AFM LADY RACING

[Muddy Squirrl]

Original Email that Started the Firestorm!

Please join AFM racer Joy Hega in petitioning the AFM to sanction a
womens racing class for the 2009 season.


Simply go to this site to read the short letter and submit your
signature.
 
<http://www.petitiononline.com/LSBK/> http://www.petitiononline.com/LSBK/

[heather...@gmail.com]

From: Emily
Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Subject: AFM Lady Racing
To: Dames
Hey girls, just wanted to forward this on as is right up our
collective alleys:

Please join AFM racer Joy Hega in petitioning the AFM to sanction a
womens racing
class for the 2009 season.

Simply go to this site to read the short letter and submit your
signature.

<http://www.petitiononline.com/LSBK/>

________________________________________
On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 10:42 AM, Jennifer Werkstatt
<jenn...@werkstattsf.com> wrote:
No no no! Woman don't need to have a handicap class! It's backwards
and promotes that women can't compete with men! Especially in
motorcycle racing where it's not about strength but skill and brains
and endurance, women definitely can beat any guy's ass! This is BS!
Can we have a discussion on this first?
________________________________________
From: Abby Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Subject: RE: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames
I had a feeling that's what you'd think Jenn! I see both sides of this
debate. But mainly I think that anything anyone does to get more women
out participating is paramount.
________________________________________

From: Jennifer
Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Subject: RE: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames

Also, for your consideration and logistics: are all ladies going to
ride anything between 250cc to 1000cc and compete together in one
race? Or will this be a spec class, say 600cc only?
I think the AFM is pretty open to women racers, this IS the Bay Area
afterall. I had nothing but support from the guys on and off track. If
anything, I had MORE support being a woman. Maybe we should promote
that.
The worst thing that can happen is that they crash behind you because
they don’t understand yet that a woman can be faster then a guy. But,
honestly, that’s their problem.
How about offering entry level schools instead for ladies to get them
racing? Or a newsletter with positive reports to lure women?
________________________________________
From: pinky
Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2009
Subject: RE: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames
is the women's class idea because women are thought to be generally
slower? or because they're intimidated to ride with the men? I don't
totally get it, but if that's why, then yeah i hafta agree with Jen. I
don't feel like my vagina is a handicap and i think the only reason
why people think men are faster is because more men race.
However, if the reason for the women's class is to get more women out
there, then I can see where the idea is coming from and I agree, but
there must be another way. Seems like it would do more damage than
good. Ive known more than a handful of girls over the years that are
faster than the boys.
that's my 2 cents...
Pinky
________________________________________

From: Jennifer
Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Subject: RE: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames
Hey Pinky, thanks for your 2 cents. Anybody else with an opinion? When
you signed the petition, you must have had a good reason. What is it?
It’d be nice to exchange view points.
Also, I thought of something else; a stewardship program for newbie
women racers by OG women racers. That’ll take the intimidations out of
coming to the track, and understandably, any newbie, even the guys,
are intimidated at first.
There are *many* women on the track, some race, most are in the “how
to run the place” job and a lot of them are crew chiefs for their
spouses and know the ropes, sometimes better than the racers
themselves. I think if they would get together, and they are probably
happy to, it could make it real easy for woman to get racing. I might
be racing the AFM again this year sporadically on a vintage CB160, so
I could be part of it. Btw, vintage racing is a great entry level race
class, and people are exceedingly friendly, practically fall all over
themselves to help, and I’d be happy to advise in that direction.
So in order to figure out what intimidates women most, maybe we should
have a survey first. I was intimidated, but not because there were men
to compete against.
I don’t see anybody on this list that races. What keeps YOU from it?
Is it only that there is no women’s class?
Or other reasons? I suspect cost of racing would be one factor for
anybody. But it would be nice to get to the bottom of why specifically
women don’t race more often.
My story: I started racing sidecars after I watched the sidecar races,
expressed interest, and then Wade Boyd permanently-lent me a sidecar
to race with Christine. When I started two wheel racing, one of my
employees, Robbie Hoyt, already did it, so I tagged along. But I never
thought ever that my gender would have anything to do with it, except
for, I guess, I wanted to proof that it can be done. But I had no
doubt in my mind that it could be done.
So maybe we need to instill more confidence in women, stories about
women that race, or raced.
Leslie, can you maybe cook up a concept for Urbanmoto?
Also, can we cc any woman that would have any interest in this
discussion? While I don’t like the idea of a women’s class, I *do*
think this is an important issue. Maybe we should start a facebook
group 
Cheers,
Jennifer
________________________________________

From: Sue
Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames

Hi gals! I am so enjoying this conversation. This should be put out to
the public and Jennifer's idea to put it on facebook ROCKS. 5 more
days in the wheelchair and looking forward to riding again soon... Sue
________________________________________

From: Shannon
Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 2:37 AM
Subject: Re: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To:
Dames

Hey there, gals,

I've been suspiciously absent from the "Dames" rides thus far, but
this subject is definitely worth the reply all.

