Revving Up Spirits and Camaraderie

Andrea and Raquel’s Adventure Journey

Held in the picturesque off-road region surrounding Nambucca Heads on the NSW North Coast, the weekend-long ride was soggy due to constant rain. However, the women’s spirit for adventure remained unwavering. It’s this willingness to have a go and the unique camaraderie among the female participants that attracted Andrea Walloschek to the RideADV-organized events, and it is what keeps her coming back for more.

Andrea’s first taste of adventure bike riding came more than ten years ago when her love of mountain bike riding progressed to adventure motorcycles. Unfortunately, her early attempts to immerse herself in the sport were a stop-start affair. “The problem is, when you start a family, you have children to look after, and that’s when the things that mum loves take a back seat,” she explained. “So now I feel like it’s time to return to do what I love. Adventure bike riding is true therapy.”

There was almost another false start for Andrea when the demands of a new property tried their best to scuttle her plans to return to adventure bike riding, but she was adamant nothing would stop her from following her dreams.  “Rather than my aspirations being put on the back burner, this time, I have put the property on the back burner so I can get out on the bike.”

While she started on a larger adventure bike, which she admits was a mistake, Andrea’s machine of choice these days is Yamaha’s popular WR250R, a bike she describes as super agile and perfect for the type of riding she enjoys. “I’m not interested in doing big kilometres on a heavy bike,” she explains. I’m happiest on trails and dirt roads.”

Andrea says her spirit for adventure has always been there, but it wasn’t until she signed up for her first RideADV Women’s Only event back in 2020 that she knew adventure bike riding was something she seriously wanted to pursue. “I love doing the RideADV events with Greg and his team,” she said. “The professionalism is brilliant, the routes they choose are amazing, and the camaraderie between the women is wonderful - that’s a big bonus for the girls like me who do not ride often.” The ability of the events to build confidence in a fun and relaxed atmosphere was also high on her list. “I would encourage any female riders out there who may be a little apprehensive about joining one of these rides just to come along; you will have a ball.” 

Another WR250R rider at the event was Requel Seale. Rachele got into Adventure bike riding five years ago and decided immediately that the Yamaha was the right bike for her. Five years later, she still says she has made the correct choice.  “My opportunities to go riding are limited,” she explained. “I may only go once or twice per year, but I love it when I get the chance to get out on my WR250R.” 

Being out in nature combined with a good challenge keeps Raquel returning for more. “It’s a great change from my everyday life, and I love getting out there and having a go, improving my riding and learning new skills,” she added.  “I also enjoy the great camaraderie; it doesn’t matter if it’s the female-only rides or riding with the guys in the open events. It’s always a great time. Everyone is enthusiastic.”

Raquel said her goal for the next few years is to ride more. “I’d certainly like to be faster and smoother in technique,” she said. “To achieve this, I need to spend more time on the bike.”

When asked what message she has for other females who may be thinking about getting involved in adventure riding, Raquel encouraged them to just have a go. “Don’t put pressure on yourself and think you’re too slow. The best advice I was ever given was to just ride for myself, don’t ride for anyone else. I still stick with that advice. The RideADV team will show you that It’s easier than you think, so just have a go.”