Gabrielle Jones of One Down Four Up

Creating timeless pieces of art through vintage motorcycles and beautifully curated apparel, Gabrielle Jones sifts through her many passions as she grows One Down Four Up. She remains fierce in her built up arsenal of skills and unapologetically herself in the endeavors to contribute to and build up the motorcycle scene at large.   

Breaking down barriers in the business side of an industry that is known for being unforgiving, Gabrielle Jones, co-founder of One Down Four Up, is a testament to the payoff of relentlessly chasing one’s passion. For those unfamiliar with One Down Four Up, Gabrielle and Wayne (her partner in crime) have developed a business that captures a nostalgic, bright, vintage aesthetic in the mediums of moto-themed clothing and vintage bike builds.

Gabrielle granted us the privilege of getting to know a little bit more about her, her business, and what led her to create a life balanced on two wheels. What we found therein was a woman so genuine and driven, that it is no surprise that she has found success in her endeavors.

Tracing us back to her roots, Gabrielle began riding in 2011 in San Francisco. Wayne (her now partner-in-crime) rode his bike from South Carolina all the way to San Fran in search of a graphics design job, but little did he know he would spark a fire in Gabrielle too big to extinguish. After her first ride on the back of his classic Honda, she knew she had to be the one behind the bars. She quickly began the search for the bike that would best encapsulate her personal identity, something raw and beautiful in its shell, but one that still allowed her to experiment with her own hands and infuse her style into. She fell in love with a 1971 Yamaha HT1. It is this motorcycle that has crystallized her love for vintage Yamahas.

Avidly conquering her home terrain, Gabrielle shared that although she struggled through years of anxiety and severe depression, she has discovered a new level of strength and perseverance from the process of learning how to ride. From the countless times of pushing herself to what she recounts as “too far or too hard”, no matter how many tears were shed she never stayed down for too long when it came to her motorcycle.

Her sincere personality and passion for riding came through as she shared with us the story of how she spontaneously befriended another Yamaha-riding girl in the area. Ecstatic to see another woman in her town on two wheels, every whiz of the two-stroke riding by would cause a wide-eyed burst- “Look, Wayne, it’s a girl.. It’s a GIRL”. Occasional sightings, and a few months later would intersect them at a quaint Thai restaurant. Gabrielle eagerly tucked her business card into the seat of the YJ2 and waited for a response. A few hours later, an Instagram post magnetized their relationship. They rode everywhere together and Gabrielle even got the chance to teach her how to work on her own bike.

“It was a huge confidence building moment in my life. I had someone learning from me and willing to learn, just like I had learned from Wayne”.

It was through this experience that Gabrielle learned the strength of the bond built between motorcyclists. She fell in love with the feeling of inspiring other women, and hopes to continue to do so through her work.

A certified Ophthalmic Assistant by trade, Gabrielle balances her day job with the pursuit of her passion in One Down Four Up. Every aspect of the business is developed in the hands of it’s makers. Between Gabrielle and Wayne’s combined wrenching/building skills, her natural knack for math and numbers, his eye for photography and graphics, and her abilities to create upholstery for their vintage builds, One Down Four Up organically became a self-sustaining enterprise.

What their industry has yielded is a body of work that exudes their mission of creating a brand that is clean and timeless, staying true to the aesthetic of the vintage enthusiast. When asked what was next for the brand, Gabrielle replied, “I hope that we can appeal to a broader range of motorcyclist; men and women both. I just want to put out an image that would inspire every type of rider and make them genuinely happy.”

A notable triumph for the One Down Four Up team came with their first win at The One Moto Show in Portland. Since then, they have taken home an award each of the last three years and have been asked to make the trophies for the upcoming show. Her excitement for all things vintage moto is palpable as she recounts the events that thrust this passion project further along.

We inquired as to her advice for women looking to break into the moto-industry. Gabrielle honestly answered, “Start small and work your way into it. I see a lot of people try to go big and blow a bunch of money. It doesn’t always work out. Keep your day job and build your business roots.” She emphasized that remaining realistic has been an asset to keeping their business afloat. She was quick to add, “I don’t view men and women differently, this is advice I would give any person. The only specific thing that I could say to a women would be to be prepared to have your feelings hurt on occasion.” She humorously cited times where people would immediately approach her business partner and fail to acknowledge the possibility that she was an equal partner in the business.

