By Astrid Bidanec

Astrid: When did you set up your website?

Christine: I started working on the idea after the first of the year, this year, and formally launched the site at the end of April (2007). Prior to then, however, I had a web presence through a knitting blog: Knitting on Trial. I met so many other women through the blog, and as motorcycle season was approaching, I decided to try the same thing through motorcycling.

Astrid: What is the purpose of your website?

Christine: That’s probably multi-factorial. I liked the idea of portraying women motorcyclists as other than biker babes, which I am decidedly not. I wanted the site to be encouraging for other women, and educational, in terms of safety. I have always felt very lucky to have had the opportunity to ride with many very skilled men, and have learned skills through their encouragement and, at times, challenges. They have taught me and shown me when needed, and have pushed me to do things that I may not have done without their encouragement. I wanted other women to benefit from what I have learned by belonging to a very active, and diverse, group of motorcyclists.

The other purpose would have to be exposure in the motorcycling online community. Bob and I would like to open up a motorcycle resort in the future, and I thought it would be helpful to start the website now.

And, as long as I’m online, and being read by people, what’s the harm in trying to make a little money? So, that’s part of it, as well.

Astrid: How long have you been a motorcycle rider?

Christine: I first took the MSF course in the fall of 1993, so since that time. I did love it immediately, and bought my first used bike, a Honda Nighthawk, 1988, that fall.

Astrid: What would you recommend to any woman who is interested in becoming a motorcycle rider, but has never tried it before? Is there an age limit in your opinion?

Christine: My number one recommendation would have to be: Make sure that you are doing it because it is something YOU want to do. Don’t learn it because your mate wants you to learn. You really need to want to ride a motorcycle. Then, number two: Take a safety course. Don’t try to learn from someone teaching you. You need the benefit of the safety tips and skills taught by a professional.

As long as you can move enough to get on and off the bike, women of any age can learn. I intend to ride for as long as possible – forever, hopefully.

Astrid: Why do you prefer motorcycles over cars for your trips?

Christine: I think that the experience is just so much greater when traveling on motorcycles. You see more of what is around you, and you really do meet more local people. I have also found that motorcycle vacations are just good for my soul, somehow. You get the opportunity to be alone in your head, think about things, and experience beauty in a whole different way.

Astrid: What countries have you driven through on your motorcycle?

Christine: Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Lichtenstein, Canada, England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and a great deal of the United States. On my wish list: Ireland, Vietnam, Morocco

On the agenda for next year: Sardinia and Corsica, and back to Tuscany, Italy.

Astrid: What are your concerns about safety on the road based on your personal experiences?