December 2nd, 2011 marked the first annual Femmewalla all-women’s track day at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in Desert Center, CA.
Even with the short notice, there was a good turn out of women riders who came out for the track day. The track day offered guest instructors from Jason Pridmore’s STAR School, 2-up rides with Mr. Pridmore himself, video instruction from Dale Kieffer, demo bikes from Kawasaki, suspension set up from In House Suspension, and tire service from Racer’s Edge Performance. 100% of the proceeds from the event went to The Unforgettable’s Foundation, who provide assistance to those families with limited resources to help offset the costs for a dignified burial of their beloved child.
Girls from all over Southern California and Arizona came out for a day at the track with the girls! The morning started off a little bit damp, but dried and warmed up nicely into the afternoon. The day started with a rider’s meeting, where the track owners Aimee and Mickey Grana thanked the ladies for coming out, went over track protocol, and gave us some background on the purpose of the track day, which was held in memory of their daughter Unforgettable Jessica Grana (Sept 1, 2006 – Dec 16, 2008).
Following the rider’s meeting, Angie Loy of STAR School took girls new to the track out for a few sighting laps. From then on, it was a no-session track day, in which girls were able to come on and off the track at their leisure. There were girls of every skill level out on the track, ranging from first track days, to AMA pro racers like Melissa Paris. It was a different environment from the track days most of us are used to, especially passing, which was done very courteously. Being able to ride with other women riders who have very close skill sets was fun and empowering.
New frienships were formed, and this was probably the funnest track day I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. I hope to see more girls out at 2012’s Femmewalla; and encourage you to join us in 2012. It’s totally worth the drive, and the proceeds to a great charity in which the track and organization is connected to.
