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Passenger Safety Gadget Ignores Female Rider Friendliness

The motorcycling industry at large cannot be faulted – good intentions exist to ensure women are considered now in motorcycling, at all levels. But as women riders move forward there are still many steps taking us back.

This was apparent when I first caught sight of the new “Passenger Safety Accessory” called the “MotoGrip”. The pictures typically depict the "man" as the motorcycle rider and the woman as the passenger. But this time it was the entire design of the harness which had me twinging! The design (pictured below) if worn by a woman, lies directly across the breast area and appears incredibly unsuitable and uncomfortable for a female. (Could the straps even adjust to fit various chest sizes?)

Funnily enough, there are vast numbers of women riders who have children, teenagers and of course partners who enjoy riding on the back of their motorcycles. The MotoGrip may actually be a product for Mom’s which could provide additional "peace of mind" (MotoGrip Junior) when riding their youngsters around.  Many marketers are still not concerned with women riders. In this particular case, it would be as simple as introducing a female version of the item (which I'm fairly positive they'll implement if this manufacturer reads this blog!) Or demonstrating in their promo material how a woman could wear the item - which likely would be on the outside of a very thick jacket to avoid the anticipated discomfort!

It continues to strike me as unusual, that with women steering our  global economy's; controlling 80% of all household spending, are still often not counted.

Then again, there may be another factor at play… I know any passenger I’ve taken on my motorcycle for a ride, has never had any qualms about- holding on! *wink*

Note: for the record, I’m not convinced any form of passenger assisted grip works or does the job for the passenger.

Hit the Ground Riding – International Female Ride Day Spring Board to Season

Too fast! Time is speeding by. How is it that just over a month ago I was out there riding, enjoying the sensations motorcycling invokes; while women riders from all parts of the globe did the same. It was during the celebration of International Female Ride Day. And now, I look back and my personal photos of the Toronto specific rally are still not on my facebook page nor are the photos sent in by other women rider participants. We’ve not posted summaries of the exciting events around the world. It’s all because, after the first Friday of May we “hit the ground riding” – full on with motorcycle season!

As women, we tend to have a ‘super heroine’ outlook and mindset that we can do it all. Yes, add more to our days, pile on the tasks, the commitments and push forward in constant productivity. And on top of that when it comes to motorcycling we passionately WANT to do it all particularly in this location where the season is super short. We have the pressure of the long winter which will be here all too soon! Furthermore, multitudes of events occur every weekend - I know of half a dozen happenings right now that I would enjoy partaking in!

Lately, it seems things can’t get done fast enough. And when things don’t, I take comfort in knowing women relate because that’s how we all live our lives- all of us. Giving, doing, and sacrificing while pushing ever forward. But we’ll get there – as will the photos from International Female Ride Day.

Nonetheless and most importantly is the fact that – we did it! Women riders - we succeeded! We rode together on 6 May with a force and presence synchronized around the world – a world that took notice!

And when you look at it – all that really matter’s is the here and now!

See you again on 4 May 2012 – oh and yes with your photos in our new photo gallery – coming soon! ;-)

That’s The Way Love “Rolls”

I confess, and it’s no secret that I’m in love with motorcycling! Nothing else to date has succeeded to top this passion. You can’t break us up and in fact I’ve a license as a full endorsement of the relationship – a marriage license of sorts! We’ve shared thousands of kilometres between us and stayed together through the “rough patches” and catastrophes such as crashes on the track. We’ve moved to different continents and adjusted our methods through different variations of the bond. The day we first met is still a perfect memory. It was in Nova Scotia while stationed for a short term business position. I was shy and excited by a somewhat intimidated perception but it seemed so powerful and oh so intriguing! After the initial introductions and we got to know each other better, we partnered up, hit the road and never looked back except to check blind spots!

