GET ON BOARD: Tiarne Parkes (left), Sarah Twaddle and Suzi Parker are at the front of a new wave of women motorbike riders. Photo: JUDE KEOGH
In a sport traditionally dominated by men, the Canobolas Motorcycle Club is out to create a new wave of bikie chicks.
The club is hoping to kickstart some female interest in motorcross, starting with a introductory training day for women at the club’s Newhaven Park facility on Saturday, June 2.
The day will introduce the fairer sex to the discipline of motorbike riding in an aim to build confidence on the bike and promote the sport.
The club currently has only two women members.
The number of girls in the junior ranks is stronger, but there is a severe drop off in the numbers from the age of 16 and into the senior ranks.
This is something the club’s Anthony Corby is hoping to change.
“Bathurst had seven senior women racing at their last meeting, so the interest is out there,” Corby said.
“A lot of women find the whole idea really intimidating, so the training day is a great chance to show them how much fun it is.”
Suzi Parker has been a member of the club for three years and can’t speak highly enough of the sport.
“I got involved through my partner and now my daughter Trinity rides as well,” Parker said.
“The training day will be a great opportunity. Anything to progress the idea of women in motorsport is fantastic.”
Both Parker and Corby noted that the club needs only four more women members to allow them to race in their own class at meetings.
As it is, women have to race against the men.
Women wishing to attend the training day will need to provide their own bike and safety equipment.
For more information about that day, contact Anthony Corby on 0407206541.
The Canobolas Motorcycle Club’s next inter-club event is on June 17, when the club will host riders from Mudgee and Lithgow.