The following is an interview with biker Sanet Geldenhuys from Gauteng, South Africa. This is part of a series of interviews with female bikers around the world. Each woman was asked general questions about herself and her interests as well as about challenges they face as a female biker.
What is your name, age and current occupation?
Sanet Geldenhuys, 35, business consultant (self employed)
When did you first fall in love with bikes?
2000
Do you remember your first ride?
Yes.
What was the first bike you owned?
BMW F650GS
Do you race or do you just ride for fun?
Ride for fun.
What is the hardest thing about being female and being a biker?
People think you are “tough” and not lady-like at all, albeit one doing biking because of a passion for the two wheels and not because you wanted to compromise your femininity.
What kinds of challenges do you face while riding?
A couple of technical matters (mostly). Whenever I ride with people and I, for instance, feel uncomfortable with their speed, I slow down and ride the speed that I feel comfy with – group pressure does therefore not affect me.
What lessons have you learned while pursuing your dream?
Why have I always thought that bikers are trash :-) … and did not join the biking community before 2000!!!
What advice do you have for young girls who want to ride?
Get training from professionals and wear your gear (always).
What was your happiest moment?
To ride solo (albeit me still enjoying the pillion thing occasionally).
**Special thanks to Ben at my2wheels.co.za for hooking me up with these interviews!
