Women’s Motorcycling Events
Following up on the success of 2024 the second IAM RoadSmart's ‘Women’s Motorcycling Event’ (WME) was held on Saturday, 6th September 2025, again at Thruxton.
The Club’s slow riding sessions are always popular, so much so, that one of our lady members suggested running a “special” for lady members from a couple of local riding clubs. How could we say no? And so, the date was agreed, and thanks to the wonderful support we get from Lorne at Thruxton Circuit, and Pauleen at the Jackaroo cafe, we were able to put on a great afternoon’s training.
Twenty adventurous ladies, with a range of bikes came from afar afield as Bath to participate. Thankfully the weather gods were with us. On arrival, there was an obvious sense of trepidation, especially after the briefing and demonstration of what was expected; the faces were definitely of the more sombre mood. But, the spirits weren’t dimmed and within the first exercises, there were hoots of “yes” and “I did it”. This was echoed throughout the afternoon.
A great positive attitude, with mutual support and encouragement, fuelled by copious amounts of cake at 1/2 time and the end.
From one handed riding round a set of cones; (both clutch and throttle hands off the bars at different times) and figures of 8; riding round “pyscho corner”, with a steel fence, a left turn and a large hedge within inches of the rider; swerving to avoid a set of bins, and then braking hard to get the ABS on, in Kamikazee Alley (One lady had the back wheel off the ground, Toprak style).
Turning through 90 degrees from a standing start; the inevitable slalom and of course, lots and lots of u-turns. They mastered them all, and it was a pleasure to see the light bulb moments and the beaming smiles at the end.
Same again next year then?
IAM RoadSmart's first ‘Women’s Motorcycling Event’ (WME) was held on Sunday, 28th April 2024 at Thruxton.
The free event was an opportunity for riders to learn more about advanced training, hear from experts in the field, and meet fellow bikers.
Organised by members of three southern-based groups (IAM RoadSmart Solent, Bournemouth and Wessex Advanced Motorcyclists and Wiltshire and Bath Advanced Motorcyclists).
The initial idea for an event began over coffee between friends and evolved into a full day event at Thruxton with over forty volunteers, the participation of numerous bike charities, and a wait list of participants.
“As part of a road safety charity, we hope to promote safety, confidence, and enjoyment on the road”
IAM RoadSmart Solent Volunteer
On offer were talks by IAM experts, demonstrations, practical sessions in machine handling, bike manoeuvring, and bike maintenance, and one-to-one observed rides with qualified observers.
One of the highlights of the day was guest speaker Carla Mckenzie, who spoke about her lifelong passion for motorcycles, adventure riding (both off-road and on electric bikes!), and how advanced riding had helped her conquer the road.
“Advanced riding has been the foundation on which I have been able to venture far and wide on a motorcycle, it’s not just about skills for the road it’s also about skills for life”
Carla Mckenzie, Guest Speaker
Organisers would like to thank all the volunteers, participating charities (Gina's Bursary, Doc Bikes, Serv Wessex, Mental Health Motorbike and Bike Safe) and Thruxton for helping make the day such a success.
Written by Issy Cook
