An interview with everyday rider, Racheal Niesler | Johnny Reb Herald #008

It’s been a while since we’ve had a new edition of the JR Herald, but we are back at it and for this month's edition, it was a pleasure to interview Rach, a Brisbane based rider, who loves to document her adventures over on her Instagram @biker_life_rach ! She's also one of our female Johnny Reb Ambassadors, so go check out her Instagram and support female riders!  

Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m a Brisbane based rider and love to get out for country rides as much as I can. I ride for the enjoyment and not for everyday commuting.

When did you start riding motorcycles and what made you start riding? I am pretty new to riding so loads of learning to be done, however I think you will never stop learning when it comes to riding. I’ve had my restricted licence for almost 2 years now. I went for my learners at 17 but never took it any further, I got married early, had kids and time just got away. Riding and owning my own bike is something I have always wanted and one day I just decided to do it and I’ve not looked back. I am booked in to go for my open licence really soon.

What prompted you to start your moto focused Instagram page? (https://www.instagram.com/biker_life_rach) I was just getting into riding and I use to look at my bike and think, wow you are hot haha, and I thought how cool it would be to share photos of my bike which then inspired me to find beautiful destinations for photo opportunities.

What bike do you ride now? What bike is your favourite to ride? I have a Yamaha Vstar XVS650 custom at the moment, but may look at upgrading in the future. Once I have my open licence I would like to take some different bikes out to try and see what happens!

What was your first ever bike? The first bike I bought was a second hand Suzuki Intruder 250 and after riding that for 6 weeks I soon realised I needed something more, so I sold it and bought the Yamaha brand spanking new, I was so excited!!

What do you do for work? I run a home based beauty business and have been in the industry for 25 years now. I love my work and have made some very special friendships along the way.

Where is your favourite place to ride? I really enjoy heading out to Numinbah Valley right through to Chillingham and beyond, some beautiful country areas through there.

Tell us your favorite riding story or fondest riding memory? I really enjoyed getting away with a girlfriend for a weekend ride, some beautiful places to see, some adventure and was loads of fun.

Who do you enjoy riding with? I enjoy riding solo and much as I do riding in groups. I have a great little friend group to ride with which we usually like to pick a destination to ride to and enjoy lunch and a chat, which is really nice.

Name one dream place you’d love to ride that you haven’t been yet? I have heard about the Oxley Highway as its been regarded as one the most spectacular riding roads in NSW for both its views and riding enjoyment so I would love to experience that one day.

Why do you ride motorcycles? It was a dream of mine to accomplish and it makes me feel happy when I ride. 

What do you wear when riding? When did you first hear of Johnny Reb? I like to wear all the gear and never take the risk not wearing it. Good quality riding jeans, jacket, boots, gloves and a helmet. I love my JR jackets, I have the Hawkesbury leather jacket which I absolutely love especially with lined hoodie, and I have the Glenbrook denim jacket which is super comfortable. I have a few boots but enjoy wearing the JR Brookton boots.  I heard about Johnny Reb when I was gifted the JR Hellyer Gorge solo bag for Christmas when I first started riding, its a great size and I manage to fit a fair bit in it.

Rach wearing the Glenbrook Protective Denim Jacket

Rach wearing the Hawkesbury Leather Jacket

If you could go on a road trip with any 3 people in the world, (dead or alive) who would they be and why? Ohh Tom Cruise cause I just watched the latest Top Gun haha Actually I don’t really know the answer to this one, I just think it would be great to go with your partner and good friends.

Name your favourite band or song. There is too many to name cause I love a wide range of music from old to new, country to pop. Although there’s one song that stands out which I have to play at a very high volume and that’s  “I want to Break Free” by Queen! (Ohh now I have to go play it haha)

Name your favourite place to stop and eat on a ride. There is quite a lot of cool places to go from where I live but probably a favourite was going to Ricks Garage in Palmwoods, great food, live music and an awesome ride getting there!