have a dog named Beau — he is a Pomeranian and very fluffy and funny.
Name, age, occupation
Katie Sue Ambellan, 27, communications and advocacy manager at a nonprofit
Bike
1975 Honda CB125. I call her Baby ’cause she’s so small.
Been riding for:
3 years
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
I got into motorcycles through friend, former roommate, and fellow Hot Rider Lea Sabado. She and her boyfriend offered to help me build a Vespa, but I eventually sold it for a running motorcycle. That’s when I got Baby.
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
Sailing, riding my bike, making bad jokes, drinking coffee, reading, or playing piano.
Name, age, occupation
Kate G., 30, student/badass!
Bike
Honda Nighthawk 250
Been riding for
5 months
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
My boyfriend has a motorcycle, and riding around with him was awesome so I got hooked and wanted one of my own to ride. Now I am already looking for my next bigger, faster bike!
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
Going to see bands play, checking out art galleries, having dinner with friends, or grabbing drinks at one of my favorite neighborhood bars.
Name, age, occupation
Abby McLucas, 25, owner of Cake Shop Vintage
Bike
Genuine Buddy
Been riding for
6 years
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
I swapped out my car and bought my scooter when I first moved to the city, which has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
Thrift shopping in random outskirts of the city, illegally going over bridges my scooter’s not fast enough to ride on, making dudes ride bitch.
Name, age, occupation
Dana Carrison, 31, marine biologist/bartender/horse wrangler
Bike
1970 Yamaha CS3C
Been riding for
2 1/2–3 years
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
I’ve ridden horses my whole life and figured that a motorcycle would be like a city horse. I saw this vintage two-stroke Yamaha I really liked on Craigslist so I bought it that day and started riding it the next!
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
Slinging drinks at the Hemlock or Casanova, working on marine invertebrate systematics at the California Academy of Sciences, or taking care of the Presidio Police horses. I manage to stay pretty busy!
Name, age, occupation
Gretchen Natvig, 29, graphic designer/illustrator
Bike
1975 Honda CB400 Super Sport and 1999 Honda XR400 Dual Sport
Been riding for
3 1/2 years
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
My man rides and I got tired of riding on the back of his bike so I learned how.
When you’re not riding, what would we most likely find you doing?
Working on projects for The Black Harbor, Betty Does, or personal freelance work. When I’m not working, I’m dirt biking, playing soccer, or exploring new landscapes around California.
