Deb Stoodley

Chris Debella: Welcome back to the Let’s Get Personal podcast. I’m your host, Chris Debella. Today, we have the great pleasure of chatting with Deb Studley, current chair of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. Her group advocates for riders all over the Commonwealth by putting forward legislation and defending riders’ rights anywhere they’re threatened. Now, let’s get personal with Deb.

Chris Debella: Alright, well, I’m excited this afternoon, this morning, to be joined by Deb Studley. She is the newest board chair of the Mass Motorcycle Association, and I think we have a lot of ground to cover, a lot of exciting topics. I’m so happy you’re joining us today.

Deb Studley: Thanks, I’m really happy to be here.

Chris Debella: So, I was reading your bio, and it’s really interesting how you got started, and I love the story about how you started on your front lawn. Tell us a little bit about that.

Deb Studley: My gosh, it was a nightmare. So, I took my course, I passed my course, and automatically got my license because I passed my course. I was all excited, went out, and bought my new motorcycle. So, I show up at the dealership, first of all, and I’m all by myself. The salesman, who I knew from my husband buying his motorcycle, says, “Where’s Dan?” I didn’t want Dan there. I was picking my own bike, I didn’t want his influence. He’s trying to show me all these big beautiful new bikes, and I’m like, “No, something little, something cheap. I’m gonna probably bang it up a little. I want something easy to handle.” So, I end up buying the cheapest used motorcycle they had there, but it was beautiful.

Chris Debella: What’d you get?

Deb Studley: A custom Sportster 1200.

Chris Debella: Oh, I’ve heard that referenced as the gateway drug.

Deb Studley: It gets you hooked, it does. She will always be my first born. So, I bought her, but she wasn’t ready to go home yet. I go home, show the pictures to my husband, and he says, “That’s good, but you’ll probably outgrow it really soon.” I said, “No, I don’t think so. It’s big, it’s heavy. I probably should have gone with a 250.” So, I went on my way. Finally, they had a title mix-up with the bike, so when they thought it was ready, they said, “Come and get it, you can ride it home.” But I was like, “I can’t ride it home. I can’t go on the highway.” They said, “Nope, it’s your bike. You have to ride it home.” I said, “No, you should deliver it.”

Deb Studley: Well, the title mix-up came in my favor, and they delivered the bike to me at work, which was a lot closer to my home than the dealership. I was still nervous. I’d never really ridden on the street other than my class, which was around a parking lot. So, I jump on the bike to go home. My husband follows me in the truck just in case, but I’m feeling pretty confident. I passed my class, I’ve got my license, I know I can ride. I do pretty good getting out of the parking lot, get it up the street, and come to my first intersection and slam it right over. Now, I’m upset, but I’m not giving up. I get back on it, go home, and I get home safely. I’m good.

Deb Studley: So, the next ride out is with my husband on his bike, and I’m following him. He’s looking in the rearview, and he’s like, “I’m gonna kill myself watching you behind me.” I’m not watching where I’m going because I’m so nervous. I do okay behind him, putting along, and everything’s good. We pull over at a store, and he checks on me. I say, “I’m good, I’m good.” We get back on the bikes, and we go to leave. I whiskey throttle right out of the parking lot, across the street, up on a curb, onto somebody’s front lawn, and I’m down. He’s like, “What happened?” I don’t know.

Deb Studley: So, I had a bunch of those little incidents, and he finally said, “You’re grounded. You’re not leaving the house on your bike. I’m setting up an obstacle course. We have five and a half acres of wooded land.” He said, “Here’s the obstacle course. You ride your bike around this yard until you master it. You are not riding on the road.” I hated him. I was really mad, but I did it. I got on the bike a few times, and every day he’d go to work. This was during COVID, so I was home a lot. He was still going to work. He’d come home, and my bike would be laying on its side on the front yard. I’d be sitting on the stairs crying. It was a lot. But finally, I got really good. If you can ride a 1200 Harley on a muddy, grassy, wet yard around cones that are set up, you can ride it anywhere on the road. So, I got good. He was right to do it. I respect him for it.

Chris Debella: How long did you do that for?

Deb Studley: It felt like years, but I think it was weeks. By the end of the year, I was good.

Chris Debella: I love the story, and I think it’s such a great way to start because you were a late bloomer. You didn’t start riding until much later in life. I think it was 2017?

Deb Studley: Yes, I was 50.

Chris Debella: To go from that to the new board chair is a great journey. I think it does a lot to break down some barriers for people thinking, “Later in life, if I want to ride, am I going to be able to do it?” It’s a really great message to send people: A) you can start any time, and B) it’s okay if you’re not completely comfortable your first time out.

