Women Rider Celebration Kick Start at Daytona Bike Week

As women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists, as well as about 12 percent of new motorcycle sales for Harley-Davidson, the American manufacturer will continue celebrating women riders throughout 2011. Coinciding with the start of the motorcycle riding season, women rider celebration events began during the Daytona Bike Week event earlier this week.

"We're very proud of the efforts we've made as a company to pave the way for even more women to turn their dreams of riding into reality," said Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson and Creative Director, General Merchandise, Harley-Davidson. "But we know there are still thousands of women out there who dream of riding their own motorcycles, which is why we're committed to inspiring them to take the first step, as well as providing them with the necessary tools and support they need."

These events have the aim to celebrate women who have already accepted the calling of the open road, as well as to inspire even more women to participate in the sport.

This is why Harley-Davidson and its nationwide dealership network are staging a series of initiatives over the next several months including Garage Parties, Women Riders Month in May and the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women.

“The special camp is designed to take women's dreams of riding to reality by immersing them in the culture of Harley-Davidson, participating in the Rider's Edge New Rider Training Course and celebrating with other new women riders,” H-D explains in a statement.

As for the Daytona Bike Week activities for women, these include demo rides and interactive motorcycle displays at Daytona International Speedway, as well as a women's area featuring bike lift seminars and Jumpstart at Riverfront Park on Beach Street.