'Woman Rider' Magazine to Premiere
19 March 2000
Ehlert Publishing Group Announces Launch Of Women’s Motorcycle Publication
Maple Grove, Minnesota - Ehlert Publishing Group, Inc. has announced the launch
of a new magazine targeting women motorcycle enthusiasts. The premiere issue of
Woman Rider will make its debut in early July.
Woman Rider will launch as an annual in 2000, with a controlled distribution
of 40,000 copies. Plans call for a conversion to paid subscriptions and a
four-time frequency in 2001. The initial 40,000 distribution will come from
Ehlert’s database of women motorcycle owners. Woman Rider will join Ehlert’s
stable of motorcycle publications that include Rider, American Rider,
Cruising Rider and Thunder Press.
"The motorcycle industry continues to grow at a healthy rate, with 1999
retail sales up 24% from a year ago. A big part of that growth is coming from
the women’s segment," explained Group Publisher Dick Hendricks. "Current
statistics show that one in every 12 motorcycle owners in the U.S. is a
woman. Women made up nearly 10% of new bike purchasers this past year. The
time is right for a quality, lifestyle magazine for active women motorcycle
enthusiasts."
The new magazine will focus on the motorcycle lifestyle from a woman’s point
of view. The editorial lineup will also include information on top-selling
bikes, accessories and riding gear, profiles of women motorcyclists and
clubs, women-owned dealerships, tech tips, racing, travel and industry news.
Genevieve Schmitt has been named editor of Woman Rider. Schmitt previously
served as editor of the now-defunct publication Asphalt Angels. She is an
active motorcycle enthusiast who also reports and produces motorcycle
segments for "Bike Week," which airs on the Speedvision cable network, and
for "Travel Daily," which airs on The Travel Channel.
Ehlert Publishing Group publishes 13 consumer and one trade magazine serving
the four powersports markets: all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles
and personal watercraft.