Deb Studley: Right. And fortunately for me, I had five acres and a husband who was a rider. But that’s such a great story, and I’m so happy you shared it.

Chris Debella: And I think you bring up a great point. It’s such a journey of personal growth when you learn to ride, and you can really see how much confidence you’ve gained from that experience.

Deb Studley: Absolutely, and not just about riding, but about myself. Learning to ride as an adult really brings out your confidence. I was always timid and afraid. I grew up riding on the back of the bike. My dad had a Vespa; I rode on that. My brother had a bike for a little while. Then, I got to high school, and all my boyfriends had motorcycles. So, I was always on the back. My first husband rode, so I was on the back, and my second husband now, I was on the back. Finally, I said, “I want to control when I’m on. I get nervous on the back, but I think I’d be okay if I was in control,” and that’s when I decided I really wanted to do it. I didn’t know it would become an addiction, but it really did.

Chris Debella: And that’s why you reached out, trying to find females to ride with.

Deb Studley: Yes, exactly. I didn’t feel comfortable reaching out to my husband’s guy friends, asking them to go for a ride, so I reached out to women and joined the Litas. I met a lot of really fantastic, strong women there.

Chris Debella: That’s great. And I understand you eventually joined the MMA, despite being hesitant at first?

Deb Studley: Yes, friends had been bugging us about joining the MMA. My initial thought was, “Why would we spend money to belong to an association we know nothing about? They don’t ride, they’re not a club.” But finally, we said, “Alright, we’ll join.” It wasn’t about the club—it was more about meeting other like-minded women, finding women my age to ride with.

Chris Debella: So much of biking is the community, the camaraderie, and sharing that experience with others.

Deb Studley: Exactly, and through the MMA, I found my family. I spent a lot of time with them at the annual fall roundup event, and I met so many great people. I started attending MMA meetings, and I really saw what they do—not just for me or the clubs but for every rider. There are 250,000 registered riders in Massachusetts, and we fight for their rights.

Chris Debella: So, what did you think the MMA was at first versus what you learned about it?

Deb Studley: Initially, I thought it was just a bunch of grumpy old bikers who rode together. But as I learned more, I found out about the legislative side of it. They’re filing bills at the statehouse, fighting for our protection. For example, one issue is lane sharing—very controversial—but I’ve seen it save lives.

Chris Debella: Lane sharing, especially in heavy traffic, can be crucial. I know it’s allowed in California, but it’s less common elsewhere. Can you explain why it’s so important?

Deb Studley: When a motorcycle is directly behind or in front of a car, it can be in a blind spot. Motorcycles aren’t always seen. But when lane sharing, the motorcycle is between the lanes, and it’s more visible, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. It’s about safety, not just convenience.

Chris Debella: And I think we’re seeing more distracted driving now, which makes lane sharing more important.

Deb Studley: Exactly. The more cars there are on the road, the more distracted drivers there are.

Chris Debella: What other legislative issues are you working on?

Deb Studley: We’ve filed eight bills this year. One is about the helmet law repeal, which has been on the docket for years. Another bill concerns the motorcycle safety fund. When you register a motorcycle, part of the fee goes into a safety fund, but we’ve never seen those funds used for anything. We’re trying to get that money back into the community—maybe as a refund for people who take and pass the safety class.

Chris Debella: That’s a great initiative! What else are you working on?

Deb Studley: There’s also the issue of motorcycle parking in cities, where motorcycles aren’t allowed to park. Why not? We’re trying to get that changed.

Chris Debella: What’s Cecilia’s Law?

Deb Studley: It’s a bill to increase penalties for drivers who cause accidents by turning in front of motorcycles. Riders often get cut off because they’re not seen, and it’s important to hold those drivers accountable.

Chris Debella: How are you supporting such a diverse group of riders?

Deb Studley: We don’t exclude anyone based on the type of bike they ride. Whether you’re on a dirt bike or a touring bike, you’re part of the community. It’s about riding and supporting each other.

Chris Debella: And I understand your daughter is involved as well?

Deb Studley: Yes, she was a founder of the Worcester Litas, and now she’s home with her baby. She’s still a rider, but she’s taking a step back for now.

Chris Debella: That’s amazing. What advice do you have for women who are hesitant about riding?

Deb Studley: Just do it. Don’t let fear stop you. It’s normal to feel scared. I still get nervous on my first ride every season, but you get over it. You’ll get there.

Chris Debella: And how about for new riders in general?

Deb Studley: Don’t listen to others about what bike you should ride. Start small, something you’re comfortable with. Your first bike may not be your forever bike, but it’s a starting point.

