Mental Health Day 2022: A Personal Reflection on Mental Wellness in the Moto Community
As many of you know, I am generally a happy and healthy person, both physically and mentally. Mental health was never something I focused on—until one day, I found myself in a place I hadn’t anticipated. While my journey may seem small compared to others, it taught me valuable lessons about acknowledging feelings and being kind to myself, which I now carry with me daily.
In 2018, I made the difficult decision to retire from offroad racing. For ten years, racing had been not just my passion but my entire identity. I was a competitive racer, always striving for a World Enduro Championship. But one day, during an Australian Offroad Championship race, I quit. I loaded my bike into my van and drove home, feeling a strange sense of relief. But soon, sadness crept in.
At first, I couldn’t understand why I was feeling down. I’d been pushing my feelings away, telling myself, “You have no reason to be sad. You have a good life!” I tried to ignore the emptiness I felt and continued to focus on my business, my health, and everything I thought I “should” be doing. But my body had other plans—it manifested my suppressed emotions physically, and I broke out in painful, itchy hives for months.
It wasn’t until I sought help from a sports psychologist that I understood what was happening. I had been dealing with "adjustment syndrome," and my mind and body were telling me I hadn’t allowed myself to truly process the change. She encouraged me to sit with my emotions and give myself the space to grieve my past identity as a racer.
It was overwhelming to confront those feelings, but it was the best thing I ever did. Through therapy, self-care, and giving myself permission to feel sad, I found a healthier way to cope with life after racing.
This experience shaped how I now view mental health. I understand that it’s okay to feel down—even if your struggles don’t seem as big as someone else’s. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and to recognize when I’m feeling low. Mental health is an ongoing journey, and I’ve now built a toolkit of strategies to navigate those moments in a much healthier way.
As we observe World Mental Health Day 2022, I want to encourage everyone, especially women in the moto community, to acknowledge their mental health. Whether you ride dirtbikes, take part in ADV events, or attend women’s motorcycle workshops—remember, it’s okay to not be okay.
Through my events and coaching, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it is for women in moto to come together, support one another, and build confidence—not just on the bike but in life. We’re a part of an incredible community where mental wellness should be just as important as physical fitness.
I hope my story resonates with you and encourages you to take care of yourself—inside and out. Thank you for being a part of this amazing moto community. I look forward to riding, learning, and growing with you all.