NOT many Mzansi women take the opportunity to ride a bike. But Mapule Dolo from Vanderbijlpark, south of Joburg, is not one of them.
In fact, this brave women has already ridden far on her own because she feels confident in her ability as she had been properly trained. She said that this is why she had never been on the wrong side of the law with her bike.
Q: What bike do you ride?
A: I own a Kawasaki VN 900 Cruiser.
Q: Is it your first bike?
A: No, my first bike was VZ 800 Marauder Cruiser. It was an exciting bike to learn on.
Q: Do you have rider’s licence?
A: I have a learner’s but I will get my rider’s licence soon.
Q: When did you start riding?
A: I started back in 2004.
Q: Why do you love biking?
A: My husband is the one who inspired me and ever since I started riding, bikes have been part of my history.
Q: Do you have any traffic fines?
A: No, I am a good citizen on my bike and I respect the rules of the road. When I first started, I used the open space at the back of my yard to learn and practise until I knew how to operate all the bike’s basic controls.
Q: Does your bike have a nickname?
A: Yes, her name is Smarty.
Q: How far have you ridden her?
A: We have been as far as Welkom but I am now planning to take her to Swaziland, Durban and Botswana soon.
Q: How often do you ride?
A: Every weekend when I can but always on Fridays. I make a point of riding on the fifth day of the week.
Q: Why did you choose Smarty in that bright red colour?
A: It is an attractive colour and women in most cases are associated with bright colours. The colour is close to who I am.