But When Is Women Riders Month?

womanriderYou all know that the percentage of women riders has significantly increased. Harley-Davidson states that during the last 20 years the number of women purchases has tripled and now represents 12% of its sales. The woman market is the most courted segment of the whole motorcycle industry, hence special events at the dealership, during rallies and on the road. I find it quite amusing that on one side the motorcycle Hall Of Fame Museum and Nationwide Insurance wanted to declare July as Women Riders Month. At the same time, Harley-Davidson decided that May was Women Month.

I propose to make every month Women Riders month. Problem solved. Call me for any conflicting issue like that. Regarding Harley initiatives, May will include rides to New-York City & Milwaukee, a tentative to be registered in the Guinness Book Of world Records for largest number of women trained to ride in one weekend, women only garage parties at their dealerships, etc. Male readers, contribute by finding a female neighbor or co-worker and convince her to ride. I know you can do it.

24 Responses to “But When Is Women Riders Month?”


  1. 1 J Feb 12th, 2009 at 10:58 am

    When is Ride a Woman month?

  2. 2 Jessica Feb 12th, 2009 at 11:02 am

    J you are funny but just offended the women reading this website.

  3. 3 Mimi Feb 12th, 2009 at 11:26 am

    J you are just plain offensive. Get over it.

  4. 4 Go J Feb 12th, 2009 at 11:32 am

    It’s a joke. Everyone but the dykes on bikes understands that.

  5. 5 Bobfather Feb 12th, 2009 at 11:33 am

    I think getting more women to ride is an excellent idea. We specialize in custom tailoring our bikes to fit women and would like to see more women riding. Our shop is 50% owned by a woman that rides and we’ve always been a huge supporter of women riders. We run ladies only specials in our shop several times a year as well.

  6. 6 Boss Hawg Feb 12th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    Ladies…I say stick to tradition and ride when you want, but Harley-Davidson Motor Company Plans Events around the Globe to Celebrate Female Riders – This May the rumble from those April showers will continue a little longer as thousands of female riders will be hitting the open road to celebrate the first-ever Women Riders Month.

    Throughout the month of May, Harley-Davidson is staging a series of events designed to celebrate the number of women who have already hit the open road on two wheels, as well as encourage even more women to get behind the handlebars. Two of the larger Harley-Davidson Women Riders Month initiatives include:

    — Activities for the 3rd Annual International Female Ride Day on Friday, May 1, 2009, which was founded by Vicki Gray of Motoress.com. The day celebrates women of all ages who take life by the handlebars by encouraging them to ride. Harley-Davidson plans to stage special rides in New York City and Milwaukee to commemorate International Female Ride Day. Harley-Davidson dealerships, subsidiaries and suppliers across the world have been encouraged to plan rides in their areas.

    — Encouraging 100,000 women to learn to ride either by taking the Harley-Davidson(R) Rider’s Edge(R) New Rider Course or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation(R) (MSF) Basic RiderCourse(SM) training program. Several Rider’s Edge New Rider Courses and MSF Basic RiderCourses are scheduled for the first weekend of May. To kick-off this initiative, a Guinness World Record will be set for the number of women motorcycle riders trained in one weekend during the first weekend of May. For information on the Rider’s Edge New Rider Course or a MSF Basic RiderCourse visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or log on to http://www.ridersedge.com or http://www.msf-usa.org.

    “Women have been enjoying the sport of motorcycling for the last century,” said Leslie Prevish, women’s outreach manager, Harley-Davidson. “In the past two decades, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in number of women embrace the sport. By declaring May as Women Riders Month, we’re honoring all of the women who enjoy the freedom and adventure found in taking control of their own handlebars.”

    In the past 20 years, the percentage of women who have purchased new Harley-Davidson motorcycles has tripled, with women now accounting for nearly 12 percent of new Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchases.

    “We know there are thousands of women who are interested in the sport, but aren’t sure where to start,” said Prevish. “We are encouraging women to learn how to ride a motorcycle to increase the women rider community and help them along their journey.”

    During Women Riders Month, the Motor Company also plans to showcase several other programs it has designed specifically for women, including:

    — Harley-Davidson dealerships will also be hosting women-only Garage Parties(TM) which provides a non-intimidating environment for women to learn more about motorcycling.

    — Distributing We Ride, a comprehensive and inspirational brochure on what a new rider or a woman interested in riding needs to know about getting into the sport.

    — Share Your Spark(TM): A Guide to Mentoring is a tool kit the Motor Company developed for current and aspiring riders featuring information on how to be a resource and support system to others during their motorcycling journey.

    For more information about Women Riders Month, including the opportunity to participate in the special International Female Ride Day rides, visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or log onto http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.

    Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com.

    That’s Boss Hawg’s $.02 cents worth.

  7. 7 Bee Feb 12th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    There would definitely be more women riders if they had opportunities to learn to ride other than from their husbands :-). Looking forward to May 1st.

