MOTO-Library

 
Features

January-March 2008  

 
 

  

Women Pioneers:

Honoring Women Making Motorcycle History

Catharine Rambeau

copyright Amarillo Globe News

ONLY woman to solo from the US to the bottom of
South America - 28,756 miles
 
Catharine Rambeau has made it her rolling mission, near and far,
 to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer. In 1989, Catherine’s first inspirational journey started in her home of Lantana, Florida and ended at Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost city of South America. This internationally acclaimed trip took a year and 28,756 miles on a Honda 250 Nighthawk named “Molly Ivins“, earning her AMA’s 1990 Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award for generating good publicity for motorcycling. Since then, Catherine has toured the Texas state exterior twice, first counterclockwise in 2000, traveling 3,750 miles and then back again clockwise in 2001 covering 5,500 miles contributing to the Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Her most recent endeavor at age 67, in 2003, was circumnavigating the United States on a 13,000 mile ride honoring the 21st Century to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Catharine, a retired author and editor of the Detroit Free Press and Country Weekly, has had a passion for riding motorcycles since the age of 33 and throughout her retirement continues to share her gifts of riding and writing to help those beautiful kids battling childhood diseases. What a lady rider!

copyright National Geographic Society

Birds eye view of Rambeau’s ride from Florida to
Tierra del Fuego

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Review 
 
Motorcycle Jacket Review: 
  

Classic Motorcycle Jacket I

Fox Creek Leather

Fox Creek Leather produced fine riding leathers for women long before most realized there was even a growing market for them. Made right here in the U.S.A., the company’s formula for creating both tough and flattering jackets have earned them much respect and popularity in the motorcycle industry. We decided to see first-hand how the jackets fit and perform.

The Classic Motorcycle Jacket I:  

This vintage-style jacket is even dreamier than it appears online – right down to every last detail. The leather is quite luxurious and supple, almost creamy-like, or what Fox Creek refers to as ‘buttery naked.’ I’m not making that up. Naked, in this reference, means that the leather doesn’t have a finish on it, which enables the product to readily absorb conditioning oils. Just like any fine, high-end product, you’ll need to take steps to ensure the longevity of this jacket to protect your investment.

 

Jacket Specs and Fit: 

Unlike the leather jackets that were actually produced in the 50s, this retro knock-off is equipped with all the bells and whistles. Check out the specifications:

·  Made from 1.2-1.4mm Soft, Buttery Naked Leather. Dual front, rear, and sleeve vents for maximum airflow.

·  Two inside pockets: Left with a snap closure, Right with a zipper closure.

·  Adjustable half belt and laced sides deliver an optimal fit for all seasons.

·  Removable Thinsulate® full sleeve liner hide-away fleece neck warmer.

·  Padded and extended kidney panel.

·  Antique Brass YKK Hardware.   

The antique brass details make this garment extra snazzy. It’s found on the buttons, zippers and my favorite, the half belt attached at the waist. The length of the sleeve was a good fit once my hands grasped the handlebars and the extended kidney panel covered all the parts I want tucked in when riding. Nothing worse than back fat peaking out of a jacket. The multiple inside pockets are perfect for stashing your cell phone, compact and lip balm – all the necessities, of course!

Because this jacket is 100% leather and because this particular design includes more of it, it does feel a bit weighty – even with the liner out. The extra bulk on my short statue was the jacket’s only downfall – or perhaps, mine.  

Performance: 

A good fit is the first indicator that a jacket will perform well on the road. And sure enough, there weren’t any air pockets sneaking through. The jacket proved airtight, which was most important while I rode in 58-degree weather. And once on my bike, the weight of the jacket didn’t hinder my riding ability. I felt very protected and for the most part, comfortable. Yep, even in a heavier jacket! But if a little more bulk is bothersome for you, Fox Creek will custom make a garment to your exact specifications. You might also want to consider the style of leather jacket you purchase, too. Fox Creek has many!   

Check out Fox Creek’s full line of leathers: www.foxcreekleather.com

 

 

 
 
 

Resources 

Organizations

Women’s International Motorcycle Association 
 
American Motorcycle Association
 
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
 
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
 
Motor Maids Motorcycling Organization
 
Femmoto
 
Sisters in Spirit Association
 
Women in the Wind
 
Women's Motorcycle Foundation
 
Women's Motorcycle Council - CA
 
Women's Motocross Association

For Women by Women

BikerWear4Women

B.I.T.C.H. Ware

Designwraps

Diva Rider Wear

Evil Bettie

Iron Cowgirls

Lady Rider

MotoRose

MCG Wear

N-Spire

Phat Bottom Gurlz

She-Moto

She Rides 

G Line

vavavroom

Woman Biker

Online Resources for Women Riders

Being Jane
Changing Gears
Christine's Kickstart
Girls Learn to Ride
Motoress
VTwin Mama
Wominx
WomenRidersNow
 
Newbie Riders
Beginner's Guide to Motorcycling
 
Novice Rider Tips
 
 
Helpful Riding Resources
 
Motorcycle Safety Course
 
A Guide to Choosing the Proper Helmet

Protection from the Weather
 
Riding in Gravel

Safety Gear
 
State Motorcycle Riding Laws
 
Throttle Jockey
 
Dropped Bike

Anatomy of a Motorcycle

 

Road-Worthy Entertainment

American Borders

Biker Alley Magazine

Cosmic Biker

Fiery Dark Secret

Flaming Iguanas

Girl Gone Bad

Grit and Tender Membrane

Hear Me Roar

Motorcycle Diaries

Sorebums Rattling Around Asia

Women & Motorcycling: The Early Years

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

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