HH: You’ve reignited the USA chapter of the Women’s International Motorcycle Association, better known as WIMA. What happened to the former chapter and what inspired you to take on such a tremendous task?

Alice: Louise Scherbyn founded WIMA in 1950 or so, after she had been instrumental in forming the Motor Maids and wanted something more. Apparently she was very charismatic and remained president of WIMA until her death in 1999. As she aged and became less active, WIMA in the USA became less active accordingly. Once she entered a nursing home, no one wished to take away her title of president, and WIMA in the USA slowly vanished. Meanwhile - WIMA, in Great Britain, Australia and Europe, was becoming the largest organization of women riders in the world, thus forming ‘chapters’ by country. 

In 1996 Sheonagh Ravensdale of WIMA GB convinced other members of WIMA Europe that a new president was necessary. She was elected to be the second president of WIMA and held that post until she stepped down in 2003. I met Sheonagh at the 2002 AMA Women and Motorcycling Conference where she was actively recruiting someone to revive WIMA in the USA. I was not interested, as I have never been a joiner, or one to participate in group riding. 

Once I got home, I began to wonder if there were other women riders, who like me, didn’t want to ‘join’ a women’s ‘club’, but still wanted to see more opportunities for women in the sport of motorcycling. After doing some research I found Louise Sherbyn’s original mission, which was basically to connect women motorcycle racers, travelers, adventurers and enthusiasts and to help them in their endeavors. She actually lobbied the FIM to allow women to compete against the men.

I also realized, and saw first hand, how the passing of Title Nine when I was in college made a tremendous difference by bringing [financial] equality to women in sports. If I could help other women motorcyclists realize their dreams, and help the industry recognize women riders, then it might just be worth it. I sent Sheonagh my resume, and although there were many applicants, I got the nod. Mind you- this is all volunteer- there is no salary— as a matter of fact I spent a load of my own bank to get things off the ground. 

As for inspiration, the first thing I did was contact a woman I had met years earlier, even though we had not been in touch for quite some time, and ask her to join me as Vice President. Amazingly- the same day I made the call, Erica B. Smith’s WIMA membership arrived in the mail. What we have accomplished to date would not be possible without Erica!

HH: What’s the health of WIMA USA today, and what’s in store for its members in the future? 

Alice: Ah yes. It’s been a bit of a struggle because our goals and mission are not easily recognizable as tangible items and we don’t follow the normal format of other women’s organizations. Although WIMA certainly welcomes all- and we do mean ALL- women riders and passengers, and anyone who joins is accepted, not every woman motorcyclist is cut out to be a WIMA. A WIMA member is someone who enjoys and appreciates all aspects of motorcycling, not just one facet. She is adventurous, curious, and pro-active, promotes a positive self-image, and believes women should be equally represented in the industry. A WIMA member is also not afraid to embrace different cultures, attitudes, customs or styles. 

We currently have just over 100 members in WIMA USA, and the total for WIMA World is over 3,000. What’s in store for the future of WIMA USA? As we grow and are guided by our vision and mission statements, I hope the active participation of our members, the organization itself, will form our future. In the short term, we have just been given 501(c) 3 non-profit status, so all membership fees and donations are now tax-deductible contributions.

We are also in the process of designing a new logo and recreating our web site to become a valuable interactive resource for all women riders. We are working on expanding our member newsletter and are working toward regular publication. These many efforts take quite a bit of time, especially when we’re all volunteers with careers, families, businesses and of course some riding time thrown in!    

 

HH: As WIMA USA continues to grow, do you see a specific demographic trend in membership (in respect to member’s average age, locale and type of bikes ridden)?

Alice: We’re all over the map there, and that’s our goal! As I said above, the woman who joins WIMA is interested in all aspects of motorcycling. Most of our members own more than one bike, and those bikes are often across all disciplines. Many members own a dirt bike, a sport bike AND a cruiser! The most common answer I get on the membership application when asked what areas of motorcycling interests you is: ALL! These women are WIMA! 

We do see most accumulation of members on both coasts, and less members in the mid-US, but that follows basic population numbers. 

As for average age, we don’t ask for that information on our application. We are all as young as we feel.

 

  

HH: You’ve held a handful of professional jobs in the motorcycle industry, with your last as a brand promotions director at Advanstar, a leading provider of integrated media solutions to the powersports, off-road and automotive aftermarket industry. Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other women who are interested in professional careers in the field? What should they really expect?  

