Under our Helmet

New Online Map Connects Women Riders

Attention all women motorcycle riders ... there is a new international map of women riders, groups, and events available!

 

The VTwin Mama site, an advice column and message board for women riders created in January 2001, is on a mission to create community. The map is populated with a vast majority of the women's riding groups (national, regional, and independent). You'll also see pins for upcoming women-specific riding events and some general charity ride events as well. And I"m busy coding in pins for individual women riders seeking to ride with one another.

 

Whether you are seeking other women to ride with in your area, wish to announce a women-specific or charity event, or will be traveling and wish to connect with women riders along the way, this map will point the way!

 

It's free, does not require registration, and is simple to use. Please visit the Women's Motorcycle Ride Map at http://www.vtwinmama.com/womens_ride_map.htm. Powered by Community Walk and based on Google Maps, you just zoom in, check the area you are interested in, and then click on pins for immediate contact information. The submission form for a new pin is below the map.

 

Together we can create a truly useful tool for all women riders! Join now!

 

Hugs,

 

Petra Baer

Owner, VTwin Mama

30 year road veteran currently riding a 2001 BMW R1200C

http://www.vtwinmama.com

 

Ladies, It's time to Bra Up!

The Ranger Lady's Mission ~ Serving the Mentally Ill

Cindy "Ranger Lady" Gillman needs your help!  The Ranger Lady is half way to meeting her goal of $3,000.00 dollars by December 15th; that's $1,700+ towards the purchase of socks, undies, briefs for men and T-shirts and bras for the mentally ill. Like the rest of us; these severely mentally ill residents like personal dignity.  Clean underclothing is a part of that dignity.  

Cindy started this mission to help her sister, whom she was fortunate enough to find just 9 years ago. Her sister is a permanent resident of a mental health facility.  And after a few visits with her sister, Cindy recognized the need her sister had for undergarmets, as well as her other 102 peers that reside there. 

Cindy states "Bras are my biggest need because of the expense; so used bras are acceptable as long as they are not torn." So Ladies, HH asks you to "Bra Up", donate that bra you never wear that doesn't fit quite right or the one bra you bought to go with an outfit you don't even have anymore or go out to a discount clothing store and pick a couple up.  Like the Ranger Lady says "We all like our personal dignity", let's help others feel the same way.

Oh, And dont be shy... Last year Cindy bought colorful/sexy bras from Marshall's and the ladies had a ball!

You can make a monetary donation online or mail out goods directly to Cindy, for info go to RangerLady.org  

It's time to Bra Up!

Photo credit for colorful bras: A. Schaeffer

Meet the woman behind the new gear line "Chrome Rider" ~ Carrie Basham

   

 "I am launching a new venture of riding gear to empower women called Chrome Rider."

Known for her intricate embellished designs, Carrie Basham creates fashion forward, feminine, and slenderizing leather apparel which is also functional for riding. Her desire is to fill the void for women motorcycle enthusiasts looking for leather to ride in without loosing her natural femininity with fitted, distinctive styles.

She designs for clients that appreciate her attention to detail, use of the finest raw materials and focus on fit. When asked what her passion is she stated ,"I'm inspired to make a woman feel like she is slipping into a second skin. I also feel a genuine passion to make these designs in the U.S.A. I've manufactured all over the world and after 911 I was dedicated to setting up factories in Texas and California.

My styles have a look, a personality, a feel, an attitude... they almost take on a life of their own, but most importantly, they empower her to feel beautiful, sexy and confident, yet protected on the road. My leathers are soft as buttah (butter) but road rash safe!"

Carrie's leather designs have been featured in several publications including Thunder Press, Bikes & Spikes, VQ, Asphalt Angels, and Woman Rider. Media exposure also includes a special segment on Good Morning Arizona and wardrobe for hosts on Entertainment Tonight.

Born in Stephenville, Texas, Carrie began her designing career at the age of 19. She designed and manufactured a sportswear line called "Carrie's Casuals" who catered to boutiques and specialty stores. Two years later Carrie and her Mother launched a ladies fashion label with a western flare called "Boske' River Ltd.". Several years later Carrie's "fast-track" career went international. Carrie successfully designed and produced men and women's garments all around the world. She co-founded Milwaukee Motorcycle Clothing Company in 1996 and launched the label “Chrome by Carrie Basham”, Made in U.S.A. in 2001. Her exposure broadened by launching “Chrome Rider by Carrie Basham” which offers her designer looks at a more competitive price. Carrie's background and experience and creative talent ensure Chrome Rider's success in this niche market. Her designs will always be on the cutting edge.

