Today. Brisbane. Australia. Approximately 9.20am.

Finally took a wee braap around the block. Less of a braap more of a putt putt putt lol.

The nerves of rolling over the kerb (the same kerb I was freaked out about nearly 2 years ago on the CBR500!!!) were holding me back. Mr tried his best to be supportive.

Me: if I drop it you will be angry and I don’t want to wreck my new bike 😟

Mr (in his most reassuring, calm voice): honestly it’s fine. I won’t be mad I will be there to help pick it up ☺️ *gets slightly pissed off at me farting around*

Me: 😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒 hmmmm

My legs were literally shaking so bad. Can we just do it in the dark so all the neighbours don’t see if I stack it??? And that’s a no from Mr haha.

Needless to say I made it around the block a total of about 1.5kms #FrickenBadAss and all the way the temptation to open her up ‘just to see’ was so strong. Must. Resist. Urges. For now 😬

Between a street sweeper truck randomly reversing towards me 😳 and beeping the horn instead flicking the indicator 😂😂😂 – the indicator should really be right next to where your thumb rests anyway – it was better than I expected. I was riding too intensely to even blip the doggo I saw. Given that’s my hobby these days 🤷🏻‍♀️ just shows how much I was trying to concentrate and NOT fall off

Maybe a mixture of new found confidence or just exhilaration to be finally on top of her just made my day! Would have gone a bit further but was helping my daughter move house 🏡 good mummy.

For the first time, I really feel like I can do this. I’m sure every rider feels like I did full of trepidation what to expect and more so with such a large power jump. I got back on Lil Boop afterwards to run some errands and well she felt like a comfortable home. Ahhh my first bike, we’ve had some fun haven’t we?

The feeling of being nestled into the seat on the CBR to being ON the seat with the GSXR is a completely alien concept to me now. After some more practice the GSXR will become my new comfortable place 🥰 and I can’t wait to re-define my riding with new knowledge and power. Don’t forget the power. Always the power.

Another journey begins. If ya see me out and about, wobbling around, filtering like a maniac or crashed … say hi, gimme a wave/nod or call an ambulance lol. Almost two years has gone so quickly. Everything I have learned and everyone I have met have been amazing and part of my ‘family’. I have loved every minute!

Well it’s been a few weeks and while tempted to go for a blat on shiny new bike … I’m aware that doing so I will then know what I’m missing out on and possibly do silly things like start sneaky riding it to work 👀. The thirst is real 😂😂😂.

Lowering link is on yayyy I can touch the ground and push the bike up off its side stand haha. Ordered some blue levers off eBay which one doesn’t fit due to the master cylinder 😕 so still rolling on the Brembo levers until further notice.

Mr dropped the triple clamp so that the bike wouldn’t look like a chopper with a high front end. Unfortunately, sitting on a bike at the dealer with no helmet on vs sitting on it with a helmet on is not the same thing. Realised I couldn’t see cos too far forward over the bars – definite neck strain if I was to hold up my head so much while riding around.

Ordered what we thought were handle bar risers off eBay (is there anywhere cheaper? No. Does it require patience? Yes!) and turned out to be the same handle bars LOL so Mr has now put them over the triple clamp and the new handle bar bracket part only under the triple clamp for more support. Sat on her WITH helmet on lol, good to go.

Blue wheel tape is on hand being applied today. Blue spools on their way. Not sure what else I’m doing to it but as always the budget dictates how nuts I can go and good taste also kicks in to ensure it’s not too far!

Mr has also got himself a GSXR1000 as the CBR1000 was written off, after weeks of waiting and having to get most of the quotes for the repairer who apparently doesn’t know how to use eBay. 2011 with matte black fairing and Akrapovic exhaust. Nice looking bike, roughly same kms as mine, just over $2k cheaper (worth it). So let the comparing begin hahaha << Mr not me I don’t care and was at the point of wanting to sell my new bike due to his constant ‘my bikes got this my bikes got that’ bullshit 🙄🙄🙄 just ride your bike mate I’m happy with my purchase.

He’s on a mission to have carbon fibre everything … I’m not since my bike is blue and white will look a bit wanky. Also I feel like he could go too far, refer: tacky for more detail.

