The beginning of

RubyRides

My biking adventure began back in 2014 when I saw a picture of Marc Márquez racing his MotoGP RC213V bike in a national newspaper. Instantly, I fell in love with that bike. At the time, I was still a petrol head. I had always loved cars, having learned how to drive at a young age. But I didn’t know anyone with a bike, nor had I ever ridden one or been on the back of someone else’s.

Nonetheless, after seeing Márquez’s picture, I instantly Googled “how to get a motorcycle license in the UK,” and the rest is history. I remember looking through forums, riding school websites, and more to discover how I could learn to ride.

Shortly thereafter, I booked my CBT and when booking, I remember being recommended to try the moped first but I insisted that I wanted to learn on a geared bike for a few reasons. I wanted to learn:

• How to ride a bike engine
• How to change gears
• How to get to the biting point
• How to use engine breaking

At this point, I had read a lot about riding bikes and knew quite a bit in theory. Yet, the practical application is always different, and it took me a lot of practice to get to where I am now.

My

First Bike

From the moment I saw Márquez’s bike, I knew I wanted something new and exciting. I knew it would open new horizons for me and provide with a new challenge. While researching, I found the bike that I wanted: the CBR125 in the Repsol livery. So, after booking the CBT (but before passing it), I went and purchased a 2007 CBR125 model (carburettor). This single-cylinder sport bike is known for being comfortable, easy to ride, reliable, and ideal for beginners, which ticked all the boxes for me (at the time!)

I used to practice in a car park before passing my CBT, and every day after I passed, I continued the hustle to keep improving. Rain, snow, sleet, wind — it didn’t matter — you could find me out there. I remember thinking that bike was the heaviest bike ever, and I dropped it and stalled it more times than I could count. I would never have thought in a million years I’d comfortably be handling the bikes that I have now. It just goes to show how your body acclimates to the height and weight of a bike over time. I loved that bike, and I credit it for growing my confidence in the sport.

my

Second Bike

Around 6 months into my 125 journey, I decided it was time for a newer model. In just those months, I had put a lot of miles on my CBR125, and I felt ready for a change. I ended up purchasing a 2012 CBR125R. This was a fuel injection, which was so much nicer to ride, had better suspension, a smoother gearbox, and wider tyres giving it more stability and better handling. It also gave me a bit more speed. Compared to the ‘07 model which only reached 65 MPH, the ‘12 model got me up to around 83 MPH (tucked in and downhill!).

This bike was exactly what I needed. It boosted my confidence a lot and helped me to progress in my skills, ready for next big bike. I recommend that everyone starting to ride learn on a basic bike and then switch to a modern and pleasant ride when they’re ready. Because that first bike will most likely be take a bit of a bashing around a little, all part of the journey!

helping

New Riders

When I first started biking, I had no idea how to get started or where to find information. I’ve created this blog to share with you everything that new riders could need to know. Regardless of age, ability, or gender, biking should be for everyone. You will make mistakes along the way, but you also have the ability to learn from both your mistakes and mine. I always try to remind myself that, without mistakes, there is no progression!

Getting my CBT and full license has been one of the best things I have ever achieved in my life. If you’re considering it, give it a go! You have absolutely nothing to lose, and you’re merely adding another skill to your resume if you take the CBT. If you find out it isn’t your thing along the way, you’ll only make yourself a better driver and increase your awareness on the road.
Regardless of which stage you’re at, I look forward to helping you in the process. Biking has afforded me so many opportunities, including:

1. Having a cheap means of transportation
2. Meeting new people
3. Exploring different places
4. Creating a platform
5. Inspiring others
6. Feeling empowered as a woman in a male-dominated sport
7. Breaking stereotypes
8. Growing in confidence as women that we can do anything we want
9. Learning something new constantly
10. Expanding my horizons through travel, social, and general life experience

my

Final Thoughts

I had no way of knowing that my initial Google search would kickstart an enduring and consuming passion, but I wasted no time in sharing this enthusiasm with the world. Shortly after purchasing that bike, I created my Instagram account @_rubyrides_ to document my daily experiences in the biking world and to share my passion for all things biking-related.

In addition to riding, one of my greatest passions is promoting, inspiring, and encouraging all genders, age groups, and abilities to pursue riding.

Regardless of who you are, I especially want to show the moto community that women can “more than hold their own on two wheels.”

Stick around! I regularly talk about new bikes and bike-related products as well as share my experience with track days. My posts have previously been praised for their accuracy, tips, and reviews. But don’t worry — it’s not all business around here. You’ll still get to see the personal side of my life. Come join the fun!

Get in Touch

E info@rubyrides.co.uk

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Sharing my daily experiences and passion for all things bike related, providing information, tips and product reviews.

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