Carrie has two rides. Her first motorcycle, the trusty "Harley-Davidson Sporty" and a 96 c.i. (cubic inch) custom hardtail Bourget called the Streetsweeper, when she has the Neeeed For Speeeed!
~Amy Bloom, operations & customer service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this exciting new line at CarrieBasham.com

 

2009 AMA Women's International Moto Conference Experience: Epic!

The 2009 AMA International Women's Motorcycle Conference experience: Epic!

 

Over the course of fours days, we met the most incredible women (and men) at the Conference held August 19-22 in Keystone, Colorado. We've compiled so many new stories, pictures, and video to share with you. And while the scheduled events, speakers, and seminars were amazing, it was the off-the-cuff moments that leave us buzzing. For instance, we captured famed Athena Randsom of Vagabond Choppers demonstrating her "leverage" technique to a fellow rider in the parking lot --instigated from a conversation the rider overheard Athena having with another iconic female moto figure, Laura Klock of Klock Werks. Timing really is everything!

Then there's the moment we get a phone call from our bud, Gramps - member of another remarkable club, the Sisters of Scota. She ran across Lesley Gering, one of the notable Canadian women featured gracing the hallways (via poster board) of the main Conference area. Turns out Lesley was introducing herself to Gramps and brought up Helmet Hair. The thing is, we've never met Lesley, and had NO IDEA she was attending the Conference. We've featured Lesley a couple of times in HH so if we had known this we would have definitely been (gently) stalking her. When she realized we were there, and then vica versa, it was a lovefest. There she was in all her hippie, artsy glory. We could go home happy now.

From meeting our idol, new contributing writer, Jessica Prokup -- yes, she is just as darn cute and polite in person, to the unexpected hugs from hordes of HH friends and fans (pictured left: Denise of Accident Scene Management places HH sticker on her helmet), the 2009 Conference was our most memorable one to date. Ok, so we have only two under our belt, but that's gotta count for something, right?

So don't miss the Ocober issue where we will relive the fun through words, photos, and video.

Happy Riding,

Becky & Cara Mae

Helmet Hair magazine.com

The AMA International Women and Motorcycling Conference is almost here!

The 2009 AMA International Women and Motorcycling Conference starts this Wednesday, August 19 and runs through Sunday, August 22 in Keystone, Colorado. And if you haven't registered yet, you better hurry. Believe us...YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

We had such a blast attending the last one held in 2006 in Athens, Georgia, that we couldn't wait for the 2009, that's right; this event only happens every three years. It's that special.

We invite all of our Helmet Hair readers to meet us during the Barn Dance on Thursday, August, 20. If you plan to attend drop us an email so you can join the rest of us to kick up our heels and have a bunch of girlfriend fun. Also be sure to stop by the Conference Center on Saturday, August 21 from 1-3 p.m.to attend the seminar "The Power of Your Voice"  - Helmet Hair magazine.com will join a panel of other women riders/writers in the industry to discuss all of the many online and offline opportunities for women to get involved. Motorcycle Industry Council's own Jessica Prokup (and new HH contributing writer) will lead the panel to also reveal the numbers behind the latest MIC's owner's survey and the state and future of motorcycling.

We are also going to take bookoos of pictures and running the camcord 24/7 catching as many women riders and participants to showcase in our Conference Tribute in October 2009's issue.

Note:

 - Don't forget to take your riding gear if flying to the event; the manufacturers will not provide gear for the demos!

 - Need to rent a bike? Check here: Mile High Harley Davidson 303.343.3300

Click here to view our 2006 Conference photo gallery.

Official AMA Conference site/registration: http://www.womenandmotorcycling.com/

Keystone here we come!

Becky & Cara Mae

Helmet Hair magazine.com

August is National Biker Poetry Month

THE OPEN ROAD ... THE OPEN MIC

A THEME ... A WAY OF LIFE

By K. Peddlar Bridges,
Bikerpoet Laureate

Welcome, Brother and Sister Bikerpoets, Friends and Artists to Roadpoet eMagazine's 5th annual National Bikerpoetry Month Celebration. As Editor and Publisher of Roadpoet eMagazine and Founder of National Bikerpoetry Month, I would like to invite all Bikerpoets, Writers, Artists and Friends to join in with us on our 5th celebration of Bikerpoetry Month.

This year's Roadpoet eMagazine's National Bikerpoetry Month theme will be The Open Road. And with this Open Road theme at heart, Roadpoet eMagazine would like to invite you to join in and be listed as a Roadpoet eMagazine, Open-Roadpoet or Open-Roadpoet friend. To be included on the Open Road list, just head for three Open Mic readings, or head for an open-page, open-stage, open computer screen on any web site. Publish yourself, publish someone else, have a Bikerpoetry cookout or a Bikerpoetry party, but do any three of these during Roadpoet eMagazine's National Bikerpoetry Month and tell folks that you are holding, attending or reading at these events as part of Roadpoet eMagazine's National Bikerpoetry Month Celebrations. Then you will be listed on Roadpoet eMagazine's list of Open Roadpoets and Friends.

