My Other Life: Claudia Iacovetto, biker

You could call her a biker-philanthropist. And a nail tech, of course. Claudia Iacovetto, owner of C-C My Nails in Newcastle, Wyo., has been riding motorcycles since she was a kid. “I grew up
in the lifestyle,” she says. “My father rode his whole life, as did my grandfather since he came home from World War II.

“I am involved with a local group of enthusiasts called Northeast Wyoming ABATE, which stands for American Bikers Against Totalitarian Enactments or American Bikers Aiming Toward Education — whichever you prefer,” says Iacovetto, who is the local contact for the charities division of the group. “We support the area’s Operation Santa group, headed by local law enforcement officers, and provide one new toy for every qualified child in my county as well as five other counties. This year, I shopped for 192 kids from 3 months to 17 years old. Among other activities, we work with the local Kiwanis to provide winter coats and with the local school districts to provide school supplies to those in need.”

Since an accident (not bike-related) left her partially disabled a few years back, Iacovetto doesn’t get to ride as much as she used to, but still finds the time to put a couple thousand miles on her 2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy every year. “When I can’t ride my own, I can usually be found behind my husband on his bike,” she says. “Our two dogs, Cheba and Chico, ride with us just about everywhere we go and have their own goggles and biker gear.”

She uses her time on the road to think and reflect. “I love the feeling of freedom it gives me to feel the wind on my skin. And I guess the saying is true: You never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist’s office.”