I came to motorcycling later in life, but I can't imagine my life without it now.
Following a bereavement in 2014, I realised I needed to rebuild my social life and rediscover some of the hobbies and interests that had fallen away.
I remember thinking to myself:
"Should I join a well-known women's group that makes jam, or should I learn to ride a motorbike?"
Thankfully, I chose the motorbike.
I booked a CBT and taster day, and the rest, as they say, is history.
My brother nearly had kittens when he discovered his older sister was suddenly riding around the country on two wheels.
I've never been someone who has a dream bike in mind. For me, it's always been about comfort and what feels right. After passing my test, I bought a Triumph Street Triple, which was a fantastic introduction to motorcycling. As my riding progressed to longer days out, weekends away and eventually touring holidays, it became clear that I needed something better suited to life on the road, complete with luggage and a little more comfort.
A Triumph Tiger 900 fitted the bill perfectly.
Ten years on, and with a few more birthdays under my belt, I recently decided it was time for something a little lighter and easier to manage. My current bike is a Triumph Speed Twin 900, and it suits me perfectly.
One of the biggest surprises has been the friendships that motorcycling has brought into my life.
I am a member of Curvy Riders, WIMA and Midland Lady Bikers, which means there is always someone organising a ride-out, meeting for coffee or planning the next adventure. I also enjoy taking part in charity rides, with the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, Easter Egg Runs and Santa Runs being particular favourites.
What I never expected was the impact motorcycling would have on my confidence.
There's something incredibly empowering about being a 65-year-old woman heading off on a motorcycle adventure. I often think my mum would have been immensely proud to see me doing my own thing and embracing life so fully.
Last year I took on my biggest challenge yet: my first solo motorcycle trip.
I rode to the Isle of Arran, took my motorcycle on a ferry for the first time and spent a week staying alone in a cottage. It was my first experience of touring completely independently, and I loved every minute of it.
That trip changed something in me.
Riding alone no longer fazes me. In fact, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
If I could offer one piece of advice to women thinking about learning to ride, it would be this:
Persevere.
Not everything comes easily.
It took me two attempts to pass my Module 1 test and two attempts to pass my Advanced Riding test. But overcoming those setbacks made the eventual success feel even more rewarding.
Motorcycling has taught me that determination pays off.
I've always believed in continuing to learn and develop as a rider. Over the years I've completed a track day, off-road training, BikeSafe and Biker Down courses, all of which have improved my skills and confidence.
And what's next?
Well, I've recently bought a 200cc Beta Alp for a bit of trail riding, and there's a map of New Zealand waiting for me to start planning my next big adventure.
Who knows where I might end up?