Will slap an L plate on it this weekend if Cyclone Oma calms tf down and go for a ride with Mr supervising. It’s feels like it did *nearly 2 years ago* when I got the CBR500 and how nervous / terrified I was taking it out the first few times eeeek! I have come a long way and the massive increase in power is something I need to gently familiarise myself with. The power and temperament of the bike is not going to be anything I’ve experienced before, I don’t want to crash in my first 10 minutes. There will be time for opening it full throttle lol but for now easy does it.

Wish me luck! The hoon girl is becoming a hoon woman 🥰

My original plan was to buy an Aprilia Tuono *sexy V4 barrel of power* but after reading some reviews about major problems, even during the low odometer numbers, I gave it a miss. It’s gorgeous and sounds as good as it looks while also churning out more power than I would know what to do with.

The thing with non-Japanese bikes is the cost of parts and reliability. There are occasions that parts are needed to be ordered from overseas. The wait and expense to do this leaves you off the road and/or buying some crap off eBay.

I just fixated on the Tuono for so long and now it’s time to prepare for the inevitable upgrade once I get my R Open bike licence in a few months. The reality of researching the bike and shopping around for latest year + low kms + reliable + sports bike + in my budget comes with it.

Facebook market place is surprisingly well stocked with bikes for sale, mostly private sellers and prices right up top of the range (that you would only expect a dealer or a knuckle head to ask) down to desperately need the money someone please help out so I can pay my rent situations. The bad part of marketplace is the filters are not very user friendly.

Bikes are essentially a ‘luxury item’ given most people do already have a car. When times are tough, people will liquidate the easy and often expensive items that are not absolutely necessary. Would you rather sell a home gym and some other bits for a couple hundy or thousands of dollars for a bike since you have another vehicle to use 🤷🏻‍♀️

One comment I heard multiple times was “why do you why need a new bike?”. Who the fuck said I 😑needed😑 one? It’s my money I can do what I want. Hmm did you need to buy a brand new SUV or could you have managed with a 2001 Hyundai Excel if it was in good running order???? See what I mean 😒

Anyhu after I had given up on the Tuono 😂😂😂 I narrowed down to an R1 or GSX-R1000. If I didn’t find anything that fit my criteria [fucken LOL] then I’d consider a ZX10 or GSX-S. hard to say as I was hoping not to end up with MT09 haha sorry MT owners they do nothing for me in the pleasure department.

Mr paid a deposit on an R1 that was subject to wife approval … seeing as it’s for me, there is no buying amid promises I will love it don’t need to view it / hear it / sit on it first blah blah blah. I went and sat on the bike, tried unsuccessfully to push it off the stand 😂😂 and decided nope not the one.

Especially considering for the price I could get a better looking one with lower kms elsewhere. This is the danger of Mr going bike shopping alone, he falls in love with a bike and that’s the end no more bikes could ever be as good as this bike, etc. He has previously owned an R1 that he slid out on an oily corner and has missed it ever since. It was in my list of top 3 but didn’t quite make the cut. I had to be the bad guy and tell them I’m a hater, we weren’t buying it 😕

Enter the GSX-R thou. I mean, the noise of this thing 😍😍😍 Yoshi pipe and purrs like a kitten. As Mr took it for a test ride while I scoffed a free sausage sizzle. I watched him ride away and thought ‘wow that could be my next bike’. The dealer came to the party #ThanksOlivers (lovely shop to deal with no hard sell, all the staff I’ve spoken with are fantastic) and did a little price drop to get into my budget.

Couple of wins: when we went to start the bike, before Mr took it for a test ride, the battery was flat. Got a brand new one thrown in. Also we were quoted price on a single seat rego (our preference as we have no need for dual seat rego at this point) then discovered the roadworthy was dual seat and would have to be redone as single.

Not sure if the resident RWC person was onsite / available that day but ended up dual rego at the single price. Cannot complain at all. Besides that, Oliver’s are a great place to shop Mr has always enjoyed doing business with them.

Moral of the story is: I have a bike for when I sit my R licence!!!!! Please watch the short introductory vid on the ladyriderbrisbane Facebook page 😂😂😂 I already know I need professional help please don’t suggest this more than it already has been!

