When it comes to inspiring women in the motorcycle world Claire D’Auria of Indian motorcycle is high up on our list. After first starting to ride motorcycles after a trip to SE Asia Claire has gone from strength to strength flying the flag for women in the motorcycle industry and holding a seat at one of the most important tables in Motorcycling today!
Claire’s experience proves that you don’t have to have been riding from being a kid to follow your dream of getting a seat at the top table in the Motorcycle industry and her love of motorcycling and the community around it will inspire anyone and everyone she meets.
VC is so proud to be partnering with the legendary Indian Motorcycle at this years Camp VC and the awesome Claire will be there on hand flying the Indian motorcycle flag and getting to know everyone so swing by and say a big HEYYYYY to Claire and her team.!
Where are you originally from?
I grew up in a small village in South Wales, close to the Brecon Beacons, and I’m still there 😊
When did you start to get into motorcycles and why?
I always knew I had petrol in my blood but I didn’t properly discover motorbikes until later in life, just by chance. I took a career break from the automotive industry when I was 40 yrs old and spent some time in SE Asia where I met some of the most amazing women who kindly ferried me around on scooters for the duration I was there. When I came back home to the UK I made it my mission to pass my motorcycle test and get back out to SE Asia to ride with them. I managed to do that and had the most amazing adventures in North Thailand. I then went on to ride through Sri Lanka and the coast of Portugal which were both equally amazing. By that time the motorbike bug had well and truly bitten.
What is your role at Indian motorcycle?
I look after Marketing & Brand in the UK and Ireland and I also assist with Social Media throughout the EMEA region, from the UK through to Australia. My role is really hands-on and covers everything from event management to digital marketing and it’s hand-on-heart my dream job.
What is the best part of your job?
Without question, it’s definitely all the amazing connections that I make along the way. From colleagues and journalists through to professional race riders – I love hearing other people’s stories, so being able to have dinner after events with some of the most incredible characters in the industry is a real privilege.
What is the most amazing thing you’ve been part of as part of your role at Indian Motorcycle?
There are quite a few! On my first day I flew to Milan to attend EICMA, which is the largest motorcycle industry show in Europe, where I met some industry legends. I then met Burt Munro’s family the following week and I’ve had the opportunity to ride the Wall of Death with Luke Fox and more recently experience Flat Track racing, which has been a dream of mine for a couple of years.
Where is your favourite place to ride motorcycles in the world?
Because of the amazing scenery and wildlife, I’d definitely have to say Sri Lanka. It’s one of the most incredible and magical places on earth.
What is your favourite Indian Motorcycle?
For the style of riding that I enjoy, without question it’s the FTR R Carbon. The centre of gravity and the handling is spot on…and it’s such a stunning looking bike!
Have you ever felt intimidated by the size of a motorcycle that you’ve ever ridden?
Absolutely, I’m intimated by every bike I get on 😊 that feeling has never changed from Day 1. However, even though I’m not afraid of motorbikes and I always get on a motorbike with a smile on my face, I think the apprehension keeps you focused.
P// Braking point images
It’s so great to see more women coming into positions like yours within motorcycle brands! What more do you think could be done in the motorcycle world to encourage more women to step into these rolls in the motorcycle industry?
Thanks! Days on the Dirt, Camp VC, Dirt Camp and the DTRA definitely play such an integral part in introducing more women into motorsports and the motorcycle world. After recently attending Dirt Camp it was amazing to learn the varied roles that women who are into motorsports do for a living too so I think that building connections and exchanging our experiences could definitely open up more opportunities. My experience in the motorcycle industry has been truly wonderful, everyone has been so patient and supportive of my role from day one, it’s a genuinely superb industry to work in.
It must be incredible to work with a motorcycle brand so steeped in motorcycle history. Do you get to meet all kinds of riders through your work? Do you have any stories from Indian Motorcycle riders that you’ve met along the way?
I’m so lucky. I’ve met lots of different riders from stunt & race riders to journalists and instructors. One that really stands out is being able to spend some time chatting with Nick Sanders MBE, who has ridden around the world seven times including on an R1. He has also taken two narrowboats across the English Channel and along the entire length of the Danube to the Black Sea, so you can only imagine the stories he has to tell! I always feel incredibly lucky to listen to people’s stories.
We’re so excited to have Indian Motorcycle partnering with Camp VC this year! Why do you think women’s events like Camp VC are important to support?
We’re excited to partner with you too! The first thing that came to mind when I read this question was “I wish I’d known about Camp VC when I first started riding motorbikes!” It’s so important to provide opportunities to nurture a passion for motorsport in a safe and supportive way. The environment that Camp VC provides is much more than ‘just bikes’ it’s about confidence building, skill-sets and community and there’s something very magical and empowering about that combination. The other great thing about events like this is that there are women with different skill levels who are so willing to share their knowledge, to pass on their mistakes and top tips which, again, is something that I wish I’d been able to tap into at the beginning of my motorcycle journey.
Indian have an awesome track record working and supporting some of the most prominent female motorcycle racers in the world such as the American flat track racer Shayna Texter and UK based racer Leah Tokelove. This must make you super proud! How important to Indian as a brand to give visibility to these incredible female athletes?
I can’t begin to tell you how proud this make me feel – it gives me goosebumps. The first time I met Leah Tokelove I was totally starstruck after watching her take podium in the Hooligan Series at Hells Race. To have female motorcycle racers in our teams is such an inspiration, but even more so when they so kindly dedicate their time to passing on their knowledge and running incredible women only events like Days on the Dirt and Dirt Camp.
I think the authentic representation of female riders, in general, is so important. There are several key dates in our calendar that focus on supporting female riders including IFRD (International Female Ride Day) and now also Camp VC. We also have several key female ambassadors who are very supportive of the Brand and create beautiful, authentic content documenting adventures on their own Indian motorcycles. It’s the authenticity of representation that I’m particularly proud of.