SCOOTER RALLY MAN CATCHER MADNESS BUT ALWAYS TIME FOR LIPSTICK

SCOOTER RALLY MAN CATCHER MADNESS BUT ALWAYS TIME FOR LIPSTICK

I’ve got to say that was the craziest fun I’ve had in a long time—huge kudos to Rob Harris of CMG for coming up with the entire idea! Thanks to KYMCO Canada for their major role as main sponsor and rally assist.

The event was a total blast! I am entirely addicted and can’t wait until the next one—2011! I didn’t tell you that my “Mad” entry was as the “Man Catcher”—--as you can see I managed to catch a few fellas—with surprisingly, little resistance. I think it was the red bra bait! What is a “Man Catcher” you ask? Well, after snaring men, they're then put through training courses (hence the army garb they wear once captured) and when ready they’re released for the greater good of woman-kind. They’re taught how to efficiently cater to women’s needs from all levels-- the etiquette's of domestic duties--taking out the garbage, cleaning & repairing motorcycles, washing the car –you get the idea!
The entire theme of the rally is ‘madness’ plus the fun of a competition to obtain “mad points”. Well, I didn’t do too well, yet not too badly either. But because I decided to speed through the rally (the roads were so fine)—I ended up flying by some valuable mad point opportunities. However, I did arrive 2nd back to home plate though, accompanied by Dean and Jason (thanks to their great map reading--by the way, that's another great benefit of the 'Man Catcher' training program!--tsk tsk I know). Ah well, it's always about the ride for me— and this time, the added bonus of being surrounded along the way with such fun lovin’ crazies! I particularly enjoyed the antics of team "Zeppo". Gentlemanly nutty madmen who all brought such fun to the whole deal!

You will notice however, that a few of my men went “AWOL”! Here pictured one trying to get away on one of team Zeppo’s scooters— and the Zeppo’s were assisting!

Read more about the event here on MOTORESS.com.
PS—there are more photos on facebook under Mad B rally! And on our MOTORESS facebook fan page!

And yes, there's always time for lipstick--no matter the activity!**photos provided by the talented "Mondo Lulu" website here!

MADLY PARTICIPATING--SCOOTER ENDURANCE RALLY !

This weekend is the “Mad B-(astard) Scooter Rally” and I’ll be riding my KYMCO Bet & Win 150cc competing on the “media team” in the 150-200cc category. The rally is the brain child of CMGonline (motorcycle news) and sponsored by KYMCO Canada! Participants are riding all brands of scooters!

We’re starting off at Gatineau Four Points Hotel, Ottawa-Gatineau--there are about 75 riders riding through a 560 km journey or if riders opt for the 'bonus route' we'll end up riding about 749km's! The route, unknown to any of us right now, will go through Quebec and Ontario. The start is before the crack of dawn Saturday morning the 12th and should bring most of us back to the finish line, the hotel, 12-14 hours later! “Mad-points” can be accumulated and won for finding certain hot spots along the way--additional points for costume including your scooter. So I’ve got a theme and I can assure you my scooter looks quite bizarre! Curious? -let me show you a picture next week!

I’m also testing a product called the Air Hawk 2—a special motorcycle seat cushion that’s intended to make riding for long hours more pleasurable for the buttocks! Well, 12-14 hours in the saddle should make for an appropriate test! Give you the scoop on that later too.
And we were all asked to raise money for the great cause "Kids Help Phone"—special thanks for the pledges I received—special note to Tony at Mountain Cycle Inc. and BMW Motorrad Canada for being so generous!
Now... time to get some sleep in preparation for the coming madness!

STILETTOS ON A SCOOTER

The other day while rushing from meeting to meeting in my Jeep I noticed a stylish looking young woman on her Vespa riding amidst city traffic--her footwear, black stiletto pumps. While awaiting a traffic light to change, a man in his car sitting in the lane parallel to her called out questioning her choice of shoes. He wondered how she managed to ride the scooter in high heels. She replied that for her it was no problem. True enough, we’re very capable in heels-- there’s even a "stiletto stampede" fundraiser race in several countries where women compete in stilettos!

Much controversy exists over what appropriate riding gear is for scooters. These two wheelers are superbly, safe, light weight and fun making urban transport ideal. It's because of that they're being used more and more to go to work and enjoy our urban social lives. Part of that pleasure is the fact of not having to wear extensive heavier motorcycling gear. Look at Italy’s scooter culture for one—women commonly ride around on scooters in the same daily wear on or off bike. But then again they ride amidst a conscientious culture unlike that of ours. In many European countries the scooter (motorcycle) is a respected, welcomed part of transport life.

