JUST RIDE! Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on Friday, May 6th.
In 2011 women riders throughout Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Russia, Germany and more will participate in the 5th Annual International Female Ride Day.
Two Russian Women Rider's Groups Join the 2011 International Female Ride - "Moto Lady" of Biker News in Russia, along with the National Russian Motorcycle Federation will be part of the 5th Annual International Ride Day on Friday, May 6th 2011.
FIM -Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (The International Motorcycling Federation) supports International Female Ride Day - along with brands: BMW, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Kymco and MV Agusta.
The ride is on a weekday to emphasize that women are not "hobby" riders. They ride to work and motorcycling is part of their lifestyle. Read more.
On the eve of International Female Ride Day (the first Friday in May - The 5th annual event is May 6,2011) Harley-Davidson has just announced that supermodel and Harley-Davidson enthusiast Marisa Miller will be part of the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson celebration of May as "Women Riders Month" that includes a ride at many dealerships on Saturday, May 14th. May is also designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
"To recognize the increasing number of women who are hitting the open road on two wheels, as well as inspire even more women to get into the saddle of their own motorcycle, Harley-Davidson celebrates its 3rd Annual Women Riders Month this May," H-D said in a press announcement issued Thursday, May 4th.
Throughout the month of May, Harley-Davidson and their worldwide network of dealers will host a series of events to celebrate women riders, including a special day for women to commemorate the freedom and independence of riding, by hitting the open road on Saturday, May 14. Local dealerships will also host women-only Garage Parties throughout May and the rest of the riding season."
"Every time I start my motorcycle, my heart starts pumping faster," said Miller. "Learning to ride has changed my life. The challenge of riding has made me stronger and given me a new outlet for my adventurous side. I've met dozens of women riders who share my passion for the open road and I'm honored to help inspire even more women to get started on their riding journeys."
Women riders represent one of the fastest growing demographics in the sport of motorcycling. In fact, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists and Harley-Davidson is the number one motorcycle choice among women riders.(1)
Harley-Davidson has a variety of resources available atwww.h-d.com/women to help women get into the sport. The site includes inspirational stories from female riders, a "Roadmap to Riding" that shows you how you can start riding your very own Harley-Davidson in six simple steps, as well as calendars of upcoming women riders events.
Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on May 6th - In 2011 women riders throughout Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Russia Germany and more- will contribute to the campaign in compelling numbers.
International Female Ride Day whose simple theme asks women to “JUST RIDE”, is a designated day, aimed at bringing awareness to the existing and mounting numbers of women motorcyclists, a prominent escalating segment of the motorcycling community who ride just as much as their male counterparts. The is the fifth year for the global ride in unison, which is always staged on the first Friday in May.
“We ride on a Friday to emphasize the fact that motorcycling for women is not only a hobby but something women incorporate into their every day lives," said Vicki Gray, founder of the International Female Ride Day and MOTORESS - a global online community and magazine for women riders that is based in Canada.
"Women ride to work, to school or to run errands, such as I do on my scooter in the city- it’s a reality in a woman’s life, and this day simply accentuates it. Women enthusiastically prepare to ride and unite around the world on this synchronized day - and if you look at the feedback by way of internet, it’s truly phenomenal!” said Vicki. “For the 5th year we’re so excited to welcome support and participation from National Russian Motorcycle Federation (NRMF) and equally a group of women in India who are totally on board with the action! This year many women have referred to the campaign as a ‘movement’ and really, its global size is certainly proof of that!”
In Kingston, Ontario - The Motor Maids will be leading a women's -only ride followed by a coed BBQ at MotoSport Plus - In Toronto, there will be a ride & rally. You will find events posted from Aruba to Russia in the Facebook Group: International Female Ride Day.
Since its introduction in 2007, International Female Ride Day has continued to expand demonstrating magnificent growth. This has also been a result of the endorsement and support from the motorcycle industry and its prominent leaders, renowned female rider clubs, and international governing bodies such as Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
International Female Ride Day is supported by BMW MOTORRAD CANADA, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HONDA, KAWASAKI, KYMCO, SUZUKI, ARAI, AFMQ (Association des femmes motocyclistes du Québec) , CMA (Canadian Motorcycle Association), CANADIAN BIKER, DRAGGIN JEANS, GEARING UP (Canada Safety Council), GO-GO GEAR, INSIDE MOTORCYCLES, RIDE FOR SIGHT, RIDERS PLUS INSURANCE, FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme).