I'm fairly new to riding (only been doing it about 5 yrs), and I've
never done a track day. So for me, racing isn't on my list of things
to do. I like to ride, but more for fun and for the practicalities of
it. Now that you know where I'm coming from, it seems to me that the
whole racing hurdle might fall into a few categories:

a. Those who are intimidated by competition
b. Those who might be interested in racing but aren't confident to try—
but if the "boyz" weren't involved, they might give it a shot
c. Those who wouldn't give a shit about the boyz, but maybe just
haven't been encouraged to race, or been inspired, or maybe don't
realize it's even an option

So...it seems to me that a little "awareness campaign" is a good place
to start. Get the ladies abreast of their options, who else is out
there kickin ass, and possibly set up some training stuff. Maybe hook
up potentials with dames that already race. A sort of "mentor"
program.

I kinda think that a dame who's confident enough to race wouldn't be
spooked by going against dudes. In fact, it likely sweetens the deal.
It would for me, anyway, if I was into it.

Setting up a womens-only category might pull in some gals from
category "b", but it's unlikely that it'll have an affect on the
category "a" chicks.

Something that focuses on the c's first and then the b's will likely
pull in more chicks. Basically what I'm saying is that I think the
problem is awareness—not as much the dude block. Let's face it: if
you're a dame who rides, you've already dealt with the whole "oh my
god, you ride? and you're a girl?" attitude, and you've flipped it the
royal bird. And if you're even considering racing, well...you'd likely
say "bring on the boys and let's kick ass!"

Shannon


________________________________________


From: heather
Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Subject: Re: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames

Thanks for this Shannon. I am also a newer rider, and I have not yet
done a track day but really, really want to.

I agree with the sentiments many of you are echoing: being aware that
racing is even an option for women and finding a way to enter that
world (via mentors, training, track days, entry-level schools, etc...)
are key elements. I know for me, it has been hard to even meet women
who ride, let alone ones who race. So, there is definitely the
question of, "How would I even get started?"

I also agree with Shannon in that, after we ride for even a little
while, we are so accustomed to dealing with the boys, on the good side
and bad side: We're on the rode with them, we're on our long journeys
with them, most of us initially learned from them. So, why not race
and beat them? (They need it as much as we do! ;-p)

I don't think a separate class is the way to go. I agree that it would
be great to have access to mentors, training, even group track days.

-Heather
________________________________________


From: Kathleen
Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Subject: RE: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames
Hello Ladies,

Wow, you've hit on a near and dear topic. I have to put in my two
cents:

Don't handicap women at the races! It is an end before it begins. I
have yet to see a physiological reason for women to ride slower than
men. Just psychological ones. And a women's only class would seperate
us from the big bad well developed world of go fast. Do we need
training wheels too?

I do not race because: I'm not fast and I'm not competitive and I
don't want to get hurt. I fell off horses plenty.
I will by nature let someone on my tail pass me. I do not like the
pressure. It wrecks my groove.
I had the supermoto track in stockton practically to myself for awhile
on my xr100 on a practice day and I was in heaven. I learned so much
and it felt great. I would not race but I would do more xr100 track
days when I can afford it. Being at a track is great! Being invited
got me out there.

Racing or even track days are a big financial hit. The word
"priorities" plays here. Shannon's awareness campaign is right on
because women are definitely not currently encouraged to hemorrage
money and time for the pleasure of competition. Unless we acknowledge
all the women who have supported their broke and broken boy-racer
boyfriends. They coulda spent that money on themselves... Or spent it
on Jennifer's race effort...

I would second everything Jennifer said about the helpfulness and
friendliness of the men and women already out there.
I had two semesters of mechanical education back in '86 and twenty
years of brain picking. People love to share information. Passion is
well received. Racing is a passion. Boys, even shy ones, love to talk
to girls. Go figure.
Many moons ago I was invited to pit crew for a top fuel sprint car. So
cool to be on the infield instead of the stands. I came home buzzed,
had a joyful headache and smelled like petroleum and rubber. Mmmmm. I
wanted to stay on but couldn't commit to the schedule. Another reason
I don't race or pit crew.
And vintage people are wonderful. Any of you want to ride a CZ or
Maico in vintage dirtbike competition? I could hook you up.

Over the holidays I browbeat a friend in Portland to put tire chains
on her car herself. She stayed in for three days before she got up the
courage to get it done without a man. I coach ALOT of women like this.
Basically, get assertive, the machine doesn't mind. Abby and Emily
have great "just do it" stories. I'm drawing a parallel between
wrenching and racing. I saw a flood of highly competitive, well funded
women at a vineman triathalon registration day. Their bicycles cost
more than a motorcycle. Some of them eyeballed the BMW bikes at the
promo booth but considered motorcycles too risky, might interfere with
their current focus. Another thing I hear from financially well
qualified people is "I can't afford to be injured". Do women not race
because of this?

