Some women find it easier than others, but most of us feel the same when it comes to the subject of ‘A man’s world’. Although times are changing rapidly, and women now have more influence, we're still in a world of which men predominantly dominate.
When it comes to the world of the ‘motorcycle’, it gets a little more difficult for women to have a place in. Yes, a lot of men show a great deal of respect for women who ride motorcycles, but there are still a large number of men who cannot accept it.
This means that women who enter the motorcycle industry, or who ride a motorcycle already, are often faced with having to deal with these men. It's hard for me to keep positive when confronted by the men who think I shouldn't be stunting, or in fact, riding a motorcycle altogether.
I have seen some women who ride anything up to a 400cc machine, often get criticized. I never quite understood why. If you choose not to move on to something more powerful, so be it! After all, why ride something you're not comfortable with? Then, there are women who ride larger machines - Some men are shocked, in a good way, and some not. Why?
Well sometimes because they don’t think women should be riding them, or because they don’t think women are able to ride them as well as men – Or maybe it's because they can and they just don’t like it? Whatever the reason, it’s often enough to put a women down. However, if you ride a motorcycle, it's because you have a passion for motorcycling right? So don’t let anyone take that away.
The biking world can be a very difficult place to be in as a female, but no matter how hard it gets, you have to try and stay positive and enjoy your freedom to ride. No matter your skill level, for getting out there on 2 wheels and conquering the mental barriers we have to fight as women, you deserve it just as much.
I would like to hear from anyone who has an opinion on this subject, or if you have been in a situation where you've have felt slightly 'out of place' when it comes to riding.
Please send your E-mails to - chesca@allaboutbikes.com, and don't forget to check out my stunting site at www.chescamiles.com
Comments
Starting a motorcycle business I notice the same challenges, and - like riding street, dirt or track - the best way to overcome the negativity is to ignore the words and be the best rider you can. As I hear so often from women who compete against male counterparts, "The best thing for me - and the worst thing you could do to yourself - is underestimate me."
The best teams I've been on include both sexes - and they've always come out ahead. After all, the more ideas on the table the better!
Ride on, ride well, & ride safe, gals!
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