Biker “Skinny”
The following is an interview with biker Skinny from Gauteng, South Africa. This is part of a series of interviews with female bikers around the world. Each woman was asked general questions about herself and her interests as well as about challenges they face as a female biker.
What is your name, age & current occupation?
Skinny (29), I’m trying to open a bike shop (www.tankgirls.co.za) & hope to race Thunder Bikes next year. Up till now I worked as an IT consultant in SAP software & I’m a qualified geologist.
When did you first fall in love with bikes?
About 3 years ago when my x said that women should not ride bikes¦ J I woke up one morning & decided to loose the boyf & get a bike. Walked into Linex Yamaha & saw this beaut of a blue R6. Had no idea how to ride it¦ didn’t even know what a gear was!!!
Do you remember your first ride?
On my own??? I stalled it 3 times on the highway on my way home¦ The second day I dropped it!
What was the first bike you owned?
Billy-Bob the Yamaha R6 (2003) – still have him! I’ve now changed him to a track bike & also bought myself a KTM 950. Both of them are pink!
Do you race or do you just ride for fun?
Gonna race Thunder Bikes next year – hopefully!!! My times on Zwartkops Raceway are currently standing at 1 min 16. I should get it down to 1 min 11 before next year.
I also prefer to commute daily on my KTM, I enjoy the Sunday morning breakfast runs to Harties & I live for the rallies!!!
What is the hardest thing about being female & being a biker?
Trying to fit a bottle of Jack Daniels between my boobs under my leathers¦
I’ve honestly not experienced one day of troubles on my bikes other than the usually traffic situation in Jo’burg that we all encounter on a daily basis.
What kinds of challenges do you face while riding?
Cagers [vehicles] & pedestrians¦ They just DON’T look!!! On a positive note – the KK’s [police] handle us on a WHOLE different basis
What lessons have you learned while pursuing your dream?
LOTS:
Don’t be scared!
Look up!
Put your side-stand out as many times as you switch off your bike!
More than 20 degrees angle – it’s gonna drop!
Only if you live life to the edge can you find out where the edge is¦
What advice do you have for young girls who want to ride?
Start NOW! Go to a track school first¦ you can never learn enuf! But NEVER give up. It will be the best decision you make in live!!! Never be wintie [arrogant]! I was & I broke a leg & both my arms – taught me to respect my bike & my abilities¦
What was your happiest moment?
On my bike¦ EVERY DAY IS A HAPPY MOMENT!
**Special thanks to Ben at my2wheels.co.za for hooking me up with these interviews!
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Biker Interviews » Girls Can’t WHAT? January 18th, 2007 7:50 am
[...] “Skinny” [...]
MoppedBlog » KTM Sondermodell January 30th, 2007 8:28 am
[...] und betreibt einenLaden für Motorradklamotten. Ein Interview mit ihr gibt’s auf “Girls can’t what?“. [...]
Biker Betty January 31st, 2007 12:26 am
Great interview with Skinny. She has great advice and I always enjoy reading about fellow female riders.
Lo Ziorsoâ„¢ January 31st, 2007 3:50 pm
Hi from Italy
they are an motorcyclist
and this invite is directed to all
visit my website of moto trips around to Europe and nord Africa
^_^
Very Nice Your Blog (muy pink)
http://www.lozioviaggiatore.altervista.org
tina meier February 12th, 2007 11:23 am
Hi Skinny,
I like your pink outfit a lot.
And I agree with you; Yes girls, start now!! you´ll love it.
I ride Enduro races and rally and I am planning to
ride the Dakar next year. Still looking for sponsors.
Check out my webpage http://www.dirtgirls.de
ride on,
Tina
http://www.tinadakar.com
KTM - pretty in pink » Enduro Rallye Weblog February 13th, 2007 1:32 pm
[...] Liebe zum Mopedfahren entdeckt und im Gegenzug ihren X aussortiert Was sie sonst noch so macht, lest ihr im Interview bei Girls can´t what? Oh yes, we can!!! Jungs, zieht euch warm [...]
Harley Picture Group February 16th, 2007 3:04 am
Skinny,
come and visit the news group
alt.binaries.pictures.motorcycles.harley
we want to see more pics of you and your bike.
Harley Picture Group February 16th, 2007 3:06 am
forgot, we have many women riders over here in the US.
Tim Jim February 17th, 2007 4:52 pm
Skinny, you said it. Start now ladies, you won’t regret it, besides our industry (bikes) needs more ambassadors like yourself. My xgirlf was a natural and loved all my…her bikes. CR125 and CBR600F4. Keep sticky side down, glossy side up.
Mike Manni March 18th, 2007 8:46 am
I would love to see more pictures of you with your bike. You should send your pictures into a modeling agency. Your look could sell a billion bikes.
Ibrahim June 10th, 2007 6:19 am
hello ladies join us in the UNITED ARAB EMERATES every thursday free ride laides night for more information send email or call 00971507792012
thanks
http://www.adhog.org
http://www.hogdubai.com
XT660R-Treiber January 7th, 2008 12:26 am
Hey Skinny, thank you for giving me something to dream about.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2HlvwkesRbo&feature=related
Greetings from Germany.
Pink!!!!!!!! - Page 2 - Sportbikes.net January 20th, 2008 1:58 pm
[...] case you were wondering, she is way cooler than you. and hot. and from south africa, not japan. Biker “Skinny” : Girls Can’t WHAT? she also owns a moto shop Welcome to TankGirls __________________ ^^^^ = [...]
jon March 7th, 2008 9:15 am
thats one hot bikerchick
Me June 19th, 2008 7:13 am
Hello.
))
I love bikes from 13
years…And i learning now just for me to ride with bike. Because I’m
20 years old. And I want just ask you to tell about how you learnd
drive with bike?
I hope you will answer. And I wish you good bike season.
Roze KTM « Ongezouten.com August 13th, 2008 2:23 am
[...] Roze KTM Posted 13-08-2008 Filed under: Humor | BTW, de dame op de KTM is Zuid-Afrikaanse en gaat online door het leven als Skinny. [...]
Skinny September 26th, 2008 3:38 am
I went for novice training with BMW & then rushed out to get my first bike – Billy-Bob (…the R6). I met up with some experienced riders & they took me under their wing (…not Honda’s;)).
Chickens… it’s not about “Can I ride a bike” – OF COURSE YOU CAN!!! It’s more if the auntie in the car next to you can drive properly?!? Please be careful when riding on public roads. Go to http://www.thinkbike.co.za for more info on road safety!
classiccardeal March 29th, 2010 4:08 am
Inspiration role model for aspiring female thunderbike riders.