No women riders allowed????

[MSgtK]

Dear GF's,
My nephew is in Neah Bay, Wa. and told me some bike clubs there do not allow women riders, only women who ride as a passanger. Is this common??? What's up with this? I am new to the biking world - am I the only one appaled at this?

[Trish]

What little wienies! What kind of club are they? They may well be "gang" in nature, drunken idiots and better to stay away from. Some "clubs" aren't worth belonging to.There is a bit of slowly receding sexism that still clings to the slower to grasp a 'new' concept. I'm sure HD's HOG clubs would not be in good graces if they were doing this. HD is trying to encourage and attract women-so they'd probably be a little annoyed if dealerships were doing this. Bicycling used to be that way-but now they usually work in terms of level of riding rather than sex. Some women are better riders than men and vs/vs. It took bicycling a few years to wrap their brains around that-but now most groups don't have issues. If it is a "speed" group everyone who rides at say 25mph steady all the time ride together, those who want to slower ride together etc make and female. Each group has a different system depending on their purpose. Racing riders have a whole different way than scenic long haul riders. So, what can anyone say? There IS sexism, probably kind of regional, and maybe better off without them. I was the first woman firefighter in the fire dept of the town I used to live in. They didn't want me and they actually said they only let me in because they were afraid they'd get sued. (they were right-but I didn't rub it in)I knew I'd have to do better than they and do the hard stuff like packing hose up in the truck after the fires etc and "prove" women were capable. I succeeded and women were welcomed after the ice was broken, and even encouraged. So the deal seems to be IF you got in a male anti female group-expect it not to be easy. It is BS, but it happens-on the other hand you could be the ice breaker. Just be sure SOMEONE is friendly, or joins with you because you want a friendly helper-like if there was a mechanical problem. Some of the men were FOR women in the dept from the start and were great barriers to the sexist ones who had to adjust. Anyway, good luck and investigate deeply a group to be sure you have the same goals.

[Trish]

What little wienies! What kind of club are they? They may well be "gang" in nature, drunken idiots and better to stay away from. Some "clubs" aren't worth belonging to.There is a bit of slowly receding sexism that still clings to the slower to grasp a 'new' concept. I'm sure HD's HOG clubs would not be in good graces if they were doing this. HD is trying to encourage and attract women-so they'd probably be a little annoyed if dealerships were doing this. Bicycling used to be that way-but now they usually work in terms of level of riding rather than sex. Some women are better riders than men and vs/vs. It took bicycling a few years to wrap their brains around that-but now most groups don't have issues. If it is a "speed" group everyone who rides at say 25mph steady all the time ride together, those who want to slower ride together etc make and female. Each group has a different system depending on their purpose. Racing riders have a whole different way than scenic long haul riders. So, what can anyone say? There IS sexism, probably kind of regional, and maybe better off without them. I was the first woman firefighter in the fire dept of the town I used to live in. They didn't want me and they actually said they only let me in because they were afraid they'd get sued. (they were right-but I didn't rub it in)I knew I'd have to do better than they and do the hard stuff like packing hose up in the truck after the fires etc and "prove" women were capable. I succeeded and women were welcomed after the ice was broken, and even encouraged. So the deal seems to be IF you got in a male anti female group-expect it not to be easy. It is BS, but it happens-on the other hand you could be the ice breaker. Just be sure SOMEONE is friendly, or joins with you because you want a friendly helper-like if there was a mechanical problem. Some of the men were FOR women in the dept from the start and were great barriers to the sexist ones who had to adjust. Anyway, good luck and investigate deeply a group to be sure you have the same goals.

Oh-and by the mechanical problem-I'm NOT implying women can't handle them, but often it takes TWO heads to figure it out, male OR female, and someone might need to wait by the bike while another goes to look for help, phone that works or stay together etc. You don't want any problem alone in a hostile group who will just ignore you, or even gloat.

[tbubbles]

Dear GF's,
My nephew is in Neah Bay, Wa. and told me some bike clubs there do not allow women riders, only women who ride as a passanger. Is this common??? What's up with this? I am new to the biking world - am I the only one appaled at this?

These are most likely 1%-type clubs, like the Jokers or Loose Wheels. (Have you watched "Sons of Anarchy"?) The club usually has VERY strong beliefs, are VERY structured, and are VERY tight-knit. Do not take offense by these groups; they have been around for a very long time.

[RoseD]

Yup, an outlaw gang for sure. You don't want to ride with them anyway, believe me. Stay out of their way.

