Biker chicks are the coolest!

Recently my company put on the first Ladies Motorcycle Retreat in an effort to support the fastest growing segment of the market- lady riders.
On the suggestion of a few female pals I decided this would be a good idea and as we set it up I started to panic. "What am I doing? What if this flops? I don't know what the female mind wants...that's why I'm a bachelor!"

My fears were unjustified as it was a smashing success! A group of ladies descended upon the Nakoda Lodge, most of the attendees meeting each other for the first time. The nervousness of the first evening melted as soon as the fun and bubbly motor cycle racer, Ali Cohen did her presentation at the meet and greet.
Within and hour you could see the girls bonding, becoming friends with each other. I have never seen a group of strangers meld so quickly.


After Ali's presentation there was debate on doing a bonfire but the huge lobby fireplace seemed more inviting.
Wood burned, drinks flowed and lively chatter and laughter filled the hotel into wee hours. I too was the recipient of new found friends and helped provide some comic relief with a personal, fireplace comedy experience. What a cool bunch of people! These ladies came to make the most of the weekend and the energy was electric. I feel like I have a new group of riding sisters.

Some have asked why would a guy set up a ladies riding retreat? I asked myself that very question when it was presented to me.  What did I know about retreats, that's a girl thing. After some research I discovered that, while many motorcycle events exist, many are still very male oriented or for couples. With female riders representing the fastest growing segment of new riders they had yet to be catered to.
As fun as many motorcycle events are they have little to offer directly to the fairer sex other than music and beer tents.
We created instructional workshops geared specifically for the ladies without the interference of the guys around. A relaxing atmosphere for the girls to gain knowledge on bike maintenance , touring and riding techniques.
My team and I started to look into what to offer and, without sounding overly proud, would have to say we did a pretty damn good first attempt. The gals had such a great time they set up their own Facebook group to keep in touch and many offered to help set up/promote the next one.

This was great news for what I want to achieve in the motorcycle community.
My mission, besides seeing as much of the planet as I can on 2 wheels is:

1) Promote Safety

I  found when speaking to female riders that they are much more receptive to the concept of proper riding gear and becoming ATGATT riders, something I very much encourage. For those of you that think riding gear is too expensive or that "it will never happen to you", think about how expensive it is to take time off work to heal from injuries you may have been able to prevent...or worse. No one wants their life changed in an instant so why not reduce 

2) Help motorcycling grow

I wish to encourage more people, men and women, to get their motorcycle license, buy a bike and find out what they have been missing. Being on a motorcycle is one of the most freeing experiences I know of. You really haven't seen the planet until you've viewed it through your own 2 wheels.

Many ladies understand, riding is better when you are in control and not just a passenger. I sometime  see a look of shock and amazement from non-riders when they see a female rider. I for one encourage it!
We have to admit the sport has been male dominated since its birth however some guys are not very good role models for our image. More lady riders gives a less macho-hooligan face to the sport and in the mind of the public. That is a good thing. Their example may help change attitudes on both sides of the equation.


3) Bring riders and non-riders together
During my time on this planet I have learned, and accept, that woman, on average, are much better at social organizing than most men. If you want to get a group of friends out for fun, a female is the better choice to make sure all invitees attend as planned. Men quite often make plans for social events and then forget about them on the day of, only to find themselves still having that "one beer" hours later totally forgetting plans made previous. I am guilty as charged on more than a few occassions.

What's next? How about a motorcycle camping trip for you ladies? We are calling it the "Pamered Camper Trip" and will be to a motorcycle resort in BC with meals catered, camping in luxury and nothing to do but enjoy the ride and the trip. We've taken care of the details. Stay tuned for info very soon.
In the meantime, please check out the latest Planet Tour video.

 

Its riding season again, so please, lets all share the road.

Cheers