THE THROTTLE DOLLS ARE THE ‘MOTO-LOVING, RED-LIPPED’ GIRLS WHO ARE THROWING A SPANNER IN THE WORKS; BREAKING STEREOTYPES AND EMBRACING THE FREEDOM OF THE ROAD. BASED IN SYDNEY AND COPENHAGEN, THE THREE BEST FRIENDS & FOUNDERS OF THE ALL-FEMALE MOTORCYCLE CREW ARE SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT TO KEEP UP WITH- WHAT WITH THEIR LOVE OF SPEED AND THE LURE OF THE UNKNOWN. HOWEVER, WHILST IN BIARRITZ (DID WE MENTION WE’D BEEN THERE?) WE FINALLY MANAGED TO LOCK THEM DOWN FOR A SHOOT! WE HEADED DOWN TO A DESOLATE SPOT ALONG THE COAST, TOOK SOME AWESOME PHOTOS AND GOT TO KNOW THEM A LITTLE BIT BETTER: 

 

FOLLOW THEM ON INSTAGRAM: @THETHROTTLEDOLLS

 

 

 

P&CO:  IT'S GREAT TO FINALLY CATCH UP WITH YOU GIRLS! HOW HAS YOUR WEEK AT WHEELS & WAVES BEEN, WERE THERE ANY STAND OUT DAYS? AND HOW ABOUT THE JOURNEY OVER TO BIARRITZ?!

 TD: Likewise guys! It's great to finally meet you! We love P&Co. We went to W&W 2015 and had the best time. We've been talking about coming back since then and here we are - back again! So glad we had the chance to come, and we managed to talk a few friends into joining us this time; from all corners of the world.

I flew in from Sydney to Madrid, picked up a beautiful Road King S from the awesome crew at Harley Spain and rode to Bilbao. From there I hugged the coast all the way up to Biarritz twisting through some stunning scenery, stopping at little fishing villages and beaches along the way such as Mundaka, Elantxobe, Lekeitio & Zarautz. Best ride I've done so far - Especially the stretch from Orio up the mountains in thick fog down to San Sebastián. Crazy feeling, I had to scream.

We also had girls coming from Sweden and England. Was great to be together again and hit the road. One of the best days at W&W was Punks Peak. Last time we came we didn't make it to the race so it was great to be there this time, meeting all the W&W legends and seeing them fly down that sprint stretch, with the ocean as the back drop.

 

 

 

 

P&CO: WE’RE GUESSING IT’S BEEN A BUSY YEAR SO FAR, TELL US WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GETTING UP TO!

TD: We organised a girls ride before we went overseas. Lovely to see new smiles and their bikes. Always a great day riding with other girls, it doesn't matter what you ride or how experienced you are. We have a lot of beginners joining us, fresh faced, ready to learn, and stoked to be out with new people - we love that ! 

The great Bill Davidson came to Sydney in May for the 100 year anniversary of Harley Australia. We took him out for a ride, showed him what Sydney has to offer and stopped for lunch at the Opera House of course.

Something that always keeps us busy is our t-shirt selling online. More and more people worldwide are wanting to be a part of what we stand for, which is fantastic. We are currently planning new designs and a new web shop - so stay tuned !

 

P&CO: WE ALREADY KNOW YOU’RE GOOD FRIENDS AS WELL AS RIDING PARTNERS, BUT HOW DID YOU INITIALLY MEET?

TD: We met through friends in Sweden and Bondi. The appetite for riding and just doing something new was strong amongst all of us. We came together with different backgrounds, different skills and interests, but the passion for getting out, exploring and sharing these experiences was common between all of us.

 

 

 

 

P&CO: AND WHAT WAS IT THAT INSPIRED YOU TO COME TOGETHER AS THE THROTTLE DOLLS?

TD: The three of us ended up getting our licence pretty much at the same time 4 years ago. We went out for dumplings and beers one night. The name was easy, a friend designed the logo and it all started right there and then. To begin with it was really just a fun way to document our little journeys, but everything quickly spiralled. 

The scene in Australia is great. Of course we get year-round riding due to the climate, which I guess allows more people to get involved. The great thing about the motorcycle community is that there's a thread that rings true with everyone that gets on two wheels, and everyone knows and feels the same thing. It means we get to meet amazing people, and no matter where we are in the world, there is always someone we can call upon to hang out with. 

Since the early days it's just organically moved forwards, continuously bringing us new opportunities to share our love for adventure. 

 

 P&CO: MANY STILL SEE THE MOTO/ RIDING SCENE AS A MALE DOMINATED COMMUNITY, HAVE YOU FACED ANY CHALLENGES, AS WOMEN, BREAKING THE SCENE FROM MALE RIDERS OR EVEN OTHER FEMALE RIDERS?

TD: You're right, there are way more men riding, but I wouldn't say we've experienced any real animosity or negativity towards girls on the road. As I said before, most people on two wheels just 'get it' - that feeling of freedom runs deep and anyone else that's genuinely got the bike-bug feels the same, and are hugely supportive. We have girls-only rides which appeals to new female riders, something we're hugely passionate about continuing, but 90% of the time it's a mixed crew of gals and guys, with new faces every ride ! 

 

 

 

 

P&CO: WHAT BIKES/ BUILDERS ARE YOU DIGGING AT THE MOMENT? WHICH BIKES ARE YOU ALL RIDING?

TD: Maria is currently burning rubber on a beautiful Honda 500F (all original). Maria is living in Copenhagen where the bike scene is booming at the moment. Loads of good garages and people to meet.

Erica owns two bikes at the moment. A Honda GB400 and a Suzuki tracker. Both builds and loads of fun to ride. She got her Honda tank custom painted by an artist and loves it !

I'm (NINA) brapping around on Harley's. I work for them in Sydney so pop in and see me if you come down under ! ... I'm super lucky, and get to ride everything with that iconic badge on it, but my favourite right now is the Low Rider S. That said, my heart is with the old school Bobbers and Choppers. Wheels & Waves showcased some of the best I've ever seen.

 

P&CO: SO WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A THROTTLE DOLL?

TD: Best thing is to make other people happy and inspire other girls and guys to get on a bike. We constantly hear from people all over the world about how learning to ride has changed them in so many ways. We LOVE being in contact with you all out there.

 

P&CO: . … AND HOW DO I BECOME ONE? 

TD: The good thing is that anyone can be one so jump online buy yourself a t-shirt and a join the crew !

 

 

 

 

P&CO: FINALLY BEFORE YOU GO, ANY COOL RIDES OR EVENTS IN THE PIPELINE?

TD: Every year we do DGR (The Distinguished Gentlemans Ride) a fantastic charity event - check it out ! 

The Money goes to prostate cancer research, and the event builds rapidly every year. Having been dreamed up and started in Sydney it's a really big deal here, so we look forward to getting out there each year helping a great cause.

We are also looking forward to this years 'Harley Days' down the coast - last year was a blast. Other than that, we continue to ride everyday and every km is an adventure ! - you never know whats around the corner.