JUST RIDE! Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on Friday, May 6th.
In 2011 women riders throughout Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Russia, Germany and more will participate in the 5th Annual International Female Ride Day.
Two Russian Women Rider's Groups Join the 2011 International Female Ride - "Moto Lady" of Biker News in Russia, along with the National Russian Motorcycle Federation will be part of the 5th Annual International Ride Day on Friday, May 6th 2011.
FIM -Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (The International Motorcycling Federation) supports International Female Ride Day - along with brands: BMW, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Kymco and MV Agusta.
The ride is on a weekday to emphasize that women are not "hobby" riders. They ride to work and motorcycling is part of their lifestyle. Read more.
On the eve of International Female Ride Day (the first Friday in May - The 5th annual event is May 6,2011) Harley-Davidson has just announced that supermodel and Harley-Davidson enthusiast Marisa Miller will be part of the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson celebration of May as "Women Riders Month" that includes a ride at many dealerships on Saturday, May 14th. May is also designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
"To recognize the increasing number of women who are hitting the open road on two wheels, as well as inspire even more women to get into the saddle of their own motorcycle, Harley-Davidson celebrates its 3rd Annual Women Riders Month this May," H-D said in a press announcement issued Thursday, May 4th.
Throughout the month of May, Harley-Davidson and their worldwide network of dealers will host a series of events to celebrate women riders, including a special day for women to commemorate the freedom and independence of riding, by hitting the open road on Saturday, May 14. Local dealerships will also host women-only Garage Parties throughout May and the rest of the riding season."
"Every time I start my motorcycle, my heart starts pumping faster," said Miller. "Learning to ride has changed my life. The challenge of riding has made me stronger and given me a new outlet for my adventurous side. I've met dozens of women riders who share my passion for the open road and I'm honored to help inspire even more women to get started on their riding journeys."
Women riders represent one of the fastest growing demographics in the sport of motorcycling. In fact, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists and Harley-Davidson is the number one motorcycle choice among women riders.(1)
Harley-Davidson has a variety of resources available atwww.h-d.com/women to help women get into the sport. The site includes inspirational stories from female riders, a "Roadmap to Riding" that shows you how you can start riding your very own Harley-Davidson in six simple steps, as well as calendars of upcoming women riders events.
The inaugural Biker Belles™ celebration will begin in the historic town of Deadwood, where the Lodge at Deadwood will roll out the red carpet and host a special welcome reception complete with events, entertainment and activities catered to women. A women's-only ride to The Buffalo Chip for a concert and party will be led by Meg McDonough, a member of the Motor Maids.
“Each year the Buffalo Chip sees more and more women riding through our gates”, said Toni Woodruff, daughter of Buffalo Chip president, Rod Woodruff. “It’s so exciting to have an event during the Sturgis Rally that caters to women riders and benefits local charities in the process!”
To highlight the Biker Belles™ festivities at The Chip, 4-time national land speed record holder and pilot of the original “World’s Fastest Bagger,” Laura Klock of Klock Werks Kustom Cycle, will unveil “SALT,” a customized Harley-Davidson® built under her direction and guidance with the girls and young women of the Abbott House. While at the party, Laura and her staff will be selling raffle tickets to win this special bike that will be given away in support of the Abbott House next fall. “We couldn’t be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” said Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles™ will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!”
Tickets for the 2011 Biker Belles™ celebration are available now on www.bikerbelles.com or by calling (605) 347-9000. The Biker Belles™ celebration requires a $75 contribution that goes directly to its chosen charities. The finishing touches are being worked out for the 2011 celebration, with details to be announced at http://www.bikerbelles.com/
Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on May 6th - In 2011 women riders throughout Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Russia Germany and more- will contribute to the campaign in compelling numbers.
International Female Ride Day whose simple theme asks women to “JUST RIDE”, is a designated day, aimed at bringing awareness to the existing and mounting numbers of women motorcyclists, a prominent escalating segment of the motorcycling community who ride just as much as their male counterparts. The is the fifth year for the global ride in unison, which is always staged on the first Friday in May.
“We ride on a Friday to emphasize the fact that motorcycling for women is not only a hobby but something women incorporate into their every day lives," said Vicki Gray, founder of the International Female Ride Day and MOTORESS - a global online community and magazine for women riders that is based in Canada.
