Ride Around Lake Superior on a Motorcycle- You Will Love the Roads!

Last summer I spent nine glorious days riding a Triumph Street Triple R around the complete perimeter of the greatest of the Great Lakes - Superior. It was a brilliant experience – the combo of the bike’s performance, the roads, the wilderness – made me ever more fond of Ontario’s North. The incredible stunning freedoms we experience on these northern roads, on a motorcycle can only be best described by experiencing it yourself.  

If you’re thinking of a tour to do this summer- it’s really one that will leave you satisfied on so many levels.

Here’s my ride story…

"The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they called Gitche Gumeeeee..."! Helmet acoustics are fabulous I thought to myself, and continued to sing aloud Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". Though a tragic tale of loss, I enjoyed its catchy melody. I lifted my toe in sync with the song's rhythm, tipping the Triumph into sixth gear and still further along the wood-lined road to its hilltop. I rode on past the parking lot and along the foot path to the monument's base. I turned off the bike, dismounted and walked toward the towering one-legged bronze man, runner Terry Fox. It was here, 18 miles from Thunder Bay in 1980, his Great Marathon of Hope ended. I walked over to the look-out deck, and to the panorama of Lake Superior and Thunder Bay. I could see from where I'd ridden and to where I'd ride.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO TO KEWEENAW, HOUGHTON, MICHIGAN

This was the furthest North in Ontario I had ridden…

…Read more

International Female Ride Day – Stand up and Take a Bow

Months ago, the 7th edition of International Female Ride Day (IFRD) rumbled across the world’s planet and it was –phenomenal! Women motorcycle riders on all makes and models got on their two-wheelers (and three wheelers), rode together, synchronized on one special day worldwide for the seventh occasion of IFRD. 

It isn't until the morning of the day, that first Friday in May, when I’m about to turn the ignition key on my own motorcycle that I pause and find myself overcome by the reality of the day. This glorious moment hits me! It's International Female Ride Day - I’m overwhelmed with the reality. I imagine the ladies in Australia, in India, Cape Town South Africa, Yukon, Iceland, Russia, West to East coast Canada and all points America- doing the very same as me - gearing up to JUST RIDE. And to think I made this happen - yes, I did, I created International Female Ride Day!

As an advocate for motorcycling; for women and motorcycling, this event without a doubt allows me huge personal reward. It’s not been an entirely easy journey though, and I've had to deal with some incredibly disheartening challenges- so much so that on numerous occasions I've contemplated "throwing in the towel". The fact that I’m self employed and that this campaign is nearly a full time task but provides no income for me is a challenge all on its own- bitter sweet you could say. It’s exciting and motivating to steer while being incredibly taxing on my personal self and my company. Yet my drive proceeds - doing the best I can. Yes, I fall behind on tasks- designing the annual icon, making it available on line and in various languages, website updates, Facebook page / group / event management, tweeting, responding to hundreds of inquiries, designing t-shirts, working with the industry and associations –policing; it's incredibly fatiguing, like this long sentence!  All costs for the project are personal. But adding to it all are the battles I've faced from other women. Jealously, material theft, wordage and date disputes, copyright infringement; those who have attempted to work against the effort. These are a minority yet a reality. One year I recall many sleepless nights while I contemplated the actions I would take to protect IFRD from a powerful global brand who- since introduction - have done their best to re-brand and take credit for the event. On the other hand within guidelines, I've assisted the industry on creating special events to promote their businesses; manufacturers’ national campaigns- and assisted women’s clubs who sadly, ended up preventing other women (those who are not members) from participating in their arranged happenings. Yet, when I weigh it all out, IFRD is worth it and coincides perfectly with all the reasons my brand RaceGirl in the nineties was born, succeeded now by MOTORESS; purely for the women and motorcycling! Thousands of women around the world continue to take a role and inspire us all within this unified camaraderie. And isn't it amazing all this within a world continuously dividing us from each other? 

When I’m asked by friends and those in the motor-sport industry to stand up and take a bow for IFRD’s successes – it’s purely from a place of privilege. IFRD has allowed me the opportunity to become acquainted with – and introduce make known to the planet - the most amazing women! It’s these women who’ve demonstrated by way of their ride day participation – IFRD resonates with them too.

