March 15, 2001

YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY BABY – WOMEN EMPOWERMENT CONTINUES AT THE CALIFORNIA SUPERBIKE SCHOOL

Women Only Superbike School Motorcycle Class Makes First East Coast Appearance at Virginia International Raceway, May 16

(Los Angeles, CA) A revolution is brewing in the motorcycle industry – sisters are doing it for themselves – and the California Superbike School (CSS) is no exception. Keith Code, founder and technical director of CSS, is proud to announce that Keith Code’s California Superbike School for Women Only, sponsored by MotorcycleWorld.com (www.motorcycleworld.com), will make its first-ever East Coast appearance. Virginia International Raceway will host this watershed event on May 16, 2001.

“The fact that it is an all-women school had a complete and total impact on me,” said Leasha Overturf, a photographer from Chicago, who attended last year’s CSS West Coast Women’s Only session. “Something about it being all women meant I could feel comfortable about signing up for my first riding school.”

Renita Taylor, who works in the computer support division of a special effects company, comments, “When I heard about the all-women school, my first thought was it would be fun to be around other women who share my interest in motorcycles. I work at a place that’s a bit of a high-tech boy’s club. I’m always in that kind of atmosphere, so this was a chance to get together with other women and learn new skills.”

Many women are intimidated by the prospect of being the only woman in an advanced training course. Code’s school for women only, has been created to give women riders a class of their own. “I asked women why they would not attend the co-ed instructional track days and the answer was almost always the same; testosterone”, said Judy Mirro, Editor of MotorcycleWorld.com. “This school will give women the chance to relax and learn techniques without the added pressure that often comes with a co-ed school”.

“Although there are many women riders who have been riding as long as men, there’s a new fast growing group of women who want to experience the thrill of the open road, and the speed and freedom that only a motorcycle provides,” says Keith Code, founder of the California Superbike School. “Most women want to be as confident on the road as they are in life. We find that a lot of women riders are quickly catching up, and even surpassing men as far as riding technique, cornering and performance. There’s a tremendous desire to cover all that lost ground as quickly as possible.”

Statistical trends point to the same conclusion – women are increasingly gaining ground in the motorcycle world. A 1998 Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) owner survey reports that 1 in 12 motorcycle owners in the United States are women. In addition, they constitute 30 percent of all beginning rider courses, they are the fastest growing segment of new and used motorcycle buyers and tend to buy more and better quality gear while participating in the sport. Noting the surge of women riders taking their place on the highways and on the track, Code recognized the need for an “all women” class.

“There is a basic difference between the women’s and the regular classes: the camaraderie is so awesome in the women’s school. The guys usually have their own agenda and aren’t really there to chat. The women’s classes are like a party.” Said Code, “People are finding out that there is a rush attached to riding motorcycles. They see the increase in extreme sports and they know there’s a natural high in participation. With motorcycle riding you can get all the adrenaline you need, without any hangover.”

The CSS motto, “You must improve,” is realized by the intense one-on-one coaching provided by Code’s elite riding coaches. In addition, proprietary CSS technology will be used by the students to promote fundamental racing techniques. Braking drills, which allow students to safely explore the limits of braking, are conducted on the “Panic-Brake Bike.” Proper steering technique is illustrated by the “No Body Steering Bike”, leaving no doubt as to how a bike really steers.

Recognized as the world’s top authority on motorcycle riding instruction, Keith Code has spent the last 25 years consistently setting the standard for innovation in the motorcycle rider/training industry. In 1980, he founded CSS with the goal of creating the most comprehensive school for motorcycle enthusiasts. He has since instructed over 50,000 people in the art of cornering motorcycles, including dozens of champions. Keith strives to empower his students with an understanding that fosters confidence on the motorcycle, as well as the skills to maintain that poise.

About MotorcycleWorld.com: MotorcycleWorld.com is the Internet business unit of Bell & Howell (NYSE: BHW) dedicated to supporting the powersports community. The largest motorcycle site on the Internet (per PCData Online –December 2000) offers numerous services to consumers such as the New Bike Buyer’s Guide, Dealer Locator, Rider Reviews and much more. For more information about MotorcycleWorld.com visit www.motorcycleworld.com.# # # # #

For more information about Keith Code, Superbike School, or the instructional books and video, please contact the Superbike School by phone at (323) 224-2734, by e-mail at media@superbikeschool.com or visit the CSS website at www.superbikeschool.com.