09/03/2026
What an incredible weekend!
Still pinching myself that I was asked by MEGA to feature at the Sydney Motorsport Park's ride day, celebrating International Women's Day alongside incredible other women in the sport, industry and hobby. With a panel including Alana Baratto from Ducati, Tayla Relph #28 from Yamaha Racing and Carly Black from California Superbike School Australia - this was a jam-packed panel.
We discussed an array of things; from how we all got into motorcycling, through to the bare bones of what has driven us in, and at times ultimately away, from the sport, hobby and industry. Our on the spot answers and casual chats meant we really got the opportunity to candidly discuss how much motorcycling, as a whole, has changed our lives from the very beginning - whether that was at the ripe age of two, or well into our forties.
Working alongside Carly to help run the happy laps or 'try it on' sessions was a dream come true, as I got the opportunity to hear the master at work, and to witness the start of a track-addiction journey for a lot of ladies. These opportunities, albeit rare, to have safe spaces in our community to encourage people of all walks of life to join us, fuel our passions and encourage the sport is what it's all about - identities aside.
However, being a newbie is intimidating. It's scary, nervewracking and often comes with a lot of slip ups. Add to that the uncertainty behind a male-dominated arena (with a lot of egos from any person, let's be real) and it can be just enough to stop anyone from wanting to take that first step.
Luckily, we had the likes of Steve, Marc and the crew at MEGA who stripped all of that away and left us with: a welcoming, well-run, supportive, friendly, kind and pressure-free environment.
In fact, I cannot speak highly enough of the crew at MEGA on BOTH days I attended; the normal track day AND the female-only ride days were both exceptional. It was like witnessing a well-oiled machine! Safety first, kindness included. No egos, no nonsense. Fully developed online riders briefings, transponders for times that only the staff can see to safely move folks around to suit the groups best. Perpetually smiling marshals, and everyone, everywhere was ALWAYS willing to lend a hand (I can attest to this when I borrowed varying bikes and they all chipped in to help with stands, warmers and more!).
I'm both impressed and in awe; the opportunity itself to coach, be a part of it all and witness the team at work was nothing short of a privilege.
Thank you, to each of you - including the folks who made it possible (I won't name everyone or this post will be just names!) and to those who I met in my coaching journeys. I can't wait to head back down to a track with a lot of left turns; SMSP has a special place in this heart now!
More photos to come... but for now, check out some cool ones!
