Biker Babes

Valley Women Take to the Road

by Debra Caron Plunkett

What does a 21st century "motorcyclemama" look like? Maybe notwhat you'd think. You might be surprised to find that she looks like you-she looks like your neighbor, your hairdresser, your accountant and your son's fifth-grade teacher. The stereotype of the biker chick of years past is no more. Women from all backgrounds and occupations, from all age groups now enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of motorcycle riding.

Be it a cruiser, a trails bike, a touring bike or a Harley, there is a motorcycle model and size to fit. If you've always wanted to give it a try but hesitated, read on for some inspiration from Valley women involved with T.E.A.M. Arizona, a Gilbert-based motorcyclists training center. Like these women, you too may discover you were "born to be wild."

Then rev up for Arizona Bike Week, April 1 - 5, when fellow enthusiasts, entertainers and vendors showcasing their latest gear converge on Scottsdale for an excitementfilled week of camaraderie and fun. Women owning and riding motorcycles to the event has risen by 34 percent in the last four years, according to Arizona Bile Week President Ralph Wilson.

"ABW traditionally promotes organized rides exclusively for women benefitting a number of charities here in the Valley as well as national organizations," Wilson says. "Many of the local dealerships host monthly events slanted toward the interests, education and safety of lady enthusiasts."

Indeed, motorcycle manufacturers are taking notice of the growing number of women riding motorcycles and ultimately purchasing their own bikes. Manufacturers such BMW, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and, of course, Harley- Davidson are coming out with dependable machines in sizes that better fit women.

Wilson says the local event is seeing a growing number of women enter the competitive events held at Arizona Bike Week, and are "doing very well against the guys." Arizona Bike Week will celebrate its 13th Anniversary in 2009 at WestWorld this year.

Jana Haruska

Jana Haruska, a database analyst at a large national bank, has been riding motorcycles since the late '70s and has served over 10 years as a rider coach at T.E.A.M. Arizona. For Haruska, the ultimate thrill as an instructor is seeing a student's face light up when they finally "get it" and their riding clicks into place. Another bonus is that she knows she is helping to make our highways a safer place for everyone.

In the more than 25 years since she has been riding, Haruska says there has been a significant shift in the response she receives when people discover she rides a motorcycle. "In the beginning, they used to make comments like, 'What is a nice girl like you doing on a bike?'" she recalls. "Now, being a woman on a bike more often elicits a 'That is so cool' reaction."

Michelle Wells

A self-confessed "nerdy science major" in high school, Michelle Wells, who works to secure to FDA approval of medical devices and drugs, earned her motorcycle license in 2005. Today, Wells is a rider coach at T.E.A.M. Arizona where she especially enjoys helping other women discover the power of being a "biker chick." Wells commutes from the Valley to her job in Flagstaff each day on one of the five bikes she now owns.

Motorcycling has opened up new worlds for Wells in which she has made new friends and seen new places. Best of all, she says, it has increased her dating odds. In 2005, she took part in the Sedona Red Rock Rally and of the 200 entrants, only seven were women!

Kellie Higginbotham

Kellie Higginbotham, a 46-year-old former help desk manager, got into motorcycling 12 years ago. Today, Higginbotham is a rider coach with T.E.A.M. Arizona with eight years of experience as an instructor. Higginbotham says every time she teaches a class, she becomes a better rider herself. She truly enjoys the job and feels that motorcycling is one of the best things that ever happened to her.

Safe Riding Tips
The perfect time of the year to ride has arrived! Nevermind that we already live in the best place to ride in the U.S., at this time of the year, the weather and temperatures align to create motorcycling nirvana.Tomake your ride safe and more enjoyable, follow these tips:

Be visible.

• Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and thus, reacting in time to prevent an accident.
• Ensure that your headlight is working and is on day and night.
• Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.
• Be aware of the blind spots of cars and trucks.
• Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.
• If a motorist doesn't see you, don't be afraid to use your horn.

Dress for safety.

• Wear a quality helmet and eye protection.
• Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet.
• Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing.
• Choose long sleeves and pants,over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
• Remember: the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.

Apply effectivemental strategies:

• Constantly search the road for changing conditions.
• Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists' actions.
• Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
• Use lane positioning for maximum visibility; ride in the part of a lane where you aremost likely to be seen.
• Watch for turning vehicles.
• Signal your next move in advance.
• Avoid weaving between lanes.
• Pretend you're invisible, and ride very defensively.
• Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed limit.

Know your bike and how to use it. Get formal training and take refresher courses.

Motorcycle riding courses will teach you the techniques necessary to increase control, and decrease reaction time, as well as increasing your riding pleasure and comfort.

For more information, visit T.E.A.M Arizona.

ARIZONA BIKE WEEK 2009

The 13th annual Arizona Bike Week is April 1 through April 5,2009,with Pre-Rally Days parties and rides take placeMarch 27-31 with events statewide.

Cyclefest events will be held April 1-5 at WestWorld of Scottsdale and featured entertainment includes the Gin Blossoms, Blackfoot, Eddie Money and Cheap Trick.

For more information about Arizona Bike Week, visit www.azbikeweek.com.