Biker Babes

By: Elizabeth Prann

Posted: Tue 10:29 AM, Sep 01, 2009

From cutting coupons to cutting back on the number of wheels, some local women are taking the term ‘Biker Babe’ to a whole new level.

“You better watch out for us...please!!!,” says Bikers Susan Ates and Melissa Hyatt.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, women account for about 13 percent of motorcycle riders. That's a 29 percent increase since 2003, and Bay County is no exception.

“The past several weeks we've seen 50 percent of the class is women," said
Emerald Cycles Instructor, Kimberly Tuttle.

Ok…riding is trendy but these women say they're on to something. Something that is making their wallets happy too.

Rider, Melissa Bryan said, “You don't have to fill up your tank everyday and you definitely feel like going to the gas station is not as much a pain" "Can you believe it, I'll probably ride all week on $10 !!"

Kimberly and her husband Bill opened up Emerald Coast Motorcycle Training in Panama City Beach more than a year ago, it's a three-part course with about nine students per class. Some students who take the class have never even sat on a bike.

"We saw a lot of woman last year but not nearly as many as we've been getting lately... Sometimes it's an economical factor, it's less expensive to buy a motorcycle than a car and gas mileage is always better on a motorcycle."

And if there is one thing the instructors say does *not* cross gender lines…it's safety.

"Act like the cars don't see you, like your invisible. And first and foremost be defensive.”

Local Summer Drama Camps Gaining Popularity

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Community Headlines

Bay County Veterans Day Parade in Panama City

Posted: 11/12/2012 - Continuing the recognition of local men and women in uniform, Bay County's annual Veterans Day parade takes place in downtown Panama City Monday.

Local Summer Drama Camps Gaining Popularity

Updated: 07/13/2012 - Panama City - Sports camps are a favorite summer activity for thousands of kids across Northwest Florida, now drama camps are gaining popularity locally. Two dozen elementary and middle school students are busy putting the finishing touches on their presentation of "The Little Mermaid Jr."

Niceville Teen Carries Olympic Torch

Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - It's certainly the opportunity of a lifetime! Sixteen-year-old Bailey Reese, of Niceville, carried the Olympic torch through Bisham Abbey in England Tuesday morning.

"Klothes for Kids" Begins On-Site Registration

Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - School doesn't start for another several weeks, but a Panama City Rescue Mission program that helps students in need get ready for the new year is already busy getting families signed up. New this year, "Klothes for Kids" is doing on-site registration at places like Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club. That makes it even easier for families to get the help they need.

Free Online Training Module Helps Families Dealing with Alzheimer's

Updated: 07/05/2012 - Panama City - Alzheimers. By age 85, 30% to 50% of adults show signs of the disease. For family caregivers, dealing with Alzheimer's effects on their loved one can be heartbreaking and stressful. That's why a local in-home senior care provider is spreading the word about a new, and free resource for families. The online training module is called "CARE: Changing Aging Through Research and Education." It helps families better understand the disease and how to cope with it, as well as offer tips on how to care for the 60% to 70% of Alzheimer's patients still living at home.

More Community Headlines