What first got you into biking?
Since 2006 I began to hang around with a lot of people who were bikers. My local pub was a biker pub. In 2008 I moved abroad and had lots of biker friends there too so in 2011 when I came home I booked my test and have never looked back. Riding a bike is very different to being a pillion. I’m in control and I decide how to ride.
What does biking mean to you?
Freedom and belonging.
Freedom from traffic jams. Freedom to park (for free). Freedom to think. Freedom to be anonymous (whilst I’ve got my lid on). Freedom to choose how I ride my bike. I have nothing to prove to anyone. It’s just me, myself and my ninja.
Having a shared interest with so many other people is great. I love hearing stories of other people’s biking adventures or hearing about rally’s home and abroad. It’s an instant sense of belonging. For most people who ride, it doesn’t matter what you ride as long it’s two wheels.
What was it that made you choose the bike you have now?
I chose the ninja 250 as I’m a bit of shortie. The ninja is nippy and light and easy to manoeuvre without feeling over baring. She’s quite pretty too. She just a sexy bike and i connect with her.
What judgement have you faced whilst being a biker?
I once had a guy come to buy a treadmill. It was in the garage. As I was getting the treadmill out from the side of my bike he said “be careful, you don’t want to scratch his bike”. I duly informed him I would take care not to scratch MY bike.
When I got to bike meets people I don’t know automatically assume I’m riding pillion. They are surprised when they learn I have my own bike.