Jennifer, you mentioned that none of the dames race (except you). You
are right!! I propose Emily Wakeman as case in point. Emily, forgive
me. Why doesn't Emily race? She is passionsate, talented, dedicated,
fast, competitive, rides a potential racebike already, and has a
sweetie who might give thumbs up. And I've seen her meteoric learning
curve. She lacks money, a truck, a second bike for street use, health/
hospital insurance(?), what else?

And yes, fire up an all girls chopper challenge bike. I think we all
have to experience the hands on part before it becomes addictive. I
wish I lived closeby, I'd do that project if it were in range.

Thanks for the chance to spew words on this. I LOVE MACHINES. I love
the crackle and pop of a race engine. And I love the smell of two
strokes at the starting line. Go, baby, go!!!!!!

Kathleen
________________________________________


From: suzanna
Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Subject: Re: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames

Ok everyone else is contributing input so I better 'splain my stand
point too. Apologies for the short email. I'm at work and don't have
much time. I will say that I jumped to sign the petition because Miss
Em suggested it and I think Miss Em is da bomb.

When I wake up in the morning, I stop to look in the mirror, and
adjust my outfit and hair sos it looks a little bit more like her
every day. Ok, that's an exaggeration, but I do respect her
perspectives and can see that she was aiming at supporting female
riders.

I was trigger happy (with my quick signature) and assumed it was a
'good' thing to support.

I do not race. I don't have that itch, the idea of me racing
intimidates me a little (never been on a track other than the TT track
at Hollister for one lap and almost had a heart attack), plus it's $$$
and I know I'll put myself in situations where I'm hauling balls most
likely beyond my comfort level and thus increasing my chances of
getting hurt.

Clearly there are other people who have racing 'in' them, and their
priorities are such that they make ways to afford it. If I really had
a yen for racing, I would make it happen.

I can imagine feeling more comfortable being amongst other women, at
least in the beginning. Women (some) tend to be more emotionally
supportive during a learning process - which can be humbling and
humiliating at times.

* This is a generalization about women and men. Note: I don't hang out
at racetracks and haven't so much as done a track day so ... all this
race talk is unchartered waters for me. I dont see any reasons why
women should be slower. The AFM races should be equally open to both
sexes.

Amen,

Suzanna



________________________________________



From: Sarah
Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Subject: Re: AFM Lady Racing NO NO NO!
To: Dames

Hello all.

Here’s one more POV to add to the already rich mix:

Creating a separate women’s class is most definitely a step backward.

I am an avid proponent of equal opportunities in sport for women and
men. In fact, in college I successfully petitioned UNC-Chapel Hill to
create a women’s Varsity Lacrosse team based on the mandates of Title
9. However, that was a situation in which women were not allowed to
compete on the Men’s team, and – to be honest – there are certain
physical realities that make the men’s game unrealistic for women to
play.

Here you have a situation where physical differences do not apply. A
situation where women are not only already allowed, but welcomed. Why
create barriers where none exist?

In my opinion, the things that make some women intimidated by racing
are NOT going to change with the creation of a separate class: comfort
with the risk of injury, cost, fear of looking like a dumb ass if you
fail, etc.

But the fear of looking like a dumb ass and comfort with risk can be
changed with training and awareness. And perhaps the training/
education is done separately as it has been proven that women learn
and motivate differently than men. Men can be motivated by a coach
saying “look at Joe, you lazy asses need to be more like Joe,” and all
the guys want to be more like Joe. With women, you tell them they all
need to be more like Betty and they all just end up thinking Betty’s a
bitch. Men are generally more comfortable just jumping into things
and seeing if they sink or swim. Women tend to have the sense to get
the training first before risking their lives (most of my exes who
rode taught themselves to ride, while I took classes with trained
instructors — and was generally a better rider than any of those
exes!). So I think a stewardship program is an excellent idea.

My story and why I don’t race:
I have made peace with the fact that I am just not a balls out
competitor. When it comes down to laying everything on the line, I
tend to pull back (as an aside, there is nothing like stepping into a
boxing ring for a real fight that makes you see and confront these
types of realities about yourself — I highly recommend). I’ve been
riding for 8+ years and what excites me about riding is not the speed
(although that’s fun too), but the finesse required and just being
much more engaged with the world, more aware of my surroundings with
heightened senses. Plus it makes getting anywhere in the city feel
less like a commute and more like a game ;-)

Alright — enough outta me!
________________________________________

[Muddy Squirrl]

From: Emily Wakeman [mailto:damesdo...@gmail.com]

*Disclaimer: totally hung over

Wow, you leave your computer for a few hours... It's cool to see how
into this topic
everyone is. I did a little soul searching (as much as you can do in
two minutes) to
try to find why I so eagerly signed the petition and I suppose it is
the same reason
me and Abby thought to start Dames.

