“Send It” — the ultimate hype. Whether you’re hitting the gnarliest jump or tackling the most technical trail, you’re bound to hear a friend or two rally behind this universal call of encouragement to do some epic sh*t. But for riders all over the world varying in style and skill, “Send It” is objective, and we applaud the wins of every two wheel enthusiast. As we kick off International Women’s Month, we’re spending March (and beyond) celebrating riders from the Bell community that are breaking boundaries and “Sending It.”
Meet the ladies …
Becky Goebel
Can you tell us about the first time you caught the two-wheeled bug? Where were you, and what pushed you to keep progressing?
I had a little 49cc Honda Scooter that I got to save money on parking at work and school. Although I grew up around dirt bikes and a riding family, it wasn’t really part of my plan to start riding until I got that scooter. I had so much fun ripping that thing around Vancouver, BC. I could get around traffic, save money on gas, park it anywhere and I just felt like I had so much freedom. After a few years I wanted to ride further and faster, so — real motorcycle it was!
You’ve ridden motorcycles your entire life, and are easily one of the hardest working women in the community. As you continue to grow your brand, Co.Axel, where do you see your career progressing in the next 10 years?
I have no idea. 10 years ago, I thought I was going to be a professional snowboarder, then a few years after that I thought I was going to be a top dog at Red Bull. I literally just go with the flow of life, and try to just make choices based on what I truly want to do and what makes me happy. My career is just an extension of me — so as long as I am happy, my career will thrive … so I just try to focus on that! Surround myself with good people, good experiences and keep everything in motion as much as possible! I do see myself doing some big-girl career moves in the future, just 'cause I love putting pressure on myself and taking risks … I’d love to own an investment property and grow my personal brand and business as much as possible, but only in a way that allows me to still always do things I love, like chopper trips with my friends, travel and live life to the fullest.
What was the most exciting experience for you personally that could have ONLY been encountered on a motorcycle?
There are so many. My whole life is full of them. Riding a motorcycle changes your traveling experience so much, it’s so hard to explain. When I rode 5,000 miles across the European Alps, up and down some of the most famous mountain passes in the world, and throughout 8 different countries — that experience would have been a lot different in a car. Actually it may have actually sucked in a car. On our SuperMotos designed for those roads, it was the most fun, cool experience of my entire life!
In our minds, “Sending It” is objective to everyone’s personal riding experience, style, and skill level. When you tell someone to “Send It,” what are YOU truly saying to that person?
Go for it — take the risk to do what you think is best for you. There is no reward without risk. Nothing good will happen in your life if you don’t go out and get it. People always like to tell me how “lucky” I am. There is no such thing as luck, you have to work your ass off and make the right choices to get to where you want to be. You want to start riding but you’re scared of crashing? You will waste your whole life being scared with this mentality. Better to go out and live rather than just wait to die! This goes with everything in life — that job you’ve always wanted, that relationship you’ve been wanting out of, that skill you’ve always wanted to learn, everything! Send it, try it, just do it.
What advice would you give another woman interested in getting into motorsports?
Send it! I highly suggest taking a course because this will help you learn faster, keep yourself safe and keep everyone else safe who you ride around. It also speeds up the process for you to get your license. There are often courses where you can use the bikes they supply for you, if you can find one of those before buying a bike — do it. It will help you know what bike works for you and your body. It’s also good to consider trying a dirt bike or scooter first! Also, I was BROKE when I got into motorcycles. I literally didn’t have a car and needed to ride just to get around and afford gas. So when people say they can’t afford it, or that motorcycles are too expensive — it just means it’s not a priority for them. Like everything else, for you to be successful at something, you really have to want to do it.
Also, over my many years of attending motorcycle events, women’s rides and traveling around on a motorcycle, I have seen EVERY type of women on a bike. I have seen the tiniest women on big baggers, moms, grandmas, disabled women, etc. I truly believe almost anyone can ride a motorcycle if they want to bad enough. It’s all about your drive! You can do anything you want!!
Ashmore Ellis of Babes In The Dirt
Can you tell us about the first time you caught the two-wheeled bug? Where were you, and what pushed you to keep progressing?
I had moved here from the east coast and saw so many motorcyclists riding down the 101. It looked like a total escape and way to immerse yourself into the landscape. The chord was struck from then on to learn how to ride a motorcycle and continue the journey. It’s something I do for myself that always gives more back to me than I expect each time I ride.
