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For Kim Shelley, Mortgage Loan Professional at First Federal Bank, some of life's best memories have been made on two wheels. Whether it's a scenic evening ride through Southern Idaho or a cross-country adventure with her husband, every trip offers the chance to get on the bike, take in the scenery, and enjoy the open road.

"It's just different than traveling in a car," Kim says. "The smells, the colors—everything is more vibrant when you're on a motorcycle. You notice so much more of what's around you."

Kim and her husband ride a Harley-Davidson, a motorcycle they chose for its iconic style, unmistakable sound, and dependable handling.

"They're very roadworthy and balanced; better than just about any motorcycle on the road," she says. "For a bike its size, it feels incredibly stable."

While Kim didn't grow up riding motorcycles, her husband has ridden his entire life. Through him, she discovered a love for traveling by motorcycle and quickly realized it wasn't just about the destination, it was about experiencing every mile along the way.

For anyone considering buying their first motorcycle, Kim has one piece of advice: don't buy more bike than you're ready for.

"Make sure it's comfortable and that you can handle it. Don't get something that's too big."

Like any recreational vehicle, motorcycles require routine maintenance and care, but Kim says the memories they create are well worth the effort.

One of her favorite adventures took her and her husband to the Black Hills of South Dakota. The winding roads, towering pine forests, and iconic landmarks make it one of her favorite places to ride. While many travelers visit Mount Rushmore, Kim also recommends stopping at the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, where the massive mountain carving continues to honor the Lakota leader. Between the scenic highways and breathtaking views, it's a destination she would recommend to any rider.

Another unforgettable ride took them through Red Lodge, Montana, and across the scenic Beartooth Highway. As they climbed thousands of feet in elevation, the landscape transformed from warm summer weather into snow-covered peaks.

"You go from warm weather to riding past snowcaps and mountain goats. It's absolutely breathtaking."

The couple stopped for lunch in a small mountain town tucked between the mountain passes before making the trip back down. On the return ride, they encountered one of the heaviest rainstorms they've ever experienced.

"When rain hits you on a motorcycle, it feels like you're getting snapped in the face by every raindrop," Kim says with a laugh. "It definitely wasn't comfortable, but it's something we'll never forget."

While those longer road trips stand out, some of Kim's favorite rides are much closer to home. Her favorite Idaho route winds through Ketchum, Smiley Creek, Stanley, and Lowman, offering sweeping mountain views, winding rivers, and some of the most scenic highways the state has to offer.

"It's one of the prettiest rides in Idaho."

Not every ride requires a vacation, though. Sometimes the best memories are the simple ones. After work, Kim and her husband will often hop on the motorcycle, take the back roads, enjoy dinner together, and ride home while soaking in Idaho's beautiful scenery.

"We always take the back roads because you get to enjoy the views."

For Kim, those quiet rides together are what make owning a motorcycle so rewarding.

"It's very liberating to be on a motorcycle," she says. "You just sit back, take it all in, and enjoy the ride."

Whether you're dreaming about weekend rides through Idaho or planning your own cross-country adventure, the right motorcycle can open the door to unforgettable experiences. When you're ready to hit the road, First Federal's recreational vehicle loans can help you finance your next adventure.