Some of us, quite understandably, enjoy riding with a bunch of other
ladies more
than they do riding with guys. The competitive feeling is not absent,
but different.
When I go riding with the girls, it feels like no one comes in last,
even if I do.
Riding with guys, however, usually ends up with me being spanked and
then
patronized, which pisses me off. (that being said, it is important to
note that this
is from a girl who has never done a track day in her 4+ years of
motorcycling). Also
important to me is any way to show women they can do it too and garner
some
vagi-enthusiasm for the sport. I was inspired to learn to ride when I
was over at
Kathleen and Lawrence's house in Sonoma Co and saw this beautiful Duc
on a lift in
the garage. I says "Lawrence, what a beautiful bike," and he says
"it's not mine,
it's Kathleen's." Well raise my rent! I didn't realize until that
moment that I was
perfectly capable of riding a moto, and, obviously, have been into it
ever since. My
point is that sometimes us moretimid/self-limiting girls simply need
someone to show us "you can do it too!"

On the rare occasions when I do the spanking, the feeling is fabulous!
I remember my
first truly righteous pass on Skaggs. The rather squidly fellow who
fancied himself
as fast guy I passed on the outside was so flabbergasted that I passed
him that he
slowed down and I lost him in a few seconds. It was superb standing
there at the
bridge, waiting, helmet off and smoking a cig by the time he pulled up
with his
mouth hanging open. For this reason, I can see why this proposed
division might
deprive ladies of that oh-so-fresh feeling.

Well, we were all taught early on that we should never change an
answer on a test
'cause your first answer is usually right. I'm gonna stick to my guns
on this one. I
also want to add that we could muster up more public interest in the
sport ('cause
guys are horny and like fast girls in leather), which should not be
discounted
simply because it is lame. Any interest in moto anything will make for
a larger and
happier motorcycle community.



Oh, and I also agree there are better ways to get girls to race, and I
will gladly sign those

petitions too when they come across my desk. I don't know nearly
enough about racing

to initiate such an endeavor however.



Oh, and I was going to say something else but forgot. Oh yeah, I also
am practically

computer illiterate and have no idea how to do the facebook thing you
speak of : (

Again, totally hung over. Thanks for reading my babbling if you got
this far. em


On Jan 8, 3:11 pm, "heathershir...@gmail.com"

<heathershir...@gmail.com> wrote:
> From: Emily
> Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 10:27 AM
> Subject: AFM Lady Racing
> To: Dames
> Hey girls, just wanted to forward this on as is right up our
> collective alleys:
>
> Please join AFM racer Joy Hega in petitioning the AFM to sanction a
> womens racing
> class for the 2009 season.
>
> Simply go to this site to read the short letter and submit your
> signature.
>
> <http://www.petitiononline.com/LSBK/>
> ________________________________________

> b. Those who might be interested in racing but aren't confident to try--

> but if the "boyz" weren't involved, they might give it a shot
> c. Those who wouldn't give a shit about the boyz, but maybe just
> haven't been encouraged to race, or been inspired, or maybe don't
> realize it's even an option
>
> So...it seems to me that a little "awareness campaign" is a good place
> to start. Get the ladies abreast of their options, who else is out
> there kickin ass, and possibly set up some training stuff. Maybe hook
> up potentials with dames that already race. A sort of "mentor"
> program.
>
> I kinda think that a dame who's confident enough to race wouldn't be
> spooked by going against dudes. In fact, it likely sweetens the deal.
> It would for me, anyway, if I was into it.
>
> Setting up a womens-only category might pull in some gals from
> category "b", but it's unlikely that it'll have an affect on the
> category "a" chicks.
>
> Something that focuses on the c's first and then the b's will likely
> pull in more chicks. Basically what I'm saying is that I think the

> problem is awareness--not as much the dude block. Let's face it: if

> compete on the Men's team, and - to be honest - there are certain

> physical realities that make the men's game unrealistic for women to
> play.
>
> Here you have a situation where physical differences do not apply. A
> situation where women are not only already allowed, but welcomed. Why
> create barriers where none exist?
>
> In my opinion, the things that make some women intimidated by racing
> are NOT going to change with the creation of a separate class: comfort
> with the risk of injury, cost, fear of looking like a dumb ass if you
> fail, etc.
>
> But the fear of looking like a dumb ass and comfort with risk can be
> changed with training and awareness. And perhaps the training/
> education is done separately as it has been proven that women learn
> and motivate differently than men. Men can be motivated by a coach
> saying "look at Joe, you lazy asses need to be more like Joe," and all
> the guys want to be more like Joe. With women, you tell them they all
> need to be more like Betty and they all just end up thinking Betty's a
> bitch. Men are generally more comfortable just jumping into things
> and seeing if they sink or swim. Women tend to have the sense to get
> the training first before risking their lives (most of my exes who
> rode taught themselves to ride, while I took classes with trained

