CRYSTAL MARTINEZ
International traveler, ER nurse, teacher, and now road racer, Crystal Martinez from Thousand Oaks, California, has covered a lot of ground in her life. From growing up riding horses and dirt bikes in Southern California, Crystal moved to South Korea to be an English teacher at age 22. It was then she began to utilize two wheels as a primary mode of transportation, and also where her passion for motorcycles was awakened.
“The monotony of daily travel turned into a daily adventure,” Crystal said. “I spent as much free time as I could exploring the country and it allowed me to connect with fellow riders.”
Three years later Crystal moved back to the U.S. and pursued a nursing degree. Today the 34-year-old works as an ER nurse while also spending as much time at the track as possible, recently trying her hand at racing, which has elevated her passion to a new level.
“I’ve only had the time (and nerves) to race two times, but the feeling I got was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” said Crystal. “I’m so excited to participate in the BTR series. Seeing these other women from all walks of life who not only raced but built their own bikes is nothing short of inspirational and I hope I can inspire women in the same way.”
