VOTE SASHA FOR MISS STURGIS BIKER LADY EXTRAORDINAIRE

It was a few years ago I met Sasha—she and I were chosen as hosts for “Biker Girls: Born to Be Wild” a Discovery Communications production aired on TLC. It was very exciting times--I was flown to Orlando from Amsterdam to co-host this fun and zany show about two very different women motorcycle riders—Sasha the Harley gal and "moi" the RaceGirl on a new Ducati 999s. It was a most interesting experience, all around from filming, working with Sasha, experiencing Daytona Bike Week—and all its scenes. It finally aired on TLC one year after we made it and was a one hour program. The producers said it was a hit—I had no concept being that TLC is not available in Europe. Even though the show aimed to be a reality series, it ended being a one shot deal about Daytona Bike Week—crazy Daytona Bike week.

Sasha and I have remained in contact —she's a grandiose enthusiast and representative of motorcycling—written books [on women riders], writes songs and continues to be part of the American motorcycling community in her stylish "gypsy rider" way.

Sasha, in a recent email informed me she was competing for the 2008 title of Miss Sturgis. I’ve personally not experienced Sturgis, yet it has a legendary reputation namely among Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. To support Sasha without hesitation, I went to the Miss Sturgis website and voted for her. In my opinion she is deserving of the title not because she is one of the few contestants who actually is a "biker lady" (her website)—but she is intensely into the motorcycling lifestyle.

I hope you'll join me in supporting her and VOTE for Sasha! Get your vote in before 14 March.

As a funny note--when viewing the other 2008 contestants with their Hooters t-shirts, falling off panties and nick names such as “Nipples” and “Snowbunny”-- the best smile arrived when I saw the photo portraying “Miss Sturgis 2005-2006” Debbie Davids. Her rear-end pose showing off messaged underpants which stated “WIDE OPEN”-really amazed me. Not failing to mention the rather delightful grinner in the back ground.

Perusing the Miss Sturgis past and future pictures unquestionably helped me understand more about this Sturgis “thing”--a less than elegant portrayal of women. Oh-my-goodness women of Sturgis—raise the bar. No, not the one where you order a beer ;-) (vote for Sasha)

TODAY’S RED RIDING HOOD—WOMEN MOTORCYCLE TRAIL RIDERS

Yesterday I had the pleasure of enjoying a visit with the Northumberland Trail Rider’s Club (the name taken after their location) annual general meeting upon their invitation. It was an informal gathering which allowed me to become more acquainted with the members and meet more women off road riders or trail riders, the term used in this case. Canada being such a vast land is as you can imagine, is amazing to explore via an off road motorcycle. This club, like other off road clubs, ensures these opportunities continue to exist for enthusiasts and host many events.

The meeting and discussions of upcoming events got my dirt riding and trail riding desires all a flowing--off roading is such a blast. Sadly I left my divine Husqvarna 2stroke 250 behind in NL--actually sold it to the importer because it was one that was originally from Sweden. I believe he wanted it for his collection. I loved the thing—bit noisy but certainly spunky and light.

We also discussed more methods of enticing additional interest by women to off roading—the renowned fund raiser ride the club initiated called MEG’S Ride has certainly added much awareness for women trail riders over its past near 6 years of activity.

During RaceGirl days in The Netherlands I hosted and coached off road days inclusive lessons, bike, gear and dirt on your face to wear home--these were a big hit. Once you learn the skills of riding on varied terrain and their affects on the motorcycle, the sliding of the back wheel for dirt turns, going airborne after throttling over small hills, etc. your street riding and road racing skills increase greatly not failing to mention the “fall off get back on factor”—it ain’t as bad as it seems! That’s why I originally started riding off road--not only for increased motorcycling pleasure but to enhance my racing abilities—plus its great for off season training. Off roading/trail riding is a great work out and for any motorcycle enthusiast, a super fun activity to keep you in shape!

A well known avid enthusiast at the meeting Sue Cannell, involved in numerous trail and off road clubs, informed me of a two day trail ride bordering the edge of Ontario’s most famous parks, Algonquin—one of my most favourite Northern Toronto wilderness locations from way back. Am pretty sure I’ll be joining in on this one! And some of the Northumberland events too!

Yes, the trip to grandmother’s house nowadays is done by women motorcycle trail riders of the forests—no chance for the big bad wolf!

MOTORCYCLING FOR WOMEN LOSES SMOKE BUT KEEPS THE FIRE

Confirming women's social roles and lifestyles have indeed changed is the recent television commercial for anti smoking aid "Nicotinell" featuring a female motorcycle rider as the sole theme of their advertisements’ campaign-- "LOSE THE SMOKE KEEP THE FIRE". It's furthermore terrific to see realistic motorcycle operation; with so many women riders and film stunt women, we've not needed male stand-in riders for quite some years-- as was often the case in the past.

The ad's actress and spokes woman depicts intelligence, confidence with a modern “in control” attitude -- not failing to mention style and glamour. And when she discovers her new self [without the cigarette] on a motorcycle her life passionately comes alive, in full colour.

The advert starts off by saying “who will you be without that cigarette in your hands—you'll never know until you quit” —this statement comparative to motorcycling. You'll never know how exciting and rewarding motorcycling is unless you try it -- in fact how life changing riding can result! And for others how it extends or compliments an already assertive life, a life without limits.
Excellent portrayal and the ad undoubtedly will affect women who have not yet explored motorcycling by sending the message of “get some fire”--learn to ride a motorcycle and discover more about you.
If you've not yet seen the advert, you can enjoy various country specific viewings at the brands main website. I found The Netherlands' website to be very cool. Just click on "vurige campagn" when you arrive and again on the wide screen TV. On the UK site click on TV AD's link on the top right bar.
I'm sure the product (made by leading pharmaceutical company Novartis) is worth trying if you are a smoker; happily I’m not. And frankly, I don't know "who I would be -- without those motorcycle grips in my hands".