I’m a third-generation biker.

My dad always had a bike and was secretary of a local motorcycle club that organised trials and scrambles. I used to go pillion with him, sometimes attending club events, so I was brought up around motorbikes.

When I got married, my husband bought a 125 to learn on and I had a few rides on it too. However, once he passed his test, it was traded in. When I had children, there was no time or energy to consider learning to ride myself. I did go on trips around the UK as pillion on Edward’s bike and thoroughly enjoyed those adventures.

Once the children had left home, my husband offered to buy me motorbike lessons. So, at the age of 53, I turned up at Royston BMW Rider Training to embark on their week-long Rookie to Rider Direct Access course.

When I passed, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I felt such a tremendous sense of achievement.

I bought a BMW F700GS and was all set to gain some riding experience. However, four months later, I began to feel unwell. My illness developed into a severe case of clinical depression, during which I was hospitalised for three months and underwent lifesaving treatment that thankfully brought me back to myself.

Once I was able to come home, I was naturally eager to get back on the bike. However, I found that any confidence I had built up was very much lacking. Eventually, I realised the solution was simple: get back on the bike and put some miles on the clock. That is exactly what I have done ever since.

I rode my F700GS for seven years before trading it in for my current bike, an F850GS. I joined Curvy Riders and the BMW Club and found a wonderful community of biking friends, all of which helped build my confidence and experience. My son also learned to ride, and we sometimes ride together as a family.

In 2023, I passed my IAM test, which really helped by giving me a solid foundation of safe riding techniques and good riding practice. I enjoy group rides with the Durham group and have toured throughout Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Gran Canaria.

I also enjoy attending motorcycle events such as Women in Moto, the Adventure Bike Rider Festival and Motorcycle Live, as well as local bike nights. I simply love chatting with and being around other bikers—it's a pretty special club to belong to.

Biking is what helps me feel fully alive and appreciate my life in all its fullness.

My mental health is certainly better for it. I feel privileged to call myself a biker and believe that every day since recovering from my illness is a bonus day.

One of my favourite trips has to be biking with the BMW Club in Gran Canaria this year. There is hardly a straight road on the island, and we spent five days exploring mountain roads that felt like a cornering masterclass.

My advice to any woman thinking about getting into biking is to immerse yourself in it. Your confidence and skills will grow with every hour you spend on the bike. There is simply no substitute for time in the saddle when it comes to becoming a safe, competent and experienced rider.

It really is that simple.

Enjoy the ride.