May 2, 2008
International Female Ride Day
Women worldwide hit the road on May 2
With the International FEMALE RIDE DAY only weeks away, women everywhere are preparing to hop on their motorcycles and just ride. Introduced in Canada last year, the event takes place annually on the first Friday of May, spotlighting women who ride and celebrating the many numbers who do. This is a day devoted to women motorcycle riders of all ages and all experience levels emphasizing their passion for the activity whether riding alone or with a club.
“I have received feedback from women all over the world about participating in this year’s FEMALE RIDE DAY,” said Vicki Gray, campaign founder. “It’s not an organised event, nor is it associated with a charity or fundraiser. This was intentionally done to ensure the sole focus remained on women riders. With that said, I have heard from many women across Canada, the United States, England, The Netherlands, and even as far as Australia about how they plan on enjoying organized rides, some including fundraisers, to celebrate the day.”
Vicki, along with other supporters, will kick off the day in Toronto by meeting at the Princes’ Gates of the CNE at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008. From there, those not having to go to work are welcome to enjoy a short city ride and perhaps visit a few local stops or dealerships. This is just one of the city kick-offs to coincide with many others worldwide, including one in Milwaukee at Harley-Davidson’s headquarters with parking for female riders, a short ride at noon and a Garage Party at the end of the day. Trev Deeley Motorcycles in Vancouver will also participate with discounts and a draw for women who show a valid motorcycle driver’s license. Many riders across Canada and worldwide have organised rides at the close of the work day to celebrate. All women are encouraged to simply take part in the camaraderie internationally and just ride, no matter what type or style of motorcycle—cruiser, sport, touring, and scooter, street or off road.
“Whenever people speak of women and motorcycling, it is repeatedly noted that it is the fastest growing group in the industry,” said Vicki. “This is indeed factual—a relevant result of women’s present day lifestyle choices and social values. MOTORESS recognizes that women riders are already a large, established community. This campaign highlights that fact, as women worldwide get on their bikes on May 2nd. I look forward to the day when people don’t raise an eyebrow when they see a woman on a motorcycle, just as it is now, in most societies, with regard to the automobile,” she added.
In 2007, participants were invited to send in their photographs capturing a moment during their FEMALE RIDE DAY experience to be featured on the website and receive a ride day souvenir. Participants will be offered the same opportunity in 2008. According to Vicki, the buzz within online social communities already demonstrates soaring participation this year and indicates that souvenirs may have to be limited. Some of the club rides and meet-ups planned for May 2nd have decided to produce their own souvenir of the day—a t-shirt or a Female Ride Day jacket crest.
MOTORESS is an international brand with a prevalent online attendance. The aim is to connect women with motorcycling, helping to make them feel at home with the activity, whether just starting out or experienced. MOTORESS supports the needs of women by providing a community that is truly female and the tools to advance knowledge and ability, so women can make the most out of their motorcycling lifestyle.
MOTORESS founder Vicki Gray is a former European motorcycle racer, an instructor for both street and track, a motorcycle journalist/columnist, devotedly promoting the rewards and enjoyment of motorcycling for over 25 years. Originally from Ontario, she got hooked on motorcycling when taking the rider training course in Nova Scotia, motivated by the need for an outlet away from her demanding career at Revlon International. Since then, she has taught motorcycle riding to thousands of beginners, trained police in the Caribbean (Netherlands Antilles), raced throughout Europe, sponsored by World Superbike/Supersport Champions Ten Kate Honda, co-instructed with MotoGP racer Katja Poensgen, partnered events with famed TT Circuit Assen, and hosted numerous media events, since the ‘80s, including an hour long TLC special for Daytona Bike Week.
Go to www.motoress.com for more information.
FEMALE RIDE DAY is supported by BMW, BUELL, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HONDA, HYOSUNG, KAWASAKI, KYMCO, SUZUKI, YAMAHA, AFMQ ( ASSOCIATION DES FEMMES MOTORCYCLISTES DU QUEBEC), ARAI, CANADA SAFETY COUNCIL/GEARING UP PROGRAM, CMTS (CANADIAN MOTORCYCLE TRAINING SERVICES), CHIC RIDERS, INSIDE MOTORCYCLES, JDS INSURANCE, MOTORCYCLE MOJO, PLAY LIKE A GIRL SPORTS and WOMEN’S CUP CHALLENGE.
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