As a passionate motorcyclist and someone who’s always encouraging other women to take up riding, I’m excited for International Female Ride Day (IFRD) on Saturday, 06 May. I’ll be leading one of the offroad riding groups as we head for the Avianto Clubhouse in Muldersdrift for an Alice in Wonderland-themed picnic.
IFRD is all about having fun, making friends and connecting women through the universal language of motorcycling. I love how it also offers the ideal opportunity for women who are new to riding to join our global community on two wheels.
Safety first
Whether IFRD will be one of your first-ever rides, or you’re a veteran, there’s one thing that we all need to keep front of mind, and that’s safety. Many people see motorbikes as dangerous, and that can deter them from taking up riding. Whilst it’s true that there are risks involved, the good news is that by following a few simple rules, you can ride with more confidence and be safer (of course we can’t control other people’s actions on the roads, but we can be aware and proactive to help us avoid incidents).
These are my top safety tips for IFRD and everyday riding, based on my years of experience. While these tips apply to all riders, some are specifically for women. Keep this in mind, have fun and stay safe out there!
1. Always wear a helmet
No ifs, no buts. This is non-negotiable. Appropriate riding clothing is also a must. That includes a riding jacket and gloves – in other words, all of the kit, all of the time. If the worst should happen, you’ll want as much protection between you and the tar as possible. My advice would always be to invest in the best gear you can afford, and never leave home without it.
2. Improve your skills
Take a riding course, safety course or advanced course to learn how to ride defensively, anticipate and deal with situations. Improve your bike control, braking and manoeuvring so you can feel more confident and get more out of each ride.
3. Learn basic bike mechanics
Knowing how to deal with common issues could save you spending hours waiting for roadside assistance to arrive. It’s also a great idea to carry a small toolkit with all the essentials. Personally, I never leave home without Motul MC Care Tyre repair for an unexpected puncture. Another handy product to keep at hand is Motul MC Care Helmet and Visor Clean for those dirty lenses to ensure you can continue to see properly. And of course, Motul Waterless Hands clean!
4. Plan each trip
Fire up your navigation app ahead of the ride and look for pit stops and garages on your route, as well as viewpoints where you might want to stop. Keeping an eye on the weather is also really important – wet and rainy conditions can be tricky to ride in if you’re not used to them.
5. Know before you go
Check all the most important features of your bike, including tyre pressure, lights, oil and fluid levels, brakes and the horn.
6. Ride responsibly
Obey speed limits and the rules of the road and make sure that other road users always know what you’re going to do next. Indicate clearly and where possible be aware of other people’s blind spots and ensure they can see you.
7. Stand out
Many drivers are unfamiliar with motorcycles and they may not see you, as you’re much smaller than a car. This means it’s up to you to be visible – I’d advise always keeping your headlight on, even during the day. Avoid all-black outfits, especially at night, and maybe consider a brightly coloured helmet (mine’s yellow) to make you more visible. Riding with a buddy means that you’re more likely to be noticed by other road users – and makes every ride more enjoyable, as you’ll have someone to share the experience with.
8. Stay focused and alert
Watch out for potential hazards like potholes and slippery surfaces, and avoid distractions like your bike’s infotainment systems. Always keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
9. Tell a friend
If you’ll be riding alone, always let someone know where you’ll be going and when to expect you back. If you’re riding far, or through unfamiliar areas, you should ideally ride with at least one other person.
10. Make it easier to get help
Programme an ICE number into your phone, and keep a copy of your ID, medical aid details and information about your medical conditions on you.
Following these tips can help you enjoy each ride even more, and will make sure you stay safe at all times.
Above all else, my advice to ladies especially is to “JUST RIDE”!
To register for the IFRD Mass Ride and picnic or to learn more, visit www.ifrd-sa.co.za
