The first Friday in August saw me stuck in a traffic jam and headed towards Wales with my best friend and über-petrolette Robin, wondering if a women’s only motorcycle festival that had organically evolved in the sun-baked Californian desert could be picked up and successfully placed in the verdant hills of South Wales. The simple answer is yes!

If you haven't learnt of Las Marias MC, the all women club gracing the streets of Mexico City, then let us enlighten you. Their catch cry is also a call for freedom where they feel stronger and safer on amongst the chaos of Mexico City roads when they're together but also, and perhaps more to the point of their pursuit for freedom is in the boldness in which they express themselves. Their club titles also come with alter egos that heighten their passion for riding and the individuality it affords. There is no specific bike type, for the Marias their club is about riding and standing stronger together.

Many women today may never know war or discrimination in the way the Spitfire Sisters did during World War Two in Britain. By order of the King, women were not allowed to be involved in combat, much less be members of the Royal AirForce transporting aircraft to troops fighting in the war. This documentary tells their important story and reminds us of our role in contributing to collective identity that is empowering and history making.

The Pink Panthers motorcycle club in Monrovia, Liberia is made up of women who make their living riding motorcycles as taxis. After several assaults, (one rider was guided into an ambush by potential passengers, beaten and had her bike stolen) the women motorcycle taxis of Monrovia decided to band together and established a motorcycle club by wearing bright pink and riding together. 

The weather Gods were kind to The Throttle Dolls on an April Sunday morning in Sydney, just before we got some unusually violent weather, it was perfect riding through the northern suburbs of the City through some of our prettiest coastal roads. The Dolls coordinated another big ride for all male and female riders alike and was the first time they felt confident to be able to start taking on members. 

The emergence of all-women social groups (who aren't afraid of sharing their moto exploits) is not showing any signs of slowing down. Sydney locals The Throttle Dolls formalised their friendship-cum-riding posse less than eighteen months ago having been having a great time. IVV invited the Dolls to tell us, in their own words, the journey thus far and where it all started.  

Yep, it’s got to be up there with one of the most important relationships in your life. Partner, Family, Bestie… Mechanic? But how do you know if you’re onto a good thing or being played? Luckily for us, Adrian from the Rising Sun Workshop is on hand to help us out.

The Lady Mechanic Initiative was founded by Nigeria's first female mechanic over a decade ago to give women who face many discriminations in Nigeria a chance at a profession. Their mission is to empower women and girls who are labelled indigent, victims of human trafficking, a widow or a any women who want to learn a profession within the automotive industry through the technical and mechanic skills they teach. 

This past weekend at Aftershock, the second year of the event, was the first year we had enough ladies to make up a heat. Featuring Zaya, Carina, Nikki of the Foxy Fuelers, and yours truly. Four heats on the dirt track and four heats on the flat track, Carina took first place for the women's...

Anyone who has lived in a city that celebrates Mardi Gras would know the Dykes on Bikes as the bare chested, bondage wearing, Harley Davidson riding lesbians who head the parade with pride. What few realise, (including myself) is that they are the longest running all-female motorcycle club known to the Western world...

Midwives for Haiti are not only supporting women in the earthquake devastated country but maintaining natural delivery and the wonderful care that midwives offer. Rotary International donated a fully equipped medical Jeep (in pink) as a mobile clinic to allow MFH to reach more remote locations for pre and post natal care. Check out this great short film about this important service.

An example of grit, determination, strength and passion, these women are the Speed Sisters. Based in (and a product of) Palestine the Speed Sisters have managed to become the first all female racing group in the Arab world, smashing stereotypes whilst they're at it. Check out the trailer to their upcoming film about the inspired story of Noor, Marah, Mona, Maysoon and Betty.

Introducing the first five Petrolettes of IVV. Five very different women, riders, bikes and adventurists but all commonly want to see more women on the road, loving life and living in the moment. Every fortnight IVV will be taking a deeper look at the lives of each of these women further learning why they ride and what they love about it.