So just when I was having a right nice ride last weekend with one of my FB groups … got a stinkin’ flat tyre on my way home.

Lucky discovered it not too far from home so limped the last little bit home. Didn’t realise it was even flat until I went to overtake someone at the roundabout and had a nice big slide.

That moment of uh-oh when you think it’s game over Rover 😯😯😯 but thankfully somehow pull it back up 🥴

So with a flat tyre there are a few options. Get towed home. Take the whole rim to the tyre shop in the car. Emergency plug repair kit. Buy a new tyre. All of which of course cost money.

Being a long weekend (Australia Day) and finding a puncture on the day before = not much chance of being fixed until Tuesday.

With that in mind we bought the emergency puncture repair kit from Repco. Now it wasn’t really that cheap given it’s only a temporary emergency fix to get you to a tyre shop. $37. There was a cheaper kit for $26 but the more expensive one came with a plastic case. If you’ve seen Mr’s tool cabinet, the fewer bits running free range in there the better haha.

Watched a YouTube video *officially an expert now* seems straightforward enough and the only way the puncture gonna be fixed on a public holiday (one nice person on FB offered to do it but was in Caboolture).

After minimal huffing and puffing the plug was in. Quick pump with the 12v compressor and test. Oh dear, still leaking. What started off as a teeny pinhole turned into a screw sized hole due to the stabby thing that is included in the packet. Also I didn’t notice when buying the kit that the one in the plastic case did not include cement. I feel like this is why it still leaked after plugging.

Ok fine fine we just take it in the car on Tuesday then 🙄. Another $50 for the repair #Fuck but apparently a plug and patch is considered a permanent repair. So far so good getting to work daily, so overall $50 well spent for the sheer convenience.

Mr also found a 90% tread tyre on eBay with a matching rim to mine. SOLD! Lol just waiting on that to arrive, was needing a new tyre at some point in the not too distant future anyway.

After Mr had a little not-at-fault crash and my flat tyre the car decided it couldn’t stand the pressure of being the only mode of transport and promptly shat itself too 🤬. Needs a coil (ordered and awaiting delivery) so just as well my bike is on the road again! Mr has been using for work while his bike is being repaired – he works a graveyard shift and I’m 9-5 which is just as well.

Next steps: get some cement to add to my emergency tyre repair kit and keep it in my backpack that I have with me at all times. Better half a chance than none at all 🤷🏻‍♀️

So Mr is home and settled down, bit raw and limpy but thankfully nothing too major. I messaged my boss to ask if I could start at 12pm (half day) having been at the hospital most of the night and head only hitting pillow at 4.15am 😖

Things I thought about the next day and few days after

1. The BMW had a passenger. They insisted no cops, and when the police were called the passenger immediately left the scene. Not saying he was doing or had anything dodge happening but he was walking up a mountain road to ?????? Cops didn’t even turn up so yay for gapping it pussy arse bitch 😂

2. Deciding to chase the driver. While ideally I would have tended to Mr and his bike first, a running at fault driver is soon gone into the night. Seeing as I couldn’t remember the plate 🤦🏻‍♀️ it seemed like the best option and what I would want Mr to do if the situation was reversed. I’d either be not too hurt or be completely fucked and he wouldn’t be able to help me anyway haha. But overall, I’d want to make sure the person who caused it was caught and my no fault bonus stayed in tact.

3. The towie discussed getting a free hire bike or car (on the scene during loading) for being not at fault. That company called the next day to confirm the at fault parties details, called him and the driver did acknowledge they were at fault (side note: YUSSSSSSS got him on record admitting it lol).

Unfortunately the at fault driver (AFD) had lapsed insurance so the AFD would have to agree to cover that cost or get pinged heavily ourselves, not 100% sure how it worked if we would end up getting fucked over for the bill so cancelled it. We have a car and other bike to use if needed, not like we were hard up for transport. I don’t like to try and kick someone when they’re down as the bill was at this point unknown. No point in being a cunt just for the sake of it.

