Rev Up Your Ride!
Our November Trailside meeting was chock-full of inspiration from Jess Hofherr and Erin Sanzone, two rockstar women riders from the SheADV community. Jess, BMW GS Trophy Women’s Qualifier Winner, and Erin, a pint-sized powerhouse who upgraded from a Vespa to handling a 1200 GS like a pro, spilled the beans on their moto journeys from adventure rookies to absolute superstars. Here’s a bit of their wisdom about Revving Up Your Ride!
Training is Key
We kicked off our Trailside convo talking about training, a cornerstone of the SheADV mission and one key to your success as a rider. We always recommend doing an off-road training (or two!) every year to tune up your technique and take your skills to the next level. Jess and Erin both follow that protocol and shared some of their insights.
Find a Coach to Suit Your Style— Look for a trainer who can be your riding role model, rather than just going through the motions. It’s all about finding the best trainer for you. “I need someone who has the right attitude,” said Jess, “that ability to coach me at the level I need to be coached at. It’s not just about what they say, but what they recognize about your riding, your style, your fatigue— and customizing that training to you.”
Ladies-Only Training— There are lots of fantastic trainers out there that are both men and women, but Erin prefers a female trainer. “I feel more comfortable in an all-female environment. Not only with the trainer, but with the other students,” she said, “I don’t get as intimidated and am comfortable taking more risks because I feel so supported in a group of women.”
Show Up Stoked— It’s not just about finding a coach that suits your vibe, you’ve got to show up as a student and give it your all. Come in with an open mind and be ready to listen, practice, and get inspired by your fellow students. Both Erin and Jess reminded us to be kind with yourself. “Have an open mind and go in being teachable,” Jess told us. “Check your ego at the door, and when you make those mistakes, remember that you are here to learn and have grace with yourself.”
Overcoming Obstacles
If it was easy, everyone would do it. Adventure riding is not without its challenges, but we know you’re not the kind of ladies who let obstacles shut you down! Tackling the physical and mental challenges of riding, Erin and Jess spoke to focusing on what’s in your control and reframing your mindset around riding when things get tricky.
Fear-o-Meter— Being afraid is natural and, as Erin told us, “fear is a good and a bad thing. If you have no fear, you become reckless, but if you have too much fear it throws me out of balance.” Erin pays attention to her inner barometer and when her nerves are telling her no. “When my legs start shaking, I know there’s a good chance that I’m not going to make it through,” she said. “But I never say no to that obstacle forever, it’s just no for today.” She knows that she can always come back to that obstacle on another day with a different mindset.
Control Freak— When it comes to obstacles, keep in mind what you can and can’t control. Rather than stressing about her height, something she can’t change, Jess focuses on what she can control, like how to balance her 1250 GS and reading the terrain to use to her advantage. And when she starts to get nervous, “take a deep breath and send it,” she says!
Mind Over Matter— “My biggest obstacle is mental,” Erin said. “When I was first riding off-road, I would drop my bike and be humiliated and feel like I don’t belong here.” Over time, Erin started to realize that “I’m doing something super hard. Who do I know that even rides, other than people I know through training and SheADV? Nobody! I’m a freakin’ unicorn!” With that mental reframe, Erin now finds more joy in riding, “I love doing this— who cares if you drop your bike!” she said. “Once I made that switch I became more teachable and more adventurous.”
Words of Wisdom
We covered so much in our Trailside chat with Erin and Jess, from reservations and fears, to fitness and friends. Here are a few final nuggets of inspiration to stoke your ADV fire and get you jazzed for your next great adventure!
Community is Clutch— Rally your riding squad! “I don’t often ride alone,” Jess said. “Unless I’m on something that I’m super familiar with.” Both Jess and Erin believe in strength in numbers and have groups of great women to ride with. They suggested meeting other women at SheADV trainings, plugging into your local riding community, and staying connected through social media… like on the SheADV Slack channel, perhaps?!
Find Your Fitness— Jess, a physical therapist, and Erin, an orthopedic nurse, both paid tribute to their fitness routines as a key to success in riding. Both believe in lifting heavy, doing high intensity interval work, and maximizing their mobility. Just as in ADV riding, it’s essential to find a good coach to work with. “You want someone who is going to pay attention to your needs and goals,” said Jess, “And have their eyes on you while you lifting, so that you’re mechanically sound and communicate that to you.”
Practice Finesse— From clutch control, to slow speed turns, to finding your balance, fundamentals make up the core of your riding repertoire. Finesse comes from slowing down and being precise, rather than laying on the throttle. Take it slow, practice often, and reacquaint yourself with your bike every time you head out for a ride. “The skills are perishable,” said Erin. “I wish I knew that when I was first starting out. Now, as soon as I get on my bike I’m practicing.”
Big thanks to Jess and Erin for sharing their stories with us all. If you want to follow along on their adventures, you can find Erin @short_her_rider and Jess @pandajessjess on Instagram. “This is an unbelievable tribe to be a part of!” Erin said. We couldn’t agree more and we look forward to seeing you on the next Trailside!
