The Inspirational Speaker Stage is where we bring together the best, most inspiring women from the world of motorcycling to share their passionate stories. From the women winning races to extraordinary solo tourers, we cover a range of motorcycling styles and have a story to inspire anyone.
Inspirational Speakers
Lara and Maja (Saturday 17th)
Travelling Chicks
Lara and Maja are embarking on the arduous off-road challenge of getting from the UK to Slovenia, via the Trans European Trail on a pair of Honda CRF 300 motorbikes. Both new to serious off-roading, Maja and Lara have lots to learn and prepare to tackle the event.
Maja and Lara found each other in 2020 and they’ve maintained a girl power comradeship as they’ve supported each other through life’s challenges. The catch is, they haven’t lived in each others pockets yet and have lots to learn about each other, as well investing heavily in an essential off road skillset to tackle TET challenges. They also both want to share the messy reality of being fierce females, covering menopause, period pants and generally just being a pair of capable, travelling chicks on and off road.
Lara- Since riding a moped rescued from a skip at fifteen, Lara’s been hooked on all things motorbikes. Recently celebrating eight years of track racing with a winning trophy haul on a Kramer Evo 690, Lara’s tackled the track with CB500s, supertwins and a 200bhp Ducati 1198. Lara is now a presenter for the Bike World YouTube channel having established her own channel, ‘Laramoto’ four years earlier. Lara is a Chartered Engineer and uses her holidays to raz around the countryside on 2 wheels.
Maja- Maja commuted to school on a 50cc moped Tomos back in Yugoslavia times and caught the motorcycling bug in her teens. She always had the taste for adventure and travel and in her 40s she finally passed her big bike test. She has now combined her passion for travel, motorcycles and adventures into setting up a motorcycle tour company. Most of the time you will find her globetrotting on her motorcycle either running a tour or recceing a new destination. When she is having a rest she can be found in a quaint village in North Wales having some quiet time and enjoying the walks in the country, a cycle around the lanes or paddle boarding on a quiet lake.
Mary Siever (Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th)
Mary Motorcycle
Some of you may remember the formidable ‘Mary Motorcycle’ who graced our Inspirational Speakers Stage back in 2022. Unfortunately Mary passed away not long after sharing her incredible journey with us all, however her amazing story lives on…
Mary will once again be heading up our Inspirational Speakers stage this year, in a slightly different format, to continue the legacy she created.
In October 1967, 26-year-old Mary Sievier set off to ride to India on a 175cc BSA Bantam motorbike. She reached India and then kept going. She rode around the world, taking nine years, making her the first British woman to make the journey alone.
In 2021 she sat down with a film-maker and told her story and these eight episodes make up the uncut audio recording from that film. Mary Sievier, in her own words. You can see the film at our show on the Inspirational Speakers Stage each day of the show.
Jodie Griffin (Saturday 17th)
Jodexterous
Jodie Griffin (Jodexterous) was part of the first ever female motorcycle race team as a mechanic for Nadieh Schoots debut at Macau GP (One of the worlds most challenging circuits in the world). This team made history for women in motorsport in 2022.
Jodie will be speaking about life leading up to accepting to be part of the team, how it was like to quarantine in China, and the experience of Macau GP itself. She is also a multi-skilled woman which is how the ‘dexterous’ part of Jodexterous was chosen. She is handy with tools, art supplies, cameras and is a quick learner, to name a few.
Laura AKA MotoWaifu (Sunday 18th)
The Adventure Bug
“Seven years ago, I caught the adventure bug and began riding motorcycles. I’ve always been open-minded about travel, having explored Europe by train and bus before discovering the thrill of motorbikes. Riding opened up a whole new world, almost like stepping into a video game and Europe was only a grasp away..
After numerous journeys through the Alps and the Pyrenees, I felt a longing for something more distant and different from home. So in 2023, I embarked on a thrilling adventure, riding my bright pink MT07 from London to Turkey, traversing 20 countries in just 21 days.
The journey was a mental challenge, as travelling such long distances alone gives you plenty of time for introspection. I met many incredible people, had my share of disagreements with foreign police officers, and even ended up on Turkish CNN! It was a wild ride!
Balancing my full-time job, I’m now considering a round-the-world trip in two-week segments each year, shipping my bike further each time. My next potential journey could take me from Turkey down to Oman.
I look forward to sharing tips from my travels, and answering all your questions at Women in Moto!
Until then, Waifu over and out.
Laura @Motowaifu “
Chloe Jones (Sunday 18th)
From wales to Uzbekistan on a Honda c90
“I’ll be sharing my tales from my trip riding a Honda c90 from Wales to Uzbekistan solo.
I’m a small town girl with a curiosity for the world and all things dirtbiking. I spent a year chasing dirt trails and adventure in the USA. After being back for only a month I already had itchy feet and knew I needed a new adventure! I only owned a Honda c90 at that time, so said screw it … if i make it to France it will be an adventure, but Central Asia was the goal.
From broken spokes to rebuilding the top end of the engine, to getting caught in snow storms, to homestays and riding dirt trails in Russia, trouble always seems to follow me, but adventure and good memories always seemed guaranteed. Forever grateful for the kindness of strangers as without them I wouldn’t have made it. Join me for tales on the road and hopefully I’ll inspire you to venture out too!”
