Women motorcyclists ride road to change

From the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada

MARKHAM, ON - History will be made at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, ON when it plays host to women motorcycle riders from across North America Aug. 11-15. It will welcome women and men who are gathering to celebrate the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada's (MCC's) inaugural International Women Riders Congress and Festival, presented by Honda.

MCC is proud to welcome as keynote, Jennifer Botterill, Canadian Gold medal Olympian from the women's hockey team. Chantal Cournoyer and Stephanie Chagnon, the first women to complete the Rally Roses des Sables across the Sahara on motorcycles, Toni Sharpless, first woman ever on the grid at Daytona, and Sue Slate and Gin Shear who, through their Women's Motorcyclist Foundation, have raised $2.5million (US) in support of cancer research, are among the exceptional workshop presenters at the event.

"Motorcycles are the common ground but there's nothing common about the women who are attending," observed Myra Abstreiter, Chair of MCC's Women Riders Council. "They are leaders, adventurers, visionaries and change agents. Learning to ride a motorcycle often requires overcoming personal obstacles. Overcoming these obstacles not only makes us stronger, but also gives us skills and confidence we can apply to other areas of our lives."

Themed One World, One Ride the action-packed three-day event will offer innovative sessions that address body, mind and spirit - from seminars, advanced skills training, charity events, demo rides, entertainment and networking.

MCC is a national federation of rider organizations in Canada and serves the interests of all riders. Its purpose is to unite motorcyclists and preserve, protect and promote motorcycling. Its Women Riders Council was formed in 2006 to address the specific interests of women riders in Canada.