See related articles about what Harley-Davidson is doing.. and photos from the first Aruba Women Rider's Day: International Female Ride Day.
The 1st Annual - W.A.R. - Warrior Appreciation Rally is a special Armed Forces Day event planned for Saturday, May 21st to honor, support and raise awareness for our Military's Wounded Warriors. Come early to ride in the Patriot Motorcycle Ride. A “Cars 4 Heroes” vehicle will be presented to a needy veteran in the KC Metro area.
Click poster image to enlarge.
The Patriot Motorcycle Ride - 9 to 11am - rolls out from Worth Harley Davidson North at Interstate-29 and Tiffany Springs Road and ends at the Brass Rail, Hwy 152 & N. Brighton in Kansas City. Registration open at 7am $10 per rider includes rally admission.
First Place Winners of the Cover Girl Search, Bike Show and Bikini Contest will be featured in Chromed Out Magazine. Details about this event and how you can donate to the cause can be found at http://www.chromedoutmag.com/
BANDS: Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders, Bob Harvey Band, Blues Society, Shelter and Sharp Dressed Man (ZZ Top Tribute) Band.
Riders can have photos taken with their bike in front of a real US Army Apache Helicopter.
Money raised during this one day non-profit event will support two causes: Camp Hope - Chris Neil Farm in Southeast Missouri that was started by a family after their son was killed in Iraq in 2006; and the Wounded Warrior Project that assists wounded warriors with their day to day needs.
About the Wounded Warrior Program: The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for the most severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of their military status, for as long as it takes.
About the Wounded Warrior Project: The Wounded Warrior Project is a private national non-profit organization set-up to further assist injured soldiers with a wide range of
rehabilitative care issues. WWP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL with additional program offices located in New York City and Washington D.C. WWP was founded in Roanoke, Virginia by a group of veterans and friends who took action to help the injured service men and women of this generation.
• The Purpose is: To raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members. To help injured service members aid and assist each other. To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.
• The Mission is: To honor and empower wounded warriors. • The Vision is: To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in this nation's history. For additional Information on the Wounded Warrior Project go to; http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Non-Profit #20-2370934
About Camp Hope - Chris Neal Farm: The Chris Neal Farm is a private local non-profit organization located in Southeast Missouri set-up to assist injured soldiers with recreational
rehabilitative care. Established in 2007, Camp Hope is located 70 miles south of St. Louis in the plush land of Farmington, MO. One hundred and seventy acres of beautiful rolling hills and hardwood ridges are available to our veterans for their year round enjoyment, recovery, and well being. Camp Hope is located in an area that has a lot to offer American veterans. State and National Parks surround the area with numerous activities such as fishing, canoeing, hiking and golf. Chris Neal Farm is a partner of Camp Hope and is dedicated to offering some of the best hunting in Missouri. It is our hope that these fine Americans will experience lasting memories and perhaps lasting relationships at Camp Hope.
Today there are over 2.3 million disabled veterans in the U.S. All of these veterans had dreams about the future, but many of these dreams were lost due to injuries suffered in the line of duty. Camp Hope has been established to thank these great men and women and show them that there is indeed still hope for their dreams. William “Mike” White’s family has a vision born of sorrow that is now becoming a reality which will be able to reach out and help the heroes of our Nation. For additional Information on the Camp Hope – Chris Neal Farm go to: http://www.chrisnealfarm.com/ Non-Profit #N00807910
About the Missing Link Motorcycle Club: The Missing Link Motorcycle Club is a National AMA Chartered Motorcycle Club which was established in 1982 in Columbus Ohio. The MLMC - Midwest Chapter was established in Kansas City in June of 2010. On a National level the MLMC, with its hundreds of members, supports a wide range of non-profit organizations, including “Toys 4 Tots”. The MLMC - Midwest Chapter was started by a group of former and current military professionals who served in different Special Operations fields. Getting behind a military cause was an easy choice for MLMC-Midwest, due to one of its own members being a Wounded Warrior, the member was injured when a roadside bomb detonated near his patrol in Iraq.
