By Diane Brandon
I was cruising the bike displays during the Northwest Thunder weekend at Portland’s Expo Center, and spotted a motorcycle that brought on the memories. It was a 1962 BSA DBD34 Gold Star. That’s a single-cylinder 500c.c. British bike produced by Birmingham Small Arms. It had an authentic blue tank and chrome fenders, and every detail appeared to be just as I remembered; it was THE bike to have in the late 1950’s and early ’60’s. You see, I bought one just like it in 1958. Nothing remarkable in that, except that it was 1958 and I was – and still am – a girl. I was 18, having just graduated from high school, and knowing that the Fall would bring my enrollment in an all-womens’ college, and with it the rapid onset of adult responsibilities … which in 1958 spelled marriage/kids/dog/station wagon (or the only other alternative: becoming a librarian). This was my last chance for freedom.





Woohoo – what a story! What verve!! Gutted that the trophy that should’ve been yours went to (a male) someone else… Thanks for sharing Diane.
Thank you so much for your kind reply. Yes, “gutted” is the best description, and though this occurred many years ago, 63 to be exact, every time I think about it, I feel the same emotion. Yes, gutted. I think the reason why I didn’t protest at the unfairness of it, though I knew it was very unfair, was that this was probably the first time I’d done something so sneaky, going against what my parents would have allowed had they known. In hindsight, I realize I felt like it was my punishment for coloring outside the lines. Of course years later, I was enraged. But no worries…all is well,. Also a thousand years ago I was a sales rep’ for Xerox Corporation where I learned that every perceived negative can be turned into a positive, if flipped a bit. So it was a great wake-up call, and probably helped me understand that taking these sorts of risks can come with consequences . My email address probably says a lot, as well. thank you again. If you read this website you’re obviously a bike rider, too. So as we say, “Keep the shiny side up.” Diane
Admirable
Fantastic reading
Felt i was there
I am in awe that you commented on this posting. You’ve been one of my heroes ever since I first saw you being interviewed quite a few years ago. I’m so pleased to learn that I was able to write something that someone like you, would enjoy reading. And if you like this website, then you must be a motorcycle rider, as well, and you obviously “get it”. As I remarked above to another kind person who commented, I didn’t protest at the time because I felt it was a kind of “punishment” I deserved having done something my parents would not have allowed, had they known. Again, thank you for taking time to comment. I am very appreciative. And please continue with your good work. I admire you so.
Excellent story and adventure. Too bad we men took so long to wake up.
Thank you, Bob, for your praise and good thoughts. Yes, it’s too bad men, and women too, took a while to wake up. Some are still asleep, however, and don’t want to leave their own private dreamland. I was married to a “Bob”, and don’t imagine you are the same one. In fact, I know you aren’t. He’s the reason I didn’t ride motorcycles for several decades and only after the divorce did I return to riding. I had maintained my interest in cars however, which is probably one of the reasons for the divorce. Take care, stay well, and stay safe. thank you again.
good story, well told – sorry (from the male side of the planet) about the prejudice.
What a wonderful story, with a long delayed happy ending!
I can’t imagine the disappointment that you must have felt on the podium that day. You were a trailblazer, the judges just didn’t know it!
Happy trails. Keep the shiny side up!!!
Thanks, John for your nice thoughts. I love the “Keep the shiny side up” mantra. It’s right up there with that tee shirt imprint seen in many of the bike shops and pretty much sums up why we love to ride motorcycles, “If I have to explain, you just wouldn’t understand.”