There are thousands more women riding motorcycles today than there were 15 years ago, with BIG thanks to Babes Ride Out. As Babes Ride Out approaches its 10-year anniversary, how are you looking to evolve the event and what are your goals to continue growing the women’s riding community?
We are constantly evolving what we do and how we do it as the landscape changes. We add events, rework events, create new experiences, and so much more to diversify ourselves. We know from doing these events the past 10 years that there is no one way a motorcyclist should be defined, so we do our best to be as inclusive as we can to ensure there is representation on road and off. It’s the hardest, most rewarding thing I’ve ever done (besides raising a 3 year old) and I’m constantly learning from mistakes and successes. My goal is that the landscape will change so much by the time we are done that women in motorcycling is common thing.
What was the most exciting experience for you personally that could have ONLY been encountered on a motorcycle?
The adventure the bike can take you on. I’ve been fortunate enough to have taken trips of a lifetime, and seen parts of the world I wouldn’t have known existed because of two wheels.
In our minds, “Sending It” is objective to everyone’s personal riding experience, style, and skill level. When you tell someone to “Send It,” what are YOU truly saying to that person?
Do your best (and I admire you for even trying something that makes you uncomfortable or scared).
What advice would you give another woman interested in getting into motorsports?
The advice I’d give anyone who is getting into the sport is to ride your own ride, take lessons, go easy on yourself, and enjoy the growth you are about to experience. There is nothing like it!
Malary Lee
Can you tell us about the first time you caught the two-wheeled bug? Where were you, and what pushed you to keep progressing?
I got the two wheel bug young, but grew up with a single mother, so anything motorsports was out of the question, since we didn’t have the resources. By the time I was 20, I had saved up enough to make my dreams come true, so I decided to sign myself up for the MSF course, and purchased a little Honda to practice on. I instantly fell in-love with the challenge that two wheels presented for me. It was completely hands on; from wrenching to riding. The entire experience motivated me to continuously learn about the bike, the mechanics and a lot about myself in the process. Once riding on the street felt comfortable, I introduced riding in the dirt, and then racing, because it was all something new to master and learn.
You inspire so many people with your tenacious attitude, and strive to always continue progressing whether it’s through racing or conquering a personal fitness quest. Can you share where this drive comes from, and what your thought process is when tackling a new obstacle (physical or mental).
As someone who is 5’0”, I want to prove to other small females that just because you’re short, you can still ride big bikes and do big things! Most importantly, I want to prove to myself that I’m capable of accomplishing it. Whenever I’m presented with an experience that scares or challenges me, I say “yes” and then set up a game plan for success.
Success isn’t always winning to me. It’s showing up, giving it the best of my ability with the knowledge I have at that time, and having a good time doing it. We’re never really ready for anything, but we can’t get better if we don’t start somewhere. Starting somewhere helps us gain experience for next time. I always set realistic expectations for myself, allow myself to celebrate my accomplishments after, then I ask for feedback or advice, and make a list of what I need to work on for next time.
What was the most exciting experience for you personally that could have ONLY been encountered on a motorcycle?
I’ve had a lot of magical experiences on two wheels, which have introduced me to some of my favorite humans! I think riding up a 420ft sand dune in Morocco to watch the sunset with a handful of really bad-ass, genuine women was top tier for me. It also competes with chasing epic waterfalls and river crossings through out Iceland on two wheels.
In our minds, “Sending It” is objective to everyone’s personal riding experience, style, and skill level. When you tell someone to “Send It,” what are YOU truly saying to that person?
Motorcycles are such a mental game, especially off-road and the obstacles it presents. But at the end of the day, we are all more capable than we give ourselves credit for. When I’m telling one of my lady friends to ‘send it’, I’m really telling her to believe in herself like she believes in her friends. We all hype up our besties up, because we believe in them, but how often do we give ourselves that same energy? I love watching my friends succeed at all of the things they attempt.
What advice would you give another woman interested in getting into motorsports?
The hardest step is showing up. So if you’re thinking about getting into riding take that first step, sign up for the MSF course. Take an intro to MX, or flat track if you’re interested in the dirt, but never for a second doubt that you can do it, because you’ll surprise yourself at the end of the day. We all suck in the beginning, but with time and energy, everyone progresses. Most importantly, surround yourself with people who hype you up and support your growth! Community is everything, ask questions, be curious and invest in yourself.
