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Cape Town - The number of women participating in biking activities countrywide is growing, prompted by organisations such as Durban-based bikers, Shredbettys.
This dynamic group of women will be sharing their passion for all things motorsport at the 2017 South Coast Bike Fest #SCBF2017 taking place on the coastal town of Margate from April 27 - 30.
Nicole Salt of Shredbettys said: “Shredbettys started as a small group of women reaching out to fellow riders who experience the difficulties of competing in, and getting started in, a typically male-dominated sport.
“We quickly began to receive an overwhelming desire from women around South Africa to have a company that acts as a voice for this market within the motorsport’s industry.”
Women in motorsport
By 2013, Shredbettys had established itself as an organisation promoting women’s riding and other extreme sports. By featuring riders in articles, disseminating information about health and exercise, fun monthly competitions, sponsored partnerships and constant feedback from the riding community, Shredbettys is getting women the attention they deserve. Today Shredbettys has more than 400 members nationwide and is the number one interactive social media avenue for South African women’s off-road racing.
Salt continued: “The riding community is noticing that there are many women riders and we are seeing more women being picked for teams. Our successful all-women riding team is in its third year with support from amazing brands seeing them winning multiple championships in different disciplines.”
The seven Shredbettys team members who compete in enduro, off-road and MX sports, will be on hand at #SCBF2017 to showcase various skills to interested participants and answer any questions women have about riding. They will also discuss a number of lifestyle topics around bike riding such as fitness, nutrition, safety gear, bike care and maintenance as well as the riding clinic. There will be an introduction to motorsports and ladies of all ages will be given a chance to ride a bike in a safe environment. Girls are also welcome to bring their own bikes and get some pointers from the experienced riders.
In attendance will be Elize Olivier, one of four women to complete the gruelling enduro Roof of Africa competition. Racers, Keri Packham and Cindy Saunders, will talk about how they got into the competitive biking world while MX champion and all-round hellcat, Roxanne Baney, will show off her speed on one wheel, performing impressive whips. Local riders and competitors in the KwaZulu-Natal hare scrambles, Pamela De Heer as well as Paige and Amber Pretorius, will also share their experiences.
Salt said: “This is a really great platform for women to get a glimpse into the biking lifestyle. Female riders are a growing market and the South Coast Bike Fest is a great way for organisations catering to this market to connect.”
Event details
The Shredbetty’s demos will run on April 27-28 at the Margate Fishing Pier from 1-2pm. The Shredbetty’s Learn to Ride sessions will take place at the same venue on both days from 5-6pm.
In addition to the Shredbettys, #SCBF2017 has organised a number of high-energy extreme sports including the Gravity Clash Action Sports’ Show where daring bikers – including Nick de Wit and Brian Capper – will put on a mesmerising performance. The Powasol EnduroX Series will welcome South Africa’s top enduro, motocross, trials and fun riders with big names showing off serious skill.
There will also be a number of custom bikes and related accessories, a Mardi Gras Market, Flying Fish Hospitality Deck, Castle Lite Pool Party and much more.
Tickets to the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage are on sale, giving ticketholders access to top musical acts including Fokofpolisiekar, Rubber Duc, PJ Powers, Gangs of Ballet, The Kickstands and many more.
All musical acts performing at the Beach Pier Village Rock Stage can be watched, free of charge, provided the pre-registration is completed.
Pre-registration and ticket sales are available here. Tickets to the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage cost R130 per day or R200 for the cocktail bar day pass. For a VIP four-day pass the cost is R360. Children under 12 enter free.
All bikes are welcome at the South Coast Bike Fest with free entrance to the four-day event provided pre-registration is completed online.