Harley-Davidson is promoting activities throughout the month of May at nationwide dealerships in the USA to celebrate their involvement in the 3rd Annual Women Riders Month.
Women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists, as well as about 12 percent of new motorcycle sales for Harley-Davidson. To inspire even more women to participate in motorcycling, Harley-Davidson and its nationwide dealership network is staging a series of initiatives over the next several months including Garage Parties, Women Riders Month in May and the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women.
Harley dealerships throughout the country will also host a series of women-only rides on Saturday, May 14, 2011. H-D sponsored two huge rides in 2009 in Milwaukee and New York, and produced this video of the rides and women ride events all over the world.
Although Harley-Davidson has been an active participant in the past, their rides in the U.S. do not coincide this year with the 5th Annual International Female Ride Daythat will include women riders across the USA and Canada, Europe/UK, China, Japan and Russia on Friday, May 6, 2011.
"We're very proud of the efforts we've made as a company to pave the way for even more women to turn their dreams of riding into reality," said Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson and Creative Director, General Merchandise, Harley-Davidson. "But we know there are still thousands of women out there who dream of riding their own motorcycles, which is why we're committed to inspiring them to take the first step, as well as providing them with the necessary tools and support they need."
Women Take Daytona Kathy Davidson led more than 100 women in the Women's MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Ride during Daytona Bike Week 2011 from Riverfront Park in downtown Daytona Beach, north to Bruce Rossmeyer's "Destination Daytona" Harley-Davidson dealership in Ormond Beach.
Harley-Davidson again this year had more of a street presence and was more focused on women riders and the riding experience during the 70th Daytona Bike Week, March 4 to 13, 2011. There were demo rides and interactive motorcycle displays at Daytona International Speedway. There was also a women's area at Riverfront Park on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach that offered bike-lift demonstrations and the opportunity to meet Cris Sommers-Simmons (wife of the Doobie Brother's Band member, Pat Simmons.) Cris was there with her 1915 Harley, "Effie" that she rode cross-country in the 2010 Cannonball Run.
During Daytona Bike Week and at other rallies throughout the country in 2011, groups of women riders will be able to visit four informational stations set up in the Harley-Davidson women's area:
•'Motorcycle Orientation' - a basic introduction to the motorcycle controls, as well as all of the models in the Harley-Davidson family. •'MotorClothes Gear' - to discover the important attributes needed in head-to-toe motorcycle gear, from helmets to protective leather to proper boots. •'Motorcycle Fit and Function' - to learn how to customize a motorcycle to reflect a rider's personal style and ergonomic needs. •'Bike Lift' - a hands-on demonstration that proves picking up a bike – even a Harley-Davidson – isn't as hard as you might think.
During Women Riders Month, the Motor Company also plans to stage the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The special camp is designed to take women's dreams of riding to reality by immersing them in the culture of Harley-Davidson, participating in the Rider's Edge New Rider Training Course and celebrating with other new women riders. Details: www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders. The site also includes a calendar of women events scheduled throughout the country.
[Wikimedia commons image by Christiano Del Riccio of the Rolling Thunder ride crossing the Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC on May 24, 2009]
This Memorial Day Weekend, for the first time ever, Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ -- “America’s Memorial Day Rally” will provide a new destination and gathering place for the more than 300,000 motorcycle enthusiasts who make the annual pilgrimage to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.
This free outdoor rally begins Friday, May 27 and continues through Monday, May 30 at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Walter Reed Society Warrior & Family Support Fund.
In a departure from the customary fare at other motorcycle events, various branches of the US armed forces will be displaying numerous military vehicles and other equipment for public access. Experienced crews will be present to explain and educate the public on the use of the vehicles and equipment to give attendees a better sense of exactly how the troops carry out their missions. There will also be live music, hundreds of vendors, lots of food and cold beer, and free bike parking. The legendary Blues and American Roots band, The Nighthawks will be playing Monday afternoon.
