Women riders and ACC protest

[PrincessBandit]

I am still keen to see if we can get a group of girlies (ok, women) riders together to add a different public face on the ACC protest action.

New Plymouths rally took headline space on stuffs homepage this morning and the main pic shows a tough looking selection of biker men.

The media at the rally at Manukau also seemed to largely show big bushy bears, tatts, black leathers, etc and I think the public might be surprised to see how many "nice young ladies" (said with license...) ride motorbikes. Not everyone who straddles a big strapping vibrating beast is a scary looking person who hoons around frightening small children, committing crime and intimidating the community!

Who is interested in a peaceful ride through Auckland doing a "cafe" crawl (not the traditional pub crawl) to draw attention to a growing sector in the motorbike community who have a voice?

We could hand out leaflets with info on why we're strongly opposed to the ACCs attempts to price us off the road and how undemocratic it is that our right to ride is under threat from bean counters who claim we cost too much to remain on the road.

If we could get enough a phone call to the local community newspapers outlining a ride route and the purpose of our ride would surely be of interest to them....

Pm me if interested. Would most likely have to be a weekend as many of us work, and I know that this time of the year is getting really busy but I reckon the politicians and powers-that-be will be hoping that we're all just too busy to put up any sustained resistance. Sound like an idea we women can get off the ground?

[Mom]

I am up for this for sure. Cant do the next 2 weekends though, but I dont think that matters. This action must continue, we can not allow things to simply fizzle out after the big BIKEOI!

[klingon]

Yes! I like this idea. A variation on the theme of a Girly Coffee Ride - with a purpose!

We could target a whole area then move on to the next. Say (for example):

Newmarket
Kingsland
Grey Lynn
Ponsonby
Devonport


I'm thinking of the kinds of places where people sit at tables on the footpaths sipping lattes and discussing the world's social injustices. It would mean we could have a chat and pass out flyers without necessarily entering private property.

We would be very visible as we pull up on our bikes and take off our helmets, all looking like gorgeous super-models underneath. :yes:

[yungatart]

its a great idea...can't join you in Auckland, but I will organise my own thing down here!

[PrincessBandit]

I am happy to map out a proposed path and draft a flier (suggestions only at this stage, and welcome ideas and input).

Yes, it is the sort of thing that there is no immediate urgency for as I agree that ongoing visibility and "protest" after the 17th and the national bikeoi is essential. Having said that - the sooner the better if poss, let's do it!!

[nadroj]

I am still keen to see if we can get a group of girlies (ok, women) riders together to add a different public face on the ACC protest action.

New Plymouths rally took headline space on stuffs homepage this morning and the main pic shows a tough looking selection of biker men.



I resemble that comment!

[oldrider]

I looked around the crowd at Timaru on Saturday and remarked how much we all "looked the same"! :lol:

The average age of the group looked to be quite old too!

When I looked closer at the younger riders, I was surprised how many of them were female!

Female riders were mostly confined to little scooters when Mrs oldrider got her bike licence some 40 odd years ago! :shutup:

Good to see the increase in female bike riders, (IMHO) good luck with your proposed protest ride! :yes:

[prettybillie]

I am happy to map out a proposed path and draft a flier (suggestions only at this stage, and welcome ideas and input).

Yes, it is the sort of thing that there is no immediate urgency for as I agree that ongoing visibility and "protest" after the 17th and the national bikeoi is essential. Having said that - the sooner the better if poss, let's do it!!

I'm in for that! Let us all know when and where and we'll be there

[Thani-B]

I'm in for that! Let us all know when and where and we'll be there

And me! Providing its not planned for when Im on holiday in Christchurch.

[Lucyloo]

I'll be in as long as not already pre booked.

"all looking like gorgeous super-models underneath" - can't promise this bit though! ;-)

I'm sure some of the WIMA gals would be keen to join in if it was ok with you all.

Luce.

[MSTRS]

What a good idea. You girls represent a (slightly) more civilised view of biking. That has to be worth exploiting.

[Maha]

And they look good in bike gear.....:yes:

[MadDuck]

I think the public might be surprised to see how many "nice young ladies" (said with license...) ride motorbikes.

Lets not get too carried away ah?

I am keen as mustard but like Mom the next two weekends are out.

