Five Ways Women Motorcyclists are Connecting Girls,Inspiring Futures

International Women’s Day has been observed since in the early 1900’s – about the same time women started riding motorcycles  Coincidence? I think not.

Now celebrated around the world each year on March 8^th, events are held throughout the month to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations customize the theme to reflect local gender issues.

With a well-entrenched history of standing against the status quo, women riders of today have much to offer as role models and change agents.

Here are five reasons that women riders are in a perfect position to support this year’s theme of “Connecting girls, Inspiring Futures.”

1. They speak from experience.  Women riders have taken a stand and followed their heart. They’ve stood for what was true for them, rather than what others wanted them to believe or how they wanted them to behave. In many cases, they’ve had to had to:
1. Defy stereotypes.
2. Overcome the opinions of others.
3. Go against cultural expectations.
4. Making our voice heard in a predominantly man’s world.
5. Standing in our truth. Standing for what we believe in, not what others want us to believe.
6. Accommodate physical requirements.
7. Address safety concerns
2. They know what it’s like to step outside their comfort zone, face the challenges and reap the rewards. They’ve experienced:
1. Adventure.
2. Independence.
3. Freedom.
4. Self-confidence, and most deeply.
5. Connection with spirit.
3. They’ve learned they were capable of far more than they ever dreamt possible. Aside from obvious physical, cognitive, emotional or financial constraints, they’ve come to understand the only things that have held them back, or caused irrational fear, are the thoughts and ideas that are planted in their heads. Easy as it sounds, these are powerful determinants of behaviour. Learning to recognize them is the first step in overcoming them.
4. They’re discovered a whole new community and sense of self. Who knew such a community existed?  There is something very special about the connection between riders – men and women. And that attraction extends beyond the motorcycling. When was the last time you got out of your car and someone came over to speak with you? Yet get off your motorcycle and people are drawn to you like magnets.
    
5. Like the hero, who has followed his heart and gone on a quest, they’ve found the treasure. It was in them all along. The Road to Empowerment has led them right back to their Self. 

With something this precious, we must share it.   Although motorcycling is a supreme gift and riding brings unique rewards, not everyone has a motorcyle on their path.  Inspiring others means modeling standing in our truth; being authentic – whatever that is.  That’s how we initiate change. 

How are you sharing the treasure?.