No matter how long you’ve ridden, I think we can all agree it’s a dangerous road out there on a motorcycle. So it’s nice to know that there are schools you can attend to help you maneuver though it all. And if you’re like the hundreds of us who prefer an all-girl learning environment, then the Women’s Riding School (WRS) in New Hampshire should be added to your yearly repertoire. 

In fact, the WRS is "the oldest and only all women's motorcycle riding school in the country," according to Judy Mirro, the school’s founder. It was at the age of 38, that Judy arrived to the New Hampshire International Speedway and received her Road Racing License and started racing; she even has trophies to reflect back on those 'fast' times. Judy's track experience, along with her ten years plus as a nationally certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Instructor for all riding levels, made her a natural fit to start a program targeted towards women.

During her early days at the track, Judy also began instructing at track events and help to organize the very first Ladies Track Day (LTD) event in New Hampshire, which evolved into now what is the Women’s Riding School. 

On the heels of the next WRS (July 28), we caught up with Judy to learn more about the school, and what attendees should expect.  

“Our focus is on fun, safety, and education. The low student to instructor ratio ensures everyone gets the attention they need. And, all experience levels are welcome from novice to expert," says Judy.

The plus side to this learning experience is that it is open to any type of bike. "Virtually any bike can be used as long as it passes our basic safety inspection. Cruisers, standards, dirt bikes we’ve had them all," adds Judy.

Before the day even begins, women gather for a dinner party the night before, dubbed the official Meet-N-Greet where anxious riders get to meet and share the excitement of what’s ahead.

 Here’s what a typical day includes:

• Riders prepare their motorcycles for technical inspections by our safety team and technicians

• Students are then taken on the 1.6 mile track walk to get an understanding of the concepts we will be teaching and become familiar with the road surface

• The remainder of the day alternates between on-track riding and classroom academics with this year's guest instructor Ken Condon of Motorcycle Consumer News. He has an impressive background in racing and MSF education.

This loop of classroom, on-course and debrief/break continues throughout the day. 

• After a healthy lunch we continue to work the loop, but there is a lot more free ride time as the day progresses. The afternoon is when those who need one-on-one training really get the attention they need. For those who want more time alone, it is available as well.
• Unique to our day are the optional in-field exercises. Our MSF Chief Instructor works with students on tight maneuvers and emergency braking. 

The day comes to a close with attendees receiving completion diplomas, goodie bags, raffle prizes, and of course, a group shot to capture the moment. See pictured.

While students travel from all over to make it to this unique school, Judy realizes many miss out because of the one location. Her ultimate goal is to “…offer our all-women riding school at facilities around the country. Students come from all over the USA and we know more riders would attend if it was closer to where they lived."