HOW TO NAIL YOUR CBT BY A CBT INSTRUCTOR

Meet one of our awesome Instructors for the VC X Herald beginners’ riding school Claire Davison!

Claire is not only one of the most acest instructors around but she recently became a fully fledged CBT instructor at Phoenix Motorcycle School in London so who better to take you through what it takes to ace your CBT and take those first steps to getting on the road after your session at the VC X Herald school!

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After a summer of teaching lots of awesome women how to ride at the VC Herald beginner classes,  along with a summer of learning to teach CBTs with Phoenix Motorcycle Training, I often get asked what to expect on the day of your CBT and how to get through it. With that in mind I’ve put pen to paper to give you an insight into the CBT and how to nail it first time!

I'm not going to lie to you, the CBT course is not easy, the course will last up to 8 hours and there's a lot to pack in, with only a few breaks. Of those 8 hours you'll only get about 3 hours riding practice before we take you on the road for another 2 hours to complete your training and hopefully nail it!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Element A:

First up there is a 45 minute chat in the classroom about the kit we wear and what it does for us, along with advice on what to buy. There's an eye test at the end of this, so if you do wear glasses make sure you bring them along.

Element B:

A 20 minute chat with the bike, showing you what the controls are and what maintenance we need to do

Element C:

2-3 hours of intensive riding and learning various skills to get you ready for the road. You’ll need to master things like figure of 8’s, u-turns and emergency stops.

Element D:

45 minutes back in the classroom (this is the perfect time to eat lunch) talking about the highway code and how we deal with certain road situations.

Element E:

A 2 hour ride on the road, you'll go out with another trainee and an instructor - you'll have an earpiece and the instructor will be able to talk to you (you can't talk to them). The instructor will need you to prove you've taken on board all of the things you've learnt throughout the day - they're there to guide you and will do so over the intercom (don’t worry about getting lost!).

 Remember your instructor will only take you out on the road if you meet the CBT criteria - if you don't you may have to return for further training at further cost. That said – if you don’t feel ready for the road – we’re not going to force you out there!

For more details about the elements of the CBT check this out https://www.gov.uk/guidance/compulsory-basic-training-cbt-syllabus-and-guidance-notes

Still with me? Good!

Here are a few pro tips to ensure that you nail your CBT first time around!

• Get a couple of lessons!

If you've never ridden a geared bike before it can be tricky to grasp the clutch control needed for the CBT standard. You don't have much time to nail this on the day so the more practice you can get the better. Most schools offer 1-2-1 classes to get you CBT ready. Have a lesson or two will take the stress of the CBT away and it will also get you used to riding the school bikes! If cost is an issue and you have a mate with a 125 and some private property to practice on – this works too!

• Ride a Bicycle!

Balance is important when riding, as is road awareness - getting out on the roads gives you traffic experience so you don't freak out when you go on the road on a motorbike. If you already drive a car, you're halfway there!

• Read the Highway Code

Whilst you don't need to know it verbatim it's important that you know what common road signs and road markings mean, these will prepare you and keep you safer on the road. If you've got your eye on your full license do your theory test, it's cheap to do and there are plenty of apps out there to help you study for it.

• Wear robust clothing!

Most schools dictate that at a minimum jeans (without rips) and sturdy boots should be worn to your CBT. The boots should cover your ankle (Timberlands or DMs are fine). If you don't turn up with suitable clothing then the school may be able to lend you some - but bear in mind hundreds of people will have worn them before you and most schools do not have a great size range. If you can borrow a jacket and gloves from a mate, all the better. Check the weather forecast and make sure you're warm/cool enough.

• Arrive Early!

Most schools advise you to turn up 15 minutes before the start of the CBT. Turn up earlier if you can - before we start we have to make sure you're booked in, license checked and make sure you're kitted out properly. We can have up to 9 students doing a CBT on one day - so the earlier you arrive, the quicker we can start - it's also less stress for you as you have time for a cuppa and toilet break before we get cracking. If you turn up more than 5 minutes after the CBT is started - there's a chance you'll get turned away.

• Eat and Drink enough!

I cannot emphasise this enough. Make sure you have breakfast before your CBT or at least bring some lunch with you. Schools will usually have tea/coffee/water available. If you don't eat and stay hydrated - it will affect your concentration and performance significantly on the bike. You won't usually get a lunch hour - but Element D (where we sit and talk about the highway code and the pre-ride briefing) is the perfect opportunity to get some grub down you and ensure you have plenty of energy for your 2 hour road ride!