Looking to the future, Gabrielle hopes that One Down Four Up will continue to grow and that their apparel will be carried in more stores in the U.S. and internationally. Having just recently relocated to South Carolina, Gabrielle has been able to take this winter to focus on maintaining and caring for her motorcycles and explore this new terrain.

Her dedication to riding and the development of her business make Gabrielle Jones an obvious embodiment of the core values of DotR, and even more endearing is her genuine personality and effortless nature that make her, and the business she has evolved, relatable and successful within the motorcycle community.

To learn more about One Down Four Up and to check out their rad builds and apparel, you can visit their website at www.onedownfourup.us or follow their Instagram @onedownfourup.

Janelle Kaz "Moto Gypsy"

Fueled by a mission to protect the wild, Janelle Kaczmarzewski leads her life on the cornerstone of community outreach and educational reform. Charting unknown territory, teaching conservation and health awareness to children and adults, and joining the fight to dig up lost UXO bombs are upon the extensive resume that consume the daily life of the ‘Moto Gypsy’. Armed with the knowledge of wildlife conservation and ecology, and a heart filled with compassion, she aims to equip all those who walk her path and beyond with a better understanding of how they can contribute to a more positive global impact - from paw to footprint.

Here at Daughters of the Road, we constantly seek inspiration from the multitudes of movers and shakers across the world. Janelle (@motogypsy) caught our eye from the get-go. Her daily conversation boasts of light and love, a positive angle that isn’t expressed nearly enough in the motorcycle community.

She has been riding her enduro through Laos over the past several years, dedicating her life to multiple projects benefiting humanity and wildlife at large. From teaching children about the importance of their local wildlife, to charting unknown territories on her motorcycle to dig up missing UXO bombs - every day is an adventure and an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on not only the communities around her, but the world at large.

We loved how Janelle told her story throughout this interview, so we decided to let her tell the story this time..

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We’ve been following along with your journey and are inspired by the work that you do in the motorcycle industry, but also wildlife/humanitarian activism at large. Can you expand on how you chose this path to fight for these causes on two wheels in a foreign country? Why Laos?

Sometimes in life our path chooses us! I’ve been inspired by animals, our planet, and the universe since I was a very young girl. I always knew I wanted to explore far off places and such adventures are inspired by the animals that live in those places.

I first learned about wildlife trafficking while studying evolutionary biology and ecology at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. It ignited this flame inside my chest and I just knew there was no question of whether or not I would devote my path to ending this dark trade. I chose Asia because it is the heartbeat of the illegal wildlife trade.

What (if any) apprehensions did you have before setting out on your trip?

I was terrified when I first set out to leave the US. I had never been on the other side of the planet and I was going with no plans to return and not much money in my pocket. Stepping away from security is hard, but I’m pretty good at pushing myself through my fears because I’ve only ever felt more alive and become a better person by doing so.

What was your life like prior to your travels?

I feel as though I’ve lived multiple lifetimes already! Back in school while studying endless hours for my science degree, I was also married to a Brazilian with a heart-of-gold and living a very domestic lifestyle. I prepared our meals and mowed the lawn. But I ended up with a longing that I couldn’t really articulate. Now, seeing the lifestyle I’ve chosen for myself now, it is no surprise why I felt so discontent in my routine.

Did you ride motorcycles before traveling to Laos? If so, what model? Which motorcycles do you tend to find yourself more attracted to?

I didn’t come from a family who was into motorcycles; I became infatuated with them as a teenager, wanting to go as fast as possible. The first loan I ever took out was for a Kawasaki Ninja and I rode it all over the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

I love the contrast from riding an enduro in Laos on endless dirt roads to my higher displacement pavement cruisers in the states. However, I currently love tracker/scrambler style bikes and at the same time have fantasies of riding a chopper through the deserts of the American SW.

What is the two-wheeled culture like in Laos? How would you contrast it to the moto culture of westernized societies?

It is so different! Everyone rides motorbikes there, so in a sense the roads are safer. People are used to seeing them on the road and the law states that if there is a collision, the larger of the vehicles is at fault. However, “big” (175cc and over) bikes are pretty rare, especially in Laos. In fact, Laos just lifted the ban on the importation of motorcycles over 250cc in 2014. Also, there isn’t so much in the way of driver education and driving school… you generally just purchase your license. So people do some pretty crazy things, especially because there isn’t enforcement of traffic laws outside of the handful of cities there are in Laos.

