Learning how to pick up a motorcycle The 1200 GS BMW I test rode
dirt bike riding course, vendors, a barn dance and ride. There was also a riding simulator I and several
BBQ. AMA had a cool exhibition hall set up with others spent some time on. The Motorcycle Safety
the history of motorcycling. There was certainly Foundation (MSF) had set up the simulator and it
more stuff to do than you could get to. There were really kept you on your toes. It was hard and fun!
also group rides taking place daily in the local The way everything is set up at the event offers
mountains to enjoy the scenery. Karen Davidson several different choices of activities to do all the
(creative director of merchandise for Harley- time. The planned events at night are so worth at-
Davidson) spoke the first night. Many women tending. The parties and dances are fun. I was talk-
spoke or presented at the event who have con- ing to a couple of ladies and we concluded that
tributed to motorcycling in general for women. I after attending this event you kind of felt like you
found this very inspiring. needed a theme! Every party is theme oriented
The comradery I observed during this event is and many riders kind of match with colors and of
so different than any other event. The women who course BLING is definitely seen a lot. The AMA re-
attend, as well as all the speakers, share in a way ally put a lot of thought into the event. It’s well
that only woman motorcyclists can and this em- worth the registration fee. And the AMA
powerment just adds to the mentoring nature of media/communications person I worked with
women to help others get into the sport. There was very helpful, her name was Alexandra ter-
was actually a class on mentoring woman riders. Horst. The ‘movie stars” of motorcycling attended
Years ago it wasn’t a common sight to see woman also; that is what I call them because theses are
riders, and slowly but surely this is changing. This the ladies riders you see on TV and who write
year’s theme was “Riding to New Heights” and the books and stuff. Chris Somner Simmons and
world class mountain roads and empowerment Genevieve Schmitt were among the ones I call the
of woman riders coming together really made the ” Movie Stars” Chris recently wrote an awesome
theme appropriate. book about the history of woman and motorcy-
I test rode the 1200 GS BMW and thought the cles, called The American Motorcycle Girls 1900
demo ride route was awesome! We rode higher to 1950. You can see it online at www.theameri-
up the mountains and had awesome views for the
canmotorcyclegirls.com.
My riding companions The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s simulator
Wide Open 31
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