Note: if I do your CBT I will feed you Haribo/CLIF bars if I have to!

• Don’t beat yourself up!

Everyone learns at a different pace, so don't beat yourself up if you don't get it straight away - It's a lot to learn in a day. Take your time and I guarantee you've got this!

VIVIANA GOMEZ MORALES

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO MOTO INSURANCE IN COLLABORATION WITH DEVITT INSURANCE

ALEX GRANT

Here at VC we get TONS of questions about motorcycle insurance. ……

From who we have our insurance with to how to insure your first bike and the factors that either raise your insurance or bring it down. So, we thought who better to give you the insurance skinny than our buddies over at Devitt Insurance who have put together this handy article with some tips and advice on insuring your first wheels and what you need to know before you dive in!

Also if you were lucky enough to snag a Camp VC ticket before we sold out, swing by the awesome Devitt area at the event to pick up a free ride route map around the epic Brecon Beacons National park, Grab a free CAMP VC X DEVITT event poster and much more thought the weekend! See ya there!

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ALEX GRANT

Ok, so we know it may not be the most rock ‘n’ roll part of riding, but motorcycle insurance is something that every rider needs.

It’s clearly not as much fun as choosing your new bike or riding gear but it’s always good to know your stuff before taking out your first bike insurance policy so here’s a little step by step guide of things to know before you hit the road.

Insurers, brokers and comparison sites

Before we start, it’s necessary to understand that the bike insurance market is made up of insurers, brokers and comparison sites. There can often be confusion with the roles that these all take.

We can use an analogy of buying a motorbike to try and make it clearer… think of insurers like your bike manufacturer who provide the product. Brokers are then like your bike dealership, where you can purchase various different manufacturer bikes, they all have their own products, prices and discounts. 

You then have comparison sites, think of them a bit like Autotrader or similar, where you have loads of different dealers all selling their products at different prices and you choose the best deal for you.

So what do they all do then?

Comparison sites are a place where you can survey the whole market and see which broker or insurer is cheapest for you. When it comes to your policy, it is underwritten by your insurer who ultimately decide on the premium, but brokers can provide additional discounts as well as after sales help and assistance for the duration of your policy.

Brokers can have different arrangements with insurers, which is why policy benefits and pricing can be different from broker to broker, even they all use the same major UK insurers, which for UK bike insurance usually include: AXA, Aviva, Ageas, Allianz, LV, Markerstudy and Zenith.

Most brokers and insurers outsource their claims service, which is referred to as First Notification of Loss (FNOL). This is the place you call when you need to make a claim; they manage the process and communicate directly with your insurer, who ultimately make the decision about any claims. 

No provider is the cheapest for everyone

It’s advised that you take a look around the market when you’re purchasing a motorbike insurance policy, due to the fact that no single provider is the cheapest for everyone.

Your friend could recommend a broker where they purchased their bike insurance, stating they’re the best as they were so cheap compared to everyone else; however, this same broker that was the cheapest for your friend could actually then be the most expensive for you! 

This is because there are so many variables when it comes to getting your bike insurance, plus every insurer has different appetite for certain profiles, then brokers have different pricing from different insurers, plus they can provide additional discounts in order to remain competitive in the highly competitive world of comparison sites.

Build your experience

If you’ve never taken out bike insurance before then the best thing to do is run a few quotes on bikes you’re thinking about purchasing before you buy one, to get an idea of the cost of insurance on each bike. You don’t want to buy a bike only to find that the insurance on that bike is much higher than you expected.

If you’ve got zero No Claims Discount (NCD) and a brand new licence then insurers don’t have any indication of what you are like as a rider, therefore the price will reflect that. You’re best to select a cheaper bike with a less powerful engine to try and keep the premium as low as you can, then you can build up your riding experience and NCD before moving onto your dream bike, but again before you buy that dream bike, get some insurance quotes first!

Keep it secure

Do everything within your power to stop your bike being stolen. There is no guaranteed way to stop your bike being taken by thieves but you can definitely make it harder for them.

Bikes can be worth a lot of money and they are relatively easy to move into a van if parked in the street without any security, so a garage is always the best. If you don’t own a garage then the next best thing is get it out of sight in any other way, in a shed, in a garden, behind a locked gate, cover it as a minimum!

