Uttoxeter played host again to the ever-popular Women in Moto Exhibition in 2023. Honda Motorcycles were proud to be a title sponsor this year; our Charley went to go and check out what the event was all about and dispel a couple of common myths!
Firstly, despite the ‘obvious’ name of the event, the whole family is welcome! Focusing on bringing the biking community together, no matter your gender, the weekend is open to all to offer a safe and supportive space to enjoy all things moto! With police bike shows, clothing and accessories stalls, plenty of food and drink options as well as a panel of inspirational female motorcyclists who offered a wide range of talks and presentations throughout the two-day event.
Listen to inspirational speakers, ask those pressing questions on the panel talks, the schedule was packed full of interactive sessions from growing your social media, to motorcycle maintenance to yoga and strength training to improve your balance and stability on your bike.
Proudly wearing my Honda polo shirt, I made my way to the main Honda stand at the entry of the show. From here you can book on a range of bikes to test ride from 500cc and above. A beautifully simple process, guided by a very professional and knowledgeable team. Simply select the bike you wish to ride and a time that suits you and you’re booked on! From the CRF1100 Africa Twin, to Transalp, CBR650R and 500 favourites such as the Rebel and CB500X there was a bike to suit everyone. The guided ride-out took in some alternate routes, picking up A, B and unlisted roads all in the comfort of your own pace, with no need to worry about sat-nav or where you’re going next!
What excited me the most was the Ride Free Experience, whereby anyone aged 14 and over who has never ridden before or hasn’t yet completed their CBT could go and have a try on a range of geared 125cc Honda’s – led by an incredible team of instructors. Here, there is no rush at all. Your instructor works with you one-to-one at your own pace and ensures you leave the session confident and ready for the next step should you choose to do so. No gear? No problem! With a full range of brand-new helmets to fit and the latest RST clothing on hand, it is all included in your totally free experience. All I could think was, ‘I wish there was something like this around when I was learning to ride!’.
To finish the day, I worked closely with Leona Graham of Absolute Radio, talking to a couple of fellow female riders (and to-be-riders) all about the complexities of obtaining your licence and how it actually is simpler than is often advertised. Be sure to check out The Engine Room on Honda’s website for more information on this and to watch our chat!
The venue also provides some of the best biking roads in Britain. Not only that, if you choose to camp, it is totally possible to sleep under the stars in this unique setting and not worry about biking home after a long day, bliss.
It’s safe to say, we will be back for 2024! With the journey time being a comfortable 98 miles from our Super Centre Showroom, I feel a group ride out coming on.
