Will American Armed Forces Women Appreciate Harley-Davidson’s Marisa Miller Advert?

It’s seems to always be "about the boy”- American super model Marisa Miller has posed, yet again, on a Harley-Davidson. Recent campaign by the American Motor Company is aimed at paying homage to active and retired US military personnel; declaring November as "Military Appreciation Month."

The “blonde bombshell” Miller said she was delighted to support “those who keep us riding free.” Admittedly the ads are cute.

But… what of the thousands of women serving? Shouldn’t there be the offering up of a sex-symbol, handsome super model man?

Women steadily increase in the US Armed Forces. This even outside of the arguments that focus on the physical differences between men and women; on differing mentalities, and the effects upon one sex by the presence of the other on the battlefield. Women make up nearly 20% of the numbers, varying among services- Army, 13.4% (68,046); Navy, 12.8% (55,830); Marines, 4.6% (8,093); Air Force, 16.0% (64,147) *sourced 1996/2005 David F. Burrelli/ Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division.

Recently, even Oprah had a feature on her show about “Women Serving in the Armed Forces"!

Other countries have used women as frequently as men to fight in their wars.Take the 800,000 women who served in the Soviet military during World War II, of which nearly 70% saw front line action.

Over four years ago, shown here is the historic group photo of the first all-female crew to fly a combat mission on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Pictured left to right, Staff Sgt. Josie E. Harshe, flight engineer; Capt. Anita T. Mack, navigator; 1st Lt. Siobhan Couturier, pilot; Capt. Carol J. Mitchell, aircraft commander; and loadmasters Tech. Sgt. Sigrid M. Carrero-Perez and Senior Airman Ci Ci Alonzo.

So here in honour of women currently serving and those who have, these are for you!

(Keanu Reeves and the cute Taylor Lautner).

Racer Costello Knows How to Get to the Palace on Time!

What a fitting entrance racer Maria Costello made to Buckingham palace last week! She arrived just in time to accept her prestigious MBE (Member British Empire) award--by motorcycle. Maria received the MBE in recognition of her many achievements as a racer and for services to motorcycling in Britain.

Certainly when one has an appointment at Buckingham Palace, you can speak of Princes, Princesses and "knights in shining armour"--which for Maria was truly, no imaginary tale.

Maria was running late, stuck in London’s thickly staggering traffic. Fear she wasn't going to make it, she contacted a friend working at London based Virgin Limo Bikes. He was able to weave through city traffic, rescue her, and deliver her on time to the palace!

Passengers of Virgin Limo Bikes service carry everything a passenger needs. Arai SZ open faced helmets, Hein Gericke protective and weatherproof clothing (including gloves). And for ladies wearing a skirt, such was the case with Maria; Virgin Limo Bikes provide a “tablier”, French for “apron” –more like a waterproof blanket, making the skirt attire a non-issue.
When the Prince of Wales jokingly asked her if she arrived by motorbike, Maria replied "Funnily enough, I did!"

Though not piloting the motorcycle herself, chauffeured to the palace by two wheeled chariot, rescued by a “knight in shining motorcycle gear”, is without a doubt a most fitting tale for the first Lady of the woman's fastest lap record, Isle of Man(*note fastest lap is now held by Jennifer Tinmouth)

Congrats once again Maria on your well earned, and admired honour.

View interview video.

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.