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Female Riders From All Over World Expected at AMA’s Women’s Motorcycle Conference

Seminars, Colorado roads and a host of motorcycle manufacturers draw women bikers to four day event.

The winding roads of Colorado will fill with female riders this week for the 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference.

Presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, the fifth annual conference scheduled for Aug. 19-22 in scenic Keystone, Colo., will celebrate the freedom and fun that women experience when they take to the open road on two wheels. This will be the second time the Motor Company has been the Presenting Sponsor of the conference, which will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for thousands of women riders to come together and enjoy the camaraderie, scenic roads and informational seminars during the conference.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, women now account for 12.6 percent of all motorcycle riders, a 29 percent increase since 2003. As a reflection of this trend, the AMA has seen an increase in conference attendance over the years and anticipates that it will double at the 2009 event with more than 2,200 participants.

“Harley-Davidson and Buell are excited to be very involved with this incredibly important — and fun — event to bring together thousands of women riders,” said Leslie Prevish, Women’s Outreach Manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

“The Motor Company has been committed to encouraging women to ride for decades — even marketing the 1920 Sport model as ‘The Woman’s Outdoor Companion,’” Prevish continues, “Being the main sponsor of the AMA conference is another example of how Harley-Davidson continues to promote and support women in the sport of motorcycling.”

“The AMA could not be more pleased to welcome Harley-Davidson and Buell as the presenting sponsors of the fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference,” said AMA Marketing and Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “This highly anticipated event brings the very best of the motorcycling world to women motorcyclists. It’s going to be a first-class conference, and we are excited to align ourselves with the world-class products and people of Harley-Davidson and Buell.”

In addition to a wide range of daily workshops, conference attendees will have the opportunity to demo new bikes, shop for the latest gadgets and gear at the vendor marketplace, and enjoy after-hours social activities. The conference is not restricted to women only — attendees are encouraged to register their spouses, partners, family and friends.

“New and veteran riders alike will benefit from insider tips on a host of subjects at the conference seminars,” says Tsujikawa.

“Topics range from street survival skills, to preparing for long motorcycling trips, to working with a dealer when buying a motorcycle, to maximizing the ‘adventure’ when adventure touring. No matter what your personal background, you’ll find something that will make you a better, more well-rounded rider at the conference, ” Tsujikawa noted.

Current seminar lineup, which is subject to change includes;

Secrets of Veteran Riders: Lessons From the Road

A panel of veteran women riders will educate and inspire riders by sharing what they’ve learned during their travels.

Solo Riding and Touring

The thought of taking a long solo ride does not have to be a daunting one. Solo women riders share their secrets to give those contemplating a similar ride the confidence they need to take to the open road alone.

Preparing for the Ride: Packing/Gear/Apparel

Going on a long ride takes preparation. In this discussion group, experienced riders share their tips on how to prepare, what apparel to wear, packing and loading a bike, and the qualities of a good riding partner.

Dealer Interaction

This seminar explains the ins and outs of interacting with dealers when buying a bike, including how to decipher the sales pitch and negotiate a win-win deal.

Real-World Street Strategies

From metal utility covers and plates on the road to tar snakes, uneven pavement, gravel and angled railroad tracks, it is all-too-common to encounter street dangers while riding. This seminar discusses how to safely manage these and other road obstacles and conditions.

Dual-sport and Adventure Riding

There’s a reason why it’s called “adventure riding.” Join experienced dual-sport and adventure riders as they share their passion for the sport, and discuss how easy it is to get involved.

Accident Scene Management

Knowing what to do in the event of a crash is imperative for every rider. This seminar provides guidance for assessing and treating those who are hurt, as well as how to safely administer care. Crash scene management and the legal aspects of an accident are also covered.

W&M Inspirational Seminars

Any rider can benefit from increased mental stamina and improved riding skills, no matter what her (or his) level of experience. This seminar serves up some great inspirational stories and offers valuable tips for taking your riding to the next level.

Motorcycle Mentoring

New riders can always use a helping hand. What better way to give back to the sport than to mentor a newbie. This seminar shares the joys of mentoring, and how to get started.

Making Your Bike Fit You

There are dozens of aftermarket parts available to make your bike fit your physical and personality preferences. Experts discuss some of the products available, and what you need to know to make an informed purchase.

Ride Like a Pro

Jerry “Motorman” Palladino and Donna Palladino present their well-respected and popular “Ride Like a Pro” skills class that teaches valuable riding techniques.

Survive Institute

All riders need to be cautious when it comes to personal protection. This popular seminar covers self-defense, personal protection and crime prevention.

A host of motorcycle manufacturers will also host seminars and offer demo rides.

“Ducati is very excited to take part in this year’s conference,” said Ducati Press Officer John Paolo Canton, “With the addition of the Monster 696 to our lineup, more women than ever are riding Ducatis. This conference is an important event on our social marketing calendar, and more importantly, we want to offer the opportunity to ride our bikes.

“The Rocky Mountains are the perfect environment to experience the performance of our motorcycles, and we look forward to a great event,” Canton added.

German motorcycle manufacturer BMW Motorrad USA will also provide a demo fleet for attendees to test ride.

“BMW Motorrad USA is ecstatic to be rolling to Keystone for the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference,” said Myrrh Davis, event and communications specialist for BMW Motorrad. “The Motorrad team will offer demo rides on new low-seat and low-frame models, along with our standard-height models. We will also arrive with a fist full of quarters and laundry detergent for those playing with us in the dirt at our Dual Sport Demonstration Area. And with inspiring seminar speakers Heather Lewis and Erin Ratay, it will be difficult to say ‘no’ to the thrill of an off-road foray.”

Evening events and an International flavor to the conference will see crowds from around the world enjoying live entertainment, a riding apparel show and a bike show. Liz Jansen, an MCC director and chair of its Women Riders Council, has joined the Conference Advisory Council to actively participate in the event’s planning and preparation.

“We are proud to participate in an event that celebrates women motorcyclists from around the world,” said Jansen. “Hosting the Friday night International Street Party provides an opportunity for women motorcyclists to come together for a full evening of fun, and Canadian riders will have a significant presence there. We are delighted to be coordinating this event by providing Canadian entertainment and speaker content, honoring the contribution of Canadian riders, and acting as liaisons for other international attendees.”

“The AMA is pleased to be able to enhance the international aspects of its conference through this association with the Motorcyclists’ Confederation of Canada,” said Tigra Tsujikawa, marketing and special events manager for the AMA, who noted that women from as far away as Japan and Sweden have already registered.

Canadians in attendance can also reap some additional conference benefits. The MCC is providing a complimentary membership in MCC to all Canadian attendees, and EagleRider, Official Motorcycle Rental Sponsor of the conference, is extending its 15 percent AMA member discount to Canadians.

“Women throughout America will come together and enjoy all the camaraderie, scenic roads and informational seminars that can be packed into a four-day motorcycling get-together,” AMA Marketing and Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa says, “We’re focusing on educating, encouraging, inspiring and mentoring women in the lifestyle and sport of motorcycling, so there’s going to be a lot for everyone to do.”

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