"Women ride to work, to school or to run errands, such as I do on my scooter in the city- it’s a reality in a woman’s life, and this day simply accentuates it. Women enthusiastically prepare to ride and unite around the world on this synchronized day - and if you look at the feedback by way of internet, it’s truly phenomenal!” said Vicki. “For the 5th year we’re so excited to welcome support and participation from National Russian Motorcycle Federation (NRMF) and equally a group of women in India who are totally on board with the action! This year many women have referred to the campaign as a ‘movement’ and really, its global size is certainly proof of that!”
In Kingston, Ontario - The Motor Maids will be leading a women's -only ride followed by a coed BBQ at MotoSport Plus - In Toronto, there will be a ride & rally. You will find events posted from Aruba to Russia in the Facebook Group: International Female Ride Day.
Since its introduction in 2007, International Female Ride Day has continued to expand demonstrating magnificent growth. This has also been a result of the endorsement and support from the motorcycle industry and its prominent leaders, renowned female rider clubs, and international governing bodies such as Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
International Female Ride Day is supported by BMW MOTORRAD CANADA, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HONDA, KAWASAKI, KYMCO, SUZUKI, ARAI, AFMQ (Association des femmes motocyclistes du Québec) , CMA (Canadian Motorcycle Association), CANADIAN BIKER, DRAGGIN JEANS, GEARING UP (Canada Safety Council), GO-GO GEAR, INSIDE MOTORCYCLES, RIDE FOR SIGHT, RIDERS PLUS INSURANCE, FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme).
See related articles about what Harley-Davidson is doing.. and photos from the first Aruba Women Rider's Day: International Female Ride Day.
The Diamond Posse, a veteran outreach program from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is at Arizona Bike Week on a fundraising mission. They hope to raise at least $20,000 in 2011 in order to provide a trained service dog at no cost to a disabled combat veteran.
Members of the Diamond Posse will be at the Team Diva Booth all weekend (March 31 to April 3rd) at WestWorld, where you can also meet this year's celebrity rider, Sturgis Hall of Fame member Betsy "Gypsy" Lister. WestWorld is at 16601 N. Pima Road in Scotsdale, Arizona.
"The women riders in the Diamond Posse have a deep heart-felt gratitude for combat veterans, who have made our freedom possible by way of their sacrifices," said Gypsy.
The public is invited to stop by to say hello to these women, check out their bikes and learn more about the Diamond Posse and the non-profit program, NEARDS that trains service dogs.
The Diamond Posse rode every day to honor veturans during National Armed Forces Week in 2010. They hope to share their passion for riding with everyone, while also raising awareness and support for disabled veterans who have proudly served the United States of America.
Women are also invited to join the Diamond Posse's Ride to this year's 9-11 rally in September in Kansas City. Members of the Diamond Possee will ride from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Park City, Utah; Dallas, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts, arriving in four separate waves on Saturday, September 10th with each group saying Thank You for their privilege to Ride Free. To register to ride, visit www.diamondposse.us/
The Diamond Posse is a non-profit veteran outreach program that consists of Vicki "Spitfire" Sanfelipo, "Diva" Amy Skaling, and Cat Hammes RN, their "One Legged Blonde". The Diamond Posse was formed in 2010 to honor veterans by giving hope and encouragement to veterans who are facing challenges as a result of their service to the United States of America.
NEADS is a non-profit program established in 1976 in Princeton, Mass. to train and provide independence to people who are deaf or physically disabled through the use of canine assistance. These assistance dogs become an extension of their owners and bring security, freedom, independence and relief from social isolation to their human partners. Details at www.neads.org/
Harley-Davidson is promoting activities throughout the month of May at nationwide dealerships in the USA to celebrate their involvement in the 3rd Annual Women Riders Month.
Women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists, as well as about 12 percent of new motorcycle sales for Harley-Davidson. To inspire even more women to participate in motorcycling, Harley-Davidson and its nationwide dealership network is staging a series of initiatives over the next several months including Garage Parties, Women Riders Month in May and the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women.
Harley dealerships throughout the country will also host a series of women-only rides on Saturday, May 14, 2011. H-D sponsored two huge rides in 2009 in Milwaukee and New York, and produced this video of the rides and women ride events all over the world.
Although Harley-Davidson has been an active participant in the past, their rides in the U.S. do not coincide this year with the 5th Annual International Female Ride Daythat will include women riders across the USA and Canada, Europe/UK, China, Japan and Russia on Friday, May 6, 2011.
