The Plight of Women RIders

[Ken C]

Any women (or men) have anything to add?

http://www.ridinginthezone.com/the-p...motorcyclists/

[FriskyDingo]

Any women (or men) have anything to add?

just this

http://www.latimes.com/business/auto...#axzz2ohtQp3PH

The study, in which 1,013 riders and 1,016 non-riders were interviewed by the market research company Kelton Global, seems to bear that out. The results say female riders are happier in their careers, happier in their friendships, happier with their home lives, and twice as likely to be "extremely satisfied" with their sex lives.

Uh, maybe, said Schick.

"Being a woman in a man's sport means I meet loads of men who tell me how much they dig chicks who ride," she said. "Then they go home to their girlfriend or wife who doesn't -- and [who] eventually talks them out of riding altogether. So there's a real disconnect between the compliments I get and the reality. Having professional racers half my age flirt with me feeds my ego, but not my soul."

[Karate.Snoopy]

People seldom remember the things you do for them but the will forever treasure the things you do with them.
I would encourage my male friends to include the women in their moto lives as well. They don't need to ride to feel integrated if they so choose to. There are other peripheral aspects to riding that any one can appreciate.
I have seen folks bring their mothers, gf's, spouse to track days and that is very charming.

[jerseygirl]

Here are a few of my thoughts:

Gear has definitely gotten better. I currently where a Rev'It jacket that is a mid-range to warm temp jacket. It fits very snug, but is definitely made for a certain body type (the mens gear is cut this way too). I wear Teknic (no longer being produced) jacket and pants for the cold. The pants fit well and the jacket has a little room, but works. I wear Stella A-Stars boot, but have some Sidi's in mind for the future. My leathers are custom fit as nothing off the rack would work plus I wanted them to be sexy. Yes...I want to look like a girl in them!

Much of the article references a women's S.O. and I think this is becoming more and more dated. I know many women who ride on their own and never had a parent or an S.O. get them into it. I also know racers that have their own program and don't rely heavily on anyone else, but themselves. Jeannine and I are different, but good examples. We both grew up with both of our parents involved in riding and racing and we did not have a choice, but to like motorcycles. Both of us have managed to make a name for ourselves though and although I associate my racing especially with my Dad, it is something I do. To me, it is more of a partnership with my Dad now as we can talk on the same level. My Mom does joke around that she went from being Frank Smith's wife to Kerry Smith's Mom at the track. This is kind of when I knew I was making it on my own.

Ken, you are a great advocate for women and I really appreciate that. I will say though that this women rides when she wants, wherever she wants and with whomever she wants. He S.O. is more than welcome to join, if he wants and we can grab dinner along the way

[Ken C]

Kerry, you and Jeannine are particularly accomplished riders who have solid identities in this traditionally male "sport". But, I see a lot of women riders who struggle to find their place in the motorcycling world. I'll never forget a woman student I had several years ago who came up to me during a break after we discussed riding gear. She was upset, saying that her husband (a Harley rider) wouldn't like her wearing a full-faced helmet. She was upset because she now knew that the beanie helmets her husband and his friends wear will do nothing to prevent brain injury. All I could do was encourage her to tell her husband what she learned and that it made her feel better to wear a full faced helmet.

You can imagine the conversation we had after the "impairment" segment of the course. Poor woman.

[jerseygirl]

I definitely agree that there is that segment you refer to Ken, and it is very sad. Paul and I have talked about this and when women get into riding because their S.O. does it. Can it be a level field? For many couples, it can. You have proved this. But like you referenced above, sometimes it can't and I think your article touches upon that well.

Jeannine and I might be the exception to women riders, but I think it is good to recognize the increasing population of women that are just doing it on their own. The path has been paved by many women in the past to make it ok for women like to me to acceptably ride on my own. This was touched upon nicely in Why We Ride.

[Ken C]

Good point, Kerry. Instead of just talking about the problems, it's good to point out examples of what is possible. Another blog post!

[DucDave]

Any women (or men) have anything to add?

http://www.ridinginthezone.com/the-p...motorcyclists/

Great article Ken. Question...which Alaska Tour did Jeannine take. A few of us are planning a trip to Alaska this summer and will head for Prudhoe Bay! Looking for feedback on that tour...!

Dave

[Ken C]

Great article Ken. Question...which Alaska Tour did Jeannine take. A few of us are planning a trip to Alaska this summer and will head for Prudhoe Bay! Looking for feedback on that tour...!

Dave

Jeannine was on a special industry ride, so her tour was a bit different. I'll ask her to share her thoughts though. Stay Tuned.

[DZircher]

I know many women who ride on their own and never had a parent or an S.O. get them into it. I also know racers that have their own program and don't rely heavily on anyone else

<Babble>

In some cases, like mine - there were very few supportive people around me when I told them that I wanted to learn to ride superbikes. Both my parents stated that it was irresponsible and foolish to pursue such a thing. And I started riding at 46 - racing at 48.

I was really self conscious when my friend Alex and I attended our first track experience day. The Penguin guys were great and I felt very encouraged. I was totally enthralled by the track and Alex decided he just wasn't really into it. He attended 1 or 2 more times and then stopped going.

In my social circles, folks looked at the situation as if I were tagging along with him and that always frustrated me. Too many people asked me if I was going to pick up his 'next hobby' - It never ceases to amaze me that some artifacts of the 50s culture still exists today. It's nice when you share interests with your SO but there is no inherent need to assume their interests or characteristic traits. But this doesn't really lessen the fact that going to track days alone as a woman and then pursuing racing independently was socially difficult. Just not always difficult 'at the track'

Fortunately, track days introduced me to a whole culture of racing oriented people who have been willing to help me gain experience. Outside of the occasional teasing (done in fun and I enjoy it) I have always felt like a serious hobbyist amongst others with varying degrees of expertise. As for the gear, I want the best protection I can find - period. Yes, it frustrates that me that more often than not, it's cut for guys. That's the reason I had a custom set of leathers made before my first racing season. I just couldn't find anything that really fit me correctly off the rack and there's just too much at stake of your armor fails you.

Do I want my gear to show my curves off, hell yeah! who wouldn't?

-diz

<Babble/>

[J9]

Great article Ken. Question...which Alaska Tour did Jeannine take. A few of us are planning a trip to Alaska this summer and will head for Prudhoe Bay! Looking for feedback on that tour...!

Dave

Dave, As Ken mentioned I was on an industry ride so my trip was a little different but I certainly got a good taste of what they do. I went with Motoquest who run fantastic trips with amazing guides who really know how to ride and know how to ride Alaska! If you're looking to go to Prudhoe Bay they have one guided trip a year, it will be in early June this year, that goes up there but they also rent bikes for self guided trips if you prefer. I had such a great time and can't wait to go back, I love to talk about it so if you have any other questions then ask away!!!

Jeannine