Leona Graham
That’s what Absolute Radio DJ Leona Graham did. She explains why…
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE to start riding motorcycles. At 47 years old, with a family and a high-profile career as a DJ for Absolute Radio, Leona Graham decided the time for waiting and dreaming was over — it was time to get on two wheels. What drove her to do it and how has it been?
“I’d always wanted to ride a bike. When I was at university in Warwick I had a Honda H100… for about a week, before it was stolen. But the attraction was always there — and the music I like and biking go hand in hand. I even named my first son Harley.
“My partner’s been really good about it — in fact, I expected my mother-in-law to be more nervous about me riding, as she’s a nurse. But there hasn’t been any opposition at home. I think perhaps everyone was waiting to see whether I’d really go through with it.
“A big part of the appeal is the way it could transform my journey into Central London. I have to get to Absolute Radio from Wimbledon every day. But I’m already planning trips to Brighton, getting out of the city at the weekend. As we have four kids, clearly, a car still needs to be part of that but the boys are really excited about me riding and want to take turns on the back of the bike as well. I’m really looking forward to going to festivals on the bike and just being part of the biking community.
“I’m learning to ride through Kawasaki Rider Training Services and the training has really helped me get to grips with the bike quickly. It feels like the course really helps you to be safe.
“The test does require skill — especially the slow-speed stuff on Module 1. I actually got a clean sheet but when I practised everything before the test, I messed it all up. I was just so nervous — what was on my mind was that it can take just one major mistake and it’s a fail. But then I did the test, I passed and I just thought: ‘What was all the fuss about?’
“I’ve enjoyed the training even though, riding around Crystal Palace in south London, it’s mostly first and second gear. I’ve been learning on a Kawasaki Z650 and it’s been really comfy, easy to ride. My listeners on Absolute Radio have been making all kinds of suggestions for what I should ride.
“I almost can’t believe it’s really happening. I’m just very excited. If anyone is thinking of starting to ride, I would say: Don’t put it off for years, as I did. It’s all about embracing life. Book the CBT, take that first step and the rest just follows.”
Leona Graham presents on Absolute Radio, 10am to 1pm, weekdays
For more information about Kawasaki Rider Training Services, see www.learntoridewithkawasaki.co.uk