> instructors -- and was generally a better rider than any of those

> exes!). So I think a stewardship program is an excellent idea.
>
> My story and why I don't race:
> I have made peace with the fact that I am just not a balls out
> competitor. When it comes down to laying everything on the line, I
> tend to pull back (as an aside, there is nothing like stepping into a
> boxing ring for a real fight that makes you see and confront these

> types of realities about yourself -- I highly recommend). I've been

> riding for 8+ years and what excites me about riding is not the speed
> (although that's fun too), but the finesse required and just being
> much more engaged with the world, more aware of my surroundings with
> heightened senses. Plus it makes getting anywhere in the city feel
> less like a commute and more like a game ;-)
>

> Alright -- enough outta me!
> ________________________________________

[Muddy Squirrl]

I am going to wholeheartedly back up Emily's final comments on the
subject. While all points made in opposition are certainly valid and I
*LOVE* the stewardship idea I do not see any harm in a woman only
class or exibition class. I don't think it sets us back at all. In
fact it might even shine a spotlight on our ability and skills.

Adding this class would not mean that women couldn't run with the men,
but how much fun to go head to head with the girls? Every single one
of us enjoys riding with all our friends very much, man and woman
alike. But let us not forget just how much fun it is to get that rare
ride in where everyone is ON THE SAME and SIMILAR LEVELS and enjoy
SIMILAR MINDSETS.

As for why I don't race or at least track - seems like it's mostly
money and time. No truck, no $ for tires, no extra bike, no extra
time. Fuck, I can't even maintain my bike enough for the amount of
street riding I do! Also, it seems cheaper and more fun to go get
dirty!

Lastly anyone who knows me knows I'm competitive and would love to
smack some boys, but as a novice it would be enticing for me to begin
in a much smaller and slightly less competitive field than most AFM
classes. A novice class might be the answer to this, but I expect it
would get very crowded quickly and no doubt the ego of a bunch of
johnny come lately's would make it a big fat pissing contest.

Just my two cents!

[Jen Werkstatt]

The similar level subject: I'm pretty fast and would like to race in a
fast class. I don't care if you are a man or a woman, blue, green or
purple. If you are slow, that's what the novice class called Clubman
is for! real equality would be not having to pay attention to gender.
why do women still need affirmative action? it becomes a self
fulfilling prophecy. what would you say if men would want to race by
themselves? I have to agree with Jennifer Sloan, that there might be a
little bit of a victim mentality. This is not the 80s anymore, when
there was actual discrimination. I couldn't get a job as a wrench
because I was a woman. But it's 20 years later! in this City, in this
time, I don't think we need affirmative action! Look around: how many
women that actually have raced will tell you that it was a problem to
race with guys? i think you'd be hard pressed to find any! As a matter
of fact I think it's an advantage to be a woman in this field! open
your eyes.
And again: what bikes would be racing in a women's class? Would I race
my CB160 against GSXR 1000s? or is it going to be a spec class? I
think it's highly unrealistic in the actual implementation.
i would like to cc this to barbara, race director of the AFm, a woman,
in the highest ranks in the AFM unless anybody has a problem with
that, since she'll be one of the decision makers. Let me know if I
should!

[K-Grit]

I'm not a motorcycle rider/racer, but some of my best friends are. :P
I ride a Vespa, so I do have some experience on two wheels, and I
thought I'd put in my two cents. While I think that it's a nice idea
to have a Ladies Only race for those dames who have little experience
and might feel intimidated by the boy racers, I think that in the end,
it only pigeonholes the women as "weaker" riders. Which of course they
are not! I can totally understand where the person starting the
petition is coming from, but I think it will only build a
psychological barrier that will set things back. I don't know...are
most races inclusive of everyone? Or are women barred from some? If
that's the case, a whole other kind of petition needs to be started.

Kari

[Joy Higa]

hey everyone,
this is joy higa, i was one of the co-authors of the petition.
2009 is my 6th year roadracing motorcycles. i've raced everything
from a CRF 150 in flattrack against other girls, to a GSXR-1000 in
Open Superbike and in a 4-Hour Endurance Race against the men. After
6 years of racing, I'm capable of holding my own against everyone else
out there.

this women's class that we are proposing would be in addition to all
the other classes that the women racers would be eligible to race in.
The reason why we are starting it up is that we feel that there are
women out there who are on the fence about racing, but for whatever
reason, don't take that first step. We see a lot of women at
trackdays, but hardly any at the races! This year i raced my 600cc R6
in AFM 600 production, 600 superbike, 750 production, 750 superbike
and Formula I. I raced 5 races every AFM weekend in 2008 and in ~35
races out of a total of 40 races that i raced, i was the only female
out there! Where were the ladies?

the fastest growing group of motorcycle buyers are women. i see women
riding on the street, i see women at trackdays, but i don't see very
many women racing with the AFM. i'm not sure why, maybe because it
*seems* to be a pretty big step from trackdays to racing.


