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If you're a woman who's interested in stepping into the world of motorcycling, here's your chance: Motul South Africa, in conjunction with ADA Training & Outdoor, and Honda South Africa, is holding a 'Ladies Learn to Ride a Motorcycle' event – the third since its inception – in September 2019.
With more and more women wanting to learn to ride, Motul has been heeding the call in the most sensible way possible: by starting with professional training. When Ladies Learn to Ride a Motorcycle began life three years ago, it was aimed at women who'd never ridden a bike before.
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Since that first event, there has been a remarkable growth in interest from ladies who want to enjoy the independence and freedom that motorbikes offer – so much so that some of the ladies who took part in 2020's inaugural event have gone on to purchase bikes of their own and become regular riders. In turn, they have inspired more novice riders to want to get into the saddle.
"Riding motorbikes has always been a very important part of my life, and this event is a real passion project for me. I'm delighted that with the growth of this event, more ladies will get to enjoy riding bikes," says Mercia Jansen, Motul Area Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa. "It's wonderful to see how this event has progressed and just how many past participants have become regular riders. I love being part of this growing community of female riders."
Feedback from ladies who have attended previous events has been overwhelmingly positive. Sharne Jacobs, who participated in the 2020 event, says: "It's a fun and safe space for women to ride and learn a lot about technique – it isn't just getting on a bike and riding, it's so much more than that. I would definitely do it again now that I have my own bike; I'd like to learn more and meet more women on wheels."
Conny Oberrauter, a 2021 Ladies Learn to Ride graduate, was similarly enthusiastic about her experience: "I've always wanted to learn how to ride, but I was terrified and nervous. The Motul Ladies Learn to Ride day was the best day ever. The instructors were incredible. They were patient and attentive and ensured we all felt safe and secure. From not knowing how to start a bike in the morning to drag racing with my fellow learners by the end of the day, that's how awesome everyone was. It was the best day and so brilliantly put together by Motul."
Adilia Joubert, who handles Motul's public relations, was also one of the 2020 participants. Adilia said that she was excited to have had the chance to learn to ride machines that had previously seemed too intimidating.
"Mercia's passion for two-wheels inspired me, and I wanted to try something new and more daring than my other hobbies. I had an absolute blast on the day and felt comfortable on the bike in no time. The trainers were excellent, the venue had great spaces to try different terrain, the bikes from Honda were fantastic, and the camaraderie from the Motul team kept smiles on everyone's faces."
Honda SA will provide bikes for novice riders. SA's leading distributor of motorcycle accessories, Bikewise, will also be supporting this year's event. Motul's pedal cars will be available to keep children entertained while moms hone their riding skills.
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The event will take place on Saturday, 10 September, at ADA Training & Outdoor Centre's custom-built facility in Broederstroom, near Hartbeespoort Dam. Further good news is that costs have been held at 2021 levels: R1 090.00 per person, including training, equipment and refreshments. Recommended clothing for the training includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed shoes (hiking shoes or trainers). Helmets are compulsory.
There are only 30 places available, so it is advisable to book as soon as possible by emailing info@za.motul.com with "Ladies Learn to Ride a Motorcycle 2022" in the subject line.
