Meet the amazing Tara Henry or as some of you will know her- @notarabledays.......
IMAGE BY: @jenfromthepast
We first heard about Tara through Anthony Brown, who Tara came & rode with this year at the DTRA in the UK , & we've been following her adventures on instagram ever since!
After only getting into motorbikes a year and a half ago this incredible lady rides dirt, track & road, on basically any moto she can get her hands on & does it with serious style. For the second in our "support your local girl gang" series we spoke to Tara about how she got into bikes & everything moto! We think this lady is a true inspiration to other women riders & proof that you don't have to have grown up around motorbikes to become an amazing rider.
Enjoy!
Gx
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RIDING?
T: I've been riding about a year and a half...I grew up playing competitive softball and was introduced to motorcycles very late (by some standards) by a good friend at Deus ex Machina. I worked out of their shop (forming my juice business) almost 3 days a week and was inspired to ride the more and more I witness the culture here in Venice. There were a few guys integral in the beginning Ryan, Julian and Woolie and a few gals from the Venice Vixens who took me on my first long road trip.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BIKE?
T: My first bike I bought off a friend Liana. Its was a 1988 Sportster 1200, in Venice. It was a beast of a bike! I just sold it a month ago and I have two dirt bikes (CRF150 & CRF250). I tend to ride trails at Gorman or Rowher Flats here in So Cal and I've dabbled a bit in flat track racing with Hell on Wheels, SCFTA and overseas with DTRA. I really have to commend the folks, Anna & Anthony, who organize DTRA. They have done an amazing job with the circuit there. The pits are much different than here in the states. People are still competitive but its much more of a family environment.
IMAGE BY: @ozzer1
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM BIKE?
T: I don't really have a dream bike, I think I'd like to just have a fleet. I actually enjoy many different disciplines and would like to get on a track again. Racing, technical and free riding bring me the most joy. A fleet would allow me to ride trials, dirt, street and hopefully desert race. I've cut down my riding on the street...especially in Los Angeles. The drivers here aren't as aware of motorcyclist. One day I will build a bike. I'm just waiting for the right inspiration. I have a file on my computer with inspiration images. When the time is right I'll have my dream bike.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW RIDERS OR WOMEN WHO WANT TO START LEARNING?
T: What I love most about motorcycles is your constantly learning. If I could go back and tell myself anything as a new rider it would be to not pigeon hole yourself to one style, bike, or group. Figure out what you love and then buy your bike. And remember they are dangerous. I've crashed a number of times both racing and on the street. Continued practice and education is a must for new riders. Practice braking and turns and maybe even attend Rich Olivers Mystery School, California Superbike School, and DiTraverso Flat Track School or wherever you can get to!
Thanks to Tara Henry for chatting with us!
Go follow Taras amazing adventures on instagram here: @notarabledays