[softail02]

Yup, an outlaw gang for sure. You don't want to ride with them anyway, believe me. Stay out of their way.

Gang ??????????

Now Rose, don't you remember Clay (SOA) telling someone that they were just a bunch of mehanics and Harley enthusiasts! Not a Gang!

MC - usually refers to a 1% motorcycle club, will generally have a 1% patch along with MC patch on vest.
Club that is associated with a 1% club, they have the permission of the local "1%" club to run in
their area. A lot of these clubs allow women to ride their own, but women are associate
members connected to a member.

Riding club - HOG, Goldwing Riders, or clubs/groups affiliated with AMA.

Just a couple of differences.

[bikerchic]

we have a group like that around here, their called the BEOWOLFS, their an awesome group, do alot for the community, I tried joining their group and was told the same thing,my nieces hubby belongs andsaid i could join but there are rules, i thought okay, never asked what rules were at the time because i was in a rush,but i am thinking about inquiring further, will let you know.

[Glidelady]

Dear GF's,
My nephew is in Neah Bay, Wa. and told me some bike clubs there do not allow women riders, only women who ride as a passanger. Is this common??? What's up with this? I am new to the biking world - am I the only one appaled at this?

Appalled? not really. I have no issues with people not wanting me to be part of their group. I would be appalled if they tried to make it a law and it got passed. I believe as Americans that we should be able to ride with just women or just women and 1 man or just all men.

[CieBme]

I don't worry about what different groups want or not - just don't disrespect me riding my own. If they were anti-women and abusive and all that, then I'd take issue - if they are decent human beings ... or at least tolerable human beings, no worries. There's no law against being an a.h., some are just better at it, and those I leave alone.

[amethaelf]

I would have thought that with the Equal Opportunities law, it would be illegal for a group to exclude another person solely because of their race, religion or gender. Regardless, why would a woman want to ride with a group like that if they made it so clear females arent welcome?

[MSgtK]

Ok, appaled was a strong word. I meant suprised. After 20 years in the military, I figured bikers would be up with the times. No, I don't intend on joining ant anti women biker clubs. I was just shocked was all. Thanks for all your input. I now know it is not so unusual.

[CieBme]

Hey MSgtK,

When I first started riding I couldn't believe the different "bike worlds" out there ... I just thought everyone was riding out there with the same cheesy grin on their face as me, wind in their hair (or mustache), just thankful to be physically able to enjoy God's creation.

I think appalled was a good word ... surprised and shocked, too. Did the cousin elude that they would be against you riding there?

[Trish]

Hey MSgtK,

When I first started riding I couldn't believe the different "bike worlds" out there ... I just thought everyone was riding out there with the same cheesy grin on their face as me, wind in their hair (or mustache), just thankful to be physically able to enjoy God's creation.

I think appalled was a good word ... surprised and shocked, too. Did the cousin elude that they would be against you riding there?

you know that's soooo true. The movement seems to be going more towards where we're at-acceptance etc. I'm guessing that clubs and dealerships, hard up for members and consumers are getting more liberal in who they consider a "biker" . 'Makes' seem less important and at some previously "make" rides-now all bikes are welcome and male or female rider-drivers are wanted more. I have two neighbors who both are riding women, they both have HD softails (customs I think) but one doesn't accept the other because "She make up any reason not to ride" =the other said "She rides hard like a man and who knows why she keeps crashing" I stay neutral to both-hopefully neither will try to force a hand either way because they will not be the one I would be riding with-NO ONE tells me who to 'hang with' (except themselves of course and me) so hopefully nether will even go there. Anyway the 1st one when i mentioned that I was going to get an alarm for my Sportster if I didn't find a 6 gear that I liked and she laughed and said "Why", No one would steal a Sportster anyway." That was irritating-but also reflects her "standard" of what a biker is. She deliberately has gotten (she told me this herself) weather beaten face s she looks more "biker"-me I don't WANT to look 90 at 55!! Her friends are skimming the 1%er's but not really-no actual criminals or gangs just "tough" stance and aggressive personalities. Most of the riders are "independents" and ride with friends, family and the occasional "run" or "rally". But it's true, a Ducati guy was in the freeway shoulder and we stopped to make sure he was OK and he got really flustered. He was embarrassed his bike had a problem it seemed. Occasionally there is a "make" snob of ANY make or model-but Rich was happy at the Redwood Run because many different bikes were there and he was worried he be snubbed for not having an HD. Didn't happen. There are scooter worlds and trike worlds too and some of any of each of these groups (including MC's) that think they're better than the other groups. WHATEVER! Everyone will someday get over it!

