UK & Ireland exclusive: Ladies of Harley (April 2019)

ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE LADIES OF HARLEY

I am so excited to say that I am back out and about riding pillion with my husband Malcolm after what seems like forever. It’s been a long 89 days since our bums were in the saddle and I have been itching to try out our new saddle, which we got at Christmas, and has been waiting for us ever since. 

After riding pillion for more than 20,000 miles in 2018 I think I now have a good idea of what sort of saddle I prefer, and after chatting with my local Harley dealership the hammock seat was what was recommended to us. 

The first time I sat on it I was surprised how differently I sat, noting at first that I sat more upright in a very natural and comfortable position, although a little further forward. Also, that my legs were at a slightly different angle having to realign my feet on the footboards, making me continually conscious of my sitting position. Usually after sitting on the bike for around 90 minutes my bum would be numb and my legs aching, but I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of pressure on the back of my thighs, so no ache at all and I would quite happily have ridden in the rear saddle for longer. 

I have been out for a few more rides since and each ride, although varying in length, have all been equally satisfying, making me want more.  I can’t wait until June when we ride to Portugal for the European H.O.G. Rally in Cascais. This has made me question when chatting with other members, riders and pillion riders, about when your ride starts to feel different or uncomfortable. It is probably the time when you should consider changing your seat and worthwhile asking for advice from your local Harley-Davidson dealership. They have the knowledge and expertise to assist us in making the right choices. Remember also that if you change your seat, you may also need to change the position of your footboards or pegs to a position that suits you. I am not very tall but still require my footboards to be in the lowest position. Some of you may have been be put off riding pillion because you have felt uncomfortable or because you feel you cannot ride long distances, and do not know that your footboards or peg position can be changed. If you do experience discomfort in your back, legs or hips then ask at your dealership if they can assess whether your footboards or pegs are in the correct position for you. Once they are you will get the most out of your journey no matter how long or short it is and enjoy munching up those miles. With more smiles. 

From the Rear Saddle,
“The Dudette”
Lorraine Seedhouse
National Associate LOH Officer, UK & Ireland
chapterrepassociateloh@harley-davidson.com

 

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Women Riders World Relay

WHY WRWR WAS FORMED…
“I wanted to ignite a global sisterhood of inspirational women to promote courage, adventure, unity and passion for biking from all corners of the world and do something that’s never been done before to this scale. My aim is to WOW the industry into realising the global market for women in motorsports and to inspire women worldwide.

Going into motorcycle stores and seeing a lack of choice, combined with stereotypical pink and being told “there just isn’t the market for women”, highlighted to me just one small element of a much bigger picture around women in motorsports.

I want to show the industry the force behind the market that is so blindly overlooked.

I am doing this because WOMEN BIKERS CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN.” 
Hayley Bell, Founder UK

WHAT WE DO…
We organise, and participate in, a worldwide women’s motorbike relay covering even the remote, the daring and the vast parts of our world. We aim to continue this event and more through global sponsorship.

HOW WE DO IT…
We collaborate a global community of enthusiastic women bikers.

Women worldwide are responding to our call and sharing our enthusiasm for the event. We reached a huge milestone of more than 15,000 group members from over 80 countries in just four weeks due to this spirit.

Through our sheer masses, borderline bonkers aspirations, unity and determination, the women of WRWR can pull off the largest recorded worldwide motorbike relay.

WRWR have a small team from numerous countries worldwide, who are collaborating to organise the event.

Sounds amazing right? I read all about it and decided that I really wanted in. Looking at my calendar and realising that there were only limited opportunities to ride UK legs, I signed up to join in Leamington Spa and ride to the Ace Café in London.

The ride encompasses all ladies and bikes manufacturers. Upon finding out that there were 70 ladies signed up to do the same leg I had, it seemed a good shout to use my Road Captain’s experience to sign up to be one of the Ride Leaders and I took on Group 3. 

I had 10 ladies with me of varying experience, bikes, tank sizes and confidence. The weather was awful in places, with a good soaking quickly becoming the order of the day. However, smiles all around were still in place as all the riders pulled safely into a central meeting point to gather before arriving at the Ace Café to a very warm welcome. Ladies from all over, including quite a few LoH members, were smiling warmly and many cups of tea were consumed! There was a big, well-organised event at the Ace Café with inspirational speakers and industry representatives. 

I spent Saturday night with my lovely friend Cathy in Central London before departing for the next  event on Sunday, which took place at Sittingbourne Speedway. The winds were bad enough to close the Dartmouth Crossing, so instead a nice Sunday morning blast through the Blackwall Tunnel was the order of the day. I arrived at the Speedway to see the baton being ridden around the track at a cracking pace! I caught up with the other guardians and wished them all well for the trip across the Channel that they had ahead of them later on that evening.

Where is the baton now? You can track it through more than 90 countries worldwide here: womenridersworldrelay.com/track-the-relay

At the time of writing, the ladies are in Greece….

So why do it? Passion! A sense of wanting to get involved and be a part of something enormous. The WRWR is gaining media attention across the world and is having a real effect.

I have made new friends and gained fresh perspectives. The bravery and dedication of the riders is overwhelming and I missed being a part of it as soon as I was away from it.

Take me back! The American legs are later on in the year and if I can find a way to get there you won’t see me for dust!

Jo Green
Thames Valley Chapter