What is it like riding a motorcycle in Laos? What specific obstacles have you encountered while riding/owning a motorcycle in Laos? Do you maintain your own motorcycle while traveling?

Riding in remote parts of Laos is like the wild wild west, only extremely different, culturally.

There isn’t much in the way of comfort or convenience – no temperature controlled rest stops, endless dust or mud (depending on the season), and no reliable communication services.

I maintain my own motorcycle as much as I am able while traveling in Laos, as it is pretty difficult to find someone who has ever seen the type of bikes I’ve been on. I have to carry my own spare parts or plan to visit the capital city, Vientiane, the only place in all of Laos where I can find the necessary parts and knowledge for my bike. On my Yamaha Serow, I had to replace the Cambodian Frankenstein-clutch, and I was able to find the part in Vientiane and had it done there (thank you, Fuark!).

I once had my sprockets and chain replaced in a city in the south of Laos and if I hadn’t kept my eye on the whole process there were a few things that would have caused damage over the long run (like not aligning the rear wheel). They aren’t used to these bikes so you have to be really careful and it is just usually better to do it yourself. They are pros at changing tires though and as long as you keep a spare with you at all times, you can have that done at any roadside shack.

What special programs have you been a part of in fighting wildlife trafficking? What do they focus on, and how do they accomplish their goals?

The fight against wildlife trafficking is multifaceted and therefore so is the approach to combat it.

I’ve been working with a wildlife conservation organization, Project Anoulak of Conservation Laos, founded by an incredibly dedicated and at woman, Camille Coudrat. Anoulak means conservation in Lao and this organization acts on four pillars: research, education, capacity building, and patrolling. Camille is a hardcore scientist and asked me to help with the education outreach program delivered to the schools within the protected forest.

I’ve been working on teaching resources that can be delivered by Lao teachers to their students and is therefore implemented into the existing curriculum. The key is to give the program longevity by empowering existing teachers, trainers, and classroom leaders to pass on the knowledge and make it a part of their learning agenda.

Often we’ve found that the locals within these remote forest villages are not aware of the global significance of specific wildlife found there. They’ve been surprised to learn that much of their wildlife is endemic, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. This awareness brings them pride and respect for what they have, and I hope to pass along a hefty dose of curiosity and compassion, too.

We read that you had a personal encounter with UXO bomb exploding in Laos, what was that like?

This experience literally left me shaking in my boots. I was on this narrow, winding road in the mountains, looking for this mysterious archaeological site I had heard about while at some hi-so party I didn’t belong at.

One of my first days in Laos's capital city, Vientiane, I attended a fancy-lawyer-cocktail-party where I felt incredibly out of place in borrowed clothing. My hands were peeling from rock climbing and my nails dirty with engine grease (my bike had broken down on the way into the city). Unsurprisingly, I wound up talking with the most underdressed person there; a t-shirt wearing archaeologist from Oz. He told me about his very exciting, upcoming project to begin archaeological research at one of the seven (out of 90) Plain of Jars sites safely cleared of UXOs (unexploded ordinance, these ones are dropped by the USA). The Plain of Jars is an archaeological landscape in Laos, dating back to the Iron Age some 2000 years ago. They still don't know what these prehistoric, megalithic vessels were used for. They are theorized to be a part of burial practices, but myth has it that giants used them to store their rice wine.

I was asked if I could head there to do some reconnaissance to see if the project site, known as Site 52, could be reached by dirtbike.

There is nowhere in the Xieng Khwang province, where the plain of jars are located, that is safe to put a shovel in the ground unless it has been designated safe and cleared of dangerous explosives.

With approximately 300 new incidents per year (mostly farmers, though 40% of victims are children), Laos is still haunted by past conflict everyday. Thankfully, there are organizations like the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), helping to make people safe from dangerous explosives -- saving lives and building futures.

My time in the Plain of Jars started out utterly unsuccessful, as my hunt for Site 52 led me four different directions within a 50km radius. The sheer amount of conflicting information is still hard to fathom, even from local guides and reputable sources. On my second day of searching, I realized just how far I was going to have to push myself out of my comfort zone in order to find these mysterious relics. With the sound of bombs exploding nearby and the instantaneous hope that each boom was an intentional detonation, I carried a sort of nervousness with me that I haven't ever felt before. I stopped on the trail and took some time, listening to the insects, admiring the white blossoms on the trees, and eating some fruit I packed along.

