Rebels, risers and strong women
Some encounters in life leave their mark, even if they’re brief and years apart. That was the case with Christine. We met at a writing workshop long ago – must have been around 2005 – and I adored her from the very first moment. She was the instructor: wise, funny, talented, and with a presence that makes you think, “I hope we meet again.”
And we did, sporadically- at conferences where Christine spoke (after all, she’s Norway’s only Text-Doctor) and communication-industry events. Always a pleasure -it was obvious we had chemistry. Then, this winter, something happened that brought us back together in a completely different way:
Christine had seen my video about how we modified my Honda Rebel to fit my 160 cm frame. So she messaged me:
“Wow – you have the same bike as me! I saw you on YT now with risers -I’ve been considering exactly that myself. So cool!!!”
🚨 Not just one, but two motorcycles in common
The conversation flowed. We discovered we didn’t just share a Honda Rebel -we’d both ridden a Virago 535 too! You know, the bike I took my license on and still hold dear, even though the carburetor was acting up terribly.
Soon, we were talking about actually meeting this time with a plan. Ola would help Christine adjust her Rebel to be ergonomic for her the same way he did mine. In spring, she and her husband came over to carry out the plan.
🔧 What we did with Christine’s bike
Christine was all in for filming the process, and the result is a video I’m very proud of. Not only was it fun to plan, shoot, and edit, but Christine walks through the whole process on camera. She’s a pro! We get to see the adjustments and hear her thoughts throughout.
We also surprised her with a gremlin bell for luck and protection. (If you know, you know!) Her husband got one too.
It turned into a lovely, fun weekend – wrenching, laughter, motorcycle talk, and, I’d dare say, two new great friends.
✨ The big moment!
The video ends with perhaps the most beautiful moment: Christine sits on the bike after all the modifications, and it shows – on her smile. And she says:
“I’m home.”
And that’s what motorcycles are about for me. Not speed and flashy extras, but finding that feeling of belonging. In your body, on the road, and, if you want to get philosophical, in life.
🔗 Watch the video here:
If you’re curious about what we did and how Christine feels about the modifications – check out the video! It’s full of practical tips, warmth, and the beautiful sense of creating something together.
Have you made changes to your bike to make it fit your body better?
Share your story in the comments under the video or send me a message. I want to collect more stories like this. We’re many who aren’t standard size – and we all deserve to feel at home.
Oh, and I also did an interview with Christine, where she shares more about her story and background. You can watch it here:
