Marta Olabarria, Aroa Montes, Eli Lima, Naiara González, Amets Parada, Patricia Fernández, and Irati Matins, all between 23 and 42 years old, share a common passion: motorcycles. Six are from Biscay, and 'one is from Castro', specifies Matins, a resident of Lemoa. For years, they have attended events together, such as 'motorcycling grand prix, rides, or gatherings', on their high-capacity machines, 'most of us, 600 cc'.
Although the presence of women in motor-related events is becoming increasingly normalized, 'there are still moments when it's a bit surprising to see seven girls arrive as a group', Matins acknowledges. A couple of years ago, when two of them visited the iconic and dangerous Isle of Man TT, 'they stopped us and asked: are you here alone?'. Their response was firm: 'We are together'. Even so, 'some insisted and asked if we had come accompanied by a guy'.
Therefore, with the aim of making women in motorcycling visible, 'we decided to take a step further and formally create an association to put a face to what we do'. This is how, four years ago, the '+ Curvas' association was born, a fitting play on words for what they wish to represent. 'We liked it because it symbolizes the curvy silhouette of a woman and what attracts all bikers most: the curves on the road', she explains.
They have done this to assert their role, place, and space in a still very male-dominated world, while making it clear that 'we have always been very well received and welcomed wherever we have gone'. And they are very grateful for it. 'We have always felt very supported by the guys. I always emphasize that without them, we wouldn't be here. They are the first to support and help us', assures Matins.
It's not about proving anything, but about belonging equally to a community, a sisterhood, governed by values such as solidarity in case of breakdowns or accidents, camaraderie, and mutual respect. 'Just like them, we've found ourselves in situations where we've had difficulty lifting, moving, or turning the motorcycle, and they've always been willing to push or lend a hand', she insists. After all, 'under the suit and under the helmet, we are all equal'.
Four years after its creation, the '+ Curvas' group now faces a new and exciting challenge. Encouraged by 'our great friend and biker Ruben Sevilla', they have decided to 'put the pedal to the metal' with their objectives and organize a motorcycle gathering in Lemoa, 'which is the municipality where I live and, moreover, has a female mayor'. The event will take place on June 20th, with the collaboration of the City Council, 'who have given us every facility in the world', and aims to create a meeting space for passion, experiences, and kilometers among women bikers, although activities will be open to everyone interested.
The program will begin at 9:00 AM with the reception of participants and the start of a motorcycle route for which registration is open. 'It's open to all types of bikers, girls and boys. So we encourage everyone to come and participate. The more, the better'. Throughout the day, there will also be an exhibition by a children's pilot school, games related to the world of motorcycling, and entertainment. One of the most anticipated moments will be in the afternoon with a stunt exhibition by Ruben Sevilla, a specialist in motorcycle acrobatics.
There is still a week left until the event, and although some attendances are yet to be confirmed, Matins anticipates the presence of 'different riders from various disciplines', such as 'two girls competing in karts who are the only ones in their categories and therefore compete with boys', rally co-drivers, 'a girl competing in speed racing, another in Spanish Motocross Enduro championships, or two girls who will come with drift cars...'
For Matins and her '+ Curvas' companions, 'it's a beautiful way to see that from an early age you can enjoy the world of motorcycling, participate, and compete equally'. And also for girls who feel attracted to or interested in motorcycles or cars to 'have female role models at a professional level and think: if they can do it, so can I'.
Marta Olabarria, Aroa Montes, Eli Lima, Naiara González, Amets Parada, Patricia Fernández, and Irati Martins have been able to enjoy their passion, attend events, form an association, and now, also organize a striking and powerful gathering. They are doing it with care and great enthusiasm, grateful for the support and welcome they are receiving. All registered participants will receive a small gift, can attend a large paella lunch, and participate in a raffle of gifts 'donated by our sponsors'.
Everything is ready. All that's left is to start the engines, hit the road, and head to Lemoa to enjoy the big motorcycling festival on June 20th.