For more info or to submit your event go to:

http://community-2.webtv.net/chardylan/BIKERPOETRYMONTH/

Check out this youtube video of Susan Buck reading her poem from the current "Rubber Side Down: Biker Poet Anthology" book:

http://www.bpwa.net/

Never been on a race track before? Track Tactics gives you a track experience for only $75 bucks!

 

$75 Track Day At Streets Of Willow AUG. 15th. SATURDAY

TrackTactics.com has another great promotion for people who have never been on a track before.

$75 STREETS OF WILLOW, we only have 60 spots with the promotion price. YES, Tracktactics.com will pay the difference for 60 spots only. Regular price for this event is $109.

With TrackTactics.com you will only pay $75 for the full day.
Event hosted by HYPERCYCLE TRACK DAYS.

Our main goal is helping street riders get off the canyons and onto the race track. The spots per level that are open are as listed below:

Street group - C- 30

Intermediate group - B- 20

Advanced group - A- 10

To sign up, go to hypercycle.com and add August 15 to your shopping cart. On checkout, enter the promo code for the special price

Remember friends,
TRACK DAYS ARE FOR EVERYONE... ALL WE ARE DOING IS SAVING LIVES BY TAKING RIDERS TO THE TRACK!
WE CAN NOT KEEP THIS UP WITHOUT YOUR HELP, PLEASE LET EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT THESE LOW COST TRACK DAYS!!!

Please also remember this promotion price has nothing to do with the track organization (HYPERCYCLE TRACK DAY), so please do not call or send them an e-mail referencing TrackTactics. If you are a bit late to purchase your $75 STREETS OF WILLOW Track Day it is ok... there is always another time and day with another promotion.

Riders For Health USA Office Now Open

 

Mobilizing Health Workers to Transform Health Care in Africa

The new Riders for Health USA office is now open to broaden efforts in the groundbreaking solution to health care delivery in the Developing World. Riders for Health (Riders) was founded by Barry and Andrea Coleman in 1996, as a leading international social enterprise which establishes unique systems to ensure health workers in Africa have the reliable transportation, such as motorcycles and other specialized vehicles needed to reach isolated communities. The R

iders for Health II, Inc. in Chicago is an amazing opportunity for people in the USA to support the Riders’ mission and goal of reaching an additional 10 million people by 2015 in communities across Africa.

Professional fundraiser Lisa Bakker is leading the USA office in Chicago, Illinois. Bakker said in an interview, “In the 21st century it is a scandal that millions of people die of 13th century diseases, simply because they are not being reached with the health care that could save them. With America’s support, Riders for Health will be able to increase the number of vehicles in our programs and ensure health care reaches millions more people in Africa.”

Research into Riders’ programs has shown that health care can be delivered to five times more people by motorcycle than on foot. In one area of Zimbabwe where Riders mobilized all outreach health workers, malaria deaths decreased by 21 per cent, compared with a 44 per cent increase over the same period in neighboring regions where health workers were not mobile.

As well as improving health care, these programs are vital in building local capacity. As part of the system, local health workers are trained in safe riding and driving and basic maintenance. Riders also have a system of highly trained technicians and all staff employed in Africa are nationals of the countries in which they work.

Riders for Health hopes to raise greater awareness about this vital issue in 2009. To learn more about Riders, visit www.riders.org or go directly to the USA section at www.riders.org/us 

Cruizin' for CASA Kids! Win a Harley!

The countdown is on for a chance to win a Harley for only $20!  

Your chances of winning a brand new Vivid Black Harley Davidson 883 are looking better and better! Jackson County CASA will pick a lucky winner on Friday, July 24th at the KC Live area in Power and Light District. Less than 500 tickets have been sold to date so odds are very good. Hurry and buy tickets now!! All proceeds go to support abused and neglected children that CASA serves.

Enter online at:  http://www.jacksoncountycasa-mo.org/specialevents.html

Tickets are $20 each or 6 tickets for $100.
 Official Rules for the drawing are available on the website.

 

 

Lory Lockwood Art on the cover of Quick Throttle Magazine

It is our pleasure to announce that HH's very first Featured Artist, Lory Lockwood, has her painting entitled "Artist as Biker Babe" gracing the cover of Quick Throttle Magazine, June '09 Northwest issue. We highly suggest grabbing one before their gone, could be a collector's item...  Our helmets off to you Lory! 

To view more of Lory Lockwood's art go to www.lorylockwood.com.   

While your on Lory's site don't miss her screaming new piece, "Krewe de Tat", which was inspired by tattoos shot at motorcycle shows around the country.