1937 ~ 2019

Born in 1937, 14-year old Barbara Brewster met 18-year old Jerry Manka in her hometown of Pueblo, Colorado.  Like his father and grandfather, he rode a motorcycle, and that led to Barb’s first motorcycle ride. She loved it, and it was the beginning of a lifelong adventure with both Jerry and motorcycles.   2 years later, Barbara got her first bike.  The following year, they married.  Their son, Ricky was born in 1956, followed by daughters Terra (1957) and Reena (1959). 

Barb and Jerry’s enthusiasm for motorcycles was passed along to their children.  Everything they did as a family revolved around motorcycles.  Camping trips included trail rides.  That enjoyment of riding continues to this day in their children, as Ricky and Reena still ride in competition, and Terra and her husband, Jerry Kraettli ride as often as possible.

In those early years, the Manka family lived in Pueblo, where they opened a motorcycle shop, Manka Motors, in 1960.  Barbara also worked for the US Postal Service.  In 1962, as a result of the Equal Rights Act of the Kennedy administration, she became the first female mail carrier in the states of the Four Corners area.    She retired from the postal service after 42 years in both Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

In 1969, the family moved to Colorado Springs.  Barb and Jerry bought a Yamaha dealership, Central Cycle Shoppe, at the corner of N. Circle and Union. This became a gathering place for local motorcycle enthusiasts.

Over the next 5 decades, Barb did more than just ride–she was a pioneer and legend when it came to women in motorcycling, both locally and nationally.  She was a member of dozens of local motorcycling organizations including the British Motorcycle Association of Colorado, Colorado Springs Touring Club, Bikers United for America, Women on Wheels, and AMA. 

She volunteered for many women’s motorcycling organizations and rides.  She rode more than half a million miles on 2 wheels. In recent years, when it became too difficult for her to ride a 2-wheel motorcycle, she got a Can-Am Spyder, and kept right on riding!

One of the honors she received for her tireless work and dedication to the cause included being inducted into the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in 2004.

In 2016, she served at the Grand Marshal of the 30th Annual POW/MIA Recognition Ride, leading over 1,000 motorcycles from Woodland Park to Cripple Creek. That same year she was awarded the coveted Uncle Bud Yates Memorial Award for service in the local motorcycling community.

In 2014, Barbara began one more act of service by volunteering at Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique, a local non-profit thrift store co-founded by her daughter, Terra.  It supports local animal rescue groups, another cause dear to Barbara’s heart.  She ran the cash register and enjoyed talking with the customers and telling them about the store’s mission.  She quickly became a favorite of both customers and fellow volunteers. For a long time, people knew she was there when her bright yellow Can-Am was parked out front.

One great thing about Barbara Manka—just about everybody called her “Mom!”  Her generous heart touched many people’s lives, and she will be sorely missed by the hundreds of people who got to know her over the years, and who considered her family.

In addition to her husband, Jerry Manka, she is survived by her son, Ricky Manka (partner Lori Peterson) and his children Alan and Tessa; daughter Terra Kraettli (husband Jerry); daughter Reena Manka and her sons Mike and Marcus, and 5 great grandchildren (Erin, Madisyn, Donovan,  Amilliana, and Arabella).

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Sunday, June 23 at 11:00 at Pikes Peak Biker Church, 1318 N. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum (PO Box 1153, Monument Colorado, 80132).