We know Xenia Votsidi personally.
She trusts us to help her choose the right gear — and we’re honored that she is the very first face of GAS Rider Stories, a series dedicated to our riders. Real people who walk into our GAS store in Chania every day and share the same passion.
Xenia is 32 years old, lives in Chania, and rides a Honda CB500F. She didn’t grow up in a family of bikers, but the sound of the engine always stirred something in her. We went for a ride together and asked her what motorcycling means to her.
What’s your story with motorcycles?
I was fascinated by bikes ever since I was a kid. No one in my family ever rode, but every time I saw a motorcycle pass by, something inside me lit up. I really wanted one as a student, but fear held me back — and so did my family, repeating the typical “you’ll get yourself killed” warnings. So I did everything “right”: got a driver’s license, bought a car, years went by… but the craving never left.
At 29, I finally made the move and got my own motorcycle. Until then, I had always borrowed bikes — but each ride came with a quiet promise to myself:
“One day, you’ll get your own.”
And I did.
When was the first time you felt like a true rider?
I think it was one of my first solo rides outside the city. Nothing spectacular — just a short route here in Crete. But that feeling of being on the road alone, with the wind and the engine… I felt present. Like I had arrived. I thought: yes, this is for me.
My motorcycle gives me something I don’t find elsewhere: freedom, peace, solitude (in the best way). It’s a break from everything and everyone — and you don’t need to explain it to anyone. And yes, I’m absolutely in love with the sound of the engine. It’s music.
How do you choose your gear?
Safety comes first — non-negotiable. But I also want to like how it looks. I want to feel good in it. Style matters to me — not to impress others, but to feel like it reflects who I am.
I’m especially drawn to leather gear. Unfortunately, in Greece it’s not always practical due to the heat, but whenever I see a good leather jacket, my heart skips a beat. One day I’ll get one — at least for the cooler seasons.
Where has your bike taken you?
I’ve explored a lot of Crete — I love following GAS Pie Moto Tours every year. They feel like short escapes with personality. I’ve gone as far as Agios Nikolaos, and I ride to Athens quite often.
For now, I can’t say I have a favorite route — but Italy is my dream. I want to experience it on my bike, with all the curves and the scents of the road.
If you could say one thing to another woman thinking about riding, what would it be?
There’s no wrong road — only the road you didn’t dare to take. Learn properly, gear up well, and do it for yourself. Motorcycling isn’t “just for men” — it’s a matter of soul. If it speaks to you, listen.
📩 Do you have a story you’d like to share?
Send us an email at info@gasmoto.gr with the subject line: GAS Rider Stories | Full Name
🎬 GAS Rider Stories have just begun.