[SandraP]

Hey MSgtK,

When I first started riding I couldn't believe the different "bike worlds" out there ... I just thought everyone was riding out there with the same cheesy grin on their face as me, wind in their hair (or mustache), just thankful to be physically able to enjoy God's creation.

I totally understand, but i've been out there for a few years and until a couple of days ago I felt the same way. We have been getting some bad feedback about our show. Feedback I totally did not expect - only because I felt that the purpose of the show was to just get out there to enjoy ourselves and share with others. What's there to say about that?... In any event, I'll still keep my cheesy grin on my face.

On the "no women riders allowed??"...my original reactions was also "appalled", but then I guess we do the same when we have "only women" clubs or shows. Just as long as they aren't bad mouthing or mistreating women, it's all good.

[vtm]

At various charity rides I'll see the groups where women can ride pillion or their own, but they have to have "an ol' man" in the club. One lady broke up with her boyfriend in the group and then they wouldn't let her ride with them any more. Sounds stupid, but those are the club rules. This group does a lot for local charity. I say hi if I'm handing out flyers for some upcoming event, but otherwise keep my distance.

[Blacktop]

These are most likely 1%-type clubs, like the Jokers or Loose Wheels. (Have you watched "Sons of Anarchy"?) The club usually has VERY strong beliefs, are VERY structured, and are VERY tight-knit. Do not take offense by these groups; they have been around for a very long time.[/quote]

These clubs often only recognize women as property.If you do ever meet a couple from a one percent club,and would like to speak with the female...I hate to say this,it might be wise you ask the male first.

[CieBme]

100% right Blacktop... and my experience is: don't. You won't be well received. Have been able to "chat" with one gal in a restroom, but once out in the main part of the gas station, she went back on muzzle and leash. I think women "outsiders" can get themselves and their men in trouble by disrespecting those groups, too, and payback is really, really bad. Have heard of some very bad encounters here when uninformed motorcyclists met bikers.

On the plus side, around here there are more and more interest in pleasure riding groups, day trip groups and just meet-up groups ... no club or organization necessary, no link to specific areas or organizations, no restriction on bike make or model ... we're gonna try with this group - the ladies from last year never could get their stuff together.

[Trish]

100% right Blacktop... and my experience is: don't. You won't be well received. Have been able to "chat" with one gal in a restroom, but once out in the main part of the gas station, she went back on muzzle and leash. I think women "outsiders" can get themselves and their men in trouble by disrespecting those groups, too, and payback is really, really bad. Have heard of some very bad encounters here when uninformed motorcyclists met bikers.

On the plus side, around here there are more and more interest in pleasure riding groups, day trip groups and just meet-up groups ... no club or organization necessary, no link to specific areas or organizations, no restriction on bike make or model ... we're gonna try with this group - the ladies from last year never could get their stuff together.

This is true. I've noticed the women can act very aggressive with other women, or in front of other women but are obedient to their "man" and defer to other males. Some groups are really serious gangs, but others are about as dangerous posers that get into trouble or fights but are more hesitant to kill and are friendlier if alone, rather than maintaining the distance. Best to avoid any of them-you can never be sure if they are for real. They DO hold the dh's responsible for controlling "their women" and you don't want to get them beat up or worse. I DO disrespect them, but I don't act it out-disrespect and caution with wild animals kind of thing can work together. I don't respect neonazi's (which many of them are) but I'm not going to start a fight for myself or Rich over it. They are a bit unhinged-I don't provoke schizophrenic patients either even if they think they are God. I don't RESPECT their belief, but I don't challenge it when they are violent. GOOD riding groups are more plentiful these dayd and sometimes begin spontaneously.

[CieBme]

... that's what I meant by disrespecting them, Trish ... doing something/saying something outwardly that didn't fit their culture or made them think they were being challenged ...

kinda mad at myself we missed the ride today at 1 p.m. - too many things to do and I really need to have my carbs looked at before I do any real rides. (running lean, missing off and on) Want to learn how to do that myself, so I'm kinda bummed I ran out of Saturday...

[malteseyo]

Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, but I don't see anything wrong with guys just wanting to be by themselves in a riding group. If they want to cuss and spit and scratch themselves without having to worry about being polite, that's their right. Just as I don't see anything wrong with ladies riding groups as they just want to bond with other female riders. Some of the ladies riding groups do allow the fellas along, but they are associates and aren't allowed to participate in meeting discussions. Same thing to me. I think we've become too politically correct and a private club should be allowed to be just that. Now as Glidelady said, if it were made a law, that's another thing entirely.

