2009 AMA conference to celebrate women in motorcycling

(TheBikerGene acknowledges that our female rider buddies may choose to beat up on us for running these photos with this story. Sorry guys, couldn’t help myself!)

According to AMA statistics, 12.6% of motorcycle/scooter riders are now female, a huge proportional increase in recent years. We’ve certainly noticed more and more gals catching bike fever - and it seems the industry has been taken a little by surprise, given what many biker chicks say is a dearth of good women’s bike gear on the market.

But it seems the bike industry is ready to start taking serious notice of women in motorcycling, starting with an upcoming AMA conference in 2009 dedicated to recognising and celebrating female riders, the role women play in the motorcycle world and looking at how the industry can adapt to meet the needs of this growing community.

Press release follows. Sorry again about the photos, girls!

AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference: 2009 event celebrates women who ride

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Move over, guys. These days, more and more women are getting behind the handlebars in the motorcycling world. Thousands of them will celebrate their love of all things motorcycle at the fifth American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) International Women & Motorcycling Conference, Aug. 19-22, 2009, in the dramatic resort town of Keystone, Colo., just 90 miles west of Denver.

The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference focuses on educating, encouraging, inspiring and mentoring women in the lifestyle and sport of motorcycling, according to AMA Marketing and Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa.

“This event represents the best of both worlds for women motorcyclists,” said Tsujikawa. “We will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from other women riders. And through seminars, activities and classes, we’ll gain the knowledge and skills to ride where the road or trail leads next.”

The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is well timed. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, women now account for 12.6 percent of all motorcycle and scooter riders, a 29 percent increase since 2003.

As the number of women motorcyclists has risen, so has attendance at the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference. The last conference, which was held in Georgia in 2006, drew more than 1,100 participants. The AMA anticipates that number will double at the 2009 event, which will feature prominent women riders, racers and industry leaders.

Among them is Genevieve Schmitt, founder of the online magazine, WomenRidersNow.com

“For many years, women have been saying that the motorcycle industry is not paying attention to them,” said Schmitt. “The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is the industry’s response to that, and has been for the last four conferences. Each conference attracts more sponsors, more participation from manufacturers and vendors, and more participants. I see the 2009 conference, with its supremely scenic location in Keystone, Colo., as being the best yet. If you’re a woman and you’re a rider, this is the event you need to attend.”

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 numerous after-hours social activities at the idyllic Keystone Resort, which is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Tsujikawa added that the conference is not restricted to women.

“The motorcycling community is a most welcoming group of people, and the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is no exception,” she said. “While our focus is on women riders, women are encouraged to register their spouses or partners, who can attend all activities. Even if they choose not to participate in the conference itself, there are fantastic riding opportunities in this area, including some legendary two-lane, off-road and dual-sport adventures.”

The fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be held at the Keystone Resort & Conference Center in Keystone, Colo., on Aug. 19-22, 2009. Lodging reservations can be made by calling (800) 258-0437; mention group code CZ0AMAW. Early in 2009, the AMA will provide conference registration information at www.womenandmotorcycling.com

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