Name: Sarah Skinner Preston
Age: 32
Location: Petaluma, CA
How did you get into riding?
I have been enamored with motorcycles ever since I was a little kid, but my parents never gave me an option to ride. Most of my youth was spent focused on pouring myself into competitive horseback riding. When I quite riding as an adult it left a whole in my life and I decided to fill that hole with a motorcycle. To be specific a Triumph Bonneville which I was drawn to purely by how it looked. Starting to ride was pretty scary for me and it took me a little while to get past the fear of riding on the road. I took a private lesson in San Francisco to help ease the fear of riding on the street and to my surprise the instructor told me I was one of the most natural riders he had ever taught. After I became comfortable with riding on the street I decided to take a track class from the California superbike school since I could rent the bike and the gear for the track from them. I was hooked, but didn’t go back to the track for almost a year when I acquired my sporty little Ducati Monster. Eventually, I decided to start race supermoto because the cost of racing was much less, but soon this snowballed into other forms of racing. Now I primarily am focusing on racing my 250 ninja, but also compete in off road and supermoto races.
What are your goals as far as riding goes?
My goals for road racing are to keep improving as a rider and to eventually win a championship, for off road racing I would love to become proficient enough to earn enough points to become an A rider eventually, and for supermoto I want to learn to back it in like a boss.
What are you looking forward to this season?
This season I am looking forward to working hard and focusing on maintaining a top five position in the 250 production class in the AFM. I also hope to keep sharing my experiences through my blog and inspiring and helping other women who ride.
Which women (not necessarily riders) inspire you the most and why?
Karin Oliver was one of the first people to encourage me to race after she saw me ride at the Rich Oliver Mystery School. Not only has she been there to mentor me as a rider, but also as a friend. Thank you to her for her support of my riding and her friendship.
As for a rider Shayna Texter, a pro flat tracker, is someone that I find truly inspiring. She is one of the few women who competes at the professional level and is at the front of the pack. I am looking forward to see how well she does this year.
Guilty Pleasures?
Pizza, margaritas, and desserts
Any hobbies/interests outside of riding?
I am an avid gardener who takes great pride in my home inside in and out. I am also a gym rat who loves spending time in the gym sweating.
Do you have any pre-track day/race day routines?
I actually love watching motocross/supercross racing to get me excited for a race, no matter what type of racing I am going to be participating in. If I am going to a new track I try to find videos of the track I’m going to in order to have some reference as to what the track is like. I also like to get myself into a positive mindset by focusing on riding the track smoothly in my mind.
Any advice for women who are looking to start riding or going to track days?
First off take the msf course whether its for a dirtbike or a streetbike and make sure you purchase quality motorcycle gear. Go at your own pace and don’t let anyone push you into anything that you feel uncomfortable with. Take advantage of the track coaches, they are there to help you. Be sure to research track day providers to find one that fits you and provides great service. Many offer novice schools for those who have never been on the track. Set simple attainable goals for yourself so that you have a sense of accomplishment at the end of a ride.
