CMA HeartBeat April 2026 | Page 24

RECOMMENDED RIDES

RECOMMENDED RIDES

By ALISSA Henrickson
24
April HeartBeat
Did you know that Saturday, May 2, 2026, is not only the day we participate in Run for the Son, but also the 20th year of International Female Ride Day( IFRD).β€œ IFRD is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of May. The day celebrates women motorcycle riders and is not country, group, or organizationally specific- it is a globally synchronizedβ€œ Just Ride” day for women.” Motoress Founder, Vicki Gray states,β€œ IFRD provides a platform

MY

name is Alissaβ€œ Mother
Hen” Henrickson, and I bought my first motorcycle in 1997, when I was a 19-year-old college student. Now, a husband and four kids later, our family joined CMA in 2018, and I currently serve as the RFS Lead for Freedom Riders # 1354 in
for women riders to bond with other women, to meet and find like-minded women who ride and develop friendships with which to enjoy and advance motorcycling.” I have asked a fellow female rider, CMA member, and friend to highlight what IFRD means to her.
Shawna Hall
Brad and Shawna Hall oversee the Southeast
Region as National Evangelist.
Wisconsin.
There is a rapidly growing female rider demographic, so over the years, I have become involved with manyβ€œ women only” riding groups, in my own state, region, and across the United States. Being a consistent presence in the groups, at rides, and at events keeps you connected, makes you known to them, and also earns you the opportunity to speak into life situations and to offer sincere prayers for their needs. One of the events I participate in, hosted by the Midwest Women Riders, is exclusively for women and features many female world record holders, challenge riders, and history-makers who are willing to share their experiences from their many riding adventures over the years! There is an entire weekend of seminars, guided rides, meetand-greets, and fun leading up to the parade-style ride of all makes / models and rider experience levels, held on IFRD! At the 2025 IFRD, we even celebrated the 100th birthday of Motor Maid, Sturgis, and American Motorcycling Association( AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Famer, Gloria Struck, to kick off the ride.