You’re adventurous, yet established. You’re young, though middle aged. You’re committed, yet free. You’ve grabbed the handles, revved the engine—and now ride.

We’re talking about the Jersey Gals who have found the exhilarating feeling of riding a motorcycle.

Evelyn, a realtor and piano teacher, says, “The love began when I jumped on the back of a boyfriend’s bike—and I never looked back.”

More than 32,000 women purchased bikes in 2006. The New York Times says women are the fastest growing segment of the biker population

“Exploding!” is how Glenn Glerum, owner of Legends Harley-Davidson in Ledgewood (www.legendsharley.com), explains the increase in women riders, particularly professionals and those in their 40’s who have decided they don’t need to sit behind their husband or boyfriend.

His new showroom on Route 46 caters to women, who Glenn points out are more savvy customers than their male counterparts. “Guys will ask how big and how fast. Ladies do their research and ask the right questions—about weight, the center of gravity and how well does the bike maneuver curves,” he says.

While basic black is always popular, this fall Candy Apple Red and Spiced Pumpkin are the hot colors at Glenn’s shop. The Sportster remains the most popular style for women due to its smaller size. But Glenn informed us that after riding for a few years, most women determine they need more power and move up to a Super Glide or Low Rider.

“I gave up buying shoes to buy accessories for me and my bike,” says Carolyn, vice president of sales and marketing for a state homebuilder. You can find a wide range of accessories at Barb’s Harley-Davidson in Collingswood Heights, one of a handful of women-owned dealerships in the country (www.barbsharleydavidson.com). They have a full line of Harley-Davidson MotorClothes, and manager Mark Redfern told us a complete outfit runs around $800. 

There’s a lot of styles and choices. While leather is tops, hot items this fall include lightweight waterproof nylon jackets with reflective piping, and Teflon jeans. Burnt orange, black and cream are hot colors; reds and winter white are also in over the holidays. Mark told us that new heated clothing is also big.

One aim of  Motorclothes is to mesh fashion with safety. In riding bikes, nothing is more important than safety.  Everyone we spoke to suggested Rider’s Education of New Jersey (www.rider-ed.com), which specializes in motorcycle riding and offers courses throughout the state. And yes, it does take upper body strength and a lot of know-how to get a bike up and moving.

You can find Harley riders through Harley website HOGs (www.hog.com). We found www.spokes-women.com/ for other women bikers in Jersey. You’ll find that biking and charity events go hand-in-hand. And besides, www.bikerchickstuff.com carries plenty of fun fashions, even if you never get on a bike.   

So, how do the guys feel when women take the handles?  They love it—sit back fellas, hold on and enjoy the ride! 

This was written by NJ My Way contributor Pamela J. Principe-Golgolab of PNA Associates in Chester.