Ok, so I’m not a “real ” biker, but my awesome team at Bikers Shed have allowed me to infiltrate and adopted me as one of their own!

I fell in love with bikes from a young age, fascinated with how they looked, sounded and even smelled (mmm two stroke)

It was like an aphrodisiac, the speed and smell made my heart beat a bit faster, as it still does!

I’ve spent most of my biking life with a back seat perspective, acutely aware of every movement my pilot makes, the focus and intent all on safety , any biker worth their salt with “pillys ” pillion passengers to you and me, will spend a little time pre-ride explaining the do’s and don’ts to riding two up. New pillion riders won’t know to lean into the bends with their rider, and if they’re nervous or not used to bikes at all they’ll instinctively go the opposite way! They possibly won’t know to counterbalance on sharp turns either.

I’ve always been lucky that I’ve been around bikes and bikers a long time and every one of them are more than happy to share their well-earned knowledge with me.

Life in the back seat meant a certain amount of sitting back and enjoying the ride for me, while I would be aware of the road and when to move with my pilot, I got to thoroughly enjoy the views! France, where riders great each and every bike on the road with the respect sign – I even got into that myself! The flat but pretty roads in Belgium, England and the length and breadth of Ireland, I’ve been privy to some of the most breath-taking views and some of the most exhilarating rides.

Make no mistake, riding pillion does not make you immune from the bug! Quite the opposite, I passed my theory test and have a learner’s permit winging its way out to me as we speak! Next step will be my IBT training then some lessons for road competency and safety, then…no stopping me!

I’m so lucky to be surrounded by a great crew of people friends and family who encourage me at every turn to go for it and finally achieve my own two wheeled dream. I’m in such a great position where information and help is readily available and happily given!

There really is no other community like the biker community x

Keep her shiny side up

Sandie