i remember way back in the day, just thinking about racing in 600
superbike or even 600 production was like watching a men’s high school
football game. it was like someone saying to me, "you wanna play with
those guys? you know how to throw a football, you know how to catch,
and you know how to run. you should do it!" and then handing me a
football, helmet and pads and jersey and cleats and all the gear and
then saying, "all right! you're all dressed and ready to play! now
go for it!! oh, and btw, you're a girl. most guys don't like to get
beat by a girl. try not to get tackled by that mean 6'3" 250 pound
defensive guy over there named Eric Arnold, ok, cuz he don't like
girls. oh yeah, and there are 65 other guys on the grid just like
him. have fun!! here's the ball! now run! Don’t get tackled! and
go fast or else they'll lap you and run you over like a herd of
stampeding woolly mammoths!!"

in my head, gridding up with all those racers was like getting dumped
onto a football field with the men's high school football team who had
played together since they were 5 and pissed that i was trying to
play with them. and they were gonna teach me a lesson.

everyone who races knows this isn't true (mostly), but this is the
impression that i had when i decided i wanted to race.

other women who want to race might have the same impression of what
being a beginner female in a man's sport is like. (at the last race
of the year i counted 7 women out of a total of 200-250 racers, ~97%
of racers were men) a women's class would give new women racers a
chance to get their feet wet racing, so that when they do jump into
the regular classes, they only have to concentrate on racing. the
other stuff would be "been there done that, i can handle this" kinda
stuff.

don't get me wrong, there are prolly a bunch of women out there that
don't need or want a women's class, but there are some that do. its a
way of showing the other female trackday riders out there, "look, we
can do this, you can too." and it would be a lot of fun!


we are still working out the fine details of the class. We’re
thinking (but not 100% decided) on a women’s class with 2 waves -
experts in front and novices in back. Experts will have places 1-3
and novices will have places 1-3. This will keep things safer and
easier for the spectators to keep track of the racing.

I hope some of you ladies who have never raced or done a trackday will
come out and see what we're doing. Entry fee to spectate is $10 for
the whole weekend. We usually practice on Saturday and race on
Sunday, but we do race on Saturdays sometimes, depending on the
class. And if any of you are interested in getting really up close
and personal, you can always sign up to be a turnworker. Turnworkers
get a nice free hot breakfast (the bacon always smells GREAT!) :) and
a sack lunch, free entry into the races, and the infinite undying
gratitude of us racers who wouldn't be able to race without
turnworkers out there!

Thank you everyone who signed our petition! :)
See you at the races :)

Joy Higa
AFM #25

[Christie Cooley]

Awesome post Joy!

It was easier for me to get into racing because I had ass kicking
girls like Joy to look up to. :)

Jennifer entered my radar sometime last year - we haven't met but I
always take notice of the other women racing. I have a HUGE amount of
respect for what your experiences have been racing and at
Werkstatt...but I am curious if you (and others) think that it's
physically easy to race a big bike, like a 600, 750 or 1000. Even an
SV. I held my own last year on my SV, coming in mid-pack by the end
of my novice year with the AFM and even won a novice championship with
WERA. It is freaking TOUGH on the bod. My in-the-gym training
program has really beefed up this past year, lots of squats,
bicycling, pushups, everything it'll take to place in the top ten of
the SV class with AFM. I am an athletic girl and played high school
tennis and college tennis, am 5'11", and still feel physically
overshadowed by my competition.

But it matters not, I will still ride my ass off against the boys.

Jennifer, how would you feel about men's and women's tennis combined?
Men's and women's track and field? Co-ed soccer? I think, MAYBE,
genetically gifted females could come along once in a lifetime and
compete at an equal level with men in those sports, but just think if
we didn't have women's soccer, women's tennis, softball, and so on,
all the athletic experiences women and girls would miss out on
otherwise. The cream will rise to the top...but the sports could
still be fun for those of us mortals too. :)

Also, did you know that women who race in the Canadian Pro Honda Oils
Women's Cup Challenge win $1,000 if they win a race on a Honda? Other
makes have similar contingencies...one could argue that it is
inequality that we don't have an equal opportunity to earn contingency
money. With all the women who've raced over the years and no
champions, doesn't it make you wonder...

It will be interesting to see how Elena Myers does. I hope she proves
me wrong, and I hope I am not selling women short!

Also, you all should check out my site http://www.passedbyachick.com

Christie Cooley
AFM #958

P.S. Joy did you really get AFM #25 this year? That's rad!

[Christie Cooley]

Oooooooh...my bad.  Not sure how I mixed that up.

On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 6:17 PM, Subterranean Cycles <subc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi ladies, just to clarify, Jennifer Sloane, is not Jennifer Bromme (of Werkstatt)- interesting POV, carry on-

[Subterranean Cycles]

Hi ladies, just to clarify, Jennifer Sloane, is not Jennifer Bromme (of Werkstatt)- interesting POV, carry on-

On Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 10:23 PM, Christie Cooley <cco...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Jennifer Werkstatt]

Sorry for the long absence, it’s been very busy at the shop. I think that racing is no more taxing on women than on men. Soccer, track and field, etc, apart from the body contact issue should be separate because women do not have as much body mass and strength as men. Yes, you will have to go the gym to race, but so will men!

