Women take to motorcycles for International Female Ride Day
The Staff of Clutch and Chrome
May 2nd 2008
If it seems
that more of the motorcycles are being ridden by women this
particular Friday, it's not necessarily just your imagination.
 Today
is officially 'International Female Ride Day',
encouraging
women to jump in the saddle, spotlighting females who ride
and
celebrating the many numbers who do. Introduced in Canada
last year, the event takes place annually on the first
Friday of May, it's 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.
Vicki Gray,
organizer and campaign founder, recently appeared on the
Clutch and Chrome Podcast
to discuss the event.
“I
have received feedback from women all over the world about
participating in this year’s FEMALE RIDE DAY,” says Vicki
Gray (pictured right, click to enlarge), campaign
founder. “It’s not an organized 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 fundraiser's, to celebrate the day.”
Vicki, along with other supporters, kicked off the day in
Toronto by meeting at the Princes’ Gates of the CNE at 8am,
“Whenever people speak of women and motorcycling, it is
repeatedly noted that it is the fastest growing group in the
industry,” says 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."
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 expectations are for soaring
participation this year and indicates that souvenirs may
have to be limited. Some of the club rides and meet-ups
planned for today's event 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. |