 Then use all the physical security you can, chain, ground anchor, disc lock, etc. try to layer your security where possible. Trackers are also good, but they only come into play once your bike has already been stolen and they don’t always get recovered in the condition that they were taken in.

 Declare your mods

 Custom bikes have become much more common over recent years and most specialist bike insurance companies are set to accept many modifications. It’s absolutely essential that you check with your specific insurer first before assuming anything, as we’ve discussed, most providers have their own arrangements and policy conditions, so if you’re ever unsure, pick up the phone and ask your broker.

 Cosmetic modifications are widely accepted, however, if you start to make changes to enhance the performance of your bike then it would be advised to check with your insurer / broker before you make the change. Some performance enhancing modifications may not be acceptable to your existing underwriter, meaning your policy would have to be cancelled.

Again, if you’re ever unsure, just ask your specialist bike insurance broker, who will be able to ensure that you have your modifications covered in the correct way, as non-disclosure of modifications could invalidate any potential claim.

VIVIANA GOMEZ- MORALES

Don’t forget, insurance is a contract

When you take out your motorbike insurance, remember you are entering into an annual contract. As with any contract, your mobile phone, your mortgage etc. if you decide to change or break your part of the contract then there will be fees that you incur. 

Sometimes changes can’t be helped but if you’re able to wait until your 12 months is complete or nearly up, then you will avoid receiving a cancellation fee, as you can simply let your policy lapse rather than cancel it. If you cancel early before your 12 months are up, you will also lose that year’s NCD.

Try to time your bike changes with your insurance coming to an end if you can. This is because when you take out a new policy you are comparing quotes from lots of different insurers and choosing the best price from the whole market. When you change your bike mid contract, then you are in contract with that one insurer and therefore only receive a price from them and they may not be as competitive as other providers for your new bike.

Get a quote asap and HIT THE ROAD!

 Visit our partner and motorbike insurance specialist Devitt for a bike insurance quote today. They offer all of your two wheel insurance needs including insurance for new riders, multi bike insurance, classic insurance with agreed value, custom / modified bike insurance, scooter, moped and everything in between (and most of the VC lot are insured with us so who knows ….maybe we could work for you too!)

ALEX GRANT

CAMP VC COMMUNITY - CASSIE BENNITT

DREW IRVINE

Thinking about learning to ride and coming along to Camp VC this year? Well we’ve got just the person to inspire you to get on two wheels and get involved! In the first of our Camp VC community stories where you’ll meet awesome women who have been part of what we do at Camp VC and VC from the start, meet the awesome Cassie Bennitt!

After first learning to ride 5 years ago with our VC beginner sessions in East London, Cassie can now be found razzing round London on one of the raddest custom Harley Davidson sportsters we’ve seen and road tripping all over the world (including her annual pilgrimage to Camp VC) with her own band of buds. We chatted to Cassie about her life with motorcycles, her journey into riding and her experiences over the years coming along to Camp VC. Check it out :)

Don’t forget tickets for Camp VC 2020 go on sale 2nd May @ 10am over at www.campvc.co.uk!!!

See you there!

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Charlie McKay

@miss_lola_mae

Where are you from? 

East London via the Shires of Cornwall.

How long have you been riding and what made you first start? 

I started riding in 2015 and there’s two reasons I started …

1) When I first moved to London I brought my 1960s classic car with me. I realised quite quickly that I couldn’t keep a car up here without a garage so I sold her. I missed having an old classic and realised motorbikes were the solution!

2) I wanted to ride with my Dad before he hung up his leathers for good. 

What is your first memory of motorcycling?

My family are big petrol heads and my Dad has ridden bikes since he was 16. I grew up around motorcycles and have always loved being around them. Also I loved ‘Easy Rider’.

How did you first find out about VC London?  

It feels like yesterday but it was actually 2015! A friend was badgering me about doing my CBT but I kept procrastinating. Then he messaged me a link to a group of badass women (VC) that were putting on their first all-female CBT. I booked in straight away and the rest is history … 

DREW IRVINE

How did you feel the first time you rode a motorcycle? 

Absolutely petrified – I’d had a horrible near miss on a dodgy scooter in Cyprus when I was 17 … but I was determined to overcome the fear so I kept going. 

What was your first motorcycle? 

My 1982 CB100N … a little custom tracker that used to break down all the time. And still does….

What do you ride now? 

