More Women Take Life By The HandlebarsMATTHEWS, NC- Men - move to the back of the motorcycle! More biker chicks are getting certified and hitting the road. “It's a man's sport, but we're finding our niche," said Chrystle Swift, a Plaza Midwood resident. For Swift, revving up her motorcycle "Slider" is empowering. As a Harley Davidson Owners Group Road Captain, she's seeing a spike in ladies joining clubs and taking life by the handlebars. "It's being in control and for a lot of us, we like being in control of our own destiny," said Swift. Harley Davidson oF Charlotte owner Ken Lipack says more women are taking his Rider's Edge training classes. Nationally, ladies make up over 30 percent of people signing up for lessons. That means more motorcycles are designed with ladies in mind. "From weight to where the controllers are located from the comfort standpoint. Also, color choices," said Lioack. For all the new ladies, Harley isn't just tailoring the bikes. They're also tailoring the clothes - verything from practical riding gear to pure fashion. The growing trend is also helping retailers grow by getting couples out on the road together. "They tend to be a lot more invested in the sport and the lifestyle so they engage in it more frequently and they're much more likely to leave and move on to something else," said Lipack. It's also giving women like Swift a chance to roam the open road. "It's just really great to see so many women that have gotten off the back, gotten on the front and are out their just stretching their wings," said Swift. While they target women with groups like the Ladies of Harley, management tells us they're also increasing outreach efforts to african-americans and latinos. |
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