‘Women of Arizona’ 2010 Arizona Bike Week Part 2

Story and Photos by J. Joshua Placa

More women than ever before attended this year’s Bike Week, or so it sure seemed. Women now account for about 23% of new Harley purchases, and they are making their presence felt on the road, at the vendors, and in the crowd.

Not very long ago, women seen at bike rallies were, for the most part, usually beer and vendor girls, wet T-shirt and Miss Whatever Rally contestants, 20-something silicone shippers accompanying 60-something fat guys in Hawaiian shirts, or the other half of a two-up couple. Seldom was seen a single woman, at leisure, alone or in small groups, just enjoying the show. Women riding their own bikes were even more rare.

But that was then. Now, there is a better balance, and it just makes everything more fun.

– Joshua Placa