Post-Covid touring business launched
This new venture proves that every cloud has a silver lining
Slovenia-born Maja Kenney has responded to Covid-19 in the most positive way possible – by setting up a motorcycle tour business. The opportunity came up when her day job collapsed as a result of the virus. “My business is 3D design,” she told MSL, “the build/supply and installation of exhibition stands to businesses attending trade shows. With some of the exhibition halls being turned into hospitals and events put on hold, the whole industry practically nose-dived.”
Undeterred, Maja looked for other opportunities and having experienced the fine biking roads of Wales, decided to offer guided tours of the best routes, starting off with day rides so that riders could take part with partial lockdown still in force. She was no stranger to travelling, having cycled and hitchhiked across Europe as a teenager before doing a round-the-world trip with her partner and young son. Fast forward 10 years or so, and she bought her first big bike, thanks to a son who didn't want to learn to drive...
MSL: Why did you take up biking in 2016?
MAJA: I’ve always wanted a big bike. In my teenage years I nagged for a Vespa and my dad bought me a 50cc moped, but said: “You’ll never have a big bike.” The dream never went away, but having a child in my mid-20s put this on hold until my son turned 17. He had no desire to learn to drive so instead of his driving lessons I spent the money on my riding lessons and a motorbike!
MSL: Why set up a business providing tours of Wales?
MAJA: Friends and other bikers on social media have been asking me to show them around Wales, which I gladly have done. I never meant to make it a business but due to Covid, my main business pretty much dived off the cliff and I found myself with a blank slate and a challenge to figure out how to make money again. Offering tours around Wales seemed like an obvious choice.
MSL: Who are your tours aimed at – novices, experienced riders? MAJA: At the moment tours are only for one day until the world settles enough for everyone to be able to plan ahead and book accommodation, etc. Most days cater for experienced riders and a few are designed for novices that need their confidence building. Most of them are mixed and a few are exclusive to women only.
MSL: Why did you decide to offer women-only days?
MAJA: I am a member of a few women-only rider groups on Facebook and I see a lot of posts about the confidence issues and not feeling happy to ride with male riders yet. Women learn and ride differently (generalising I know – it doesn't apply to all)
and by offering women-only groups (as well as mixed) I want to help and support them in growing their confidence so in future they feel empowered and happy to turn up at a biker café, for example, on their own.
MSL: How many miles a day in one of your day tours?
MAJA: Roughly 150 miles a day, which can be less if riders are coming from far away or more if they are staying over – it depends on their riding experience and stamina. None of the routes are set in stone, and I want to ensure each group is tailored to the riders as much as possible.
MSL: So, will you continue the tours after Covid?
MAJA: Absolutely. I have a crew to support the exhibition stand business once the restrictions are lifted, which means I can focus on and continue the bike tours.