The number of women on motorcycles is significantly lower compared to men. Because of this scarcity, female motorcyclists have a feeling of exclusivity, although the public is amazed that a girl is on a motorcycle. All the same, female riders have steadily increased over the past few years. The most female two-wheel community comprises cruisers, scooters, and sports bikes. A greater percentage of them are young riders in Generation Y, followed by Generation X and Baby Boomers.
Why are women on two wheels? Some female riders do it for fun and recreation, to enjoy the outdoors, or for a sense of freedom. Like male riders, some female motorcyclists crave the adrenaline rush and want to stimulate their brains and clear their minds. Indeed this is an ongoing gender role and stereotypes changes being experienced globally, and society is slowly normalizing taking such risks.
Additionally, the growth of women riders represents a sea change in the motorcycle industry. As a result, motorcycle makers are actively nurturing first-time female buyers. The following are reasons why more women should ride.
Stimulates the Brain Power
Riding a motorcycle is not as easy as some people may think. Braking distances, anticipating dangers, and avoiding cars and obstacles are some challenges requiring serious concentration. It’s expected that motorcyclists should be alert and make quick decisions. The ability to make decisions within seconds and remain alert throughout enhances your cognitive functioning when navigating your bike properly.
Boosts Confidence
Motorcycles are generally powerful machines, and the ability to command one gives you some sense of self-confidence. First, a woman has to learn her bike’s mechanisms. Second, she needs the ability to handle it independently. Riding and controlling a big bike on the road can boost your confidence. Truly, the more you gain experience on the road, the more you trust yourself and your ability to make better decisions even in real-life situations.
Conquers Fear
Many people fear riding motorbikes because they’re afraid of falling off, braking during an emergency, cornering a motorcycle, or getting injured on the road. The fear is much higher for a first-time female rider, but with a little practice, one can gain real confidence and dissipate the initial fears. Falling and getting up are simple activities that enable you to become proficient and learn proper techniques to handle your bikes without fear. The new-found positive attitude can help you in other aspects of life, such as in relationships, work, or elsewhere.
Gives Freedom
Mastering the skill of riding a motorcycle improves your morale, happiness, and joy. It also frees you from fear, negativity, or fatigue in this demanding world. The reason is that you can enjoy your “me” time and space to think away from your daily chores. You get a sense of joy, satisfaction, and pride when you control a powerful machine on your own. Also, the body secretes the “feel good” hormone when you ride, which elevates your mood and boosts your mental health compared to when you eat chocolates or a favorite meal.
Makes One a Better Driver
Women on two wheels end up being better automobile drivers. Riding a motorcycle improves your awareness on the road, quickens your reaction time, and makes you more agile. These skills are necessary when you switch to four-wheel transportation. Further, an experienced motorcyclist tends to be considerate of fellow two-wheeled friends and other motorists on the roads when driving a car.
Improves Physical Fitness
Bike riding is one of the best exercises to strengthen your core muscles, such as the abdomen and back. Riders balance their bike and themselves against the weather and forces of the road when riding. Riding activates their muscles and strengthens the leg muscles, which improves their overall body stability and posture without straining the joints and tendons. Further, the riding posture and the weight of the helmet exercise are great neck workouts.
Strengthens Bones
Women start to lose their bone density in their late 30s. Riding a motorcycle strengthens their bones, like weight and resistance training. The vibration from the engine and the bike’s movement on different road surfaces sends vibrations to the rider’s skeletal structure. These activities strengthen female riders bones.
Burns Calories
Motorcycling is a great exercise for a woman who wants to burn extra calories. A rider has to balance their body and machine to drive safely on the road. Sometimes this happens on uneven terrains and long rides, requiring a lot of energy. Therefore, a woman without enough time to visit the gym can ride her motorbike to burn some calories. This is an enjoyable way to lose weight because it involves your passion and needs minimum effort.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Biking riding is a low-impact exercise, even if you do it continuously and for an extended period. Insulin is a hormone that stores fat, and riding your motorcycle exercises your body, thus improving its levels. Like other physical activities, bike riding exercises your muscles, discouraging the body from storing too much insulin. It’s indeed a perfect way to maintain a healthy weight.
Builds a New Circle of Friends
Controlling a machine such as a motorcycle on an open road brings great happiness and satisfaction. Indeed, bike riding connects female riders with an adventurous world and other bike friends, which urges them to stand equal to male riders. Riding allows you to join a group of fellow women riders who desire to explore the world. Such a community encourages first-riders to learn how to ride and navigate the open road with vigor and enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Motorcycling gives you an unexplainable attachment to your bike and exposes you to beautiful scenery. Bike riding improves your mental and physical health, hence a form of therapy. The 10 reasons mentioned above show why more women should ride motorcycles and enjoy the adrenaline rush and freedom their male counterparts enjoy. However, safety should be your top priority throughout the adventure.