I could turn back… I could return to the safety of the town and perhaps be more certain of my path. The landscape was beautiful in its vastness and simultaneously daunting in its remoteness.

Do I choose comfort in safety or do I move forward into the adventure?

I had a roasted coconut in my bag and became determined to crack into its sweet water among the ancient stone jars I was seeking.

What plans of action/programs are you currently taking/participating in to remove the UXO bombs from Laos?

With over 80,000,000 UXO still in the ground, this is a massive undertaking with multiple organizations working to clear UXO, and yet, even with all of these crews it has been said that it will take nearly 100 years before they are cleared.

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is the one organization that I would regularly see out hard at work. I almost always saw their trucks and teams alongside the road and I had learned about the education projects they were implementing to make children (and adults) aware of the lurking dangers. Unfortunately, children will often see something shiny in the ground and want to dig it up.

Have you experienced any backlash while traveling by motorcycle in Laos, or is it accepted as independent mobility for women as well as men?

I’ve had more than one older Lao woman tell me that my life was in danger and that a “bad man” would come and slit my throat and steal my motorcycle. This, however, isn’t anything I’ve ever heard of happening and never felt any man, despite his moral code, threatened my life in any way.

This isn’t so different from the fears expressed by those in the States, by people who watch the news too often and fear for my safety as a woman. I believe that love and compassion prevails and I feel welcomed in the world. I am safe and smart in the risks I take and would encourage any woman to travel and live the same way.

What is a typical day in Janelle’s life like?

You know those days when you’re covered in dust and riding down an endless dirt road, dodging pigs, chickens, and cattle, and a roadside fresh coconut stand feels like it manifested directly from heaven into your reality? Or when the map definitely shows a road but when you arrive, all you see is an expanse of river and are perplexed until a small bamboo barge pulls up and beckons you and your motorcycle to come aboard? Or when you get woken up by a farmer at dawn wondering who/what you are and why you’re hammock camping on his land (you’d hear “Sabaidee” which means “hello?” in Lao)?

A day in my life in Laos could certainly be like that…

There is no typical day, honestly. Some days it feels like I’m forever on the road, or I could be in the company of friends in tiny a Lao town in the mountains, or endlessly trekking through the forest with education supplies to reach schools in order to deliver our Wildlife Education Outreach Program, or even just hiding out near a cave, trying to stay cool in the heat of the day.

There are certain things that I make time for almost every day, such as drinking tea. I love herbal teas and am often ready with my own teas and cup to see where I might find the boiling water. Often it is from the large metal kettle that is sitting directly on the fire in almost every Lao home.

What pieces of advice would you impart on the next generation of women that are interested in fighting for a cause in a foreign country while on two wheels?

I would impart the eloquent words of Edward Abby:

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. ...where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you -- beyond that next turning of the canyon walls.”

At times, you may feel lost, weary, and scared. Know that you are not alone in this world and things will likely not work out how you’d planned or hoped. Your bike may chronically fail and/or you will likely not make it to your intended destination - but wherever you wind up is exactly where you are supposed to be. Open yourself up to those experiences and feel welcomed in the world. People are our mirrors, so sending out love and compassion will reflect that back to you.

What's next for you? Any long term initiatives or goals you are currently working towards?

I have dreams of exploring a different part of the world to learn more about the wildlife trafficking situation there and the solutions being explored and implemented to fight it. I would like to join their forces and gain more knowledge, experience, and skill to bring back with me to Laos.

To read more about the UXO removal and find out how you can help Janelle in her efforts, please visit

https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/uxo-in-laos-awareness-removal-hope. To follow along on the amazing day-to-day journey, follow @motogypsy on Instagram!

Paving a Road Untraveled: Chronicles of Becoming a Self-Taught Rider

PHOTO BY ISACC YI

One of the trends common within the motorcycle industry is that it tends to be a lifestyle bred through legacy; people tend to be born into a life on two wheels. However, for many of us, it is an obsession we find later in life, often during a time of crisis, a time when, without a drastic change, we may find ourselves in the chaos of darkness. I can honestly say that discovering motorcycles, and my capacity to love riding unconditionally, saved my life. I will be frank and admit that breaking into the scene as an adult and attempting to learn it all “on-the-fly” is both intimidating and challenging, but the rewards of the journey itself far outweigh the obstacles.

