Hayley Bell, UK
HAYLEY'S RIDES:
How long have you been riding?
11 years
What do you ride?
Right now, not a lot! I am solely raising my 21 month old daughter so have a couple "muck about" bikes, but my real passion is in the dirt! I started racing enduro just before I got pregnant with my daughter. Now, I'm looking to get her and me an electric trials bike so that we can ride together (and not annoy the neighbours)!
Why do you ride?
It's the only time my ADHD brain actually switches off! It's my therapy. Its also my family. The motorcycling community has brought so much purpose, stability and a sense of belonging into my life... The adrenaline hit is just a bonus!
What is your greatest achievement on two wheels?
Riding Shimshall Valley in Pakistan. I am petrified of heights and set myself the challenge to "do it or die" haha! Its a single dirt track, with two way traffic (including trucks!) that winds up a 10,200 foot cliff face drop. It's absolutely mental and I loved it!
What impact do think WRWR has had on the world?
More than any of us can imagine when you actually think about it. We have given a collective voice to women riders, created tens of thousands of connections worldwide, given strength, courage and a sense of unity and comradely to women riders... Women lives are being changed, the industry is being changed, the world is being changed. That's a hell of an impact!
Do you have a good crash story?
Several! (Hazards of the hobby as an enduro rider!) One of them was actually tied into the reason why I founded WRWR. I was forced to wear children's Motocross body armour as the mens was enormous on me and there was no option for womens back then. This meant that though it stayed in position, I was like wearing a crop top and didn't come down past my navel. My throttle stuck on in 4th gear up a pretty gnarly table top and as I landed on top of the bike, the handle bar went into my stomach.
Had the industry offered protective gear for women riders, not just men, at that time, I'd probably have saved myself some serious stomach ache!
Do you have a biking idol?
Many! But to name a few Jane Daniels, the late Mary McGee and Erin Sills!
Do you work on your own bikes?
Yes! And I'm teaching my daughter how to fix hers too! She could name most parts of a motorcycle by 18 months old!
What’s your dream bike
I don't really have one, I love custom bikes that have personality and have always been a big fan of two strokes and anything a bit lairy!
Where would you most like to ride in the world
Anywhere somebody says "You shouldn't ride there, it's too dangerous" - I'm very dubious about stigmas and things we read in the news, so I would love to experience "dangerous" countries for myself.
BEHIND THE VISOR:
Where are you from?
The north of England, now living in the North of Wales :)
How old are you?
I had to ask "Siri" that - I've forgotten haha! She says I'm 34.
Do you have a family of your own?
I do! There is me, my daughter Nya (who thankfully is even more motorbike obsessed than I am) and our two dogs Oso (a german shepherd) and Vista (a Welsh Collie).
Would you teach your kids to ride?
I think she is already teaching me to be honest!
What do you enjoy doing aside from biking?
I was a windsurfing instructor in a past life! I love the ocean, hiking, camping, anything with a bit of adventure really!
What one word best describes you?
Resilient
…Now what one word that people who know you well would describe you?
Nuts!
Do you have a biker name – if not what would it be?
Bodge It Bell!
What super powers do you have and what would you have if you could choose?
My super powers? The ability to be a full time mummy to my toddler, entertainer, biker, cook, cleaner, CEO of a global revolution, dog mama, aunty, friend etc and not implode!
I'd love the super power of a tired switch on/off - feel tired and don't want to? switch it on, want to sleep and can't? Switch to "tired mode" haha!
Who got you into riding?
My late cousin Rob. He was sadly killed on his bike.