WIMA GB Committee

President & Membership Secretary

Caroline Lunnon

carolinelunnon.com

I bought my first motorbike after doing basic training in 2013. It wasn’t long before I was hooked on riding, passed my test and rode every day. Motorbikes changed my life.

After losing my husband in a motorbike accident in 2015 I was lucky to find supportive female motorbike-riding friends who helped me get my riding mojo back. I learnt that there is more to motorcycling than being a fun way to get from A to B, especially it seems where female riders are concerned.

After being inspired by stories of ladies adventuring around the world on motorbikes, I set off to circumnavigate the globe on my Triumph Tiger 800 in 2018 – an adventure I had completed 15 months later (or have I ?). It probably goes without saying that I saw amazing places and met incredible people. I also learned how the camaraderie amongst bikers extends way past geographical boundaries and cultural differences when we share a passion for biking. From contacts I made through WIMA I met and was hosted by some awe-inspiring lady motorcyclists.

I ride a lot on my own, especially long-distance, but I also love riding with friends, and I have been known to ride in very big groups too (in the name of enjoying cultural experiences). I am mostly a road rider. However, as I’m sure a lot of you know, the definition of “road” varies greatly around the world. One of my current favourites is the Dalton Highway in Alaska. 

I am also giving enduro and trail riding a try now. I am always keen to try out more ways to have fun and learn new skills on two wheels.

One of the stories from my travels is kindly being hosted by madornomad.com It’s Time: A RTW story about moving forwards

Treasurer

Julie Walpole

I bought my first bike, a Honda CG125 in 1980. It was supposed to be a temporary thing until I’d passed my car test and saved up to buy a car. I passed both tests in 1981 but didn’t bother with a car for years. My bike was stolen in the mid-eighties and when I got the insurance money, it was winter, so I bought a car. It wasn’t until the mid-nineties, that I was given a Honda CB100 and rediscovered my love of motorcycling and since then, I’ve never been without one.

General Secretary

Pat Thomson

 

 

South Liaison Officer

Sue Dobson

 

Northern Liaison Officer

Sue Hodgson

 

Newsletter Editor

Laura Peters

Hi all, I’ve had my licence for 12 years, but only really got back into riding in December 2018 with some gentle nudges from friends, getting a classic Yamaha FZR400 to break me back in gently.  I was lucky to be able to be one of the 3528 ladies globally to be a Guardian on the Women Riders World Relay. I ended up involved in the GB ripple relay sorting handovers or riding with others. I also got the chance to ride the Luxembourg ripple relay which was my first trip into Europe and solo ride to get there. This really spurred me into getting more involved in the riding circles and joining WIMA.

My current bikes ( yes multiple ) are very biased towards Triumph but then again I live within earshot of the factory.  Although the Yamaha FZR400 is still there, and a Honda VF1000R was bought as a project to get me through Covid-19, both classic sportsbikes. The Triumph fleet has a Street Triple, Tiger 800 XRT and a Scrambler 1200 XC. The bias on being able to go touring.

I have been very lucky to have met some amazing WIMA ladies at events over the last couple of years, nationally and internationally, and looking forward to meeting more of you ladies on the road or at events.

I was gently asked if I would help with the newsletter and I am slowly starting to find my feet as editorial work is new to me.  I would love to have more ideas for articles from the members, we have a massive mix of biking interests and would love to share them with others, maybe inspiring them to try new things.

Other WIMA GB Volunteers

Instagram Rep

Snowy Worrad

When I was little, me and a boy at school drew pictures of motorbikes with flames coming off the wheels. This is what he assured me his dad’s bike looked like, and to my 6-year-old brain it sounded very exciting and totally convincing. A few years later I had my first pillion ride on my Uncle’s Harley as he rode very carefully and slowly around the block. Despite there being no flaming wheels I was rather thrilled and insisted I wanted one. 

It wasn’t until I was 24 that on having a bit of spare money I bought my first motorbike. I was a little concerned initially whether I had made the right decision, having dived in largely because my then-husband told me no, and before I’d even done my CBT. I was egged on however by my eccentric grandmother who really wanted to ride pillion. I completed my CBT and have loved every minute since. 

I currently ride a Yamaha YZF R125 on L plates but am hoping to take my full test in the not so distant future.

My small stature means that the height of this bike is a challenge and so I now ride in heels. Unfortunately, I’ve never really learnt to walk in heels so when you see me about to dismount my bike it would be useful to alert the nearest first aider.