By Talya Adams

Welcome back to my interview with Sabrina. In this section we’ll jump into how she feels about riding in LA and if she’s ready for more power.

T: How long do you think you’re going to stay with your Boulevard? Do you feel like you need more speed yet?

S: I must say, I would like to have a little more speed because I really miss that from before. Like the wind hitting you– I just miss that adrenaline. But for now, I live in downtown Burbank, I study and work in Burbank. So, I really don’t have the need for a bigger tank, or more cc, or a faster bike. I just really want to be an expert, or a pro at riding before I upgrade.

Especially now that I hear about so many accidents with bikes. I’m tell myself, “okay let’s be careful.” And I love my bike. I also don’t want to be all crazy and throwing myself out there. I’d rather be a little cautious. And I can get on the highways with this one, so it’s fine.

T: How have you found riding in LA?

S: There was this one time I went to Hollywood. That was the only time I went down highways and experienced a lot of traffic. It was about a forty minute ride. I actually found out you need to really be in control, and kind of  predict how the cars are going to react. You have to make sure that you’re being seen. Don’t ride right behind the car, because he can’t see you – get to the side so he can see you, be careful of their blind spots. I didn’t find it any scarier, simply because I’m comfortable on my bike. And if I need to, I can slow down, I just wanted to get comfortable with the streets there.

I feel that a lot more people could be more cautious such as using your blinkers. I encountered a few cars that just got in front of me without signaling, and with a bike you just cannot stop. It was like, “okay what lane do I go to immediately.” It definitely woke up my focus. So, I found it challenging, but I also found it pretty good. Any rider can be okay as long as they’re cautious, and have an escape plan.

T: Do you think you’ll ever get a car too, or just stick with the bike?

S: I really don’t need a car, especially for the next couple years. I’m still studying, like I’m in my own world right now. I really don’t feel the need to have a car at all. I’m good with a motorcycle and I love riding motorcycles.

T: So, are you making biker friends left and right?

S: Yes, I actually am. It’s funny when you carry a helmet, a conversation just starts with a lot of people. ‘What do you ride?’ Then you just talk and become friends.

T: Do you know other female riders aside from the girl you made friends with at your class?

S: You. (Laughs)

T: You know one more than me still. It’s taken forever for me to get this interview.

S: Yeah, not many. Not many.

T: Do you find that because you’re a female rider people have preconceived ideas of how you’re going to ride and act?

S: Yes. Oh my goodness. At the beginning, I thought maybe some people will think I’m a badass with a deep voice, that kicks ass. (Laughs) I’m actually not like that at all. One girl came to me and says, ‘I’ve known you for like a year and you’re the sweetest, funniest, girlie girl, and you love pink. But you also are the man I want in my life.’ (Laughs) I was just like “okay. You know what thank you, but I don’t know how to take that.”

Now, I actually talk to a lot more guys than girls. Just to strike up a conversation or whatever. A lot of girls probably think I’m into guy stuff like motorcycles and that’s all she’s going to talk about. I love to talk about bikes, but some girls don’t know anything about bikes.

Another person told me, ‘Hey, I don’t know you and I’ve been afraid to talk you. I wish I could get to know you better to ask you this, but I really want to ride a motorcycle.’ I was like “yeah, give me your number or Instagram, anyway we can get in touch.” She was like, ‘Oh, wow. I thought you were going to be completely different. Like you’re not going to touch my bike.’ That had been the response she’d gotten from guys she’d asked.

Then, I was like maybe a lot of people do see me and think ‘Do not go near her.’ Oh well.

T: That’s a shame.

S: (Laughs) Yeah, it really is.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this part of my interview with Sabrina. Be on the look out for part 5.

Stay safe in these streets!