First VA All Female Ride Takes to Hampton Roads in July

Virginia is calling every motorcycle-riding woman this summer. The first Virginia All Female Ride will see crowds of lady motorcyclists take to the streets of the Hampton Roads area from Portsmouth, VA, on July 19-21.

This female-centric riding event is open to all women riders, no matter when you started riding or what you ride. Greenhorns and grizzled veterans alike are encouraged to attend, meet new riding ladies, and—of course—experience the beautiful Virginia roads.

“This event is not only for Virginia natives, but also for women across the nation who just want to ride, fellowship, network, and have a great time,” Rho Caldee, media and PR coordinator of Virginia All Female Ride, told RoadRUNNER.

There are no bike restrictions at the ride—as long as it’s street legal and you have a license to operate it, arrive on whatever motorcycle you like. Virginia requires the use of a DOT-approved helmet and Virginia All Female Ride recommends all participants to gear up according to “Safety First” principles.

The event will begin on Friday, July 19, with a meet-and-greet evening at Garage Brewery in Chesapeake, VA. The ride itself will begin the following morning at Bayside Harley-Davidson in Portsmouth and take the participating riders all over the Hampton Roads area.

After the ride, you can attend a rider hangout with entertainment and festivities at Bayside Harley-Davidson. The hangout will include vendors, sponsor booths, and music. Wrapping up the day is an afterparty at Rivers Casino.

While you ride and enjoy the company of other woman riders, you’ll also be contributing to a good cause.

“This year, the proceeds raised during the event will go towards supporting Transitions Family Violence Services, an organization that provides comprehensive services, such as housing, funding, and child services, to domestic violence victims,” explained Caldee.

When she says “this year,” Caldee means it. Virginia All Female Ride plans to turn the event into an annual welcoming and inclusive gathering of woman motorcyclists.

“We are very proud to bring such an inspiring event to our great Commonwealth. As a tradition, the event will transition to various regions of Virginia each year, symbolizing consecutive ‘Volumes,’” Caldee said.

For Women, By Women

Behind Virginia All Female Ride is a group of five dedicated organizing members. The team has attended a slew of motorcycling events over the years, both in Virginia and elsewhere in the country.

However, they noticed that the annual event schedule in their home state was somewhat lacking. Sure, there were plenty of major gatherings—but few were aimed at women in particular.

So, if no one else was going to do it, the Founding Five decided that they’d have to take matters into their own hands. With Virginia All Female Ride, they want to establish a dedicated space for motorcycling women, no matter who or where they’re from.

“In an industry largely dominated by men, we aim to organize an event that highlights and celebrates women breaking barriers in substantial numbers. Our intention goes beyond just hosting a gathering—we aspire to make the event impactful by contributing to local charities,” said Caldee.

Tickets for the event are available online. Prices start at $20 for the ride-only package. For active event updates, you can follow the Virginia All Female Ride Facebook group.

If you’re a woman with a motorcycle, hop in the saddle and point your front wheel to Virginia in July for great fun, good company, generous charity, and fantastic rides.