Girls hit the road on Harleys

BUNDABERG women are challenging the stereotypical biker image, thanks to a national-wide rise in the number of women buying Harley Davidsons.

THE Harley Davidson used to be the preserve of the stereotypical biker – all handlebar moustaches and black T-shirts.

But now women all over Australia – including Bundaberg – are challenging that stereotype, and are responsible for a boost in sales of the famous motorbikes.

Bundaberg Motorcycles manager Glenn Ferguson said the number of women buying Harleys had been on the rise for quite some time.

“We are seeing more and more women coming in to buy bikes of their own,” he said.

“Once upon a time the ladies were happy to sit on the back; now they want to be riding their own bike beside someone instead.”

Madonna Roebuck is one of many women swapping the steering wheel for handlebars.

“Some people were surprised at the beginning because I’m not an overly large person and my Harley Sportster is pretty big,” she said.

Ms Roebuck said riding gave her a sense of freedom.

“When I’m riding, all my troubles just slip away,” she said.

“People are very supportive, though. I thought it would be a bit hard breaking into that male-dominated scene but everyone is great.”

Bundaberg woman Heather Ryan also owns a Harley Sportster and often goes on bike trips with her friends.

“My friend and I recently went to Canberra and lots of people were asking where our husbands were,” she said.

Mrs Ryan said she realised that if she did not take the plunge then, she never would.

“I got my licence when I was 40 and went from there,” she said.

Robyn Jeffery is another Bundaberg woman who loves her motorbikes. She bought her Harley Iron 883 in December and goes for rides around the region most weeks.

“I like to ride on my own and go to local areas,” she said.

Mr Ferguson said Bundaberg Motorcycles was holding a Women Only Garage Party on March 27.

“It’s a good chance for the women to enjoy a wine and some nibblies and check out bikes and clothing and ask any questions,” he said.

“The women buying bikes are from every walk of life. You used to see a girl on a bike and you had a stereotype but these are just ordinary women who go to the office during the week and put on the leather and go for a ride on the weekend.”

Originally published as Girls hit the road on Harleys