7 minute read

DONNA FOX FOXY LADY

from Trial Magazine Issue 98 April-May 2023

from Trial Magazine Issue 98 April-May 2023, page 46

BUSTO BREAKS THROUGH

Without a doubt – and quite rightly so – the ladies’ side of motorcycle trials has grown beyond what anybody could have predicted. Close on 30 years ago, a young smiling face was spotted inside a crash helmet at a North Derbyshire Youth Motor Cycle Club riding a Yamaha TY80. That face belonged to a very young Donna Fox. She was having a ball of a time, always smiling whether upside down or feet-up; the enjoyment was obvious. She loved motorcycles, in particular trials. Wind the clock forward to 2022, and she was using her many years of experience working alongside the seven-times FIM Women’s World Trials Champion Emma Bristow on Minding duties. By the end of the year, it was title number eight, and Donna had played a part in it; she loved the pressure and the success of working with such an incredible world champion. 2022 was a busy year; in between working with Emma, she also finished 19th in the Pre-65 Scottish on a BSA Bantam. A lady of many motorcycle talents, it was time to catch up with the ‘Foxy Lady’.

you in the picture, Donna comes with a fair international motorcycle trials CV, including: competing in the FIM Women’s FIM World Trials Championship from 2002–2018 with a personal best finish of third in 2015; she is a member of the winning team from Great Britain in the Trials Des Nations in 2006, 2007, 2015, and 2016 and in 2018; and has represented her country on 13

: Yes, of course; anything to do with the sport of motorcycle trials always brings a smile to my face. I love the sport and the people around it. Being able to influence many riders over the years helps keep the smile. Our family have been around trials motorcycles for many years. It was my father and my uncle who opened the door to the sport for me. I had watched them playing on trials motorcycles when I was very young; the patio window and asked where the motorcycle was! Fortunately, my sister liked the pony, so I became the proud owner of a Yamaha TY80 six months later; it felt like a lottery win.

When was the first trial?

DF: I played around on the TY80, making my own practice sections with my dad as the observer, and on 22nd October 1995, at ten years old, I competed in my first trial – on my birthday. It was so exciting. It also opened me up to the world of the trials family. I can guarantee you that you will find no better friends and people than the trials ones; everyone wanted to help me.

So many other young girls had found motorcycle trials, and in 1999 the ACU organised the first British Championship. I progressed from the early learning years and was enjoying it all so much that in 2002 I represented Great Britain in the Trial Des Nations. I still class this as one of my best achievements, as I wasn’t even 18 years of age; I didn’t even know there was a world championship! I needed to get a passport and quick, as did my father! Representing my country in my chosen sport at such a young age is something I will never forget.

Do you still compete much?

DF: As a Chef, I work some unusual hours at a Coffee Shop, for example, 7am–3pm and then 2pm until 11pm Friday and Saturday; it depends on how busy we are. I perform managerial duties as well. I don’t compete in trials that often though I still like having a play if a motorcycle is about; you never lose that passion of wanting to ride.

On the run-up to the Pre-65 Scottish, which I now compete in once a year, I will ride the BSA I am lent by a friend to remind me of what to do [she laughs]. I have just bought a new 2023 Montesa 260 Cota 4RT.

Pre-65; Do you like the Classic scene?

DF: “It is really good fun but also, at the same time, very competitive. In my third Pre-65 Scottish attempt in 2022, I was very focussed on a good result, but it all came back down to earth when I had one five-mark penalty for a stop on section three on day one. I thought that was it. I might as well go back to the van. Finishing on ten marks lost over the two days left me in 19th position; as they say, every mark counts. 2018 was my first attempt, and I prepared by riding the BSA Bantam in a trial to convince myself it was the correct decision. Two outstanding Pre-65 riders, Yrjo Vesterinen and Robin Luscombe competed in the same event. So I told my dad I would go to the Pre-65 Scottish if I beat them. While I did not beat them, I enjoyed riding the BSA, so I went anyway; as you would say, I now have the bug for this event!

WELL DONE TEAM HEMINGWAY – 2022 FIM TRIAL3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.

Can you win the Pre-65 Scottish?

DF: On a very good day, I have the ability, so yes. Mentally, maybe not, as I always like to enjoy myself. It is very much a pressure test as every mark counts, as I found out at my cost last year. The level of competition is very high, and sections are very unpredictable with the loose rocks, which can change a section at any time.

Riding between the sections and keeping your concentration levels high is quite challenging. You also have to factor in the machine as they are very unpredictable in how they run – not really my department. Usually, if a motorcycle can rev out and go forward, I am okay. Ridingwise, you have to really try and hold your line as, if you wander outside of where you are supposed to be going, it will be a disaster.

What are your thoughts on the Classic trials scene?

DF: It has an excellent social crowd. Everyone has made me very welcome. The sections are reasonable, leading to an enjoyable day out as you are not worrying about crashing down some big step or off huge rocks.

My BSA Bantam is very competitive to a point, but when I look at some of the other machines, they are in a different league, such is the work and expense that has gone into them. I like the two-stroke as it is possibly closer to the modern machines than the four-strokes; they always look so heavy to ride.

How do you see the modern world of Ladies’ trials?

DF: It has become so much more hectic than when I competed, more demanding. The world rounds have become a four-day rush, as I discovered when I was Minding for Emma.

Friday is busy preparing, then Saturday and Sunday is the event before a race back to the airport. The rising cost of travel is partly to blame. You need strong sponsors who can provide the vital finances to allow you to travel, train and compete in Europe. On the one hand, you need the results to attract the sponsors, but then you need the finances to reach that level.

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Emma Bristow

DF: Emma has, without a doubt, taken the inclusion of women in a male-dominated sport to another level. She is a superb ambassador. Winning eight FIM Trial World titles has made other female riders believe in what can be achieved and made manufacturers and sponsors more aware of our sport. She is always happy to pass on advice and help the other riders; there is no barrier between male and female in motorcycle trials — we are all equal, and our male counterparts always encourage us to succeed. Our UK federation, the UK importers, and the sponsors all treat men and women equally with the same level of respect.

Minding in 2022

DF: I really enjoyed working with Emma, not just the Minding duties but the opportunity to travel; I have always enjoyed this aspect of the sport.

was familiar; we had trained together since a very young age. We both had the same ambition back then, but she became an eight-time FIM World Champion, and I did not. I gave it my all, but it never happened. However, away from the sport, we remain great friends.

When I was first Minding for her, it did seem strange not to be competing, but I approached it with the same belief, to win; it is in my genes. I still had all the riding kit on, and that kept me focused, just as if I was competing. I feel privileged to have been part of Emma winning; it meant so much.

Will you compete with Emma?

DF: Emma loves events like the Scottish Six Days Trial, an event I have competed in on four occasions, but it is not my type of event. The

Away from trials?

DF: I live in Doncaster, in South Yorkshire, so I am officially classed as a Yorkshire rider with my fiancé of 20 years. I do have a life away from trials, which revolves around relaxing and enjoying life at a much slower pace. As a Chef, I like eating out in nice restaurants, and before you ask, no, I am not going on Master Chef!