Lonely T.W.A.T

I have loved motorbikes since I can remember. Although it was only at the age of 24 that I got my 1st bike, a brand new Honda CBR 125cc 2010.

I was instantly hooked and went everywhere on her and through all weather’s rain, snow,ous sunshine and wind (my worst kind of riding weather). Being 5.2 and less than 60kg I would feel like a rag doll about to take off into the abyss. However riding in all weather conditions have given me some invaluable motorcycle skills and overall has made me a more confident rider.

But being a bit of an introvert and lacking in social confidence I have always found it hard to mingle with others who also have the same passion. Altough truthfully I have always been a bit of a loner.

It wasn’t until I got my 1st big bike, my beautiful Yamaha Fazer 03 600cc and moved to Cornwall in 2013, that I slowly started to get into the bike scene. But I soon realised the realities of moving to this county meant working most weekends and once again I found it difficult to get out and enjoy my new bike. But as my now husband worked away the majority of the time in London I had my free time to slowly bimble around Cornwall. From here I set-up my Motorcycle Travels Facebook page. This meant I could keep a record of places I visited. I also love photography and it was a great platform to share my travel photos on the bike.

However within a year of living here I decided to start a part-time three year Foundation Degree at City College Plymouth (which I can happily say I have just completed and I graduate in a few months). Meaning most my time off was spent in lessons and studying.

But a chance meeting with a nice bunch of bikers at Plymouth megaride in 2015 opened up a new door to an online bike community T.W.A.T (Two Wheels And That). Which I joined as a member in 2016 as T.W.A.T number 170. Therein with me still also riding mostly on my own I came upon the name lonelyTWAT. But It felt great to finally be a part of the biker community. I also found it a lot easier socialising with others behind a keyboard and especially as I still worked most weekends. It’s sad but it’s true, most my social life was now conducted through Facebook. But hey I had a social life of sorts! It suited my hours and on the rare occasion I am not working, there are always events and rideouts I can join (providing they are not at the weekends). But to be fair I am used to riding on my own and don’t mind but it’s nice to know I have a choice. Although I think I may forever be Lonely T.W.A.T.

But onwards and upwards. I have since joined a few other groups including The Litas Plymouth female bike group (yes again online) and occasionally visit biker cafe/hotspots. Which I am finding I am meeting more and more T.W.A.T members which has grown phenomenoly since I joined.

However I am keen to know if others have also found it as hard? And if there are other lonely riders out there? Although I am comfortable going at it alone, as I have still not yet convinced the husband to get a bike. It does seem a shame not to share such an amazing love of motorcycles with others, does it not ………