Harley-Davidson's all-female party may bring out the biker in you

When you think of Harley-Davidson, what comes to mind? Big, shiny motorcycles. Big, burly guys with beards and tattoos. Not a whole lot of women are in the Harley-Davidson scene, right? Wrong.

The staff at Low Country Harley-Davidson said that there are more women into riding Harley-Davidsons than you might first imagine.

"The percent of women who have purchased new Harley-Davidson motorcycles has steadily increased in the past twenty years," said the retailer's event planner, Jennifer Oldal. "In fact, women now account for more than 12 percent of new motorcycle purchases."

This gave Oldal an idea: What if Low Country Harley-Davidson hosted an all-women garage party?

Oldal said that many women who are interested in motorcycles might be hesitant to strut into the dealership with questions. The upcoming Garage Party is a way for chicks to break into the scene.

"Women and men ride for the same reasons: freedom, adventure and individuality. It's how they get going that can take a different path," Oldal said. "Women tend to spend more time investigating the sport prior to getting involved. The Garage Party gives women an interactive, intimidation-free way to gather information and have fun doing it."

When asked what top three things Garage Party attendees would learn, Oldal said, "The difference between a Fat Boy and a Road King. How to pick up a dropped bike and how to grab life by the handlebars and feel the power of the open road."

Let's get this straight: After leaving the Garage Party, I'll be able to talk more knowledgeably about motorcycles. I'll also be able to stand up with the bike after I fall down (because I'll surely fall down at some point). And I'll most likely fall in love with a lifestyle based on adventure and freedom.

I'm hooked.

Oldal said the Low Country Harley-Davidson Garage Party isn't just about hard-core bikers and skulls and roses.

"There is such a variety of customers who enter the dealership," Oldal said. "We see tattoos and long beards, and we see popped collars and cleanshaven faces. We see women, we see men, we see all different colors and all different ages. Harley-Davidson is one brand that has the ability to unite all."