FW FEATURE
W
Born to ride
wild and free
By Jet Hall
With the increase in women motorcycle riders, we thought
who better to interview than one of the owners of Born to Ride
Media, Debbie Galletti. Debbie and her husband Ron launched
Born to Ride Media in 1995, beginning with the Born to Ride television
show, which is the longest
running biker TV show, then developing
the Born to Ride Magazine
in 2004. The business has evolved
through the years to include several
other print and digital publications,
social media, a You-Tube channel,
safety videos and more. Born
to Ride Motorcycle Magazine is a
monthly publication that is one of
the most popular biker magazines
in America. Currently in 2 markets
(Florida and Southeast GA, AL, TN,
NC & SC), documents the biker lifestyle
in a proper manner. It covers
motorcycle events, rallies, concerts,
rides, charity events, motorcycle
news and more. This power couple
has just aired their 1200th TV show
and published 182 issues in Florida
alone.
Deb Galletti, VP,
Born to Ride Media Co.
We wanted to know more about the woman behind the
scenes and what drives women to be part of what used to be
predominately a “man’s sport”.
Debbie grew up in Ohio and was always on the back of her
moms’ motorcycle, so she was already prepped to be where her
life has led her. During high school she met Ron, who asked her if
she would like to go riding. Of course the answer was yes. Since
that day, they have been together, married for over 30 years with
two children, who just so happen to have the same passion as
their parents. And who wouldn’t? Growing up in the motorcycle
environment had to have been an exciting experience.
Her husband Ron was working at Universal Studios, co-producing
TV shows, but was always involved in motorcycles. He
had the idea of producing their own motorcycle show. Debbie
was working in the insurance business at the time, but they decided
to go for it, and by 1995, they took the plunge. And Debbie
became a full time business owner alongside her husband.
Their kids have learned a lot too. The Gallettis took them
everywhere and involved them in the motorcycle community.
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what it can do for communities and charity. It provided a great
work ethic, with both son and daughter helping out in the business,
as needed, while they grew.
“It’s an exciting time for motorcyclists. Called the Pink Collar
Market, Women and Motorcycles have become the fastest
growing market,” says Debbie. Dealerships traditionally catered
to men buying motorcycles, but now things have changed. When
men purchased motorcycles it was quite common that the packs
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unfortunately missed the point on marketing to women. They
came up with two bikes for women that supposedly were lower
to the ground and lighter. This was a misnomer. Even a man
can’t pick up a motorcycle. What they found is that women don’t
want a girl motorcycle. They want the power. They want the real
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jority of decision makers, and can make their own choices, they
are now treated with respect. “Women are purchasing these 20-
30 thousand dollar bikes, taking the class and with no fear, hitting
the streets! A brave thing to do,” she says with enthusiasm.
But why ride? “Some women are in it for the sheer joy of
riding, the freedom of the ride, riding with their spouses or sig-
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all have their reasons. Some are empty nesters, widows, similar
to quilting circles (that seem to be making a comeback) they enjoy
each other’s company, traveling together. Some are into the
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very popular lifestyle with motorcyclist riders also.”
Deb continues, “there is a brotherhood that exists among rid-
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There are ethnic groups such as the Latin American Motorcycle
Association, Christian riders. There is the Stilettos on Wheels organization
which is a national organization for women. On International
Female Ride Day, simultaneously, all across the globe,
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The Galletti family.
14 • MAY/JUNE 2019 813.682.9364 ��������������������������������������������