New Zealand – Australia Division Captain, from 1966
Many years have passed, but this has failed to dim my love of motorcycling. Long before I had a bike of my own I was very involved; back in the early 1950’s I was offered the opportunity to start and edit a Girl Riders page in the N.Z. Motor Cyclist, a monthly publication. I was a shorthand typist – not a journalist – but this was great and opened the opportunity to form countless motorcycling contacts throughout the world.
Almost immediately I was in touch with Wendy Hides (née Oliver) from Christchurch, N.Z. We were the first N.Z. members of WIMA. The late Louise Scherbyn regularly wrote to us with long and interesting letters. Her enthusiasm was infectious and it was clear to see why WIMA prospered under her guidance. Note: neither Wendy nor I were ever captain in this area. Editor’s note: Audrey is listed as Division captain on the front of WIMA News from Spring 1966.
When I bought my own bike, I decided, ‘Have Bike – Will Travel’ and set out on a working holiday/tour of New Zealand. It was during this adventure I was dared to compete in the Ixion MCC (Wellington) Two Day Touring Trial. That’s when I met Ian, later my husband. My bike had no hope of keeping up with him, so after our marriage I replaced my trusty little C10 BSA with a Speed Twin Triumph so we could ride together. After a couple of years of freedom, our first daughter decided to put in an appearance. Can’t take a baby pillion!! Simple solution – a sidecar outfit. She loved that and consequently became the youngest member of WIMA. I had always felt that sidecars looked awkward and unwieldy. Not so, fitted properly they are great and can negotiate almost anything.
Now, in my nineties, I still have a soft spot for motorcycles, but have to be content with horrifying my friends by travelling regularly out of town in my car and really living a great life. Thank goodness I am not like some oldies with no interests and nothing to do.
(2025)