And me, well, I’ll be ok; I always seem to manage. And yes, next year the running’s of this world wide action will be the same- too few hours in the day, far too many demands, no sleep and budget anxiety. Yet would I trade it? Not in a million IFRD synchronized worldwide women’s ride day miles!

Motorcycle Honeymoon Phase Over? Where to now?

Remember how exciting it was when you started riding a motorcycle and then bought your first bike?  You felt on top of the world with your newly discovered passion! You’d get butterflies in your stomach and your heart would beat a little faster at the thought of sharing time with your "sweet" motorcycle. The two of you attached in adventure, performance and safety- the "honeymoon phase".

In the honeymoon phase all is fresh and new. Inescapably you will hit an eventual pleasure plateau. Motorcycling, perhaps comparable to life- your career, personal relationships all level off.  When the honeymoons' over you’ll feel as though you’ve “been there done that”; as you ready to ride you'll find yourself saying “where to now?”

When I started riding, it was the same- you couldn’t remove from the seat of my bike. I’d find any excuse to be on my motorcycle. During the week I’d hurry home after work, skip dinner just to get a few hours of riding in before nightfall. It didn’t matter where I went as long as I was riding- the quality of the ride or it's distance was not relevant. But then it changed. I started to weigh out the trouble of getting the gear on and the motorcycle out to the quality, time and distance of the ride. The rides became predictable. So I started to explore other areas of motorcycling. I became an instructor, took mechanics courses and even left the country and moved to a tropical Caribbean Island just so I could ride all year long! Motorcycling has given me now twenty nine years of intimate sporting adventure and taken my kicks to so many different plateaus!

Using my example, you've likely figured out the solution to keeping that riding flame of passion going -work on the intimacy of the relationship.  Get closer to motorcycling! It's up to you as to which extent you'll do that but here are a few suggestions to get you going! (Random order)

• Trade in your motorcycle for a larger size (cc) engine; the next size up.
• Change the style of riding i.e. cruiser to sport-bike or sport-bike to sport touring.
• Take a motorcycle mechanics course.
• Practise doing your own general maintenance–start with an oil change or understand your braking system by doing your own brake fluid refresh.
• Take an off road course.
• Enroll in a track day-learn circuit riding!
• Start racing or some form of motorcycle competition.
• Take part in a rally (KYMCO Mad B Scooter Rally).
• Try to beat a record i.e. Iron Butt contests.
• Start a motorcycle club or charity ride.
• Travel to a challenging destination i.e. Panama.
• Ride with new friends – join a new club.
• Become a motorcycle instructor.
• Take a month off and go for a four week tour.
• Take an all inclusive European motorcycle tour (Edelweiss tours).
• Modify/customize your motorcycle.
• Get a custom paint job for your motorcycle.
• Move to a climate where you can ride all year.
• Diversify your style of riding. Add an off road motorcycle or a scooter to your collection.

Once you move through these plateau’s and keep motorcycling interesting- ever increasing skills and knowledge, you'll result in an expanded intimacy for the activity! 

At this point in my life, the phase I fear most which inevitably accompanies ageing- the physical inability to ride! Though I've still many years ahead (counting my blessings!) it is unlikely I'll surrender gracefully, if at all, to this reality. But perhaps it will then be time to outfit myself with a motorcycle and side-car!  The romance may never last, but the intimacy never ends!

Enjoy Your International Female Ride Day Women Riders!

It’s here again, the 5th year where we all get on our motorcycles or scooters, together, and JUST RIDE! Did I know 5 years ago this idea would be global? Did I believe it would be embraced by women around the world? Absolutely, YES! That was the whole idea from the get go!

You see, International female ride day was created by a female rider- yes that would be me. It was created from the heart of a woman, passionate about motorsport and with women’s best interests in mind. Five years later, it may be difficult to believe with the manner this events expanded global strength; that it is not a marketing ploy. Indeed the industry supports it as they do the woman rider segment; and yes there are industry leaders that would like to make the campaign their own (and believe me, what you don’t see is the fight, my fight and the work involved to ensure this action remains as full ownership to women riders. It’s by no means an easy task!) But it is purely about women riders– all ages, all skill levels, and all forms of riding styles! Women agreed with the concept, its freedom and it's very simple request - JUST RIDE.