4. Hospital service. Yeahhhhh the public hospital lol. Mr went in around 11pm, told them he was in a motorcycle crash and they put him straight through to triage. Nice. X-rays done. Checked by doctor. Put on obvs for several hours. Finally saw the doctor again and asked if able to leave due to x-rays showing nothing. Told x-rays are not that reliable. Doctor orders another x-Ray for a puffy foot 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️. More waiting. I dress the scrape on his arm by helping myself in the drawers to gauze and tape 😁😁😁 hey hey I used to be an ambulance officer I can manage a dressing and the seepy wound was making a mess on the sheet. Nurses didn’t seem keen so 1 x patch up job to go.

5. The AFD (or his mum, the car owner in this case) called us the next day to say their insurance lapsed when they moved. Complete bullshit, they just auto-renew unless you cancel the policy OR get so far behind in premiums the policy is cancelled. Reality: probably couldn’t afford the premiums or didn’t want to go through their insurance hoping it would be cheaper. An expensive lesson in being insured to cover at least the basics. I’m broke as shit but my insurance ALWAYS gets paid. At worst the AFD could sell the car if needed to pay the repair bill. It’s a 2013 BMW, will more than cover it.

6. Repair vs write off. In this case a repair was warranted (approx $3k) vs paying out $7,500 for a write-off. Even if he had gotten a payout there is the hassle of finding a new bike in his budget while also dreaming about his dream bike 2015 R1M 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤. Our daughter works in insurance and said we can also take the payout and fix it ourselves … meh sounds like hassle and we would inadvertently end up over budget.

7. Our insurance company vs AFD. So now we know the AFD doesn’t have insurance, we will get looked after by our insurance company … who in turn will likely chase the AFD for reimbursement. While I don’t want anyone to get a big ugly bill, I also don’t want to be penalised for someone else not having insurance and driving like a twat.

8. Recovery time. Yes I know there might be people reading this who say nah nah-nah nah nah you weren’t wearing the right gear 🙄 oh wow you’re so cool Captain Obvious 🖕🏾. Even a minor spill like this has put Mr out of work for nearly a week. But this is the risk you take, even when you are fully aware of the consequences. Queensland is STINKING hot at this time of year and it’s an individuals personal choice to make, let’s reduce the nannying and lectures. Mr accepts his injuries are worse due to not being in full kit. He also accepts it was low speed crash with no impact to the AFD vehicle so is lucky in that respect.

9. Allllllll the fuckers that now have a platform to say they told you riding was dangerous. Why were you telling me? When didn’t I know? Oh that’s right I did fucking know and elected not to live my life being afraid of things that may never happen. Is that alright? Do you have a huge penis / vagina for putting your 2 cents into what you know and told me? Can you move on now? For the record I hear about 100 times more people complaining about exercise related injuries than bike injuries soooo fuck off now.

I’m happy we are both safe and the repairs are underway. We have so much to be thankful for. We will ride together again. Seeing everyone stop and check we were ok is always a blessing this bike family, no paternity test involved we just are.

Final thoughts: pay your insurance because the minute you don’t something like this will happen.c

Oohhhhh gurlll what a dramatic night. Went for a quick squid up Mt Coot-tha the other night. Always the scenic route to the summit and always stop and have a look out at my beautiful city 🥰.

It was warm so we debated wearing the full riding kit or take it easy to minimise risk of getting ummm dead lol. Decided to go chance it because I know and understand the consequences of my actions.

All goes well, leisurely up the mountain the back way and to the summit, have a stop and enjoy the view. Head back down and it’s ALWAYS slow because the direct route to and from the summit is popular with the popo. I can manage 50km/h for a bit 👼.

At the bottom roundabout – Mt Coot-tha Road and the city end of the Western Fway – there is a fork in the road to go left towards city or 2 lanes right turn only to head West on the freeway. A car in front of us comes to a stop at the giveaway (right lane) indicating right. Not sure why he is giving way there is no one coming 🤷🏻‍♀️ so we take the left lane that is also right turn only.

Just before we pass him the little arsehole shoots left with a milliseconds indication. All I can see is Mr rolling along the ground and his bike scooting into the roundabout. Not a fantastic time for him or me watching. The car slows right down but doesn’t stop. I can tell he’s gonna do a runner so try and remember his plate. It’s at this point I realise I’m tired and old 😂😂😂😂😂.

