Motorcycle Rallies and Events

Women on Motorcycles

April 17th, 2007

The other day, I was bringing my brother-in-law, Jack, back home after a doctors appointment. I looked in my rear view mirror, and saw a motorcycle coming up on me. As I switched lanes to let it pass, I commented to Jack how the rider appeared to be awful small. Turned out it was a female rider that passed us. I looked back at Jack and said “Nice bike, huh?” He just grinned and said “Sure. Uh-huh!”

Friday, I read an article “Free Time: What Draws Women To Motorcycle Riding?“, which explored some of the reasons for the increased presence of women in the motorcycle riding community. This article concluded that it was all about freedom and control… really the same as why anyone that has taken up riding loves to ride.

When I first started riding in the early 70s, I very rarely saw women in the control seat of a motorcycle. Most enjoyed just packing. Yes, during a lot of the rallies some of the women riders showed up, but they were still a novelty. But that does not mean that they weren’t there riding just the same. Motor Maids, laying claim as the “First Motorcycling Organization for Women in North America”, was founded with over 50 members in 1940, and received their AMA charter in 1941. Women on Wheels has been going strong since 1981, and the Spokes-Women MC since 1989.

Women also have their own rallies, too. Femmoto, this year held in Las Vegas between October 5th and 7th, states on their home page:

Femmoto began in 2001 as a women only track day, but has quickly evolved into much more. Today Femmoto is an organization that looks to fill the void for women motorcycle riders who are looking not only to improve their riding skills with on-track instruction, but who need information, contacts, and specialty services/products.

Also, as previously posted, there is the Women’s Sportbike Rally, held in Western NC, Eastern TN. I am sure there will be more events to cater with the growing interest of women, no longer content with packing behind their ol’ man, getting behind the wheel and feeling the wind in their faces.

Entry Filed under: General Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rallies