Personal Injury Attorney; Jeanette is an amazing courageous woman whose advice “Dare to be different, dare to be yourself.” I completely agree with. Here is a little of Jeanette’s aka Tinkabell’s story…
Name: Jeanette Callow (Tinkabell)
Location: Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Occupation: Truck Driver for large Supermarket
Currently rides: Hot Pink Honda 750 Shadow 09
When did you start riding?
Got my license back in 89 and rode 250 Yamaha Agriculture bikes for a couple of years when I worked as a Jillaroo. Hated it, ‘cause they would kick me in the shin, stall in the deep sandy creek beds, flood and not start if I dropped them. Way too big for me. I really preferred the horses.
What got you involved in motorcycles and how did you start?
In 07 I met my now husband. On our first date he took me for a ride on his cruiser and I loved it. Totally different from my first experience, back in 89/90. Because I’m fiercely independent I decided to buy my own bike in 08. It was a little Suzuki 250 Intruder, which he also painted pink for me.
How has riding motorcycles impacted your life?
Firstly, I was a jockey way back in my younger days. This fills that void I had for the speed thrills.
Secondly, it has made me find myself and realize who I am and that I can be myself, no matter what. For some reason society doesn’t seem to have the same expectations of people (women) who ride bikes. It’s expected that we are different to start with. It has also made me more confident and extraverted. I can finally show my true colors.
What has been your biggest challenge with riding?
I suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome after watching my 6 year old daughter die in a traffic accident in 02. Since then, EVERY time I get on the bike or in a car/truck or my boys/ husband are on the roads, I see all these horrible images of anyone (including my already dead daughter) of us die on the road. It’s a bit like a video playing in front of my eyes while I’m riding. I have to make a physical effort every time to put the images away, not get to upset and keep riding.
What do you like most about your model motorcycle?
It’s low to the ground and very stable and well balanced. Pretty good on fuel and very forgiving. Loads up well, as well. It looks like a HD without the price tag.
What modifications have you made?
Apart from the Candy Pink paint with Red Fire sparkling flakes in it and Tinkerbell murals? I have a large windscreen, which I love, custom extra thick black sheepskin seat with gel inlay, throttle lock and a wrist/hand rest on the throttle side. My hubby took the pig nose number plate light of the back and replaced it with LED lights and I have customized my number plate and surround, which now has to be redone. I think someone is stealing the fairies of it. Hubby also put a power outlet on my bike. Haven’t been able to afford anything else, ‘cause we are a bit low on finances at the moment.
When you’re not riding motorcycles what are you other interest?
Mainly photography, outdoors, horses, showing, gardening, reading, music, dancing and watching my boys do their sports.
What advice do you have for other women riders?
Dare to be different, dare to be yourself. Don’t let anyone push you into riding faster than you’re comfortable with, dress the way you’re happy with. Your bike is the one place you can be you, but respect it, because it can become a deadly weapon. If you want to ride, ride and be happy…age is no barrier.
How tall are you?
162cm and shrinking.
What is your weather like year round?
In the winter it can be below zero, but never any snow. Often rainy and very windy. Sometimes perfectly blue skies and no wind and daytime temp anywhere from 9-20 degrees. Summer can be up to 40/45 degrees Celsius, but also go down to 12/15 degrees. It can be windy and it can flood and rain a lot, sometimes storm. Often beautiful blue skies with no or little wind and a perfect temp of about 24/26 degrees.
How is riding therapy for you?
It is making me a stronger person. Those visions are slowly becoming less. In the beginning they were there all the time, now they come and go. The riding blows out the cobwebs, and if I’m upset about anything the riding gets rid of it. Usually I always sit behind my hubby… and there is a reason for that. I really enjoy checking out his backside and THAT makes me feel really good.
Thank you Tinkabell for sharing your story. I admire your strength and your joy for living life at full throttle.
Ride On Tinkabell!
Ride ON!
Brenda Fox
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys and BAM, Free Breakdown and Legal Assistance for Motorcyclists | Protecting injured bikers who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents for over thirty years. Get the help of the attorney’s who ride and fight for you both on the road and in the courtroom. 1-800-4-BIKERS
