Africa-Press – Eswatini. Female bikers Barbara Paiva and Tee Tee Tshabalala are excited for this year’s Swazi Rally.
The rally will take place from September 2 to 4 at Riders Ranch in Sidvokodvo.
Paiva and Tshabalala shared their excitement for the rally, admitting that its comeback had been anticipated by many bikers.
Barbara Paiva is co-owner of Xtreme Trading, a company based in Matsapha that sells and services motorcycles and power products.
“I am the eldest of three children, my parents are Carlos and Sonia Paiva. Motorcycling is my great passion and my family, my dad has been riding bikes for almost 50 years, my mom rides also, as well as my sister and brother, and I learnt how to ride a bike when I was three years old.
Ever since the first time I got on a motorcycle, I have not gotten off, I have ridden continuously, upgrading and advancing my riding. I have been riding for over 30 years,” she said.
She said the one thing she loved the most about riding a bike was being free.
“Riding gives you a chance to let go and breathe in the fresh air and be alone with just your bike, the wind in your hair and the open road ahead. It is a sport that allows you to be with likeminded people wherever you go.
Bikers are normal people, some lawyers, doctors, cashiers and their profession does not make them any different, the one common thing is the love of motorcycles and riding and that’s how you get to make many friends all around the globe,” she added.
Paiva said biking was definitely male dominated, however she believed things were changing.
“That never stopped me from wanting to do it. It’s a passion, it is in my blood and it is a part of me and who I am as a person. It means a lot to me to be celebrated as one of the few female bikers as it is a great achievement to be able to continue doing my passion up until now. I think women should always be celebrated for all they do as we do add a lot of value to the world,” she said.
She said she was mostly looking forward to seeing all the bikers from all over the SADC region and some from even further. ‘It’s been two years of pain and isolation. I think it’s time we reunite and have some fun and catch up,” she added.
Her fellow biker, Tee Tee is a proud mother of one boy and owner of a Suzuki GSX-R 750cc
“Motorcycle is perceived by many as dangerous but I sleep, eat and breathe Throttle. It brings out the joy in me. The one thing I love the most about being a biker is that it is a refreshing sport and it clears my mind” she said.
Tshabalala said one of the reason she rode was to educate women that bikes were not only for men, and being a female biker was rejuvenating because she got to help the needy at charity.
“After two years of COVID-19, I m expecting it to be an epic one as it never disappoints. I also encourage all women to conquer their fears. Biking exposes you to a whole new world of positivity and we look sexier on these machines!
So just do it. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, let’s make life a ride,” she said.
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