RFK Stadium is just two miles from the US Capitol Building and there will be signage for out-of-town visitors, not familiar with the Washington, DC area.
The Washington Convention and Sports Authority is a partner in this endeavor. The RFK Stadium Grounds are Metro accessible and there will be 14 acres designated exclusively for RVs. Visitors can come for the entire weekend and stay in DC with their campers. The campers must be self-contained. No tent camping is allowed.
Among the many vendors are Hot Leathers, Bob’s BMW, Biker Apparel, Stinger Trailers, Condor Products, Navy Federal Credit Union and Speeds Performance Plus. Look for full page ads in the following magazines: Laconia Rally News, AMA, Thunder Press, Fast Lane Biker, Motorcycle Monthly, Thunder Roads – Virginia and Vietnam Magazine. You will also find links to this rally on the following websites:
“You owe it to yourself to witness the birth of what is sure to be a new tradition, the first-ever Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ Motorcycle Rally that we hope will provide a comfortable staging area for the many thousands of riders and DC tourists who are in town to pause and acknowledge the service of our fellow citizens who serve our nation under arms,” said Bruce Bieber, one of three rally co-founders, along with Walter Layton and Harold Bingham. The three DC area riding buddies have attended rallies together all over the country for years, and have been planning this event for three years.
“Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ will be open for business for four full days so you will have plenty of time to visit many of Washington, DC’s memorials, museums and other attractions,” said Bieber. “Washington is a great place to visit at least once in your lifetime because almost all of the museums and memorials are free and open to the public.
“While this event is new, we are building on a 24-year tradition of motorcycles gathering in DC for the ‘Ride to the Wall.’ You can drop by the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds before or after you participate in the annual Ride to the Wall on Sunday. "Signs will be posted all over town clearly marking designated routes to and from the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. “Going into this first-year rally, we have the benefit of the participation and advice of Charlie St. Clair, the long-time Executive Director of Laconia Motorcycle Week, the oldest of the big, national motorcycle rallies, going into its 88th year," he said.
“Everyone is welcome to attend. You do not need to own a motorcycle to participate and enjoy this event. There will be enough food, music, shopping and special events to have broad appeal to motorcyclists, tourists and the local community. We really want this to be ‘America’s Memorial Day Celebration.’”
A portion of the funds from this rally will be donated to the Walter Reed Society’s Warrior/Family Support Fund that is used to assist service members and their families when support provided through Invitational Travel Orders (ITO) does not meet their immediate needs during a patient’s treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC.) The Walter Reed Society was established to support activities and fund projects to benefit the soldiers and staff at WRAMC. They also provide good stewardship of the funds donated and grants awarded to assist service members and/or their family members with unexpected financial needs and provide specially identified equipment and services related to patient care at WRAMC when other resources are not available.
The 'John Edgar Lightning,' aka the 'Bathing Suit Bike,' will be exhibited on May 14, 2011 at the 3rd Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel, California.
To kick-off The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, enthusiasts are invited to participate in the Quail Ride on Friday, May 13. The Ride, limited to 50 participants, will wind through 100 miles of the backroads of the Monterey Peninsula and conclude with a private dinner. The fee to participate in the Ride is $250 per rider, and includes a gift bag, lunch, track time at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and admission to an intimate dinner reception featuring special guest speakers, and a private sneak preview of the Bonhams & Butterfields Auction motorcycles. Ride participants also will receive a ticket to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering and an invitation to display a bike as an entrant.
The Bonhams & Butterfields live auction of rare motorcycles and memorabilia will include Steve McQueen's 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross, which he famously rode shirtless on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1971. The auction will also feature a custom Yamaha R1, signed by World Champion Valentino Rossi, with proceeds to benefit Riders for Health. For more information about the Bonhams & Butterfields Auction, please visit www.bonhams.com/quailbikes.
click image to read John Edgar Lightning bike story.
This year's event theme, "A Century of Racing at Isle of Man" will showcase fine motorcycles from the past, present and future. Tickets to The Motorcycle Gatheringare $65 per person, $15 for children 12 and under, and inclusive of a Southern BBQ gourmet lunch and live music!
