FEMALE JOURNALISTS ON THE LATEST HARLEYS

Female journalists ride an 'All American Road' on the latest Harleys
Saturday, 03 October 2009 09:18 | PostAuthorIconWritten by The Staff of OMM | PDF Print E-mail

National and international female motorcycle journalists grabbed the handlebars of new 2010 Harley-Davidson® models and took to the roads out for a four-day tour one of the "Top 10 Scenic Drives" in the Northern Rockies last month.

Organized by the Idaho Division of Tourism, the women’s ride took place on September 18-21 and featured The International Selkirk Loop, one of only 27 “All American Roads” named in the National Scenic Byways Program.

The four–day, 705-mile excursion along the picturesque Selkirk Loop, which meanders through northern Idaho, then heads north into British Columbia, and finally crisscrosses back along the eastern edge of Washington.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, one of the biggest shifts taking place in motorcycle riding today is the growth and impact of female riders.

In fact, since 1998 the number of women riding motorcycles has grown 36 percent, with the majority holding technical/professional jobs or college degrees.

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In organizing this event, Idaho Division of Tourism partnered with Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Spokane, Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau; and hotel/restaurant partners along the International Selkirk Loop to assist in facilitating and accommodating the media ride.

“We love combining niche markets such as scenic byways, motorcycling, fall foliage and girlfriend getaways in one creative promotional effort,” said Karen Ballard, Idaho Division of Tourism Administrator.

“It is so rewarding to expand the reach of our great tourism product and once again illustrate our brand, Adventures in Living with our collaborative partners, Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies and Harley Davidson,” Ballard noted.