Kuwaiti Pink Cabs Strictly for Women.

It’s a rare thing that I discuss a topic involving autos—but the news that Kuwait’s roads will shortly be accented with bright pink cabs is certainly worth mentioning. Yes, these hot pink taxis will soon make their debut on the roads of Kuwait--each one driven by a woman, available only for female customers!

Bedoor Al-Mutairi the female business mind behind the project expects her ambitious concept to succeed because many women need to feel secure in their transportation.For women in Kuwait, travel has always been a problem. Female drivers travelling on their own or with female friends are regularly hassled, even followed by men wanting their phone numbers—going as far as knocking on car windows. Even male cab drivers have been known to kidnap their paying female customers and sell them to brothels!

Al-Mutairi hopes to spare women the hassles with her taxi solution referred to as “Eve Taxi”. The concept follows examples set in a number of Arab and Islamic countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Bangladesh. Even Britain, Spain and Mexico implemented similar transportation programs—even with the fact that these locations are much more liberal.

Hopes are high that the pink taxis will help women in Kuwait travel more easily, with more freedom of movement. They really are the solution for women who hesitate to travel alone.

The program however is taking much criticism in Kuwait. Many say the pink taxis go against everything feminists have been fighting for in the Middle East being equal rights. Others say pink taxicabs are but a clever marketing tool to exploit the fears of women and make money. And others see the pink cabs as a disaster waiting to happen given the chase that some men put on when pursuing women on the streets of Kuwait, with one Kuwait blogger stating-- “Since the taxis are bright pink and for ladies only, it should make life a lot easier for the guys--it’s like waving a red cape in front of a bull.”

It seems this initiative comes from the right place with Bedoor Al-Mutairi’ aim to assist women's needs and the challenging circumstances Kuwaiti women face travelling alone. Let’s hope this helps.

PLAYBOY MotoGP De Puniet Sponsor—Bunnies Underline MotorSport Man’s Arena

When I initially heard the news last year that the French MotoGP Randy de Puniet (also sponsored by REV’IT the Dutch motorcycle gear brand I’m associated with) received title sponsorship from Playboy Italy, I threw my arms up in the air exclaiming—great!- PLAYBOY bunnies in the MotoGP paddock now! If barely covered umbrella girls weren’t enough. It’s true; we viewed bunny-turned-umbrella gal- throughout the season.

Predictably, Randy had a PLAYBOY photo shoot with a centrefold expert before the onset of season 2009—photos are also posted in full view over the Internet and on the LCR Honda MotoGP Team website, (not all however for reasons you might imagine) his ride since leaving Kawasaki behind in 2007.

Admittedly, he looks really good, alone (woman's perspective), without the "bunny" in the pic.

But in visiting the website, I see that perhaps, via presumed current photos of his bike, the PLAYBOY logo has been replaced by RADIO MONTE CARLO? Cannot confirm and could well be I've got it reversed.

Admittedly he had a good finish for season '09, at 11th which may well be attributed to his extra intake of carrots!

I do wonder what will happen when women finally (equally not just a one off season thing) get into the MotoGP, you know with regard to all the years of this male potency demonstration. It will be interesting. But at least for now, the MotoGP riders themselves are examples of manly handsomeness and phenomenal talent. Its this combo, for those of us who truly appreciate it (I'm guilty as charged)--is sexy/sex appeal beyond explanation.

Oh...here’s a pic of my very own umbrella guys at a race on Zandvoort circuit, The Netherlands--classy wouldn’t you say? Three cheers for emancipation!

Electrifying times for Motorcycle Riders

Technology is so incredibly exciting! Last year we saw the occurrence of the first ever electrically propelled motorcycle race at the Isle of Man--the “TTXGP” (“Time Trial Xtreme Grand Prix)—ridden without the use of carbon based fuels!

The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) created a series for electric bikes after this race while working along side TTXGP series founder Azhar Hussain. Aimed at “driving low-carbon technological innovation forward, to demonstrate that clean-emission transport technologies have matured and can be fun, fast and exciting”, stated the FIM during a press release. The electric motorcycle powered by battery, which, we as savvy “greenly” conscientious beings; has a long list of advantages.

Within this newly explored non gas motorcycle racing exists even a few forms of ebike formats to elect. There's the model powered solely by stored electricity (battery/accumulator) or, simply a fuel cell class motorcycle. Then there's the conventional internal combustion engine powered machine fuelled by non carbon based fuel. (i.e. Hydrogen). These need to of course comply with regulations for this race class including 105 dBA noise restrictions, which most likely is not too difficult; and must weigh a minimum of 100 kg and up to 300 kg (race ready mode).

Its not clear how the class sits now as last December odd news unfolded in the electric motorcycle racing arena. Back in 2008 the TTXGP race series was announced, held its first race in June 2009, and all was good. The TTXGP and FIM were actually working together to establish rules, standards, and a worldwide series of sanctioned races. Unfortunately late last fall this alliance went astray with FIM and TTXGP parting ways each running their own series. (read article)

One thing we know for sure the TTXGP is real where to date 15 races are on the calendar—UK, Italy, Spain, USA and even in Canada. The Isle of Man inaugural race in June last year saw 20 participants, fairly substantial!
Visit the TTXGP to find the “eGrandPrix” race date in your country, its not to be missed!

Oh, and don't bother to bring your earplugs!

New Year Closer to the Riding Season

Hope you had a terrific ringing in of the New Year! Not only the start of the Dakar brings all riders much excitement at the turn of the year, but with each day that passes, we get closer and closer to spring. Those of us residing in Canada put all our motorcycles in storage, so the withdrawal, as you might imagine is extreme. Thank goodness we all seem to get by with a little help from the motorcycle shows within our various regions—Europe, North America, Britain.

Recently at Toronto’s Industry show case exposition we featured some great activities for women. Women's night hosting special focus activities for female riders are common place now (thank goodness). I was on hand for various activities, such as pictured here with John, Yamaha Motors Canada product manager (photo thanks to the talented Mr. Mondo) during new bike presentations at the Yamaha booth.

Pictured in the background is one of the models we highlighted and presented with women in mind—the FZ6R. Terrifically adaptable, all-round sportbike with numerous slight but valuable features (seat adjustments, closer positioned handlebars, etc.) all aimed at producing huge results in comfort and handling. I’ll hope to provide more details first hand later this year, after my test ride review.

The entire show was a little smaller and less visited than the year prior—sadly the result of one of the most challenging years financially, experienced by all.
Well, here’s looking forward to a more stable, profitable and active year for all! --filled with many many kilometres of riding fun!!