Crash Tested: a Ride Through the Bushland Turned Into a Life-Saving Lesson
January 23, 2025
For 19-year-old Pepita Barton from Sydney, Australia, a motorcycle wasn’t just a hobby—it was a long-awaited dream come true. After seven years of waiting and hard work to get her license, Pepita finally experienced the joy of life on two wheels. Every ride brought a new thrill, a new adventure, and a growing sense of freedom that only a motorcycle can offer.But one ride through the wild, unpredictable Australian bush turned that passion into a serious test. It became a test of her skills, her endurance, and, of course, the quality of her gear. Thanks to her Pando Moto Lorica KEV 02 trousers, motorcycle gloves, and belt, Pepita survived an accident that could have ended much worse.
The Challenges of the Australian Bush
Riding a motorcycle through the Australian bush is an exhilarating experience, but it’s full of hazards. Narrow, winding roads surrounded by dense vegetation hide many invisible dangers. Fallen branches, loose gravel, unexpected potholes, and animals darting onto the road are constant threats for motorcyclists. Eucalyptus trees can drop bark and branches at any moment, and the remote, uneven terrain leaves no room for mistakes.
Every turn can hide a surprise—a patch of gravel that steals traction, a kangaroo leaping onto the road, or a fallen tree limb. The beauty of the bush is undeniable, but it demands respect, vigilance, and preparation for the unexpected.
Moment That Changed Everything
Pepita was enjoying what was supposed to be an ordinary ride through the bush. The road twisted through the forest, each turn bringing a sense of excitement and freedom. Everything was perfect—until it wasn’t.
As she leaned into a turn, Pepita suddenly saw it—a branch lying on the road. There was no time to avoid it. The wheel caught on the branch, and the motorcycle lurched violently.
Seconds turned into chaos. The tyres lost grip on the loose gravel, the brakes didn’t work. Pepita’s heart pounded as the world tilted. She was flung from the bike, her body soaring through the air. Time slowed: the rough gravel rushing up to meet her, twigs snapping with a sharp crack, the cold shock of impact piercing her body.She hit the ground hard, the force jarring her bones. Her body rolled across the rough terrain, a sharp pain tearing through her abdomen as a branch pierced under her motorcycle gear. The world spun—sky, ground, sky, ground—until finally, she stopped, sprawled on the gravel road, pain pulsing through her entire body.
Gear That Saved a Life
When the paramedics arrived, they found Pepita in shock, blood seeping from the puncture wound in her abdomen. The ambulance rushed her to the hospital, where doctors immediately performed brain scans, neck checks, and spine X-rays, fearing the worst.
The diagnosis: her brain, neck, and spine were intact. No fractures, no head injuries, no road rash. Her Pando Moto Lorica KEV 02 trousers, gloves, and belt had absorbed the impact and protected her body. The motorcycle clothing took the impact of the gravel’s rigidness, sparing her skin. The doctors were amazed: “If it weren’t for your gear, the outcome would have been much worse.”
These jeans are more than just stylish motorcycle gear for women—they embody the core pillars of safety, function, and style that Pando Moto stands for. Made from 9oz heavy-duty power-stretch waxed denim, they offer exceptional abrasion resistance and comfortable wear. The jeans feature DuPont™ Kevlar® lining in high-impact zones, providing additional protection against tears and abrasions. The CE-certified SAS-TEC TripleFlex armor in the knees and hips absorbs and distributes impact energy, reducing the risk of serious injuries. Designed to balance protection and performance, these jeans reflect Pando Moto’s commitment to creating gear that is engineered by riders for riders.Her beloved motorcycle riding gear had to be cut away to allow for emergency surgery, but it had done its job perfectly. “I can’t thank Pando Moto enough,” Pepita says. “Your gear saved my life.”
The Road to Recovery
The crash left Pepita with a puncture wound in her abdomen, a fractured shoulder, and a dislocated clavicle— the latter injuries slowed her recovery but didn’t break her spirit. Healing has been tough, but her determination remains strong. “I’m making sure to heal properly so I can get back on the bike as soon as possible,” she says.Despite everything, her love for motorcycling remains unshaken. “Thanks again for making good quality gear. If I didn’t have it, my situation would have been much worse”, Pepita affirms. “I’m trying to see the positives and I’m saving up for more gear right now then I can get riding again!”
Ride with confidence and comfort in Pando’s protective jeans. Discover reliable gear designed to keep you safe on your next adventure.
