My next guest stumbled across my blog and was totally excited about finding stories about other women motorcyclists! Yay! And she wanted to share her Profile of a Female Motorcyclist Meet Polly. Fasten your seat belts we are flying to the other side of the world to Puhoi Village, Auckland, New Zealand to meet Polly Whimp a.k.a. Buellbunny … and yes, that is her really named!
Profile of a Female Motorcyclist Meet Polly
How long have you been riding a motorcycle? At least 10 years
How did you learn to ride? We have to go through a learner course to get a proficiency certificate, then a year (I think) learner license, a year on a restricted license (means you don’t have to have the L plate on the back and can ride at night and go over 70 km per hour!) and then finally your real license.
It is all a learning experience … the way I learnt to ride was with my best mate and partner, an avid motorcyclist for many moons.
What was your first motorcycle? My first bike was a Yamaha FZR 250… I hated it and thought it would kill me.
How many have you owned? I have owned 4 bikes. The Yamaha FZR 250, Honda VTR 250 (I got rid of the Yammy and got this one … FAB bike to learn on), a Buell 500 Blast and my Buell Firebolt XB9R.
Why did you want to ride a motorcycle? I have always wanted to ride, but my parents said no, then when I got older my mother didn’t want me too, so I capitulated. She was frightened for me … then I had a baby, so I had to put up with the responsibilities rant … and then finally I decided enough was enough and off I went!
I actually was a pillion for a while until the chap I rode behind nearly killed us by speeding and almost splatting into a turning truck. That was when I decided that I would rather be in control of my own bike and there was the beginning of my life as a motorcycle addict!
Tell us about your riding. I used to commute because it was the cheaper option, although, even on the bike it was always stressful being in motorway rush hours every day. M
y main use is pleasure and holiday riding now. My partner and I LOVE heading off camping … loading up the bikes with all manner of gear. The best ride was to the South Island of New Zealand … great roads, weather and places to stop!
What advice do you have for women who ride or want to ride a motorcycle? Go for it … but you have to be confident and make decisions quickly. Its not a thing for women who are timid on the road.
What is the longest trip that you’ve taken on your cycle? It was 3 weeks down to the South Island of NZ. My dream trip is the US and Canada.
Do you belong to any motorcycle groups? I do. Kiwibikers.co.nz and Fat Bikers Motorcycle Club for fun.
Do you have a favorite riding story? Every ride I have is great … but the South Island trip was the best … except for the day after crossing the Cook Straight and the weather turned foul. We got SO wet that we had to find a warm place to just get our stuff dry and warm up … we looked like drowned rats!
What do you do when you’re not riding? I am a designer and illustrator of kids books. We live on a rural property so another cool thing we like doing is getting out on the deck with a wine or sitting in the spa watching the stars.
Profile of a Female Motorcyclist Meet Polly has taken us to the other side of the world! Love reading about her experience and all the photos! Thank you for stopping by Helmet or Heels female motorcycle community!
I am always looking for more stories like your adventure into riding. Your experience, knowledge, and insight will encourage women in their motorcycling journey! Fill out the contact form and let’s connect!
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3 Responses
Woohoo! Another awesome Kiwi rider. Great looking bike too. Having your own bike and riding with hubby is just the best. And I agree moto-camping is too much fun.
Yes… we are planning to go to the South Island again in Feb, work permitting…. cant wait!
How cool! Polly says some wonderful things. Buells are fun; quirky in a good way. Polly’s dream is to ride here in the U.S.; my dream is to ride in New Zealand!