HER STORY | Rochelle Cupido

Her Story. A series of blog posts telling the stories of 'women who ride' from all corners of the globe. We hope that by sharing these stories we can help encourage other women to build their confidence, learn from others and inspire others.

This month we have a story from Rochelle Cupido of the Central Coast, NSW, Australia. Rochelle got her motorcycle licence at the age of 31 and since has had the chance to do some exciting things within the motorcycle industry.

We hope you enjoy her story.

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ROCHELLE CUPIDO

 "I am 38 years old and I live on the Central Coast in NSW and have always been attracted to the thrill of riding something with horse power!

My passion has always been with Horses, Motorcycles and Utes.

I remember even from a young age, that I would always gravitate towards these interests.

Coming from a family based in the music and entertainment industry, I rarely had a chance to expand my passions (due to the size of my family being two sisters and a brother).

I promised myself that as soon as I could work, I would fund my own interests and eventually get myself set up to have my horses and my motorcycles.

Due to some stupid mistakes in life, I only managed to get into the horse ownership scene at the age of 22 and acquire my motorcycle licence at the age of 31 (not at the age of 16!), it’s never too late to chase your dreams!!

After an extremely difficult separation and a life change, I decided to just go for it.

My partner at the time supported this decision and I purchased my first motorcycle - an FZR 250 (well I bought two, one registered, the other I pulled down for parts).

The FZR 250 was a bright blue piece of crap that broke down everywhere I rode it, so I learned quick smart how to fix my bike and get myself out of sticky situations.

This I believe was the best thing that happened to me as I not only learned the basics of riding (having never been on a bike as a rider or pillion), but I also learned how motorcycles work - breaking down in the evening on a deserted road is never ideal! …. ALWAYS have a tool kit on hand!

I got my Provisional licence within the 3 month period, where I then found myself purchasing an FZR 600 (not learner legal but soooo fun to ride)… this bike was a machine!

 I customised this bike myself and turned it into a Mad Max created RAT bike.

The thrill of riding took over my life and I finally found something that genuinely made me happy, I met so many beautiful people within the biking world, including my bestie, Mrs Sam Taylor.

We often found to time head off on mid-week rides, to discover where the world’s best carrot cake lived. The amount of mischief we got up to was always exciting but then it became an escape for her, when she was diagnosed with a terrible strain of Breast Cancer.

I upgraded my bike once I got off my provisional licence to my first Harley Davidson, an 883 Iron.

I managed to clock up over 18,000 km on that bike in the first eight months riding (with a very close friend and faux father figure) doing massive rides around NSW (900 km in a day was one example, travelling terrains of any condition). He challenged my riding skills, as I had never ever had any formal training but gathered a lot of experience in the times we rode together.

There were also plenty of rides with Sam and my new bunch of girlfriends called the CHERRY BOMBS, whom we meet through Girls Ride Out.

As I have a very unique style in terms of my look and appearance, I have often found myself in the position to acquire some awesome experiences within the biking world;

- Being the face for the article regarding the revival of women riders for Harley Davidson in the Sydney Morning Herald
- Appearances on HD TV including an awesome ride along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria
- Comparison rides and reviews on the Harley Davidson Iron and the Yamaha Bolt for Motorcycle Alliance
- Photographed for the Moto Women Project book by Jessica Williams
- Working for Harley Davidson
- Being part of the world record in Dubbo for "The Most Females at a Motorcycle Meet"

I am now currently riding my fifth Harley Davidson 2017 Low Rider S, 2017 Wide Glide and a 2014 Street 500 (there are three in total at our house) and have met a beautiful partner whom I am finally able to share the thrill of riding with, he is almost off his provisional licence and we plan to clock up some huge kilometres when he is.

Biking to me is an avenue to express yourself the way you want to, it’s an extension of who you are and what you want out of life. Whether you are riding solo, in a group, or with a loved one you can just escape from the reality of life and enjoy the moment.

I am forever grateful for the opportunities and the experiences that bikes have provided for me but more so for the genuine friendships I have made!

If you are considering learning to ride, I can only offer this advice;

- Always listen to your gut and focus on the ride
- Never ride outside of your own capabilities
- Ride in what you are comfortable wearing
- Rider training has its place but kilometres on the road also has its merits
- Get ready to change your life!

There is an old saying. “If I had to explain, you wouldn’t understand…”. That is the key, YOU have to experience it for yourself! Stay upright!

Rochelle xxx" 

Photo credits: Roger Brooks & Jessica Williams

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Thank you to Rochelle for sharing her story and if you would like to share your story with us simply go to the GET IN TOUCH page of the website and fill in the form and we will gladly be in touch.