| According to Genevieve Schmitt, editor
of Woman Rider , the largest growing segment of
motorcycling is comprised of female riders. That's exactly
the reason why the initial Femmoto event was so successful,
and precisely why Femmoto II, a women-only track day held
last September 20 th at the track at Spring Mountain in Pahrump
, Nevada .
Organized by Monty and Bonnie Strawser, coordinators of
track-training days throughout the country, Femme Moto is
an event in which they saw tremendous potential for an all
female track day-and they weren't the only ones because three
major motorcycle manufactures had their own bikes on hand
for demo rides! Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, and Triumph all provided
several models of their motorcycles for riders to test and
enjoy, and the sixty-five participants of this event were
more than ready to meet the challenge. Genevieve Schmitt
also added that she believes that Femmoto is an important
event to the motorcycle industry and that more manufacturers
will soon climb on board in providing demo opportunities.
Also on hand for the event was "Super-Sarah" Schilke, an
AMA employee who has been riding for more than ten years!
Sarah told Brian that this track was simply great! "It's
brand new-easy to ride and easy to see." Finally, she mentioned
how important the event is to the women's community and that
here they become "instant friends." Speaking of the track,
the facility at Spring Mountain was originally constructed
for Corvette driver training. Designer/Owner and former racing
champion, Rupert Bragg-Smith told Brian that one of the most
significant aspects about the event is that he feels it gives
these riders self-confidence. Brian also spoke with Robert
Pandaya, PR Manager for Aprilia USA , who told him that the
Aprilia company knew there were female riders out there and
that this event would be a great opportunity to help get
more women involved in the sport. Robert also added that
the company's goal was that these women could enjoy a performance
machine in a safe environment with other females. The company
and the even also provided spotters to help riders become
more familiar with the bikes. Brian then talked with Rebekah
Falkner, a chiropractor who has been riding for three years.
Rebekah told Brian about the racing modifications that she
had made to her Suzuki including a custom seat, suspension
adjustments, a different location for the foot pegs, and
a new set of Michelin tires. One interesting thing that Rebekah
also pointed out was that females have a lower center of
gravity thus enabling them to have more stability on the
track! Thanks, Rebekah! Finally, Brian spoke to Cheryl and
Rachael Westphal, a mother and daughter combo who enjoyed
their time together at the track.
It was a great weekend and congrats to all the participants
and the sponsors. So, whether you have been riding for a while
or if you want to learn how to ride in a safe and controlled
environment, then this is the event for you! If you would like
to know more about the 2003 Femmoto, or if you would like information
on next year's event, you can find everything you need on the
web at www.femmoto.com .
That's it from Nevada , so until our next ride remember, "Keep
the shiny side up and Ride On!"
Back to Episode
CRN8016
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