Online Reporter
Flora Fadzai Sibanda [email protected]
WHEN Ms Angelica Ncube pulls into a new town on her roaring motorcycle, heads turn long before she removes her helmet.
More often than not, people expect a man to climb off the bike.
Instead, they are met by the smiling face of a young woman confidently stepping out of riding boots and adjusting her leather jacket with ease.
“People always expect a man to get off the bike whenever I make a stop at a new area,” says Ncube with a light laugh as she removes her helmet.
For the Victoria Falls-based biker, the reactions have become part of a journey that has seen her challenge stereotypes, embrace adventure and carve her own identity in a space traditionally dominated by men.
Now in her late 20s, Ms Ncube describes herself as a passionate motorcycle rider whose fascination with bikes slowly transformed into a lifestyle. She only began riding in 2023 before officially obtaining her motorcycle licence last year.
“Funny enough, no one in my family rides. So it came as a surprise to them when I started taking my riding journey seriously. I ride for a motorcycle club called Zimfree Riders,” she says.
“Of concern to them, I think, was my safety because as much as riding is fun, it is also dangerous.”
Growing up, motorcycles were simply something she admired from afar while watching television.
But the more she watched riders conquering highways and exploring different places, the more determined she became to own a bike and learn how to ride.
“I just love adventure and I fell in love with bikes from seeing them on television. That is when I knew I had to learn and get myself my own ride,” she said.
Stepping into the world of biking as a woman was never going to be easy for Ms Ncube.
She says many people still believe motorcycles are meant for men and some do not hesitate to tell her she does not belong on a bike.
“People have always doubted my ability to ride before seeing me on the road. So every time I get to a new place, people are always watching me closely to see if the helmet and the bike are just for show,” said Ms Ncube.
Despite the scepticism, Ncube refused to let negativity slow her down. Instead, she used the doubt as fuel to sharpen her skills and strengthen her confidence.
“When I started, people thought I would give up, but that only fuelled my passion,” she said. Ncube credits fellow bikers for helping her grow into the rider she is today.
“Of importance is to note that I have had a lot of supportive people in my corner, especially fellow bikers. They have taught me so much and supported me,” she says.
Whenever she encounters criticism or resistance, Ms Ncube says she chooses to focus on what makes her happy.
“When I get to a new place and face negativity, I just do what is best for me and ignore everything else,” she says.
Away from the highways, Ms Ncube works as a travel tour guide for a local company, a job that perfectly complements her adventurous spirit. Her work regularly takes her across Southern and East Africa and wherever she goes, her motorcycle goes too.
“I spend my time travelling around East and Southern Africa due to the nature of my job and my bike is always with me,” she said.
For Ncube, riding is about more than speed or thrill. It represents freedom, independence and self-belief.
The motorcycle, she says, has opened doors to experiences and confidence she wishes more young women could embrace.
“I wish all girls could just ride and not wait for permission from anyone because women riders are not the future, we are already there,” she says with a chuckle.
As more women across Zimbabwe continue entering spaces once considered exclusively male, Ncube believes perceptions are slowly changing.
Every kilometre she rides, every curious stare she receives and every doubtful voice she silences is helping redefine what women can do.
And as she disappears down another highway, helmet on and engine roaring, Ms Ncube is not just riding a motorcycle. She is riding beyond stereotypes.
