The road racing career of Maria ‘Elvis’ Costello, MBE is littered with highlights including a spell as the fastest female around the Isle of Man and being honoured by the Queen for services to motorcycling – as noted in her biography Maria Costello: Queen of Bikers.
The 44-year-old English road racer is a regular visitor to Australia to compete in the International Festival of Speed – this year on a classic Vincent.
Having broken 24 bones during her race career Maria is no stranger to the dangers of real road racing. But adventure bike riding has opened up a whole new world – a world she says is worth exploring on Yamaha’s WR250R.
Equipped with a WR250R built by ADV specialist Greg Yager from RideWorx ADV, Costello recently headed off road from Clarence to Sofala, NSW.
In 2016 Maria joined the Ténéré Tragics on their Run to the Rocks in the Flinders range on Yamaha’s Super Ténéré. But this ride was more technical to better suit the lightweight adventure touring WR250R.
Maria Costello
“Riding the WR250R along the Turon River was an awesome experience. To be honest, the bike was way more capable than me,” explains Maria. “It made me realise I have a lot to learn when it comes to anything off the tarmac – and I’m now looking forward to boosting my off road skills at a UK dirt track clinic,” she adds. “I’d love to be able to get back in time for the WR250R Rally in Cessnock at the end of April,”.
The WR250R rally is on 28-29 April 2018 at Cessnock, NSW. ADVWorx Adventure Moto Garage is at Unit 4/915 Old Northern Road, Dural NSW 2158. Visit www.rideadv.com.au for details on both.
“Riding the WR250R along the Turon River was an awesome experience. To be honest, the bike was way more capable than me,” explains Maria. “It made me realise I have a lot to learn when it comes to anything off the tarmac – and I’m now looking forward to boosting my off road skills at a UK dirt track clinic,” she adds. “I’d love to be able to get back in time for the WR250R Rally in Cessnock at the end of April,”.