MEET
CHRISTINA MARIN OF SHE WOLF VEGAN MOTORCYCLE CO.
Today, I have the honour of introducing you to another incredible motorcycle woman; Christina Marin, the founder of She Wolf Vegan Motorcycle Co.
Being Vegan and riding motorcycles comes with it’s own challenges. From the gear we purchase, to the food available to us on the road, down to the decorative pieces on our motorcycle luggage or on the motorcycle itself. It can be difficult to avoid animal products entirely.
This is where powerhouses like Christina Marin come into play. She has found a way to make a change and help animal charities through She Wolf Moto Co., with her sights set firmly on the future and how she can effect real change.
Meet Christina Marin,
Founder of She Wolf Vegan Motorcycle Company.
My Name is Christina Marin and I am born and raised in Orange County, California, US.
How did you get into riding motorcycles?
I got into riding about 5 years ago. My boyfriend had recently moved to California and we would take day trips up the coast on his bike. After a few trips I didn’t want to be a passenger anymore, I wanted to ride. We came home and talked about it and soon after he started teaching me how to ride on my own.
What was your first bike?
My very first bike was a 1982 Honda CB125. This bike was ideal for getting the basics down as it was easy to maneuver while I got ready for the riding course. I highly recommend this. It’s easy to get intimidated by bigger and heavier bikes when you’re still learning how to ride and shift.
Do you remember the first time you rode a motorcycle and how it felt? Tell us a bit about that.
My first time riding wasn’t as glorious as some. While I practiced handling at lower speeds, I went down after about five minutes of riding in my parking garage.
It took me more than a few times to get on the road without killing the engine. However, I stuck it out and my actual first ride was a few months later to my local downtown plaza to get some food.
The feeling of relief when I had made it from point A to B without killing the bike, myself, or anyone else was incredible! Haha! It definitely took a bigger bike and some added miles to feel more confident.
What motorcycle do you ride now?
I currently ride a 2002 Harley Davidson 883 with custom modifications. The bike had previously been stored for about five years with only 3k miles before I had purchased it.
After my little Honda, I had upgraded to a Honda Shadow 700, which made it highway legal so that was a completely new learning experience for myself.
I was completely satisfied with my Shadow, but was given an opportunity to check out a Harley that wasn’t being ridden anymore. The test ride for that bike was life changing and I don’t think I’ll ever look back. It rode like a dream. I sold my last Honda to a woman, and bought my current Harley from a woman. Talk about girl power!
How has riding motorcycles changed your life?
I have been able to find myself within my passion of motorcycles. That feeling of freedom and creating your own journey within riding has been so rewarding. To be able to self isolate or ride in groups with companions to anywhere you desire.
I can be alone with my thoughts with beautiful surroundings, and the feeling of the open air to ease my mind. It’s a great meditation tool and has been a huge stress reliever. Through motorcycles, I have met the most incredible people who can relate to this feeling, and that’s why we ride.
Tell us about She Wolf Moto Co., your mission and how you started down this incredible path.
She Wolf Moto Co. was created as a passion for riding and a platform where people can connect who have an admiration for all things: motos, animals, horror, music, and more. An independent, woman owned, vegan motorcycle company, She Wolf donates a percentage of monthly proceeds to a different cause each month.
For the last few years, we’ve donated to animal related causes such as charities, rescues, shelters, and rehabilitation for all animals.
All of our products are Vegan and Cruelty Free.
We currently pre-order with each design we create so that we don’t over print and also print on recycled, used, and vintage clothing. (You can find one of a kind prints in our Vintage one off section).
Having a business where you can give back to the community intertwined with empowerment, uplift, and support is everything I had ever imagined it to be. Being able to communicate with like minded souls from all over the world has been the most incredible experience so far.
In fact, She Wolf has expanded by having two support pages in the US on the East Coast and Midwest. They help raise animal awareness and women empowerment, as well as organize group rides to shelters and rescues to contribute!
What plans do you have for She Wolf Vegan Motorcycle Co.?
As we are a vegan company, I have been brainstorming about eventually curating my own vegan protective gear. Such as: Gloves, Jackets, vests, and more.
I have researched different materials that are ethically sourced, as well as good for the environment and sustainable. There is no projected date as of yet, but I am hoping sooner than later, I can make it happen.
In the near future, there will be more planned group rides and fundraising to shelters/sanctuaries of the causes we have donated to. There are also plans to expand by creating more support pages throughout the world to plan shelter/rescue rides and advocate for animals in their own town!
Share one thing you love most about your motorcycle life and She Wolf Moto Co.?
What I love most about the Motorcycle community and She Wolf combined is the fact that I can connect with other incredible and inspirational individuals that want to contribute to the cause and make an impact to helping the environment.
How can people find She Wolf Moto Co and get involved?
She Wolf is on Instagram! We have our main page @shewolfmotoco which has a link to our site where you can find our merchandise!
There are also two sister support pages: @shewolfmotomidwest and @shewolfmotocoeast, so give them a follow if you’re in the Midwest or on the East coast for upcoming rides and events.
If you’re interested in creating a support page or have any questions, please feel free to DM me on the original She Wolf IG, or email me at Shewolfnoclub@gmail.com
Any motorcycle adventures planned, amazing events you hope to be a vendor at, moto-world domination? What’s next for you?
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the future events we had planned had been effected. There’s no telling when the next moto vending event will be, but give us a follow to stay updated and connected. I respond to all DM’s fairly quick. Also, we have our merchandise for sale on our site all year around.
Hopefully in the next few months, we’ll be able to plan some more fundraising group rides as well.
What does being a “woman who rides motorcycles” mean to you?
Empowerment and unity are two words I find crucial to this current movement of women and motorcycles. We have been here and are now finally being heard and seen!
One of my favorite sayings on a t-shirt is by Sugarbush Babes, “Watch for Women on Motorcycles.” It’s a true representation of the growth of women in the motorcycle community.
Now, more than ever, there are several women owned motorcycle brands that make protective gear and clothing, that not only fit our style, but our bodies too! That is huge!
As we continue to grow, we hope that bigger brands see this and consider it when creating.
What is one change you’d love to see in the motorcycle industry?
I would love to see an end to racism and sexism in the industry. We recently created a tee to bring unity and equality to all, with 100% of the proceeds to be donated to Black owned businesses.
The hatred needs to quit and She Wolf is here to help change that. Also, I would like to see more companies that are involved in giving back to their communities.
And finally, is there one piece of advice you would share with a new rider?
I’d like to share the advice that I had taken from an article written by Blaire Bailey off the Babes Ride Out site, which is to ‘ride your own ride’. To ensure the best safety and create your own confidence, take your own time to do what feels right.
Don’t feel pressured by others to keep up, and allow enough time to get comfortable on your bike. If you don’t yet have a license, I highly recommend the safety course beforehand.
Want to be a Legend?
You can click on any image in this article to share it to Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, email it to a friend. Or you can be oldschool and holler about it from your bike while you’re stopped at a red light beside a fellow biker.
You can even go one better and grab yourself some Motowitch Merch to rock in the wild.
Help us out and spread the word as we have so many more incredible motorcycle women to introduce you to.
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