APRIL KEEN TO HELP WOMEN
CONQUER THEIR FEARS
T
his is just too good not to share. That’s the
considered view of South Island-based dirt
bike rider April Mainland.
With many years of dirt bike riding experience
under her wheels, the 36-year-old recently
stepped to a new high level of competence and
confidence and, inspired also by others, she
knew her positive technique and attitude was
something she should share with other girls and
women on the motorcycling scene.
Mainland started off “wanting to inspire women
to face their fears” riding dirt bikes.
“I was in contact with Yamaha-Motor New
Zealand to discuss purchase of a new bike
when it was suggested that they could support
me to become an ambassador for women in
motorcycling.
“As a trail rider and a gal that works outside of
98 KIWI RIDER
the motorbike industry, I guess it was a good fit
to demonstrate riding as a hobby rather than a
full-time job. I am a training advisor for Primary
ITO (Industry Training Organisation), which
means I advise and manage on-the-job training
regarding agriculture in the Nelson/Marlborough
area.
“I’m doing that during the week but have a
hobby at the weekends with a wee venture I’ve
started called ‘Inspiring Adventure’, a business
that I would like to grow.
“It’s about helping women to navigate the valley
of fear and inspire adventure within themselves.
It’s a chance for women to come riding with
me, try some different motorbikes and ask the
questions that they’d perhaps not have the
confidence to ask their boyfriend or partner.
“Perhaps, in the future, I could do the same