[Bounce001]

I'm keen and will put the word out to other ladies not on KB. Perhaps this is something we can organise after the Wellington Bikoi to keen momentum up. Also keen to help out with anything.

[EatOrBeEaten]

I'm well in for this!

We need to put a more acceptable face on biking and the protest. For example, every time I see the ACC levies compared to rape it makes us look like a bunch of chauvanist no-marks :bash: A coffee run sounds like a really good way to get our point across! :)

[AllanB]

That has to be worth exploiting.

You need something to attract the public and media attention - do the protest topless - this appears to attract a large supporting (ha ha pun) crowd.

[klingon]

I just went into a fabric shop looking for yellow fluoro fabric (they didn't have any, so if you can find some please let me know!) Anyway the girl behind the counter asked what it was for and I told her it was for a motorbike protest ride.

"Oh!" she said, "you don't look like a biker!"

Well yes actually I look exactly like a biker. Because I are one! :yes:

Another time my partner and I went to the Matakana market. We were looking at stuff and wondering if we would be able to get it home on the bike. The lady there said,"you ride a motorbike?! It's good to see you look like normal people under your uniforms!" :blink:

Seriously, do people really think that every single person who rides a bike is a big bloke with a beard and tattoos?

[MSTRS]

Seriously, do people really think that every single person who rides a bike is a big bloke with a beard and tattoos?

They are so shallow, they can't see Adonis or Aphrodite underneath

[Maha]

Anne said to me the other day...''are you limping'?
I said....''no, thats my cool walk in bike gear''.......:yes:

I do walk differently in bike gear, must be the boots.....:wari:

[AllanB]

Hmmm would the after party look like this?

[Danae]

Keen beans

[Nasty]

I think its a great idea ... will flesh out with some of the ladies down this way.

[gilly]

I'm in - even if I am butt ugly and old - I'm still a proud lady rider.

[Ms Piggy]

its a great idea...can't join you in Auckland, but I will organise my own thing down here!

Hey Tarty - I'd be keen to joing whatever you organise for us chicks down this way.


I think its a great idea ... will flesh out with some of the ladies down this way.
You know I'm keen as a keen thang.

[rie]

most excellent idea. i will keep a close eye on this thread for details ;)

[Ms Piggy]

I am still keen to see if we can get a group of girlies (ok, women) riders together to add a different public face on the ACC protest action.
I'm assuming your thread is in response to this? :2thumbsup http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=111433&highlight=CHICKOI

[Tink]

Count me in... hopefully SOON my KB tshirt will arrive in pink I HOPE.....

PS: AllanB... stick to the one year you get your thrills, we be real bikers... not just topless pillions.

[Quasi]

count me in for any Welly rides.

[goldgal]

Hi, cricket here from Otane. Count me in for girlie ride, just let me know when and where.

[PrincessBandit]

I'm assuming your thread is in response to this? :2thumbsup http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=111433&highlight=CHICKOI

Pretty much! However what I'm thinking of is more of a local ride (i.e. Auckland for me) as opposed to a large group of women forming a bloc within the National Bikeoi.

Klingons idea of riding from suburb to suburb is what I'd like to see; I'm formulating a possible path but would ladies like to form smaller subgroups and all meet en masse at one location centrally or all start from one meeting point and do a "cafe trail"?

[Qkchk]

I'm in for that! Let us all know when and where and we'll be there

Ditto. Just need a (couple would be nice) weeks notice in advance so I can plan my motorcycle training days around it.

[Tink]

Pretty much! However what I'm thinking of is more of a local ride (i.e. Auckland for me) as opposed to a large group of women forming a bloc within the National Bikeoi.

Klingons idea of riding from suburb to suburb is what I'd like to see; I'm formulating a possible path but would ladies like to form smaller subgroups and all meet en masse at one location centrally or all start from one meeting point and do a "cafe trail"?

I am keen on the suburb to suburb.. even doing a round trip with all the words...like "I am a teachers aid", we have two staff members at school, and me that ride... so it would be nice to see that out there for example on the viz... "I am an accountant, I am a retail worker, I am a mother, I am a social worker, I am a... etc" who cares... we are real people "my point"!!

[MadDuck]

we are real people "my point"!!

