testimonials
Sara T
Learning a new skill takes time, so it goes without saying that learning how to ride (safely) would be no different. The learning itself can be such a huge learning curve – especially if you’ve had no prior motorcycle riding experience whatsoever; and I can honestly say that if it weren’t for Carol’s help, I probably would have given up. Carol is one of the instructors of Hella Rider Moto School, and she’s lovely. I probably wouldn’t have passed my road test if not for all her patience and help. Not everyone learns the same way; and so the same can be said that not everyone teaches the same way either. Thus, not all instructors are a right fit for their students. Having the right instructor can make a world of difference. Personalities vary greatly, and with having Carol as an instructor through Hella Rider Moto School, I have no doubts that they’d be able to put novice riders at ease and better understand each of their individual strengths and weaknesses. This extends to explaining things in a way that would be easy to understand and act on. I’m considered a petite rider (under 5’4”), and I had previously struggled with balance and control when riding – it became extremely unnerving. Good instructors and training schools would be sensitive to these things to ensure that smaller riders are able to learn on an appropriately sized motorcycle. Before Carol, another instructor had misunderstood my needs. I started out training on a Honda Grom, which is rather small as far as engine size and build goes; however, with the way my body and legs are proportioned, it still sat too high for me, and it began to impact my ability to learn because my focus then shifted to solely on balance and control as I was not ever fully comfortable riding the Honda Grom. Unfortunately, no other alternatives or options were offered to me at the time; as the Honda Grom was the smallest bike available. Carol suggested I try a Honda Rebel– although the engine size was significantly larger, the way the motorcycle itself fit for reach (I was able to finally reach the ground with my feet!)became a game changer. She even went to the effort of supporting and defending my bike choice after my initial instructor had expressed doubts that I’d be able to “handle” the Honda Rebel. This instructor happened to be male, and seemed to be more fixated on engine size than the physical fit of the bike for me. Even in modern times and with our society that fully encourages gender quality, most motorcyclists on the road are men. That’s not to say women cannot ride a motorcycle – the reality is that to this day, it remains a largely male-dominated choice of transport; which also would be reflected within the industry of motorcycle instructors. I have had the experience of male and female instructors, and learning to ride a motorcycle and getting a license can be made easier if you choose a supportive and encouraging instructor or group to teach you to ride. I found that with a female instructor, it was easier to identify with their approach to teaching. Carol was very welcoming, patient, highly knowledgeable, and friendly. Over my journey to learn to ride from complete beginner to gaining my full licence, Carol had accompanied me through it all, and I cannot praise her enough. She was extremely informative and very calm at all times. She gave me the confidence to go through all the stages of the tests. I have come to find that, unfortunately, new women motorcycle riders tend to be very self-conscious and self-deprecating; and I was no exception to this trend. There is nothing more encouraging and inspiring than watching another woman pick up a 364 lbs. bike and then turning to you to say, “YOU can do this.” In my view, with her leading Hella Rider Moto School, I have no doubts that this would be a first-class organisation that I would be happy to recommend to others. ~Sara T
HELLA RIDER Women's
Motorcycle Course
Call/Text us: 604.603.6772
hellaridermotorcycle@gmail.com
hellaridermotorcycle@gmail.com
