I've been flattered with emails from women in the USA, the UK, and even South Africa, who have stumbled on my pages while searching for advice about getting started on riding a motorcycle or getting started traveling on one. A couple have made me cry. I'm thrilled that what I've had to say has been helpful to others - it's the whole reason I've shared so much online.

But you shouldn't just listen to me. Every rider is different. My cautious riding may be too much for you. Or my love of gravel roads and ghost towns may not be your cup of tea. I love tent camping - you may hate it. All of that is fine. If there is one thing I've learned that's been essential to motorcycle travel it's this: ride your own ride.

There are web sites, Facebook groups, online community bulletin boards and books that can all be helpful to women motorcycle riders, especially those that want to travel. Here are some of my favorites. But please note: I don't link on this page to Instagram accounts, Facebook accounts, Twitter accounts or other social media accounts by motorcycle travelers that are just "hey, look at me" accounts. I am looking for narratives that provide insights and advice.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles by Darwin Holmstrom. Reading about motorcycle riding probably seems silly to a lot of people. But I found reading this book very helpful. There are just so many, many things motorcycle riders, especially those that have ridden bikes for decades, forget to tell a newbie. Holmstrom answered a lot of questions I had and even more that I didn't know I had. It reviewed a lot of subjects I was afraid to ask about, for fear of sounding stupid. One of the most important things the book talked about was never riding when you're really tired or sleepy. I've had exactly one riding instructor talk about that, yet, so many motorcycle accidents are tied to that. 

Lone Rider by Elspeth Beard. She's one of the first women to ride a motorcycle all around the world, doing so back in 1982 - 1984 and, when she finished this incredible two-year journey, she found that NO ONE CARED. No, really, no one cared: not her family, not neighbors, not friends, not motorcycle magazines, not travel magazines, not anyone. No book deal, no glowing article in the newspaper upon her return, not even an invitation by the local library back home in England to come down and do a presentation. She didn't write her book until 30 years later - it came out in 2017. I fancy myself a motorcycle adventure rider - but nothing on the level of Elspeth Beard. I have no mechanical abilities and can only just-barely-assist in changing a tire - I could never do it myself. I can't fix wiring or an oil leak or build my own panniers. Beard did all this - and more. That's why Elspeth Beard was able to ride across India - and it's why I can't and won't. And that's okay! Her just-keep-going-don't-think-too-much attitude is very inspiring. Here's my full review of the book. 

Long Way 'Round by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman. I know this isn't about women motorcycle riders, but I still found it helpful. The DVD is great too, but the book has a lot more information in it, and includes what they are thinking and feeling - and it's nice to know that men have as many insecurities and fears as women, including while riding a motorcycle.

Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon and Travels With Charlie by John Steinbeck. Neither are women, and neither rode motorcycles for their trips. Still, these are both epic road trips and I found them very helpful in thinking about the value of road trips, particularly when interacting with local people and going well off the main roads.

Web Sites & You Tube Channels By Motorcycle Travelers or For Motorcycle Travelers

Sherri Jobs "Because I Can" World Tour. This blog is a record of Sherri's journey around the world on a KTM 690 Enduro from 2010 to 2013. It's in reverse order - here's the start of her journey (when she gets her bike, especially for the trip).

Itchy Boots. I think seasons one and two are by far the best, especially if you are new to motorcycle travel. She's a very experienced motorcycle rider, so don't be intimidated by her awesomeness. .

RTW Roxy. Very down-to-earth and bare bones long-distance motorcycle travel by an amazing woman motorcycle rider.

Vanbondesss. Safia Miletu is a Syrian-Canadian motorcyclists who travels extensively. Her web site has a lot of stories about her travels - not just photos.

Eliza Massey traveled around the world via motorcycle in 2012, 2013 and 2014. She didn't blog about her travels but any Google search will generate several articles about her, like this article while she was in India.

Riding Across South America with Eglė Gerulaitytė. A profile in we-ridewell.com

Women ADVRiders. A web site with tips for motorcycles, gear and preparations, as well as travel, including lots of interviews and first-hand testimonials.

soloworldtraveler.com chronicles the travels of Peter Ricci, an Australian citizen and solo world traveler, trekking across most of Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, bus, car and train.

steveridestheworld.com chronicles the round the world trip by Steve Henley of New Zealand. His trip covered six continents and mor ethan 90,000 km and took less than two years.

expeditionsouth.com chronicles the journey of Alex Chacón, who went from El Paso Texas USA to Tierra del Fuego Argentina Ushuaia and then drove back up north to the Amazonas Brazil and headed north to Alaska, then went back home: 500 Days, 80,000+ miles and 22+ countries.

