Christine Dufossé
Today’s rider is from Northern France! Christine Dufossé is a veteran motorcyclist who is an incredible role model for young girls who are just getting into riding. She rides a cruiser, an enduro and a dirt bike. She is also a rally driver, motorcycle journalist and an activist for motorcycling rights in France. In short, she has done everything! As befits a moto-journalist, she has some great photos and videos to share. Her stories are witty and entertaining, ranging from her first motorcycle ride to the old Yugoslavia, competing in rallies in Algeria, and encounters with Hell’s Angels. [Rashmi Tambe, Editor, Global Women Who Ride]
Please introduce yourself. Hello, I am a teacher in special schools with youth with disabilities. Travel and motorcycling has always been my two passions and my reason for living. I am a correspondent for a motorcycle diary Motomagazine which lets me travel. I usually ride where I want and where my friends go.
I got my motorcycle license when I was 19. I had ridden without a license before because I had cool friends who taught me.
Christine Dufossé as a young motorcyclist
When I was 20, I rode 7000 km in 10 days on an old Honda XLS 400 from the north of France to the old Yugoslavia. I had just enough money for petrol and not enough to feed me or find me accommodation. This was my best adventure despite all the difficulties I encountered. Mobile phones, GPS and maps of the country did not exist and the roads were very bad! After this ride, I never stopped and I continue to try and discover other lands.
Christine doing a river crossing
What do you ride these days? I ride a 1400 Suzuki Intruder because it looks like my old Harley Davidson but is more reliable. It has s two cylinder engine, lots of power and can travel miles without any problem. I have a Super 750 Ténéré because I saw Stéphane Peterhansel finish the Dakar rally on it in 1993. I also have a DR 350 for the winters.
Christine Dufossé with Stéphane Peterhansel
Can you share a good story from your travels? This one time, I was riding alone on my old Harley Davidson. On the road, I found that I had broken my headlamp housing. I ran into a Hell’s Angels prospect who hosted me for two nights while my bike was repaired. On the second night they invited some girls for a special evening. I had the choice to go or stay in a caravan there. I slept all night with a knife next to me!
Riding on backroads
Have you ever raced? I did the “Rallye des Colombes” in 2004. I was fortunate to have a sponsor. It is a regular race on a day reserved for women motorcycle riders and cars in Algeria. Experience of which I have great memories. I wanted to win and I managed to finish first. This year, I redo the “Rallye des Givrés” in northern France.
I also participated in the second Rally of Doves in Algeria that I won in 2004 on a 750 Africa Twin.
Christine Dufossé in Albania
Do you have any motorcycling heroes? I loved reading comic strip JulieWood when I was young, then Joe Bar Team. But I don’t have really heroes.
How do you find people around you treat you as a motorcyclist? Things have changed a lot. Before 2000, when I rode alone on my bike in foreign countries, I was like an alien. Even in France, bikers were rare. I had problems at work because I rode a Harley Davidson. Now I can go to work with my bike and have no problems.
Do you have access to high quality motorcycling gear in your part of the world? We do. Sometimes wages are not enough and you need to make choices.
Are there any motorcycling related issues that you feel strongly about? In France, helmet is mandatory. Bikers fought to have no fluorescent vest. But the future is dark. We are still fighting for having no MOT for motorcycles because this would prevent us changing or customize our bikes. I support the actions of the FFMC (French Federation of Angry Bikers) and participate in events when I am free.
How are women riders treated in your part of the world? In the same manner as men – with respect. 
C’est ma copine de route ! Vive Mog !
It’s my road buddy ! Long live Mog !
Vive Mog!! :D
Stay like You are … Change annything , we love You like that …
Pegasus L. Rider IOCF
I agree!
Thanks.. :o)))
That’s so amazing!!! I also dream to participate in rally or in enduro competitions among amateurs… As for me woman rider not young already over 40-45 is like a person whom I have to become)) So You have to proud of yourself!
What a legend. Such awesome stories, such an inspiration :)