ME? A Female MC Rider?
by Leanne van Beers-Werneke

Yes, I can now say with confidence that I am a part of a small, but growing group of motorcycle enthusiasts known as a “Female Motorcycle Rider”. It's been a very long time coming. I used to think that riding a motorcycle was a “man's” sport. I also thought that I would never be able to ride a motorcycle – at least as a driver because I didn't give myself enough credit.

I had been around motorcycles a bit in my past, as an old boyfriend had one on which I used to ride as a passenger quite a bit. However, that's as far as my experience went. Then, a little over a year ago, my husband finally purchased a motorcycle. I knew that I had enough of riding pillion and the only way I was ever going to get back onto one was to be in charge of my own bike!

In the fall of 2003, I bit the bullet and signed up for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course because I admit, I was afraid – or shall I say that I highly respect the power that motorcycles have – and didn't want to just hop on one and begin riding. That was the best think I could have ever done for myself. With the confidence the class gave me, I purchased my very own mater red 2000 SV650. This is my second bike and I began riding again with earnest.

There is something powerful about the image of a woman riding a motorcycle. That picture conveys confidence, power and sexuality – it shows a woman who is proud of whom and what she is. I am proud to say that I am a FEMALE MOTORCYCLE RIDER!

Leanne is the co-founder for motogirlz.org and lives in Ohio . This is her first article for the January 2004. Motogirlz.org newsletter.