She Wolf of the Moment-Sanna Boman
Every Month or so, we choose a different woman to spotlight that inspire us!
We feel as if it’s important to introduce real womxn in the motorcycle community as a way to empower and inspire others to follow their dreams and just keep shining! For the Month of October, our focus is Sanna Boman of San Diego, California.
Sanna lives with her dog Steve, cats Ninja and Turtle, and four motorcycles (two Harleys, a Royal Enfield, and a Honda). She’s the editor in chief at Roadtrippers and spends most of her days dreaming of and planning road trips. When she’s not working, she’s most likely riding to a national park or cool lake somewhere. Below are a few questions we’ve asked Sanna to get to know more about her moto journey:
What inspired you to ride a motorcycle?
I’m not really sure. I didn’t know a single person who rode motorcycles until after I started riding myself, it was just something I had to do. Way later I found out that my great grandmother was a badass moto babe who rode motorcycles in the 1910s, so turns out it was in my blood all along!
Where is your favorite element to visit on two wheels?
I love riding anywhere scenic, but I’m not picky. Some of my favorite things are national parks, mountain passes, big rocks, cool bridges, literally any body of water, steep canyons, deserts, and twisty roads.
Where is the furthest you have visited on your bike? Tell us about it!
The longest ride I’ve done on my bike was a cross-country road trip from San Diego to Canada and back a few years ago with three friends. It was really epic. We were crushing miles the entire trip but still managed to do a lot of amazing riding and see a lot of spectacular places.
What do you do to prepare for a road trip? What do you pack, etc?
I always prepare by making a detailed pack list on my phone that includes everything from gear to clothes to tools to snacks. That last part is really important—I’ve spent years perfecting my road trip snack game! Other than that I always bring layers and gear for multiple weather scenarios. Motorcycle road trips are unpredictable, and you never know when you’ll end up riding through a surprise rainstorm or over a snowy mountain pass. Also, I always bring a swimsuit.
What’s your typical day on the road look like?
I plan all my stops around meals (because eating is important), so the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning, while eating breakfast, is look for a place to stop for lunch. Then I’ll try to find the most interesting way to get there, whether that means taking the most scenic and twisty road or hitting up some weird roadside attractions along the way. Same thing after lunch—I’ll figure out where I’m having dinner and plan my route accordingly.
I know you recently built a Shovelhead. Please tell us about it!
So, I didn’t actually build the shovel. Here’s what happened: Several years ago, I bought a running ironhead that I took apart and built into a chopper. Once that was done, I realized I didn’t like it, so I sold it and bought a friend’s shovelhead instead. I’ve had that one for about 4 years now, and this past year it got a big makeover. It’ll probably never be completely done though, I think that’s always the case with choppers.
What is something interesting about yourself that you’d like to share with the world?
I grew up in Sweden and my whole family still lives there. I haven’t been back to visit in a while because of covid, but I’m trying to plan a big European motorcycle trip as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Do you have any advice for anyone who is new to riding?
Ride within your comfort zone and gradually start pushing your own limits. Don’t compare yourself to others or try to keep up/show off when riding with more experienced riders, it’s not worth it. Take a safety class and wear proper gear while you’re still learning (then do whatever you want).
Who is someone that inspires you and why?
I’m constantly inspired by all the amazing women who are doing cool things in the motorcycle community (including you!).
Where is somewhere that you’d highly suggest to go visit on a motorcycle?
I spent two weeks this summer riding through Alaska on my Royal Enfield Himalayan, and it was one of the most epic things I’ve ever done. I highly, HIGHLY recommend visiting Alaska, especially on an adventure bike or dual sport. It’s a magical place—rugged, intimidating, and just bonkers beautiful.
Thank you for talking the time to let us get to know you, Sanna! See ya on the road!
If you’d like to personally follow Sanna, and her continuous route, check out her instagram @cylinderella
