Maggie Burchell

I was a Tomboy growing up had no interest in girlie things and used to love helping my dad in his sawmill and tinkering with motors. At 15 I decided I wanted to ride a motorbike, but my dad said “girls don’t do that kind of thing” it was the 70’s. So instead I bought “on your bike magazine” and dreamt of owning a Yamaha DT125. I still have the issues of the magazine. I was 18 when I got my first go at riding a bike, out the Tramore road on a Honda 125. On the hard shoulder going against the traffic I didn’t get past 1st gear.

It all took a back seat for work raising the family etc. Until the kids had flown the nest and I decided I needed something for me so finally took the plunge bought a bike, did the test and 4 bikes later am loving it. I have met some fantastic people through biking. I’m a founding member of an All-Female MCC. As for the bikers shed, what can I say? We have a great team, fantastic facilities and not only is it finally getting me to my dream of being able to strip a bike and rebuild it, but the laughs, camaraderie and friendships I have made and  hopefully many more will be made in the future just confirm that biking is for me.