Triumphantly International Female Ride Day has unified us across numerous cultures, in motorcycling-  riding together on this first Friday in May! And now, after the prep and promotion is complete, I have the chance to reflect and while I do, I imagine women in Moscow, in Yellowknife, Cape Town, San Jose, and Montreal who are on their motorcycles/scooters this very same day. Emotions stir –it’s really remarkable! But you must feel it too!? I remember the first photos I received in 2007– every woman in each photograph donned the biggest smile! That’s what motorcycling does!

This campaign is for women who enjoy riding motorcycles. It’s about creating awareness, inspiring others and simply showing we do it; we always have and we’re darn good at it. There is no fee, no subscription, no cost, simply be on a motorcycle. Women riders are still the minority – for many reasons be those choice, perception, culture, and social values. In earlier years there were larger hurdles such as not being permitted to partake in racing. But those who ignored the rules and competed, often won, without a podium, trophy or acknowledgement - simply because they were women. But over recent decades motorsport boundaries are being broken and "firsts" captured by women again and again!

I’ll be riding with you today as we show ourselves in force around the world and share in our camaraderie  for the activity, the thing I love most in life, motorcycling. I’ll especially think of “Bikerni” India’s young women rider enthusiasts. They’re still faced with challenges and cultural restrictions such as not being permitted to ride to work or respecting evening curfews. But they worked it out and will all JUST RIDE because really, it’s all we simply want to do!

From my motorcycle to yours, thanks for riding along!

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!

NFL Superstar Players Pose on MV Agusta Motorcycles for New Nike Campaign

It’s a good tie in for sure, using the “Get Fast or Get Forgotten” NFL athlete catch phrase. Famed sports brand Nike chose MV Agusta as its partner for the new advertising campaign dedicated to the stars of the NFL. Five superstars from the National Football League posing on the new MV Agusta F4 - Steve Breaston of the Arizona Cardinals, Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions, Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles, Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s a complete mix of power and speed that represents the connection between the most coveted sports bike in the world and one of the most popular sports on the planet. I think its rather cute as well, when you visit the website, you’ll even get motorcycle revvin’ sounds- how could you not? And notice their football uniforms have been transformed into look-a-like motorcycle race suits - including knee sliders! These NFL stars almost seem believable as motorcycle riders - so much so, it’s stirring up an interest in me to watch an NFL game …girls? Download the wallpaper here.

Overdue Kudos to Only Woman Rider Winner of National Harley-Davidson Contest!

It’s been over a year since I judged Canada's National Harley-Davidson "Show & Shine Contest". I find winners are ageless. Once you win you're always termed "a winner"...so on that thought, I don't feel that badly, just slightly ashamed, about finally giving this overdue mention to the only female winner of the contest - Keeley Ward!

A while back I received an email from Keeley that stated - “You made particular mention that you were the ONLY female judge ...well I was the winner of the Sportster class and I was the ONLY female winner!!!”

So here a HUGE shout out and acknowledgement to Keeley! Good going! If you want a refresher about the contest here is the article on MOTORESS.

Suppose I was very busy with announcing the winners and honestly the name Keeley didn’t seem a typical woman’s name so no bells rung for me at the time.

As judges we were not informed of any details about the contestants which as you can imagine, makes good sense; -no preferential slants in our choices. We make our decisions without favourtism. And you know in my case I would have absolutely been influenced to the fact that Keeley's entry was female owned!
Keeley sent in her winning picture, shared with you here. She expresses that this photo was taken the day of the show where she was selected by Mackie Harley-Davidson in Ontario. She states there was no award trophy just a gift card and unfortunately hasn’t photos of when she later received her National Prize.

Keeley congrats to you yet again!

Keep an out for Keeley- she's (quote)- “a real estate agent by day! and biker by night!!! LOL”.
Thanks Keeley for setting things straight!

Edelweiss/ MOTORESS Womens Motorcycle Tour a Fantastic Ride!

Everywhere we went, bystanders and other riders exclaimed with surprise - “all women riders!?” Folks couldn’t believe that the fourteen motorcycles (fifteen including tour guide) pulling into tank stations and roadside stops were piloted entirely by women! We were an admired spectacle to local communities visited during the recently completed Edelweiss Alps and Lakes women’s only tour with MOTORESS!

