The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association has brought hundreds of bikers to Staunton, but some people might be surprised to find out that nearly one-third of the group's attendees are women.

The women include riders from age 16 to 71, with some who took their first riding lesson at age 60.

Members say that women riders are on the rise around the nation and the group is one of the most accepting of lady bikers around.

Flora Diehl, a group member, says, "It's a lot of fun. I've met lots of people, gone lots of places because of being part of motorcycle culture. It's not just women putzing around on the road. There are a lot of very skilled riders in this group."

Diehl encourages interested women to first take a motorcycle safety course in their local area to learn, even if they have no prior experience.