It is that fear of undertaking the unknown that has inspired me to share anecdotes of my experiences of joining the scene late in the game. With my stories of triumphs and follies (many follies), I hope to encourage those just starting to ride, inspire those who are only considering it, and maybe provide a few laughs or moments of camaraderie to those of you who can relate to my stories all too well.

By the age of 24 I had created the life that is the catch-all definition of success: a steady job, homeownership, marriage and the prospect of building a family on the horizon. What was unseen by the eyes that so doted on those life choices, was the creeping feeling of dissatisfaction that I had to constantly suppress. The answer to this need was a total life adjustment: divorce, independent living, and a much-needed period of self-reflection.

Light-heartedly, I refer to this time of my life as my “Quarter-Life Crisis”. Among the drastic choices  I made were a nose piercing, multiple tattoo sessions and moving into a house with my first male roommate.

I’ve never really figured out if my roommate understood the fire he ignited when he first opened his garage door to allow me to move in my furniture that first Monday of January, but he truly was the catalyst for the itch that never subsided, the moto-lust that infects me to this day.

Desperately seeking some kind of fulfillment, I would watch him wetsand his gas tanks, or disassemble a top end of one of his various beloved metrics. Little by little he would share with me the smaller tasks and include me in the excitement of finishing a new build, or the rush of finding a new project on Craigslist.

“Just take the class,” he said one day, half in jest, I’m sure. That was all I needed to hear. I took the plunge and gathered the required gear, some freshly unwrapped and some borrowed from my roommate, and began studying the Basic Rider material.

I consider myself a fairly-intelligent, daring and confident person, and with all that said, the first day of the Basic Rider Course (BRC) was probably one of the most intimidating experiences of my life. I was the only woman in a class of about twenty students, and even more unnerving was the fact that I was the only one who had never attempted to ride a motorcycle before setting foot in that classroom.

The most common trope in the BRC is the young male who has been riding/learning with his father (brother, uncle, grandfather, etc.) and is just now getting around to taking the course so that he may ride legally. These boys are often known for showing off their knowledge in the most peculiar ways, their bravado a flashy badge of honor that can be blinding to the newer riders.

A particular moment stands burned into the fabric of my memory: dropping the bike in the BRC. IT is the ultimate fear of anyone taking the class...and yup, I was that guy (girl). All we were learning was how to walk the bike forward by slowly releasing the clutch. Well, the finesse required for a gradual release of a clutch was not a strong suit of mine. So, what did I do? Naturally, I dumped the clutch, lurched forward, looked down and we all know what happened after that.

I was mortified. I had done the very thing that I had vowed to avoid. I had accepted that I would not be perfect, even that I may struggle in some areas, but going down on a bike? I was not prepared for that. Regardless, with a little coaxing, I continued to ride, though not with ease, for the rest of the morning.

Upon returning to the range in the afternoon, the exhaustion of the day was getting the best of me. I felt myself waning fast, and it wouldn’t take much to send me over the edge. We started our bikes and rounded the course to do some maneuver, the specifics of which have now escaped me. It was finally my turn to go, and I hear some sighs and snickers coming from the back of the group, one of those “lifetime riders,” no doubt. I lost it. I finished the maneuver, and parked the bike. The instructors released us to lunch, and I lagged behind, attempting to hide the tears that I could no longer stifle. I was beyond grateful for the protection that my fullface helmet was offering me at this moment. I could not stand being underestimated, and what was worse, I was beginning to doubt my own abilities.

Noticing that I was taking entirely too long to get out of the blazing sun in all of my gear, the MSF coach walked over to me, quickly at first, and then he stopped dead in his tracks. Our eyes met, and my look of shame must’ve given away that those rivulets of liquid spilling off of my chin were not just sweat.

The man, who was a six-foot-tall biker in his mid-60s, stomps right over to me, grabs me by the helmet and says, “Are you crying in there?!”

All I could do is nod and sigh deeply.

PHOTO BY ISACC YI

“Listen, girl,” he barked, “Don’t pay attention to those assholes. If they can do it, you can do it. You’re just starting out; that’s what this class is for. I will make sure that, no matter what, you leave here with your endorsement.”

I was floored. This man didn’t know me from Adam, other than the fact that I was the only non-Adam in a sea of Adams in this round of his course. Yet, that moment of encouragement was the fuel I needed to make it through the next day and a half.

I completed the written portion of the assessment with flying colors, not missing a single question-something the instructor announced proudly aloud to boost my confidence.

