Helmet hair, streaky makeup, unsightly tanlines, blackened left shoe and more woes of females who ride: Welcome to the reality of riding on two wheels.
Imagine this: Riding down the orange sunset in a classic Vespa, wind in your face, retro-style helmet with aviator shades on and a long scarf billowing in the wind. This movie perfect scene made me chase that motorcycle license in the first place. Tell me you haven’t had that fantasy!
I started riding on the day I obtained my Class 2B license. Since then, Malaysian road tripping has been my thing. My longest road trip? A 1,100km ride along Malaysia’s stunningly beautiful East Coast, and also the streets of Hat Yai, Songkhla and Phatthalung in Thailand.
But the truth of it all? A biker chick based in hot and humid Southeast Asia is nothing like the above image. I get it now. After more than a year of riding, I have come to realise that riding is not all rainbows and unicorns. I now chuckle at my outdated rose-tinted romantic notions of riding.
So, what have I discovered since?
Practical challenges
- The glorious, unforgiving sun!
Let’s tackle the biggest bane of a biker’s life – the beating sun. Much as we try to avoid the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays, especially from 11am till 4pm, it is often not up to us if we wish to cover more ground on road trips.
The sun’s rays have a sneaky way of getting to you, even with a lightweight jacket or long sleeves.
I have experienced unsightly tan lines that last for months just because I didn’t ensure my long sleeves and shirt were properly tucked in during my rides. Or when my socks and pants were too short. Thanks to that romantic billowing wind.
Biker chick wisdom:
High socks, shirts with thumbholes and long jackets are not just stylish, they are part of our riding survival kit!
- That capricious rain – Rain gear on or off?
Living in Southeast Asia, the sun and rain are part and parcel of our lives. I loved rainy days, that is, until I started riding. The unpredictability of the weather make what to wear and the safety aspects very real concerns for a motorcyclist based in this region.
To ride or not to ride? For light rain, we wait 10 to 15 minutes – just enough time for the rain to wash away the debris and oil slicks.
But when it comes to heavy thunderstorms, especially those with lightning? Alternative transport plans must be made in the last minute. This often means being late for our appointments and having no ride to return home with even when the weather has cleared up.
Biker chick wisdom:
Always prepare a set of raining gear in the event of a change in weather. The downside? The rain may stop after a few minutes of riding and you will no doubt get unbearably hot and sweaty under those rain garb.
Get into the habit of checking the weather forecast before rides to prepare for any riding conditions.
- The helmet dilemma
Now, what do we do with our helmet, jacket and gloves? Most, if not all, cafes and other venues do not have proper helmet storage areas. Many bikers leave their motorbike gear on their bikes while they go about their business.
I for one, believe that our property is our responsibility. No helmet, no ride, that’s for sure. No amount of crying can bring back your helmet, especially if it is an expensive one.
Biker chick wisdom:
I choose practicality over all else. Storage is a must for me. Scooters come with ample storage for your biking gear and change of attire, should the occasion call for it. Otherwise, a top box is a good solution, especially if you do not fancy carrying a 1.5kg helmet, plus riding gear, everywhere you go.
If you must, bring along a stylish tote bag such as the lightweight and foldable Shupatto bag or the eco-conscious crochet bag – both are capacious enough to hold a full-faced helmet plus other gear such as your gloves and jacket.
- ‘Out, you damn spot!’
Manual bike riders know this pain all too well. Gear shifting involves the use of the left feet to kick up and down the gear lever, often leaving a dark patch on that spot.
Biker chick wisdom:
Change your gear lever to metallic ones which do not stain your shoe. There’s also the option to get a shoe cover just for the left foot. However, you will have to remember to put them on and wear them at every pit stop.
Save yourself the heartache and stick to wearing older or dark coloured shoes. Leave your whites when on scooters.
READ How wearing Timberland boots saved my feet, and life.
Beauty woes on two wheels
- Makeup, perfume, lipstick – you can forget about them
In Southeast Asia, perspiration is a real concern. Picture this: expensive perfume mixing with sweat, streaky makeup and lipstick staining your helmet straps. Not such a glamorous look afterall! Plus, the stains are difficult to wash off.
Biker chick wisdom:
This riding lifestyle is here to stay, together with my makeup. Opt for ‘waterproof’ makeup, from eyeliners to foundation and everything else. Stick to non-liquid lip balms with SPF protection, use oil-control sunscreen of at least SPF 50+++ for ‘Active’ lifestyles and choose anti-perspirations over perfumes. If you must, spritz fragrance on your clothes on cool riding days. The downside? The perfume might stain.