"We're very proud of the efforts we've made as a company to pave the way for even more women to turn their dreams of riding into reality," said Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson and Creative Director, General Merchandise, Harley-Davidson. "But we know there are still thousands of women out there who dream of riding their own motorcycles, which is why we're committed to inspiring them to take the first step, as well as providing them with the necessary tools and support they need."
Women Take Daytona Kathy Davidson led more than 100 women in the Women's MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Ride during Daytona Bike Week 2011 from Riverfront Park in downtown Daytona Beach, north to Bruce Rossmeyer's "Destination Daytona" Harley-Davidson dealership in Ormond Beach.
Harley-Davidson again this year had more of a street presence and was more focused on women riders and the riding experience during the 70th Daytona Bike Week, March 4 to 13, 2011. There were demo rides and interactive motorcycle displays at Daytona International Speedway. There was also a women's area at Riverfront Park on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach that offered bike-lift demonstrations and the opportunity to meet Cris Sommers-Simmons (wife of the Doobie Brother's Band member, Pat Simmons.) Cris was there with her 1915 Harley, "Effie" that she rode cross-country in the 2010 Cannonball Run.
During Daytona Bike Week and at other rallies throughout the country in 2011, groups of women riders will be able to visit four informational stations set up in the Harley-Davidson women's area:
•'Motorcycle Orientation' - a basic introduction to the motorcycle controls, as well as all of the models in the Harley-Davidson family. •'MotorClothes Gear' - to discover the important attributes needed in head-to-toe motorcycle gear, from helmets to protective leather to proper boots. •'Motorcycle Fit and Function' - to learn how to customize a motorcycle to reflect a rider's personal style and ergonomic needs. •'Bike Lift' - a hands-on demonstration that proves picking up a bike – even a Harley-Davidson – isn't as hard as you might think.
During Women Riders Month, the Motor Company also plans to stage the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The special camp is designed to take women's dreams of riding to reality by immersing them in the culture of Harley-Davidson, participating in the Rider's Edge New Rider Training Course and celebrating with other new women riders. Details: www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders. The site also includes a calendar of women events scheduled throughout the country.
The 4th Annual Harley-Davidson MDA Women's Ride Daytona is Tuesday, March 8th from Riverfront Park on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach to Bruce Rossmeyer Harley-Davidson's Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach.
All eligible riders will receive: 2011 MDA Harley-Davidson event pin and a special 2011 MDA Women's Ride flage for their bike.
Contribute $600 or more to receive a limited-edition Daytona Women's Ride sterling silver charm that can be worn as a charm or a pendant. Top fundraisers will receive H-D gift certificates.
Women riders love to find apparel that matches their bike, but who knows which came first in a photo shoot in Paris: Keira Knightley's beige catsuit, worn in an advert for Chanel or the matching beige vintage Ducati motorcycle.
The 25-year-old actress has been the face of Chanel since 2006. Of course she was also wearing maching beige gloves, boots and a matching beige helmet.
Her next big screen appearance will be alongside Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield in "Never Let Me Go."
IT'S OFFICIAL - The East Coast Biker Chicks will begin filming their TV reality series on Saturday, June 19th at Laconia Bike Week.
The "hard riding, easy living, fun loving, charity giving" East Coast Biker Chicks motorcycle club was founded by Lucky Belcamino, a professional poker player and culinary chef in Boston.
FILMING SCHEDULED TO START FOR NEW REALITY TV SERIES FEATURING BOSTON’S EAST COAST BIKER CHICKS MOTORCYCLE CLUB
BOSTON, MA - 6/2/10 – Eight members of a Boston area all female motorcycle club called the East Coast Biker Chicks, will soon be featured in a new television series. Filming for the Biker Chicz docu-reality series is scheduled to start on June 19th during the annual Laconia Bike Week in Laconia NH, and continue in eastern Massachusetts throughout the summer.
Biker Chicz will focus on the positive aspects of the Harley-Davidson biker lifestyle and is being produced by an Oklahoma production company, Blockhead City Entertainment. “Our intention is to produce a happy, feel good television series that will be enjoyable to watch, and realistically capture the true nature of bikers, their spirit and the Harley lifestyle – this series will be just the opposite of what you see in shows like Sons of Anarchy and Gangland,” said Executive Producer Edward Winterhalder.
