Page 32 - Lady Rider June.cdr

Women in Wheels: It's Never Too Late to Start
Riding Superbikes – Nomcebo Siboza
T h e R i s e o f W o m e n i n
Motorsports
In the world of motorsports,
women have been making waves
for years. The likes of Danica
Patrick in NASCAR, Lella
Lombardi in Formula One, and
more recently, Ana Carrasco in
Moto3, have proven that women
can hold their own in competitive
environments. However, when it
comes to the world of superbikes,
women have been slower to rise
to prominence.
Historically, the superbike world
has been a male-dominated
realm, with only a handful of
women making a name for
themselves. The physical
demands of riding at high speeds,
coupled with the stereotypical
belief that motorcycles are a
"man's sport," have kept many
women from pursuing the sport.
But as society has evolved, so too
has the mindset around gender
roles. Today, more and more
women are joining the world of
superbikes, not as an exception,
but as part of the growing trend
toward female empowerment and
equality.
Breaking the Stereotype:
Nomcebo Siboza's Journey
Nomcebo Siboza's story is a
beacon of inspiration for many
women around the world. Born
and raised in South Africa,
Nomcebo's love for motorcycles
was ignited at a young age.
However, like many other women,
she found herself grappling with
the notion that motorcycles and
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superbikes were meant for men.
The idea of being a woman in a
sport so dominated by men was
intimidating and, at times,
discouraging.
But Nomcebo, like many great
trailblazers, didn't let fear or
societal expectations dictate her
future. She began her journey into
the world of motorcycles later in
life, a decision that was not
without its challenges. "I didn't
start riding bikes until I was well
into my 30s. There was a part of
me that thought I was too old to
take it seriously, but when you
have a passion, you can't ignore
it," she says.
Her story is one that many women
can relate to. The fear of starting
something new, the hesitation to
step into a male-dominated world,
and the uncertainty of being able
to keep up with others. But
Nomcebo's experience shows
that it's never too late to start
pursuing your dreams, no matter
how unconventional they may
seem.
A Journey of Overcoming Fear
and Doubt
Starting out in a sport like
superbikes was intimidating for
Nomcebo. “The first time I got on a
bike, I was terrified,” she admits.
"The speed, the power, and the
idea that one wrong move could
send you flying—it was a lot to
take in."
What made the experience even
more difficult was the lack of
representation. There were few
women around her who had taken
the leap into superbiking, and the
intimidation factor was magnified
by the absence of role models.
However, Nomcebo's love for
motorcycles and the thrill of the
ride kept her going.
As with many newcomers to the
world of superbikes, it was a
matter of gradually building
confidence and skills. She started
32
with smaller bikes, learning the
fundamentals before moving on to
the powerful machines she would
later race on. "It was important for
me to understand the basics first,
to feel comfortable with the bike
before taking it to the next level,"
she reflects.
Despite the initial fear, Nomcebo
persisted. She participated in
various training sessions, learning
from experienced riders and
honing her skills. The motorcycle
c o m m u n i t y , a l t h o u g h
predominantly male, embraced
her and supported her journey,
proving that the world of
superbikes is, in fact, one that
welcomes everyone, regardless
of gender.
The Importance of Mentorship
and Community
One of the key factors that helped
Nomcebo succeed in her journey
was the support she received from
other riders. Mentorship in
motorsports, especially for
women, can make all the
difference. “I wouldn't have made
it as far as I did without the help of
the male riders who supported
me,” she says.
Through mentorship, she was
able to learn about the mechanics
of the bikes, riding techniques,
and safety measures. The
mentorship dynamic was not
about being treated differently
because she was a woman; it was
about gaining the skills and
knowledge needed to excel in the
sport.
Building relationships with other
June 2025