Brap brap we’re baaaaack! After getting an absolutely overwhelming response to our insta post shout out for bike curious womxn to get in touch we kick started our new beginners’ sessions last weekend with a bunch of newbies in our shitty east London car park! From a new mama (who brought her gorgeous 6 month old along) to a seasoned skateboarder, we gave these rad ladies their first taste of motorbike riding, taking them from complete newbies all the way to riding a slick figure of eight by the end of the morning.

From chatting to people on insta, at our events and at our monthly meet ups we know there are still a ton of womxn out there who are really keen to get on a bike. But unless you’ve got a kind and generous pal with a little bike and bit of space to try it out on (tricky to find in London), you’re sometimes just left with the option of taking the plunge and signing up to do your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). And this involves committing about 100 quid to doing it - A bit daunting for some and a bit of an investment already… Plus, if you have no experience on a geared bike you’re usually advised to do this on a twist and go scooter , so even after you’ve done the day’s training, ridden out and about on the road and got your CBT certificate, you’ll still need to figure out how gears and everything work on an actual motorbike. PHEW!

Cue our VC complete beginners intro to bikes sessions! A great way to try out the basics, ask any questions you might have and meet other riders!

Wanna try? Sign up HERE to get your name on our waiting list for the next available sessions!

All images by Sarah Emma Smith

The world trials championships in Japan saw two fantastic wins for Emma Bristow – the Lincolnshire based rider who continues to dominate the sport of motorcycle trials across the globe.

Emma, 28, has been riding high in the trials’ arena since the age of just 16 when she gained a ninth placing in the 2006 World Championships. Currently reigning GP Women’s World Trials Champion, her 2019 campaign started in Japan this month (June) before heading to France and Portugal for the next two rounds.

And it couldn’t have gone better, with the awesome athlete taking two podium spots.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results from the world championship opener, taking two wins out of two,” said Emma.

The sport has taken Emma onto the international stage – a hobby encouraged by her parents when she was only four years of age, before her obvious skills saw her climb the ladder, attracting a run of sponsors and turning professional.

She signed for the Ossa factory in 2011 and rode to runner up position in the World Championships, a result she repeated in 2012. At the end of that season Emma joined Sherco and 2013 proved to be a successful year, winning the Women’s FIM Trial European Championship Emma then went from strength to strength and, in 2014, she clinched both the British Women’s Title and the Women’s FIM Trial World Championship

With the bikes weighing 70 kilos, Emma explained how core strength was vital to her, along with building and retaining her strength and endurance, especially as the British Championships are mixed competitions.

“It is a fact that men have more natural physical strength and to compete on that level I have to ensure I maintain and continually improve my fitness in all areas. The power and explosiveness have to be there,” she said. Training, either in the gym or on the bikes, takes place six days a week and lasts up to four hours, and that has been the case since her competitive career began. As with many teenagers, she had a hard decision to make when she left sixth form – whether to pursue her sporting dream or go down the academic route.

“I could have gone to University, but I just didn’t know what I wanted to do and was not going to embark on something that wasn’t right for me. I look back and have no regrets.”

Married to James Fry, a fellow enthusiast, the couple are completely immersed in the sport and support each other.

“We love it. And while I know I have been lucky to follow my dream, it is like everything in life – you must work hard and do all you can to do well in your chosen area, whatever it may be,” said Emma.

While it may be assumed that Emma, a solid professional for many years, would be completely confident in her abilities to perform, there is always that nervous determination to succeed.

“Nerves are natural and there would be something wrong if you didn’t feel those nerves in whatever you are trying to do. But again, in whatever you are doing in life, you must put in the correct preparation and believe,” she added.

Source: https://magnavitae.org/sporting-greats-emma-bristow/

VC BEGINNERS INTRO TO BIKES SESSION!

TRIALS RIDER EMMA BRISTOW BECOMES WORLD TRIALS CHAMPION FOR 6th TIME!

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