I yell out to old mate MOVE MOVE IM GONNA CHASE THEM seeing as how a truck hit me on Ipswich Rd and while I was picking myself up, checking I was ok and moving my bike off to the side so traffic could flow past … he fucked off. 😡😡😡. What kind of person does that? Anyway lesson learned and it’s on.

They don’t get far when he realises ahhh shit that bike is chasing me and pulls over. Window goes down and it starts ‘what even happened back there? I don’t even know what happened?’ Ummm you went left on a right turn only from the fucking right lane. Get your arse back there and sort it out. Don’t run because you won’t lose me *dunno much but my traffic skills are ripe as all shit haha*.

I follow him back and he pulls over, traffic exiting the freeway is starting to back up, Mr starts blasting the shit out of him and I park off to the side. There are already bikes and cars helping Mr move his bike to the side. Another however many minutes of Mr ranting 😄 and it’s time for calm so I have to step in and take control.

Step 1 exchange details. Step 2 contact police … those guys can’t be stuffed coming out unless alcohol or drugs are involved, oh well the less cops the better I suppose even when you’re doing nothing wrong. Step 3 try and establish who is in the wrong. Young fella admits yeah oh performed illegal manoeuvre causing Mr to take evasive action. Fortunately for Young Buck, mummy’s BMW has no damage – to avoid it, Mr dumped the bike on its side instead. Just shit for everyone on all sides.

Young Buck takes off, loadsssss of other motorbikes, cars and even a cop (bit late there buddy LOL) stop to check we are ok. Few scrapes and bruises so Mr goes with the Towie who drops him at the hospital to get checked over and carts the bike back to overnight storage.

I pick him up later from the hospital after lodging claim online and sending him the claim number to forward to he towie.

Lovely guy the towie Wayne from Bike Tow Brisbane based in Coopers Plains … he was in bed so had to shower and change to come and collect Mr and his bike 😂😂😂 we usually use Wayne or would use another friend Kiarn who owns Apex Motorcycle Towing (depends if North or South side).

There is Part 2 *in progress* to this story. Stay tuned and stay safe all.

I get a lot of kudos from women (and men) when they find out I ride. You’re so brave. I could never do that. I don’t know how you do it. Chicks who ride are awesome.

Honestly, I just do it. I think the surprising part for people is that I’m a lard arse and ride. Mr got me interested in motorbikes when we first started dating (27 and a bit years ago!) he rode motorbikes for a couple years before we met. A motorbike accident is how we met actually.

So while Mr has taught me to ride this is not unusual for couples. The women I give the biggest props to are those who DON’T have someone who teaches and encourages them like I have had. Women who just decide for whatever reason ‘Imma start riding a motorcycle’. I wouldn’t even know where to start if Mr wasn’t already a rider 🤷🏻‍♀️

There are the people like me who did the sneaky online bike licence before the laws changed to a 2 day per learner course and have someone available to not only teach them but go on rides regularly to get some riding experience.

You can post in motorcycle FB groups and get supervisor offers yet here I am with the luxury of a supervisor laying in bed next to me, can go riding whenever I want, tutors me on those STINKIN FIGURE 8’s they love on the RE course. And I know I’ve had it easier than a female who on her own merits gets involved in riding. That must be so hard!!!!!

Shit I can barely meet new people let alone ask them to chaperone me from the driveway and back again 🤔. When I find these absolute unicorns of motorcycling life it’s hats (helmets??) off to them for getting out there off their own steam. Coolest. Bitches. Ever.

If there are any ladies who have taken this avenue I would love to hear from you and interview you for my blog. Slight fascination right here 😬

First time Mr has been on a group ride with one of the crews I roll with (RiDe Facebook group). He is not really much of a group ride person … we’ve been on only 1 other before that was monstrous and didn’t know anyone but soon found some Maori’s to have lunch with 😂😂😂

Planned ride was Loganlea meet> Canungra > Beechmont > Murwillumbah > Mt Warning Hotel for lunch. First time we have been to Beechmont and kinda felt like it’s over rated. There is a paragliding launch point like Tamborine with a cafe but the road quality on both sides of that …. meh

I prefer going Clagiraba way myself but that’s just me. Bumps are not my friend they make me nervous about bouncing off the road.