Alice: Don’t expect everyone in the industry to be an enthusiast! I found this out the hard way. Many companies are now hiring non-enthusiasts specifically to go after new markets/non-riders and seem to be placing less value on the experience of riders and their knowledge of the market, instead getting their information from marketing surveys (also designed by non-enthusiasts). The bottom line takes precedent over everything. Don’t expect a casual environment, the motorcycle industry is very corporate.

Most of the executives are not motorcyclists, and this did surprise me. I’ve even had one Executive VP tell me they didn’t want to hire enthusiasts; they wanted to hire ‘real’ marketing people. Does that mean someone with an MBA who rides a motorcycle is less qualified than one who doesn’t? Hmmmm. 

Do expect that a man will be hired over a woman. Do expect to be paid a much lower salary than other industries. Do expect to work your butt off. 

As for advice to women who want to break into the field, network, network, network. The powersports industry is a small group and it helps if you get involved and promote yourself. Whenever I hear of a good job opportunity, I pass the info on to our WIMA members. Women won’t get these jobs if they never apply for them!

 

HH: It’s no secret that you love to ride fast – you actually received a National Championship Cup license at the tender age of 40. And today you regularly participate in track days and vintage lightweight races, providing an inspiration to many of us whom are either closely approaching or those of us who are already enjoying middle age. What keeps you fearless?

Alice: Fearless- that’s quite funny. Each time I go out on the track the first lap still scares the crap out of me, and everyone I know says the same thing- men and women alike. I don’t really do track days any more, I find the riders to be erratic and aggressive with too many street rider’s bad habits and full of ego too boot, not a good combo. Now I race with Willow Springs Motorcycle Club once a month and since every year racers die at that track, there’s plenty of fear to go around. Even though I’m far from the fastest on the track, I hold my lines and take a steady approach. I’m picking away at the seconds, taking small goals as big victories and slowly (very slowly-ack!) decreasing my lap times. As my racer friend Patricia in Norway says, “Yeees, I am een NOoo dahngers ov weeeenning eh raace”! 

I have always liked the camaraderie that comes with competition. My father raced boats and I was pit crew starting at age 12, it was a family effort. Another road racer friend describes club racing like a family BBQ where you go out and risk your life for about 20 minutes. There’s definitely a bond, even if you’re not finishing in the top 3, or 10, or uh- you’re getting lapped by your husband. 

So I guess the answer as to what keeps me fearless is fear. Taking calculated risk keeps my blood pumping. Getting a good start and being in the middle of the pack heading into turn one is actually starting to be fun. Having a much faster rider pass within inches of me on the track is frightening yet beautiful all at the same time.  

 

HH: And finally, here’s your chance to pitch to those female riders who have resisted the opportunity to join a motorcycle club or association. Why should they join?

Alice: I’m not one to make a sales pitch. Either you believe in what we’re trying to do or you don’t. As the number of women riders increases, the industry needs to reflect those numbers in their hiring. Our tag line: Changing the Face of Motorcycling means exactly that. We’d like to see women represented in higher positions in the AMA and the Hall of Fame. We believe that if more women were hired to design and market apparel/gear there would be better choices for women riders. We believe that if more women held decision making positions in the industry we’d see fewer advertisements or products with graphics that are demeaning to women. There is power in numbers and WIMA aims to be the voice for all women riders. 

WIMA is truly an amazing International organization. Recently Linda Booth turned 60 during her 6 months solo ride from Germany to Australia. Sheonagh Ravensdale and Pat Thomson rode from the tip of South America to Atlanta, GA. Trui and Gaea are just now undertaking a 6 months trip from Belgium to Central Asia and back. Rhiannon Lucente missed qualifying for the Daytona 200 by 4 tenths of a second. Marisol ‘Isis’ Coachman was named ‘Fastest Woman in Georgia’ for her drag racing efforts. Julee Cope is riding solo from Ohio to Las Vegas on her dual-sport for a business conference and then plans to “head west and look for some good roads” she says. Helen Horn is leaving from Los Angeles on her Harley for a solo ride around the US with stops in New Orleans, Atlanta, Washington DC, New York Chicago and all points west. These are the women of WIMA, and I am proud to be a member.