I raced NESC for the first time ever this past weekend in Maine. I was very disappointed to be the only female rider there but what the heck I was there I figured growing up I never raced in Female or women's classes because they simply did not exist. So, seeings how we are mixed with the 40+ and 50+ I figured I would push myself to be competitive with them. Needless to say, I rode like crap being new to the track and all but the point is that when we went to line up for the second moto which is supposed to be by finish I lined up as if I was in there class. If we are supposed to be a seperate class why do we go by overall finish with them. I had a crappy gate pick which messed me up completely. What is the deal with that format? Jolly Rogers lines the women riders up first seeings how there is so few. Furthermore, where in the heck were all the women riders? We fight so hard to have our own class and no one shows up???

-- Julie Thompson (suzukimx@mediaone.net), July 03, 2000

Answers

You should race one of NEMA's Womans class races, we just started our womens class this year, we used to have one but it died out, and now we have it again... we are doing this stupid thing where we are only having like 5 woman races this year bacause the board wants to see hwo it goes before we have it a defenite class and doesnt inequality suck!?!?! MatthewL

-- MatthewL (RaZeeMx970@aol.com), July 03, 2000.

unfortuantly, we only have 2 women's races left... 8/26 at claverack & 10/7 at jolly rogers. NEMA was unsure of how many women would show up, and if this class would really work, so this year was kinda a trial version. Next year, we hope to have it for the whole year, and i am already working for it. For all of the races this year.. we have had 12 and up women (lets say, the top ones are not slow!)... we hope to see you there!

-- meg 486 (mxgurly486@aol.com), July 04, 2000.

I was there on Sat. # 139, I raced alone too as I was the only female there on Sat. Unfortunatly I jammed my Knee and had to spend 3 hrs at the hospital so I was unable to compete on Sun. Ya I too think we should be run seperate, but until then I don't mind the guys. They know we are out there. I will be there next time. # 398 YZ

-- Sandy (raceme@mint.net), July 05, 2000.

I have always raced with the "guyz" and it is not being seperate that I want. I just want more woman to become interested. I was just disappointed. Sorry to hear about your knee, unfortunately that is racing. Even though I was the only female, I still managed to fall a few times in my second moto and incur the typical bruises. See you on the track soon!!

-- Julie Thompson (suzukimx@mediaone.net), July 06, 2000.

I was at jolly rogers with N.E.M.A becaue THEY have there *OWN* women's race...seperate from all others ! they dont mix us with the 40+ 50+ ....they have all females and females only ! wich rules ! hehe. next time ill hopefully be there !

-- jenn 520-525 (mxchik520@aol.com), July 06, 2000.

Hey Julie - I've only raced at Derby, VT (VMA) and Canaan, NH recently, but we do have our own women's classes, and the turnout has been very good - 9 women at Derby and 14 at Canaan. The VMA has been very supportive of women racing. Its only my second year and I'm still riding like crap, coming in last, but having a blast. The women range in age from 14 to 45. Come up North and check it out if you can!!!! Derby's web site is www.hotgrips.com/riderhill.htm. Keep it upright!!

-- susan wisowaty (swisowaty@knowledgewave.com), July 09, 2002.