So I thought I’d see where others stand on the matter although I pretty much knew most would share the same passion that I do. I decided to use my social network on facebook which is 95% made up of motorcyclists to see what others really felt. I posted an update status question that asked: Would u say you have feelings of 'love' for your motorcycle? Would you say it has a life or personality of its own with an anthropomorphic tendency for your ride? The responses were overwhelming! One reply stated “It sure does. It's a part of me. I talk to it like it’s real and feel bad during the winter and it sits all by itself in the garage!” Another expressed “I definitely feel like there's a connection between me and my bike! I talk to her, pet her... and I "feel" her when I ride, especially at the track! She becomes part of me and me a part of her!” There was “YES!!! I love riding” and “I love love love my bike!!” and then just a simple response of “I do. I do. I do!”  

All of us remember the moment when we officially purchased and then picked up our first motorcycle and when it really becomes ours! We also remember and for some too many occasions of regret at situations when we had to sell a bike or trade it in for an upgrade. I’ll also bet that every rider has at least one photo of their motorcycle in their smart phone! I still have the key to my first sport bike. I told the person who purchased the bike from me I had lost the spare key just so I could keep a small memento! It was the key from my 1987 Honda Hurricane CBR600. I had to sell it because I was moving to the Caribbean. The other motorcycle “divorce” that still causes me pain, was my recent move to Canada. Customs would not allow me to bring my 1995 Ducati 900SSE due to emission and engine issues.

Motorcycling seems also to make love happen. So many friends I know met their partners during a motorcycle trip or event of some sort. The shared camaraderie removes a lot of social barriers that normally stand between everyday potential casual encounters. The renowned “biker’s wave” already symbolizes our kinship with each other. Could you imagine what reactions would occur if we waved at every one else in an auto?

The best motorcycle love story I’ve heard was shared with me during my Daytona Bike week and while filming our TLC biker girls show. We were co-hosting the largest “biker wedding vow renewal ceremony”. Motorcycle couples had gathered in the hundreds aiming to set the new record for this special ceremony. Our view from the stage was thrilling and overwhelming from the energy emitting from these ‘in love’ motorcycle married couples. It was after this ceremony I met an elderly couple in their mid/late 60’s. They had been together their entire lives. The wife and passenger said to me, “If we had had to speak to each other all those years, we would never have stayed together!” I guess not having to converse is another benefit of motorcycling.

Motorcycling is definitely my ultimate passion - the way I see it, anything that “starts my heart” in such a manner - must be ♥love!♥

Measuring Up the New Motorcycling Year – Tiny Changes Make For Powerful Outcomes!

Frequently during interviews I'm asked if motorcycling has influenced or changed my life. Questions asked to me namely by women, not men. Women aiming to link or underline the psychological benefits motorcycling may affect; defining this empowerment many women experience after learning to ride.

But it never was “empowerment” for me I always had a “no limits” approach to life right from a very early age. And as a young girl I think this propelled me outside so called gender boundaries. I enjoyed sports, building rafts, climbing trees – all that fearless stuff that the boys seemed to embrace! On top of that, I'm a pilot's daughter. I’d been speeding down farm field runways lifting off to the pleasures of being airborne in two or four seater aircrafts since I can remember!

Motorcycling for me was out-and-out “the” answer for my need to be thrilled, an activity providing me an outlet from my corporate life and one that equally challenged me. And getting back to this frequently asked question if "motorcycling has influenced or changed my life"-there is something that motorcycle racing opened my mind to. Something that I've been able to bring to daily life – and that is the understanding that just about everything in life can be altered or adjusted to make it fit for you; make it work for you!

It was racing which enlightened me to the fact that slight changes affected better performance. Just tiny transformations made for hugely powerful outcomes! Perhaps this sounds ridiculously simple. But trust me if you’re like me, one that’s never dabbled in custom bike or car building, or building wooden cabinets for that fact –this common sense is the furthest from your understanding.

It wasn’t until the end of my first supersport race season, I started to alter, fit and adjust not only my motorcycle, but my riding style. I had great resources within the race community to help me (and later years the full Ten Kate Honda team). I recall the success of simply repositioning my motorcycle rear-sets (foot pegs) -a few centimetres higher and forward resulting in a better body position to manoeuvre control. Then there was my decision to add a “quick throttle” to reduce the amount of travel my small female hand needed. I accelerated quicker with less wrist movement-this worked like a charm! Of course adjustments in racing are eternal and take into account the unique characteristics of each different circuit you're racing on. You can understand why it's so tough to become good at this sport-the constant adjusting is much about trial and error, experiments using up many dollars, on limited track time.

