LUCIDMEDIA

Ladies Hit The Road

Written by Catherine Kustanczy Wednesday, 06 May 2009 09:17

Karen Davidson knows, for a fact, motorcycles aren’t just toys for boys.

Davidson is the great-granddaughter of William A. Davidson, a co-founder of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. She laughs affectionately at the early recollections of her father placing her and her brothers on bikes. “It was in the spring,” she recalls, “and we went to one of the national parks. I had a smaller bike, and he taught us all to ride. It was just what you did –it was not an option.”

Davidson is the creative director for Harley-Davidson’s General Merchandise department. She moved from Fine Arts to Fashion Design in college, and worked her way up through the garment industry in New York. She put her fashion know-how to good use when, in 1989, she officially joined Harley-Davidson, and expanded the company’s line to include accessories and apparel. Her insight into the marriage between fashion and motorcycles paid off, too:  she was honoured for her work with Harley-Davidson Motorclothes in 1991, when the Council of Fashion Designers of America bestowed their industry award to Davidson and the company for its fashion influence. Biking is more than about the bikes themselves, and when it comes to women being involved, Davidson is unequivocal in her support.

“It’s the time and place for women to be doing whatever they want to do. Look at politics, look at athletics. It’s a great time for women to feel empowered. When they get behind the handlebars with their friends, they really want the same thing men want. It’s not gender-specific, (it’s a) feeling of freedom and being out to have a good time. Breaking down those stereotypical barriers is good. Encouraging women to get out and find ways to get on the road and be together is good.”

Davidson will be in Toronto Wednesday, May 6th for a Garage Party called Precious Metal that will be hosted by Deeley Harley-Davidson, and taking place at the Liberty Grand. As well as featuring the sultry tunes of Jill Barber, the evening will be hosted by bubbly CityTV personality Liz West, and is squarely aimed at the burgeoning female rider market. As well as raffles for Harley apparel and spa experiences, there will be areas for massages and manicures. And it’s all in aid of a good cause: [rpceeds frm the evening will go toward Rethink Breast Cancer, a charity group focused on education, support and research.

According to Davidson, women’s interest in motor sports represents a logical extension of feminist principles. As a girl growing up, she received no special treatment because of her gender.  “No way,” she says firmly. “As soon as I got my license, I got a bike.”

She says of the recent Garage Party trend, “It’s a brilliant concept… little by little, these dealers are having them - first, second, then third parties. It’s a cool idea to open up the store to just women. I go to these events and see how comfortable women get. They’re asking the girls next to them, ‘What do you think? You try it, I’ll try it…’”

The enduring appeal of the Harley brand, and indeed, of motorcycling itself, is something Davidson feels is linked to the stresses of everyday life. “We’re all feeling like we’re under more pressure than usual,” she says thoughtfully. “Several dealers want to keep their dealerships free of the news. The lifestyle and brand –and the ride –should be an avenue for all of us to break away.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean motorcycles are entirely about escapism, however. Enjoyment of the sport can be put toward good use, and according to the California-based Davidson, should be. “I think that it’s important for both men and women –for everybody, really –to go to an event, or a rally. I can’t tell you how man rides I’ve been on that are charitable, like cancer-related or whatever. There are recovering cancer patients, and they come up and say to me, ‘This lifestyle and this bike have changed my life. This is what gives me release and gets me away.’ Even in a busy area, if it’s 7am on a Sunday, (they) get out to the country, and take a break. On a road trip, (they) do (their) best things. Riding can be meditative.”

One of the most important aspects for a woman interested in riding is safety. “They have to be comfortable with the bike,” Davidson says firmly. “I know, especially for women, they have to take into consideration the footpegs and handlebars and sides of the bike. That’s a big deal. Women are far more particular about really getting comfortable –their safety and awareness are at a higher level than guys’. They’re more tuned in to the details.” The other important factor is camaraderie. ”If you don’t have a family, like how I grew up, find other women who are doing it,” she advises. “Hook up with some (riders), and learn from them. When one woman rides and is having a great time doing it, especially with women, it’s pretty infectious. It encourages others, seeing women ride together. It’s empowering.”

Not surprisingly, female ridership is going up. Twelve percent of all current Harley-Davidson sales are to female riders, and “we’re continuing to see it increasing.” What with an upcoming book detailing the history of female riders, Davidson notes that the stories of riders –“women pioneers” –like those listed on the Harley-Davidson website –are “so inspirational. When these stories surface, people realize this kind of rebel spirit has been around for a long time.” That rebel spirit is for everyone –not just the boys.