- Helmet hair vs Hollywood hair
Reel life: A sexy femme fatale in figure-hugging motorbike gear sheds her helmet revealing a cascade of full, luscious hair.
Real life: Helmet off and my hair becomes stubborn, either becoming flat or totally unruly after being ‘cooped up’ under the helmet, even for short rides. No amount of combing or voluminising hair products can help.
Biker chick wisdom:
Consider plaits for your long hair – very pretty but it takes skill and effort. Alternatively, explore hair accessories such as the hightail that keeps your long hair in place while wearing your helmet. There’s always the cap or hat to the rescue.
- That distinctive balaclava line across your forehead
Yup, the indelible mark across your forehead that stays on for hours even after taking off your helmet.
Biker chick wisdom:
You are probably better off with a cap or a hat if you wish to avoid answering awkward questions about said marks. Better yet: Strap on a bandana for that badass biker look. Based on experience, people are too polite to ask, but their glances may linger a moment too long.
Never go without balaclava or headliners. It protects the inner lining from awful smells, makeup streaks and chaffing, thereby prolonging its life span.
The big wardrobe switch
- Jewellery? Less is more
If you love jewellery, it’s time to go minimalist. Forget the maximalist look – Hoop earrings, clips on hair, chunky rings. They tend to get caught in your motorbike gear or worse, fall off while you take them off.
Chunky accessories, charms and huge pendants also pose a threat during accidents as they have the potential to pierce through your body during impact. Never take this lightly!
Biker chick wisdom:
Save yourself the pain of getting your precious jewellery snagged or worse, losing them. Opt for ear studs, and don minimalist accessories. Scarves not only elevate my riding uniform, it also doubles up as a headliner, hairband and protects the neck from getting sunburnt too.
- Pants, pants, pants all the way
If you are serious about biking, bid adieu to dresses, long and short. Armoured gear with protective padding is the way to go. Arai, Shoei and AGV helmets are good brands to look out for. Pity motorcycle attire is still primarily geared at men with far fewer options for women riders. The lack of stylish protective riding gear is possibly the main reason for the low take up rate amongst women riders.
The Internet is full of lady bikers who ride in mini skirts, racking up social media likes. I admit, I have worn dresses to ride on special occasions such as to a wedding, Lunar New Year gatherings and when I wish to break out of my motorbike uniform. But don skin-revealing gear to ride for social media recognition? Not for me.
Even though the bulk of my wardrobe consists of dresses from another lifetime, I believe in covering up as much as possible during my rides. Trust me, permanent scars, or worse, permanent disability, are not worth it!
Biker chick wisdom:
Covering up every inch of your body, especially with armoured gear, allows an extra layer of cushioning when accidents occur. At the same time, they also shield against the sun’s harmful rays preventing stubborn tanlines.
Read about my accident and regret not donning the right protective gear while riding.
- Date night and special occasion outfits
Now that half or more than half of our wardrobe is relegated to hibernation, let’s get creative with our riding attire without overhauling our wardrobe.
Biker chick wisdom:
Thankfully, I was already a jumpsuit girl way before I became a motorcyclist. My online shopping cart consists primarily of jumpsuits now. It’s so easy! Simply shed my jacket, gloves and helmet and I’m presentable for any event.
But if you must wear a dress/skirt, consciously select the type of clothes that allow you to ‘transform’ from rider to well-dressed guest or date. For instance, you can easily tuck a slip dress into your riding pants. Upon arrival, take off your riding pants and jacket. Voila, you still get to appear in style without sacrificing your ride!
- The big leather jacket lie
Many seasoned bikers overseas, with kinder weathers, are mostly geared in leather jackets. Blame it on the iconic Harley Davidson bikers, who are always decked out in full leather biker gear, high leather boots and leather gloves. But in Singapore and nearby Southeast countries, you can forget about that. Save your leather gear for your overseas or night rides.
Biker chick wisdom:
If you must wear leather, try lightweight faux leather outfits that are more breathable and friendly to our climate.
The transformative effect of riding
Riding is truly transformative – and that’s no exaggeration.
Impulse buys no longer interest me while the open roads and real life experiences beckon. Riding can be inconvenient, uncomfortable and less than glamorous at times. But it sharpens our senses, strengthens our resilience and hones our problem-solving skills tremendously. The freedom, independence and unbridled joy while on two wheels? Nothing compares. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
READ how we braved the rain and rode in the streets of Phatthalung without street lamps at night.
READ the kindness of a family in Phatthalung when I locked my bike keys in the bike seat.