Sauerkraut, Apfelstrudel, Chiemsee- King Ludwig’s castle, Salzburg truffles- beer gardens, full moon evenings on roof top terraces, historic spots and so much more. All of this accented days filled with superbly ridden roads through German and Austrian picturesque countrysides! We were a group of women who really hadn’t met each other prior to this holiday. Canadians plus one American, Diane from Miami!

Each day started with a typical European breakfast buffet followed by a riders meeting discussing our route and its high points through the area’s we’d visit. For me and as host of the tour, it was a pleasure to observe first hand the enthusiasm of women that had not yet explored EU roads or mountain hair-pins, characteristic of Alpine roads!

We were not without challenges as is often the case when travelling-particularly more so by motorcycle. Kate’s Ducati Monster stopped working so she rode the rest of the day on the BMW with me. I sure enjoyed having her as a passenger! —her laughter and fun loving spirit so infectious. She kept her helmet camera rolling so I’m sure she captured great footage! She ended up getting the BMW F650GS for the remainder of the tour and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Then the weather gave us days of damp downpour rain. And in Italy (while I was at hospital with our fallen rider) the group encountered not just thunderstorms but hail! But it was Laura who by exclaiming she’d rather be riding in the rain on these fantastic adventurous European roads than on a dry one in Canada; moved dampened attitudes to an appreciative light.

Yes the unfortunate mishap of one of our riders-second last day of the tour where she had a hair-pin encounter. It resulted in a couple of broken fingers. The hospital in Jossnitz performed surgery right away and with the support of the group she arrived back in Canada and looks to be on the road to riding again very soon!

We were a group of passionate motorcycle enthusiasts -women of ideas, abilities, resolve and determination- and yes camaraderie! We enjoyed supporting each other, sharing great roads, tales, laughs, tips and support. It was a fine experience, yes a fine one indeed!

We’ll be offering another womens only group next year-not sure where but will let you know when!

PS: greetings from The Netherlands!

Precious Metal A Woman's Motorcycle Themed Playground

Once again I had the fortune to attend this years’ Toronto Harley-Davidson Garage Party extraordinaire the “Precious Metal Gala”! It’s a concept inviting women who don’t ride yet but have contemplated learning, to get a taste of the motorcycling lifestyle according to Harley-Davidson; to entice them further. This is the whole focus behind Harley-Davidson’s Garage Party programs and they work!

So here I share a cute picture taken at the event which was a souvenir for all (individually); superimposed on the background of "DOLCE VITA" - Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, making it seem we made the cover of this glossy publication! Here you'll see two of my rider gal-pals and I, pictured on a one of Harley's chrome steeds. Of course three up is just not realistic but it was a great idea for the photo, if you imagine we just pulled up on the red carpet and are striking a pose. How fun!

The evening featured dancers, fashion shows, the classic bike lift workshop, and clothing/gear to try out- even a cute TV commercial reading with a handsome leading man sponsored by the cosmetic brand "Balm Shell"! The food was delectable, the drinks “Sex and The City” styled - an all round fun time.

This all hosted in Toronto’s famed Distillery District, in what’s called the Fermenting Cellar. This downtown village within a city is one of my favourite areas and that of Harley too for this is the same location they held their 105th bash. At that time I was testing their Night Train —love that bike!

It was great to chat with Karen Davidson at the Precious Metal party once again-flown in to host an evening of chromed amusement.

I trust they’ll be another one next year and I’ll hope to participte. The entire evening's proceeds, with tickets at $75.00 per person all went to Rethink Breast Cancer charity.

Oh did I mention there were buff "Calvin Klein” type young male models wandering around selling … tickets? For the charity?

Girl’s night out thank you Harley-Davidson – bout’ due for another one!

Women Satisfied Need for Speed @ FAST Motorcycle Track School

Perfection- full sun, a dry sticky tarmac, high performance sport bikes and a full day ahead to ride fast on a race track! Could there be anything better?

It really goes without saying, the reward I get out of teaching, especially on the track. Once again “girl power” was in high action within our recent “women’s only” group at the F.A.S.T. training day on Shannonville race circuit (east of Toronto). It’s so gratifying, beyond words, observing the progress these riders experience throughout the day!

