How was your 2024? Mine had good points and bad, as I suspect a lot of people did. But one of the things I did last year that I was unbelievably thrilled to do was hit not one, not two, but FOUR whole Real Deal Revolution Workshoppes over the summer.
That's why I was both somewhat flabbergasted and excited when the RDR folks told me that 2025 marks their tenth anniversary. As the kind of person who loves learning how to do stuff, and who also wants to see women do cool things, I'd been aware of RDR long before I finally made it to one of their events. It was something I'd wanted to do for a long time, so I was glad when the stars finally aligned so I had the chance.
But it's really been ten whole years of this amazing nonprofit organization getting women and folks who might not previously have tried welding, leatherworking, pinstriping, and more to give it a try in a hands-on clinic! Absolutely unreal.
RDR was co-founded by the one-of-a-kind legend and Fastest Woman on Four Wheels, Jessi Combs. She and Theresa Contreras (who, incidentally, taught the pinstriping workshoppe I attended last year, and is absolutely rad AF) had a vision and a drive to get more people, especially women, into skilled trades like these.
And for ten years, that's exactly what RDR has spent its time doing.
To celebrate, what's RDR doing in 2025? Holding more events and getting more people across the US to explore whole new skills! They've just posted their 2025 events schedule, and it's packed with Workshoppes at events starting in February and running through November.
For those unfamiliar, Real Deal Revolution usually has Workshoppes at a number of big motorcycle events each year. This year, the first event where they'll be hosting trainings is Chopperfest in Ventura, California on February 9.
Later that month, they'll be at Mama Tried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In March, it's off to the Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas, and so on. The RDR events I attended were at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming in 2024, and they'll be back at Juneau Avenue in summer 2025, as well.
Worried about the cost? The really amazing thing about RDR is that the Workshoppes are free, thanks entirely to RDR's generous sponsors and partnerships with industry leaders like Lincoln Electric, Dickies, and Harley-Davidson. Be aware that you do need to sign up in advance, though. Spots fill up fast, so be sure to check the website and follow the instructions if you want to sign up for a specific event.
