2 Up Adventures

Being an ex nurse and volunteer ambulance officer, Karen has seen better than most what can happen on the wrong side of a motorbike encounter and for most of her life called them “death machines”! In early 2011 she followed through on a new year’s resolution to move out of her comfort zones and try new things. This saw her accept an offer to go for a ride on a friend’s trike and later be manoeuvred into a ride on the back of another friend’s bike (Honda Shadow 750) – something she NEVER thought she would do. That was it – hook, line and sinker!!!! No turning back!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being the independent type, she was not satisfied with having to rely on lifts from others – so in late 2012 she got her learner’s permit – intent on becoming a rider in her own right.  However, at just 148cm tall she found even her instructors little Honda CBR 125  too tall for her to ride –  she just couldn’t touch the ground! Determined ….She bought a little Yamaha Virago 250 cruiser, and with wedge heeled boots she could just touch the ground. She spent around 6 months having lessons, but with limited opportunity to practice progress was slow, and she found she needed a season ticket to the local Yamaha distributor – for clutch and gear leaver replacements due to the frequent dropping of the bike when she needed to stop! She could take off, lean, ride and really move, but stopping was definitely an issue!!!! EVENTUALLY… she decided she was not enjoying it and gave up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She just couldn’t stay away though, the pull was too much……in October 2013 she took the bold step and joined the Perth Motorbike and Sidecar Riders Meetup Group as a pillion.  Eventually, in early 2014 Vince offered her a ride…..and the rest they say is history. They immediately knew they were kindred spirits and having met and fallen in love…. they worked on making their shared dream to travel the world by bike a reality! Karen loves being Vince’s pillion and Vince says she’s the best pillion ever – he doesn’t even know she’s there! Being pillion frees Karen up to take photos and GoPro Video on the move from the back of the bike, giving 2upadventures images a unique perspective and specialised appeal.