Women are flocking to motorcycles in record numbers and other motorcyclists are just going to have to get used to it. If women were not embracing motorcycling as a lifestyle and hobby, the industry as a whole would have a hard time surviving.

Essentially, women are saving the motorcycle industry.

Women make up somewhere between 15-18% of motorcycle buyers according to Genevieve Schmitt, founder of WomenRidersNow.com, in her column in American Iron Magazine’s March 2010 edition. Not only does she contribute to American Iron Magazine as their Woman’s Point of View (POV) Writer, she manages one of the most robust woman’s motorcycling websites on the Internet.

American Iron Magazine is not the only organization that understands the importance of a woman’s point of view in the motorcycle community. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has been conducting their International Women & Motorcycling Conference since 1999. In 2009, the event spanned 4 days in Keystone, CO and featured vendors, banquets, keynote speakers, seminars, scenic rides, demo rides, and educational workshops.

Nearly 1000 people showed up for the 2009 event including about 100 men coming to show support to their spouses, friends, and significant others.

Men weren’t the only ones showing up for this event. Harley Davidson and Buell stepped up to be presenting sponsors for this event for the second year. Yamaha, BMW, KYMCO, and Ducati came out with demo fleets for patrons of the event so they can try out their latest machines.

With major events like Daytona Bike Week on the horizon, it’s fair to say that women will be making their presence felt in increasing numbers at these and other major motorcycle events.

Even if they are overweight and have a big ole Santa Claus belly.

In the spirit of the Holidays, having a big belly and being jolly might be a hit with the kids but it’s neither healthy nor the coolest look for a biker. Some bikers actually take better care of their bikes than they do themselves.

If you are looking forward to the next riding season, here’s a project for you this winter. Take some time out to get in better shape so you can enjoy all the thrills that motorcycling provides.

Exercising can increase your motorcycle riding stamina, prevent lower back pain, increase the comfort of your motorcycle apparel, and make you look great on your Harley or sport bike.

There are tons of ways to drop pounds and inches so I’m not going to go through them. I suggest taking a little time to find an exercise routine that works for you and stick with it. American Iron Magazine has a great section called “Fit to Ride” that has exercises to help bikers. Perhaps asking for this magazine as a stocking stuffer is a good start to better biker health.