I’ve still got the 100 because I couldn’t bear to part with the little sod …. And I’ve got a 1991 Harley Davidson Sportster (which is one of two built by Warrs as a replica XR750 track bike)

What’s the best moto trip you’ve ever been on? 

Every Camp VC I’ve been to (of course) … and also Southwest Chopperfest last year – a vintage chopper show in stunning countryside.  I rode down from London with my friends Kristen and Charlotte. We went with no idea what it would be like and it was brilliant – no frills, no egos, just booze, bikes, beer and good times. 

What does Camp VC mean to you? 

It probably sounds cheesy but what the hell, Camp VC is everything I love about motorbikes - meeting friends old and new, comparing bikes, stories, anecdotes …. Supporting each other. And hoping daily that I don’t break down….

What has been your best memory of Camp VC so far? 

I have so many great memories from each year, it’s hard to pick just one. I think it has to be a general one - waking up in the morning to a beautiful view, riding all day with a bunch of kick ass, fabulous women and coming back and partying and comparing stories from the day’s adventures. Oh and Namin climbing in the giant fridge after we had drunk a LOT of rum in the first year. That was ace. 

What are you looking forward to most about Camp VC 2020? 

Hanging out with everyone!!!

VC BEGINNERS INTRO TO BIKES SESSION!

P// SARAH EMMA SMITH

Brap brap we’re baaaaack! After getting an absolutely overwhelming response to our insta post shout out for bike curious womxn to get in touch we kick started our new beginners’ sessions last weekend with a bunch of newbies in our shitty east London car park! From a new mama (who brought her gorgeous 6 month old along) to a seasoned skateboarder, we gave these rad ladies their first taste of motorbike riding, taking them from complete newbies all the way to riding a slick figure of eight by the end of the morning.

P// SARAH EMMA SMITH

From chatting to people on insta, at our events and at our monthly meet ups we know there are still a ton of womxn out there who are really keen to get on a bike. But unless you’ve got a kind and generous pal with a little bike and bit of space to try it out on (tricky to find in London), you’re sometimes just left with the option of taking the plunge and signing up to do your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). And this involves committing about 100 quid to doing it - A bit daunting for some and a bit of an investment already… Plus, if you have no experience on a geared bike you’re usually advised to do this on a twist and go scooter , so even after you’ve done the day’s training, ridden out and about on the road and got your CBT certificate, you’ll still need to figure out how gears and everything work on an actual motorbike. PHEW!

Cue our VC complete beginners intro to bikes sessions! A great way to try out the basics, ask any questions you might have and meet other riders!

P// SARAH EMMA SMITH

P// SARAH EMMA SMITH

P// SARAH EMMA SMITH

P// SARAH EMMA SMITH

P// SARAH EMMA SMITH

Wanna try? Sign up HERE to get your name on our waiting list for the next available sessions!

All images by Sarah Emma Smith

BASIC BIKE MAINTENANCE - WTF?

So you’ve got yourself on the road & bought your first set of wheels. Good on you!

So what now?

I found that I learned alot about my bike & how to begin to look after it when I was practicing for my theory test as alot of this info is included in there, but before that on just a CBT it took me a while to learn the basics about my bike & how to maintain it. With the help of a few tips & hacks from workshop buddies I started to know my way around my bike & this has helped me out of many a sticky breakdown on road trips.  

Alot of people have been asking us about basic moto maintenance recently so we thought we'd do a quick run down of the basic stuff you can learn to keep to your wheels & before a ride out which you'll only need a basic set of tools & a bit of noggin to do! 

Its not the be all & end all in terms of moto maintenance but enough to get you started & hopefully get you on your way to not always having to rely on others to catch what might be a simple thing to sort yourself .... Enjoy!  

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FIRST UP........

Firstly, before anything else, get on over to HAYNES & grab a workshop manual for your model of bike. These things are worth their weight in gold as they have every setting, tips & breakdowns of different bits of your bike. even just a good read in general to get to know whats located where & what bit does what..... usually the manual will also list the tools you'll need to do the job. 

Number two: Good quality tools do what they say on the tin. They are totally worth the money to invest in (just a basic set at first & then you'll find you collect a few more along the way when you come across jobs where you need specific things. Halfords do a pretty good starter set thats pretty good quite for the cash.

Finally if you dont feel 100% confident dont be afraid to ask someone for help! Two heads are always better than one when problem solving, even when you're experienced with bikes. Ive learned everything I know so far (and by the way I'm no expert) from trying to solve stuff with other people around our shop or helping out mates with their bikes.

