La Revista Mujer

Motoamerica has been one event I follow for years at Cota, but the lessos in COTA I learned after my ride experience at 160MPH with a Suzuki Superbike this year were memorable.

I’ve always been impulsive. Not in a reckless way, but in a way that leads me down unplanned roads, creating ventures without a safety net, booking spontaneous trips, trusting intuition over strategy. But skydiving, roller coasters, or racing on a superbike? Never once made my bucket list.

And yet, there I was: suiting up in full-body armor, preparing to ride at 160 mph as a passenger on a professional Suzuki superbike, led by none other than MotoAmerica pro racer Chris Ulrich.

This wasn’t a coincidence. I’ve always believed the universe sends signs when we’re ready. Lately, I’ve been dreaming about horses, wild, running horses. I told a friend recently, “I feel like a horse in full sprint.” Hours later, I was on the phone with Danielle Becker, a writer for La Revista Mujer, who had done this ride last year. She asked if I wanted to try it this year.

Maybe in another moment, I would’ve said no. But that day? It was a hell yes.

The Ride That Wasn’t Planned

The morning of the ride felt like any other. I said a quick prayer. Pulled a tarot card; 10 of Cups, which signifies joy, emotional alignment, and celebration. I took that as a green light from the universe.

I picked up our amazing editor Lilia Davis and talented photographer Lauren Sanders, and we headed to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) here in Austin, my favorite venue in the world. I’ve never missed an F1 race since they launched here. The energy at COTA is electric, fast, intense, and emotional. MotoAmerica carries that same energy, and it felt like I belonged.

A GLIMSE BEHIIND THE SCENES

Once we arrived, we met the MotoAmerica media team and the passionate folks from Team Suzuki. The experience is organized by Chris Ulrich’s team to give media guests a true taste of superbike racing, and they’re pros at making you feel safe and empowered.

I got measured for the full racing suit, an intense process. The boots were stiff, the gloves tight, the helmet secure, and the back protector felt like body armor. Everything must fit you exactly. Safety first, always.

Chris was calm, collected, and kind. He told me stories of people he’s ridden with, including a 90-year-old woman. That gave me comfort. His energy was grounded, and I knew I was in good hands.

WOMEN BELONG HERE TOO

Before I suited up, I met Mandy Curi, a freelance sports journalist covering the event. I admired her immediately. We chatted briefly, and I felt inspired. It always moves me to see women like Patricia Fernandez motorcycle pro racer, in spaces that traditionally belonged to men, not because we want to be men, but because we deserve joy, adrenaline, and opportunities too all while keeping our femininity, our lens, our power.

Lauren snapped behind-the-scenes shots, and Lilia helped zip me into the suit. It was a team effort, full of laughs and nerves.

THE MOMENT

It was nearly 90°F that day. We were sweating, anxious, and full of anticipation. I was rider #4. If you’re into numerology, you’ll know that four represents structure and stability, another reassuring sign for me.

When it was my turn, I walked through the pit lane, right next to Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 garage. Just being in that space, surrounded by engineers, racers, and media teams, felt surreal. The energy was pure adrenaline.

Before I got on the bike, a woman from the crew, who had been checking on everyone, making sure we felt okay and stayed hydrated, stopped me. She looked me directly in the eyes and said, “Don’t forget to breathe.” 

That one sentence grounded me. Her presence was calm, nurturing, and strong, the kind of quiet leadership that holds everything together behind the scenes. It gave me the exact confidence I needed to let go and enjoy the ride.

And then… we launched.

Straight down the track at 160 mph, the wind was wild. I thought the curves would scare me, but they didn’t. They felt better than the straightaways. I had to hold on tighter, yes, but in that tension, I found release.

WHAT I LEARNED

Trust is everything.

You can’t control the road. You can’t slow down time. You can’t always be in the driver’s seat. But you can trust your instincts, say yes to unexpected experiences, and hold on for the ride, even when it feels like everything’s moving too fast.

I didn’t need this on my bucket list for it to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Thank you to Team Suzuki, Chris Ulrich, the MotoAmerica team, and La Revista Mujer for making it happen.

And to the wild horse inside me—I see you, I hear you, I’m riding with you now

By: Pamela Torres

Photos by: Lauren Larsen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAMELA TORRES is a creative entrepreneur, event curator, and founder of The Offline Social, a community in Austin redefining how singles connect through real-life experiences. With a background in fashion, tech, and wellness, Pamela is known for turning bold ideas into meaningful moments. Whether she’s hosting a rooftop mixer, launching a digital platform, or riding a superbike at 160 mph, she believes in living fully, trusting intuition, and breaking the mold, always with heart and purpose. Pamela Torres is an associate contributor for La Revista Mujer. Follow Pamela here.