TRAVERSE 11
In early November, a normally quiet patch of Tasmanian bushland became the backdrop for one of the most meaningful gatherings the state’ s off-road motorcycling community has ever seen. Hosted by Elsewhere on Wheels and Tassie Dirt Bike Chicks, the two-day coaching weekend drew thirty-five women, an unprecedented number for Tasmania and one of the largest female-focused dirt bike training events in Australia. But the real achievement wasn’ t just the size. It was the creation of a rare environment where women could learn, ride and challenge themselves without fear of judgement, comparison or criticism, something many riders say is still hard to find in the broader motorcycling world.
For most women in motorcycling, confidence is not simply a matter of skill. It is shaped by experience, by the people around them, and by the cultural expectations of a sport historically dominated by men. Many women speak openly about feeling intimidated when riding in mixed groups, worried they’ ll slow others down, make mistakes, or appear out of place. Emma Miller, founder of the Tassie Dirt Bike Chicks community and organiser of the event, understands this deeply. Her vision has always been to carve out spaces where women can learn on their
TRAVERSE 11