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The Women’s Garage Party at Harley-Davidson of Sacramento was held this past Sunday afternoon under sunny skies and mild temps. Approximately 250 women attended the fun and well organized event, with about one-third to one-half of them arriving on their own steeds, and the remainder keenly interested in becoming pilots themselves.Right from the get go we were treated to the “antics” of the event’s emcee, Rachelle, who is also the dealership’s finance manager. She had the audience in stitches with her bawdy (sometimes) explanations and observations of life as a biker. One of the best was when she explained how she used to ride a Fat Bob…….. but he broke up with her because he didn’t like being called that. She had a dozen other one-liners like that, and each time the room filled with the high pitched laughter of 250 women. Seriously, Rachelle, take that act to a comedy club, you are a natural.
Then Harley-Davidson Regional Sales Director Laura Breedon and District Service Representative Janette Pawliske treated the party goers to motivational discussions about motorcycle riding and ownership. They presented their riding and ownership histories from a uniquely female perspective that clearly resonated with the women in attendance. I saw several experienced riders nodding their heads and smiling, as if remembering “back in the day” when they went through that phase, too.
We were next treated to a fashion show by the well dressed and rambunctious divas of Sacramento Harley Owners Group. See the embedded video here:
The women then split into two groups. One group went outside to take part in a clinic put on by Sheri Kolb, MSF Certified Rider Coach and the other stayed inside for a Q&A session regarding ownership and service/maintenance questions. Of particular interest, Instructor Kolb put on a clinic on how to pick up a fallen motorcycle. Though she is hardly of Amazonian stature, Kolb repeatedly picked up a fallen Harley-Davidson to demonstrate to the other women how it’s done. A few hardy volunteers stepped forth to try it for themselves with varying levels of success. But whether they struggled or lifted it with ease, Kolb’s message was unmistakable; one solitary woman can pick up a motorcycle if she knows how and is willing to try.
In between and during all the organized activities, the women were free to partake of finger foods, sandwiches, crackers & dip, and Mimosas if they so chose. Owners Jay and Christine Westbrook took a few minutes from the frenzied activity to discuss with me the nature of the business and their history in the industry. To say that they love what they do and value their employees and their customers is an understatement. Yes, I intend to provide more detail on those conversations because they consented to be my first Local Dealership/Shop Profile in an upcoming article (teaser!).To my two-wheeled sisters, if you are looking for a place that understands your perspective and values your business, you’d be hard pressed to beat the Westbrooks and Harley-Davidson of Sacramento.
Until next time, stay tuned and upright,
Jack
Comments
Great reporting, Jack.
I liked the part about picking up a bike. The only success I've had in picking up my own Harley is when I put her down once when riding by myself. The other two times when she went down there were guys around and I didn't get a chance to pick her up because guys can't just stand around and watch a woman pick up a bike. :-)
Glad you liked it Patty. As a guy who was raised by a mom who taught me to do everything physical for a woman, I would have a hard time standing there and watching her do it. But I would ask if she wanted help before barging in. Even I needed help when I dropped my Yamaha Venture at Yellowstone in 1986. I didn't know about any particular techniques that would have helped and was simply unable to "muscle" that big bike up.
I heard that the Sacramento Harley "Garage Party" was a total blast...I missed it this year, but I ll for sure attend next year!!
Looks like the women there had a great time. I will have to get a heads up for next year. I have wanted to attend one ever since I got interested in getting my own bike.
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