IFRD – or International Female Riders Day, on May 2nd, was marked around the world by women coming together to celebrate riding motorcycles, and the fab Ruby Rides organised an incredible free event.
I’ve never been to a IFRD event, so when I realised there was one on my doorstep, at the Superbike Factory in Milton Keynes, I ordered a ticket, made a donation to next year’s event, and off I went. The brief was “wear pink” and as I don’t own any pink motorcycle gear I had to get creative and wound up wearing one of my petticoats.
Ever tried to ride a motorcycle in your underwear? I can tell you now that when you go round a corner that nylon will make you slide across your seat😂 When I pulled into the petrol station for fuel I took the opportunity to heft it up round my waist – much to the amusement of other shoppers!
I was taken aback by the sheer number of women who turned up – and on everything from 125cc to high spec sports bikes, off roaders and tourers.
Ruby had organised amazing speakers from all the avenues of motorcycling from off road/endurance to race to bike development to those who inspired by riding with a disability. Awesome speakers included @laramoto @iqrx.h @carrie_the_prophet and @bikerwithabag. (Pictured with Ruby are Lara and Iqra, and myself with Biker with a bag.)
Let me tell you, hearing their stories, from making their way in the world of engineering to winning races was awesome. The confidence these women exude makes me question why I baulk at something simple like a u-turn and have a complete hissy fit at the thought of it for heavens sake! (Although maybe the fact that I’ve spent considerable amounts of time lying under bikes after attempting to do them might be the answer!)
Ruby organised yummy breakfast with hot drinks at the Superbike Factory before the talks began. Then there was a rideout to Caffeine and Machine in Ampthill for more speakers and a good lunch. The entire ride was marshalled by women too and was one of the biggest rides I’ve ever taken part in.
Ruby had forewarned that the Ampthill carpark was gravelled, so that anyone who wanted help could be looked after. I will admit that whilst I don’t like gravel I can usually manage it but on this ride managed to stall the bike three times before parking! Needless to say, when I wanted to leave I didn’t hesitate to ask for help – and the lovely Ruby came to my aid, making light work of moving my heavy Tracer to hard ground.
It was such an awesome day and I met so many lovely ladies who were either starting their journey or had been on it for years. There were some injured bikers too who were facing their fears and cracking on – which was a joy to see because I’ve been there. But there is something about motorcycling that calls to us isn’t there.
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