Quite a spirited run (when the ride leader kicks off with a wheelie straight after stands up you know it’s gonna be a good day) and I was the slowest bike which doesn’t bother me as we didn’t really go too far over the speed limit or at least reach the max speed of my bike. Only 1 other LAMS bike an MT07 but I do ok on Lil Boop.

The Numinbah Valley is an exceptional bit of road – corners not too menacing, sweeping bends, the cars generally pulled over to allow us to pass and shady in some bits.

I knew before we left, having checked the route, that we weren’t going up the ranges out of Murwillumbah, which I think is Tweed Valley Way??? We did end up doing a sprint up and turning around to head back o our actual destination. Jesus Christ it’s balls to the wall up there! Bikes and cars in both directions fucking caning it. Is only an 80km/h zone but no one seemed to be listening to that.

After turning around, the group congregated on the corner of Stokers Rd & Smiths Creek Rd to wait for the last riders to catch up. A marked police car cruised past *don’t make eye contact, nothing to see here officer* 👀

Was a quick scoot to Mt Warning Hotel from here. Lead rider had secured us a table and the lunch was well priced. We didn’t stay long … as Mr put it “I came to ride not sit around talking” LOL cheeky sod. The plan was to head to The Bearded Dragon for drinks before heading home.

Mr and I were 50/50 on whether that was our scene. One wrong turn later and we were heading back towards Numinbah Valley so that decided it for us.

Another fantastic blast home and shit didn’t everything ache lol. I do try to ride one-handed or no-headed where possible so my shoulders and wrists get a break. That can only go so far especially on 4 hours+ of riding.

Highly recommend a day trip out to Mt Warning Hotel. Yes there is the odd cop and yes the odd speed camera but if you take it easy you will make it home safely. Mr has now met some of the folks I ride with and reassured they are not shirtless firemen with oiled up abs and big hoses trying to make the sweet love to me 🤣🤣🤣

Not gonna be any surprising answers here: went to bed early on NYE and then woke up and went for a ride 😄.

Got the early morning text from Mr who was just about to leave work ‘have a shower, we going for a ride when I get home’. I don’t know about other females who take 90 minutes to get ready but for me … fuck the shower, get some clean knickers on and be waiting with my bike in the driveway when he rolls in.

Straight up Mt Nebo to Mt Glorious Cafe for a drink. Ok, ok this my 3rd (technically my fourth if you count going both ways the other day as part of The Three Musket Ears lol) trip up the mountain in 7 days. No. I don’t have a problem.

Absolutely no better NY day activity for me. Start the year as you wish to continue and all that shit.

Unfortunately a fellow on his XJ900 rode off and his phone slipped out of his pocket. I posted on a few FB groups so not sure if he seen it 🤷🏻‍♀️ but yay my good deed for the year ticked off and it’s only 1st Jan 😂😂😂😂.

Ahhhh the feel of morning air and minimal cars and cops is enough to get those clean knickers I just put on all happy I can tell you. There are LOADS of lookouts up the mountain, all reasonably close to the parking areas so you won’t have a long schlep with your helmet and jacket. For the more adventurous I’m sure you could ride out to the platforms more but meh my stumpy legs are not that hot on gravelly stuff.

Went back down the mountain same way we came up and got stuck behind a twat with a 4WD and trailer that didn’t seem to know how to courteously let us pass … which is how we ended up standing on one of the lookouts lol. Fucker.

Stopped in at Aldi’s The Gap Village for some melting moments, potato chips and cold drinks so we could have a little feast at Mt Coot-tha. Yeah yeah I know by now all the groans and accusations of it being shit but keep in mind I just had a fun time up and down another mountain before that and it’s on our way home.

