'WOMEN ONLY' TRACKDAY A TRUE SUCCESS

By Alex James Photography

It was truly fantastic to see over sixty women take over Donington Park circuit yesterday.

Filling the paddock, garages and circuit with their bikes and taking to the track, some for the very first time, it was a really special, as this is what I've been working towards for the past few years.

Not only was it a record breaking number of women to attend one of my trackdays but it was a record number of women, over thirty, who were taking to the track for the very first time.

Seeing so many faces from my previous events was fabulous and seeing just as many new ones was really brilliant as it means that the word is spreading and more women are realising that this is a great place to learn and improve their riding and increase their two wheeled confidence.

It was a brilliant day from start to finish and even the weather gods were kind and gave us clear blue skies and warm sunshine.

I'm blown away by the positive feedback I'm already receiving [I'll be sharing some on here soon] and I have to say that I couldn't have done these events without the support of Donington Park, so huge thanks to all the team there!

It was an absolute pleasure to meet and ride with all the ladies who attended the day - it's these women, who come and support these days that will make it possible for more women to benefit from more dates in the future.

I hope that with your continued support we can make more happen next year and see even more women gain confidence on their bikes!

Special thanks to my ace team of instructors; Rupert, Brad, Levi and Virgil. To everyone at Donington Park, to the No Limits team for the top admin/pit lane work, Alex James Photography for capturing some brilliant moments, Terri & Gary for support, Donna at Bespoke Injury Management for doing sports massages during the afternoon, BMW Motorrad UK for the BMW S 1000 RR instructor bikes, CPL Print for the certificates, EBC Brakes for the goody bags, and EBC, HEL & NGK for the additional prizes.

The next trackday is on October 14th and we may not have as good weather then but I guarantee you'll have a brilliant day!

I hope to see you then!

NEXT WOAM TRACKDAY - JULY 15TH

Don't miss out on the next 'women only' trackday at Donington Park in conjunction with No Limits and Towergate Insurance.

The idea behind these events is to bring like-minded women together to enjoy two wheels in a controlled, friendly and supportive environment to enable everyone to build confidence and learn new riding skills and go home with a big smile on their face.

Some ladies from previous events have gone on to take up racing and because of the quality and amount of track time you get as individuals it's also the perfect place to work on getting your knee down or improving your race craft. My instructors and I have plenty of experience to offer guidance to all levels of rider.

But it's not all about speed, so please don't be put off if you're new to riding or the race track.

We specialise in catering for novices to biking and to those taking to the track for the first time. This is the perfect place to brush up on what you learnt in your bike test. You get to ride on one of the countries most beautiful and undulating circuits whilst in the company of other women and gain instruction, as part of the price, from myself and my team of instructors.

We strive to help, encourage and support every woman who attends. The atmosphere is different and thanks to my super lovely team you'll be be made to feel at ease as soon as you arrive.

Signing on starts early at 7.30am and is followed by a briefing which you must all attend. Track sessions will start at 9am. Lunch is included in the price and is available from the restaurant in the paddock. Hot drinks are available in the garages throughout the day.

The number of riders on track is limited to give you quality learning time on track. You'll get 7 x 20 minute sessions and riders will be placed in groups to suit their ability. We can always move people around if necessary.

Don't forget that this is a 98db noise limit day - so bring a baffle if your bike exhaust needs one.

We would like everyone to be part of a group photograph and at the start of the day and a presentation will take place at the end of the day. Everyone will receive a certificate and goody bag and three prizes [kindly donated by HEL Brake Lines, EBC Brakes & NGK Spark Plugs] will also be awarded - so please try and stay, it's also a good time to share your experiences over a brew before you set off home.

The feedback from the last event was overwhelming. But don't just go by what I say, read what one lady who attended had to say here: http://www.morebikes.co.uk/ladies-day-maria-costellos-female-only-track-day-at-donington-park/

The BBC also filmed at my earlier Donington Park trackday - check it out here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/32971684

Limited places are still available - so don't miss out - BOOK NOW!
http://www.donington-park.co.uk/events/2015/07/15/women-only-motorcycle-trackdays-with-maria-costello/
www.nolimitstrackdays.com/book or Tel: 01727 827794

You could always join my group 'Woman on a Motorcycle' here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267548396738593/?fref=ts

Got a question? Drop me an email at woam@costelloracing.com

And hopefully I'll see you on July 15th!

WIN A PLACE ON MARIA'S WOMEN ONLY TRACK DAY

Leading motorcycle racer Maria Costello MBE is offering female bikers the chance to win a fantastic day's coaching at Silverstone.

The former Isle of Man TT record holder hosts another of her popular women-only riding skills track days on Tuesday 9th September - and you can be there with her.

This will be the third women-only event run by Costello, who will again provide expert guidance, support and one-to one-tuition. 

It is aimed at female riders of all abilities, and Costello and her team of expert instructors aim to boost bike-handling skills and confidence.

Costello said: “Silverstone is my local track, it’s a fantastic facility and Stowe [the circuit being used] is a great coaching circuit. I was blown away by the positive feedback I received from those who participated last time out and the improvements made by those who attended.”

