Family challenge inspires 71-year-old to take up motorcycling

Linda Pilbeam, aged 71, takes up motorcycling for the first time as part of a family promise.

19 Nov 2025

The UK’s Phoenix Motorcycle Training school is making motorcycling accessible to everyone, and Linda Pilbeam’s story proves just that.

Aged 71, Pilbeam, has been surrounded by motorcycles for years as her husband has been riding bikes for over 40 years. However, the urge to start riding herself only really came when Pilbeam’s daughter took an interest in gaining her full motorcycle license.

As a show of support, Pilbeam promised to do the same if her daughter passed. And when her daughter achieved it, she was reminded of that promise.

The road to riding a motorcycle then began for Pilbeam, although she was keen to have a training program tailored to her needs. That’s where the Phoenix Motorcycle Training school was able to help, following discussions with owner Mark Jaffe at a bike event.

Linda Pilbeam at Phoenix Motorcycle Training

That led to the training school designing a bespoke 11-month plan which focused on steady, and manageable progress. Linda began with a “Getting on a Bigger Bike” session, before taking part in shorter sessions on a weekly basis.

Pilbeam rode a Kawasaki Z650 that had been lowered for her, which is the same model she now owns after passing her full motorcycle test.

Speaking about her journey with the Phoenix Motorcycle Training school, Pilbeam said:

“The Phoenix instructors were absolutely wonderful. They really went out of their way to tailor the training for me so I could progress at my own pace. They kept giving advice and encouragement through it all – I really can’t thank them enough.”

Mark Jaffe from Phoenix Motorcycle Training, added:

“Linda’s story is living proof that it’s never too late to start riding, and that with the right support, anyone can do it – and love every minute of it.”

Since passing her test, Pilbeam’s granddaughter Maize has decided to take up motorcycling as well. She has booked a Try Ride with Phoenix Motorcycle Training, which is a program designed to give 16 to 24-year-olds their first taste of motorcycling.

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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.