Freedom of movement
At the age of 68, most people are perfectly happy with a daily leisurely walk with their pet or gardening.But not Elaine Frege. No, she prefers the hum of an engine beneath her, the wind in her hair and the occasional adrenaline-fueled “encounter” with a mountain pass that would give others a cold sweat.
“I’ve been a motorcyclist for over 48 years,” Elaine says with the kind of smile that shows she’s enjoyed every single kilometre of it. “It gives me a sense of freedom, as if I’m closer to my Creator. The sun on my skin, the wind in my hair, that’s how close I always feel God is to me.”
Elaine’s story, however, is not one of relaxed weekend getaways. She’s had to brave thick sand, icy mountain roads, flowing rivers and an impatient truck driver in Delhi. Elaine also conquered Ladakh, the world’s highest motorcycle route, during a 17-day ride in 2012, navigating terrain that sounds more like an obstacle course.
“It was challenging, yes,” she says, “but I love it. The mountains test you and they reward you with beauty that you can’t see from a car window.”
Her golden rule? Always be vigilant.
“Left, right, front, back, you have to look everywhere,” she says.
Also, make sure your motorbike is in perfect condition and that your fellow riders can do more than just pose for photos in leather jackets.
“In India, the bikers I rode with looked out for each other. In Namibia, people drive quickly. I mostly ride alone here, because speed can kill. We’ve lost too many friends that way,” Elaine says.
If she could take one last ride, Elaine wouldn’t hesitate: Ladakh again. “It’s not just the ride, it’s the temples, the feeling of flying off the mountains, the camaraderie at Rider Mania. In India, it’s about the journey, not the speed.”
For those youngsters who gaze at a motorbike with starry eyes and dream of glory on an iron horse, Elaine’s advice is very clear: A motorbike is not a toy.
“Start small with a 150cc, maybe even a scooter and work your way up. You can’t learn everything from others. The little things like how to park, how to use the side stand, are just as important as riding fast.”
Elaine is not just a motorcyclist. She is clear proof that passion has no expiration date. And judging by her joy when she talks about the open road, she will be chasing horizons as long as the engine is running.
Elaine also often takes the long road for a good cause and joins charity rides where her passion for cycling meets her heart to help others. Because while some people measure their lives in years, Elaine measures hers in the kilometers on the back of her bike. – [email protected]