Jessica Rose from Melbourne shares her motorcycling story with team TnW. Professionally a teacher in business management and a passionate biker from the heart, Jessica is into motorcycling since two and a half years. She owns a 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600 and 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and enjoys participating in tracks days.
Q) Any specific reason you ride for?
A) I love the feeling of freedom that riding brings into my life. I also love my riding community. Anywhere that I am with my bike and my riding friends, just feels like home.
Q) Describe on how you got to where you are with motorcycling today.
A) Bikes came into my life during a time of significant change and personal growth. I spent the first part of my journey riding solo but overtime I have met some amazing riders, who I now call my close friends. We support and encourage one another to be the best riders that we can be and to achieve our own personal riding goals. I feel very lucky to have them in my life.
Q) Why preferred motorcycle over scooter?
A) Motorcycles are faster and for that reason they are much more fun!
Q) The first motorcycle you started riding/ learnt riding?
A) I learned the very basics of riding on a dirt bike, however within a short time after that I purchased my first road bike, a 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300. I have a strong attachment to this bike. Although I now also own a 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600, which I love dearly, I will never be able to part with my Ninja. I continue to enjoy road riding and several track days on it.
Q) Your ride now?
A) I currently own a 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and a 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600. Up until recently, I have been enjoying the luxury of road riding both bikes and tracking the Ninja 300 however, converting my GSX-R600 into a track bike is my most recent project.
Q) Do you maintain and repair motorcycles on your own?
A) I take a lot of pride in knowing my bike inside out. I try to do as much as I can on my own and what I can’t do on my own I will take the time to watch and learn. I am sponsored by my local motorbike workshop, Bikes Plus and they take good care of all of my servicing needs in-between track days.
Q) Is there a local motorcycling event that you try and attend regularly?
A) Yes definitely! I enjoy taking part in as many track days as possible. Here in Melbourne, Australia we are very lucky to have the choice of several tracks and track day events. Two events I regularly participate in are the Girls Only Track Days (organised by Motorcycling Victoria to promote female participation in motorcycling sports across the state) and the Murray Valley Training Centre Track Days.
I enjoy attending both of these events because they promote a supportive and positive environment for riders of all levels to experience the track and improve their riding ability. I consider these days to be the perfect opportunity for me to work on my riding goals and clearly monitor my progress as a rider.
Q) Do you have a motorcycling achievement that you take pride in?
A) My greatest achievement so far is the successful completion of Level One, California Superbike School at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. This was a truly amazing experience! However, every track day is an achievement for me. I set a focus for each time and aim for progress.
Q) Do you have any motorcycling heroes?
A) Valentino Rossi is my motorcycling hero. He is the definition of a world-class sportsman. He is an exceptionally skilled rider, who is dignified and humble and always maintains a positive approach when reflecting on his riding performance.
Q) How are women motorcycle riders treated by most people and by male motorcyclists?
A) Overall, my experience as a female rider has been positive. I try not to focus on the stereotypes between male and female riders. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by very encouraging and respectful males. We are all individual riders with our own experiences to share. I am grateful for the support I receive from all of my riding friends.
Q) Parents/ Friends- How do they feel of you riding a motorcycle. Any special comments.
A) I am extremely lucky to have the support of my family and friends. My Dad attends nearly every track day and my Mum and sister never fail to call or text to wish me luck. Their support means the world to me!
Q) The motorcyle you wish / dream to see parked in your garage?
A) My Suzuki GSX-R600 is my dream bike. In the future though, I would love to own a BMW S1000RR.
Q) Message to other female riders?
A) Follow your own journey, set riding goals and have the confidence in yourself to achieve them. Support one another and never forget to keep having fun.
Unedited and as told to technwheelz