From hiring a tiny French Solex at 14 to leading WIMA GB and riding across Britain and in Europe, Tyne’s story spans almost fifty years of motorcycling. It is a powerful reminder that women riders have always had a place on the road — and that the love of two wheels can last a lifetime.
My first experience on two wheels came in 1966 when I was 14 years old on a trip to Alsace, France.
I was staying with a French friend, but because it was still term time, the family suggested I hire one of the local Solex mopeds to keep myself occupied while everyone else was busy. I had never ridden anything except my bicycle before, I was on the “wrong” side of the road, and I was only 14 — but I absolutely loved it.
I never forgot that feeling of freedom. The Solex, with its tiny engine suspended over the front wheel, was such a distinctive little machine, and although it would be another 12 years before I bought my first motorcycle, that experience stayed with me.
Buying My First Motorcycle
In 1978, I finally bought my first bike: a Honda CB125.
Motorcycling was very different then. There was no compulsory training. The dealer simply showed me where the indicators and clutch were, handed me the keys, and sent me on my way.
I spent a few months riding the 125 before taking my motorcycle test, which I passed first time, most probably because back then the examiner couldn't see you for most of the test route as he just stood there and waited for you to come back! What went on whilst you were out of his sight remained a firm secret!
Looking back, I was completely self-taught. Before my test, I had just one one-to-one session with a police rider, who assessed my riding and offered a few final pointers. It is not how I would recommend learning today, but it was simply how things were at the time.
What It Was Like as a Woman Rider Then
One of the biggest differences in those early years was how few women rode motorcycles.
For the first 20 years of my riding life, I only knew one other woman rider, so most of my journeys were made alone. Today, things are very different, and that is something I truly value.
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone learning to ride now, it would be this:
"Make the most of the excellent motorcycle training available today. Get as much road experience as you can and, if possible, ride with at least one good friend for company and moral support".
Although I never joined IAM or RoSPA, I have continued learning over the years through BikeSafe, Biker Down, and First Aid courses. No matter how long you have been riding, there is always something new to learn.
Favourite Motorcycle Memories
When people ask me for my favourite motorcycle memory, it is almost impossible to choose just one.
I have loved touring through Germany on my Kawasaki ZZR600 and hiring bikes to explore the Greek islands of Kos and Lesbos. Closer to home, I always enjoyed the BMF Shows near Peterborough, the GMEX Bike Show in Manchester, and the Rossendale Bike Show, where Rawtenstall was completely taken over by motorcycles for the weekend.
The atmosphere, the friendships, and the laughter made those events unforgettable.
Another major highlight in my riding journey was achieving the Gold Award in the 2023 Round Britain Rally, having managed Bronze in 2021 and Silver in 2022.
Readers - I know everyone reading that sentence wants to know more! I'm on it!
The Bikes I Have Loved Most
Today, I own two motorcycles: a Kawasaki ER-6F and a 1996 Yamaha Virago 750.
The Virago, 'Noddy' is definitely my favourite. He celebrates his 30th birthday this year, still rides beautifully, and is wonderfully comfortable. I had owned a Virago years ago and eventually realised I simply had to have another one.
Alongside that, my Kawasaki ZZR600 remains one of the motorcycles I have loved most over the years.
Over the decades, I have owned quite a collection of bikes, including Honda Superdreams, a VFR800, Suzuki GS500E, Honda Shadow 750, Yamaha Diversion 600, Kawasaki Vulcan S Café, several Kawasaki ER-6Fs, and, of course, more than one Virago. Somewhere along the way, I have probably forgotten a few.
Best Places to Ride in Britain and Europe
My favourite places to ride are Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Scotland, although I have also really enjoyed riding abroad.
For anyone planning a European motorcycle trip, my advice is simple: take your time, get comfortable riding on the other side of the road, and above all, ride safely.
Balancing Life and Motorcycling
Like many riders, I have found that life sometimes gets in the way of riding plans.
Family commitments, running my own online business, and of course the British weather can all be interruptions. Thankfully, my partner, who used to ride, completely understands. Being self-employed also means I can usually make time for a ride once the day’s orders have been posted.
Giving Back to the Motorcycling Community
Motorcycling has given me so much over the years, and it has also given me the chance to give something back.
I served as President of the GB Division of the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA GB) from 2006 to 2010 and have been a proud member of Curvy Riders for several years.
A very special memory was in 2006, Ed Crummy had just launched Curvy Riders, and I was in my tenure as the President of WIMA GB.
Ed had helped organise the Bird On Bikes Tour from Edinburgh to Cardiff, and there we were together, as two women in charge of biking groups being photographed by the press, doing what we could to raise awareness for Women Bikers. The ride featured on BBC News Edinburgh, it was a proud moment.
For me, that sense of community is one of the most rewarding parts of being a woman motorcyclist.
Nearly Fifty Years on Two Wheels
In a couple of years’ time, I will celebrate 50 years in the saddle.
When I look back, it is amazing to think it all started with one little Solex in France — and a teenage girl discovering just how freeing life on two wheels could be.
After nearly half a century of riding, at the age of 74, I am still loving every mile.