  8. 8 Gina Woods Feb 12th, 2009 at 4:08 pm

    Bee – There are so many opportunities out there for ayone to find other than a significant other……Anyone can check with a local motorcycle dealership -they have brochures about in-house training or state training. In Illinois the state training is a $20.00 donation -but classes fill up fast and registraion opens any day now online.Motorcycle Safety Foundation-www.msf-usa.org. The internet is packed with motorcycle training courses, schools etc.
    http://www.ridersedge.com
    http://www.learn2ride.net
    http://www.motolearn.com
    http://www.motorcyclelearning.com
    http://www.motoschool.com
    The fun thing about it is after you get your street license there’s a whole other world out there – Dirt, Track Superbike, Drag, Bonneville – the sky’s the limit!

  9. 9 Sheridan Feb 12th, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    So is May is the month when the most Skirtsters (oh sorry, Sportsters) are sold?

  10. 10 Patrick Feb 13th, 2009 at 12:03 am

    I will be very happy and the industry too when 51% of riders will be women, an exact representation of the sex breakdown of the population. Is it possible in 15, 20, 30 years?

  11. 11 DONNIE Feb 13th, 2009 at 10:23 am

    Woman are on the move and so is the Industry . Ladies check out http://www.RoarMotorcycles.com, ( Daytona Beach,Fl. ) They are definitely catering to the Female foramt.Watch this company ,it is growing by leaps and bounds…

  12. 12 rodent Feb 13th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    Dykes on Bikes is a reg. trademark, go goggle it. But anyway more women are riding, or more bikes are registered in womens name because the man doen’t have credit or a DL both required to buy except for cash and then just a DL is require.

  13. 13 Nitrous Phil Feb 13th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    All these is nothing new – but something for the media to hype up on.

  14. 14 James(Kiwi) Feb 13th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    This trend is in many countries and is really great.Not all Women ride Sportsters or even HD’s Though Harley is smart enough to recognise an opportunity for more sales.
    If one is not tall enough to ride a Dyna and many men are in this boat. A Sportster or Buell are great bikes.Since the 04 motor update of those bikes my opinion is it is a better motor in many ways than the big block.It can put out some serious power with out great cost and sounds damn fine with a set of open pipes!!

    Idiots that do not recognise this and make dumb sexist remarks are not paying attention to the world around them.

    Dykes on Bikes is a horrible term in my mind, as Dykes always makes one think of men hating feminist skin head weirdos.
    I have meet lesbian couples on Motorcycles and they are usually really cool people whom you can have some great motorcycle conversations with.Which is the main reason I go to rallies apart from the ride.
    Contrary to most of the images portrayed allot of them are not bad looking and some even quite pretty.I have to finish now before I say something sexist….sigh

    James

  15. 15 Brenda Fox Feb 14th, 2009 at 10:59 am

    I’m with you 100% Cyril. Every month is riding month to me.
    I’m lucky enough to live where the weather is great, have great bikes in my garage and riding to me is a weekly occurrence, so claiming a month as “women rider month” hits me as bit the wrong way.
    I do really like Harley’s focus on the ladies and the Celebrate Female riders program and in personally knowing Leslie Prevish HD’s women’s outreach manager I know the programs will have substance and valuable information to offer.

    Gina – You provided excellent links to training programs. There is a lot of information available on the internet providing lots of opportunities for gals to learn to ride.

    Bobfather – Your work looks to offer excellent choices for the gals.
    And as I saw someone else mention on this site.
    Holy bargains! – great deal on that black bobber!

    James – Yes not all women ride Sporty’s or HD. With this site leaning towards the V-twin market I think those bikes are the ones that come to mind, however in a bigger picture there are many women riders riding other bike that HD.

    As for the Dykes on Bikes…. I personally don’t roll that way, if you know what I mean…
    Until Jesse Jurrens put on the Sturgis Breast Cancer Ride in support of me I had never connected with any of these ladies. http://www.womenmotorcyclist.com is supported by Pink and
    I ended up with a huge lesbo following and I LOVE my bitches!
    I’m with you on the term “Dyke” it has never rubbed me the right way, however I do not see a separation in the love of motorcycles separated by one’s sexual

  16. 16 Brenda Fox Feb 14th, 2009 at 11:04 am

    I’m with you 100% Cyril. Every month is riding month to me.
    I’m lucky enough to live where the weather is great, have great bikes in my garage and riding to me is a weekly occurrence, so claiming a month as “women rider month” hits me as bit the wrong way.
    I do really like Harley’s focus on the ladies and the Celebrate Female riders program and in personally knowing Leslie Prevish HD’s women’s outreach manager I know the programs will have substance and valuable information to offer.

    Gina – You provided excellent links to training programs. There is a lot of information available on the internet providing lots of opportunities for gals to learn to ride.

    Bobfather – Your work looks to offer excellent choices for the gals.
    And as I saw someone else mention on this site.
    Holy bargains! – great deal on that black bobber!

