P// AMANDA FORDYCE
Ready to head out to Camp VC?! HELL YES!!!!
Check out our next Camp VC rider story from bad ass Carmen Reumers and get the low down on the good times that await!
Hey Carmen! When did you first start riding motorcycles? I started in 2017, I took a 5 day course to get my CBT and full license, so it was all-in from scratch..
What do you currently ride? My first and only bike was a Honda CB350 Four from 1974, which is what I’ve taken with me to VC in the past. Unfortunately, last year she was knocked over whilst parked and deemed beyond economical repair by my insurance. I bought a car in the meantime but I’m hoping to get a bike again in the nearby future!
What does being part of the motorcycle community mean to you?
I have memories of going to bike christenings as a child or getting picked up from school on the back of my parents' bikes, but about twenty years on you don't know what to expect as a young woman on an old bike. The motorcycle community has been full of surprises, all of them good. I imagined men would want to see me struggle, but it's been the opposite and it shows how much we can project. Being a biker is an instant equalizer in that regard. One time I was trying to walk myself out of a dipped parking spot and couldn’t (I’m short!), a biker came up to me to push me out. Another time I was stood alongside the road, out of petrol. A biker stopped by and straight away went to get me some from the nearby station! I have several experiences of bikers and mechanics looking out for me without hesitation, judgement or expectation. It's also been great because it connects me to my dad, who lives in a different country. I feel like I’ve joined the same community he has been a part of for decades and that brings me closer to him, no matter where we are.
Tell us about your first experience of Camp VC: I first joined with three other girls in a car from London in 2017. That’s where I met Laura, who I instantly connected with; we talked politics and danced all night until the lights went out. After that, we’ve been coming to VC together. I met Mickey through her, both of them are now my heart friends. I also loved that it’s run by a small team with big dreams and an easy-going, fun loving nature. Anything grassroots like that just fucking wins.
Tell us your best memory from Camp VC:
Last time Laura, Mickey and myself found another couple of girls to do a route together with. There was instant comradery and when something went a bit wrong the team work was there right away. It was a really good experience.
What is your fave thing to do at Camp VC?
Being cloaked in female energy for a weekend is a huge reason why I love it so much, as we have so little spaces like it and it creates this real kinship and pride. Also, DJing in 2019 was super fun as it was something I’d always wanted to do! I think it's great that VC empowered me in that way.
What are you most looking forward to at Camp VC this year?
This year the events look like they’ll blow previous years out of the water and I am absolutely praying to get my name down for a riding workshop, especially as I’ve not had my bike for a year and I miss it SO much! But I am also hoping to create more friendships.
What advice would you give someone coming to Camp VC for the first time?
Keep your eyes peeled if you’re group riding as it’s easy to miss a beat, especially when you’re all sorts of excited. And if you’re a bit people shy like me it’s still worth coming along, cause some other babe will step in and say hi. With all the workshops happening this year it’ll be so much easier to make new friends!