I (Louise) spent the last weekend at the Women in Moto event at Uttoxeter Racecourse, and made the most of the brilliant weather to sample all that was on offer. If you’ve never tried it you really should give it a go. For a new biker like me there was plenty to see and do and I definitely came away with more knowledge than I went with!
Part of that knowledge was putting up a gazebo..almost single handed, but our friends at Motorcycle Funerals lent a hand after watching me walk around in a circle moving each gazebo leg out by 10mm (f you’ve ever done it alone you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about)!
The Sorrymate stand was directly overlooking the Moto Gymkhana Arena where the crew were expertly navigating cones and slow control skills…think MOD 1 and you’ll get the gist.
To our right was the Wheelie Machine, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to have a go,..not being put off at all by the crashmat behind the bike at all (just incase!).
Whilst the outdoor sessions were going on in the Arena and Adventure Areas, over the other side of the event were the indoor learning areas. One of the sessions I attended was a motorbike basic maintenance course. Given I am mostly surrounded by men riding motorbikes and so have ample opportunity to ask for their help with various tasks this was the first time I had spent time looking at how to do various tasks myself. Testament to my current skills at motorbike maintenance are over-filling the oil which had to be drained by a motorbike repairer, and over filling a petrol tank in Tesco and having to wheel the bike out which was standing in a puddle of petrol. The information and tips of the trade given by Ellie (the mechanic) were really easy to follow, and I left with the confidence that I would be able to perform the basic tasks that I should be doing to keep my Honda Rebel roadworthy.
Talking of Honda‘s, they were in attendance and there was plenty of opportunity to book a ride out on one of the bikes they had brought with them. There was an amazing Fireblade on display, but I didn’t want to be landed with the expense of writing it off after only a few months with a motorcycle licence. I did however get to sit on all the bikes, which is really useful for someone short like me to see whether my feet can actually touch the floor, and whether the riding position suits a woman comfortably in her fifties! The Honda CBR650R was one of my favourites, although based on the insurance quotes I’ve had on it I think it will have to stay in the showroom for a while longer yet.
I spent a long while talking with Derbyshire Police who were there with their Bike Safe information, with one of the guys performing manoeuvres in the arena to show the stopping distances of different braking methods. His bike control was amazing, and it was no surprise that he was the stand out best wheelie performer of the weekend too!
Of a night for those staying over there was also musical entertainment, although it might not have been to everyone’s tastes, but it certainly gave us something to talk about the day after!
I had a good chat with many ladies who had questions about claims they currently have for accidents they have been involved in, and explained what their rights were in the event of an accident. Some that I chatted with were unhappy with their current solicitors who had been appointed by their insurers, but didn’t realise they could switch solicitors, and I’m pleased to say that having returned to the office some of these ladies have taken the decision to switch solicitors and we are in the process of transferring their files already. Remember, you don’t have to stay with your insurer appointed solicitor. You can choose to be represented by actual bikers, and lady bikers at that if that is what you prefer.
All in all, this has been a great, chilled weekend for me to spend time learning about bikes and riding them, and I will definitely be there again next year!
