Saturday 24th August was BMW Sycamore Annual Ladies Event, this year was the second year of holiday the event, and it was hoped to be bigger and better than the first one, but unfortunately, the weather had other ideas!
The Event held by Sycamores was all about encouraging female riders to take to the roads, confidently and banishing the stereotypes with an opportunity for them to grow their confidence and advance their riding skills.
On site for the day were members of the Cambs Police Bike Safe and BMW had set up a rolling road for all the Ladies who wanted the opportunity to get on a BMW G 310 R to learn the basics of throttle and clutch control, under expert guidance.
The Team at BMW has arranged for a very special guest to attend, Elspeth Beard, who in the 80s set off on her BMW R60/6 on a trip around the World, becoming the first Lady Motorcyclist to ride solo around the world. The trip took her two years and over 35,000 miles.
Elspeth enthralled us with a trip around the world via stories, adventures and photographs of her experience whilst on the road trip and she had on display the bike she used, which she still uses today.
PECAM were invited to attend with a show of our fabulous PECAM Ladies, to encourage the Lady Riders attending and explain the benefits of IAM Roadsmart and how by developing their skills on the course they will become safer, thinking riders.
We also had the privilege of having Aliz Varga the IAM Roadsmart Young Rider Ambassador attend to support the PECAM Ladies.
Unfortunately, whilst we have been having some glorious weather, the weather gods were not looking down on us for the day, rain was predicted, heavy at times and that’s exactly what we got!
The weather meant that the event was not as well supported as we had hoped, we did get the opportunity to speak to some Ladies (and Men) who attended and we did get three Bikers sign up for Taster Rides, so fingers crossed we will get some new Members from the event.
I would like to say a big thank you to Lisa at BMW Sycamore and the rest of the team for inviting us, Barry, Martin and Kevin for volunteering their time as National Observers to be there for any Observed Rides requested, Bob S for bringing refreshments and supplies and Bill for helping set up. It was also good to see Tim pop in, especially as he bought cakes along!
A big thanks also to Steph, Jane, Samantha and Alison for their time throughout the day (and Sam for the goodies!)