The third annual Femmoto brought 100 women to the Spring Mountain Motorsports Park in Pahrump, Nevada. This year’s event sold out early with a waiting list of riders hoping to get a cancelled slot. Women riders came from all over the country and even Mexico. Word of this successful event is getting out!!
Femmoto is a women’s only track event where lady riders have the opportunity to experience the track in a non-testosterone environment. Demo bikes were provided for all the riders and instruction was included for first time track riders. Event sponsors were Parts Unlimited, Red Bull, IFW Heine Gerick, and motorcycle manufacturers Kawasaki, Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi. The ladies had the opportunity to ride wide range of sport bikes including the popular ZX10R, ZX6R, Mille Factory, Tuono, Guzzi Lemans, Guzzi Breva, just to name a few. The ladies had 5 track sessions during the day and the most difficult part was choosing which bike to ride.
This year’s event started on Friday night with early registration and a chance to see the bikes, walk the track, check out the vendors, and meet the other attendees. We were surprised at the number of women who attended Friday night and next year plan on expanding the evening activities.
Another new aspect of Femmoto was the display of women’s riding gear. One of the biggest problems lady riders face is the availability of women’s specific riding gear. This year’s event introduced Catherine Cox and her new company Lady Rider. Catherine displayed her line of riding gear which emphases quality in design and protection at a reasonable price. Jay and Lisa Goddard and their company Motorcycle Leather Exchange displayed a selection of quality women’s riding gear from Vanson including a new one piece track suit available off the shelf. Heine Gericke was on hand to spread the word about their new line of women’s gear to be introduced in 2005.
Saturday started with the introduction of Sue Slate and Gin Shear from the Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation speaking on behalf of “On Track for a Cure” and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This year, Femmoto and Sportbike Track Time proudly presented the foundation with $3,500 check in support of their efforts.
After a few quick introductions and the riders meeting the fun began. Intermediate riders were on the track with their first demo choices, novice riders began their classroom instruction, and the advanced ladies were getting into their leathers. Rotations continued throughout the day and while not on the track, riders had the opportunity to hear Dr. Rebeka Fulkner speak about proper stretching techniques specific to motorcycle riding.
On the track, the ladies were treated to some excellent riding and coaching from AMA professional road racer Jessica Zalusky, and 2003 CCS Amateur SuperSingles National Champion Elaine Seasly. Jessica and Elaine offered racing advice and on-track coaching for the more advanced ladies.
Instruction for first time and novice track day riders was provided by the staff from Sportbike Track Time. Instructors and control riders came from all three divisions of STT including the northeast, the southern, and the western division. STT is proud to have a good base of women instructors and control riders in all of its divisions.
The day drew to a close at 5:00 with a lot of hugs and picture taking. The ladies were already talking about next year’s event. We are already planning for 2005 and the excitement extends to those of us who put on this event. Look for even more new things next year!! Stay tuned to the web site for details.