Hmmm but are we? Most "normal" girls wouldnt contemplate riding a motorcycle. We are different and thats our edge :lol:

[Tink]

Hmmm but are we? Most "normal" girls wouldnt contemplate riding a motorcycle. We are different and thats our edge :lol:


Haha good point.. but as odd ball we may seem... "I am still a mum (normal)...and a teachers aid (normal)...and drink wine (normal I think)... lol

Mind you I want your bike.... (normal)

[MadDuck]

Mind you I want your bike.... (normal)

If I have told you once I have told you a million times - you cant have it! Its mine...all mine.:lol:

[Tink]

if i have told you once i have told you a million times - you cant have it! Its mine...all mine.:lol:

psml.... !!!!

[klingon]

Pretty much! However what I'm thinking of is more of a local ride (i.e. Auckland for me) as opposed to a large group of women forming a bloc within the National Bikeoi.

Klingons idea of riding from suburb to suburb is what I'd like to see; I'm formulating a possible path but would ladies like to form smaller subgroups and all meet en masse at one location centrally or all start from one meeting point and do a "cafe trail"?

I think the size of the group would be a good indication of how to arrange it. If 10 or fewer people arrived at the starting point, we could all go together on the cafe trail. If 20 people showed up it would probably be better to split off into two or three smaller groups to different areas, then just get together again at the end for a debrief.*



* :innocent:
Boy-baiting is fun

[Bounce001]

I think the size of the group would be a good indication of how to arrange it. If 10 or fewer people arrived at the starting point, we could all go together on the cafe trail. If 20 people showed up it would probably be better to split off into two or three smaller groups to different areas, then just get together again at the end for a debrief.*



* :innocent:
Boy-baiting is fun


I think it is better if we all go as one group. This is a better way of getting the point across that there are heaps of lady bikers out there rather than just a few.

[Ixion]

Arrive at a centre like Newmarket as one group. Park up, helmets off (so the public realise you are chicks) preen flounce wiggle. Then split into smaller groups and go round the cafes. Regroup, on to Parnell (f' example).

Get the impact of many riders arriving together, but smaller groups to cover all the cafes (there are a LOT of cafes and bars in some areas) .

PS What about taking a collection as you go, or selling "supporter stickers" or something?

[MSTRS]

I think its a great idea ... will flesh out with some of the ladies down this way.


...get together again at the end for a debrief.


I'm quite sure that if you 'get the flesh out' and 'debrief' at the end...there will be considerable interest from many quarters.:laugh:

[Bounce001]

Arrive at a centre like Newmarket as one group. Park up, helmets off (so the public realise you are chicks) preen flounce wiggle. Then split into smaller groups and go round the cafes. Regroup, on to Parnell (f' example).

Get the impact of many riders arriving together, but smaller groups to cover all the cafes (there are a LOT of cafes and bars in some areas) .

PS What about taking a collection as you go, or selling "supporter stickers" or something?

Like the idea of selling supporter stickers - anything to help our cause.

[Bounce001]

I'm quite sure that if you 'get the flesh out' and 'debrief' at the end...there will be considerable interest from many quarters.:laugh:

We don't want to scare people!

[Thani-B]

Hmmm but are we? Most "normal" girls wouldnt contemplate riding a motorcycle. We are different and thats our edge :lol:

Thats because "normal" girls dont know what they are missing out on.


Arrive at a centre like Newmarket as one group. Park up, helmets off (so the public realise you are chicks) preen flounce wiggle. Then split into smaller groups and go round the cafes. Regroup, on to Parnell (f' example).

Get the impact of many riders arriving together, but smaller groups to cover all the cafes (there are a LOT of cafes and bars in some areas) .

PS What about taking a collection as you go, or selling "supporter stickers" or something?

And I think thats the way to go. Park up at Newmarket, spread out and take over all the cafes handing out flyers/selling stickers or something, meet up at the bikes and take off to the next place to do the same. If we bring chicky pillions it would look like there is more of us as well, and it would help for the ground cover bit.

[Little Miss Trouble]

Thats because "normal" girls dont know what they are missing out on.
And I think thats the way to go. Park up at Newmarket, spread out and take over all the cafes handing out flyers/selling stickers or something, meet up at the bikes and take off to the next place to do the same. If we bring chicky pillions it would look like there is more of us as well, and it would help for the ground cover bit.
Good idea on the girly pillions, though that may feed that 'other' female rider stereotype!

