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Member and guests impromptu ride to Adrian Oregon for lunch

Women on Wheels

Women On Wheels® was founded in California by an avid woman motorcyclist in 1982.   Its purpose has always been to unite women motorcycle enthusiasts, whether they ride their own machine, are motorcycle passengers, or future motorcyclists.  WOW members are located throughout the United States, Canada, and several other countries.   WOW has over 800 members and is growing strong.

It’s not what we ride that’s important, but rather the fact that we enjoy riding to begin with! Women On Wheels® is a family-oriented organization and encourages family members to become involved through our support membership for spouses/significant others and our child membership for future riders.

Individual Participation

Once you become a member of Women On Wheels®, you can remain unaffiliated with a chapter and enjoy WOW through the magazine, the Ride-In (annual international rally), and the WOW web sites.   Or, you are welcome to participate with as many local chapters as you choose. There are currently more than 42 chapters

Membership Benefits

The many benefits to WOW membership include the following:​

  • Membership Card
  • Membership pin, patch, and helmet decal
  • Courtesy cards
  • Windshield stickers
  • Digital annual member service directory
  • Discounts offered by some organizations in the motorcycle industry
  • Digital copy of Women On Wheels® quarterly magazine
  • Printed magazine option for Full members
  • All member personal mileage milestone award system
  • Recruiter credits

Membership Options

WOMEN ON WHEELS INTERNATIONAL

In order to be a member of the Idaho Gems (a State Chapter), you must become a member of Women On Wheels®. There are currently no fees for Idaho Gems. Below, is the cost breakdown for all types of membership in Women On Wheels®.

Cost for Women On Wheels® Membership

  • Membership in Women On Wheels® is a great value for only $45 (US) per year with online magazine. To receive printed magazine with membership cost is $65. Note: For those outside the US, membership plus printed magazine is an additional $5/yr due to higher magazine mailing costs.
  • GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Membership is $75. This provides our members the opportunity to provide extra support to WOW, receive printed magazine and get discounts on WOW merchandise and their Ride-In ™ registration.
  • Support Membership is $25 per year – an excellent choice for your spouse/significant other to participate in WOW events and activities.
  • Child membership is $10 per year for those under sixteen.
  • Magazine Only Subscription  (not entitled to member benefits nor participation)  $20 per year.

You may get an application from any Idaho Gems member, or you can go directly to the national WOW web site and print a copy to mail.

Chapter Information

Our motorcycling group is non-bike specific.   Our focus is safety.  Idaho Gems chartered in March, 2006, we plan short rides as well as overnighters, and participate in area wide non-profit charity and community events and rallies.   We love spontaneous, informal weekday rides!   If you can ride during the week, be sure to get on our email list so you can be notified of an impending putt.

Riding in a group requires some discipline and adherence to common sense principals.    Since your actions not only affect you, but the other riders as well, we emphasize safety.    RIDE SAFE — you may be riding in a group, but you must think for yourself…do not follow blindly! Please remember you are responsible for your own bike and riding choices.

Participation in group rides recommended 1000 miles of motorcycle riding experience, 500 miles of experience on the current motorcycle and membership in the national organization. No Alcohol or Drugs are permitted during rides or lunch stops. Any rider feeling they must partake will be asked to remove themselves from the group.  This is for the safety of all concerned. If you are going to separate from the group, for any reason, please let your ride coordinator or sweep rider know. We want to be sure everyone arrives home safely. If someone separates from the group without previously telling the lead, it‘s of great concern.

We ask our more novice riders to place themselves towards the back of the group. If you feel you fit into this category, please place yourself there.  We assistance to help new riders acclimate riding with a group and to just improve overall riding skills.

New members short of the mileage requirements are encouraged to contact the group and request assistance to join rides and “log some miles”. Remember these rules are to promote safe riding experiences. 

Significant Others can ride as Support Members to Full Members.   There are lots of ladies out there that have husbands, S.O.’s, or boyfriends that like to ride, too.  They are welcome to attend as Support Members to a Full Member.   We have none at the local club level.* However, if you are riding with our group you need to join the national Women On Wheels® organization.   Our members can provide you with an application or you can go to the national website.

Please print out and read the Idaho Gems Motorcycle Ride Release Form.   You will be asked to sign and file with the chapter this form prior to your first ride with the group.    You will also be asked to fill out and file with the Chapter Director a copy of our Emergency Form.   Please print this form and keep a copy of both for your records.    Please arrive at the rendezvous point with a FULL TANK OF GAS.

In addition, our chapter will also observe additional WOW goals: 

  • Assist the motorcycling community and the public at large in becoming aware that women are serious motorcyclists deserve recognition.
  • Encourage further developments within the motorcycle industry to meet women’s needs for equipment, clothing and accessories.
  • Make available information on safe riding techniques and encourage participation in motorcycle safety courses.
  • Promote a positive image of motorcyclists, and of women as motorcyclists, through educating the news media and the general public, thereby challenging the untrue stereotypes that are commonly presented.
  • Enhance the sheer enjoyment of motorcycling and encourage women by showing them they have limitless potential and can accomplish any dream.