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TYRES

TOOLS: A good quality pressure gauge

I know its a no brainier but checking your tyre pressure is something that you should always remember to do. Its a pretty vital part of your bikes handling as under inflated tyres massively affect handling & braking. You can also overinflate them (this can result in a lack of grip when braking) so its worth getting a good quality pressure gauge to get it right. This is when your manual comes in handy as it'll tell you correct pressure for your bike & in which circumstance e.g. you may need more pressure if you're regularly carrying a passenger or heavy stuff. Try to check it once a week & also before any long trips. It's also worth checking the condition and tread depth of the tyres while you're at it.

TIP: Always check your pressures when they're cold!

IMAGE BY HEIDI ZUMBRUN

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CHAIN

TOOLS: A torque wrench

Incorrect chain tension can result in sprocket and gearbox wear, unsmooth gearshifts, snatchy transmission, hamper your bike's rear suspension travel and reduce the life of your bike's chain so its pretty important to check this regularly.

Check your manual for how to adjust your bike's chain to the correct tension. Remember to set the tension with some load on the bike (something heavy or with someone on it) as the chain will tighten up once a you have a passenger on board.  Your manual will also tell you the correct torque settings for each bolt - how much force to use when retightening each bolt. This is when you'll need your torque wrench to do this properly. 

TIP: Its a good idea to also lubricate the chain while you're at it, as this will help it last longer! Its also a good time to check the condition of your back sprocket for teeth missing or wear & tear. These can be easily replaced & you can find replacement parts pretty easily at places like WEMOTO

IMAGE BY DAMIAN PAJAK

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BATTERY

TOOLS/ SUPPLIES:  Manual & battery acid (if needed)

If a battery is allowed to run dry or drop into a deep state of discharge then usually it kills it, so you should try check it out regularly to see what state its in.

Ideally, remove the battery from its holder before carrying out any work. Remember,  batteries contain strong acid, which can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin so wear gloves & watch out where you get it.

Check the acid level in your battery by placing it on a level surface. If the level's low then top up with de-ionised water before placing the battery on charge, using a car or motorcycle charger. Remember not to overfill, as acid will drain out the overflow pipe when you're on the move. Many moden batteries are sealed, so you won't be able to top them up, meaning you'll have to buy a new one. Again WEMOTO is a great site to grab one from or if you're going custom a fancy lithium racing battery can take up half the space & fit nicely under the seat but you'll need to fabricate a new holder or battery box for this probably. 

TIP: Greasing your bike's battery terminals before placing the battery back in the bike will help avoid corrosion build up. Just remember not to touch both terminals at the same time or else ZAP!

IMAGE: HEIDI ZUMBRUN

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COOLANT

Checking you coolant only takes a few minutes to do but again its a pretty vital bit of maintenance. Not all bikes are liquid cooled. Some are also air-cooled (see here for a good guide on the differences)

First of all check out your manual to locate your bike's 'expansion' tank (if it has one); high and low levels should be marked on the outside of the translucent tank. Alternatively, remove the radiator filler cap to check the level. Only do this when the water is cold. And while your at it, think about changing the coolant altogether. Another easy job that takes about 30 minutes. Here's how it's done:

- When the radiator's stone cold, remove the cap the bottom rubber hose, allowing the old coolant to drain into a bucket. You may need to undo a drain plug situated near the water pump to extract all the liquid. Check your owner's manual for how to do it.

- Once the system's drained, reattach the bottom hose and replace the drain plug before making up a new batch of coolant using a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and de-ionised water.

- Fill to the correct level ensuring no air is trapped in the system. This can be alleviated by squeezing the radiator hoses to expel unwanted air. Check the level again after your first test ride.

IMAGE: BROTHER MOTO

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OIL

Changing your bikes oil is all part & parcel of keeping it in good knick. Some bikes need it changing more often than others (dirt bikes need oil changes every few hours of riding time where as road bikes need it alot less) all you need are the right tools, decent oil and the correct filter.

Check your workshop manual for a detailed explanation of how to do this very specifically on your bike. Also consider asking a mate to oversee progress from start to finish.

TIP: Always check your oil levels when the engine is warmed. Go for a quick spin then let the bike sit for about 15mins before checking. Also, always make sure your bike is upright (on the centre stand if you have one, or held up by someone else) to make sure you're reading the levels right.

