Girls in the Boys' Club

As a woman in a male dominated sport, you know the drill. You stick out, you puzzle people, people want to ask you questions and for better or worse –you’re different.  While currently there’s not much to do about this situation, until more ladies start riding, a good mental approach will keep riding fun and keep you from getting frustrated in a boys club.

The most obvious predicament you will face is the tangible weight and strain of handling a motorcycle. Don’t forget men also have problems handling their motorcycle and sometimes crash and drop their bikes. But as you know, you’re in the spotlight as a woman and that adds to the fear of the bike or road getting the better of you. There are a few extra measures you can take as a woman to master the art of maneuvering your bike in tricky situations.

First thing I always recommend is a MSF or any hands on motorcycle safety course. Let a professional give you tips on positioning, balance and riding theory. Next is obvious, practice! Take a close friend to a empty parking lot, and do drills. Finally if you’re still having problems there are modifications to lower your bike or bikes simply made especially for women. Also if you’re in a tough spot, don’t be afraid to ask for a push or assistance, remember it’s not a woman thing, any person dealing with a machine three times their weight is going to find a instance they need a hand.

The next challenge you’ll come upon in riding, is the mental aspect of being a lone female. Some women relish in the attention and special treatment and more power to them! But others just want to be a rider, not necessarily a woman first, then a rider.  If you’re looking to establish yourself as a serious rider, not eye candy or an accessory, actions speak louder than words. More riding and less talk in the beginning will begin to cast you in a true motorcyclist light and most men will show you the respect you earned. It’s not impossible to enjoy the sport without sexist remarks, women just must take a conscious effort to put forth the correct image from the beginning.

If you’re looking to take riding to a professional level you’ll find the same bitter-sweet predicament. As a woman your gender is a extra asset because brands, sponsors and organization love to promote a strong, talented female rider. Yet on the other hand, society will ensure you run into nay-sayers, jealousy and judgments that men rarely have to deal with.  Like riding for pleasure, the trick is to be aware and ride a little more than you talk. By letting your riding do the talking for you, you leave people to judge skill, not a pretty face.