International Female Ride Day and Ride to Work Day are two exciting events that celebrate women who ride motorcycles. Both of these events offer an excellent opportunity for women to connect with other riders, showcase their skills, and celebrate the freedom and independence that comes with riding a motorcycle.
International Female Ride Day
International Female Ride Day (IFRD) is an annual event that takes place on the first Saturday in May. It was first established in 2007 by a Canadian rider, Vicki Gray, with the aim of celebrating women who ride motorcycles and encouraging more women to take up the sport. In recent years, the event has grown in popularity and is now celebrated worldwide by female motorcyclists of all ages and skill levels.
This year, on May 6th, 2023, women from all over the world will take to the roads to celebrate IFRD. The event is an opportunity for women to show their passion for riding, to connect with other female riders, and to promote the idea that motorcycling is not just a man’s world.
IFRD is not just about riding; it’s also about building a community of female riders who support and inspire one another. Women who participate in IFRD events often form lasting friendships and connections with other riders, and they often use the day as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities that come with being a female motorcyclist.
One of the main goals of IFRD is to encourage more women to take up motorcycling. Motorcycling is an empowering activity that allows women to experience freedom, independence, and adventure. However, there are still many misconceptions and stereotypes about female motorcyclists, and many women may feel intimidated or discouraged from taking up the sport.
IFRD aims to break down these barriers and show that women can be just as passionate, skilled, and dedicated as male riders. By showcasing the diverse range of women who ride motorcycles, IFRD aims to inspire more women to get on a bike and experience the joy and freedom of motorcycling.
International Female Ride Day is an important event that celebrates female motorcyclists and promotes the idea that motorcycling is for everyone. Whether you are an experienced rider or just starting out, IFRD is an opportunity to connect with other female riders, celebrate your passion for riding, and inspire others to take up the sport. So mark your calendars and join the global community of female riders on May 6th, 2023!
Ride to Work Day
As a female motorcyclist, there’s no denying the thrill and freedom that comes with hitting the open road on two wheels. Whether you ride for fun or as a mode of transportation, there’s something special about being part of a community that values the experience of riding. That’s why it’s important to take note of Ride to Work Day, a celebration of the joys and benefits of riding motorcycles to work.
Ride to Work Day was inspired by the marketing materials created between 1989 and 1991 by the Aero Design and Manufacturing Company, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of motorcycle riders’ clothing. These materials bore the phrase “Work to Ride – Ride to Work” and served as the catalyst for the first Ride to Work Day in 1992.
The inaugural Ride to Work Day event was proposed in Road Rider magazine (now titled Motorcycle Consumer News) in the May 1992 issue. The day was intended to be a way to bring motorcyclists together and promote the benefits of using motorcycles as a mode of transportation. Since then, the event has grown into an international celebration of the joy of riding and a reminder of the benefits of using motorcycles for daily transportation.
For several years, the event was informally promoted every third Wednesday in July. However, in 2000, a non-profit organization called Ride to Work was formed to help organize and promote the day. The first Ride to Work Day event led by this group was the third Wednesday in July of 2001. In 2008, the date was changed to the Third Monday in June to better accommodate riders worldwide and provide more opportunities for participation.
As of 2024, the date will be changed to the Second Tuesday in June to avoid conflicting with the Juneteenth United States federal holiday going forward. This decision was made based on the fact that a midweek day is more likely to receive media coverage and the belief that it breaks up the workweek better than a Monday day does.
For female motorcyclists, Ride to Work Day is an opportunity to showcase the benefits of using motorcycles as a mode of transportation. Riding to work is not only fun, but it can also save money on gas, parking, and maintenance costs. Additionally, it’s a great way to reduce traffic congestion and promote eco-friendly transportation.
Ride to Work Day is also a chance for female motorcyclists to come together and celebrate their love of riding. Women are the fastest-growing demographic of motorcyclists, and events like this can help connect riders with each other and provide a supportive community.
So, if you’re a female motorcyclist, mark your calendar for the Second Tuesday in June and join the celebration of Ride to Work Day. Let’s show the world the benefits of riding motorcycles and the joy that comes with being part of the motorcycle community.
The International Female Ride Day and Ride to Work Day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of women who choose to ride. These events serve as a reminder that women riders are a growing force in the motorcycling community, and that we deserve to be seen and heard. Whether you ride for leisure or commute to work, riding a motorcycle can be a powerful form of self-expression and empowerment. As we look towards the future, let us continue to encourage and support more women to take to the roads on two wheels. Let us continue to ride with pride and show the world that women riders are here to stay.
All female riders are welcome here at Helmet or Heels, regardless of their level of experience or desire to ride solo or pillion. No matter where you are on your journey, I would love to hear about your motorcycle experiences. Other ladies will be motivated by it along the way. Fill out the contact form and let’s connect!