Chrissy Hatter didn’t grow up in a biker family but says, “the thrill for speed is definitely in my DNA.” She attributes that to her father, who loved anything fast — especially cars. Unfortunately, he died when she was young.
Her best friend’s father stepped in as her mentor, introducing her to four-wheelers, dirt bikes, go-karts, muscle cars, and, eventually, motorcycles. His teaching style was what she calls “trial by fire,” often throwing the two friends into tough situations that forced them to prepare for anything.
Hatter remembers being 13 and stuck on a private road with her friend and a motorcycle in 6 inches of gravel. Her friend’s father told them to navigate back to the main road, which they eventually did, and he was there waiting for them. In retrospect, it may have seemed harsh, but Hatter says it taught her resilience, self-reliance, and the art of problem-solving. “It wasn’t just about learning to ride,” she says. “It was about learning how to handle whatever came your way.”
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This confidence and love of riding has translated into Hatter’s adult life with the opening of her store, Iron & Clover Motorcycle Mercantile, located in Moneta next to Food Lion. The “iron” in the name represents the motorcycle, as in iron horse, and “clover” signifies good luck that every rider aspires to possess.
Hatter launched Iron & Clover online in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The business started mainly as a solution to her frustration with not being able to find riding apparel that she liked. “I’d go looking for gear and come up short; either it didn’t fit, didn’t feel right, or just wasn’t my style,” she says. “I knew I wasn’t the only one who wanted badass gear without breaking the bank.”
The business later transitioned into an events trailer, and Hatter would travel to motorcycle and car shows selling her wares. The brick and mortar store, which opened in April, is her latest endeavor. “It took over three years of building, hustling, and dreaming big,” she says.
The shop sells a variety of motorcycle accessories, including helmets, skull masks, weather gear, T-shirts, leather apparel, saddle bags, sunglasses, jewelry, maintenance fluids, and more.
The store is also a place where people can connect with one another and share their love of riding. “I used the online store and event trailer to build the foundation,” Hatter says, “but the goal was always to open the doors and say, ‘Welcome; you belong here.’” The welcome has been received with an “unreal” level of positive feedback, she says. “Riders, locals — even non-riders — come in and say, ‘I’m so glad this place exists.’”
Tara and Chip Abbott of Goodview agree that Iron & Clover is a needed asset in the community. Tara, who has been a fan of Hatter’s since they first met at an event, appreciates the proximity of the business to her home and has regularly brought other customers into the shop. Chip, now in his 50s, has been riding motorcycles since he was 8 years old. He is president of the newly formed Smith Mountain Lake chapter of ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) of Virginia, a motorcycle organization whose mission is to promote motorcycle safety and awareness. The club recently inducted 21 new members, ranging in age from 20 to 60.
Chip says there is a growing motorcycle community in the area, and Iron & Clover came along at just the right time. With increased interest in the hobby, it’s convenient that shoppers no longer have to travel to Roanoke or Lynchburg to purchase gear.
Supporting the community is also part of owning the business, Hatter says. She’s sponsored rides in the past and looks forward to partnering with the new motorcycle club on more events in the future. “Giving back is part of what this shop stands for,” she says.
Iron & Clover Motorcycle Mercantile is located at 14807 Moneta Road, Suite A, Moneta. Store hours are Wednesday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. For more information call 520-678-9499 or visit ironandclover.com.
