Athena Ride for Women
Southeastern Ohio roads were flooded earlier this month when almost 200 women riding motorcycles and trikes of almost every brand descended on the Ohio University Inn and Conference center in Athens, Ohio, for the 3rd annual Athena Ride for Women. Riders, friends, and families gathered to ride, play, eat, and laugh in support of My Sister’s Place, an organization that provides support to survivors of domestic violence.
Great Motorcycling in Ohio!
Excited to experience this amazing all-women’s event for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been fortunate to ride motorcycles all over the country but have never spent time riding in Ohio before. The touted “Windy 9” includes some of southeast Ohio’s best motorcycling roads. They include scenic windy roads that follow the local waterways, changing elevation and challenging blind hills and turns, historic trails, farmland, and more. They are described well in WRN’s pre-event article about the Athena Ride for Women here.
Borrowing a 2024 Honda Gold Wing DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) to ride from my home in Connecticut to Ohio, I thoroughly appreciated the bike's comfort and convenience features, especially during the monsoon-like conditions on my ride home. Like the 2018 Gold Wing I reviewed here, this bike offers automatic transmission when you want it, with the option to shift using bar-mounted shift buttons.
Kicking Off the Athena Ride for Women
While many riders came into town a day early to get a jump on the great riding, registration opened at the Ohio University conference center where may of us were staying. There, we signed in and got our goody bags and T-shirts. We purchased raffle tickets and signed up for group rides and workshops.
Women Riders from All Over
Despite some pockets of severe weather before, during, and after the event, women came from thousands of miles away to attend. I met some really cool ladies from Canada, New York, Maine, Georgia, and beyond. Several women’s riding clubs were represented, such as Women on Wheels and Women in the Wind.
Wednesday evening we gathered at the Union in Athens where we met up for dinner and the opening night celebration. The first of many raffles was drawn, and there was lots of hugging and dancing while the band played on. Most of us appreciated the free shuttle into town, so we could enjoy some alcoholic beverages, too!
Ride by Day, Party at Night
We were all keeping an eye on the weather, watching distant hurricane paths and their effects on our area as we planned our following day’s activities. The workshops were all in the afternoons, leaving the mornings open for organized group rides or for those who chose to follow the maps on their own.
Luckily, the weather held out long enough to get in several great days of riding. My favorite was the Pioneer Pass, which featured “The Triple Nickel” (State Route 555). But many riders raved about the Lazy Rivers route as well, which traversed past Ohio’s Hocking River.
Many riders wrapped up their rides with plenty of time to take part in the workshops, too. Besides Wendy’s bike maintenance 101, other topics included self-defense techniques, first aid for motorcyclists, and how to make better use of GPS.
Athena Ride for Women Closing Ceremony
Saturday evening’s closing night banquet dinner at Stuart’s Opera House was sponsored by Ohio’s Windy 9 with the keynote presentation and the final raffle drawing to wrap up the charity portion.
Going Back to Ohio
Who knew I was going to love Ohio so much? I can’t wait to go back again next year, where there will be even more rides, workshops, and fun to be had. Save the date, the 4th annual Athena Ride for Women will be July 30–August 2, 2025. I hope to see you there!
