BIKERS CLUB APRIL 2020 ISSUE | Page 15

THE INTERVIEW Violeta Ivanova BY BIKERS CLUB BC: Who is Violeta in real life apart from a rider? VI: I am, first of all, a very positive person, trying to face all issues with a smile. I love to organize gatherings, travels, and make other people smile and be happy. I also enjoy cooking, which I think is another way to make people happy. I love to read books and hope someday to write one about my adventures, but also I am thinking about writing some children's stories. I enjoy creating some beautiful things from nothing like shelves from wooden fruit boxes or some decorations. BC: When did you start riding, and how did it all start? VI: I started riding at the age of 36, to which I feel that it is never too late to start if you want to do it. My husband and I wanted to ride when we were teenagers, but at those times in my country, most of the affordable bikes were sportbikes. And we thought not to start biking with sportbike, so we dropped the idea. My husband got his riding license years ago, having a small scooter during those times, and I was busy with my career. In 2009 I visited London with my best friend to attend the U2 concert. We just walked on the streets of Soho, when I heard the noise of a vrooom and curious to see that bike which was a Harley-Davidson. The curiosity made me attend the motorcycles gathering on one plaza. I was so fascinated by looking at all the great bikes there, and I couldn't stop myself by clicking pictures with them. One of the riders there came to me and asked if I ride? I replied that I want to ride, but I think I am too old for that. He laughed and told me that there is no age bar for riding motorcycles. His bike was Harley-Davidson, and he wore a HOG vest. I started to think again about my dream of riding. And after two years, I felt I couldn't remain a pillion rider on my husband's bike. I applied for my riding license, which I got. And the rest is history... Ha, Ha Ha... That was in 2011. BC: How many bikes you own, and which is your favorite? Which was your first bike, and do you have any memories of it? VI: I own three bikes, and of course, my favorite is my current motorcycle Harley- Davidson Fat Bob 2015. My first motorcycle was Suzuki Marauder 800, a classic cruiser 1996. With a lot of custom parts, which I got a few days after, I got my license, and two days later, I rode my first long 500 km ride.