The track day costs £199 but Costello is offering one lucky woman the chance to be there for free. Go to http://winit.motorcyclenews.com/sweepstakes/win-a-place-on-maria-costello-s-track-day-4379 to enter her great competition. 

Don’t want to leave it to luck to be part of this event? Book your place via the Silverstone website here: http://www.silverstone.co.uk/experiences/bike-track-days/your-riding-group/

Image by www.beckphotographic.com

WOAM Celebrate International Female Ride Day

              

Members of the Facebook group Woman on a Motorcycle (WOAM) held its first successful meeting of 2014 to celebrate International Female Ride Day at Dallington Fitness in Northampton.

The synchronized Worldwide event is now in its eighth year and is a campaign for women motorcyclists, organised by MOTORESS, with the purpose of highlighting and profiling the female motorcycle and scooter rider. Its mission is that of building and underlining broad-spectrum (and public) awareness of female motorcyclists of every culture around the world, while simultaneously encouraging other women to take up the activity.

WOAM, founded by Maria Costello MBE, has more than 1100 members from the UK and overseas and is a group which echoes the same ethos as the event, so Maria was keen to involve the group.

Maria commented: “It was very short notice so I was really pleased to see so many ladies and some of their male friends make the event. One member clocked up a 285 mile round trip from Hampshire to come and say hello and one admin member drove down from Teesside just to bring cakes. The Dallington Fitness venue was perfect with plenty of bike parking space and both indoor and outdoor seating for everyone to enjoy some refreshments, watching the MotoGP qualifying on the TV inside or enjoying the sunshine outside.”

Other members rode in from Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Oxford, Nottingham and Redditch any many were meeting for the first time.

“We’d all done as the event suggests (‘Just Ride’) and ridden to the event. The sun was out and the bike banter was great. We all made new friends and the feedback I’ve had is great, so we’ll be planning more for the future.” Added Costello.

Maria would like to extend special thanks to Suzuki GB for the loan of the GSXR750 that she rode to the event on.

The next meet will be held at the North West 200, Maria’s next race meeting. Details will be announced on the group on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267548396738593/?fref=ts

MARIA’S WOMAN ON A MOTORCYCLE GROUP MEET TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY - THIS SATURDAY

MARIA’S WOMAN ON A MOTORCYCLE GROUP MEET TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY.

Motorcycle racer Maria Costello MBE has organised the first official 2014 meet, for members of her Woman on a Motorcycle (WOAM) Facebook group, to celebrate International Female Ride Day on the 3^rd May.

Maria commented: “What better way to celebrate both the International Female Ride Day and my group WOAM than have a meet for women who own, ride or have access to a motorcycle and do as the event suggests; ‘Just Ride’. The ladies in the group have supported me so much with my racing over the last 12 months that I wanted to give something back. This is the first of many meets that I am trying to organise around the UK this year in between my racing calendar.”

The WOAM group was founded by Maria in 2013 and now boasts more than 1000 members both in the UK and overseas and was created to encourage ladies who ride motorcycles to share their knowledge and experiences with each other.

The meet up takes place on Saturday 3rd May at Dallington Fitness, Poyntz Lane, Off Mill Lane, Dallington, Northampton NN5 7TZ, Tel: 01604 592929 - http://www.dallingtonfitness.co.uk - between 2-4pm. Refreshments will be available along with WOAM merchandise and Maria will be holding a raffle for a signed copy of her autobiography ‘Queen of Bikers’.

The invitation to meet up at Dallington Fitness is extended to bikers of both genders. ‘We want to show the guys that we share the same passion, ability and enthusiasm for motorcycling and it’s important that everyone is aware of women riders as a growing group in biking.’ added Maria.

Further dates for WOAM meets hosted by Maria will be announced via the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/267548396738593/?fref=ts or her website www.costelloracing.com.

2014 DATES ANNOUNCED FOR WOMEN ONLY TRACK DAYS AT SILVERSTONE HOSTED BY MARIA COSTELLO MBE

Maria and the women who attended the very first Silverstone women only track day group. Image by Rich Walker.

Maria Costello MBE is delighted to announce two new dates in 2014 for her women only track days. Silverstone will once more host the events for women riders on 10 April and 9 September 2014 and bookings are being taken now:

“I couldn’t have been more pleased with how the first Silverstone women only track day, that I hosted back in October, was received. I was overwhelmed by the positive feedback from both the circuit and all who attended. So it’s great to announce two new dates for 2014 and give another two opportunities to those that missed the chance to come along. I also hope to see some of the same faces again too. The events are now available online and can be booked now!” explained Costello.

The events have been made available following the success of the first ever Ladies only track days held earlier this year and are aimed at allowing like-minded women a track-based experience in a relaxed, controlled and all female environment:

“My Woman on a Motorcycle (WOAM) Facebook group has grown rapidly in recent months and it’s a great sounding board to see what women really want. The recurring theme appears to be the chance to take to the track and improve their riding skills in a controlled environment with instruction from yours truly. Not all women are comfortable with a traditional style track day, as some find it intimidating, so holding women only days means those ladies have an opportunity to do something that they wouldn’t otherwise have tried. Anything that helps women get out on their bikes can only be good for motorcycling in general, so I’m looking forward to these opportunities for me and my team to provide guidance and tuition, both on and off the track.” added Maria.