AJ Kell (Sunday 18th)
The Honest Biker
AJ is also our host for the event and will be joining the wonderful ladies on our Women in Moto panel on Saturday in addition to her inspiring talk on Sunday!
“Hey, I’m Aj aka the Honest Biker. Let’s start at the beginning.
I’m the only biker in my family, so, “What made you get into biking?” I hear you ask, let me explain… I was in a toxic job/relationship, wasn’t getting along with family, so I thought to myself, “Where is the furthest place on this planet I can go, set up base and see the world? Australia!”
I looked online for VISAs and said to the universe, “If you make this happen, I’ll quit everything and go”. VISA approved in 10mins!
That was it, I typed up my resignation, called a meeting with my manager and handed it over. As I left the room, they said sarcastically, “See you Monday”, to which my reply was. “Not f**king likely!”
I went home, sold my car, my belongings and booked the cheapest one way ticket I could find. First stop, Australia! I worked for a while, saved some money and then after a year or so, it was on to other places, first, Bali, where my love of bikes began! I met a friend who was already riding a cheap old retro Honda, so I asked if I could tag along. I rented a cheap little scooter and zoomed around Ubud and surrounding villages, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells and that was that was it, I was hooked. I continued my way across to many places, including, Thailand, Laos, The Perhentian Islands, The Gili Islands, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and my heart country, Vietnam. 🇻🇳
Eventually, the time came for me to return to the UK, as my passport was about to expire. During that time, I was also finally diagnosed with a from birth chronic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), along with chronic fatigue and multiple joint instability, which my entire life I was told was all in my head!! With this new diagnosis, I learned how to adapt my riding style etc to allow for me to continue doing what I love!
Biking has literally changed my life. I have finally found my people and I couldn’t be happier. See you on the road!!
Aj 🤘x”
Panel Talks (Saturday 17th)
The panel is formed of inspirational ladies from across the length and breadth of motorcycling. We are bringing together those who are from different sectors of biking but united with a common goal of enjoying and sharing their lifestyles, to have a free and open discussion with you- so bring your questions! Our panel line up is updated all the time, so check back soon for more!
AJ AKA The Honest Biker
Meet our host for the event and the lead for the panel, AJ aka The Honest Biker. AJ is also heading up an inspiring talk on our Inspirational Speakers stage on Sunday!
Lady Harley
“Hi! My name is Michelle aka @Lady.harley.883 I fell in love with motorbikes as a teenager, and inherited a serious Harley-Davidson habit from my parents. I’ve been riding for about 11 years now. The first time I went on the back of a bike, I was 15 years old, and I just completely fell in love, and I knew I wanted to have a motorcycle myself. In 2011, my father, who was a biker, was diagnosed with cancer. And before he passed away, I promised him I’d take my bike test, get a Harley-Davidson and do the Route 66 in his name. So, I do it for my Dad. It’s a silver lining in a bad situation.
I’m a former LLB law student and pageant girl & have never conformed to the Harley rider stereotype… or Dulled my self down to be accepted. Bike life is what YOU make of it. Passing my test was the best thing I have ever done whilst given me opportunity & experiences I could have only dreamed of…. From trials bike to track days I am all things motorcycle… & look forward to sharing my experiences, tips & tricks I’ve picked up along the ride.”
Emma Franklin- Deputy Editor, Motorcycle News (MCN)
“Resident two-stroke nut and fully trained journalist, Emma’s passion for motorcycling has seen her work across many of the UK’s best-loved motorcycling titles over the past 19 years, before becoming Deputy Editor on the world’s number one biking weekly in 2020.
A consumer journalist at heart, she’s dedicated to cutting through marketing waffle and putting manufacturers’ claims to the test in order to get to the truth.
Passionate about all levels of road racing, and a former club racer herself, she’s still very much a paddock regular through her support of partner, Bruce Dunn’s racing exploits – so if you see her at a circuit, feel free to say hello.”
RubyRides
RubyRides is a content creator, presenter, and reviewer with a decade of experience in various biking realms. She has cultivated a diverse following of bikers across the Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Ruby is the proud owner of a KAWASAKI H2, an S1000RR HP4, and an RSV4 1100 Factory. She actively tests new bikes, gear, and related products on multiple platforms.
Serving as a stunt double for the Institute of Electrical Engineering and a regular rider at Goodwood FOS Hillclimb, she can be seen on TV shows like The Motorbike Show and Shed and Buried on ITV4 and Quest.
She regularly engages in charity events like Bike4Life, Air Ambulance and Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride. She has worked with the Police to raise safety awareness amongst bikers.
Beyond her track riding passion, RubyRides documents her touring, travel, and adventure bike escapades through her vlogs.
Being passionate about inclusivity, she influences her audience of all ages and backgrounds, particularly women in the biking community. She works with young people and schools to educate the younger generation about biking.
Her goal is to shatter stereotypes and empower women in the sport of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and religions.
Connect with RubyRides at:
Instagram: @_rubyrides_
YouTube: RubyRides
Facebook: RubyRides
Tiktok: @_rubyrides_
Threads: @_rubyrides_
LinkedIN: Ruby Rides
Laura AKA MotoWaifu
Our Sunday speaker Laura AKA MotoWaifu will be joining in the panel on Saturday, bringing an adventure perspective. @MotoWaifu