A group of women motorcycle riders will ride through Luverne Saturday as part of the International Female Ride.
The riders, roughly 100 expected to participate, will leave Sioux Falls around 10 a.m. and will take county roads to Luverne, arriving between 11 and noon.
They’ll parade through town before stopping for lunch at JJ’s Tasty Freeze on South Highway 75.
The event is sponsored by Vern Eide Motoplex to spotlight women riders in the area, but all riders are welcome, according to organizer Lynnette “Nettie” Lawrence, Vern Eide apparel consultant and two-wheel enthusiast.
“Building lifelong bonds with local women and having a blast, all while riding and exploring the natural landscapes and historical landmarks of this region, can be rewarding,” she said.
“There’s a lot to be learned from group riding. Creating a community who watches out for one another, builds personal character.”
She said roughly 19 percent of motorcyclists are female, nearly doubling from 2009, with the median age of female motorcyclists being 39.
The largest interest appears mostly in cruisers, followed by scooters, and then sport bikes.
“Female motorcycle clubs have grown increasingly popular as women are drawn to motorcycling for the camaraderie and outdoorsy feel and fun,” said Lawrence, a member of the local Litas lady riding chapter.
The International Female Ride Day will start at 9 a.m. at Vern Eide Motoplex with women-owned businesses serving coffee and breakfast on site.
Also, women-owned businesses will offer a vendor fair throughout the day, and a raffle drawing at 3 p.m. will benefit the Children's Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children’s Inn).
Lawrence can be reached at llawrence@verneide.com
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