    James – Yes not all women ride Sporty’s or HD. With this site leaning towards the V-twin market I think those bikes are the ones that come more to mind, however in a bigger picture there are many women riders riding other bike that HD.

    As for the Dykes on Bikes…. I personally don’t roll that way, if you know what I mean…
    Until Jesse Jurrens put on the Sturgis Breast Cancer Ride in support of me I had never connected with any of these ladies.
    I ended up with a huge lesbo following and I LOVE my bitches!
    http://www.womenmotorcyclist.com is supported by Pink and I welcome all.
    I’m with you on the term “Dyke” it has never rubbed me the right way, however I do not see a separation in the love of motorcycles separated by one’s sexual orientation.

  17. 17 Emily Feb 14th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    I’m a women rider and I have felt itimidated sometimes around some of comments I receive from men and I have also experience some not so nice comments from women just directed a little differently at me. I like seeing more and more support.

    I completely agree with the points made by Brenda.
    Good to see more sisters on the road.

  18. 18 Nicker Feb 14th, 2009 at 11:45 pm

    RE:
    “..I have felt intimidated sometimes around some of comments …”

    That sort-a intimidation requires that you actually care about what others think…….

    If your into scooters because you “Eat, dream, breath, live and love motorcycles”
    you wouldn’t give a rosy rats ass what anyone else thinks.

    Life isn’t a popularity contest.
    If you need someone else to validate you….. go take up Golf.

    -nicker-

  19. 19 James(Kiwi) Feb 15th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    Nicker I have to disagree!!
    Some males will say things to Women on bikes that if said to another bloke they would lose their front teeth.
    Bullies wether verbal,physical or mentle are out there and often view women as easy prey.
    As for other women, jealousy is also a nasty emotion.

    golf….puke

    James

  20. 20 Nicker Feb 15th, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    James,

    RE:
    “,,,lose their front teeth…”

    Well. Jim, this solution may work for you…….

    Just remember, not too long a simple kick in the ass at a casino caused a fatal shooting.

    Your never gonna be able to square off with every moron who says or does something ya don’t like.

    Moreover,
    If you need others’ acceptance/approval/recognition…. etc. your gonna be a damned unhappy duck.

    I never met a real biker who wasn’t secure in his (or her) own skin.
    Bully and victim, alike…. they’re both posers.

    Sorry, life is less about seeking validation from others and more about respecting yourself.

    I stand by my assertion
    -nicker-

  21. 21 James(Kiwi) Feb 16th, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Well that was a karate kick to the chest by a one percenter amongst a group of armed one percenters looking for retribution.Completely different situation and one which I seen unfold but with less numbers both of people and deaths.
    People are only bullies when they think they can get away with it, and sometimes these people only respect a form of physical deterrent ,that is the way of the world. There are probably 30 plus wars in the world at the mo.
    Not good maybe ..but that’s is the way it is…..thanks to Charlie Parr
    Basically most of us that are true to ourselves do not look for acceptance from others but neither should bullies be left un punished..
    I am comfortable with my abilities in conflict but always respect others and will always protect others that are not as capable.
    I must admit in our country virtually no one carries guns.They are strictly controlled. One percenters are ony packing if going to war or expecting trouble.Conflicts amongst ordinary folk are usually done with the fist…though things are changeing slowly with more use of weapons and pack beatings, but a good pugilist still has the respect.
    Thanks for listening
    James

  22. 22 Nicker Feb 16th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    RE:
    “…that was a karate kick to the chest by a one percenter amongst a group of armed one…”

    Wasn’t talki-n about the shooting in the club.

    RE:
    “…beatings, but a good pugilist …”

    Trust me, if ya get to my age your’re gonna be looking for a difffernt approach.

    -nicker-

  23. 23 James(Kiwi) Feb 19th, 2009 at 1:10 am

    Nicker,
    I have meet some tough ol dudes well into their 60’s that I would not want to take a punch from and over here people respect such people.
    But back to the origin of this editorial. I really enjoy the company of Women on motorcycles they have added another dimension which is great.

    Ps, how old are you or is that being rude.I am not that young but not that old….lol
    Takes care,
    James

  24. 24 Stephanie aka Seven May 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 am

    I read: So is May is the month when the most Skirtsters (oh sorry, Sportsters) are sold?

    First off, I am not offended because, as others have posted, Frankly I don’t give a rat’s you know what if people think my 1200 sporty is a “girly” bike.
    I modified it to fit my needs with a thunderheader, custom paint job and a screamin eagle ignition module…so for all you “snobs” : not only can I beat you off the line, but I can manuever better and keep up with a touring bike on the highway at 100-100mph (If I wanted to risk getting a ticket at prolonged speeds that high.
    I have seen plenty of men buys sportys too, so the whole “girl bike” is not a current trend. Keep up the the times..maybe you old farts with that mindset should stay off the road?????
    Bikers are bikers, whether male or female. It’s a way of life not a gender issue.

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Cyril Huze