Interview with motorcycle stunt girl, Jessica Maine By Astrid Bidanec Looking at the slender, petit blonde stretched out on her motorcycle, you would never guess how tough she is. Yet she is part of a new breed of women who face their fears and prove toughness is not about appearance—it’s about heart. Jessica Maine is a female motorcycle stunt rider with a proven track record and a pocket full of sponsors. She could also easily pass for a model.
The 22-year-old femme fatale from Los Angeles, Calif. knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. Facing her fears is as much part of her job as helping others do the same as a stunt teacher at her On One Wheel stunt school. Putting her money where her heart is, she invested in her first motorcycle five years ago without any prior riding experience. Feeling intoxicated from the great sense of freedom on her bike, she was quickly tempted to try her luck at performing stunts. Her first meaningful exposure, however, on her way to becoming a professional stunt girl, took place at the 2006 Stunt Wars in Lakeland, Fla. Other events followed in Houston, Texas with famous stunt man, Kane One, and a stunt competition in Sonoma, Calif. where she placed third in the amateur freestyle division as the only female competitor. When she performed at a stunt show in Puerto Rico later that year she realized there was no turning back from the stunt world. She had found her calling. Nevertheless, fate threw a road block in her way during one of her practice stunts when she lost control of her bike and fell on her back, permanently damaging her spine in the process. “This wreck knocked me out for a few months. Every time I ride now, my back is in pain and throbbing. I am now scared about tank tricks,” she explains. This setback only seemed to make her stronger though. Along with switching to a new bike she is more comfortable with, her sponsors are crazier about her than ever. Representing 15 brand names is no small feat. Needless to say it has strengthened her self confidence to have so many people believe in her talent as a stunt rider. For Jessica facing the fear is now part of the fun. Knowing no limits, she has also tried her luck at motorcycle racing: “I've done two track days. It was definitely a whole different world. I did enjoy it a lot, but it's not the same as balancing the 370lb machine on one wheel. If I’m going to race, I’d rather race on four wheels.” Thus proving once again she is a stunt woman at heart. When asked about her future goals, she pointed out: “I'm just getting started with this career!” While her participation at stunt shows and competitions certainly puts her in the spotlight, she has her sights set on less dangerous ventures. “Running my business Chic Riders LLC; this includes apparel and a sticker line, as well as an international club. Teaching at the On One Wheel stunt school, and soon opening a Von Dutch Kustom Cycles Dealership in Oceanside for sport bikes.” Surprisingly, modeling is not on her radar. Her favorite motto: “Anything is possible if you put your mind to it!” For more information on Jessica visit her website at www.JessicaMaine.com. Add as favourites (45) | Quote this article on your site | Views: 2343
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