If you're a bit low & need a change or top up: Get engine warmed through, remove the bike's oil filler cap, place a tray under the bike and remove the sump plug. Make sure you're 100 sure you're removing the right bolt; it should be the biggest one on the sump, usually on the bottom or on the side.

- Once the oil's drained, remove the filter, either by hand or using a filter removal wrench. 

- Replace the sump plug, tighten to the correct torque setting as recommended in the owner's manual before spinning on a new filter. Smear the rubber filter gasket in clean oil before tightening by hand. Nip it up half a turn with the filter wrench. 

- Refill the engine with the correct amount of new oil. Start the bike up, check for leaks, stop the engine Give it five minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump before checking the level again. Add oil if necessary.

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SPARK PLUGS

TOOLS:  Socket wrench with a spark plug extension

Unlike some of the other jobs changing your bike's spark plugs isn't a job that usually needs doing regularly but its a good check to do to avoid any breakdowns ( especially if you have a 50 year old shitty triumph chop like me) as a result of blackened or dirty plugs, making it difficult to start the bike. You can consult your manual for how often in should be done.

On most small or old bikes checking or changing the spark plugs should take you only a few minutes. Firstly make sure you have the correct plugs for your bike; the code number on each one will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Check the owner's manual for the correct gap; you'll need feeler gauges to set it correctly.

TIP: Remove the plugs one at a time to avoid mixing up the HT leads & try not to over tighten them! Best way to do this is to screw them in by hand and nip them up a quarter-turn with a plug wrench to finish up.

IMAGE: DAMIAN PAJAK

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BRAKES.... PADS OR DRUMS

TOOLS: Good spanners, sockets or Allen keys of the correct size to fit the caliper retaining bolts; some brake cleaner spray; a rag or old toothbrush; a large flat-headed screwdriver, copper grease, a torque wrench, a pair of pliers and brake fluid (of the right grade).

Firstly, does your bike have drum brakes (common on older bikes) or disc brakes??  Click here for a good guide to the difference between drum brakes & disc brakes.

 If you're bike has disc brakes a good way to check them is: 

• Start by checking the brake pedal and hand control brake.  You want to make sure they’re firm and not soft or spongy.

• Visually inspect both the front and rear brakes looking for wear on your brake pads.

• Make sure there is at least 3mm of pad left.  If the pads wear down less than this, you’ll get metal-on-metal grinding between the brake and the rotor. 

Checking & replacing your bike's brake pads sounds fairly intensive but is actually a pretty straightforward job although first time I'd ask someone experienced to give you a hand.

There are so many great video guides on you tube for this that its kind of pointless for me to put it into words but basically you'll need to remove the caliper from the fork leg, take out the retaining clips, followed by then pins and springs. The pads should then come out with ease. 

TIP: Use an aerosol brake cleaner to smarten up the job when you're finished and remove any unwanted grease as this is very dangerous around disc brakes.

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Don’t know where to find replacement parts for your bikes

Here are some good UK based websites for stock replacement bits for a wide range of bikes :

WEMOTO

MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS

M & P

PATTERN PARTS

HAPPY WRENCHING PEOPLE!

MY FIRST SUMMER ON A MOTORCYCLE - GEORGIA SHERLOCK

Loving all the people that you can see taking their first steps to 2 wheeled adventures lately! Your first summer riding is something that stays with you for sure... Whether it’s full of roadside breakdowns, stalling and running out of petrol or friendships, road trips and ride outs it’s something you don't forget in a hurry.

Our good friend the lovely Georgia Sherlock just started riding this summer, so we asked her to write all about her tips, road trips, CBT stuff and her first summer on 2 wheels.

Thanks G!
x

GEORGIA: 

This summer I made the massively excited but mildly apprehensive step into the world of motorcycles. At first glance it seemed like an exclusive world, dangerous and arguably aggressive but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only have I learnt a new skill, but Ive also managed to meet some amazing people, all of us connected by an engine and two wheels. 

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"Whether it’s to clear your head, meet some mates, or just a way to spend your time, the experience is incomparable".

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So what made me want to start riding? When I was little my dad had a bike (he still does) and I always kinda thought he looked quite badass. He also used to race cars so anything with an engine makes sense to me (sort of). By no means am I a mechanic but it isn't a totally alien world in some ways. I must have been about 10 when I had my first memory of being on a bike was clinging onto my dad and his very ugly Triumph Tiger.