Emma McFerran
Can you tell us about the first time you caught the two-wheel bug? Where were you, and what pushed you to keep progressing?
I was 13 years old and we’d just moved houses to a property with 5 acres. My parents bought my brother Matty an old XR80 to learn on, and once I had a crack, it all went from there! 21 years later, and I’m still hooked! I definitely have Matty to thank for the progression. He always pushed me out of my comfort zone, and encouraged me to see the opportunities that existed world wide if I kept on pushing.
What is it about racing mx that keeps you hyped, and hungry to continue progressing?
For me, I loved everything about racing MX. Packing up Friday nights, heading away with the family, and spending the weekend with a bunch of friends all with the same passion for dirt bikes was the best experience ever! Seeing results, getting faster each race, and the little things like making a jump I couldn’t clear the week before is what kept me hungry and pushing for more.
Once I switched over to the FMX scene, nothing beat the feeling more of learning a new trick and going home, and looking back at photos and footage of something you never thought was possible.
What was the most exciting experience for you personally that could have ONLY been encountered on a motorcycle?
It’s hard to narrow this down to only one! I would have to say some of the top moments I encountered on a dirt bike would have been landing a backflip for the first time at Jacko Strong’s, then going on to be flown over to Germany to flip in front of a crowd of over 20,000 spectators.
Another highlight that I could never top would be performing Tandem FMX with my brother Matty, and performing at Nitro Circus shows across Australia, Europe, and the U.S. Swapping positions in the air over 65ft doesn’t get much more exciting!
In our minds, “Sending It” is objective to everyone’s personal riding experience, style, and skill level. When you tell someone to “Send It,” what are YOU truly saying to that person?
To have a real go and stop being a b*$#@ Haha
What advice would you give another woman interested following in your footsteps?
Anything is possible! Don’t let someone tell you you can’t. Get a bike, set a goal and put in the practice. I think injuries would have to be one of the biggest deterences for a female, but use them to learn from and come back stronger and smarter.
Michelle Nazzari
Can you tell us about the first time you caught the two-wheel bug? How did this passion evolve into creating FONZ, the electric motorbike brand?
I was obsessed with motorbikes when I was young, but my protective Italian Mama had different ideas for her troublesome tom-boy daughter. When I moved away from the family home in my late teens, I jumped at the chance to get on two-wheels.
It wasn’t until a motorbike trip around Colombia in 2010 that I decided I needed to revolve my life around my two passions — bikes and the environment. As soon as I got back, I got to work on building the FONZ brand.
Were there any challenges you encountered when first presenting the idea of Fonzarelli FONZ? If so, could you share how you overcame said challenges?
When I started FONZ, it was at a time when Tesla wasn’t yet a household name. To say we were early to market is an understatement.
By default, I became the pioneer of the two-wheel electric space here in Australia. Most sane people would’ve given up and saved themselves. I kept pushing through it and today we are Australia’s leader in electric motorbikes and road-scooters here.
The reason I kept going is because I passionately believe in what we do. Electric vehicles are different to gas. They each have their performance and ride differences to love — I absolutely get both!
EVs provide a meaningful solution to combat climate change. Two-wheel electric vehicles give us a way to also reduce our footprint & cost of living and have more freedom on the road.
As a motorcyclist, being out on the open road you feel limitless, coming back to tackle the daily challenges you are fearless.
It feels like we’re at the cusp of the gas-to-electric transition worldwide. With many still attached to the idea of the old school gas motorbikes, how do you go about changing their perspectives to make the switch, and what trends do you foresee in the world of electric motors?
I had a cracking start to this year on a guided trip around north Vietnam with Vietnam Bikers (@vietnambikers). I rode a CRF300. I hadn’t spent so much time on a petrol bike in years and I loved it.
Of course, I still feel a romantic notion for them, though I have zero interest in riding a gas bike when I’m back in the city.
If you’re all about performance, electric motorbikes have a clear advantage over gas. FONZ’s top spec motorbike — NKD X — is pure torque. It’ll do Zero to 100 in 3.9s.
Today we’re witnessing a huge uptake of people buying our electric motorbikes and road-scooters that don’t necessarily identify as a motorbike rider.
