I almost didn’t go, figuring I would be odd woman out in an event that highlighted track riding. After all, I had never been on a track. My husband, who believes I am able to do most anything, suggested I give it a shot. My head filled with a list of beneficial reasons while I filled out the online disclaimer form signing up for Femmoto, an all-woman Track Demo Day and motorcycle event.

My quick review list, cited no-brainer reasons for attending:

• no police
• perfect pavement
• controlled environment
• mentors
• brand spanking new ’08 machines to ride

Suddenly, I no longer needed a reason why I should go and instead packed some clothing, loaded up my Bandit, for I was heading out to Las Vegas, NV.

While anticipating the route south, I was joined by two new friends I had met online on the ADVrider forum. They were riding south from Alberta, Canada to Terra del Fuego and decided after my invite to make a quick rest stop in Reno. We ate a marvelous meal and bantered ride tales in one long run-on sentence, as we all had so much to say and so little time to say it, since our blast-off countdown began at 6 am the following morning.

6 AM was indeed early. With bikes already loaded, we shot some pictures admiring one another’s marvelous machines, and departed southeast into the azure blinding rays of the morning sun. Routing the path of least resistance, we were quickly bored with the highway, once through Virginia City, and the only twisty section of our journey. We encountered gale force winds south of Tonopah, NV skittering along the roadway like flightless birds in hopes of landing effortlessly in the Las Vegas sun. Fate allowed us safe passage, and after nearly a nine hour ride we cruised into Vegas sharing thoughts of martini time.

Parting ways, Brian and Conchita headed to the strip and I to old downtown. Once checked in and showered I quickly secured a bar stool, a glass of Italian red and a very questionable meal. I revisited a friend’s advice as I consumed my vino, “why ruin an expensive high with a cheap meal?” Pondering, I pushed away my plate and finished my wine and retired chuckling.

A fitful night of sleep left me half-lidded and wishing I had a strong espresso in hand but instead my senses were greeted by a pungent smelling curry drifting from beneath the door of my adjoining neighbors. Now I love a good curry but not at 5:30 AM and not before coffee! I quickly escaped the aroma and headed to the coffee shop for a mainline fix of my favorite drug. There I awaited my friend Tyler and her daughter ready to head to the Femmoto event being held at the Las Vegas Raceway.

Our first day was one of meeting other female riders and checking out the bike and gear vendors. For me it served as a prerequisite to my track demo riding day. I got to see what I wanted to ride, what I could ride and what wasn’t offered for track rides. There was also a street riding demo where for a small fee you could go and ride a bunch of street bikes, around LV, but where exactly was the fun in that compared to track riding!

The Pink Ninja!