At F.A.S.T., for years, riders are given the right environment and equipment to move their riding technique to the next level. The progress is a real reward to see—especially when you witness first hand the moment the “fever” takes over! That’s the point where you know, as an instructor, you’ve succeeded. Skill, technique, and then rider assurance-the fun expands!

Do these women want to race? Yes some do, but most want to improve skills and try out track riding; moving technique to the next level. What I like to say is add some more ability and options to your “basket of skills”. Of course just the experience of the track, riding without obstacles, stop signs or traffic signals, only lovely corners is just the greatest kick!

At the end of course, I have the challenging task of deciding who gets the “top rider” award. Never easy, as each of these gals achieved top performance and moved their skills up quite some notches. But there can only be one, and that went to an excellent young rider who has had some challenges on the road that stifled advancement. I believe those hurdles have disappeared!

I'm at it again next week- see you on the track!

Training Wheels on Scooter Keep you Balanced.

Not ever in my nearly three decades of riding have I seen, considered or thought of training wheels for a motorcycle. But what a great idea!

Recently, when visiting the Scooty website located in India, and having a look over their product line (see article here) I discovered a scooter featured in their line with -‘training wheels'. As you can see in the pictures below, the wheels are attached onto the centre stand- a very interesting concept! I suppose these small wheels and brackets wouldn't really be that difficult to design and it all makes perfect sense. Naturally very handy and useful for the learner who has not had any experience balancing a two wheeler, namely a bicycle.

I frequently encounter this very challenge in rider training —students with no prior bicycle riding experience. Unlike when training someone to ride who has not ever driven a standard stick shift car, training a new student to ride when they've not yet learned to be stable on two wheels is much harder. They need to not only balance on two wheels but at the same time manage/cope with the additional weight of a motorbike.

I think the big question here is however —do the training wheels work? They really don't appear that strong. Nevertheless, I'm certain this manufacturer wouldn't provide them if they didn’t do the trick. And remember, this scooter is 80cc and similar to many smaller scooters, are not that weighty.

The wheels and their small attachment can be removed once the rider is safe to ride alone. Personally, I think these training wheels a great idea! And you might already know this--I'm for anything that'll help someone learn to ride and enjoy motorcycling!

Films' Unpredicted Motorcycle Scene Good for A Laugh!

Recently, I really enjoyed watching the feel good comedy “Easy Virtue” starring Jessica Biel. I suppose you could say I'm a bit behind in my film viewings--yes, I know it was released in May. In my defense it was exactly during the heightened activities of International Female Ride Day —busy times at MOTORESS!

The story was terrific –it's Stephan Elliott's screen adaptation of an early Noël Coward play he wrote in 1924. A tale of “Old World manners vs. New World freedom”. John Whitaker (Ben Barnes) has just married a feisty, brash, beautiful, widowed American (from Detroit) race car driver named Larita (Jessica Biel).
It follows the labours of Larita, whom John, met in Monaco and impulsively marries. When he returns home with Larita on his arm, his mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) is none too pleased and is given to detest her new daughter-in-law.
And from the moment Larita steps out of John's BMW roadster onto the Whittaker estate, she campaigns for Larita's destruction.
It's a "girls" movie, one for us with the added bonus of a feisty motorcycle scene that's terrifically comical--even though obviously it's not Biel on the motorbike (maybe its Justin Timberlake!) as seen in the screen shot. Great film which you'll find on your pay-per-view channel or at the rental store.

A film depicting a free spirited, independently thinking, "misbehavin" adventure seeker, living life by her own set of rules.
Rent it—you'll love it!
PS--Any idea what type/make of bike was used in the film?

Motorcycle & Scooter Show Poster Theme Not Quite Female Friendly

I couldn’t help notice this year’s image promo for England’s biggest motorcycle expo, the International Motorcycle & Scooter Show—its visual language speaks male. Raves to the designer--the graphic is clever and unique.

The entire build of the ‘man’ is composed of motorcycle components with the catchy tag line, “its part of you”. Masculine with guy appeal, yet I suppose as the guys are still the majority market segment, so its still their game.

Yet wouldn’t it be nice to see a more balanced industry gender appeal? Especially since we, women, control 80% of household spending?

Show website.

Auckland’s Boobs on Bikes—Big Boo Boo for women in Motorcycling.

