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!

Don’ts for Women Riders- A List We've Never Known

Though this has little to do with motorcycling... I found this article not only incredibly amusing but rather parallel to the issues women have faced with regard to motorcycling.

The article appeared on June 21st of 1895. The "Newark Sunday Advocate" ran this alarming story —syndicated from New York World —about a recent gathering of the Unique Cycling Club of Chicago; an event that saw two lady riders publicly punished/shamed for having the nerve to turn up wearing short skirts- over their bloomers.

 

Many of the don'ts are outrageous. You’ll certainly laugh aloud as did I! It's astonishing how women of that era were to behave.

Thank goodness, truly, times have changed. But sadly, in far too many countries we're still peddling up hill- so to speak on women's issues for equality and freedom.

DON’TS FOR WOMEN RIDERS

Don’t be a fright.

Don’t faint on the road.

Don’t wear a man’s cap.

Don’t wear tight garters.

Don’t forget your tool bag

Don’t attempt a “century.”

Don’t coast. it is dangerous.

Don’t boast of your long rides.

Don’t criticize people’s “legs.”

Don’t wear loud hued leggings.

Don’t cultivate a “bicycle face.”

Don’t refuse assistance up a hill.

Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit.

Don’t neglect a “light’s out” cry.

Don’t wear jewellery while on a tour.

Don’t race. Leave that to the scorchers.

Don’t wear laced boots. They are tiresome.

Don’t imagine everybody is looking at you.

Don’t go to church in your bicycle costume.

Don’t wear a garden party hat with bloomers.

Don’t contest the right of way with cable cars.

Don’t chew gum. Exercise your jaws in private.

Don’t wear white kid gloves. Silk is the thing.

Don’t ask, “What do you think of my bloomers?”

Don’t use bicycle slang. Leave that to the boys.

Don’t go out after dark without a male escort.

Don’t without a needle, thread and thimble.

Don’t try to have every article of your attire “match.”

Don’t let your golden hair be hanging down your back.

Don’t allow dear little Fido to accompany you.

Don’t scratch a match on the seat of your bloomers.

Don’t discuss bloomers with every man you know.

Don’t appear in public until you have learned to ride well.

Don’t overdo things. Let cycling be a recreation, not a labour.

Don’t ignore the laws of the road because you are a woman.

Don’t try to ride in your brother’s clothes “to see how it feels.”

Don’t scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first, she will run.

Don’t cultivate everything that is up to date because you ride a wheel.

Don’t emulate your brother’s attitude if he rides parallel with the ground.

Don’t undertake a long ride if you are not confident of performing it easily.

Don’t appear to be up on “records” and “record smashing.” That is sporty.

View the original newspaper article here.

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!

Women Riders Make An Entrance with Swarovski Crystal Covered Motorradwerk Zschopau Motorcycle.

Just when you thought you had it all, pictured here is a very special customized MZ Motorcycle-entirely covered in those Swarovski crystals we’ve grown to adore. Beautiful! What a way to be seen! If you’ve not heard of the German motorcycle MZ before, its most likely because they're not common today, but they had a huge role in the history and origin of the motorcycle.

Located in Zschopau, Germany. The company was founded by the Danish Jørgen Skafte Rasmussen (1878 – 1964). He moved to Germany and established several automobile and motorcycle manufacturing companies, including DKW (Dampf-Kraft-Wagen meaning “steam-driven car“) and Framo (car) . He put a slightly modified version of this engine into a motorcycle. This was the real beginning of the DKW brand: by the 1930s, DKW was the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. After the war, the company made the RT 125, "RT" stands for "Reichstyp" or "National Model" and were produced in 175, 250 and 350 models.

After the war, the design drawings of the RT125 were given to Harley-Davidson in the USA and to BSA in UK. The HD version was known as the Hummer, while BSA used them for the Bantam. Later MZ models continued in production until the 1990s, when economics finally brought production of the two stroke to an end. Other manufacturers also copied the DKW design, officially or otherwise. This can be seen in the similarity of many small two stroke motorcycles from the 1950s. The RT 125 is probably the most copied motorcycle of all time.

It was in 1956, the brand "MZ" (Motorradwerk Zschopau) is introduced. During their best years they had a time where they employed more than 3200 employees and built more than 80,000 motorcycles, many of them exported to over 100 countries. Since 2000 MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk GmbH has used RT 125 to mean an entirely new 4-stroke model motorcycle.

*thank you wikipedia sources

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.

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!

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!

THE MOST SPECTACULAR MOTORCYCLING YEAR EVER.

Another year in our riding boots is behind us.

For many women, 2007's been a year of firsts. Perhaps the mastering of a new riding skill never before managed, standing on the podium as an achiever, or finally buying that dream motorcycle and taking it for a journey through adventures' roads--and for many taking the first step by learning to ride. For others there were experiences of the harder kind—perhaps the loss of a riding friend, or our own mishaps that changed the plans we had made for ourselves—yes, those things that make you stronger.

Reflecting on the past year; reflection, a great thing because when we recollect scenes or situations and the manner we handled ourselves amidst challenges or successes—we make discoveries.
It's in this reflection we can set out our goals and aspirations for the year ahead.

So I wish you time to reflect and that the riding roads you choose to navigate in 2008 lead you through a journey of new found glories giving you your most -- spectacular motorcycling year ever!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MY SHANNONVILLE TEST ON RS125 WITH MICHELLE DUFF, POSTPONED

Here we are in late April and the temperature hangs around 3 degrees. Due to this, we will not be testing this weekend in Shannonville. The Dave Hughes Honda RS125 or the TZ350 Yamaha will have to wait until later in May, for me. Couple reasons, its too cold--can't really get to true testing with such minimal grip.We are anticipating 10 degrees max on Saturday, if lucky. Plus Michelle has an additional opportunity to fly to Germany for an Isle of Man TT pre-training, and maybe using her original machinery from Yamaha. We've postponed training until after she returns, its a combined decision. Fact remains, if my testing goes well, I'll race on Dave's Honda or Yamaha in the vintage races. I do hope it goes well, as you can imagine how fun this would be.

Shannonville this weekend will be attended by racers putting in some pre-season laps before the first regional. Additionally, on Friday Shannonville will have its first training and licensing course.