More female bikers are riding solo.

KNBN-TV

updated 11:31 a.m. CT, Tues., Aug. 5, 2008

Sturgis SD

Harley Davidson is smart, targeting the female riding crowd. More and more women are getting behind the handle bars to experience the thrill of the ride from the front of a Harley. When it comes to the bikers, it's typically a man's world, with women traditionally just along for the ride. But the stereotypical image of the biker is changing, as women are moving from the back of the motorcycle to the driver’s seat in record numbers. According to women riders now, the number of women riding motorcycles has increased 36 percent in the last decade.

"Eyes", Chicago “There are some people meant to sit on the back. That's not me.”

Women bikers say there's nothing wrong with riding on the back of a bike, but there's also nothing like the feel and freedom of having your own.

Diane, Minnesota “Your own independence, get out do what you want.

”Wanda, Minnesota “Control, freedom, I don't even know it's just exhilarating for me.

Independence and freedom is an attitude Sturgis has claimed for the past 68 years. But, just like the once male dominated Rally, times are changing, and if the trend continues, expect even more women bikers to roll into town next year. Not all men are for women bikers. Some male bikers say that not only do they like the way women look on the back, but that it's also easier. They say if they ride with a woman biker, they're more concerned about her safety, and they tend to be constantly looking in the rear view mirror to make sure she's safe. When she's on the back, they can concentrate on the road ahead.