My name is Juanita Murray, and I stand just 5 feet 0.6 inches tall. Yet, despite my petite stature, I possess a profound passion for the exhilarating sport of adventure motorbike riding. As a short woman in a predominantly male-dominated domain, I have faced numerous obstacles, but through sheer determination, grit, and a relentless thirst for adventure, I have carved out my path and become a competent motorcycle rider both on and off-road. It is my hope that my journey will inspire other female riders to venture into the world of adventure motorcycling.

My journey began with a lowered-suspension BMW 310 GS, which I initially used to visit my horses on the farm. However, as my passion for the freedom that only two wheels can provide grew, I ventured into the world of adventure motorcycling and joined several riding groups. It soon became clear that I needed a larger displacement bike to keep up with the other riders.
In early 2022, I took the bold step of purchasing a BMW 1200 GS Trophy, despite initial hesitation about its size and power. Rather than test riding the bike in front of others, which I found daunting, I decided to take ownership of it on my own terms. The bike was delivered to my home, and just as I was about to embark on this new adventure with the powerful machine, I received an unexpected and devastating diagnosis - advanced-stage Metastatic Melanoma.
Despite the cancer diagnosis and subsequent emergency surgery setting me back by three months, my determination to conquer the road-less-traveled never wavered. After recovering from the surgery, I started small, practising on our lawn and learning to handle the heft of the BMW 1200 GS Trophy. As a petite rider, I faced unique challenges in managing the bike's size and weight and had to improvise solutions. One creative solution was using my Yorkie's leash to pull up the side stand, which amused my fellow riders since I couldn't reach it on my own.
Despite the setbacks and challenges, I persevered, and the bike became a symbol of my strength and resilience in the face of the cancer battle. I named my bike "Pegasus," the mythical winged horse, and designed a sticker with the slogan "One Life, Ride It" to remind myself that each ride was a new opportunity to fight and triumph.
As I continued to ride and get acquainted with my bike, I faced another major setback - a sand-induced crash that flipped my beloved Pegasus. Fortunately, I fell clear of the bike and emerged relatively unscathed, with only 4 broken ribs, but the incident highlighted the importance of proper bike setup, tyre selection, and technical skills in the world of adventure riding.
Against my doctor's orders, just 4 weeks into my 6-week recovery period, I joined some of my riding buddies for the Motorrad Adventures Vredefort Dome Outride in conjunction with BMW Motorrad Sandton. Although it was a great experience, it may not have been my wisest decision, as I still struggled with the aftermath of my recovery.
I went on several off-road adventure rides and met many new friends within the adventure biking community. Embarking on these adventures with various groups, I discovered a whole new world. There was fun and laughter, along with challenging riding and I was learning all the way.
Then misfortune struck again, in mid-December 2023 my beloved Pegasus was stolen. The loss of my bike was devastating, but it only fuelled my determination to get back on the road and continue my adventure riding journey. By the end of the month, I was the proud new owner of a BMW Triple Black 1200GS.
With the dawn of 2024 came a renewed sense of purpose. To continue growing in the sport, I knew I needed to develop my riding skills further, so I could confidently navigate any terrain that nature sent my way. That's when I booked on Motorrad Adventures Introductory Adventure Motorcycle training course.
The Motorrad Adventures training program was precisely what I needed. The knowledgeable and patient instructors focused on building a solid foundation for my adventure riding skills. They covered a wide range of essential topics, from selecting the appropriate riding gear to properly setting up and maintaining the bike. I also learned how to match riding modes to different terrain, correctly weight the pegs to better handle the bike, and effectively navigate challenging conditions like sand, ruts, corrugations, and rocky surfaces. The comprehensive curriculum equipped me with the knowledge and skills to become a proficient adventure rider.
Through their hands-on training, I gained the confidence to tackle technical off-road sections, master emergency braking and cornering techniques, and even learned how to properly handle a bike after a tip-over.
The Motorrad Adventures adventure bike training not only honed my riding skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the participants. We shared in each other's successes and setbacks, and the encouragement from the instructors and fellow riders was invaluable.

After my deep sand bike flip, I developed a mental block and fear towards navigating sandy terrain. However, after my adventure bike training with Motorrad Adventures, I was able to overcome this challenge, and sand riding became a breeze. I am immensely grateful for the invaluable lessons and skills I gained from their comprehensive training program.
These skills were proven yet again in September 2024, during a round trip from Johannesburg to Namibia. Namibia is notorious for its deep sand and technical gravel roads and the skills I gained from my training with Motorrad Adventures really paid dividends. The correct body position, the correct weighting of the pegs and the right amount of positive momentum makes all the difference.
My advice: Invest in yourself, attend an adventure bike training course, learn about your bike, how it feels in different off-road terrains, and how to handle it at low speeds, and ride, ride, ride! The more you ride the better rider you’ll be...
Through my journey, I have learned that adventure motorcycling is not just about the thrill of the ride, but also about the mental focus and control required to navigate the diverse terrain and challenges that come with it. When you're on the bike, nothing else matters; it's a singular focus from start to finish, a true test of mind and body.
As a passionate female adventure rider, I hope my story inspires other ladies to take the leap and join this incredible community. Adventure motorcycling may be a male-dominated sport, but with the right training, determination, and grit, women can more than hold their own.
And remember - If you do fall, laugh and get right back up. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the journey.
One Life, Ride it!Â

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Keep the Rubber Side Down,
Big Love, the Motorrad Adventures Team.