Debbi a.k.a. “Little Toto”
I have gotten to known Toto, and she is a good friend, an avid motorcyclist and one amazing lady! Along with juggling a job and being a mother and housewife, she is also the Newsletter Editor, Photographer and Web Mistress for the Khrome Cowgirls of KC motorcycle club. So as you can see, she enjoys wearing many hats, including her cowboy…or should I say cowgirl hat?
It seems like no matter what ride, rally or event I attend, I can always count on running into her, so I thought…hey…why not recruit her to cover some events for us, which she graciously agreed to. As a matter of fact, Toto’s debut Cycle Connections article is included in this issue, in which she covered the Sizzler 2005 Motorcycle Rally in Warsaw, Missouri. So when you see Toto at an upcoming motorcycle event (and you will), make sure to say hi and be prepared to have your photo taken!
CC: Toto, why do you ride?
Toto: Peace of mind is the may reason. I feel free and at peace when I'm riding. It’s a great way to clear your brain and get away from work, kids and responsibilities. I ride mostly now because I LOVE IT!
CC: How long have you been riding?
Toto: I've been riding my own bike for about 10 years now. I started out on the back of hubby’s bike and decided that I wanted my own.
CC: What was your first bike?
Toto: My first bike was a 250 Yamaha Route 66 Collector Edition. If didn't take me too long before I upgraded to a 1990 H-D Hugger.
CC: How many bikes have you owned?
Toto: I'm now on my third.
CC: How many bikes do you currently own?
Toto: I only own one now, although my name is also on my hubby's.
CC: What is your current bike?
Toto: My current bike is a 2002 H-D Sportster.
CC: What do you like most about your Sportster?
Toto: I'm happy with my scoot. It is customized to fit my small frame. I guess the best thing about it to me now is the new paint job. I love my new flame job!
CC: What is your dream bike?
Toto: I haven't really thought about a dream bike. I'm pretty happy with what I have.
CC: What is your most memorable riding experience?
Toto: Frigid Bitch Ride, which you guys covered. This was our first ride as a club and we had a great turnout. It was amazing!
CC: What is your least memorable riding experience?
Toto: I would have to say last years Bikers For Babies ride. The traffic was awful!
CC: To what motorcycle clubs or organizations do you belong?
Toto: First and foremost is the Khrome Cowgirls of KC, our local chapter of Women In The Wind. I'm also a member of the American Heartland H.O.G. Chapter and Local 1 of the Freedom of the Road Riders (FORR).
CC: Which motorcycle rallies & events have you attended and which is your favorite?
Toto: There are too many to list. As the photographer and newsletter editor of our club, I try to attend as many as I can to cover them. I would have to say my favorite so far this year was the Sizzler in Warsaw, Missouri. It is a three day rally with camping and loads of fun.
CC: Which is your favorite bike night location?
Toto: Because I work nights, it is difficult to say because I don't get much of a chance to visit bike nights around town. I guess from what I have gotten to experience it would have to be Paddy O'Quigley’s on Thursday nights.
CC: Do you have any tattoos?
Toto: Oh my, again, too many to list. I have a complete back piece, both upper arms and both ankles. My favorite is the back piece. I'm into J.R. Tolkien and the Hobbit stuff so the back piece is based on that with dragons and wizards. I also have our WITW logo with my nickname on my right front shoulder.
CC: Who is your favorite tattoo artist?
Toto: Jeremy, formally of Artistic Tattoo's in KC. He is currently in the process of opening his own shop and will be open for business soon. I just keep his cell number so I can continue to follow him around.
CC: Do you prefer riding in a group or by yourself?
Toto: I get excitement from both. I love riding with my sister friends, but I also like the clearing of the mind of riding by myself.
CC: Who are some of your closest riding buddies?
Toto: I have 75 close riding buddies…LOL. Being a member of the Khrome Cowgirls you are never at a loss for a riding partner.
CC: Just for fun, which of your riding buddies is the best rider?
Toto: I don't want to say the best rider, but if you want to say the rider I trust the most to learn from and the one I trust the most, I would have to say our club President, Lindsay P. I sometimes even cop a ride with her so I am able to get some great pictures.
CC: Just for fun, which or your riding buddies is the worst rider?
Toto: I think all the people I ride with are capable and try hard to be safe.
Interview by Mike Schweder
Photos provided by Debbi “Little Toto” Allen
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