I’m Debbie — a 54-year-old off-grid woman living in Talkeetna, Alaska. My days are filled with work, caring for others, tending my cabin, splitting kindling, and keeping life running on solar panels and determination. For years, I carried everything alone… and somewhere in all those responsibilities, I slowly lost my spark.
But here’s the beautiful part:
Sometimes the smallest things — like splitting kindling — can remind you of the fire that still lives inside.
As I broke apart pieces of wood, I realized I was doing the same inside myself… clearing space, shedding old burdens, making room for something new. That’s when a long-buried passion returned.
After 20 years of not riding, I decided to get back on a motorcycle — a bike as classic and stubborn as I am: the Suzuki DR650. Watching "The Long Way Round" lit the first spark… and each ride since has fed the flame.
This video is about choosing adventure after 50, about proving to myself that nothing will hold me back — not fear, not age, not the voices saying I’m too old, too big, not strong enough... I ride anyway.
As a woman who handles everything alone — work, family, elder care, the home — this journey is my way of reclaiming the joy, freedom, courage, and me-time I lost along the way.
If you’ve ever felt worn down, invisible, or disconnected from yourself, I hope my story reminds you of this:
Your spark is never gone.
It just needs (re-) kindling.
Thanks for riding with me.
Debbie Norden
Solo Female Rider • Over 50 • Alaska • DR650
"Reignited at 54"
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