Metuchen, N.J., Oct. 29—In 2013, the inaugural Beautiful Bikers Conference took place on the West Coast, and after its initial success, the conference became an annual event. In 2016, organizers decided that an East Coast event was in order, so on October 29, 2016, Beautiful Bikers founder Porsche Taylor of Black Girls Ride magazine partnered with Beautiful Bikers Ambassador Lisa Jackson of New Jersey Road Sisters to hold the first-ever Beautiful Bikers Day on the East Coast.
A number of us female riders staged at the Tano Mall in Edison, New Jersey, for a meet ‘n’ greet followed by a short ride to Cross Country Cycle, a multi-brand motorcycle dealership in Metuchen that hosted the event. Inside the dealership were tables staffed with representatives of various women’s riding groups including the Road Diamonds, Motor Maids, Steel Horses MC, New Jersey Road Sisters, Sirens of NYC MC, We R One MC, Garden State Girls, and Women on Wheels. There were other displays set up by organizations such as Ride Like a Girl Racing, Save the TaTas, Big Apple Motorcycle School, and more. And plenty of other women’s motorcycling groups and individuals were in attendance, riding in from other parts of New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland.
The event was geared towards women who want to learn to ride as well as those who have already spent time in the saddle. Toward this end, Dianne P. Ortiz, owner of Big Apple Motorcycle School, spoke about acquiring a motorcycle endorsement by taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course. Other special guests that spoke to the group included SJ “Sidewayz” Harris of Threader24 Racing, who was the first licensed African-American woman in the U.S. to compete in road racing events, and Sarah SeCCRet Moreau the Cross Country Rider who broke female motorcycling pioneer Bessie Stringfield’s record by riding cross-country 18 times!
A representative from Nexx Helmets demonstrated proper helmet fit, followed by staff from Cross Country Cycles that talked about choosing the right motorcycle and riding gear. Another CCC rep showed the audience how to conduct a pre-ride inspection and EvolveGT.com provided us with information on track days. Drawings for giveaways were conducted throughout the day, with some fabulous gifts donated by some of the organizations that participated. And CCC served up a complimentary lunch that included freshly grilled hamburgers and hot dogs as well as chips and soft drinks.
One highlight of the day was when the chairperson of the Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists, in conjunction with Big Apple Motorcycle School, presented a check for $1,300 to be used for 10 scholarships that will be awarded to new riders or riders looking to improve their skills. But the real reward was the sharing of experiences, support, and camaraderie among these beautiful women this day.
Beautiful Bikers Day was a huge success, and we’re hoping that additional events of this nature will be scheduled on the East Coast. In the meantime, the fourth annual Beautiful Bikers Conference took place in Long Beach, California, the weekend of November 18–20. For more information, go to beautifulbikers.com or search Facebook for Beautiful Bikers Day on the East Coast.