Winterhalder, a biker personality, author and the creator of the Biker Chicz TV series, has been riding Harleys since 1974. One of the world’s leading authorities on bikers, motorcycle clubs and the Harley-Davidson biker lifestyle; his books about the biker lifestyle are published in multiple languages and sold all over the world. “Because I have lived the biker lifestyle myself for more than thirty-five years, I feel confident that I can accurately capture for TV what really goes on in the life of a biker on a day-to-day basis,” he said.
“Thank God someone is finally going to show the world that bikers are ordinary people from all walks of life; regular people that have families and jobs, who enjoy riding Harleys in their spare time and giving back to the communities in which they live when they can,” said Lucky Belcamino.
Annie Concemi, recently profiled on TLC's "What Not To Wear," rides a Harley and will also be featured in the Biker Chicz TV series. "Everyone I know is sick and tired of all of the negative television these days, where everyone argues and fights for sixty minutes," said Annie. "Biker Chicz will be a breath of fresh air."
For Biker Chicz TV series details visit blockheadcity.com and click the “Television” button.
In April 2010, The Biker Chicz Blog was created to present news, photos, comments and stories from the women Harley riders who are featured in "Biker Chicz of North America", a new book by Edward Winterhalder & Wil De Clercq that will be published in late 2010.
The list of contributors is amazing!
I am pleased to be counted as one of the first 10 "Followers" of the new Biker Chicz - Google Blog and I can highly recommend it to all of my blog readers - especially women riders - because the list of contributors is a real who's who of women in the motorcycle world..
Becky Brown - Founder of Women in the Wind Motorcycle Club with 1,700 members in 29 states and Canada & three-time Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee.
Betsy Huelskamp - Certified Personal Trainer; freelance writer; adventuress; featured in Discovery Channel’s "Motorcycle Women," National Geographic's "Hell on Wheels and TLC's "Faking It."
Chris Sommer Simmons - Co-founder of Harley Women Magazine; freelance motorcycle writer and photographer; author of a photographic history of The American Motorcycle Girls 1900 to 1950; three-time Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee; married to Doobie Brother band member Patrick Simmons.
Catherine "Katmandu" Palmer - Artist; photograher and contributing writer to Paisano Publication biker magazines for 15 years -- an art teacher in public schools and former parts manager at a Harley-Davidson dealership.
Gina Woods - Chicago area radio personality; host and executive producer of Open Road Radio (ORR.)
Gloria Tramontin Struck - Member of the Motor Maids since 1946; daughter of the founder of Tramontin Harley-Davidson in NJ
Mandy Campbell - manager at family owned Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson, the world's largest dealer. Meg McDonough - First female officer of the Jackpine Gypsies, originators of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally; works in sales for Cowboy Harley in Austin TX.
Joann Begey Bortles - Crazy Horse motorcycle and hot rod painter; author of six hot-to-paint books available at Amazon; writer & photographer with work published in V Twin, Easy Rider, The Horse, Ironworks, American Iron and Cycle Source magazines.
Marilyn Elmore Bragg - is a photojournalist and author of the blog, Chessie's Tales - a rider's journal with spectacular images taken along country roads in Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and other points south. She has not owned a car in 25 years and has traveled to 35 states.
Gevin Fax - Model, actress, musician (Klymax); one of four women profiled on TNT's 1995 documentary about female Harley riders; has an MA in Physical Education.
Sasha Mullins - Author of "The Chrome Cowgirl's Guide to Motorcycle Life" and "Biker Lady: Living and Riding Free"; musician with her own biker band Motorodeo; has appeared in 8 women biker themed TV shows. Amazon - Books by Sasha Mullins
Danielle "Danni" Stockley - Director of the Ontario Chrome Divas Motorcycle Club and column writer of "Danni's Times" for Riders Magazine.
The concept is simple - women all over the world connecting on the first Friday in May, every year by just riding their motorcycles... where you live, whatever brand or style of riding - JUST RIDE! This year's ride on the first Friday will be on May 6th 2011.Last year, a group of women riders in Aruba joined the ride, and this year a Russian federation of women riders will participate.
Motoress - connecting women with motorcycling - founded the international awareness day in 2007 and inspired women riders around the world to ride together and individually on the first Friday in May to celebrate the pleasure and freedom they have found in taking to the open road on two wheels - including women across the US and Canada, Australia and Cape Town.
Harley-Davidson sponsored two huge rides in 2009 in Milwaukee and New York, and produced this video of the rides and women ride events all over the world.
JUST RIDE! Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on Friday, May 6th.
; three-time Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee; married to Doobie Brother band member Patrick Simmons. 
