In 2006, Harley-Davidson piloted the Garage Party concept with its dealer network, and the response was so successful that the Company updated the program and recently launched a new section on the Women & Motorcycling Web site (www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders) devoted to Garage Parties and upcoming women’s events.

Women-only Garage Parties are being held at dealerships across the country. On June 14, Harley-Davidson held a Chicagoland Garage Party at the distinctive Museum of Contemporary Art Warehouse hosted by Karen Davidson, creative director of general merchandise and great-granddaughter of founder William A. Davidson. Several area dealerships supported the event, including Wild Fire Harley-Davidson, Chi-Town Harley-Davidson and Illinois Harley-Davidson.

At the end of the evening, one lucky Chicago woman, Stacy Baustert, won a certificate to learn to ride through the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course (www.ridersedge.com), as well as a trip to Femmoto (www.femmoto.com) in Las Vegas, October 5-7, to demo ride Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles after she earns her license. She is planning to bring her mother, who is a rider.

Intimidation-Free Zone

The Harley-Davidson Garage Party events provide an inviting environment for women to learn more about motorcycling and to meet other women who are interested in riding.  Party guests can expect activities that will be both entertaining and informational with topics including a review of the basic motorcycle controls, how to customize a motorcycle’s ergonomics and how to choose proper riding gear.

“Women ride for the same reasons as men – freedom, adventure and individuality, but many women approach the learning process in a different way,” said Leslie Prevish, product communications manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Women tend to spend more time investigating the sport prior to getting involved, and many enjoy learning in a group setting. Garage Party events give women an interactive way to gather information and have fun doing it.” 

The Party Plan

Garage Party event attendees are typically organized into small groups to get their first taste of the camaraderie that goes along with riding.  Groups visit four informational stations, including:

·      ‘Motorcycle Orientation’ to learn the basics of motorcycle controls and discover key differences between Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle families.

·      ‘MotorClothes’ to discover the important attributes needed in motorcycle gear.

·      ‘Customization’ to learn how to customize a motorcycle to reflect a rider’s personal style and ergonomic needs.

·      ‘Self-Service’ to show that just about anyone can handle the weight of a motorcycle.

Between stations, women get the chance to interact with each other, and hear from women who are already living their motorcycle dreams.

“Garage Party events give women a no-pressure chance to learn, socialize and ask questions,” added Karen Davidson.  “We’re excited to provide events like this for women who are looking for information about getting into the sport but just aren’t sure how to do it.”

For some women, learning to ride is a celebration of a new life stage and a chance to show their individuality. Others have been passengers for years and decided that now is the time to grab life by the handlebars and embrace the sense of freedom, adventure and individuality that comes with riding.

Any woman who is looking to take the next step and learn more about motorcycling should contact her local dealer to find a Garage Party event taking place in her neighborhood – but space is limited, so interested women should reserve their spot early.