Let’s be honest: motorcycling has been a male dominated activity as a sport, pastime, and means of transportation. Even since James Dean defined rebel machismo with a leather jacket and a rumbling two-wheeler, the motorcycle has come to be associated with masculinity. That association, however, was established in the fifties, and we’ve come along way as riders.
Today, women are breaking the stereotype in growing numbers. Motorcycling has never been synonymous with masculinity, though it has picked up that image—along with many other images—throughout its popularity. Despite the many changing personas of the motorcycle over the years, one thing has remained constant: motorcycles represent freedom. You can only really experience the open road when you’re riding. That’s the kind of feeling that’s hooked male and female riders alike. That’s the feeling that promotes unity rather than gender segregation.
Because female riders are still a vast minority, big motorcycle companies are encouraging the participation of this formerly untapped demographic. Harley-Davidson celebrates millions of female riders with Women Riders Month, an event inspired by its 3rd Annual International Female Ride Day on Friday, May 1, 2009. Harley hosts the special ride to spread the word about female riders and to provide the type of motorcycle event for women that was previously male-dominated. With a big name like Harley-Davidson behind such a momentous occasion, biker enthusiasts everywhere are sure to hear about the growing numbers of female riders.
The Internet can also be a great resource for keeping track of this huge trend in motorcycling. Many websites offer all kinds of information, programs, news, updates, and merchandise specifically targeted at female bikers. If you thought that biker-style leather jackets were only tailored for men, think again! These days, it won’t take much searching to find the right gear to look great on the open road. And to keep the sense of biker community alive, don’t forget to find the female biker organizational group that’s right for you. These groups are great for planning rides, meetings, and just keeping the spirit of female riding alive.
The most important thing to remember is to be active. Though we’ve come along way, motorcycling has not completely shaken its stereotypes. The biker community needs to be reminded that its not just a man’s game anymore.
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Tagged with: Female Bikers • gender segregation • information programs • Leather Jacket • Means Of Transportation • Motorcycle Event • Women Bikers
Filed under: Women and Motorcycling
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