Fast Babes Featured Rider: @emilydury
Name: Emily
Instagram: @emilydury
Emily is a jack of all trades and a true moto gypsy. She has been to 49 of the 50 states and even Bali with @themaggiehicks! She’s a bad ass welder that has stepped up to teach other women how to weld through programs like @realdealrevolution and @luckystarartcamp.
Photo: Caylee Hankins (RIP & FUCK Cancer) @alittlepickmeup
Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?
I grew up in the small town of Norwich, New York. I have moved around a lot in my life but my license says I live in Rapid City, South Dakota. I am currently living off of my motorcycle which is parked in Las Vegas, NV. I struggle to sit still for extended periods of time so keeping up with where I am at is difficult for even my closest friends and family.
How did you initially get involved with motorcycles?
I originally got introduced to motorcycles through my high school boyfriend. His dad is a motorcycle mechanic and loves Harley Davidson. He came to town to visit us and rode his 2001 Springer Softtail that he had done a lot of custom work to over the years. He took me for my first motorcycle ride and I was immediately hooked. I then made it my mission to get my license so I could ride my own. I bought my first motorcycle in 2013 and haven't looked back.
When did you get your first bike and what was it?
I bought my first motorcycle in 2013 when I was living in New Orleans. It was my dream motorcycle. She's a 2006 Harley Davidson Streetbob.
What do you currently ride and why?
I was so in love with my first motorcycle that I never bought another one. I still have my 2006 Streetbob. I have changed her a little bit. Repainted her, changed the bars, added a fairing, built a sissy bar and more. 9 years later and I still love my motorcycle.
What is your happiest memory that involves motorcycles?
Most of the great memories I have involve motorcycles. Even on the bad days motorcycles bring me joy. However, when asked about the happiest memory one memory comes to mind. I grew up in a family that didn't have motorcycles. My dad had had one when he was in his 20s but had sold it before I was born. So when I started riding it felt like something I wasn't able to share with my family or bond over. Randomly a few summers ago my sister called me and told me she wanted to ride on the back of my motorcycle. I was so excited that within the week I had my bike set up for a passenger. I was finally able to share my love for motorcycles with someone in my family. Then in 2020 after my dad sold his business he decided to buy a motorcycle. The following summer he trailered his bike from New York to South Dakota and he and I rode our motorcycles from Custer, SD to Yellowstone and back. We had planned a route that took us through Redlodge, MT over Beartooth Pass and through the Tetons. My mom drove a chase vehicle (we can't convince her to get on a bike yet) and my sister bounced between the bike and the truck. It was probably one of my favorite trips, I was finally able to share my love for motorcycles with my family.
Outside of motorcycles, tell us a little about yourself?
Outside of motorcycles, I have a degree in Marketing, and Diesel Technology. While working on my Diesel degree I started welding. Now I spend time welding as much as I can. I started building sissy bars for a few friends. But enjoy taking on other projects as well. I have made waterfalls, airplanes, roses, and a lot of motorcycle show trophies. More recently I have had the opportunity to teach women welding. I worked with Real Deal Revolutions and the Jessi Combs Foundation to teach welding at Biker Belles day at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. And a few weeks ago I traveled to Texas and taught women welding at the Lucky Star Art Camp. It brings me so much joy to show women that welding is not just a "mans job" and we can do anything we want and be good at it. When I am not welding I am traveling. I have been to 49 of the 50 states and spent a month in September and October in Bali, Indonesia. I love new adventures and am constantly looking for the next opportunity to inspire and support women in their goals and adventures.
How have you become a more confident rider? Things you’ve done to help you gain confidence?
The way I have become a more confident rider has been mostly putting in the time behind the bars. The best way to get better is by continuing to do it. Another way I have become more confident has been riding with others. The more experienced riders have so much information to share. Even as someone who has been riding for 10 years I still talk to others, and am constantly learning things I did not know. I am always looking to improve. The other day I went to a get-together where someone there was teaching us how to use the front brake properly and there was so much I didn't know. These types of get-togethers are so beneficial.
What is your dream trip/bucket list ride(s)?
My dream trip changes often. Last year, my dream trip was riding back to the east coast. In May I was able to make that trip a reality and rode 17 states in two months. This year I have a few trips I would like to make happen. One of the trips is riding motorcycles through the Himalayas in India. Another is riding through parts of Asia like Thailand and Vietnam. I have taken so many trips in the United States my dream is to start riding more in other countries.
How do you think motorcycles have changed your life?
Motorcycles have completely changed the direction my life was going. I have made some of my best friends through motorcycles. Going to school for Diesel Technology was inspired by my desire to learn to work on motorcycles. I have had so many opportunities because of the connections I have made and the people I have met through motorcycles.
Do you have any upcoming motorcycle trips/rides planned?
This coming year Maggie Hicks and I are planning a 7 day curated motorcycle tour through Bali, Indonesia. We have 6 spots available for anyone who wants to join us. We had so much fun while we were there this fall that we wanted to share the experience and make this opportunity possible for others.
