From sifters to shifters: Reagan swaps baking for bikes

Motorbikes have been part of Reagan’s life for as long as she can remember.

“Pretty much my entire family is obsessed with motorbikes,” Reagan said. “My pop has been obsessed with them for ages and that’s kind of trickled down through the family. Everyone is involved in one way or another.”

Growing up in regional South Australia, Reagan spent weekends around motorcycles and racing events. Most notably, several family members have competed in the famously gruelling 24 Hour Reliability Trial, one of Australia’s most demanding motorcycle endurance events.

After several years of early mornings building a career as a baker, Reagan succumbed to her passion and switched directions to take on an apprenticeship in motorcycle mechanics.

“It was definitely tough,” Reagan said. “But I knew that if I didn’t make the decision now, I was probably going to be unhappy continuing in baking and not be as passionate as I once was. If I wanted to take that leap of faith, now was the time to do it.”

When Mas National Apprenticeship Consultant Tarah Marygold signed her up with host employer, Limestone Coast Motorcycles, there was an unexpected personal connection. The pair had known each other since Reagan’s childhood when Tarah’s son was close friends with Reagan’s brother.

“When I found out Tarah was going to be supporting me, I was really excited. When she called, it was like catching up with someone I’d known for years. It’s been nice rekindling that relationship and having that personal support,” Reagan said.

Just a month into the role, Reagan is already enjoying life in the workshop and looking forward to starting her trade school component in Adelaide. She believes curiosity and an open mind are among the most important qualities for anyone entering the trade.

“It’s important to keep an open mind and to not think you know everything,” she said. “There’s always something new to learn.”

As she adjusts to being an apprentice again, Reagan has a little side project she hopes to find time to finish. An old Yamaha TTR250 that belonged to her mum has been gathering dust in her shed. Despite owning three bikes of her own, Reagan has been slowly tinkering away, hoping one day she can get it back on the road – and practice endurance on it enough to attempt the 24 Hour Trial someday.

“My mum did it on a sidecar and my brother did it on a solo,” Reagan said. “It’s pretty crazy. Maybe I’ll attempt it eventually.”

For now, Reagan is focused on building her skills, learning from her workmates and embracing the opportunity to turn a passion passed down through generations into a rewarding career.