Deb Butitta

Deb’s Road to Freedom: A Lifetime of Passion for Motorcycles and Advocacy

Born and raised in Rockford, IL, Deb’s journey into the world of motorcycles began in a modest family-owned radiator repair shop. Every Saturday, engines roared as motorcycles lined the streets, sparking a fascination in young Deb. By high school, she was already riding on the back of her boyfriend’s bike, and in 1971, she took her first big step into the world of motorcycles with the purchase of a Yamaha 125 Enduro.

Though Deb paused her riding days to raise her daughter, Leslie, her love for motorcycles never waned. Once Leslie was grown, Deb finally rewarded herself with the Harley she had always dreamed of: a 1990 Harley-Davidson Springer Softail. It was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that would see her immerse herself in the motorcycle community and become a champion for riders' rights.

In the same year she bought her Springer Softail, Deb attended an ABATE of AZ Yavapai Chapter meeting in Prescott, AZ. That meeting ignited a passion for the freedom and camaraderie of the motorcycle lifestyle. Over the years, Deb became involved in numerous motorcycle organizations, including the Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona, ABATE of Colorado, Freedom of the Road Riders in Missouri, the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). However, her heart has always remained with her home chapter at ABATE of AZ, where she’s held a variety of leadership positions, including Chapter PAC Officer for 14 years and Chapter Coordinator.

One of Deb’s notable contributions to the Arizona motorcycle scene was helping organize the "Too Broke for Sturgis" event in Prescott from 1994-98, which has since become a local legend. Her dedication to the motorcycling community led her to join the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) in 1994, eventually serving on the Board of Directors and holding key positions, including Corporate Secretary for eight years.

In 1998, Deb’s entrepreneurial spirit came to life when she and her brother Chuck opened an aftermarket motorcycle shop called the Electric Hog in downtown Prescott, AZ. While Chuck ran the shop, Deb managed the business side, setting up 30 distributor accounts and stocking the largest inventory of motorcycle parts in the area. The Electric Hog serviced bikes and even built custom motorcycles from the ground up. Though Chuck closed the shop in 2010 to work at the local VA Hospital, Deb’s involvement in the motorcycle world continued.

Deb’s leadership didn’t stop at the state level. 

In 2001, she became the first Designated Lobbyist for the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (AZCMC), advocating for motorcyclists' rights and ensuring that riders’ voices were heard in legislative matters. Her influence extended to founding the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness and Education Board of Directors in 2008, where she now serves as Chairman, guiding efforts to promote rider education and safety.

In addition to her extensive motorcycle advocacy, Deb has had a successful career in commercial real estate since 1983. As a self-employed broker since 1988, she has used her professional skills to support the motorcycle organizations she’s passionate about.

Deb’s garage today tells the story of her enduring love for two wheels. Her collection includes a 2005 V-ROD, a 2009 Nightster, and a 2018 Low Rider, along with her Polaris RZR for off-road adventures.

Deb’s life is a testament to her unwavering dedication to motorcycling. Whether through advocacy, community events, or her own personal rides, she embodies the spirit of freedom that motorcycling represents. For Deb, riding is not just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle, and her passion for the open road and giving back to the community continues to inspire riders everywhere.

"As motorcyclists, it’s our job to educate riders and drivers on sharing the road," Deb says, a mantra she’s lived by for decades. And she shows no signs of slowing down.