Candida Louis tours countries frequently by motorcycle. Google her name and the word motorcycle to find out articles from various news outlets that talk abowhere she is riding, has just ridden, or is about to ride.

The Lee Family Around the World
In 2001-02, a family of four went around the world. The Lee's web site chronicles how they prepared for the trip, and how they did it, and serves as an inspiration for entire families to do something as ambitious together. They are not motorcyclists, but their travel blogs are very helpful.

RoadRunner, a print magazine and online resource for people who like or want to travel by motorcycle, domestically or abroad. The print magazine is very much worth your subscription.

Horizon's Unlimited Forum for Women Motorcycle Travelers. Whether you are on the back of the bike or riding your own, you will find this forum very helpful.

Women Adventure Riders Facebook group.

Sorry, but I don't link on this page to Instagram accounts, Facebook accounts, Twitter accounts or other social media accounts by motorcycle travelers that are just "hey, look at me" accounts. I am looking for narratives that provide insights and advice.

Communities

There are lots on Facebook and they are easy to find using whatever keywords you want to use. Some are national are international, but there may be one specifically for your region. They are good places to get advice about destinations or gear, or to find a riding class, or to brag about a motorcycle trip. There's also these groups on Reddit:

TwoXRiders

motorcycleSheRides

pnwriders - for motorcycle riders in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington state mostly)

motorcyclesroadtrip

Dualsport

adv

motorcycles

motorcycle

MotoUK

There's also web sites with online communities, like ADV Rider.

Web Sites For Good Info About Travel, In General

Trip Advisor
A site of mostly hotel recommendations, where people put in their own comments about the hotels. Be sure you read all reviews - and be careful both of reviews that are obviously by the staff of a hotel or their families ("This is the greatest hotel EVER!") or reviews that may initially seem bad but are actually by someone with whom you would never want to travel ("this hotel was awful - there was no flat screen TV!"). You can also use it to track your travels (view my travel map).

BootsnAll. A travel web site packed with articles by a variety of travelers on a variety of subjects, including The Long-Term Traveler’s Guide to Love on the Road. and Reclaim Your Power After Harassment (or Worse) as a Solo Female Traveler. “Boots” signifies the search for the ultimate pair of Boots that would be versatile enough to be the only footwear a traveler would need. “nAll” is meant to stand for everything else that independent travel could bring: Amazing people, unique experiences, freedom, personal growth and just plain fun.

Pink Pangea, an online community of women who love to travel. "It’s the place where you can get authentic travel information from women just like you who want to see the world and are already doing it. Post your travel stories; join one of our international writing, yoga, and hiking retreats; sharpen your writing skills in our online workshops; and connect with a community of extraordinary women."

Transitions Abroad List of Resources for Camping Abroad. Great information about tent camping abroad, particularly in Europe.

Hosteling International
Let's you book hostels online in advance that are a part of the Hosteling International network.

Lonely Planet
Publisher of the oh-so-famous travel guides, which I find to be the best anywhere. Its online forum, called "The Thorn Tree", is a great place to ask for advice. 

Rough Guides - Travel
Somewhat similar to Lonely Planet, published out of Great Britain.

Travel Intelligence
First-hand accounts of travel across the globe.

Insure My Trip, a site to compare trip insurance. I found out about it from Clark Howard's show.

Travel.State.Gov
By the U.S. State Department. Tips for USA citizens traveling or residing abroad. Includes information on getting a passport, and which countries require Americans to get a visa before you visit. Frequently updated.

US State Department Advice for Women Travelers. Includes information on what American citizens should do if they are sexually assaulted while abroad.

Transition Abroad: Women Travel Guide: Has advice for solo woman travel, women-only tours, women travel websites and more. Also has information on safety for women traveling abroad

Founded in 2006, Diversity Abroad is an international organization that works to ensure that students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic and social backgrounds are aware, have equal access and take advantage of the benefits and opportunities afforded through global education exchanges - international study, internships, teaching opportunities, volunteering opportunities, degree and job opportunities, etc. They have a resource for women abroad focused on safety and cultural awareness. They also have resources especially for racial & ethnic minority travelers abroad, LGBTQ+ travelers abroad, and travelers with disabilities abroad

Resources for Traveling & Studying Abroad
A terrific site by the International Center at the University of Michigan that should be read by anyone about to travel or work abroad. It's focused on students attending U of M, but so much of the site has information for absolutely anyone.

There are more than 878 UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are mix of man-made and natural sites, all outstanding, each with universal value. There is an AWFUL book called 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz that's actually "1000 Luxury Hotels to See Before You Die." Don't even bother with it -- the UNESCO sites are a much better goal for world travel. You may have a site quite near wherever you are now in the world. Also, get involved with Friends of World Heritage.

And now a word from my husband: