Press Officer Jen Dick

Jen Dick

Lark Rise, Meadow Lane, North Cockerington, Louth, Lincolnshire

Press officer for Kawasaki Racing Team in MotoGP and freelance Motocross PR.

I deal with the marketing of the beach race by working with Figure 11 marketing RHL Activieties.

School: Monks' Dyke Technology College, Louth, Lincolnshire

College or University: Monks' Dyke Technology College, Louth, Lincolnshire

Motorcycle: Honda CR125R

How long have you had your bike? I've had my bike for about two years, although I've only ridden it for a few months due to injury.

Why and how did you acquire it?

I wanted to have a go at riding off-road and we've always had quads or fun bikes in the family. I was leant a Honda CR85R and within five days I had been convinced to race it at our local beach race in Mablethorpe. Due to my age I had to compete in the 125cc class, but it wasn't really powerful enough. I was working for Honda Racing at the time, and once I had got to grips with it, I purchased a bigger bike so I could be more competitive!

What is the bike like to ride? It's a 2-stroke so it's very aggressive and quite difficult to ride. It's all about momentum and keeping it in the power-band; I've not really mastered it yet as it's quite big and it still surprises me a lot. I think I need to be fitter to be able to manhandle it much more!

What would be you dream bike?

For the road, probably a Honda CBR600RR sports bike because they are small enough for a woman, but I've ridden on the back of one (with Philip McCallen around the TT course - which was scary!) and it was awesome. For off-road I'd like a 4-stroke 250cc, maybe a CRF250R, but one with an electric start because they are difficult to start when they are hot!

What bikes have you ridden in the past?

4-stroke 125cc Yamaha enduro and road bike, scooters, Honda CRF450X a few different types of off-road bikes, anything I can get my hands on really.

When did you take your test and what was the experience like?

I did my CBT last week and it was a bit boring to be honest. I was with two other guys that had never been on a bike before so there was a lot of waiting about. Remembering everything took a while, but I'm now looking forward to taking my full test.

What's the funniest or quirky thing that's happened to you when riding a bike?

I had a big crash last year, the only one of my season, on April fools day. In fact I had two crashes that day and it was funny because the first get-off in practice the paramedics, who are volunteers, were desperate to get me in the ambulance - I am the only female adult rider! I refused out of principal because crashing in practice is embarrassing. Unfortunately the second time I didn't have a choice, I had torn my ACL and landed pretty heavily on my head, so they shipped me off to hospital. The bike has been parked up since as I've had a fair amount of reconstructive surgery on my knee, but I can't wait to get back on board as soon as I'm fixed - it certainly hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for the sport. Thankfully the reason I crashed wasn't entirely my fault and now I just have to get my confidence back.

What could be done to improve the conditions for motorcyclists in this country?

Working in MotoGP and seeing racers fall off at speeds from 30mph to 200mph makes you realise just how much damage can be caused to a rider wearing protection in a controlled racing environment, even at slow speed. I think it should be obligatory for motorcycle riders in the UK to wear the correct footwear, gloves and trousers at the very least when riding a bike - it shouldn't just be a legality to wear a helmet that's up to standard. It should also be the same rule for passengers on the bike as it upsets me when I see riders with full kit on and their child/wife on the back with jeans and trainers - it only takes a little bit of oil or a driver not looking the right way and it's game over - you don't get a second chance with kerbs, trees or other vehicles.