FOR Eleanor, the first Girls On Track Day of 2017 at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford was an unforgettable experience that she’ll never forget.
Eleanor, a regular GOTD attendee, sampled her first ride on a Sidecar on Sunday, January 29. “The chance to ride on a Sidecar as a passenger was really something else. It was a dive right off the deep end! I’m pretty sure the excitement of the day and everything I had learnt had well and truly exhausted me, I was asleep before we even got to the Wallan BP!” Eleanor exclaimed.
“That moment of ‘I can’t do that’ quickly changed to ‘Let’s do this’ with the strong encouragement of some like-minded ladies and from a few of the fellas; they were part of a great day too!
“I realised early on, when the ladies (including Isle of Man TT Sidecar Passenger Chrissie Clancy) were explaining what to do, that if I didn’t really hang over the rider on the Sidecar then we weren’t going to make it around the corner or any of the corners for that matter! It combined two of my favourite things: motorsport and teamwork!
“It was, in all honesty, one of the best track days I have ever had. I rode three very different bikes, and really got to learn the differences in handling and improve my riding,” Eleanor continued.
“It was really awesome to meet other like-minded ladies in a supportive learning environment. Peta Thomas (of Motorcycling Victoria) ran a really structured day which benefited everyone who attended and helped me have the best ‘post-track day exhaustion’ nap ever. What a day!” she added.
“If I don’t mention Aaron and Jason they may never let me ride again (or help me get my bike on the stand) so big thanks to these guys for encouraging me!” Eleanor said.
Motorcycling Victoria’s Inclusion and Committee Manager Peta Thomas was delighted with the first GOTD for the year.
“The Girls On Track Days continue to bring some many like-minded women together from all different ‘vintages’ and backgrounds. It was so wonderful to have so many familiar faces return for 2017 and 9 new women joined us on Sunday. It was such a fun day with so many smiling faces,” Peta said.
“These days would not be possible without the wonderful support we get from Victorian Sport and Recreations Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program, Shannons, Kawasaki Australia, Girl Rider and everyone that does their bit to help run, promote and support these wonderful days,” she added.
There will be three more Girls On Track Days Proudly Supported by Shannons at the State Motorcycling Sports Complex at Broadford this year. They are:
Sunday, March 19
Saturday, June 3
Sunday, October 1
You can register for the Girls On Track Days for 2017 via this Online Entry Form.