Jo Woodrow is a high school learning assistant , driving instructor & cat breeder from Rangiora , North Canterbury . She tells us why she loves riding , her bike , and New Zealand roads .
How did you get into motorcycling ? “ I was introduced to motorbikes as a child . My father raced motorbikes so I was immersed in the motorcycle world as a youngster and got into motocross when I was about nine or ten years old . I didn ’ t do very well at it , but I enjoyed the excitement and I had a little Suzuki RM80 . Then I came back into it properly at 26 when I got my road bike licence in the UK .”
What bikes have you had ? “ I bought my first road bike in the UK , a Suzuki GS500 . I upgraded after a year to a Yamaha Fazer 600 , but sold it when I moved back to NZ . Then I got a Buell X1 Lightning which was quite a different bike - rustic , loud , slightly obnoxious , and way less reliable . After that I had a break until I got my current ride , a Yamaha MT-09 , a few years ago . I love it , and I ’ ve grown so much as a rider with it , but I see an upgrade soon . Perhaps a bigger or a different style of bike .”
Why take a break ? “ It ’ s quite an expensive hobby to have in New Zealand . I was getting married and we needed the money . Coming back the timing was right . I also improved my health and lost a lot of weight . Now I really enjoy riding because it ’ s a lot more comfortable for me . It ’ s my wind therapy .”
How did you get back into riding ? “ I ’ d changed my career away from a stressful , busy , full time job and suddenly I had more spare time . I had this desire to get back out on the bike and travel around New Zealand because it ’ s such a beautiful place to visit with so many wonderful rides . “ One of the first things I did was sign up to do a couple of Ride Forever courses . I ’ d heard about how good they were and as an adult returning to riding after a break it was important to upskill , hone my craft , and not think I knew it all . I ’ d ridden for years , but years ago .”
KIWI RIDER 25