In Auckland New Zealand, a few weeks back, the “Boobs on Bikes” parade, led by its founder porn king Steve Crow, made its way down Main Street through a crowd of 90,000--yes, of mostly men, as you might imagine. They turned out to get an eye full of all sorts of topless women (porn stars and strippers in town for the Erotica expo)—including the woman with the world's largest breasts!

The real disappointing discovery for me, when viewing this curious fascination of women and motorcycling news, was the fact that the “boobs on bikes” gals were passengers—they weren’t the riders!

Certainly this objectifies women and to a many, is quite simply, inappropriate behaviour--but a success for Crow aiming to promote the Porno Expo in town. Many residents protested attempting to halt the parade, for numerous reasons as you might imagine. And one point in defence stated by Crow was the fact that women had every right to go topless/shirtless in public just as men do (what gal hasn’t heard that line before)!

My point is, could we at least see these women riding their own motorcycles next year!? This way we can continue to be reputed for not only having “the goods” that cause huge crowds to gather, but also the ability to ride a motorcycle most proficiently.

Actually, I would prefer reversing that order--huge crowds gathering to see women ride motorcycles (maybe at the track during a race for example)-secondarily, the goods!

PS--Did you happen to notice the male motorcycle rider has his protective gear on!

Auckland’s Boobs on Bikes—Big Boo Boo for women in Motorcycling.

MOTORESSES in Ontario You’ve Still Got time to race!

MOTORESSES in Ontario You’ve Still Got time to race!

Have you been close? Did you before? Well here’s your chance to get back on the track and race before the seasons done!

“Toronto Motorsports Park” also referred to as “Cayuga” in South Western Ontario hosts the popular race series SOAR and for their final seasons' race on 11-13 September, there's still room in the women's only class for you! There’s nothing like the exhilaration motorcycle competition provides--the fun, the kick—regardless whether you win or not it’s just simply a blast!

SOAR racing boasts that their women’s class is starter friendly (also good for those of you who haven’t raced for a few years)—allowing newcomers the chance to give road racing a shot, you know, without feeling the pressure to produce results. And let’s face it not everyone wants to be a racer superstar –many simply enjoy the thrill of the track and the chance to occasionally compete.

Road racing can be perceived as a costly endeavour--really it doesn’t take a lot to get you and your bike on the track. That’s what it’s about--not the fancy race suit or the paint job, tyre warmers or an RV—you and the bike on the track—simple. Certainly you need experience, this is not for new riders --you’ll know if you’ve got enough operational skills to participate.

You’ll have to ensure your machinery meets track/race requirements (read here) and of course the full gamut of riding gear. Don’t panic when you open the rule book doc--if you’ve been on the track this year or own a sport bike—you're already close to having most of the requirements.

Your license fee for this one time race event is CAD$50. plus the one time registration fee of CAD$100. FAST, RACE and ARC school certificates are acceptable rider schooling criteria to get you on the tarmac.

Could there be a better grand finale to your riding season?
For questions contact SOAR and have fun!

Girls know…where there’s a Bultaco there’s a man!

“Girls know…where there’s a Bultaco there’s a man!”. . . reads the title of a motorcycle advert I came across. The advert is from the ‘60’s—are you amused as well? I know I had to chuckle aloud!

These earlier era motorcycle advertisements are time markers of "then" mentalities and social values; reminders of how women have moved steadily forward in motorcycling. Manufacturers still place their majority appeal to the guys--we can’t fault them, we're still the smaller demographic. However manufacturers DO slot in a few focus campaigns directed at women—progression! “Girls may not understand Bultaco’s Campera, but they understand men. And the fact that the Campera has a very comfortable saddle!” --as stated in the advert content. Well, today we do understand the ‘machine’, thank you very much.

Have you heard of the Bultaco motorcycle? It originates from Spain and dates back to 1958. Bultaco’s founder Franciso Paco Bulto was originally the director and partner of the former Montesa motorcycle company (founded in 1944). Montesa was an avid motorcycle racing focused company --most motorcycles had their intro debut's in racing/motorsport. Paco Bultó parted ways with Montesa creating his own company and brand BULTACO from combining the first four letters of his surname “Bultó” with the last three of his nickname "Paco".

So many brands throughout the world--eternally fascinating!