They are buying our electric bikes as they’re focused on reducing their carbon footprint, and downsizing from two cars to 1. There’s a huge cost saving in that and it just makes sense with the convenience of a bike in congested cities that have nowhere to park.
When go on business trips I’ll take my carry on suitcase on the footrest of a FONZ Arthur scooter. Park for free at the airport and not have to stress I’m going to miss my flight. Everything gets easier!
What was the most exciting experience for you personally that could have ONLY been encountered on two wheels?
Adventure riding gives us the opportunity to be truly in nature, to feel the local culture, to be at one with the road, truly connected. This is a feeling I’ve only ever experienced on two wheels. It’s almost impossible for me to pinpoint the most exciting moto experience I’ve had.
While the big overseas adventures are awesome, I love that my NKD gets me into nature in just a couple hours. I’m obsessed with moto-bikepacking and I obsess over all the gear.
In our minds, “Sending It” is objective to everyone’s personal riding experience, style, and skill level. When you tell someone to “Send It,” what are YOU truly saying to that person?
Our customers range from experienced riders to beginners, we are not talking just about riding experience or skill levels, we are denoting the way in which a person lives.
These are people making the transition from pollution and dirty fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy.
When FONZ says “Sending It” we are truly saying to that person that they can do this switch with confidence and without overthinking it … fearless.
FONZ is all full throttle, trust and 100% commitment with sustainability, high performance and cost saving.
What advice would you give another woman interested following in your footsteps, or looking for mentorship?
Navigating a male-dominated space like the Automotive industry comes with its challenges. There are societal expectations around women’s leadership styles and abilities that we’re still breaking down.
I bring a compassionate approach in my leadership style and have put a wonderful and diverse team around me because I focus on soft skills, EQ, and inclusivity.
You can have all the ability in the world. If you don’t bring it with the personality, we risk screwing our company culture. That’s not happening. So, I’ve implemented a no assholes policy.
Reach out to people that inspire you for mentorship. Find people that play to your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to ask. Good people love to impart their wisdom and if you work hard they will want to invest that in you.
Dystany Spurlock
Can you tell us about the first time you caught the two-wheel bug? Where were you, and what pushed you to keep progressing?
I was 5 years old when I was first introduced to motorcycles. I used to sit in the living room watching Wink1100 videos of him and the Ruff Ryders doing wheelies. Then one day my dad came home with a brand-new Suzuki TL1000. I would ride on the back of the motorcycle with him or my mom. I didn’t get introduced to motorcycle drag racing until I was 12 years old. What pushed me to keep progressing was the passion that I have for motorcycles. The sound of them, the power that they produce, and the feeling of freedom that I feel when riding them.
Historically motorcycles, particularly drag racing, has long since been a male dominated space, while over the last decade has seen an uptick in women finding a passion for all things on two wheels. As one of the top leading women in the sport, could you share with us how you first started racing, and how you lead by example to encourage more women follow suit?
I was introduced to motorcycle drag racing at 12 years old. My mom purchased me my first motorcycle when I turned 16 which was a 2006 Suzuki GSXR 1000. I then became an ambassador for BMW Motorrad. I would love for more women to follow their dreams. It does not have to be motorcycle drag racing. It can be getting their license to ride on the street. No matter that path, no age is too old, and no goal is impossible.
What was the most exciting experience for you personally that could have ONLY been encountered on a motorcycle?
Wow that is a tricky question. I have had so many magnificent experiences. I would have to say becoming the First Woman to win a 4.60 Index Finial was fascinating.
In our minds, “Sending It” is objective to everyone’s personal riding experience, style, and skill level. When you tell someone to “Send It,” what are YOU truly saying to that person?
If I hear SEND IT! That means we are going to give this motorcycle as much power as possible. It’s to the point that we may risk blowing up the motor to get that power lol.
What advice would you give another woman interested following in your footsteps, and competing in drag racing? What can they expect, and how would you advise them to overcome the obstacles?
I would tell her to go for it! You may have dream killers in your ear telling you that you cannot do it. Trust me, you can, and I know that you will! Go at your own pace, you will have so many people in your ear telling you what they think you should do and how to do it. Remember they are not you, and not everything that works for you, works for them and vice versa. Stay the course, not every day will be easy. You will make mistakes but be gentle with yourself and every day that you are racing make sure you never stop learning.
Bruna Wladyka
Can you tell us about the first time you caught the two-wheel bug? Where were you, and what pushed you to keep progressing?
