Just when we thought there couldn’t be more pink and ink adorning womanly arms, thighs, shoulders, busts and even necks, we are again surprised, often pleasantly so.

At this year’s edition of Bike Week, where record-setting temps pushed the mercury near triple digits, the Arizona feminine form was never more freely exposed. Artful ink ran up thighs, private piercings went public, and winter white skin got an early dose of summer sun.

Chic came again in piles of pink and growing stacks of silicone, a movement some hedonistically revel in and others find a little disturbing. Body bling was also on the rise, perhaps as a kind of moto-tribal nod to the biker lifestyle.

According to 2010 statistics, the latest figures available, women account for at least 23-percent of new Harley purchases, and they are making their presence felt on the road, at the vendors, and in the crowd as fashions in jewelry, leathers and clothes (or lack thereof) grow more daring.

Not very long ago, women seen at bike rallies were, for the most part, usually beer and vendor girls, wet T-shirt, bikini and Miss Whatever Rally contestants, 20-somethings in painful looking heels sometimes accompanying 60-somethings in relaxed fit 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 big show. Women riding their own bikes were even more rare.

That is changing. According to event organizers, women owning and riding motorcycles to the event climbed 34% in recent years. “ABW traditionally promotes organized rides exclusively for women that benefit a number of charities here in the Valley, as well as national organizations,” said a spokesman, “Many of the local dealerships host monthly events slanted toward the interests, education and safety of lady enthusiasts.”

Rally organizers do not break down male and female attendee numbers, at least not publicly, but the demographics could reveal some emergent national trends. The data and keen reporter eyeballs suggest more and more single women are walking and riding into motorcycle rallies nowadays. That’s a movement we can get behind.