Introducing The Merlin Biker Collective: Annette

It doesn’t matter at what point in your life you come into motorcycling – once you’re in, you’re in. Having gained her licence a little over three years ago, 41-year-old Annette is already deep-diving into the motorcycle world, so having her as part of the Merlin Biker Collective was an obvious choice. “I’ve recently found a love for all things motorbikes and I’m enjoying being involved and part of the wider biking community.”

Having started out on a Mutt Mongrel 125 to gain experience, Annette has quickly worked her way up the biking ranks. She passed her test the first time within three months of getting her Mutt, and swiftly jumped ship to a Triumph Bobber Black. Now, Annette has two bikes in her garage: a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and a newly-collected CCM Blackout Spitfire Scrambler. You can relive the first ride on her Blackout on the CCM YouTube page.

Now beginning to discover a world of adventures on two wheels, Annette is no stranger to making the most of the time on two. Her best biking memory? Four days of pure exploration in Andalusia, Spain, making the most of the clear, sunny sky, temperatures into the mid-20s and twisty roads. “The route we needed to take was not only riding through the caves and the tight Spanish cobbled streets of Setenil de las Bodegas, but it also meant riding through the middle of a local fiesta of maybe 300 people! Talk about clutch control and the benefit of a horn!”

And she’s not planning on stopping there. Annette and her partner Dave have already booked a trip to Portugal in June, hiring a Triumph Street Scrambler and BMW F900 to take in all the country has to offer. In July, Annette aims to join the all-female Curvy Riders Motorcycle Club on their weekend Wales trip, with various other domestic events and excursions thrown in to maximise the two-wheel time.

Annette is already getting rolling with Merlin clothing, having already received the Harriet Cotec Jacket and Sycamore Hoody, and already she’s loving them. “The Harriet jacket is so easy to wear; lightweight, super comfortable and easy to move in and it’s cosy and warm too!”

“Ladies also want and expect to have choice, look good and of course be safe too. I am so excited to be a female rider, representing a growing biker population in the Merlin Biker Collective. To have an opportunity to input is really cool, such a privilege and will be like my birthday multiple times a year each time I’m lucky enough to get a piece of Merlin gear! I am proud to be working with a great British brand and be part of Merlin’s exciting journey, while meeting great people, having fun, and making friends along the way. I want to encourage and grow my inner biker to another level!”

Follow Annette on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube – ‘nets_sleds’.

Header image credit: CCM Motorcycles

Published on 7 February, 2022 by Emily Macbeth