Watching the Stilettos on Steel roar by, it’s easy to be intimidated by their striking motorcycles and impressive skills. But this women’s riding group is on a crucial mission to be an encouraging haven for females across the nation, including the Richmond area.
Whether for sisterhood, a sense of wanderlust, or just to pursue a newfound interest, women are increasingly discovering hidden passions for motorcycles. Stilettos on Steel strives to empower women in what is typically a male-dominated interest. In Central Virginia, the organization has the Capital chapter.
“Stilettos on Steel originally began in Virginia in 2021,” says Nicole Piparo, the chapter’s regional coordinator. “We grew enough to launch the Capital chapter at the beginning of 2022.”
The local group currently has 23 members all of whom joined for various reasons. “My friend [a current member] told me about the Stilettos and I decided to check it out,” says Esther. “Everyone made me feel like I mattered.”
Others were in search of friendship. “I wanted like-minded people to ride with,” says Carol Ann. “I had just lost my dear, horse riding buddy and was super lonely.”
While some Stilettos are accomplished motorcyclists, there are those just getting acquainted with things. “I unfortunately am still green and have so much to learn,” says Becky, a new member. “I enjoy just being around to feel like I belong to a group of women who build each other up.”
The group is designed for women of all skill sets which can help motivate those who might be intrigued to join but hesitant. “In leading rides, I put the less experienced riders behind me so that they can control the pace of the ride,” says Piparo. “We were in your shoes once as well. Take deep breaths, you got this. We are always willing to help a new rider feel more comfortable.”
Throughout the year, the Stilettos gather and ride around the Richmond area. They also travel to other destinations, some of which are states away. “We try to have rides and events at least once a month,” Piparo says. “We do take longer trips and enjoy the company of other sisters across the United States.” The riding season is typically March to October as the cold weather can be a bit daunting to some.
Since being established, the group has taken numerous excursions, including to Lake Anna for lunch, Myrtle Beach and Fontana Dam. They’ve also explored the Virginia 5&Dime route. The 80.6-mile route loops around Route 5 to Route 10 with numerous attractions along the way.
One of the longest trips the Capital chapter Stilettos has done so far was to Memphis alongside a few other Virginia chapters. Apart from the Capital one, there are five Stilettos on Steel chapters in the commonwealth.
While similar organizations might focus on riding certain models, the Stilettos have great variation. Members can drive whatever they prefer and many often upgrade over the years. Some current models include a Harley Davidson Tri-Glide Ultra, Harley Davidson Freewheeler and 650 Yamaha.
While not a requirement, Stilettos can opt to wear a vest with special patches ranging from “No Regrets” which showcases the group’s iconic logo to the metallic “Female Rider.”
With chapters across 23 states, Stilettos on Steel was founded in 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin by Anne Zube. The social riding group strives to be a place where all women feel safe to learn motorcycling skills while showing the world that females are just as capable of operating these motor vehicles as men. It’s estimated that 20% of motorcyclists in the United States are now women.
To join, one must register on their website and pay the annual $40 membership fee. Riders must be licensed or working toward becoming licensed within their first membership year.
As more women continue to be drawn to motorcycling, groups like Stilettos on Steel will only keep growing as they encourage confidence, adventure and friendship. “I have done things with this group that I have never done before,” says Esther. “I feel lucky to have found it.”
