Sera Williamson, female biker from Melbourne shares her motorcycling story with team TnW. She now rides the 2008 Suzuki GSXR 600 K8. Sera says,”Riding gives me a focus, a direction. It has taught me perseverance pays off and not to give up. I love the community of people you meet all united by a common love”.
Q) Introduce yourself.
A) My name is Sera Williamson, I’m a photographer now based in Melbourne Australia.
Q) How long have you been riding motorcycle?
A) On and off for years, starting on a Suzuki GN250 my dad bought for us to learn on, then a Sachs 150 -it was only when I bought my Honda CBR250R (MC19) about 15 months ago I really committed to the riding lifestyle. I now have a Suzuki GSXR600 which I love.
Q) Any specific reason you ride for?
A) I’ve been around motorcycles my whole life. I love the speed and the feeling you have of being on two wheels. After thousands of kilometers as a pillion it was my turn to get into the riders seat my only regret is I didn’t start sooner. Riding gives me a focus, a direction. It has taught me perseverance pays off and not to give up. I love the community of people you meet all united by a common love.
Q) Describe on how you got to where you are with motorcycling today.
A) My wonderful sensei and partner Chris, patiently spent thousands of kilometers following me through the hills, getting me to my first track days, picked it up when I dropped it and wiped my tears when I wanted to give up. He fixed my bike when it broke and my confidence when I did. The rider I am today is because of that support.
Q) Why preferred motorcycle over scooter?
A) It always has and always will be motorcycles for me.
Q) The first motorcycle you started riding/ learnt riding-
A) Apart from a friends dirt-bike in a paddock, I started on the Suzuki GN250 then the Sachs. But really it was the MC19 that stole my heart – we had a love affair like nothing I had ever experienced! She was always very forgiving to me as a new rider, but definitely put me through my paces mechanically! But every experience taught me something about how the motorcycle operates – I’m grateful for it now!
Q) Your ride (motorcycle) now?
A) 2008 Suzuki GSXR 600 K8 (nicknamed “the 8”)
Q) The first motorcycle you started riding/ learnt riding-
A) Apart from a friends dirt-bike in a paddock, I started on the Suzuki GN250 then the Sachs. But really it was the MC19 that stole my heart – we had a love affair like nothing I had ever experienced! She was always very forgiving to me as a new rider, but definitely put me through my paces mechanically! But every experience taught me something about how the motorcycle operates – I’m grateful for it now!
Q) Your ride (motorcycle) now?
A) 2008 Suzuki GSXR 600 K8 (nicknamed “the 8”)
Q) Is there a local motorcycling event that you try and attend regularly?
A) MotoGP at Phillip Island is a must for me every year! I’d like to get to World Superbikes also.
Q) How far have you ridden your motorcycle?
A) I’ve done a 500km day or too – I’m happy to ride long distance as long as their are good twisty roads along the way!
Q) Do you have a motorcycling achievement that you take pride in?
A) My first track day on my 250 was a huge achievement for me. I wanted to get on the track the day I bought my first bike, and did it within my first year of riding. The second achievement was seeing my chicken strips disappear on the day! Also, upgrading to the 600 within my first year was fantastic and taking her to the track soon after felt so good.
Being selected to become a brand ambassador for Dainese was the highlight of my bikelife career – that encouragement has really helped to boost my confidence and having the best gear to ride in makes me feel I can push my limits.
Q) Do you have any motorcycling heroes?
A) Yes I love Redspade – watching her journey has been inspiring to me. Also Tracey Davies, is a local female racer who is doing incredible things despite facing adversity with a major accident awhile back. Of course I love watching The Doctor – especially at the 2015 MotoGP. Closer to home my sensei Chris has been my motorcycling hero / teacher and my dad was growing up.
Q) How are women motorcycle riders treated by most people and by male motorcyclists?
A) Haha – well most are pretty supportive and are quick to offer advice, both good and not so great. However the guys are pretty helpful & are generally happy to lend a hand to us girls if need be!
Q) Parents/ Friends- How do they feel of you riding a motorcycle. Any special comments?
A) They are hardly surprised since I have loved motorbikes for so long and think it’s great I’m doing what I love.
Q) Message to other female riders-
A) Find an experienced rider you trust to help you through the first few months of riding, someone who will let you go first around the windy roads and take your time until your confidence grows.
Always, always gear up. Invest in a set of leathers and proper race boots, armour and gloves. These have the most impact protection should you come off. Kevlar jeans are great for commuting.
Connect with other female riders, share in their experience knowledge and power.
Learn as much as you can about motorcycle maintenance and expect to drop your bike at the start. Very one does it! Buy Oggy Knobs or similar to protect the fairings ASAP!
The rest will come with time and practise. But always remember what Keith Code said “We go where we look!!”
Connect with me on Instagram @serawilliamson
(Unedited and as told to team TNW)
Posted by: Megha Madhavan
You ride nice bike