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2010 January Newsletter

THE HISTORY OF WOMEN AND MOTORCYCLES

Women motorcyclists have been a key part of motorcycling history from the beginning!

Last year, women riders made up nearly 10% of all new motorcycle purchases in the United States.

In the 1800’s women loved the motorcycle because of the mobility and freedom that it offered.  Susan B. Anthony once said, “The motorcycle did more for the emancipation of women than anything else”. 

I don’t know about that – but I certainly know that my Harleys bring me a joy unlike any of my other indulgences. 

4 women hold special places in the history of women and motorcycles.  These women were all inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.  I will introduce you to them here on these pages, but I encourage you to learn more about them because they are extraordinary women.  Learn more at www.motorcyclemuseum.org

Sisters Augusta and Adeline Van Buren 
The first solo female motorcyclists to make a transcontinental journey.

It was the summer of 1916.  Gussie and Addie were intelligent young women in their 20’s when they hit the road from their home in Sheepshead Bay, New York.  They left on the 4^th of July and arrived in Los Angeles, California on September 8^th after traveling 5500 miles over dangerous and hazardous roads.

Women didn’t have the right to vote and they were not yet considered equal to men.  However, as shown by these two adventurous women, we have always had the same tenacity and courage.

Bessie Stringfield
The Motorcycle Queen of Miami

The life of Bessie Stringfield is the stuff of which legends are made.  In fact, a movie about her life is in the works.

In the 1930’s and ‘40’s, Bessie took 8 long distance solo rides across the United States.  She was apparently fearless as she rode through the Deep South – at a time when racial prejudice was a tangible threat.  Was Bessie consciously championing the rights of women and African Americans?  Bessie said simply that “she was living her life”. 

While speaking to a reporter, Bessie dismissed the notion that “nice girls don’t go around riding motorcycles”.  My nick-namesake and my personal riding hero…

Dot Robinson
Co-founder of Motor Maids – First Women’s Motorcycle Organization

Dot Robinson had a style and flare that set her apart from all other riders.  In the 1950’s she began wearing her signature pink leather motorcycle outfits.  She turned away from the traditional black leather after movies portrayed such riders as outlaws.  Her pink and white Ultra Glide Classic matched her outfits and a motorcycle diva was born!

In 1934 Dot entered her first national endurance championship.  In 1940 Dot became the first woman to win in AMA national competition.  One year later, Dot co-founded Motor Maids.  Her legacy lives on.

These ladies opened the door for modern day women riders – just like the ones who will converge on Chicago’s scenic lakefront on Saturday, June 23^rd for the 1^st Annual “Girls Gone Riding…for Charity” 

Be a part of the excitement that is…Girls Gone Riding.

www.brawin.com/charity2.htm