The cafe was full up Mt Coot-tha so we had to eat out on the viewing area. Clearly the council has put zero consideration into shade up there I mean fuck it’s only 30+ degrees in summer here so not a priority hey. Unlike their planned zip line. Don’t get me wrong I’m keen af for the zip line, I think it would be the most interesting thing to do in Brisbane that doesn’t involve a motorcycle if it happened. But they have plenty of time to promote just the idea of it yet stuff all the tourist dollars and visitors we already GET from Mt Coot-tha 🤷🏻‍♀️

Anyway had a lovely ad hoc picnic up there. The melting moments only make me giggle, you can buy them in the cafe circa $5.50 or so. Or you can get a whole pack for $3.99 at Aldi’s and stuff yourself full. Mr’s fave biscuit and in my top 5 for sure. Gotta save all my money for other things which may or may not [read: most likely] motorcycle related 😬.

So not a long run sure, not a new run sure. Just an awesome way to bring in the New Year for Mr and I. Obligatory selfie below. My head isn’t really 3 x as big as Mr’s … I was just closer to the camera.

Have some riders I’ve been out with a few times from the Facebook group Motorcycle Newbies & Seasoned Riders. I joined the group when I first started riding to get a vibe for the bike community and all the people I’ve met have been lovely. I’m in a few FB riding groups, this being one of the good ones where it’s supportive and helpful rather than look how big my penis is.

Three of us ended up going along to the ride. I completely understand when people have other stuff on so no biggie for me happy to go with only 1-2 people or a larger group. Both have their pros and cons but at the end of the day it’s riding and I’m happy to do that with just about anyone!

Planned route

Caltex Woolloongabba > Mt Mee > Esk > Mt Glorious > Mt Nebo > Home

Actual route

Caltex Woolloongabba > BP The Gap > Mt Nebo > Mt Glorious Cafe for a drink > Samford > Mt Mee > Mt Mee Lookout > Hot Mix x 3 LOL > Kilcoy > Esk for bite to eat > Wivenhoe Dam > Mt Glorious > Mt Nebo > Home

Had to laugh when the other 2 riders and I discussed how you look at a route oh yep 3.5 hours 197kms, could be home by lunch. The reality once you factor in break/toilet stops and chat time 😂😂😂 7 hours later you crawl home everything aches slightly however the grin you have from a great day riding is totally worth it.

One of the interesting parts of the day was Mt Mee Lookout. An unnamed bike group *not the one I was with* that is apparently very exclusive and hoonie arrived and performed some wheelies for the crowd. There is only a toilet and tiny coffee truck onsite, if you’re not looking out to Glasshouse Mountains then you’re watching the silly buggers. Entertaining as shit for someone that can’t wheelie or do stoppies or any version of stunting 🤩

Some near flips and all but did get me thinking … Who would join such an elitist group? Why can’t we all be friends and comrades of the dual wheel variety? One of the best things about riding is the feeling of community. We all face the inherent dangers of riding, we all have stupid stories and road rage feelings, we all love the 2 wheeled lifestyle. We stop and help each other, we look out for each other. Some of the best conversations I’ve had in the last 18 months are talking about bikes with people I just met or don’t know very well. How quickly they get put into the ‘Mate’ category once the ice is broken.

Today was hot, sweaty, amusing, exciting and tiring. When a group you’ve never heard of shows up all in the their bike group branded gear LOL and prefer to stick to their own just makes me wonder. While I don’t understand it as an overall idea, I accept my view is not always popular or the majority 🤷🏻‍♀️

I know plenty of FB bike groups that end up being shit because of keyboard warriors or jealousy or the mood just changes or the admins just don’t have time to grow and develop the group. Very daunting when you work full-time, ride part-time and also need to moderate a FB page full-time on the pre-existing time deficit everyone already has!

Here are a couple of pics from today. Do love me some bike pics, missed the guy on Mt Mee as we were just outside the times they were photographing. Bought a couple pics of QLD Performance Pics before, very happy to have a proper photo of me riding and don’t even mind the small logo in the corner. For $7 that’s a bargain anyway.

As we head into the last few days of 2018, time to reflect on the year just gone and what to look forward to in the New Year. I might make a resolution to get out more PRIMARILY to capture more video footage of myself riding and my bike in scenic locations. That shit will be gold when I’m in the rest home telling the other old ladies what I was getting up to in my hey-day.

Catch you in the New Year. Be safe out on the roads (and not on the roads) as I can’t afford to lose any blog readers 😂😂😂. Thanks for your support in 2018 and beyond ❤️