Rallies & Events

The biggest event happening this past summer for women motorcyclists was the AMA International Women Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, a rally for all brands of motorcycles. Dont be mistaken by the word “conference.” The four-day event, taking place August 19–23, 2009, in Keystone, Colo., is more of a rally, convention, and conference wrapped up into one event where women riders are the focus.

About 1,000 people attended the AMA International Women Motorcycling Conference held in Keystone, Colorado, in August. During my time manning my Women Riders Now booth and covering the event, I met literally hundreds of people, every one with an interesting story. Here are some of the interesting faces in the crowd and their stories.

“World class” and “stunning” were a few words that were used to describe Michael Lichters 9th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibition held during this years Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. The exhibit entitled “Rebel Rousers, Motorcycle Icons that Inspire Us to Ride” showcased the most important collection of motorcycles and art to ever grace Sturgis and was viewed by thousands of guests.

Those who know me know Im a big fan of one rally the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I love the Black Hills area of South Dakota so much that Ive been heading to the big event the first week in August for the last 14 years. I skipped just one rally in 2002. Ive seen lots of changes over the years, including a noticeable increase in women riders this year. Id say nearly one in five bikes was ridden by a woman.

Despite frosty temperatures by Florida standards, several hundred women riders turned out to hit the road in Daytona Beach for the 2nd Annual MDA Womens Ride taking place during Daytona Bike Week 2009. To participate, each rider was required to solicit donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and its summer camps program. Harley-Davidson sponsored the ride.

Las Vegas is the place to be this weekend if youre a woman rider. Femmoto is taking place from October 3 to 5 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The women-only demo event rolls into town bringing along more motorcycle brands than ever. Fleets of demo bikes will be available from Kawasaki, Buell, Ducati, KYMCO, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Triumph, and for the first time at Femmoto, Victory, BMW, Yamaha, and Star Motorcycles.

On June 13, 2008, WRN organized a womens symposium at Ohio Bike Week, in Sandusky, Ohio, called Women Riders: No Limits! presented by Motolight. For a first-year event, there was an impressive turnout of about 100 people over the course of the four 90-minute seminars held throughout the day. There were also women-focused vendors selling things from T-shirts to jackets.