Although the nerves of the riding portion were almost unbearable, I sucked in a breath of air before each segment of the test and did my best. Turns out, this time, my best was enough. I had passed.

I was never able to tell the instructor how much his 30 second peptalk impacted my life, nor share with him the joys of becoming the fierce rider that I am today, but every once in awhile I reflect on how far I’ve come from that emotional breakdown on the range.

Laura's List for the Long Haul

As we mentioned in our latest article featuring Laura Buitron and her trip called "Ashes of Freedom", we are passing along her gear list which will make the long haul packing process a little less daunting. If you are traveling outside of your home country, for months at a time, this list is suitable for you. If you're planning on taking a smaller trip, or have a smaller bike.. just adjust accordingly! Keep in mind that Laura's ride is a BMW F800GSA, and has the storage capacity for this, but she has cut down quite a bit along the trip. Let's get to it!

I. Documents

•  Passport
• Driver license
• ID
• Birth certificate
• Immunization card (no need but I like to have it)
• Motorcycle title
•  6-8 copies of each document, useful on border crossings (I have made color copies of my license plate and laminated. Reasons: with vibration the original can get lose & fall off, a collector may want to take it, police may threaten to take it in case of accident or speeding ticket. Carry the original in a safe place with the luggage)

II. Miscellaneous Bike Gear

• Brake disk lock, thick plastic coated cable with lock & bicycle cable lock (for helmet)
• Flat tire fix spray
• Light weight cover
• Ziplock bags (2 sizes)
• Cable ties (3 sizes)
• Strap (the simple one, no ratchet strap)
• Bungee net
• Few luggage straps (simple thing)
• 2-3 ft wire
• 0-35 ft line (to tow or tie down the  bike, no need too thick)
• Tire patches tube repair
• Head lamp & spare batteries
• Chain spray lube
• Bag with bolts & nuts for the bike (I have 1 metal clamp, 1 plastic hose connector (2 female end))
• Bag glues & tapes: 2 part epoxy or JB weld, 2 part past that when mixed becomes hard as a rock (to repair metal), electrical tape duct tape, thermic tape or tape for hose
• Liner for the pannier (it is like a duffle bag that fits perfect inside the pannier)
• Back pack, better if waterproof. (If not, it would need a garbage bag inside, sits across and behind me; very useful for hiking day trips)

III. Spares Parts

• Bulbs
• Spark Plugs
• Brake pads
• Oil filter
• I'm using a KNG air filter so I can keep cleaning it without exchanging it.
• (Before installing any type of spare lights talk to the mechanic, you don't want to overload the bike and burn the alternator).
• My bike doesn’t need fuses, but what about yours?
• Spare tubes: due to my tire size it is hard to find spare tubes, unless the country I am on has big bikes.

IV. Tools

• Leatherman
• Wrench ( to take off front & rear wheel)
• Tire spoons
• Tool roll specific for my bike
• 12v air compressor

V. Riding gear

• Boots
• Gloves
• Neck brace (I have the foam one)
• Jacket, pants
• Dry fit underwear down to knees (helps with rash)
• Socks (I use compression ones sometimes as it helps with circulation)
• I don't carry rain gear, my jacket has a removable waterproof inner liner, pants has it to but I didn't bring it.

VI. 1st Aid kid

VII. Electronics

• Unlock iPhone: so you can buy a SIM card for each country, if you wish
• Selfie stick
• Mini articulated tripod & regular size tripod (don't used it often)
• Camera Canon Power Shot G6 (shutter control remote)
• GoPro Hero 4 & 3 fittings
• iPad Air, but I recommend a small & light computer.
• Logitech Ultra-thin keyboard
• External hard drive
• Cables & adapters
• GPS but my only had USA & Canada maps, so I use on my phone “MAPSME” it is an open source map that you download  the maps of the country or region you will be traveling, no need phone service to do the routing. There is an app called OVERLANDERS, it is a map where overlanders pinpoint places they have been and the info about.