Racing motorcycles is ore about skill and endurance, and really not about strength so much. Same with wrenching on motorcycles btw. More about skill than strength.

But I am seeing the point about some women being intimidated. I guess I am just wishing it wasn’t so, and don’t understand it myself, but yes, I guess there are women still intimidated.

Still, I think a mentorship program would do wonders, make it much easier for women to get into it, and wouldn’t have to regress to the “women can do less and need special assistance” stigma of a women’s class.

You know it’s hard for guys as well to get to the track, it takes a lot. Money, bike, prep time, knowledge about some mechanical stuff, a buddy to help you out at first. And men do not know much about bikes anymore at all either. Most know nothing, mostly due to the fact that bikes don’t need so much work anymore. I have been frustrated in my business because so many people know nothing about their bikes, men and women alike, and I don’t get to shoot the shit anymore.

I wouldn’t race a women’s class because I don’t think it’s necessary. Plus, I race a CB160. Am I going to go up against bikes with 100hp more (mine only has 15hp).

So are y’all gonna get CB160s and race? The vintage guys positively *love* girls at the track and they will fall over their own feet trying to help you. I know, I’ve been doing this for years.

Actually, I think it’s an advantage to be a woman. We are lighter, have more endurance, and the testosterone doesn’t get into the way of thinking, and we get more help. Quitcherbitching and come out and race!

Jennifer

 

Jennifer Bromme

Werkstatt Racing and Repair

3248 17^th St

San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone 415-552-8115

Fax 415-552-8182

www.werkstattsf.com

http://jenwerkstatt.blogspot.com/

---

[Jane Doe]

Hey Girls,

By Jove, it appears we have sort of reached a sort-of consensus! It
seems to me that despite the indecision about the Women's Class, we
all seem to agree that a mentorship program would be very encouraging
and very helpful for women new to the track (and I don't think that
the Women's Class and mentorship ideas are not mutually exclusive). We
have in this small group alone several passionate and talented racers
who seem to be all about helping get more ladies to the track .
Sooo...next step? A track day for all of us (especially those, like
myself, who've never set foot on a track) would help get our
enthusiasm juices flowing (eww, gross). Several of us Dames are in
discussion about how to make that happen and if anyone has any ideas
about it, let us know. Money is always the biggest problem, but we'll
see what we can do (ala "Point Break" or "Set it Off"...just kidding).
If I put the money from my cigarette and booze allowance into track
time I could probably afford to build a new track for us. Let's put
our superior brains to work and see what we can come up with. And
going to the track to support our talented ladies would also be great.
Racer girls, let the group know when you are racing! All in all, I
agree with Jennifer, "Quitcherbitching and come out and race!" (and
that goes for you too Emily!)
Em

(I love this discussion, by the way. Don't know if you guys looked at
BARF's threads about this, but there was nothing constructive going on
at all. Just a lot of bitching back and forth. It's nice to see we may
have actually gotten somewhere : )

[Joy Higa]

did someone say "trackdays"? ooh yeah!!
i'll have to see if Michael Earnest and Pacific Track Time can help us
girls out, especially the first-timers.
And for those of you who can't afford a trackday yet, i'm inviting
you to come out to watch. Maybe even carpool up with your riding gear
and helmet, and i'll bet
Michael Earnest will make some time in the day to give you a pony ride
around the track. It'll be something
that you'll never ever forget! LOL!

the next race that christie and i will be in will be WERA @ Las Vegas.
that's a week from today. wish us luck!

ooh and btw, yes the mentorship program!
AFM does have one, it's run by another AFM fast girl Ginny Cutler.
The mentorship program is for both men and women and is available
once you're a member. She's been in charge of the program since 2006,
so it isn't anything new. It's supposed to hook up new racers with
any willing OGs with 3+ years of experience.

https://www.pacifictracktime.com/pttcart/

This is the pacific track time schedule, and they've been helping me
out since 2003.
They're also the least expensive trackday provider out there.

There is also keigwins.com and zoom zoom trackdays.com.

If you're a fan of Jason Pridmore (I am! LOL!) you can also check out
his STAR school! he's so dreamy! LOL!

I'll definitely keep in touch with everyone, i'm really excited to
introduce all you trackday newbies to my little piece of asphalt
heaven :)

oh and ps christie : yes i got the number 25 this year! yipee!

