MCN celebrates International Female Ride Day with special Super Sausage Café meet-up

Women riders around the world took to two wheels on Saturday, May 4 to celebrate the 18th annual International Female Ride Day.

Founded in 2007 by Vicki Gray of the Motoress online resource for female riders, this celebration of women’s involvement in motorcycling is intended to inspire and empower all those who identify as women bikers and acknowledge their achievements at every level.

MCN set up a meeting point at the popular Super Sausage Café near Towcester in Northants, which acted as a hub for several local ride-ins and ride-outs.

Hundreds of bikers visited throughout the day, some in organised groups while other turned up solo, on bikes ranging from Honda Monkey 125s, to Harleys, and even a KTM RC8.

One of the larger groups heading out on a ride together was the Herts, Beds and Bucks section of the all-female motorcycle club Curvy Riders, top and tailed by regional reps Cat Moule and Nicky Audley.

“We encourage ladies of all ages, every ability and on any motorbike to come out and ride with like-minded people,” said Cat, “today we’re off to Industry & Supply, then on to Hinckley. We’ll ride, eat cake, and have a laugh – it’s all about having fun!”

Elsewhere, Kate and Pam Sollers-Dominey rode to the meet-up together from Tamworth on their Triumph Bonneville.

“Days like this are important for helping female riders to see they’re not the only one who rides, especially if they have a lot of male friends” said Kate, who runs motorcycle maintenance workshops for women under the name Ratchet and Ride.

“It’s so nice to come together and see lots of ladies enjoying their bikes, enjoying each other’s company and just sharing the enjoyment of motorcycling.”     

Super Sausage owner Gail Murray added: “We’re seeing more and more groups of women coming in, and they’re all having fun. I’m really glad to see everyone having such a good time.”

MCN’s Deputy Editor, Emma Franklin, who put this particular gathering on the map said: “We’ve had a wonderful day celebrating women riders and have heard some amazing stories.

“From people who have made the switch from pillion to rider, inspirational tales of women who have overcome illnesses and personal struggles to get on two wheels, and those who want to start riding – we’ve just met so many interesting people.”

You can read more about the International Female Rider Day in MCN’s Women Rider supplement which goes on sale on Wednesday, June 19.