Sounds so simple doesn’t it?

So it’s thanks to motorcycle racing I'm a much better solution seeker. No matter if I'm loading up my trailer, finding extra space in my kitchen cupboards, improving students circuit riding techniques or working on personal relationships-I seek out the small alterations. Nearly 100% of the time I get huge results needed!

As you look forward to the year ahead and contemplate your plans and goals-try focusing on the simple and minute changes/alterations. These are easy and I’m certain you’ll find just as I have-  a little goes a long long way!

Cheers to the small stuff in 2011!

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Meet South Africa's First Black Female Motocrosser

Dolly Mdiniso, from Kensington Johannesburg South Africa had never ridden a motorcycle. She grew up in Soweto, the second of four siblings raised by a single mother, graduated from high school and got a job. But all she ever really wanted to do was ride a motorcycle. It's probably the dream of many but for Dolly it was a silent passion- until she came across an advert in a local magazine for a woman’s motorsport day.

At thirty three, older than most riders entering into motocross, she arrived at “Wild Thing Raceway” with little idea of what to expect, but convinced instructor Neil van der Ross that her passion to learn and ride bikes was genuine.

Neil took her under his wing from that day forward and patiently trained Dolly into a competent and able motocrosser, utilizing his own time, money and resources. Neil decided to approach Yamaha for possible assistance. They immediately saw it as a great opportunity to promote motocross, and motorsport in general, to the greater population of Southern Africa – and to women and couldn’t pass up the chance to support Dolly.

South African’s in Gauteng and within the motocrossing circuits are very proud of Dolly, for you see - she is South Africa’s first black woman motocrosser! Feeling very proud of the fact herself, she has big plans and wants to try hare scrambles, enduro, Supermoto and even circuit racing!

She’ll be a great influence to women in Johannseburg area.

Go Dolly!

Impressive Skills of Italian Police Motorcycle Drill Team 1950’s

If you’ve ever watched motorcycle trick riding performances for exhibition, competition or just entertainment, you’ll most certainly stand in awe of the performance– even more so if you're a rider. We know how challenging riding slow is!

Here is a video I came across that’s certain to bring a smile to you face (if you’ve not seen it already!) It’s a synchronized riding demonstration by the Italian police for the public and local officials. The kicker is, this was sixty years ago! It was during a time when two wheeled machinery was simple, likely more lightweight, yes, but even more challenging to control and to manoeuvre! You had to have skills and a very practised co-ordination!

You’ll see a part in the video where they ride up and over a small bridge – we had to do such a similar thing back in the early 1980’s in order to pass the motorcycle training course!

Enjoy!

Finding Other Women Riders

Finding other women riders has never been easier yet I still often hear the complaint from many women I encounter that they don't know other women to ride with and end up riding with the guys, or alone.

“Where the girls are” can be somewhat of an exploration and especially if you're just getting into motorcycle riding. The truth is it’s never been easier to find other female riders- of all disciplines- scootering, touring, motocross or sport bike! We’re nearly 23% of the rider population now and I’m sure you’ve noticed the numerous female riders piloting bikes on our roads.

Internet and social networking platforms (facebook, forums, etc) are bringing so many women and rider activities together. Websites, e-newsletters sent by local motorcycle dealers promote product awareness and localized events. International Female Ride Day has grown to a globally huge success thanks to internet networking and has brought so many women together – admittedly this was one of the goals of the campaign! Indeed it's easier to find other female riders. We're simply a small populous that requires a little bit more effort to find. This can be indeed misinterpreted-even more so if living in a small community.

Women’s groups and clubs are booming and those that have already existed for decades are expanding in membership. Nevertheless the fact remains, that woman entering motorcycling, particularly “solo” have feelings of apprehension about their riding future. They’ve achieved the license, the bike and now wish to find the right club or riding friend to hangout with. But really, just like many things, new to anyone, this feeling soon subsides once we become more informed.

So taking a ride down the information highways first will bring you into female rider communities. And if that doesn’t work, the first Friday in May is International Female Ride Day, a guarantee in meeting other women riders!

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!