BIKING is lots of fun but also expensive, so bikers need to budget for their rides.
Mashea Qekisi is also known as Mash. He is the president of Lesotho Friends biking club.
Mash is based in Randburg and works at Fourways. Mash always worries about affording his bike’s expenses when he runs low on cash.
Q: What bike do your ride?
A: I ride a BMW S1000RR.
Q: When did you buy it?
A: In January.
Q: Does it have a name?
A: I call it Rocket.
Q: Why do you like Rocket?
A: Rocket has a powerful engine that takes me over long distances without any trouble.
Q: Do you like its colour?
A: I bought Rocket used but I love its pearl white colour.
Q: Would you lend it to anyone?
A: No. My bike is an extension of my body. I can’t separate it.
Q: How far have you ridden?
A: I rode a 1 000km round trip to Lesotho, Bloemfontein and other parts of South Africa.
Q: Do you have licence?
A: Yes, I got my licence a few years ago.
Q: Do you get fined?
A: Not often but I have been fined in the past for speeding.
Q: Do you have a safety outfit?
A: Yes, I wear my full leather riding gear at all times.
Q: Is Rocket your dream bike?
A: Yes, without a question.
Q: Did you change anything?
A: No, it is standard.
Q: How often do ride?
A: I plan for my rides but it’s mostly on weekends. I also ride during the week when I want to avoid traffic jams.
Q: What do you think of other Mzansi road users?
A: I think there are many challenges on our roads. We need to share the space as riders or drivers but this is not how it works in real life. Some drive like they own the road. They speed or drive drunk but will never consider how dangerously they are driving.
All bikers and drivers need to be more careful on the road.
