The following is an interview with biker Skinny 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 & current occupation?
Skinny (29), I’m trying to open a bike shop (www.tankgirls.co.za) & hope to race Thunder Bikes next year. Up till now I worked as an IT consultant in SAP software & I’m a qualified geologist.
When did you first fall in love with bikes?
About 3 years ago when my x said that women should not ride bikes¦ J I woke up one morning & decided to loose the boyf & get a bike. Walked into Linex Yamaha & saw this beaut of a blue R6. Had no idea how to ride it¦ didn’t even know what a gear was!!!
Do you remember your first ride?
On my own??? I stalled it 3 times on the highway on my way home¦ The second day I dropped it!
What was the first bike you owned?
Billy-Bob the Yamaha R6 (2003) – still have him! I’ve now changed him to a track bike & also bought myself a KTM 950. Both of them are pink!
Do you race or do you just ride for fun?
Gonna race Thunder Bikes next year – hopefully!!! My times on Zwartkops Raceway are currently standing at 1 min 16. I should get it down to 1 min 11 before next year.
I also prefer to commute daily on my KTM, I enjoy the Sunday morning breakfast runs to Harties & I live for the rallies!!!
What is the hardest thing about being female & being a biker?
Trying to fit a bottle of Jack Daniels between my boobs under my leathers¦
I’ve honestly not experienced one day of troubles on my bikes other than the usually traffic situation in Jo’burg that we all encounter on a daily basis.
What kinds of challenges do you face while riding?
Cagers [vehicles] & pedestrians¦ They just DON’T look!!! On a positive note – the KK’s [police] handle us on a WHOLE different basis
What lessons have you learned while pursuing your dream?
LOTS:
Don’t be scared!
Look up!
Put your side-stand out as many times as you switch off your bike!
More than 20 degrees angle – it’s gonna drop!
Only if you live life to the edge can you find out where the edge is¦
What advice do you have for young girls who want to ride?
Start NOW! Go to a track school first¦ you can never learn enuf! But NEVER give up. It will be the best decision you make in live!!! Never be wintie [arrogant]! I was & I broke a leg & both my arms – taught me to respect my bike & my abilities¦
What was your happiest moment?
On my bike¦ EVERY DAY IS A HAPPY MOMENT!
**Special thanks to Ben at my2wheels.co.za for hooking me up with these interviews!
13 comments
classiccardeal
Inspiration role model for aspiring female thunderbike riders.
Skinny
I went for novice training with BMW & then rushed out to get my first bike – Billy-Bob (…the R6). I met up with some experienced riders & they took me under their wing (…not Honda’s;)).
Chickens… it’s not about “Can I ride a bike” – OF COURSE YOU CAN!!! It’s more if the auntie in the car next to you can drive properly?!? Please be careful when riding on public roads. Go to http://www.thinkbike.co.za for more info on road safety!
Me
Hello.
I love bikes from 13
years…And i learning now just for me to ride with bike. Because I’m
20 years old. And I want just ask you to tell about how you learnd
drive with bike?
I hope you will answer. And I wish you good bike season. :-)))
jon
thats one hot bikerchick
XT660R-Treiber
Hey Skinny, thank you for giving me something to dream about. :) http://youtube.com/watch?v=2HlvwkesRbo&feature=related
Greetings from Germany.
Ibrahim
hello ladies join us in the UNITED ARAB EMERATES every thursday free ride laides night for more information send email or call 00971507792012
thanks
http://www.adhog.org
http://www.hogdubai.com
Mike Manni
I would love to see more pictures of you with your bike. You should send your pictures into a modeling agency. Your look could sell a billion bikes.
Tim Jim
Skinny, you said it. Start now ladies, you won’t regret it, besides our industry (bikes) needs more ambassadors like yourself. My xgirlf was a natural and loved all my…her bikes. CR125 and CBR600F4. Keep sticky side down, glossy side up.
Harley Picture Group
forgot, we have many women riders over here in the US.
Harley Picture Group
Skinny,
come and visit the news group
alt.binaries.pictures.motorcycles.harley
we want to see more pics of you and your bike.