Wow Factor – Australia’s day For Women on Wheels Saturday, 3 May 2008 is International Female Ride Day As part of the long term objective to increase the number of women involved in motorcycling, the Womens Commission of Motorcycling Australia has adopted the concept of International Female Ride Day as a way of encouraging and promoting awareness amongst current and future women motorcyclists. The original idea for International Female Ride Day was the brain child of Vicki Grey from the women’s motorcycle apparel company, Motoress in Canada. Recognising the need to make the day accessible to all ages and kinds of riders, Women on Wheels will be celebrated in Australia on the first Saturday in May. Australian women are invited to participate in their own unique way on the day. Information about how women riders can get involved can be found at the website www.WomenOnWheels.org.au and the myspace www.myspace.com/womenonwheels_aus The brief is very simple. Just get out and ride! As commission chairman Jennifer Ballard says “Women are more likely to be the instigators and the organisers behind the scenes of motorcycling. “This day is their opportunity to celebrate everything they love about riding a motorbike. “The goal is to make women motorcyclists visible and foster a sense of identity and community amongst women riders, covering all ages, riding styles and abilities. “Even though this year we are launching the day with very little notice the response to the idea has been overwhelmingly positive” said Ballard. “The motorcycle community has been very enthusiastic and we are looking forward to subsequent Australian IFRD’s encouraging more and more women to become part of the WOW factor.”