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Girls Ride Out Inc. was formed in April 2001 when our first ride day attracted over 45 female riders to Mt.
Victoria in the Blue Mountains. In 2004 we became incorporated and remain a social group of mostly women, who
stay in touch primarily through e-mail.
We schedule bi-monthly rides, organise charity events, operate a support network for learner riders and conduct maintenance days. We also have an
active on line chat group for hints, tips and organising impromptu rides and
more.
How Girls Ride Out Began
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So what can I tell you, it is a long story and I hope you have a cuppa!It all started one sunny summers afternoon out in our garage. My husband
Terry was out doing what all good men do, having a beer and polishing his pride
and joy. If I wanted to talk to him - I knew where to find him!
So whilst he polished,
I looked for a comfy seat - and decided to park it on his bike. It only took a
nanosecond to work out that sitting on the front of this bike seemed much more
comfortable that the back half of the seat. So I told him! To which he told me
'get your bike then!'.
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Feeling a little braver than normal - I took him up on the notion, and a
couple of days later he came home with my first motorbike - my very own pride
and joy! A '89 Yamaha Virago. A great beginners bike, he said. So, off I went
and got my license and have not looked back. After I had been riding for a
couple of months, I then decided it was time to find some new friends to ride
with.
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A monster had been born!
There was no backing out from this now. I picked my date, developed flyers and
engaged my friends and family to help me spread the word. Before I knew it,
there where over 40 women confirmed for the ride. Yeah, at least I won't be
riding on my own - I thought!!! Well the big day came and what a surprise! 50 women and 5 men - a whopping
big success in my books. Read more information on the 1st Girls Ride out. We
took the city by storm!
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Throughout the time I was learning to ride - I kept
thinking to myself - I cannot be the only 37yo female in Sydney crazy enough to
ride a bike - and to prove this to myself - I wanted to find the others. So, I
decided to create a ride day and invite all the female riders to come along,
'just for the fun of it!'
Just so you know how naive I was - I didn't even know about any of the bike
clubs - regardless of gender. One evening I was in a class and declared to a
group of people that I was going to create a fun day ride for female riders -
who are relatively new to riding. From that moment on, things just started to
happen. I met a women and now friend - Sasha, who just knew what I needed to do
to make this happen.
Ring this person and that person', 'do this and do
that' were the great words of wisdom she gave. I did what she said, and before I
knew it, Two Wheels Magazine agreed to publish details on the ride and was
providing information on who next to ring for help.
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Whilst I don't normally single people out, there are a number of people that
deserve some special thanks in making this day successful.
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Julie Somerfeldt - for believing in me making this possible
- Sasha Andrews - for
getting me started and always being there as my support.
- Jeremy Bowdler - Two
Wheels Magazine for his advice on how to reach the female riding community.
- Ralph Leavsey-Moase -
Motorcycling Plus for information, support and sponsorship.
Thanks, Selena
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