One rainy winters night in 2004, hubby (Peter) and I were searching the Internet for interesting motorcycle websites.  One of our hits was "BIKER ALLY" and what drew me in was the signature dish "the motorcycle magazine geared for women."  I had just finished the mega story of our one-month motorcycle trip around Britain, which actually turned into a honeymoon as we eloped two weeks into the trip.  I was look for a launching pad for the story and sent it off to Rain, never actually dreaming anything would come of it.  Rain's reply was - loved your story, laughed out loud which doesn't happen to me often, do you have anymore?  From this point onwards, it’s history, as they say.  I am now the Australian Correspondent for Biker Ally and thoroughly enjoy every minute of my job.

My interest has spanned a lifetime:  as a kid I rode the farm bikes that my cousins used to round up the cattle and sheep. We loved it, mostly all dirt bike riding and there were no rules, I couldn't imagine anything more exciting.   My dad was dead against me ever getting a road bike, but little did he know that me and my cousins rode the farm bikes on the road regularly - this was naughty and dangerous - I know, but way back then, it was thrilling.  I finally got my motorbike license and first bike at the age of 30 (dad still didn't approve).  A mint condition 1967 BSA Bantam was secretly bought by Peter and stored in a friend’s garage until my birthday. What a wonderful surprise! We rode this bike frequently to the pub, Peter was always pillion. I had to remove the kick-start into my pocket each time as it had a tendency to rattle off.  Many a time we scoured the road for it, which is as bad as losing your keys nowadays.  Anyway, one day some big evil men came and stole away my trust in society along with my car, bike and half the houseful.  It was an awful experience and we soon moved out of the house that was to become scarred for me. 

Knowing that you should always get back onto the horse that bucks you off, I went out looking for a new bike with my insurance money (I LOVE INSURANCE).  I was looking at little bikes, as the bantam was a 175cc.  But Peter was looking at a bright yellow Yamaha Virago XV 535cc.  I told him politely to GET A GRIP, that's too big, but somehow he managed to persuade me to sit on it.  It wasn't too big at all and I loved it and I bought it.  I still have it today and ride it at every chance (mostly with my kids as pillion passengers). It's feeling rather small, but it's me who's grown - into a serious motorcycling enthusiast.  I am an active member of two motorcycle clubs (ACE and Barossa) who each meet monthly, WIMA South Australia member and Editor of the Barossa Valley Classic Motorcycle Clubs Quarterly Magazine.

I love everything about my world, the people, the feeling, the club gatherings, the rallies, and the stories - but even more so; my husband and kids also love motorbikes too, so it’s a family affair!