Meet Jess, The Rider Behind "Bikes and Balayage"
We caught up with Jess (@bikes.and.balayage), a rider from Pennsylvania who’s been on the road for nearly two weeks, racking up over 6,500 miles on her 2024 Road Glide, "Gemma." This is her fifth time at Sturgis, but her longest trip yet. From hail storms on Pikes Peak to reconnecting with the riding community, she shared some incredible stories.
Jess’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She recounts a harrowing experience at Pikes Peak where a sudden hail and snowstorm forced her to descend. With two inches of slush on the ground, she took a fall. "My rear end slipped out, I did a 180, and down I went," she said. Fortunately, both she and the bike were fine. She's not afraid to share the "fails" on her Instagram, @bikes.and.balayage proving that even experienced riders have their moments.
Her Custom Road Glide: Gemma
Jess's bike, "Gemma," is a testament to her unique style and her connections within the motorcycle community. The bike was originally purchased with red pinstriping, but she had it customized with pink accents to match her aesthetic. The most notable detail is the "live" distressed Harley logo on the fairing and gas tank.
She's also equipped Gemma with a number of custom parts from various companies:
- Krauss bars
- Memphis Shades Hand Guards
- Klock Werks Windshield
- Ride Wheels Rotors & Floorboards
- Santoro Crash Bars & Cup Holder
- Fox Suspension
- La Pera Custom Seat
The Gear That Made the Trip
When it comes to long-distance travel, Jess swears by her HOGWORKZ accessories, especially her tour pack.
Derek: So, how's your HOGWORKZ tour pack working out for you? Jess: I love my HOGWORKZ tour pack. It's been such a game changer when I'm traveling long distance because I don't have to wrap anything with weather proofing. It's just good to go. And then I also got the lockable mounting kit which is a game changer because you can press these pins and it locks it in so nobody can steal your...
Derek: Yeah, yeah. So what happened there? Jess: So, I accidentally lost my key to it and then I had to kind of rig it to get it off and get a new set. But it's all good. Keep an extra set somewhere safe.
I also got the HOGWORKZ heat shields, which really helped because this bike runs very hot, so it keeps some of that heat off of my legs.
She also packs a clear visor, rain and heat gear, a first-aid kit, a tire plug kit, and a jump pack. It's clear that preparation is key to a successful long haul.
The Inspiration Behind the Ride
Jess was inspired to ride by her mother and a community of female riders she discovered on Instagram. She started her own account in 2021 and has since built a dedicated following. She expresses her gratitude for the community and the opportunities that have come from it, including sponsorships from Harley-Davidson, Cardo, and Freeburn Motorcycle Attorneys.
This trip is a significant personal achievement for her, as it’s the longest she's ever been on the road. Despite the challenges, she's loving every minute. "I can see why people do it over and over again because it's such an adventure," she says. "You push yourself. You learn so much on the road. You meet sick people and it's just a blast."
As for the rest of her time at Sturgis, she plans to do some more riding, hit up the legendary Spearfish Canyon and Iron Mountain Roads, and just "hang out with all the people."
Final mileage from the trip: 6,508!