[Thani-B]

Good idea on the girly pillions, though that may feed that 'other' female rider stereotype!

That is true. We just need to look as girly as possible lol.

[allycatz]

Hey Ive been having a bit off fun down here making chocolate motorbikes....if you like I could send some up to give away or sell...they are real cute...my contribution to the cause

[klingon]

Hey Ive been having a bit off fun down here making chocolate motorbikes....if you like I could send some up to give away or sell...they are real cute...my contribution to the cause

CHOCOLATE MOTORBIKES!

I think I have died and gone to heaven. :drool:

Depending ont he 'stage' of the campaign we are at when we do this (ie pre-BIKEOI or post-BIKEOI) we could take petition forms, protest kits, leaflets with a short statement about our cause, yellow balloons (lots of kids at cafes with mummy & daddy on weekends) etc etc.

Unfortunately choccy motorbikes may melt in our pockets so we will have to eat them all before we set out. :sunny:

[allycatz]

CHOCOLATE MOTORBIKES!

I think I have died and gone to heaven. :drool:

Depending ont he 'stage' of the campaign we are at when we do this (ie pre-BIKEOI or post-BIKEOI) we could take petition forms, protest kits, leaflets with a short statement about our cause, yellow balloons (lots of kids at cafes with mummy & daddy on weekends) etc etc.

Unfortunately choccy motorbikes may melt in our pockets so we will have to eat them all before we set out. :sunny:

Aww maybe I'll just send some up anyways....fuel for the journey

[PrincessBandit]

Hey Ive been having a bit off fun down here making chocolate motorbikes....if you like I could send some up to give away or sell...they are real cute...my contribution to the cause

You are a legend!!

[fireliv]

Hey Chicks good luck, its a great idea.

Here in Christchurch we have managed to get a reporter from the local rag interested in us chicks. She is doing an article on women bikers which is great because it lets the public know we aint all tough looking blokes!!

If you can get a reporter to come have some words with you even better

[Hanne]

Oh I am super keen for this!
Was just thinking it was about time for another GCR...

[PrincessBandit]

Definitely would like to get a reporter involved - local papers (Courier) in South Auckland, and anywhere else.

Maybe arrange a meeting ahead with the newspaper rep ahead of the planned ride, simply to do an article on women riders. Then we'd be able to share our information, including the various rides planned and what we hope to achieve through them.

I'm happy to contact the Courier locally (the Manukau one is probably the largest of them) and arrange a meet. The more numbers the better, because that way we can say there are more groups who we'll be combining with - a reporter faced with say, a dozen riders, being told we're hooking up with more groups for a big combined ride will have to wonder just how many there'll be......

Novelty factor alone would make that worthy of a newspaper story!

[2wheeldrifter]

What a good idea. You girls represent a (slightly) more civilised view of biking. That has to be worth exploiting.


Yeah what a cool idea... with a good image you ladies have in all aspects :yes:



Love woman who exploit themselves :innocent:

[Jules13]

Any update on a date that the girls are gonna protest. I am in New Plymouth, anyone thinking of travelling up from around here or in the line of travel up.

[klingon]

Definitely would like to get a reporter involved - local papers (Courier) in South Auckland, and anywhere else.

Maybe arrange a meeting ahead with the newspaper rep ahead of the planned ride, simply to do an article on women riders. Then we'd be able to share our information, including the various rides planned and what we hope to achieve through them.

I'm happy to contact the Courier locally (the Manukau one is probably the largest of them) and arrange a meet. The more numbers the better, because that way we can say there are more groups who we'll be combining with - a reporter faced with say, a dozen riders, being told we're hooking up with more groups for a big combined ride will have to wonder just how many there'll be......

Novelty factor alone would make that worthy of a newspaper story!

I'm all for this idea. :D

PB, when you contact the courier could you please find out what other suburban newspapers they are associated with. A lot of them are basically the same paper under a different masthead and a few local stories - if a story is relevant to a lot of different areas they will carry the same story in different papers.

Sometimes they like to take a new photo to accompany the story so you might be able to coordinate that - a photo outside a cafe in Titirangi for the Western Leader, one in Ponsonby for the Central Leader, etc.

