QUEENS CATCH UP: JESSIE MEEK
Welcome to a special Queens Catch Up this week as we delve into the life of Jessie Meek - the RemoteMoto.com freelance writer who spends her spare time riding through vista’s that most of us only dream about. The South Island can be a fickle beast, but after finding her passion for Adventure riding, Jessie hasn’t looked back.
Name: Jessie Meek
Location: Canterbury
Bike: 2013 KTM 350EXC-F Six Days and a 2011 GasGas 125 TXT
Been riding for how long?
Unlike most, I did not ride a bike before I learned to walk. As a kid, if you'd asked me about any form of motorsport, in particular, motorcycling, I would've rolled my eyes. Aside from Hollywood's portrayal of heroic stunt-riding, and the unforgettable James Dean, I didn't understand the appeal of motorcycles - most of the bikes and the people who rode them scared me. They were noisy, unattractive, and one looked much the same as another. At 13 years old, riding motorbikes was something bad boys did. I was riding horses and figuring out how to give my hair more body and my eyebrows more definition. By the time I got on a bike, I was around 18 – so I guess I’ve been riding on and off for 15 years.
How did you get into riding dirt bikes and who encouraged you?
I was in my late-teens when I first tried to ride a motorbike. It started somewhat precariously with a group of friends who had off-road bikes. I remember nodding to assure them that I'd heard – over the engine that they kept revving on my behalf – their vague, shouty instructions. Something about using the gears to slow down as there were no working brakes. Having taken none of this on-board, I was ready to go. One of my friends was particular motivating "you'll be sweet as, don't worry, just putt around in first gear like a girl!" - which yes, perhaps I should have done. But now, driven by the sheer teenage self-righteousness, I would absolutely not, in any way "be a girl" about it.
What was your first bike and why?
Well, I wasn't put off for long, I soon sold my prized piano and bought an '87 CBR250, thinking maybe road riding would be the way to go. I still had no real idea of how to ride, and I had no-one to teach me or provide support in keeping my bike in good order. YouTube is not always your friend I tell you, sometimes it can lead into the deep dark depths of disaster mechanics. Long story made short, I sold “Ruby” and spent the next few years being a boring grown-up.
Having temporarily side-lined solo riding, I pushed for a chance to road race a sidecar as a passenger/swinger at Ruapuna. It was one of the most eye-opening, exhilarating and physically demanding experiences of my life. I swung on side of a few sidecars for a while and even bought my own. I remain fascinated by the machines themselves and have a great deal of respect for those who prepare and race them, especially at the international level. Months went by and I had made a small group of friends at Ruapuna, and it was only inevitable that I’d find myself on the track, on two wheels of my own. I loved the racing, but I didn’t much care for the politics and track gossip.
For the last few years, I had written a few pieces for bike magazines various other content. Within a year I was offered a sweet opportunity to work at RemoteMoto thanks to exposure from an article I wrote about Motomox – a NZ dedicated adventure motorbike store. RemoteMoto is an online resource specifically for adventure riders and dual sport riders. The focus is providing information for those who enjoy packing up their bikes and heading off into remote places to have an epic adventure. This had me written all over it. I have always had a sense of unease with domesticity and this was an awesome way to combine my love of bikes with the outdoors and getting away from the nine-to-five.
What was the first thing you learned when you started riding?
I think it’s safe to say I learned how awesome, dangerous and exciting they are. I learned how good they are for my mental health and my independence. There is just something about them, I know I will never become bored with them. I think about them all the time. I guess it’s like being in love. Naww!
On the practical side of things, I learned some old gems (and some new ones): look where you want to go; maintain your bike yourself and do it thoroughly; take advice from only those you trust; ride your own ride; trust no other road user; if in doubt don’t throttle unless it’s one of those rare moments where you should throttle (figure that one out!); don’t ride when you’re tired; invest in good quality tyres and good gear – especially your helmet.
