As we watched the end of a decade tick away just weeks ago, it was hard to ignore the sea of voices: economists, pundits, politicians, and media personalities - each weighing in on how the last ten years shaped up, or by most accounts, shaped down. Yet with all the doom and gloom reports we couldn’t help but feel giddy and optimistic about the future. The future of women’s motorcycling.
Over the last decade our numbers grew stronger. So strong that the Industry took notice. Numerous products and services were being geared toward female riders with matching marketing and media efforts to help promote and further catapult this movement into mainstream. New jobs and businesses have been created for and by women in the sport. We even witnessed bikes being built exclusively for us.
With an entire decade filled with growth and innovation, even amid a sluggish economy, women’s participation in all facets of motorcycling looks like it will continue to thrive. In that positive spirit, we bring you our latest issue – the first one in the new decade, 2010. And in this issue we start by celebrating men. An unorthodox move for our female-focused content, but we felt compelled that it was time to recognize some of the guys who have welcomed and encouraged women to participate, learn, and ultimately share their love of riding. The TOP TEN list introduces you to men who do just that.
Helmet Hair magazine.com has also undergone more growth. We have yet another new, invaluable contributing writer, which so many of you know already: the advice guru, Petra Baer of the famed VTwin Mama site. In a new section she dubs “The Tip Jar,” Petra has hand-picked past and present popular Q & A’s which frequent her forum. There’s not a motorcyclist out there that won’t benefit from her 20 plus years of road wisdom – delivered only the way a “mama” can. We also bring you another road icon, Cris Sommer Simmons. This three-time Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee and author of the newly published book, The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900–1950, talks about her early journey into motor journalism and her present-day labor of love.
In this issue we continue our unconventional streak to launch a new section “Scooteristas Unite!” What the hell is a scooterista? It’s our other two-wheel sisters: females who ride scooters. Turns out, they share the same, intense passion for riding as we do. And we’ve recruited two scooter junkies, Brittanie Shey and Taryn Kail, to help explain, educate and entertain us all. Contributor Jessica Prokup joins the fray as she gushes about her own romantic thrill ride on a scooter through California’s wine country. And Elisa Southard tells us why attending motorcycle shows is magical. She was recently spell-bound at one of the many offered through the International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) currently traveling the nation. Next, we feature the artwork of Joan Cox, who realized her scooter was much more than economical transportation…but an epiphany expressed through canvas. To round it out, we come full circle from past to present celebrating the 30-year legacy of the Sisters of Scota WMC.
So please relish each and every article as these contributors pour their heart into giving Helmet Hair readers something to take back with them: knowledge, courage, and the cohesiveness that is associated with being a woman on a motorcycle (and scooter).
Editors Letter