Hey, ladies: what are you doing May 6, 2011? Because here’s an idea: make a plan to get on your bike and ride and—well, that’s it really. Just ride.
International Female Ride Day is an event that was conceived by Motoress International, a Canadian-based organization that seeks to connect women motorcyclists across the world and support them in their passion. 2011 marks the fifth year that the organization is encouraging women to get out and be visible as a means of supporting other women riders.
Vicki Gray, the director of Motoress, said the event shows no signs of stopping.
“The popularity of this event comes from the concept that it invites women riders of all ages, styles and forms of motorcycling to take the lead and play a role,” said Gray. “Plus it’s a lot of fun. The campaign is a reality, and it’s obvious by its numbers (that) it’s here to stay.”
Motorcycling is often seen as primarily a men’s pastime, but as any motorsports dealer can attest, the number of women taking up the hobby—or lifestyle, if you prefer—is definitely on the rise. No longer content to simply ride as passengers, women are asking manufacturers to give them due consideration in new motorcycle and accessory lines, and Motoress is adding some heft to that voice.
"Indeed (the number of women riding) is rising, but women have been riding since the motorcycle was invented," said Gray. "So I thought, wouldn't it be great if there were a day where everyone just got out there and said, 'Look! Here we are!' "
And that’s the reason behind International Female Ride Day. Gray also said the day helps to normalize women riding for everyone, including the women themselves who might be uncertain about whether this is a pastime for them.
The event has been gaining in numbers and attention with each succeeding year, and this year’s campaign looks to be no different. The first year started as a test in Canada, but international groups picked up on it immediately, and word has been spreading like wildfire.
Make it your own
Gray said the point is to be on your bike, in any way you like—alone, with friends, as part of a charity ride or in any other way that makes it fun. Some of the rides have been meaningful, said Gray, including women who take their first solo ride on International Female Ride Day and celebrate that day each successive year.
"One that is most memorable is a group in Israel who rode through the streets of Tel Aviv," said Gray. "They wrote and said it was the first time in history a group of women have ridden through the streets. It was a short ride, but they had a presence."
Facebook status updates are proclaiming women riders’ intentions to join their sisters on May 6 on their touring and sport motorcycles, dirt bikes and scooters to help spread the word.
For more information, visit the Motoress website.
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