A W oman & H er M otorcycle
R
ecently Traverse caught up with Jo Wharmby and
the all-female riding and Facebook group WARA
(Women’s Adventure Riders Australia) and found
out how the group was started and why.
Jo started riding with her husband and attend-
ed many events over the years, quickly discov-
ering that many women wanted to ride themselves and
take to the more unbeaten tracks. They wanted to expand
their knowledge and learn what they could about adven-
ture travel.
“I met many women wanting to learn to adventure ride
… or travel independently,” explained Jo acknowledging
there was a need to start a group that could support each
other, encourage and inspire, without feeling patronised
by partners, siblings, fathers or any male rider.
Created four years ago as a Facebook page, WARA filled
some of the need as a place for female riders to connect.
“It’s grown into a group of riders from Australia and
overseas … and encompasses all facets of women riders
and bikes,” Jo continued. “The ‘adventure’ wording in our
logo was meant for all women riding any bike.” Jo is quick
to explain that an adventure can be had on any bike, an
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