Woman takes her first motorcycle ride to her 101st birthday party

HOMER, Neb. (KTIV/Gray News) - A 101-year-old woman was surrounded by four generations of family as she arrived in style for her birthday party.

Clara Maurice took her first ride on a motorcycle Wednesday for her 101st birthday. She was all decked out in biker gear, including a leather jacket and helmet. Her family, including her great-great-niece, was along for the ride, KTIV reports.

“Really, I wasn’t that worried about it,” Maurice said with a smile. “Really, I didn’t worry about it.”

However, Karen Paulsen worried. She works as the activity director for Continental Springs, an assisted living facility, and was tasked with getting everything ready for Maurice’s big day.

“It’s such a relief that it all came together. It went well. People showed up,” Paulsen said.

One of those people was Tom Roberts. He volunteered to drive the Honda motorcycle after he was asked by a family friend.

“Her dream has always been to be on a motorcycle,” Roberts said. “The story goes that her late husband had no interest in motorcycles or anything. So, somehow, I’m here today.”

Roberts took Maurice out of South Sioux City down to Homer, Nebraska, where the procession sauntered through town, ending in a birthday celebration. Dozens of people packed into the St. Cornelius church, and those who know Maurice say that’s a testament to a life well lived.

“She’s very loved, friendly, outgoing, and she’s here for plenty more time,” said Selena Lara, an employee with Continental Springs.

Maurice summed up the experience for those who showed up to celebrate her, drawing laughter from the guests.

“Really, I felt like I was just going riding with someone,” she said.

Now, Maurice rides to her 102nd birthday. For that, her family says they might take her on a train or even a plane.