AMANDA FORDYCE
Thinking of a solo road trip to CAMP VC this year? The awesome Hazel Cullen did just that in 2019 and had a blast!
Jumping on her trusty 125cc Herald Classic, Hazel road tripped over the sea and through mountain ranges all the way to Camp VC from Ireland and man did she have a blast!
Hazel’s story is everything that CAMP VC is about! Getting out there, embracing the unknown, giving it a go and saying a big ol’ F*CK IT from time to time….. And who wouldn’t be inspired by that?!
See you there people!
AMANDA FORDYCE
Hey Hazel! So when did you first start riding motorcycles and what are your current set of wheels?
In 2015. I currently have a Herald 125cc Classic on the road and TM 144 for the dirt!
Tell us about your first experience of Camp VC:
The first time I went to Camp VC I went solo. I had come across VC by accident, account hopping on instagram in search of protective gear for women that wasn’t pink, and when I saw the event I thought “F*ck it, that looks really fun”.
I didn’t know anyone other women who rode and was a little hesitant to go alone at first, but it had been a really weird year so I decided it’d be good for me to have a wee trip. I took the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead and rode the scenic route through Snowdonia, stopping there in a 17th Century pub/lodging for a night. The roads from Holyhead to the Brecon Beacons are AMAZING and everything is so beautiful. I took my time and stopped to enjoy all the incredible views. By the time I got to Treharris where CAMP VC is based, I honestly felt notably refreshed. (I think that’s what riding bikes does for me, actually. It refreshes me!).
AMANDA FORDYCE
The people at CAMP were possibly the most welcoming group of people I’ve ever come across at an event. I rode in, set up my tent, was handed a beer (right?!), and strolled around checking out the camp set up, which was like some sort of women’s alt-culture haven where everyone was really happy and excited yet palpably chill. That first evening I met a group of Welsh and English women who were great craic and we’ve been mates since. We went to VC together last year and are going again together this year!
Over the course of the weekend I took part in a few activities, which is definitely the way to go. I attended a workshop on adventure sport filmmaking which happened to be led by the only other Irish person at the camp, and obviously we knew each other from when we were teenagers because, Ireland!
ALL PACKED UP AND READY TO ROAD TRIP ON HAZEL’S HERALD CLASSIC!
I did a 3hr trials course which was so challenging and taught me a lot, but was not at all scary and was great fun. I also did the enduro riding which was the highlight for me. I’d never been on a dirt bike before, and I’m not sure if anyone’s noticed but they’re kind of really big and intimidating. BUT, once you’re up on them it’s like you’re invincible. It was the best fun I’d had in years. (When I came home I bought a little KX85 and have since stepped up to a TM144. I even did a beach race last year!)
Nightimes at VC are like a mash-up between a teenage slumber party, a riot-girl club night, and a mature campout in the countryside.
Other things of note; the talks are really interesting and engaging and a really nice opportunity to chill and listen to incredible women talk about the incredible things they do; the food is really good, as is - importantly – the coffee; the showers are hot and the toilets are clean and; everybody is sound.
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“One of the best things I gained from going to Camp VC was the confidence to feel like it’s OK to still be learning.”
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Tell us your best memory from Camp VC:
This is a very hard question. Possibly when I skidded to a stop for the first time on a dirt bike during the enduro class. I subsequently fell over, but it was worth it and I’ve skidded and fallen many times since.
What is your favourite thing to do at Camp VC?
Laugh! Honestly there’s so much of that. The mini bike trial is a particularly good opportunity for laughter, actually.
What are you most looking forward to at this years event?
Jesus, everything! There’s so much on this year that I don’t know how I’m going to choose what to prioritise. Possibly the Wheelie School and Herald Moto Games. I ride a Herald so I’m looking forward to seeing what they have planned.
What advice would you give someone coming to Camp VC for the first time?
Sign up for classes and events to make the most of the weekend. It’s still great craic even if you don’t, but you won’t regret getting involved in things. Don’t be afraid to come alone, and don’t be afraid to say Hi to people. Ask questions. Pack light. Bring cash just in case. And back both a rain poncho and some factor 50.
AMANDA FORDYCE