Of course if it is a 1%er group as some said, you'd not want to be part of it anyway.

Edited to add- Ok I just reread the original post and see that women can ride as a passenger in these groups, but not ride their own. That's different than what I was referring to so forget my post.

[CieBme]

Yo, I agree w/ a guy only or lady only riding group, just like I think guy or lady only fitness clubs or sport groups is fine, and I have no problem w/ guy or lady only schools either... or Christians only, or singles only, or couples only, or whatever floats your boat only ....

very cute that you left your head check in place ... I think that statement did need to be made...

[softail02]

Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, but I don't see anything wrong with guys just wanting to be by themselves in a riding group. If they want to cuss and spit and scratch themselves without having to worry about being polite, that's their right. Just as I don't see anything wrong with ladies riding groups as they just want to bond with other female riders. Some of the ladies riding groups do allow the fellas along, but they are associates and aren't allowed to participate in meeting discussions. Same thing to me. I think we've become too politically correct and a private club should be allowed to be just that. Now as Glidelady said, if it were made a law, that's another thing entirely.

Of course if it is a 1%er group as some said, you'd not want to be part of it anyway.

Edited to add- Ok I just reread the original post and see that women can ride as a passenger in these groups, but not ride their own. That's different than what I was referring to so forget my post.

Ladies can ride pillion in these clubs, just not when it is a "club run" that also has a little "business" tied in. At least that is how the 1% clubs around here seem to do, although I'm no expert, just observing.
Ex bf always went a little crazy about being around any 1%'s or even riding down a busy street where a clubhouse was. My experience since childhood has always been to be polite and have never received a negative comment from any 1% member. Now when it comes to other mc clubs (not 1%) those guys seem to be a lot mouthier and have more to prove to each other. (in my area and at any races they happen to be spectators at)

[Trish]

Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, but I don't see anything wrong with guys just wanting to be by themselves in a riding group. If they want to cuss and spit and scratch themselves without having to worry about being polite, that's their right. Just as I don't see anything wrong with ladies riding groups as they just want to bond with other female riders. Some of the ladies riding groups do allow the fellas along, but they are associates and aren't allowed to participate in meeting discussions. Same thing to me. I think we've become too politically correct and a private club should be allowed to be just that. Now as Glidelady said, if it were made a law, that's another thing entirely.

Of course if it is a 1%er group as some said, you'd not want to be part of it anyway.

Edited to add- Ok I just reread the original post and see that women can ride as a passenger in these groups, but not ride their own. That's different than what I was referring to so forget my post.

Ladies can ride pillion in these clubs, just not when it is a "club run" that also has a little "business" tied in. At least that is how the 1% clubs around here seem to do, although I'm no expert, just observing.
Ex bf always went a little crazy about being around any 1%'s or even riding down a busy street where a clubhouse was. My experience since childhood has always been to be polite and have never received a negative comment from any 1% member. Now when it comes to other mc clubs (not 1%) those guys seem to be a lot mouthier and have more to prove to each other. (in my area and at any races they happen to be spectators at)

I think for the most part, not engaging 1%'rs or just being normally polite like you would with any stranger is safe, at least around here. We get occasional visits in town from Misfits and Hell's Angels and except to rob and try to kill people (often they thought they were 'friends') over drugs deals, growers etc they leave others alone. The few that live here belong to out of county clubs and they don't get too irritable. I think you are right though, the ones that ACT and LOOK 1% but are not, are the ones who get mouthy and try to prove themselves. A cousin of Sonny Barger lives here and she told me he isn't half as bad as he likes people to think he is. (not sure about that-there is a wake of dead people behind him!) A co-worker biker said the Hell's Angels avenged her rape, and also recovered a stolen car that someone took, so she's a bit partial to them.

[powderaven]

I guess when I ride or talk motorcycles I like to be with like minded people...and to me like minded people means people with respect for me as a woman as a woman rider or in other aspects of my life and with respect for other people too for diversity of not only their gender but race religion etc etc.
What I have noticed about people in the motorcycle community is that there are many different types of people no matter what organised group they belong to.

