Member Number: 31
Vehicle: 2020 Ram 1500 Limited  a.k.a. Samson
Motorcycles: 2015 BMW R 1200 GS  a.k.a. Sexy Beast;
2009 Yamaha 250 XT a.k.a. Junior
Location: Hastings, MN

Favorite Gear: 4 Patriots solar generator
Hobbies: Motorcycles, rock climbing, bodybuilding, firearms/personal protection training, off-road overlanding adventures
Quote: “The Happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” Marcus Aurelius

MEMBER BIO:

Hey what’s up everyone, it’s Mary Langenfeld here. Let me share with you a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in Hastings, MN. I am the youngest and only girl of four older brothers. My parents were deeply religious and believed that television was a negative influence on children. We grew up without a tv set in the house, so we had no choice but to play and venture outside. As a young girl I was intrigued and loved being in the outdoors. My favorite book as a child was My Side of the Mountain. I spent the summers exploring the Mississippi river and the various lakes in the area. I enjoyed spending summer vacations in Northern Minnesota, especially the B.W.C.A. (Boundary Waters Canoe Area).

Growing up school was difficult and not easy for me. I struggled with learning the different subject matter areas. In fifth grade I was diagnosed with a learning disability. With arduous work and determination, I overcame my learning disability to a great extent, and in 1988 graduated from Hastings Senior High School. I attended the University of Minnesota and earned a B.S. degree in Human Relations in 1995. After working for a year at a residential adolescent shelter, I decided to go back to pursue a master’s degree in Education from the University of Minnesota.

I have always enjoyed motorcycles and off-road vehicles. In the summer of 1997, I attended a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider course to learn how to ride a motorcycle. I passed the class and received my motorcycle endorsement. Because I love riding so much and enjoy teaching, I decided to pursue becoming a Motorcycle Instructor. In 1999 I attended a weeklong Instructor training program. I earned my MSF Instructor Certification and for the pasted 24 years I have been spending my summers teaching others the skills they need to be safe and confident riders.

In 2007, I became certified with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a Behavior Detection Officer (BDO). I worked with the TSA K-9 Officers performing checkpoint screening, random screening of airplanes, as well as insider threat operations. It was an incredibly stressful job with long hours and years of sleep deprivation. In June of 2021, I resigned my position with TSA, and I have decided to solely focus on teaching motorcycle classes.

I have always been a very physical person. I played sports all threw junior high and high school. The main sports I was interested in were basketball, softball, and track. Since I could remember I was fascinated by bodybuilding and training in the weight room. I lifted all through my high school and college years. Being physically fit has always been extremely important to me. Growing up I enjoyed looking at bodybuilding magazines and the incredible physiques that were on display. In 2002 when I was living in Colorado, I decided to compete in a natural bodybuilding contest. I won my division and the overall title of Ms. Colorado. I earned my Pro Card in 2004 and competed in New York at the World Championships where I placed third. I enjoyed competing and the discipline it taught me was incredible.

So, in finishing up here. I hope to meet many of you fellow 4Xrs soon. Adventuring and exploring this amazing country is never ending. So, until we meet in person. Take care and stay classy!