MOTORCYCLING VICTORIA’S LADIES DAY (IN THE DIRT) WAS A GREAT SUCCESS – DESPITE THE ELEMENTS
The Motorcycling Victoria Female Participation program recently introduced a Come & Try event on the three (3) dirt tracks at the Broadford State Motorcycle Complex.
The feedback received in the lead up to event was encouraging that this was the right direction for the program. Offering new and existing riders the chance to get onto all three (3) tracks in a safe and encouraging environment.
Mother Nature may have had other plans and threw all that winter had at us for the day.
Freezing cold temperatures and all kinds of rain (from constant drizzle to being pelted with small burst of showers and wind that put a hold on activity).
The conditions in the lead up to the event and on the day, made the track preparation difficult and saw us presenting our riders with less than ideal tracks and conditions.
We made the decision to proceed with the day, and with the safety and enjoyment of our riders being our top priorities we adjusted our plan. MX Track was not in riding condition, so we offered a variation of off road riding on paddocks around the complex, and the top side of the Enduro track.
All in all it seemed that Dirt Track (flat track) won the heart of most riders on the day, and we had to just about drag the junior riders of the track at the end of the day.
Meghan Hayes from Motorcycling Victoria was “overwhelmed with how happy all of the riders seemed with the opportunity to ride, even despite the less than ideal conditions. The smiles and thanks from the riders really made all the behind the scenes work more than worth the hard work. I’m super keen to start planning the next one, and I hope to see all of the riders there again, and that they bring their Friends”
Supported by:
The day was made more pleasant for the riders with the Support of our partners. Shanons Insurance and Suzuki Australia.
Belinda and team from Shannons Insurance were there on the day and have been instrumental in supporting this program for many years, and were happy to move into the Dirt with us. Thank you!
Lewis and the crew from Suzuki Australia came with the goods! The full Suzuki Truck full of some test bikes for the ladies to hire out and try. They even brought some goodie bags for the ladies! Lewis from Suzuki was very helpful and keen to ensure the programs endeavour into the world of Dirt was a success, and will be working with Motorcycling Victoria behind the scenes on the next event.
The aim from the Motorcycling Victoria team was to give our riders the best possible experience and a chance to experience this sport and all it has to offer. This included our host club, Harley Club of Victoria who was in attendance to support the program and answer any rider questions about Club events, memberships etc. Their support of this program is invaluable to its success.
Unfortunately with MX track being close the Seymour MX club were not able to offer the same service to our riders, but we hope to change this at our next adventure into the dirt.
We must take an extra moment to thank Cam Donald, for coming and supporting this program and for bringing his crew on the day.
Which also mean he got the chance to watch his very lovely wife (Kaz Anderson) take to the track while he watched on with his young family. Their support and encouragement for the future of this program will play a key part in its future success and we are very grateful and lucky to have them on board.
The Coaches:
Motorcycling Victoria cannot go past the commitment and support of each and every coach from the day. You each volunteered your time to be the Face of this program at times working one-on-one with the riders, and this is by far the most influential and positive element of the whole day.
Your dedication to this sport and supporting the growth of female participation through these events is one that will not be forgotten, and we hope that you continue to support the sport we all love.
A special Thank you to each of you: Ian Whitehead, Wayne Sullivan, Peter Jones, Nicki Shea-Howell, Rachelle Descent, Stephen Roissetter, Justin Gioffre and Paul Koczak. Thank you!
The Riders:
Finally to the final key element to this program, and the reason this program exists, to our riders – Motorcycling Victoria Thank you for your participation and for coming and having a try. We hope to see you all at our next Day in the Dirt, and that you loved it so much that you bring some friends.
The Female Participation program is support by the Victorian State Government.
This program aims to increase female participation in all areas of the sport.
Follow our Facebook page MV Women and Girls to keep up to date on all the exciting things happening for Female Participation in Victorian Motorcycle sport.