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Press Release 7 Feb 2008

International Female Ride Day Announced for May 2, 2008 - Event is All the Buzz as Excitement Builds for Clubs and Solo Riders -


Thursday, February 7, 2008 (Toronto) – Last year’s introduction of FEMALE RIDE DAY in Canada was such a success that this year it has gone international. FEMALE RIDE DAY is a synchronized day, worldwide, where women motorcycle riders demonstrate their enjoyment of motorcycle riding. The event takes place annually on the first Friday of May, spotlighting women who ride and celebrating the many numbers who do. This is a day devoted to women of all ages and all experience levels to highlight their passion for and pleasure in – alone or together – the activity of motorcycle riding.

“On FEMALE RIDE DAY, all we ask of women is to be on a motorcycle and just ride!” says Vicki Gray, campaign founder. “It is not an organized ride, not a charity or fundraiser. Its sole focus is on women riders. Of course women are free to decide how they spend the day and some clubs and rider groups have indeed incorporated a charity or an organized ride. This is the beauty of the day, the freedom to enjoy it as you wish no matter what type or style of motorcycle – cruiser, sport, touring, scooter, off road or ATV. Women are encouraged to simply join in, take part in the camaraderie internationally and just ride,” she adds.

International FEMALE RIDE DAY, made its début last year as a national event, with the intention to go global on its next occurrence. This year it will be celebrated internationally, which was not a difficult step to make, as last year women throughout North America and areas of Europe enthusiastically took part. As each year goes by, there is no doubt that FEMALE RIDE DAY will continue to catch on and be enjoyed by more and more women, as country after country joins in.

In 2007, participants were invited to send in their photographs capturing a moment during their FEMALE RIDE DAY experience and be featured on the website. Additionally by forwarding the photo to MOTORESS, they received mementos and souvenirs in return. Participants will be offered the same opportunity in 2008. According to Vicki, the buzz within online social communities already demonstrates soaring participation this year and she hopes to have enough souvenirs’ for everyone. Some of the club rides and meet-ups planned for May 2nd have decided to produce their own souvenir of the day – a t-shirt or a Female Ride Day badge.

MOTORESS is an international brand with a strong online presence. The purpose is to “connect women with motorcycling” and assist women to achieve the most they can out of the activity of motorcycling. Whether just starting out or experienced, MOTORESS’s feminine and competent representation provides a community where female riders can flourish, progress and, most of all, have fun in the lifestyle of motorcycling.

MOTORESS founder Vicki Gray is a motorcycle racer and instructor for both street and track, devotedly promoting the rewards and enjoyment of motorcycling since 1983. Originally, from Ontario, she got hooked on motorcycling when taking the rider training course in Nova Scotia, motivated by the need for an outlet away from her demanding career at Revlon International. Since then, she has taught motorcycle riding to thousands of beginners, trained police in the Caribbean (Netherlands Antilles), raced throughout Europe, co-instructed with MotoGP racer Katja Poensgen, partnered events with famed TT Circuit Assen, and co-hosted a television program for the Discovery Channel.

Last year’s FEMALE RIDE DAY was supported by BMW, BUELL, DUCATI NORTH AMERICA, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HONDA, HYOSUNG, KAWASAKI, KYMCO, SUZUKI, YAMAHA, ARAI, INSIDE MOTORCYCLES, MCC, MOTORCYCLE MOJO, OFTR, RTI and WOMENS CUP CHALLENGE -- 2008 looks to receive the same strength of industry leader support.