Between the Races: Tigra Tsujikawa

Tigra Tsujikawa has one of the coolest monikers in the industry and a job to match: as Marketing and Special Events Manager for the AMA, she’s currently hard at work on gathering hundreds of female riders together for the fifth annual AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference. This year’s conference is being held in Keystone, Colorado, August 19-22; to sign up or learn more, visit the official website at www.womenandmotorcycling.com.

AMA Marketing and Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa.

How did you initially get involved in motorcycling?
I first saw a motorcycle as an inexpensive and cool way of commuting—that was in 1985. My boyfriend at the time taught me the basics, and since then I’ve been working to improve my skills through classes and learning from some more experienced riders. As of today, I’ve ridden across the country and up the coast on street bikes and have logged thousands of miles off-road in California, Nevada, Utah, and in Baja. I’m very lucky, because my work and my vacations are both on two wheels.

What’s your background in the industry itself?
I’ve worked for Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, FoxHead Inc., Fairchild Sports, and now the American Motorcyclist Association—great companies and some really good people. When I have the chance, I also really enjoy racing the Hare and Hounds and Desert Scrambles. The routes are challenging and it really helps improve my overall skills. The “desert people” are great, and the environment is fun and encouraging.

Describe your current position with the AMA and what projects or events you’re currently most excited about.
I’m the Marketing and Special Events Manager for the AMA, a position that gives me the chance to do a lot of exciting things. I have the opportunity to interact with AMA members, industry people, and dealerships. It’s great to have a job that feeds your own lifestyle.

Right now, I’m working on the AMA International Women and Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley Davidson and Buell, which will take place August 19-22 in Keystone, Colorado. This is the event that is most near and dear to my heart because there will be women riders from all over the U.S., plus Canada, the UK, Australia, and Japan at the conference, as well as some interesting and inspiring keynote speakers—women who represent all facets of motorcycling. The theme of this year’s conference is “Riding to New Heights,” and in addition to providing information on all types of riding, we’ve put together an exciting menu of seminars, classes, demonstration rides, and evening events that reflect that theme.

Tigra vs. Moab.

What would you say to convince a rider who hasn’t signed up yet to do so?
This is actually the fifth AMA women’s conference, and the community feeling at these events is unlike any other rally or conference. This is the perfect place for any rider—whether novice or experienced—to find answers to questions, try out bikes, see new products designed especially for women riders, and meet new friends. Most importantly, women will have the unique opportunity to share their experiences and learn from one another. And by the way, men are invited too!

What are you most looking forward in terms of the conference?
I’m really looking forward to talking with other women motorcyclists, some of whom are riding in to the conference from long distances. I can’t wait to hear their stories and discover why they started riding, and what they enjoy about the kind of riding they do.

I’m guessing you won’t be flying into Colorado.
No way! I’m riding to the conference on a Triumph Tiger—a bike and a ride that I’m really looking forward to—and I’m counting the days until I go.