Hopefully soon, we'll catch up with the admirable scenarios of other lands where we'll ride amidst an environment we need worry little about.

BIG NICKEL BIG HARLEY-DAVIDSON WOMEN’S EVENT!

Ever heard of Sudbury? It’s a Northern city in Ontario, and rather famous as it’s known for its nickel mines. Here you'll also find the worlds largest Nickel—a huge tourist attraction and must see! Sudbury is also the home of one of Ontario's premier Harley-Davidson dealerships called “The Shop”. A few months back I travelled to the "Great white North" as Canadians often jest, Sudbury, to take part in their grand opening ladies garage party (forgive me for not sharing earlier, its been crazy busy at my desk!) --a terrific event, regardless of the freezing rain which unexpectedly arrived that morning!

The women rider authorities of Deeley Harley-Davidson were in attendance—all of us bringing our enthusiasm and experiences to share with the hundreds of women attending (View Photo Gallery)—looking to get themselves into the life of motorcycling this year!

The Shop was a Harley-Davidson force unto itself-you don't see too many dealerships of this size. Amidst the Garage Party buzz of activities, and goings on I had the pleasure of hearing first hand from son Erik, the history of this "Kanerva" family business--"The Shop's" humble beginnings to now mega motorcycling enterprise. What a terrific journey they’ve enjoyed--most certainly one to be very proud of.

So if you’re visiting Ontario and head up to Sudbury, indeed, stop by The Shop and say hello! I guarantee you won’t be able to leave without buying something--they have it all!

Oh and if you’re lucky enough to use the upstairs bathroom you’ll enjoy washing your hands under a highly polished steel/chrome motorcycle tank with handlebar faucets!

WORLDWIDE WAVE OF WOMEN RIDERS ON INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY—THANK U!

Wow what a day it was! I’m still in the zone! We had a super kick off in Toronto and received so many messages from women across Canada and of their activities! Harley-Davidson Motor Company placed their New York and Milwaukee event kick off images on their website—brilliant all the women throughout the USA who rode! Women in Israel shared their pictures (check out the photo album!)—women in Kuwait, in Italy and even Gisele in Brazil celebrated while enjoying a training on the track.

Oh--I forgot to mention GUATEMALA! We saw pics uploaded just the other day! Women everywhere said this is our day and got on their motorcycles! I thought last year was amazing with participation! This year truly magnificent!

And though it’s not a lot to ask of you because you'll take any excuse to be on your motorcycle; to have you JUST RIDE your motorcycle on one day, in any manner you wish, your participation made this day once again a spectacular happening! A force of women and motorcycling presented in unison globally! It’s amazing don’t you think?

Thank you is probably not needed because it’s something you enjoy doing anyway—yet joining in on International Female Ride Day, well—appreciation goes to you because your taking part made it all it is!

Visualise this--we circled the world on just two wheels!

Cya next year-- 7 May 2010!

ENJOY YOUR RIDE ON INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY!

It’s our day! Friday 1 May—an entire day dedicated to women riders everywhere—and what fun we’re all going to have! It’s true; we don’t need an excuse to delve into the passion we all love so much, this thing called motorcycling. But today we’re role models and by participating in International Female Ride Day we demonstrate first hand the many women who ride and inspire others to take up this terrifically rewarding activity in all its forms and styles; for women of any age or culture.

I find it unimaginable that not too long ago women were not allowed to compete in motorsport—refused at tracks in Europe and other countries. And the famed touring pioneers Theresa Walloch and friend Florence Blenkiron during their amazing England to South Africa trek in 1935 were arrested by local authorities for wearing pants! Not today, women have broken barriers, moved borders and motorcycling is one activity that continues to make obvious our limitless abilities; as mothers, CEO’s, daughters, wives and partners.

Today on International Female Ride day, as you wrap your hands around your handlebar grips, know that in Poland, England, Israel, Italy, Australia, America, South Africa, Canada-all around the world, women will be suiting up with the same goal -- JUST RIDE!
A synchronized activity across the planet, in the language that needs no translation--motorcycling.

HOORAY! And from me to you--enjoy your ride!

Thank you for being part of International Female Ride Day!

JUST RIDE! ON ROULE LA MOTO! KOBIETY NAMOTORY! DEVI SOLO GUIDARE! GEWOON RIJDEN!

Yamaha R6

Yamaha R6