Featured Rider: Jenn Jaynes
Age: 27
Location: LA HABRA, CA
Bike: 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6R
How did you get into riding?
When I was a teenager, I rode as a passenger. Then one day, a guy on a bike next to us lost control of his handle bars on the freeway and almost took us out. I realized I was not in control of anything and just along for the ride. That was the last day I have touched a rear seat. I signed up for the MSF class a week later and have been riding ever since.
What are your goals as far as riding goes?
I WANT TO DRAG MY KNEE! Lol…I want to improve my track riding skills and cornering speeds. We have done six track days since July of 2010 and I feel that I have improved tenfold…but still no knee touching. Maybe one day, I’ll get my race license, perhaps after the kids are older and more self sufficient.
What are you looking forward to this season?
I’m looking forward to more track days. We don’t get out much in the canyon or bike nights, so track days are what we look forward to. Track season goes until November, so there are plenty more opportunities to get back out there.
Which women (not necessarily riders) inspire you the most and why?
Strong women inspire me, in riding and in real life. Women that just grab life by the reins and GO! I love seeing women like Elena Myers get out there and race. Its amazing the talent some women have.
Guilty Pleasures?
Well everyone that knows me, knows that I bleed Kawi green. I have always ridden Kawasaki bikes and I love them with a passion. However, I rode one of the guys 05 Honda CBR600RR and loved it so much! I’m not going to buy one, but I liked it enough that I would take it out again and again. The guys tease me about “jumping the fence” all the time since I rode and liked a Honda.
Any hobbies/interests outside of riding?
Family and M1 Sportriders. Running the shop and taking care of the family are the main things we have going on right now. Life is kind of crazy. We have a High School Junior, 7th grader, kindergartner and the twins that are 18 months. We take care of our kids in addition to maintaining the shop six days a week.
Do you have any pre-track day/race day routines?
Lots of music meditation. Music has been a passion of mine for a long time and it relaxes me so I can get my game face on. My track day play list contains everything from “Speak No Americano” by Yolanda be Cool to “Studying Politics” by Emery. It helps me to not be distracted and focus more on my riding.
Any advice for women who are looking to start riding or going to track days?
Take the safety course and get lots of practice in. You can only get better and more confident with practice.
For Women getting into track days, get off your seat. Don’t put your weight on your arms and look through the turn. And you are going to hear that so much, it might get irritating, but at that point it will get stuck in your head and become a natural reaction. You can’t force your knee to drag on the ground, but if the body positioning is right…it can and it will happen.
