Riding through the beautiful Dorset countryside on adventure bikes, navigating up rocky waterfalls and ripping vintage trials bikes.
Sounds like a dream right?….. It’s all in a day’s work for the awesome Emily Page of Superior Motorcycle Experiences!
Back in 2019 we went on the trip of a lifetime with Superior Motorcycle Experiences down in Dorset and Emily was the awesome vintage bike ripper and off road rider extraordinaire who guided us through every rocky hill climb, muddy ruts as high as your hip and open road blast out of beautiful forests.
We met Emily a couple of years back whist she raced her vintage Triumph Tiger Cub in the VC women class at the epic Malle Mile event and it’s safe to say we became fast (and she’s definitely VERY FAST) friends. This year we’re very excited to have the awesome Superior Motorcycle Experiences coming along to Camp VC!
We caught up with Emily recently to find out all about her long history with motorcycles, her awesome job as a motorcycle guide with Superior Motorcycle Experiences and what she’ll be bringing along to Camp VC this year with the team!
VC : So how did you first get into motorcycles?
EMILY: My dad and two brothers all had road bikes and competed in off-road trials as I grew up and as soon as I was big enough, I was riding. I scared myself out of it for a few years, around age 6/7, but still went to the events and ‘helped’ (climbed every tree possible and shouted ‘encouragement’). At age 11 I got another bike and have been riding ever since.
What was your first bike?
When I was little, my first bike was a Beta 50 trials bike but the one that got me into ‘biking proper’ was a Beta 80. My first road bike was a Yamaha scooter when I was 16 ( I just wasn’t tall enough for a motocross bike! ) The first bike I bought/owned is my Harley Hugger 883 which I had off of my dad.
VC: What’s the best motorcycle trip you’ve ever been on?
E: At the moment I haven’t been on any big motorbike trips. I haven’t been able to make the ladies only Morocco trip the last 2 years, but I do intend to do so in the future. My usual biking adventures are weekend events like the wonderful Camp VC, the unmissable Despatch Rally, the wicked Malle Mile and Malle Beach Race, Bike Shed Festival, Flat Track School and Trials Camping Weekends. I also missed an amazing trip to Everest Base Camp in Tibet with an all-girls group riding Himalayans and was extremely sad when I heard they weren’t doing another one. I also intend to take part in a trip where you take disabled war veterans on Harleys along route 66 … but I have to wait ‘til I’m 25 for that one.
VC: So you’re a bit of a dare devil! What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
That’s a hard one to answer. Maybe paragliding, travelling to Bali on my own or catching deadly scorpions in Morocco? Ha ha. I would say that maybe a lot of people are taken aback by the sheer number of crazy things I partake in, and my enthusiasm for adventure. Having siblings that are a fair ways older than me (and not ever wanting to miss out/be left behind) allowed me, and drove me, to do things others my age may not have had the wish or ability to do.
So tell us all about Superior Motorcycle Experiences! :
Based out of our luxury H.Q in Dorset, England or the beautiful Spanish Pyrenees, we carefully curate rides that will take you to some glorious locations. We hunt for the best backcountry trails for you to enjoy on our fleet of Royal Enfield Himalayans. Everything is provided to the highest standard to prepare you for your trip, to keep spirits high during, and help you recover after a day of hard riding. Our fantastic chef JJ will delight your tastebuds with breakfast, lunch and an evening meal too if you’re feeling super fancy.
What made you guys want to get involved with Camp VC?
After meeting Gemma and some of the girls at the Malle Mile I looked into Camp VC and thought it looked fantastic. The first year I wasn’t able to attend but in the interim we had a selection of the VC lovelies down to SME to play on the Himalayans for 2/3 days - and had a riot. That year I only attended Camp VC personally and had the most amazing time exploring the women’s biking scene and partying like a loon.
Whilst there, and thinking back on our VC SME tour, I realised how well our approach to riding could fit in at Camp VC. I just knew we needed to be a part of this fantastic event next time.
What will SME be doing at Camp VC this year?
We will be offering a compressed version of our 1 day trail school. On board one of our Royal Enfield Himalayans you will be guided around a route capturing the best of the local scenery and terrain. Stopping halfway for a hot drink/snack break we will cover as many skills and techniques as possible within a 3 hour time slot. Check out more details HERE.
What are you looking forward to most at Camp VC?
I can’t wait to be in the fantastic environment that an all girls event creates. Calm and mayhem at the same time? Check. Super easy to fit in and comfortable learning environment? Check. Crazy partying and chill chatting? Check. Camp VC is a real change from the norm of biking and I love that and can’t wait to be back amongst it!
Any advice for anyone wanting to try out this year’s SME trail school at the event?
Do not panic about experience, or off-road confidence. SME specialise in aligning your skill with the challenges we will attempt. Our approach is about support and comfort, as well as luxury wherever possible. Views, locations, and the joy of riding are at the core of our adventure offerings. If you are an A2 license holder you are still more than welcome to book in and come play, as the Himalayans are only 411cc and 24bhp. At present I am still only on an A2 license myself (this may have changed by the time we hit Camp but still 😉). Just bring your gear and some excitement!
If you were lucky enough to snag a ticket to this year’s sell out Camp VC event and have a full licence (even an A2) make sure you get booked onto the Superior Motorcycle Experiences off road trail ride tours as soon as booking opens for all riding classes on the 12th June as this one is going to be very very popular! In the meantime check out all about what they’ll be bringing to site HERE!
