When Meghann Rice lost her brother, Evan, her world turned upside down. Evan wasn’t just her brother — he was her confidant, a constant source of joy, and the one who made life brighter. His sudden passing left her grappling with profound grief, unanswered questions, and an overwhelming void.
In her search for healing, she found an unexpected source of comfort: motorcycling.
Meghann had never considered herself a motorcyclist. But six months before Evan passed, he took her on a ride as his passenger on his 1985 Honda CB650 — a moment that became one of her most cherished memories. After his death, she learned he had left the bike to her.
Determined to honor his legacy, she took on the challenge of riding. She first learned on a Kawasaki Z125, quickly mastering it, and eventually upgraded to her Z400, affectionately named “Shego.” As she gained confidence on two wheels, the act of riding became more than just a skill — it became a way to feel close to Evan.
One of Evan’s favorite places to ride was along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Waterrock Knob. He often hiked to the top to take in the breathtaking views. Meghann now retraces those same roads, finding solace in the landscapes that her brother loved so much.
While Rice has found healing on her own motorcycle, she also dreams of restoring Evan’s 1985 Honda CB650 to its former glory. For her, it’s more than a bike. It’s a piece of her brother’s spirit.
“Working on it feels like another way to keep his memory alive,” she said. “I want to ride it and imagine him right there with me.”
Restoring the bike is no small task, but Meghann said she is determined. She hopes to find others who share her passion for motorcycles and would be willing to lend a hand with the project.
The road has become her therapy. The focus required to ride leaves no room for the endless questions and pain that once consumed her. The hum of the engine, the rush of wind, and the meditative rhythm of the ride bring moments of clarity and peace.
“Riding connects me to Evan,” she said. “It’s a way to keep his memory alive and feel his presence with me.”
Her journey also introduced her to a welcoming community of motorcyclists, many of whom shared their own stories of loss and healing. Knowing she wasn’t alone offered her strength to keep moving forward.
As Rice continues to heal, she said she feels a calling to channel her grief into action. She dreams of organizing a charity ride in Evan’s honor to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Western North Carolina, with its winding roads and stunning scenery, would be the perfect setting for such an event.
“I’d love to bring riders together for a cause that’s so close to my heart,” she said. “But I know I can’t do it alone. I’d welcome anyone who could help me organize the ride and make it a reality.”
Her rides are more than personal journeys — they are acts of advocacy. Every mile she rides raises awareness, every event she dreams of organizing serves as a beacon of hope, and every conversation she has reminds others that they are not alone.
“It’s OK not to be OK. Reach out. Talk to someone. You’re not alone,” she said.
For Rice, every ride is a tribute to Evan — a way to carry his memory forward while advocating for hope and healing. Whether she’s riding her Kawasaki Z400 or working toward restoring Evan’s Honda CB650, each step is a testament to her resilience and love for her brother.
