Riders Celebrate at AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference
OutdoorHub 08.07.12
The American Motorcyclist Association and the organizing team for the sixth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the participants, speakers, vendors, sponsors and volunteers of the four-day event that concluded Sunday, July 29, in Carson City, Nev.
“This was another fantastic gathering of women motorcyclists,” said AMA Board of Directors Vice Chairwoman Maggie McNally. “I am awe-stuck by these women and their inspiring stories. They represent the most exciting development in motorcycling over the last decade.”
Conference organizer Tigra Tsujikawa agreed: “Women came from all over the country to attend this conference, and many have been coming to this event for years. Simply put, we could not have done this without the support of Rob Dingman and the AMA, all of our sponsors and vendors, the companies who provided demo rides and those who rode, in some cases thousands of miles, to be here.
“Carson City and nearby Virginia City really rolled out the welcome mat for us,” she added.
Tsujikawa also noted some other special participants.
“Special thanks go out to our emcee, Jessica Prokup, whose ever-present passion for motorcycling rang through her every word,” Tsujikawa said. “We also thank those who shared their inspiring stories with us at our Friday and Saturday evening celebrations: Brigitte Zufferey of the FIM Commission for Women in Motorcycling, AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Nancy Sabater, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Cris Sommer-Simmons [class of 2003] and Sue Fish [class of 2012] and our special guest Mary McGee. Mary had everyone on the edge of their seats as she recounted her phenomenal tales as a woman motorcyclist and racer in the 60s and 70s, and she continues to compete–and win–today.
“Finally, we want to express our deep appreciation to the other members of our Executive Council — Sarah Schilke and Liz Jansen — who worked for months with Maggie McNally and me in planning every aspect of the conference,” she said.
The conference featured a full slate of seminars on topics ranging from safely pushing past your limits, to eating healthy on the road, to selecting the right helmet and gear, to becoming an advocate for the motorcycle lifestyle. Additional classes were offered in precision cornering, dirtbike training and accident scene management.
Conference attendees enjoyed a red carpet welcome from Carson City officials, with an opening ceremony that included Mayor Robert Crowell proclaiming the week of July 23-29, 2012, as AMA International Women & Motorcycling Week. The backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains also provided the perfect riding opportunity, with plenty of sunshine, temperatures in the high 80s and low humidity.
