Bend woman receives Harley-Davidson honor

When you hear Harley-Davidson, the first thing that comes to mind may not be freedom-loving women. That may change after hearing this. Recently, a Bend woman made the motorcycle maker’s list of “America’s most independent, freedom-loving women.”

Catherine Monchamp, who picked up riding after the age of 50, was featured as one of 10 women who unleash their “inner rebel.”

Monchamp said Sunday that part of the joy of riding is breaking the stereotype that women don’t ride Harleys.

“I’ve been told by many people all my life, ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that,’ and I want to break that mold,” Monchamp said, “I can do it, and as long as I think I can, then I can.”

Monchamp said her favorite pastime now is riding with her husband through Central Oregon. She also encourages other women to take up riding because of how liberating it is.