Women in Moto :: What Challenges You?

We asked some prominent, active female riders about what challenges they face in a male-dominated industry. We also asked them to share the more advantageous aspects of being a female rider. Here is what they had to say:

Katrina Corcoran, Motorcycle Adventurer, Digital Creator, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 

Challenge

The biggest challenge I faced as a rider was the barrier to entry. While living under my parents’ roof as a teenager, I was not allowed to own a motorcycle. I had saved enough money and planned to take a motorcycle safety course, get licensed, and buy a motorcycle. But, when I made my plans known to my parents, I was told if I wanted a motorcycle I would have to move out and that wasn’t an option I was willing to pursue. It took me an additional 25 years to take my first motorcycle safety course, earn my motorcycle license, and buy a motorcycle. The opportunity to ride a motorcycle should have nothing to do with gender.

Advantage

Because female adventure riders are so rare, especially those of us that travel solo, I receive many offers of assistance. I have been added to networks of people that make sure I can receive help if needed. I stand out in a crowd and receive more recognition and attention as a female motorcycle rider. People want to help and protect me more.”  

I love riding and supporting females in riding. I started a women’s adventure riding group in UAE, and in November 2022, I became the national president of the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) in the United Arab Emirates, where I hope to help unite and support female riders in all riding styles.

Ellen Gines, Into the Horizon Adventure Motorcycle Tours, Boise, Idaho

Challenge

I learned to ride seven years ago, just before I turned 40. I had spent my whole life afraid of motorcycles, then went on an off-road challenge ride, two-up with my husband, and decided I wanted to learn to ride an adventure motorcycle. I have participated in the GS Trophy Qualifier twice, in 2019 and 2021.

My biggest challenges as a female rider have been with self-confidence. I tend to get afraid of things, like getting hurt, or not being able to do something by myself. Being 120 pounds and riding a motorcycle that weighs over 300 pounds more than I do sometimes holds me back. I am afraid of getting stuck somewhere and unable to pick up my bike by myself. I feel like as a woman, riding alone could make me more vulnerable to harassment or being attacked, so I tend to ride with men, which means going where they want to go, not necessarily where I want to go. This is sometimes a good thing because it pushes me to get out of my comfort zone and ride tougher trails at a faster pace. Lots of times, I get pushed to the back of groups because nobody wants to ride behind the girl.

Advantage

I didn’t learn to ride as a little kid, so I didn’t develop bad habits. I can get through obstacles using balance and the skills I have learned. I don’t take as many dabs because I may not be strong enough to hold up the motorcycle, so I need to rely on skill. 

Another advantage is when I enter a competition, such as the GS Trophy Qualifier, there simply are not as many female riders as males. So the odds of me placing well are better than, say, my husband, who has been riding for 50 years but has many more competitors in his group.

Deana Kelley, MSF Coach, Instructor, Racer, Sierra Vista, Arizona

Challenge

I’m a motorsports enthusiast (four and two wheels) who is lucky enough to get to share her passion through teaching. I am an MSF coach for Team Arizona and also instruct teen defensive driving courses. The most difficult challenge for me was having the confidence in myself to handle a heavy bike with my smaller build.

Advantage

Being a female rider gives me an advantage as a rider coach because I can relate to and empathize with many of my students to better serve their dream of motorcycling.

Zee Traveler, Expert Motorcycle Vagabond and CEO of Bunk-a-Biker 

Challenge

I’m a competent traveler and mechanic but am often spoken to like I don’t know what I’m doing. The second challenge I face is dealing with the stereotype that a woman with a motorcycle is simply using it as a photo prop—not that she is an actual rider with skills.

Advantage

People are more likely to help when I need it. I’m also more likely to be praised for doing things that guys do all of the time. I camp off my motorcycle and sleep at rest stops, [and it comes off as] impressive. If a guy does it, it’s normal.

Katrina Van Marter, Motorcycle Adventurer and Traveler, Denver, Colorado

Challenge

My number one challenge as a female rider is being short. At only 5’ 3”, I don’t have the advantage of putting my foot down to stabilize myself. I have to ensure that all of my skills are highly tuned so that I stay upright. Normally, if a guy starts to lose balance, he can just use his foot to stabilize [himself]. 

Advantage

I think the advantage I have as a female rider is knowing that it will take a lot more dedication, and as a result, I have more patience with my commitment. It’s fairly common for men to get into the hobby at a very young age (so [they have] years of experience), whereas with women, we don’t typically get into the hobby until we’re much older. We have to understand that to gain the same level of experience; it will take a lot of practice and we must be patient with ourselves while we’re learning.

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