Field Full of Girls on Motorcycles

Field Full of Girls on Motorcycles

It rained most of the day but did that stop the fun had by all during the SCORRA Ladies Only off road training day--absolutely not! In fact, that's one of the great things about riding off road the weather doesn't really matter.

SCORRA (Simcoe County off Road Riders Association) invited me to assist with their first ever “Women's only training day”. It was about a month ago (already!) and I was one of five female instructors bringing this new program to women of the Simcoe off road region. The other female instructors were members of SCORRA and also talented riders extraordinaire with championships to their names in hare scrambles, trials and mountain biking—yes I picked up a few “tricks of the trade” for myself.

Nearly 30 women of all ages participated in this carefully planned curriculum-- an entire day of challenging activities all intended to improve rider ability. But more importantly-- build confidence. Layouts weaving riders through pylons, rear wheel lock up braking manoeuvres to manage rear wheel slides, riding over “table tops”, hopping over logs and getting through slippery dirt corners in full stand up stance--it was a total training package, all for the fee of $40. lunch included!

You really couldn't have asked for more.

At the wrap up of the day, women concluded; they wanted more—so there's talk of a follow up in September. SCORRA is intent on affecting an increase of the number of women riders participating in off roading and making the activity more inviting [to women] by offering up skills.

Have you tried off road riding yet?
If not I've got to warn you—you will …fall in love.

Perfect Occasion to wear her International Female Ride Day T-shirt!

Perfect Occasion to wear her International Female Ride Day T-shirt!

This photo was sent in to me from Neda. Indeed a pictures’ worth a thousand words. Neda was awarded Top Rider of her group during recent FAST school--which is the plaque she's proudly holding. This is given to the most improved rider of each group. I really love the fact that she is wearing her International Female Ride Day t-shirt!

She certainly belongs on that number one podium spot!

By the way, we’re supporting Neda’s huge and exciting adventure this August to raise money for breast and ovarian cancer research. She'll be doing a 1500 mile trek mostly off road! The ride is put on by the Women’s Motorcyclist Federation out of New York. Neda will be one of the twelve women on this trek,--and the only Canadian.

Have a read here and I hope you’ll support her too!

Thanks Neda for this great pic! And congrats to you!

Women lovin’ their curves on Shannonville Race Track

Women lovin' their curves on Shannonville Race Track.

We had such a terrific day during recent F.A.S.T. school on Ontario’s Shannonville race track. This particular course date, along with another one on 11 August provides a woman’s only group. We had 9 women new to the track—by the courses’ completion you would NEVER have known it was their first track experience. Well that’s all due to Michel Mercier’s years of proven teaching methods.

We managed three groups throughout the day; one comprised of women the other two, men. Four of us instructors (3 fellows and “moi”). The conditions were perfect!—blue skies, dry, sunny, slight breeze accented by the scent of high performance sport bikes! It’s so rewarding to introduce women, true enough any riders, to the art of cornering and higher speed riding the circuit allows; viewing the amplified skills and techniques—those HUGE smiles are gratifying. Yahoo!

Great pics hey? (Excuse my hat –having helmet hair issues!) Special thanks to FLAIR photo for their terrific track side photo service and professional photographic talents!

STILETTOS ON A SCOOTER

The other day while rushing from meeting to meeting in my Jeep I noticed a stylish looking young woman on her Vespa riding amidst city traffic--her footwear, black stiletto pumps. While awaiting a traffic light to change, a man in his car sitting in the lane parallel to her called out questioning her choice of shoes. He wondered how she managed to ride the scooter in high heels. She replied that for her it was no problem. True enough, we’re very capable in heels-- there’s even a "stiletto stampede" fundraiser race in several countries where women compete in stilettos!

Much controversy exists over what appropriate riding gear is for scooters. These two wheelers are superbly, safe, light weight and fun making urban transport ideal. It's because of that they're being used more and more to go to work and enjoy our urban social lives. Part of that pleasure is the fact of not having to wear extensive heavier motorcycling gear. Look at Italy’s scooter culture for one—women commonly ride around on scooters in the same daily wear on or off bike. But then again they ride amidst a conscientious culture unlike that of ours. In many European countries the scooter (motorcycle) is a respected, welcomed part of transport life.

Hopefully soon, we'll catch up with the admirable scenarios of other lands where we'll ride amidst an environment we need worry little about.