My sister in law ( who just started riding) and I got talking about this the other day..in terms of not much liking what we both regard as the `dinosaur' view of women as possessions wherever it occurs, but still pretty prevalent in the motorcycle communy, and also displayed in the need for women to look/dress `tarty', show lots of breasts ( who is this for ?) be shown draped naked over bikes, etc etc. i.e women as sex objects...
I see no reason to ever fit myself into the stereotype of a "biker bitch" and I think that lots of women are working to change that view of us. I think it will happen when more women who feel this way join the motorcycling community and more men who have learned to respect women speak out.

[Trish]

I guess when I ride or talk motorcycles I like to be with like minded people...and to me like minded people means people with respect for me as a woman as a woman rider or in other aspects of my life and with respect for other people too for diversity of not only their gender but race religion etc etc.
What I have noticed about people in the motorcycle community is that there are many different types of people no matter what organised group they belong to.

My sister in law ( who just started riding) and I got talking about this the other day..in terms of not much liking what we both regard as the `dinosaur' view of women as possessions wherever it occurs, but still pretty prevalent in the motorcycle communy, and also displayed in the need for women to look/dress `tarty', show lots of breasts ( who is this for ?) be shown draped naked over bikes, etc etc. i.e women as sex objects...
I see no reason to ever fit myself into the stereotype of a "biker bitch" and I think that lots of women are working to change that view of us. I think it will happen when more women who feel this way join the motorcycling community and more men who have learned to respect women speak out.

Here, Here! I will personally be pleased when the motorcycle companies quit using scantily clad women, and "tarty" (I like that description) women to sell bikes. Sometimes it is even used for women's bike ads-like we're supposed to aspire to that, or we just "all know" that's how we really are.

[softail02]

Funny how we all have our differences, yet also agree on so much.

The sexy women in ads don't really bother me. I relate it to the curves and lines of the bikes being sleek, hot, exciting, just as a woman can be. I would rather see models in ads more in sexy motorcycle clothes than a bikini, but that may be more of my "fashion" wants. lol.

Personally I wouldn't object to seeing a nicely built man with his sleeveless shirt unbuttoned working on or posing with a motorcycle in some of these advertisements. Since I would like that, feel I shouldn't complain about the ladies in the ads. Unfortantly, men still spend more $$$ on motorcycles and parts than women do, until we match their dollars, advertisement will be mostly geared towards them.

If you want women to have more say, be sure that your name is on credit cards and accounts used to purchase motorcycles and parts, not your husbands. If your local motorcycle dealership has a customer list, be sure that your name is on there and log your purchases under your own name, not dh or bf.

Women in their place..... .... I seem to find it more common in church and religious communities (not all, but more than I care to see) than in the "biker world".

[amethaelf]

I dont enjoy seeing scantily clad women with 18 inch waists because I USED to look like that once upon a time and no matter how hard I try now, just cant get there again!!

[softail02]

I dont enjoy seeing scantily clad women with 18 inch waists because I USED to look like that once upon a time and no matter how hard I try now, just cant get there again!!

With PhotoShop you can still look like that!

We had our time, now it is theirs

We just have to remember that probably every advertisement has some recreation done now. Doesn't make it right and hopefully it will be curtailed soon.

As much as ex-bf checks out all women, he walked right past a Penthouse or Playboy centerfold girl that was giving autographs. Looked right at her and kept walking, didn't give her a long or 2nd look. I asked him if he didn't want to go see her or get autograph/picture etc. He took one look and said "No"! Just tells you how much they touch up and change in magazines.

[MSgtK]

Yep no girl riders alllowed (maybe as a passsanger) but he knows I wont ride on the back of any bike.
Thanks for all of your comments so far!

[WHERE2]

It has been a while since I have logged on to the VTwinMaMa.com site. Been doing a lot of riding and was working some crazy hours for awhile.

I know the last post for this topic was back in February.

I belong to several riding groups, one of which is Women In The Wind. It is a Women's Only group. Men are allowed to join in on most of the rides and events but can not be members. I do not see anything wrong with this. There are plenty of groups that welcome both men and women riders. I enjoy belonging to both groups. I have found that when it is "Women Only" rides, we ride different than when the men also ride. I think we enjoy the rides better as we get to spend more time talking and sharing our riding adventures as to just trying to see how many miles we can log in one day.

There are benefits to both types of groups. I would not want to waste my time trying to join a group that did not want me, in the first place. If I have anything to prove, as a female rider, I don't need an "Anti-womens" group to do it. Most of the time I am just trying to prove stuff to myself, anyway. I have too much fun riding to waste time hanging out with "Negative Attitudes".

Riding should be fun. Don't complicate it with stuff that's just not important, just to try and make a point.