Motorcycles were something I'd always thought were cool, but more than that, they were something I'd always wanted to do from when I was very little. It's hard to know why because nobody in my family rode, although I've always had a bit of a need for speed!
When I was about 12, while my older sister became interested in discos and make-up, I was hanging around in the garage handing my dad spanners while he restored an old MG. I was desperate to learn how things worked and equally keen to learn to drive. Luckily, he occasionally let me drive around a local field when my mum wasn't paying attention.
I kept talking about motorbikes constantly and, much to my mum's horror, my dad bought me a little Honda Monkey Bike for my 13th birthday. It was a non-runner so Dad and I spent hours stripping it down and rebuilding it until one day it finally worked.
I was in my element, riding along an old unmade byway that ran from the end of our garden into the woods, attempting jumps and generally messing about whenever I could. No helmet, no riding gear and often out for hours until I ran out of fuel and had to push it home in the dark.
Happy days!
Aged 13 with my first bike, a 50cc Honda monkey bike
People often ask me what my favourite bike has been. The honest answer is usually the one I'm riding at the time. I've loved all of them for different reasons and eventually realised that it doesn't really matter what you're riding as long as you're riding and having fun.
Back in the 1990s I lived in Munich for eight years. During that time my husband worked for BMW and managed to get me onto their company bike scheme, so I was lucky enough to work my way through most of the models.
My favourite was the R1100. It was perfect for commuting around the city and then heading out to the lakes at the foot of the Bavarian mountains for a swim after work. There was no speed limit on the Autobahn and, because there was no fairing, I'd lie flat on the tank to see how fast I could go.
I'd like to think I've matured a bit since then, but probably not!
When we returned to the UK we didn't have much money and shared a car, so I stopped riding for around ten years.
One day my husband spotted me eyeing up the motorcycle adverts in the Thames Valley Trader and surprised me with a Triumph Bonneville T100 for my 50th birthday.
He's definitely a keeper – we'll celebrate 40 years of marriage next May.
That Bonneville reminded me just how much I'd missed riding and I knew then that I'd carry on biking for as long as I physically could.
My lovely surprise 50th birthday present, a Triumph Bonneville T100
More recently I've owned a Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, which I really enjoyed, but I eventually realised the riding position was aggravating a back issue. I wasn't planning to change it, but I had an upcoming trip and needed something slimmer, lighter and with a more open leg position.
After test riding a few bikes, I picked up a used Tiger Sport 660 and absolutely love it.
I'm lucky to have so many bike memories to choose from.
I've enjoyed riding in the Peak District, beautiful Wales, the NC500, the Pyrenees and parts of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. This September I'm looking forward to exploring the Picos Mountains.
But if I had to choose one standout trip, it would be the Spiti Valley in the North Indian Himalayas.
The scenery was incredible and the riding was exactly what I wanted – challenging, varied and a mixture of on and off-road riding.
I completed the trip with three other inspirational women and we've become great friends through the shared experience.
For me, motorcycling means freedom, thrills, travel, camaraderie, friendship and cake.
Definitely cake.
If I could offer one piece of advice to women thinking about riding, it would be to find your riding buddies.
When I came back to biking I joined Curvy Riders and met some wonderful friends who I still ride and socialise with today.
I'd also encourage riders not to "over-bike" themselves.
I've noticed women in particular panicking in car parks or on uneven ground because they can't comfortably manage the bike they're riding. That can knock confidence very quickly. I'm certainly not judging anyone who's dropped a bike or asked for help – we've all done it – but if you're a little vertically challenged in the leg department, don't be afraid to choose something lower or lighter and build your confidence gradually. You don't want to be reliant on others for the basics.
Take every training opportunity you can.
After my ten-year break I completed IAM training and found it incredibly helpful, particularly around hazard awareness and road positioning. I've also attended several skills days, including one that covered manual handling. I found that especially useful in terms of confidence when moving bikes around or dealing with awkward situations.
Most importantly, ride your own ride.
Have the confidence to leave a group ride if it's faster or more dangerous than you're comfortable with. Equally, if you're a more progressive rider, seek out people riding at a similar level so nobody feels pressured or held back.
Learn to navigate.
Learn how to plug a tyre.
Build your independence.
Push yourself outside your comfort zone.
Ride with people who are better than you and sign up for things that stretch you.
Above all, just do it.
Don't overthink it.
Ride.
Have fun.
Enjoy every minute.
Carpe Diem.
