Hico — Women, polish up your bikes and put on your best leathers this Saturday and come out to the New River Gorge Harley-Davidson shop for a women’s only garage party.

A meet-and-greet will be held with Laura Klock, a three-time land speed record holder and pilot of the world’s fastest bagger — a motorcycle with saddle bags.

Tiffany Calvert, the motor clothes manager at NRH-D, said it’s an event you’re not going to want to miss.

“It’s going to be fun,” she said. “Laura’s really interesting and a great motivational speaker.”

Klock will share her experiences about racing, riding stories and encouragement for women riders.

In the past, motorcycle riding has been male-oriented, said Mike Thomas, general manager at NRH-D, but within the last decade there’s been an influx in women riders.

“She’s proven,” he said. “Just because you’re a lady doesn’t mean you can’t ride. It’s part of their liberation. They deserve to be relaxed just like the men.”

Calvert said it’s no longer a male thing and meeting a prominent figure in the motor racing industry will only help those to get away from riding behind their husbands and learn to reeve the throttle.

“It’s encouraging for other women,” she said. “There’s still a lot that think riding a bike is just for guys and girls are suppose to be on the back.”

The event will focus around sharing experiences and educating to ride safer and better.

Each department — parts, sales and motor clothes — will have a presentation. They’ll share hands on tips including how to change a seat on their bike, what to wear, safety checks and how to properly pick up a bike if it falls over.

Thomas said women from the local Harley Owners Group will be there as well.

The event is free to the public and although RSVP is encouraged it’s not required. Calvert said those that do RSVP will receive a “goodie” bag.

A spaghetti dinner with a salad, dessert and drinks will be served.

Although it’s a women’s only party, ladies may, if they choose, bring their husbands, Thomas said.

The event begins at 4 p.m. and runs to about 6 p.m. at the shop’s location at 25385 Midland Trail in Hico.

To RSVP call 304-658-3300.

Calvert said she’s excited to meet Klock and hopes others will turn out to meet not only an amazing racer but an great person.

“When I think of racing I think of all guys,” she said. “When a chick does it it’s pretty darn awesome.

           — E-mail: cjackson@register-herald.com