A solitary Marine holds vigil at full attention during the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in tribute to fallen comrades. More than 1.4 million have watched this video of Marine Sgt. Tim Chambers standing for more than 4 hours at attention to salute more than 300,000 Rolling Thunder riders passing through Washington DC on Memorial Day weekend 2010.
He has been doing this for 6 years, and this year took a leave of absence from the Marine Corps to travel with "Carry The Flame" to Washington. "Run For The Wall" riders follow two cross-country routes every year, from California and Texas to join the Rolling Thunder Run through Washington DC, attended by nearly a million motorcycle enthusiasts.
We salute you, Marine Sgt. Tim Chambers! Semper Fi!
Rolling Thunder began in 1987 as a demonstration to bring awareness to the plight of prisoners of war (POW) and to those missing in action (MIA). Rolling Thunder originated when four Vietnam Veterans, exercising the First Amendment "Right to Petition and Assemble", organized the first group of 2500 motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, DC. This first Rolling Thunder run was made in an attempt to petition the government to take responsibility for the soldiers that were abandoned after the Vietnam War ended.
Today over 300, 000 motorcycles ride during the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend observance, held each year in our nation’s capital. Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars.
Run For The Wall XXII - May 19 to 30 - "The Missing Man Formation" leads riders across the country to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall in Washington DC to promote healing among ALL veterans, their families and friends; to call for an accounting of all POW/MIA; to honor the memory of those killed in action in all wars; and to support military personnel all over the world. "We ride for those who can't" - http://www.rftw.com/
Brothers of the Third Wheel is the largest trike organization in the world. BTW USA Trike Week in an annual event in May - June in Branson, MO.
BTW Europe's Trike Week is held every July in Vaestervik, Sweden.
"Blankets To The World" is the official charity for "Brothers of the Third Wheel Trikers & Bikers Association Europe & Overseas"
"The idea is to collect blankets, sleeping-bags & tents on bike & trike-meetings and to donate them locally to homeless children and families," said Hoagie Ceo BTW-EOS.
"This is a growing problem in western cities and societies. In Germany alone there are 9,000 street kids with a big number not accounted for.
"We have setup a paypal donation button on our homepage http://www.btw-triker.org/ All donations go directly to the cause. The group will also accept new or clean blankets and clothing. Contact: btw-triker@gmx.de to find out how you can get involved today!
"All european chapters are participating, and we hope everybody else around the world will want to get involved," said Hoagie.
Brothers of the Third Wheel was founded in 1983 by Jim Sickler in the United States and is the largest independent trikes organization in the world, with more than 6,000 members worldwide. Jim & Lady Sickler in Ava Missouri are International Directors for USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and UK - BTW Trikers & Bikers Europe & Overseas (BTWEOS) was built in 2002 with the CEOs Hoagie & Manuela, who are responsible for all other worldwide chapters.
Brothers & Sisters are all equal members, and nobody is discriminated on the basis of his skin color, race, religion, etc. The the main focus of chapters in Europe, is the integration and equality of disabled people and lobbying with the various bodies and agencies and organizations.
In addition, B.T.W. works with other motorcycle clubs and organizations such as ABATE, COC, MAG, NABD, Biker-Union, HOG etc. for the respectful coexistence of Bikers and Trikers.
BTW USA Trike Week in an annual event in May - June in Branson, MO. BTW EOS's Trike Week is held in conjuntion with MCDagarna every July in Vaestervik, Sweden. Details: http://www.btw-triker.org/
The concept is simple - women all over the world connecting on the first Friday in May, every year by just riding their motorcycles... where you live, whatever brand or style of riding - JUST RIDE! This year's ride on the first Friday will be on May 6th 2011.Last year, a group of women riders in Aruba joined the ride, and this year a Russian federation of women riders will participate.
Motoress - connecting women with motorcycling - founded the international awareness day in 2007 and inspired women riders around the world to ride together and individually on the first Friday in May to celebrate the pleasure and freedom they have found in taking to the open road on two wheels - including women across the US and Canada, Australia and Cape Town.
Harley-Davidson sponsored two huge rides in 2009 in Milwaukee and New York, and produced this video of the rides and women ride events all over the world.
JUST RIDE! Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on Friday, May 6th.