It all started when I was putting together the Brazilian Wall of Death show. During that time I learned a lot about the history of motorcycling and was also in direct contact with motorcycles. One thing led to the other, and my passion grew stronger when I took the handlebars and got my license.
How have motorcycles changed your life, and the things you find joy in?
I believe motorcycles gave me the strength and courage to keep moving forward. I find joy in “first times.” For example, I just had a chance to race my first indoor flat track in the USA, and that was a huge challenge: a different bike, a different language, in a totally different setup from what I was used to.
What was the most exciting experience for you personally that could have ONLY been encountered on a motorcycle?
Travel by myself around Europe for 8 days in a classic motorcycle. I rode for over 8 thousand kilometers through France, Spain, and Portugal.
In our minds, “Sending It” is objective to everyone’s personal riding experience, style, and skill level. When you tell someone to “Send It,” what are YOU truly saying to that person?
Respect your limits, know yourself, and don’t let the opportunities go by. It is about courage.
What advice would you give another woman interested in following in your footsteps?
I would tell her to “Send it!”
Gemma of Camp VC
Can you tell us about the first time you caught the two-wheeled bug? Where were you, and what pushed you to keep progressing?
I actually came to Motos quite late on when I was 26. My husband wanted to start riding and bought a little 125cc Yamaha with our wedding money which got handed down to me when he bought a triumph after a couple of months. I thought “why the hell not”. Quite soon after we attended one of the first bike shed shows in London. He was ushered into the fancy bike parking for the fancy custom bikes and I was quite new to riding so I daredent leave him so I followed him in on my shitty little factory 125 Yamaha. I got a few laughs from guys that were around and so I vowed to custom rebuild that little bike and the rest was history. That bike ended up being the bike we thaught hundreds of women to ride with at VC and I still have it to this day.
We remember when VC London first launched, and since then, you’ve played a HUGE part in growing the U.K. women’s motorbike community. As you approach another epic year of the all-women’s adventure camp-out, Camp VC, what are your goals for further evolving VC London to empower even more women to find a love for two wheels?
Over the last eight years, we’ve been so lucky to play a part in so many women’s first riding experience, or taking their first steps towards starting something they really love. At Camp VC, we have loads of opportunities for attendees to be able to try out everything from riding motorcycles of all kinds to other action sports. like skate boarding. For the first time this year, we’ll be hooking up with Specialized to bring E MTB to the event, which is awesome!
What we’ve found after years of running Camp VC is that amazing feeling you get from riding motorcycles isn’t just unique to riding Moto’s. It’s that feeling of letting go and feeling free, and totally in the moment that is so special, and it comes through throwing yourself into so many different activities. So many amazing people have gravitated towards the event as we all share a common ground in that feeling we all get from doing what we love. That’s why we’re working every year towards including more sports and activities in the event that for us sit perfectly alongside motorcycles.
We also run a beginners riding school at VC in collaboration with Herald Motorcycles where we give women their first taste of riding on a cycle with licensed instructors in a really cool, safe environment. Every year this just gets more and more popular, so we just wanna keep on doing what we do and spread those good vibes through motorcycles!
What was the most exciting experience for you personally that could have ONLY been encountered on a motorcycle?
There have been so many experiences that I’ve had through riding motorcycles that have been mind blowing. From going 100mph for the first time riding through the desert on a dream trip to Babes Ride Out, ripping dirt bikes everywhere from the U.S. to knee deep mud in Wales, to riding my chopper in the U.K. with Norman Reedus and round the world adventurer Elspeth Beard. BUT above all else, it’s actually teaching other women to ride that I love and cherish the most. The feeling of giving someone else the confidence to ride is really special and even after teaching 100s of women to ride it never gets old.
In our minds, “Sending It” is objective to everyone’s personal riding experience, style, and skill level. When you tell someone to “Send It,” what are YOU truly saying to that person?
Get outside your comfort zone, step into that place that makes you a little scared, push yourself, and that’s where you’ll find the good stuff. Just you and the present. That’s sending it.
What advice would you give another woman interested in getting into motorsports?
Start by starting, and take it one step at a time. It’s daunting for everyone to start something new but if you want to try motorsport out, just do it. You won’t regret it. Everyone starts somewhere so find a supportive place to try it out and you’ll get the bug guaranteed.
