Joann Steps Up For A New Adventure
Making Tracks On Yamaha's Ténéré 700
Story: Chris Dobie // Images: RideADV // Video: #UnitedByYamaha
Four years after the inaugural Women's Only Adventure Ride hosted by Yamaha-supported adventure company RideADV, business owner Greg Yager is witnessing the remarkable growth resulting from his commitment to introducing women to the joys of off-road adventure riding. Initially, the ladies were content attending RideADV's special events, but now many are expanding their horizons, eagerly signing up for the challenging open events RideADV also offers. Leading this charge is one of Greg Yager's standout students, Joann Atherton.
My main concern was the added weight of a bigger bike, but that concern quickly disappeared
Joann, the focus of the 2022 #UnitedByYamaha short feature film Out There, recently participated in the RideADV Orange Two-day Navigation Ride alongside fellow female riders Kate McGrath and Jill Deason, and the event marked a notable change in her choice of transport. Gone was the trusty WR250R, replaced by a brand new Yamaha Ténéré 700 adventure machine.
While Orange was Joann's third outing on the new bike, she admitted to still adjusting to the purpose-built adventure machine. Gradually moving towards ownership of the larger and more powerful Ténéré 700 for some time, she admitted that when the time came to make the switch, there was lingering apprehension. To ensure the right decision, she sought advice from her friend and off-road riding mentor, Greg Yager. Despite Yamaha's support for Greg's company, Joann knew he would offer unbiased support regardless of the motorcycle brand she chose. "My main concern was the added weight of a bigger bike," Joann explained. "But after riding Greg's Ténéré 700 in the Watagans - an offer he enthusiastically extended - that concern quickly disappeared. I now only notice the weight when loading the bike onto the trailer – not while riding."
Standing at 185cm tall, Jo always felt a bit confined on her smaller WR250R, so the additional height and length of the Ténéré, along with the extra power of the 689cc twin-cylinder engine, proved to be a welcome change. "There's no need to hang off the throttle on the Ténéré like I used to on the WR," she revealed. "The 700 is so smooth, and the power delivery is consistent, making the bike very forgiving to ride. The added size and weight just fade away.” Joann also revealed another factor that convinced her to switch to the Ténéré 700. “The reliability I've witnessed with the Ténéré 700 at ride events over the past few years has been amazing – I can't find fault with it."
Since purchasing her new bike, Joann has been exclusively riding with the RideADV team to help her to become comfortable and confident with her new machine. "I've attended two RideADV events prior to the Orange Two-day to familiarise myself with my new bike," she revealed. "RideADV events are the perfect setting because I know the team, and there's no pressure, just support – if anything goes wrong, I know they've got my back."
As Joann continues her pioneering journey into adventure riding, paving the way for other female riders to follow suit, Greg Yager and the Yamaha supported RideADV team remain committed to expanding the female ADV ride community. They host specific women's only events throughout the year and also encouraging participation in open events.
The next RideADV Women's Only Adventure Ride will be held on 15-16 June 2024. The two-day ride starts and finishes in Nambucca Heads, with both days suitable for all styles of adventure bike and riders of all skill levels. The experienced RideADV team will include lead and sweep riders and well as a support crew with vehicles. Accommodation is pub, motel or camping. Book your place now. Check out the full calendar of RideADV events on the RideADV web page.