I'm sure the Courier reporter will be able to advise you on all that stuff. It's the kind of story they love and if we make it nice and easy for them to pull it off, they will love us even more.

[PrincessBandit]

Ixion said BuellBabe works in the newspaper industry. Will pm this afternoon.

I'm thinking that the weekend (Sat. best for me personally, but Sunday could be a goer) Sat 21st Nov would be a good date for the ride.
If we can get a group together for the newspaper article before that, say the week before, the public will be more aware of what we're up to. I'm sure we could get half a dozen or more ladies from down this way to meet with a reporter for interviews and photos.

[GSXR Trace]

yep would be keen for this, but not free next two weekends, so will keep an eye on the details

[martybabe]

Fantastic idea, it really is. I know for a fact if I was to attempt to hand out flyers in a Latte joint most of the punters would run for the security of the toilets, I'm guessing your advances would be better received. Good luck ladies, knock em dead. :scooter:

[Pixie]

I am keen on the suburb to suburb.. even doing a round trip with all the words...like "I am a teachers aid", we have two staff members at school, and me that ride... so it would be nice to see that out there for example on the viz... "I am an accountant, I am a retail worker, I am a mother, I am a social worker, I am a... etc" who cares... we are real people "my point"!!

add "and a voter"

[Tink]

add "and a voter"

Good Idea!

[PrincessBandit]

Going to phone the Courier office on Monday to suss out procedure for arranging meet and photos. As soon as I have info regarding that I'll post it here and ask for a speedy decision regarding date and time for interview and photo opportunity.

I'll also pm those ladies who have contacted me directly.
:2thumbsup

[Ixion]

Try giving Kerre Woodham a call. She's a supporter of the cause. Push the "girls can do anyhting " bit.

Mention the Scarey Biker's Sewing Circle, that should pique he rinterest

[_Shrek_]

Fantastic idea, it really is. Good luck ladies, knock em dead. :scooter:

ditto for me & enjoy the coffee

[PrincessBandit]

Papers need a week or so's notice, and have said that they're not really interested in anything outside of their local catchment area. Therefore the idea of smaller groups within each region (with their own cafe patronage) attracting the attention of their local rag and then heading on into Newmarket for a second coffee with us all together should be the goer I think.
Once back from the Bikeoi we'll get it arranged - the reception of the bikeoi should also give us a topical boost...

[MadDuck]

Therefore the idea of smaller groups within each region (with their own cafe patronage) attracting the attention of their local rag ..

I would be happy to co-ordinate/organise any ladies in the Rodney area that want to participate.

[Hanne]

http://www.fairfaxnz.co.nz/publications/index.html

List of community newspapers and their editors here.
Central Leader's my local, any other people interested round here? I know Newmarket was talked about as a destination (also for those riding in from other areas), Mt Eden also has plenty of coffee shops and Newton is pretty close too

[gilly]

Agggghhhh Fairfax newspapers!!!!

I work for the Waiuku Post Newspaper and independant.

http://www.indexnz.com/Top/News-and-Media/Newspapers/1

[Hanne]

IMPORTANT!

I really think this needs to get going, this weekend if possible.
Who is free for the first of a series of rides this weekend?
Thinking my area, newmarket, mt eden, kingland... unless other suggestions?
Herald and Radio NZ are onto me about this, I want to give them a date for the first.
Can emphasise that these are going to be local and ongoing, I just think this an opp not to be missed!

So do we have enough people free for an event this weekend on Sat the 21st?

[Thani-B]

So do we have enough people free for an event this weekend on Sat the 21st?

I can make it.

[Hanne]

Awesome, that's great Thani!

Have posted a new thread here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1129519524#post1129519524)

Come on girls, let's make this happen!

[PrincessBandit]

Check out Hanne's link to the ride arranged for Saturday. It would be really great to have a dozen or so ladies thereabouts so please try to be free for this ride. Our plan is to put a different face of motorcycling forward to the public - to show that bikers are a diverse group, not just the stereotypical image.

C'mon ladies this is our chance to do something without the men this time round!

[MiniFlick]

Im in too if it hasn't already happened

[PrincessBandit]

Hi MiniFlick, last Saturdays coffee ride was great - wonderful weather and lotsa ladies! We will definitely be doing more so watch this space.
Welcome to KB btw.