What was the first thing you wish you knew/someone had told you when you started riding?
I would have benefited from being around the right kind of people. I think I had a bit of a thwarted beginning because in all honesty, I was hanging out with really non-mechanical people with bikes that weren’t in good condition. They seemed to enjoy acting the fool and making fun of each other instead of building each other up. I really just wanted to be a good rider. So, the first few experiences I had with bikes really did nothing for my confidence or riding progression. I wish I had someone telling me “you can do this” over and over again until I believed them. Self-doubt is a real killjoy.
What did you initially find easy about riding dirt bikes?
The easiest aspect of riding off-road was getting used to the sensation of the bike moving around underneath me. I also enjoyed the challenge of evaluating terrain and picking lines.
What do you still struggle with when out on the trail?
Mechanics. I am really not mechanically minded and just don’t have the desire to get arms deep in an engine rebuild or anything complex. I enjoy general maintenance before and after a ride and I will do what has to be done, but I am more than happy to pay someone else to do the hard stuff, allowing me more time to enjoy the trails.
What is the best tip/trick/piece of advice you have had over your riding career?
There is a goldmine of tricks and tips hidden in the art of Trials riding. I have learned more in a handful of trials riding sessions than I have in any other type of riding instruction. Learning to master balance, clutch, brake and throttle control is proving invaluable as I continue to tackle harder adventure terrain on the EXC.
Why are you riding the bike you are on right now, and what do you like most about it?
The 350 EXC-F and my GasGas 125 TXT. I cannot ride both at the same time, unfortunately. The 350 is light, fast and has plenty of explosive power to get me into, and out of, trouble. It is capable yet forgiving. With a premium custom suspension setup from Scotty at MotoSR, and many other adventure upgrades completed by myself and Josh Martin (RemoteMoto head Wheel Roller). It’s a kickass bike for me. As for the wee 2-stroke trials bike – that’s just a whole lot of fun!
What would be the one thing you could change about your current bike?
I’ve had all the adventure upgrades done to EXC to keep me happy. But I guess, as there is only one of my bike, I think I’d send duplicates of it to the USA, Australia and Russia so I could road trip without having to worry about shipping.
If money was no problem, what is your ideal dream bike?
A Harley with a massive skull on the tank, some flames up the side, with humungous ape hangers and tassels on the panniers. Just kidding. I don’t really have a dream bike, I’m happy with what I’ve got.
Where/who do you get your inspiration/advice/tips/tricks from right now?
All sorts. I’ve learned to trust my own judgment and I tend to cherry-pick advice from riders I respect, and who have achieved things I aspire to achieve also.
Your bike doesn't start - who do you call?
The last person that touched it! My bike hasn’t broken down yet as I have been pretty good with maintenance and checking it over before each ride. If it did break down or if I had an off and couldn’t recover without help I would call Josh. He’s the man.
What kind of riding do you enjoy doing the most?
My favourite riding is a mix of rocky, single track, boulder fields and river crossings. It’s not a good ride until I’ve felt like I’ve accomplished something awesome or reached a really cool place that not that many people get to see. The more remote, the better. It’s a really pleasant feeling to be humbled by the wilderness, where you know the earth could swallow you up if you don’t respect it, especially the rivers.
What is one piece of advice that you would give other girls thinking about getting into dirt bikes?
My advice is always to think for yourself. Get yourself some good quality support and just get on with it. Give up your ego and just go and explore, you won’t regret it. From off-road, adventure and trials, to road and race - New Zealand has a bit of everything and is full of good folk if you look for them. There are many interesting stories that should be honoured by being told, so listen. Nothing beats a bonfire yarn in all its smokey, marshmallow-fuelled, romanticized glory.
You can keep up with Jessie’s adventure shenanigans at RemoteMoto.com or if you’d prefer that social life, she offers gratuitous selfies along with the same picture of her bike from all kinds of different angles via her Instagram: @jessiescapades