May 3rd, 2011 5 Comments

Yet another womens-only event is created: Biker Belles

I almost hesitate to publish this press release as I am becoming less of a fan of these women-only biker events. But I know that some of you ladies out there like these events to celebrate with the like-minded, so I’m publishing just to spread the word. Feel free to use the comments section of this post for healthy debate if you like.

Legendary Buffalo Chip Salutes Women Riders with First Annual Biker Belles

The Legendary Buffalo Chip will recognize the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling during the 71st annual Sturgis Rally.  Women from across the globe will hit the road, Wednesday – August 10, 2011 for the first annual Biker Belles celebration.  The event was created to help celebrate women’s role in shaping the culture, history and sport of motorcycling, while helping to raise significant funds for two charities chosen by Helping with Horsepower (TM), including the Abbott House and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

The inaugural "Biker Belles" event happens at the Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis 2011

The inaugural Biker Belles celebration will begin in the historic town of Deadwood as the Lodge at Deadwood will roll out the red carpet and host a special welcome reception complete with events, entertainment and activities catered to women.  From Deadwood, Motor Maids member Meg McDonough and friends will lead a women’s-only ride to The Chip for a special Biker Belles shindig put on by “The Best Party Anywhere®.”

“Each year the Buffalo Chip sees more and more women riding through our gates”, says Toni Woodruff, daughter of Buffalo Chip president, Rod Woodruff.  “It’s so exciting to have an event during the Sturgis Rally that caters to women riders and benefits local charities in the process!”

To highlight the Biker Belles festivities at The Chip, 4-time national land speed record holder and pilot of the original “World’s Fastest Bagger,” Laura Klock of Klock Werks Kustom Cycle, will unveil “SALT,” a customized Harley-Davidson® built under her direction and guidance with the girls and young women of the Abbott House.  While at the party, Laura and her staff will be selling raffle tickets to win this special bike that will be given away in support of the Abbott House next fall.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” says Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!”

Tickets for the 2011 Biker Belles celebration are available now on bikerbelles.com.  The Biker Belles celebration requires a $75 contribution, of which 100 percent goes directly to its chosen charities. The finishing touches are being worked out for the 2011 celebration, with details to be announced on bikerbelles.com.

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5 Responses

  1. MJ Reynolds says:

    I am with you! I have the blog, bikeweeknews and I favor events like International Female Ride Day (founded by Motoress women’s bike site in Canada.) An event started 5 years ago to unite women riders globally by simply getting on your bike that day: Just Ride! on the first Friday of May… then Harley decided to have a Women’s Month with dealtership rides in May. Love the bike, not crazy for what they decided. Same with Buffalo Chip.. everyone is jumping on the band wagon because women riders are the largest growing group.

    • Meg McDonough says:

      I am a member of the Jackpine Gypsies MC, the originators of the Sturgis rally. I am the one who came up with the idea for this ride. Myself, along with several other women in the ride community have wanted to see an event for women riders take place during the Sturgis Rally for a very long time. This will be the 71st year and up until now, there has never been a successful women’s ride during the Sturgis Rally. I don’t know if you’ve ever attended the Sturgis Rally, but it is an event geared mostly towards men. We would like to bring attention to the important women that have helped to grow the ride community, as well as encourage other women to ride. The original Jackpine Gypsy tours helped the Sky Ranch for boys. We are helping the Abbott House for girls. The Black Hills is a depressed economy, that depends on tourism for it’s existance. There are too many people that are about making money during the event and taking it home with them and never think about what it’s like when the crowds leave. I feel it’s important to give back to that community and that is also a big part of why this ride was created. 100% of ticket sales will go to the charity. Myself and the others involved are donating our time to make the Black Hills community a better place and would love to see others work together to make a positive impact on the Black Hills Community.

      • Lizzie says:

        Meg, thank you for taking the time to write a compelling reply in support of this event. It is more than true that a lot of these events seem to be quick money-makers for those who run them. In this instance I hope the ride is fruitful and successful for all involved.

  2. Patty Davis says:

    I am not a fan of women only events. I originally started riding because I wanted to ride BESIDE my best friend and favorite riding buddy – my husband. Why would I now want to leave him behind when he would never ever go to a guys only event and leave me behind?

  3. Pam says:

    Seen this in a retweet by sutterink…I agree…I also say I’ll wear a patch that says “I ride my own” when men start wearing one!!

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