VIII. Clothes & personal

• Running shoes (because I like to run)
• Flip flops
• 6 Dry fit underwear
• 3 Sport bra
• 4 Dry fit shirts (I feel 3 should have been good for me, they are sponsor shirts)
• 4 Sleveless shirts (I feel 3 should have been good for me, but they are sponsors shirts so I need to carry them)
•  1 legging
• 1 jeans
• 1 sport short
• 1 jean short
•  1 skirt
• 1 long sleeve button shirt
• 5 pairs of socks
• 2 buffs or bandanas
• Bikini
• Mini pepper spray
• Light jacket or rain coat
• Toilet treat bag: ½ comb, floss, tooth past, sunblock, face cream, razor, deodorant, hair ties, leave-in, mini nail clipper, mini nail file, tweezers, mini mirror, oil for my hair     
• Wet wipes
• Sunglasses
• Backpack made with of a material similar of parachute, very think and folds to the side of a fist
• Documents: original title, passport, ID/ Drivers license

VIV. Camping Gear

• 1P tent
• Summer light sleeping bag
• Thermarest sleeping pad, only ½ size (for my back)
• 1 burner & 1 gas canister (I didn't bring my JetBoil as I didn't know if I would find gas canister. I could have brought the MSR multi fuel burner but with the fuel canister, it was taking a lot of space)
• Collapsible mug & bowl
• Plastic spoon & fork, pocket knife
• Cigarette lighter
• Machete or big knife, mine is tie down to the frame of the bike

If you've taken trips of your own and have some items to add to this list, please feel free to send them over at contact@daughtersoftheroad.org!

Laura Buitron "Ashes of Freedom"

How familiar is it of our daily lives to get caught up in the routine of work, paying bills, rinsing, and repeating? Often times we will sigh, our palms cupping our chins, daydreaming about a fantasy vacation.. Perhaps skipping the exit on the highway to work and driving until the scenery no longer is familiar. But then fear quickly blurs the vision entirely, and the cloud above our heads dissipates as we recount all of the dangers of this dream. “How will I pay my bills, I’ll get killed in Mexico, I’ve never traveled solo” - ordinary cautions that might cause us to put on the brakes.

The extraordinary resiliency of the human spirit is a quality that connects us all, but only few of us have the courage to stretch it to its limits. Laura Buitron, a beautifully diverse and highly-educated individual, has traveled down many-a-lonely-road the last few years of her life than most dream of in a lifetime.

Daughters of the Road was surprised to discover this woman as organically as we did. Her beautiful pictures of a two-wheeled trek through South America are a feast for the eyes.

Coming from rural beginnings, Laura grew up with her three sisters on a farm in Spain. Her father, a proponent of the values of hard work and tough love, taught her the values of resiliency and extreme diligence. “You and your sister are both 16, so add them together, it means you should act like you’re 32”, her father would say. Years of manual labor took a toll on her father’s health, leading him to dream of making the move back to the one place he remembered truly being happy with his life: Brazil.

 With a degree in biology followed by a Master’s degree in Marine Ecology, Laura quickly found out that her purpose was not fulfilled by a 9-5 or teaching. Seeking a sense of purpose and thrill, Laura brewed the idea of joining a yacht crew to jumpstart her road of adventure. The values of hard work and persistence instilled in her by her father were the foundation of the spirit that drove her as she pursued a career in a field dominated often by men. She decided she would move to Fort Lauderdale (seen as a huge entry and exit port for the sailing industry) and learn English to aid in her endeavors. Laura began by landing a job cleaning boats and slowly learned more and more about what she knew would satisfy her hunger for adventure. Soon, she would travel to the United Kingdom to earn her captain’s license.

During her conversation with us, she mused, “Yachting is about work ethic.” She reflected on the difficulties she faced earning the respect of her male crew members, mostly rooted in the fact that orders were scoffed at by the crew who were half her age. But with pride, she shared that many of those crewmen return to her and admit that, to this day, they still do things in the way that she trained them to do.

As a captain Laura sailed on various expeditions: one of them around South America, another from Tahiti to Brisbane, Australia, and yet another from Brisbane back to Fort Lauderdale. But she began to yearn for something more...

In 2006, Laura’s thirst for something new was quenched when she purchased her motorcycle. She bought a BMW F800GSA and used it to cruise the roads of Florida in her free time off the boat. In her free time away from sailing, she would take trips on her bike. Her journeys took her not only around the United States, but also across Europe and also throughout the eastern countries of Asia.

She humorously recounts tales of her journeys with the charisma of a soul immortal in its youth. She laughed and shared tales of traveling two-up on her bike with her 71 year-old mother. The two have shared more than 2,400 miles together navigating across the United States and Europe; this illuminating some of where Laura must get her freedom of spirit.

