My city- Joburg: Seipei Mashugane

'No one knows this about me, but I always wear beautiful underwear, even under my biking leathers'

I am ... upfront, straightforward and don't mind telling it like it is.

Where were you born? Soweto.

Where do you live? Bryanston.

Who do you share your house with? My two children, my daughter who is 11, and my son who is seven.

How did you get into your career? When my divorce came through, I decided to get a hobby. I took up biking. One day I was trying to park my bike outside a Soweto pub, and a guy came out to help me. It turned out he was a member of The Sopranos, a Joburg biker group. I started doing community work with them and eventually it became my career.

What's your greatest extravagance? Holidays.

What's your most treasured possession? My bike, a Yamaha 1500.

I'm predisposed to ... success.

What's your favourite building in Joburg? My house. It's quiet, peaceful and I've got a great view. I love being in my own space and getting away from the craziness of Joburg.

What's the ugliest thing about Joburg? The pretentiousness, you never know whether you're coming or going with some people.

What is the most memorable moment you've had in Joburg? Finishing last year's nine-province charity ride. We rode from Joburg to Polokwane to Mpumalanga to KZN, through the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, the Northern Cape, the Free State, the North West and back to Joburg again, in nine days. I've never been so pleased to see the outskirts of the city.

How do you get around? In my role as the Biker Queen, I'm given the opportunity to ride every new bike that comes on the market. Otherwise, I drive a '91 Merc.

I can't go without ... my kids and my mom.

If you inherited R100-million, what would you do with it? The first R10000 I'd blow on sunglasses. The rest I would give to the Biker Queen Foundation, the charity I'm registering. Once it's up and running, we're going to build HIV testing centres in rural areas where young women can get advice, treatment and medicine, free of charge.

If your house caught fire, what would you save? My new helmet. It's designed for bikers, but it's based on a pilot's helmet.

What are your creature comforts? Dogs. My dad has dogs and I love them. I want a Chinese Chow Chow, but not at the moment.

What are you reading? The Koran. I'm interested in exploring the Muslim faith.

I collect ... sunglasses. I have no idea how many I've got. My favourite is a pair of purple-framed Pradas.

My friends and I like ... honesty and truth.

Have you ever taken public transport in Joburg? I grew up on public transport.

Everything in moderation but ... dessert.

I met my partner ... I haven't yet. But I believe that when I finally do meet my partner, I'll know.

If money could buy happiness ... I would buy one day of realness; a day when everyone could feel centred and comfortable, and just get on with being themselves.

What's your favourite biking route in Joburg? The N1 north out of Joburg is the best - it's a concrete highway and the sound of the tyres on the concrete is magnificent.

If you could give your 20-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be? Be true to yourself and treat others the way you'd want them to treat you.

What travel essentials do you pack for a ride? We travel pretty light but I'm a big Victoria's Secret fan, so I'll be packing my body lotion and shower gel.

What is your dream bike? A Boss Hoss 1800. It weighs a ton and is totally impractical but I love it. It's the sort of bike you see in movies.

No one knows this about me, but ... I always wear beautiful underwear, even under my biking leathers.

How do your children feel about you biking? My son thinks it's the coolest thing and my daughter's has a great grasp on why I do it.

Do you think biking is dangerous? It's only as dangerous as using a knife in your kitchen.

The secret to being a single mother is ... honesty. If you're truthful, they'll understand, and cut you some slack where necessary.

Do you have any rituals before you go on a biking expedition? Yes, I have a mismatched pair of lucky socks that I always wear. One was my mom's and one was my dad's.

My little Black Book: Rocket, Rivonia 011 234 8807

I love their cocktails. My favourite is the Rocket Starburst and their salmon rosti is to die for.

Reflexions, The Buzz Mall, Waterford

011 658 1884

My ex recommended this spa and I go three times a month.

ZAR Lounge, Sandton 011 245 8000

It's chic, modern and has a great ambience. People get really dressed up to go out here.

Esme Mashugane 082 748 4906

My aunt was one of South Africa's first black models. She has taken all her industry experience and now uses it in her practice. I go to her for facials.

Le Looks, Bedfordview 011 883 2222

Mammy has been doing my hair for seven years. She's the only one who can fix my hair painlessly. She knows all about my life and I love it that we've known each other all this time.