So, with a wobbly start and a couple of very helpful spins around a car park with the lovely Gemma of VC London, I got my act together and managed to pass my CBT in torrential rain with a bunch of aspiring Deliveroo drivers. The prospect of getting on a motorised, two- wheeled machine with minimal practise was a pretty nerve wracking thought but for anyone interested in the idea please don’t be deterred - you can all do it with yer eyes closed! My main advice would be to take it on a scooter, these are automatic and only 50cc. Get legal and then get your ass on a geared bike, there’s no rush with these things but the most important thing is that you can legally cruise the roads!

For my first bike I chose a Yamaha SR 125. I wanted something older and of more vintage style so I trawled through millions of eBay listings and stumbled across the bike I now own. Luckily the woman selling wasn’t quite aware of the market and the bike was an absolute steal. The appeal of something older was the idea of customising it and the vision of a little cafe racer, however, that’s yet to happen (but in the pipeline). After getting my bike I just rode and rode and rode, everywhere, anywhere, nowhere. It didn’t matter the occasion, or why, the liberating feeling of being sat on a motorcycle trumps any other. Whether it’s to clear your head, meet some mates, or just a way to spend your time, the experience is incomparable. 

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Despite what people might think you can do some serious mileage on a 125 as I did this summer. From Kent to London - Wales and all through the Brecon Beacons, I’ve made some pretty amazing memories in my first summer on two wheels.

A ride out to Kent with a motley crew - It was a Sunday, the sun was shining. Rachel Billings  and I fancied a BBQ and a river to swim in so a group of about 10 of us rode on down. We cruised along some picturesque A-roads and tried to delay the inevitable Sunday blues as much as humanly possible. We all managed to avoid swallowing rat shit from the dodgy looking river, however we did not manage to avoid partial nudity from some of the guys…

"Asides from the ride itself taking a healthy 10 hours for many of us it was our first time out on the country roads"

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Babes Ride Out UK, Wales - Friday 5th August, a group of brave and perhaps slightly mad motorcyclists met at The Bike Shed in Shoreditch. The sun was shining and coffee and croissants were being consumed as we prepared to embark on our ride to Wales for Babes Ride Out UK. Asides from the ride itself taking a healthy 10 hours, for many of us it was our first time out on the country roads; hearing your bike, smelling the fresh air and absorbing the scenery was a blessing and the freedom we felt was like no other. When we eventually arrived we were greeted by a group of some of the most awesome women I’ve ever met. Asides from the cold beer and relief of climbing off our bikes, my overwhelming sense of respect for these ladies was very real. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to organise such an amazing event, the girls behind VC London are carving the way for women in a traditionally male world and bringing Babes Ride Out to the UK is just the beginning of a very long legacy.

IMAGE BY THE COSTA SISTERS

"We arrived in the pissing rain but our spirits weren't dampened."

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The Trip Out, Bedfordshire - Summer was coming to a close but there was time for one final hoorah as a bunch of us descended upon a farm in Bedfordshire. The ride up there was quick and easy… proves what a little practise and experience can do to your riding (confidence had grown since the 10 hour adventure to Wales). We arrived in the pissing rain but our spirits were not dampened. Cracking a beer, ditching the bike and watching the sun go down surrounded by a spectacular array of choppers was certainly a pleasant experience. With a well stocked bar, live music and awesome people there was very little to complain about. Differently to other events this was less about riding and more about displaying. The variety of motorcycles encountered in one weekend was an entire experience in itself and as a newbie to the scene it was quite a spectacle…

TRIP OUT IMAGES FROM SUBSCULPTURES BY JONNY WILSON

So, at the end of my first summer riding my best advice to anyone wanting to get on two wheels would be to just do it. If you’re interested and the idea of a bike gets the heart racing then book a CBT and get legal. It would be a lie to say the CBT wasn’t nerve-wracking but take it easy and take your time, anyone can do it and once the certificate is in your hands jump on a bike asap. A big car park, industrial estate or quiet country road, as long as you have space and someone with experience and patience to guide you through the gears and getting your balance you’ll be cruising about in no time.

Anyway enough from me but all I’ll finish on is the totally positive outcome of my fairly impulsive choice to hop on a motorbike. It’s a decision I’ll never regret and if you love it the rest comes naturally. 

G x

IMAGE: HEIDI ZUMBRUN

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