At the age of 44, Laura’s current quest is lovingly titled “Ashes of Freedom.” The journey has morphed as her path has changed, but the initiating motivation remains the same: to retrieve the remains of her deceased father from Brazil and drop them off with her mother in Argentina.

Wasting no time, Laura stopped in Seattle to take an EMT course – another practical skill to add to her arsenal of abilities. However, being prepared to deal with disaster often does not deter it from happening. When she started the trip, she had heard horror stories about traveling through Brazil alone on a motorcycle. Her family’s reactions ranged from disapproval to anger, they told her “Laura, you will get sold into prostitution, or killed!”

While riding through Costa Rica, Laura fatefully experienced an accident that left her with no scarring physical injuries, but her bike was incapacitated, and her spirit was wounded. At this point, feeling broken, she considered quitting, but realized that her father, who had since passed away, would not have tolerated it.

More often than not, however, she learned that locals will often be very helpful to anyone on a journey. Inspired by the soothing effect the travel had on her soul, Laura decided to expand her trip and become the first woman to ride a loop around the entire country of Brazil alone. Since seeing all that she has accomplished on this ride, Laura lovingly shares that her sisters now applaud her accomplishments and the level of courage this type of quest requires.

The moto-culture of Central and South Americas vary, Laura shared. It seems that Brazil has a thriving love for Harley-Davidson beasts, while Costa Rica ebbs between H-D and BMW. An observation Laura shared that stuck with us is the differences in reactions to female riders, specifically. Her experience with riding in the U.S. included skepticism and doubt as to level of ability and self-sufficiency. In South America, she has found that people are incredibly enthusiastic about female riders and never seem to question her ability to lift the bike, navigate or sustain herself alone. In Brazil, “you are a goddess if you are a woman on a bike,” she lightheartedly shared.

Eloquently, Laura gave us her spin on it: “For me, when I put on a helmet, I’m not a woman, or a man; I am a rider…Riding doesn’t have a gender.”

Where Laura minced no words was when she shared the raw realities of traveling alone in a foreign country. We asked her to share what she felt were some of the more-difficult points and the things women (or anyone, for that matter) need to know before taking a motorcycle trip across borders.

Among the greatest challenges Laura faces daily is spending time finding somewhere to sleep. She does not plan ahead of time due to the unpredictability of the roads and of the time required to go from place to place in South America. She spends almost an hours a day searching for a safe place to rest at night.

Safety is the first priority for Laura on the road. She discusses incidents where both on the road and off the road her preparedness has been tested. She carries a cell phone, tools and equipment for minor repairs on her motorcycle, a first aid kit for any injuries she may face, and a machete for personal protection. She emphasized that one’s greatest defense is being prepared for any dangerous situation. She was candid in her recounting of incidents where strangers would attempt to enter her rooms at night, or she would notice suspicious looks as she dismounted her bike. Awareness is weapon in and of itself. Keeping the bike in sight deters those who may be inclined to attempt some form of theft; she also uses locks on her bike or wheels it into motel rooms that allow it.

Laura’s other suggestions include managing one’s diet (healthy and full of fiber), a regimen of daily exercise (Laura runs three miles daily and does sit-ups and pushups) and a commitment to doing laundry when it needs doing.

(DotR will be publishing a separate piece with Laura’s packing list when a rider is in it for the long haul.)

Although on a rise with social media (find her on IG @chickamotorunner) Laura remains true to the pulse of this entire quest: an advancement of her self-discovery. “I have made my mind ‘naked’,” she stated, implying that she has freed herself from the noise, influence and oppression of a life dominated by the 9-5 grind. It is that freedom of self that has inspired her current motto: “Taking Life for a Ride.”

One might wonder where a person with such miles under her belt would go after completing a journey like Laura’s. The beauty in her choice of lifestyle is that she lives to do what makes her happy each day. While she has long-term goals including owning a motorcycle campground, right now she is only focused on living her days genuinely.

"In the beginning, the bike is your transport; eventually, you and the bike become one. I now identify the bike as a part of me. When it breaks down, I feel it. Work does not represent us. For me, the motorcycle represents me. My motorcycle is my door to the world."

One cannot help but to be inspired when learning of the undying positivity Laura is spreading as she continues on the world. She embodies all that Daughters of the Road has grown to represent and we are honored that she has chosen to collaborate with us in the mission of spreading a sisterhood nurturing the passion that binds us together: the ability of motorcycles to unleash the thirst for freedom within us all.