[Joy Higa]

does anyone know where i can find a copy of urban moto?
we've been looking at a couple of cycle gears and motorcycle shops.
still haven't found a copy
thanks you guys.
wish us luck, we're presenting this to the AFM board of directors on
Wednesday. :)
joy

[Joy Higa]

Hey everyone!
I know it's been a while, but just to keep everyone updated, the
ladies class WAS APPROVED!! YIPPEEE!!
The class is called Formula AFemme (pronounced Formula AFM). We'll be
racing on Saturdays on the same grid as one of the clubman races. not
sure which at this point, but any class will be ok.
Right now, we've got a couple of sponsors, including Trackside Moto
which is a Dunlop tire distributor run by Pat Blackburn. They sell
tires at Pacific Tracktime Trackday events. He's giving us $3000 over
6 race weekends.
We've also got Michelin contingency, The Track Club trackdays,
Keigwins trackdays, Pacific Tracktime Trackdays, Roseville Cycle will
be giving out helmets, boots, gloves, suits, etc as prizes, Pirelli
tires, etc. We hope that you girls
will come out to check us out and support the ladies class! The gate
fee to get into the racetrack to watch the races is $10 per person for
the weekend. If you let me know ahead of time, tho, i'll be more than
happy to buy your gate tickets for you!!
Just let me know which races you're coming to and your name, and i'll
buy your ticket and leave it at the entry gate for you.

April 25 & 26 Infineon

May 23 & 24 Infineon

June 13 & 14 Thunderhill

July 11 & 12 Thunderhill

August 8 & 9 Infineon

September 19 & 20 Infineon

Our first Formula AFemme race will be at Infineon on April 25
(Saturday).
I've also talked to Michael Earnest with Pacific Tracktime, and if any
of you girls are interested in riding at the track for the first time,
let me know and he said he'll be able to help you out (financially) in
some way!
I got to see the Urban Moto magazine, that was a cool article! We'll
see how this all turns out, huh? oh and btw, Lisa @ TriValleyMoto =
i'll try to stop by one of these days to say hey!

I can't remember which one of you ladies writes for Urban Moto. Can
one of you please forward me her name and email?
Thanks everyone, for your interested and support, I'm looking forward
to meeting you all one of these days!
Joy H.

[Joy Higa]

no there isn't a mission statement, and no displacement rules.
The class is an Exhibition class, meaning its not a "real" class
yet. we're working on making it a real class for 2010, but first we
have to show the board that there are enough women interested in
racing to have a bona-fide "real" AFM class. :)
it's an open class like Formula 40 was last year. i know kelly
winkelbauer (sp?) rode sue's 250 ninja against GSXR1000s in formula 40
last year, and then this year they split the class into lightweight
and heavyweight. we're trying to get enough ladies to be able to do
the same.
we have a lot of sponsors signed on to help out with prizes, and we're
trying to distribute the prizes as evenly as possible. We (most of
the girls interested in racing in the class) had a little pow-wow at
the races on Saturday after practice, to decide how we were going to
split up the prize money. surprisingly, Lisa Maz said we should award
the girls who finish in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place who would probably be
on the faster bikes instead of more evenly distributed across the
grid. I politely disagree, as I think this class is a great tool for
improvement, not an end in itself. In my opinion, the only way to get
better at racing is to race more often, and Formula AFemme is a great
way to improve your racing! But that's my opinion only.....
In the meantime, i'll continue to race all my other classes as well as
adding Formula AFemme to my plate!
:D
joy h.

[Joy Higa]

OK!
So the First Formula AFemme (pronouced Formula AFM) race is coming up
this weekend at Infineon Raceway :)
Just wanted to invite all of you to come out to watch the races.
**Our Ladies/Formula AFemme race will be on Saturday**.
We have practice with Pacific Track Time on Friday, Practice and Races
on Saturday, and then 2 Rounds of Practice and Races on Sunday.
$10 will get you in for the whole weekend.

The race will be at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. There are currently 9
Women signed up for the ladies class, with bikes ranging from
GSXR750s to Ninja 250s, all racing against each other. I think there
is going to be some good racing going on!

Hope to see some of you out there!

Joy H.

[Joy Higa]

we had a great turnout!
Angie Loy won first place. She placed 2nd in WERA West's B Superbike
Expert race in Las Vegas right behind Jeremy Toye. To put things in
perspective, i finished last in that same race, in 16th place. ouch.
Deb Barton got 2nd. On Sunday, Deb went on to win the F3 race! Go
Deb!!

1st Angie Loy : Suzuki GSXR 750 (Dunlop)
2nd Deb Barton : Honda RS125 (Dunlop)
3rd Joy Higa : Yamaha R6 (Dunlop)
4th Christie Cooley : Suzuki SV650 (Pirelli)
5th Zoe Rem : Suzuki SV650 (PirellI)
6th Cassie Gaddy : Kawasaki ZX6 (Pirelli)
7th Jennifer Lauritzen : Suzuki (Pirelli)
8th Shandra Crawford : Suzuki SV650 (Michelin)
9th Lisa Mazurkeweizc : Kawasaki EX 250 (Bridgestone)