To find out more or to book a place on the women only track days, please visit http://www.silverstone.co.uk/experiences/Bike-experiences/bike-track-days/

Dates for other women only events, including meet ups, ride outs, touring and women only track days at Teesside Autodrome will be announced soon, on both the Woman on a Motorcycle Facebook group and Maria’s website www.costelloracing.com.

To see Suzy from Bike World’s video diary of her attendance at Maria Costello’s Silverstone women only track day, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEnkcb_ck2s

2013 Sponsors:

HOL-TAJ, The European Shoe Machinery Company Ltd, HEL Brake lines, Draper Tools, Rock Oil, Kawasaki UK Ltd, Arai, NGK, Vmtek Suspension/Wilbers, Radicool, Jap4Performance, Skidmarx, EBC, GBRacing, Gimoto, Premier Bodyworks, Racing Batteries, Knox, The Image Works, iDP Moto Ltd, Cranfield University, Racebikebitz/Samco hoses, Daytona boots, B&C Express, APC (Wet Paint) Ltd, Flying Tiger Paintwork, Christian Baker, Dallington Fitness Leisure & Wellbeing Club, Trilogy Gyms, DnG, Sparkes Management Support, JP-PT Personal Trainer, Bespoke Injury Management, Premier Therapy, Scott Physio, Udo’s Choice, Body Helix, Print Monkey, Made by Mood, Stomp, Spider Grips & SPORTTAPE.

VINTAGE MAKE-OVER FOR WOMAN ON A MOTORCYCLE FACEBOOK GROUP MEMBERS.

Maria has a Vintage Hair Lounge make-over for a photo shoot with the George Cohen Norton she raced in 2012 - Image by Scott Chalmers

Maria Costello MBE is offering her Woman On A Motorcycle Facebook group members the opportunity to get a Vintage make-over by the amazing people at the Vintage Hair Lounge.

Maria has been fortunate to have the Vintage Hair Lounge at her disposal for the past two years at The Goodwood Revival, an event set in the 1950s and 60s, where looking the part and having a period hairstyle is essential. Now she has the opportunity to offer this amazing experience to her Facebook group of women bikers.

The Vintage Hair Lounge are looking for models to sit for their Vintage Hairstyling For Camera course in Milton Keynes on 18 November. Not only will the models get pampered and taken back in time with a new and retro hairstyle, but it will also be captured by top photographer Scott Chalmers.

Maria commented: “I’ve been so lucky to enjoy vintage styling by the Vintage Hair Lounge at the Revival over the past two years. They are an amazing team of hair stylists and I’ve been trying to think of a way to offer this to others and this is the perfect opportunity; plus it’s free! To top it all, Scott Chalmers will be capturing the experience and I’m sure that all who attend will treasure the pictures he takes, just like I do!”

The courses are laid on by the Vintage Hair Lounge, under the watchful eyes of Gloria and Sharon Holloway who look after the technical training and historical training respectively. Sharon, a media hair and make-up designer added: ”We are always after a variety of models for our students Vintage Hairstyling For Camera courses and Maria and her girls fit the bill perfectly. In addition to the hairstyling, we will have make-up artist support on the day and we’re looking forward to turning the girls into camera ready models, to suit the era that their hair has been styled in.”

The Milton Keynes course will be taking place at The Joseph's Experience, 3 The Courtyard, Brooklands Farm, Newport Road, Broughton, Milton Keynes, MK16 0HU http://www.josephs-experience.co.uk/, with two sessions operating from 10am until 1pm and 2pm until 5pm.

To find out more about the course and the modelling opportunity, please contact woam@costelloracing.com

To stay in touch with Maria Costello MBE’s events, please visit her website: http://www.costelloracing.com. 

Special thanks to: 

2013 Sponsors and associates: HOL-TAJ, The European Shoe Machinery Company Ltd, HEL Brake lines, Draper Tools, Rock Oil, Dymag wheels, Kawasaki UK Ltd, Arai, NGK spark plugs, Vmtek Suspension/Wilbers, Radicool, Premier Bodyworks, Jap4Performance, Skidmarx, EBC, GBRacing, Gimoto, Racing Batteries, Knox, The Image Works, iDP Moto Ltd, Cranfield University, Racebikebitz/Samco hoses, Daytona boots, B&C Express, APC (Wet Paint) Ltd, Christian Baker, Dallington Fitness Leisure & Wellbeing Club, Trilogy Gyms, DnG, Sparkes Management Support, JP-PT Personal Trainer, Bespoke Injury Management, Ashgrove Clinic, Scott Physio, Premier Therapy, Udo’s Choice, Body Helix, Costume Hire Earls Barton, SPORTTAPE, Print Monkey, Made by Mood, Stomp, Flying Tiger Paintwork & Spider Grips.