Chris Debella: Great advice. And now that you’re on a Road King, how’s that transition been?

Deb Studley: It’s heavier, but it rides the same. After learning on the Sportster, I feel confident jumping on any bike. It’s all about your skill level.

Chris Debella: Do you think the Sportster was too big for a beginner?

Deb Studley: Yes, it was. I would recommend starting on something smaller, like a 250. Confidence is key, and starting with a bike you can handle will help you get there faster.

Chris Debella: What’s been the biggest surprise about joining the MMA?

Deb Studley: The camaraderie. It wasn’t just all about riding; it was about support, friendship, and family. It’s more than just a club—it’s a community.

Chris Debella: If you could change one thing about how motorcyclists are perceived, what would it be?

Deb Studley: Just because we wear leather and patches doesn’t mean we’re bad people. We’re doctors, lawyers, teachers, and everything in between. Don’t stereotype us.

Chris Debella: A great message. Thank you so much for sharing your story today.

Deb Studley: Thank you! It’s been great.

Chris Debella: If people want to get involved, what should they do?

Deb Studley: Visit our website at MassachusettsMotorcycleAssociation.org. You can join right there, or come find us at events. We’d love to see more people join our community.

Chris Debella: It sounds like you have so much going on with the MMA! So, you’re not just focused on legislation, but you’re also involved in fighting tickets for things like loud pipes and helmet violations?

Deb Studley: Yes! We’ve successfully fought for things like “No Test, No Ticket” for loud pipes. Sometimes loud pipes are used just to antagonize riders, but we try to be respectful. We’ve also fought against helmet violations. If someone gets pulled over for a helmet violation, they can’t just tow their bike. There has to be another safety violation on the bike, not just the helmet.

Chris Debella: That’s a great victory for riders. So, in addition to the legislative work, the MMA also offers some great benefits to members, right?

Deb Studley: Yes, absolutely. When you join, you get access to discounts from businesses, and we have gold members that offer these discounts. For example, you get 10% off at the French King in Irving, Mass., if you show your membership card. We also have our fall roundup event, which is open to the public, and that’s a great opportunity to meet new people and get involved.

Chris Debella: That sounds like a lot of fun. And in your newsletter, you keep everyone updated on the MMA’s legislative actions?

Deb Studley: Yes, we try our best. We keep everyone informed through the newsletter, our website, and on Facebook. We also hand out information at events and rallies.

Chris Debella: Amazing! Now, let’s finish off with some rapid-fire questions. What’s your favorite ride you’ve ever had?

Deb Studley: My favorite ride was in the White Mountains. I actually got married there on the bike. It was beautiful. My husband and I, along with a couple of friends, rode out there, rented an Airbnb, hiked to a special rock we had found, and got married there. It was an unforgettable experience.

Chris Debella: That’s incredible. And did you have a group with you for that ride?

Deb Studley: Just my husband, me, and a couple of friends. It was very special and intimate.

Chris Debella: What would be the most important piece of advice you’d give a new rider?

Deb Studley: Don’t listen to what others tell you about what bike you should ride. Start with something you’re comfortable with, and don’t feel pressured to start big. Confidence is key, and it comes with experience.

Chris Debella: Do you think it’s easy to trade up bikes as you get more experience?

Deb Studley: Yes, I didn’t have a problem. When you’re ready to upgrade, just make sure you know what you want. Ride every bike you can and test them out. Your first bike isn’t necessarily your forever bike.

Chris Debella: What has surprised you most about joining the MMA?

Deb Studley: The camaraderie. It’s not just a bunch of grumpy old men—it’s families, men, women, all types of people. There’s real community, and it’s been amazing to be a part of that.

Chris Debella: If you could change one thing about how motorcyclists are perceived, what would it be?

Deb Studley: Just because we wear leather and have patches doesn’t mean we’re bad people. We’re professionals, we’re family-oriented, and we come from all walks of life. Don’t stereotype us based on how we look.

Chris Debella: That’s such an important point. Thank you so much for being here today, Deb. You’re doing incredible work with the MMA, and I think people will really appreciate hearing your story and getting involved.

Deb Studley: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.

Chris Debella: Absolutely. And if people want to get involved, how can they reach you?

Deb Studley: They can visit our website at MassachusettsMotorcycleAssociation.org. You can join directly from there, or stop by our booth at any of the events. We’re always happy to meet new riders and get more people involved in advocating for their rights.

Chris Debella: Well, that wraps up today’s episode of the Let’s Get Personal podcast. Thanks so much for tuning in. We’ll see you next time!