“...I didn't want to be a passenger on someone else's motorcycle.
I wanted to be the one riding that motherf&$@%r.”  

Lily Brooks-Dalton from her book "Motorcycles I've Loved"

Photos by: Brandon Schrichten

The article below is written by In Venus Veritas founder, Heleana Genaus. I wanted to share it on our site as well because the message is so strong and fundamental amongst women riders. How do you balance looking good and being safe? What's more important to you? 

The original post can be found on their website here. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below and let's discuss! - Shelby 

How much gear you wear and under what circumstances is always hotly debated amongst riders. Really it should be a no-brainer to always wear protective gear given how vulnerable we are on the road, however is it really a bad thing to care about how you look? 

In daily life, women mostly agree that we feel more confident in our abilities when we feel confident in the way we look. While I refuse to propagate the idea that confidence and self esteem is reliant on appearance, I’d also be lying if I said that I don’t buy my clothing (motorcycle gear included) based on how it compliments both my personality and silhouette. Manufacturers are following with more skinny leg kevlar denim available and replica vintage leather not to mention motorcycle jackets that look like they fit a woman rather than something stolen from the bowels of your boyfriends closet.

After recently discussing this with a friend who is an avid road and track rider, she recounted experiences of coming off herself and seeing friends hurt themselves severely. Even in the controlled environment of race tracks your second skin needs to be better than yours. So it is no surprise she is a staunch advocate for full leather gear whenever she’s on the road, and adjusts her riding akin to driving-miss-daisy if ever she chooses to wear denim jeans [to go to the beach] instead.

Thinking of my favourite vintage leather and converse high-tops while she awkwardly tried to walk around in her riding boots, I recounted the women I’d met who “own” their image on the road, who are by definition “hot-babes” and dress the part, which does mean skimping out on a few protective layers. When I mentioned it she said, “I get plenty of looks as a girl on a bike, women look good in leather”. For me, this was possibly the best answer I could have asked for. While I am never going to tell anyone how to live their life or what to wear, consider this advice from an experienced rider. There is nothing wrong with wanting to dress to your body type and style, and maybe next time you go for the denim jacket remember this wisdom from leather fiend and all round sex-symbol Cody Chestnutt… “I can do anything I want, because I look good in leather”.

Hx

Ladies, you have filled my heart with joy. Today marked another amazing ride with The Scarlet Headers. I'm so happy to have meet everyone today at Huckleberry Roasters despite the chilly Colorado weather. 

It has been an unbelievable journey to witness a handful of amazing women come together in just a matter of three months. We have created something unexpected, exciting and unique in the heart of Denver.

I'm in awe of each and every one of you for your beauty, grace and badass biker skills. This group is growing because of you and your passion for two wheels and I can't thank everyone enough for your enthusiasm, support and individuality. 

For this who have not ridden with us, join us for the next social happy hour at RiNo Yacht Club October 23rd from 6-10pm and meet fellow women riders! Learn more on our Facebook Page. 

See you ladies soon
xoxo

Shelby 

We could not have asked for a better Sunday. Thank you to everyone who made it out yesterday for our first ride! Words cannot express how excited I am to have such a great group of women to ride with. I would also like to send a special shoutout to the ladies who came from Moto Ocho. 

For those who couldn't make it yesterday - you were dearly missed! Can't wait to meet up and ride with all of you again very soon! Keep an eye out for an email this week about the next event. The Cannonball Run and the British Conclave are this weekend. 

Thank you Huckleberry Roasters for hosting our first official ride! Your coffee and hospitality was wonderful. 

Here's to future rides and adventures together ladies! xoxox

Photos: A Way of Light Photography 

My dad used to road race in the MRA back in the day, so seeing familiar faces at the track was a perfect way to end my weekend. We cheered on Erico Motorsports and their Triumph Thruxton, and enjoyed catching up with local builder, Three Pence.