Skip to main content

Whether you’re looking at starter bikes or have been riding for decades, the motorcycle community welcomes you. However, it’s often difficult for female riders to join in on the fun, whether because of gear availability or cultural issues. That’s why Indian and Polaris are helping support International Female Ride Day 2021. Because everyone deserves a chance to ride.

What is International Female Ride Day?

A group of female riders in Gurugram, India participate in International Female Ride Day 2019
A group of female riders in Gurugram, India participate in International Female Ride Day 2019 | Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

International Female Ride Day started in 2007 as a public celebration of the female motorcycle community, RideApart explains. 2021 marks the event’s 15th running, and while the COVID pandemic shifted things for 2020, IFRD traditionally goes down in the first weekend of May, RideApart reports. So, for 2021, that makes May 1st International Female Ride Day.

IFRD is the work of Vicki Gray, the veteran rider, racer, and riding instructor who founded the non-profit RaceGirl Motorsport, RideApart explains. It was the first website catered specifically for female riders. But while the site and organization were extremely helpful, Gray wanted to draw more awareness to the women in motorcycling, WomenRidersNow reports.

Two female riders on Royal Enfield Himalayans celebrating International Female Ride Day 2019 in Gurugram, India
Two female riders on Royal Enfield Himalayans celebrating International Female Ride Day 2019 in Gurugram, India | Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

So, after moving from Europe to Canada, Gray founded Motoress, the organization that launched International Female Ride Day. And today, it claims to be the world’s largest synchronized female rider and powersports event, Cruiser reports.

Indian and Polaris are both hosting International Female Ride Day 2021 events

Indian and its parent company Polaris have already supported IFRD in the past, Cycle World reports. So, it’s no surprise both brands are celebrating the event again this year.

For 2021, every Indian Motorcycle dealer is offering free co-branded neck gaiters for IFRD participants. And many dealers are hosting their own coordinated group rides.

A woman in a brown-leather jacket with a black helmet in hand walks up to a blue-and-orange 2021 Polaris Slingshot underneath a rainy city bridge
A women with a 2021 Polaris Slingshot | Polaris

As for Polaris, it’s using International Female Ride Day to kick off its Women Behind the Wheel initiative. It’s a series designed for women interested in powersports and motorcycles who are just starting their riding journey. Each event gives women a chance to get behind the wheel of an automatic and a manual Polaris Slingshot.

Plus, for the inaugural May 1st event, pro racer Loni Unser will be on-site to give advice. Part of the legendary Unser racing family, Loni currently competes in Spec Miata and the Global MX-5 Cup, Amsoil and Autoblog report. So, regardless of your riding or driving skill level, she’s undoubtedly got some great pointers.

How can you participate?

The first Polaris Slingshot Women Behind the Wheel takes place in Houston, Texas. Specifically, at Team Mancuso Powersports Gulf Freeway. However, there will be more events throughout the upcoming year.

As for International Female Ride Day, you don’t have to go to a dealer to celebrate it. Just go out and ride. But an organization or charity is likely organizing a group ride in your area. For example, Ride the Wind, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting local domestic violence organizations, has a ride going on in San Diego, RevZilla reports.

Whether you’re a new, returning, or veteran rider, though, I’ll hopefully see you on the road soon.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

Related

The Best Motorcycle Boots Aren’t Just Ordinary Shoes

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, Producer - Sedans & Coupes

Matthew Skwarczek

Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.

In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.

Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.