WIMA Victoria: Discovering Motorbikes: 2

Discovering Motorbikes: 2

My introduction to motorcycling came courtesy of a undaunted German tourist, riding a huge BMW, who picked me up while hitchhiking on a holiday in Greece. I say undaunted because he wasn't phased by my lack of helmet—he simply took his off and gave it to me—nor by my huge and heavy backpack which he strapped onto his sturdy stead with ease. I was 18 years old at the time, and ended up riding all around the Pellopones with him. This was really travelling!

After having such a wonderful experience, I used to pester everyone I knew to give me a ride on the back of their motorcycle. My brother rode a motorcycle, but I didn't gain much early inspiration from him since I hardly saw him—he was (and still is), living in France. A few years ago some of my friends were planning a trip through the Australian outback: a 6 week jaunt taking them along the Canning Stock Route, to Fitzroy Crossing and all the way to Darwin. Being such an arduous trip, in pretty rough country, they wouldn't have taken kindly to any suggestion that I accompany them. However, on hearing about their plans, my brother came over to Australia, bought a Tengai, and joined them on their adventure. I was green with envy.

Missing out on what turned out to be a fantastic, fun trip motivated me to get my own motorcycle license. I'd heard about HART and can report that their learner's course was first class in all respects. I particularly appreciated being able to use their training area for practise before taking to the road.

I've been riding for almost three years now. I've got a little CB250 and my brother's Tengai (which is a bit awkward for riding in town, but which I'm happy to ride in non-urban conditions). After many weekends of riding while my partner followed in the car, he's finally gotten his motorcycle license as well!

I'm planning on doing an around-Australia trip in June or July next year, and I'd love to hear from any WIMA women who'd be interested in joining me, even for parts of the trip. I haven't planned the route yet (if I end up riding alone, I'll probably minimise travelling through remote bush areas), so if you're interested, please let me know (via the editor). In the meantime I'm trying to equip myself with as much mechanical knowledge as possible. I've just finished the Barton TAFE motorcycle maintenance course which has been really helpful, but of course I'd like to know more.

Catherine Kiss