A devastating road crash that left Isabel with spinal injuries could have ended her riding career. Instead, it transformed her from a street rider into a dedicated track racer on a Yamaha R6.
Sometimes the worst moments in our riding lives become the catalyst for the best decisions we'll ever make. That's exactly what happened to Isabel, a young rider whose road crash two years ago led her down an unexpected path to track racing and a deeper understanding of motorcycle safety.
The Crash That Changed Everything
Isabel's story begins like too many others, a group of inexperienced riders pushing boundaries on public roads. "One day we were like, Oh, let's go take some photos at the Sea Cliff Bridge" Isabel recalls. "We're riding and we're doing really stupid stuff. I'm still on my L's. All my friends are on their L's and P's."
What started as a photo opportunity quickly turned dangerous. "I send it a little bit too wide and then I get on the brakes and then my rear wheel slips out and I go slamming into the concrete wall" she explains.
The consequences were severe and long-lasting. Isabel suffered a disc bulge and spinal injury that put her out of action, with the recovery process taking a over six months. "It was excruciating just to live. If I wasn't laying down constantly, I'd be crying at work because I was in so much pain."
The Gear That Saved Her
One of the most sobering aspects of Isabel's crash was the timing of her gear purchase. "I only just got that suit a week before. Before that, I would just wear leggings and like a hoodie," she admits. "So, I often think about if I went that day just wearing leggings and a hoodie, I can't even imagine the scars I would wear today. Gear matters."
This near-miss with potentially catastrophic injuries reinforced a lesson that every rider needs to hear: proper protective gear isn't optional, it's essential.
From Ninja 300 to Yamaha R6
Despite the crash, Isabel wasn't ready to give up riding. Instead, she made a crucial decision that would transform her approach to motorcycles entirely. "I bought a Ninja 300 stock. It had nothing done to it. It was just a little race bike. I bought that and I tracked it. That's when I started to really learn how to actually ride."
The transition from her trusty Ninja 300 to a 2007 Yamaha R6 marked a significant step up in both power and complexity. "It is like a monster. I've never ridden anything so powerful. It's definitely scary at times."
The difference between the two machines became immediately apparent. "It's so much more complicated than a 300. You have to think about everything. You have to care about your suspension a lot more. What tyres you're running, how quickly they go, things like your seating position."
The Reality of Track vs Road
Perhaps the most surprising insight from Isabel's journey is her perspective on safety. Contrary to popular belief, she finds the track environment far safer than public roads. "I don't really ride on the road at all anymore. I just find I'm like itching for something more when I'm on the road. Like it feels like everyone's weirdly enough in my way. And it's so much more dangerous on the road."
Her experience challenges common myths about track riding. "That's a common misconception with track and road. A lot of people think I don't want to go on the track because it’s dangerous. I think I have made more mistakes on the road and had more dangerous encounters on the road than I have on track. 100%."
Advice for New Riders
Looking back, Isabel has clear advice for riders just starting out. "If I could go back to when I started riding I would make sure that I didn't ride in groups. The reason I crashed was because I was trying to show off for other people that don't actually care."
Her recommendation is simple but powerful: "If you're starting out, go to the track and get some training. Even just one of the days where you're just following around an instructor, it just you learn so much from it compared to trying to go through a windy road in the national park."
Women on Track
As a women regularly participating in track days and racing in what is a male dominated sport, Isabel acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic about the future. "When I'm out on the track, there might be only one other woman there. And it feels kind of isolating for sure, but I feel like if we keep talking about women in the world super bikes and things like that, it'll become more of an option."
Her long-term goal reflects this optimism: "I'm hoping to someday be in that position where I can represent Australia in the women's league."
The Mental Benefits of Racing
Beyond the technical skills and safety improvements, Isabel has discovered something deeper in her track riding. "When I'm racing, I'm not thinking about what bills I have to pay and how much money I don't have and what exams I have coming up. I'm just thinking about who's breaking ahead of me and how I can outbreak them."
This mental clarity extends to all her riding. "Even on the road if I'm riding, like I'm not thinking about anything but what's ahead of me... Riding motorbikes really settles that for me and it makes me feel almost at peace, even if I'm pumping with adrenaline."
The Road Ahead
Isabel's story is far from over. With plans for more track days and racing in the summer night series, she's committed to continuous improvement and pushing her limits in a controlled environment.
Her journey from a crashed learner rider to a dedicated track racer serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration. It reminds us that our worst moments can become the foundation for our greatest achievements – if we're willing to learn from them and make the right choices moving forward.
For riders considering their first track day or those recovering from their own road incidents, Isabel's message is clear: the track isn't just safer than the street, it's where you'll truly learn to ride.
Want to share your own riding story? Contact us at Biker Torque – we'd love to hear from you.