From growing up watching her dad race on motorcycles to getting on one at age 12, Elisa Gendron-Belen has turned her passion into a profession.

“This is my main suit at the moment. I’m sponsored by Bison Track, so they made this really nice custom suit for me,” Gendron-Belen said.

The motorcycle racer competes in the National Championship Cup series along the east coast. But on a recent day, she said you have to be prepared for inclement weather.

“This is the bike we’ll be using today in the rain," Gendron-Belen said. "It’s almost an identical setup to my dry bike. But we’ve got rain tires on it currently, so this gives me a lot more grip on the track. It makes for a lot more safer conditions.”

She said she’s on the track every week, practicing and keeping her body in shape because it is a physical sport.

“The bikes are really heavy. It weighs twice as much as I do. I’m turning it back and forth, using my whole body weight, so it’s definitely very physical," Gendron-Belen said. "Racers definitely have to stay in shape. You have to have a good diet. I am on the rowing team at school just so I can get a workout in every morning.” 

Being a female in a predominately male sport can be challenging when it comes to establishing yourself, she said.

“Work twice as hard, kind of be twice as respectable in the pact. I try not to goof off as much, you know, pulling stunts on the mini bikes, stuff like that," she said. "To kind of set a basis for a little more respect and for people to look at me as a legit racer.”

Having her dad, who was a professional racer, as her coach and mentor makes things better.

“We talk about race craft, you know different tracks. Every day, we watch the races, the pro races together. It’s really good because we can travel together, have a lot of discussions,” Gendron-Belen said.

“She came to me one day and said, 'dad, I want to ride on the race track,' recalled Bruce Gendron. "We got her a bike and, of course, it gives you a bit of anxiety. Even though I’ve done it for years, I still know the risks. I’ve been hurt over the years here and there, some crashes.”

He said he was nervous at first about his daughter competing in an extreme sport, but he also recognized her talent and love for the sport.

“It’s been great to have that to pass on and to do as a family activity,” Bruce Gendron said.

The risks may be high, but it’s worth the ride.

Gendron-Belen represents Puerto Rico in the Italika Women’s Cup Series, which takes place this summer in Mexico.