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From pirouettes to power slides, Hawkesbury’s own Ashley Habkouk has taken an unconventional path into sport — and she’s now a rising force in motocross, riding with the Panorama Motorcycle Club at Bathurst and inspiring a new generation of local girls to follow her lead.
Ashley has been part of the high-octane sport since she was just seven years old, transitioning from dance to dirt bikes after watching her older brother, Jesse Dale, compete at the NSW state level. “He was my role model,” she says. “I saw him race and I wanted to do it too.”
Based out of the track at Panorama, the club draws competitors from across the Central West and Greater Sydney — including a strong and growing contingent from the Hawkesbury. For Ashley, who was born and raised locally, motocross has become more than a weekend activity. It’s a passion that builds strength, confidence, and community.
“I like it because it’s fun, action-packed, and gets the adrenaline going,” she says. “At the end of a meet, I feel both exhilarated and exhausted — in the best way. It’s made me stronger and more confident in everyday life.”
Ashley began racing in junior competitions where she frequently took 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, often as one of the only girls in the field. Now, as a senior rider, she is one of just two senior women competing regularly — but the tides are beginning to turn.
“At the last few meets, I noticed a lot more junior girls from the Hawkesbury coming through the ranks. It was really heartening to see,” Ashley said.
Motocross is not for the faint-hearted — it demands physical stamina, technical skill, and mental resilience — but for Ashley, it’s the thrill, camaraderie, and personal challenge that keeps her coming back. Meets are held every couple of months, and the growing diversity in the sport is a sign of change.
“I think more girls are realising they can do this too,” she said. “You don’t have to fit a stereotype. If it excites you, go for it.”
Ashley’s story is one of grit, inspiration, and pride in representing her community. As women’s sport continues to gain recognition across Australia, young women like Ashley are showing that whether it’s boots on the field or wheels on the dirt, there’s no limit to where passion and persistence can take you.
If you'd like to see the action up close or encourage a young rider to give it a go, the next meet at Panorama Motorcycle Club is just around the corner — and Ashley will be right there, leading the way.
