The image of a lone rider on a motorcycle has long been associated with masculinity and rebellion. However, throughout history, women have shattered these stereotypes and made significant contributions to the world of motorcycling. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history of women riders, from trailblazers who defied societal norms to modern-day enthusiasts who continue to inspire and empower.
Dorothy "Dot" Robinson, the wife of dealer Earl Robinson, competed alongside men in endurance races during the Depression. She was also co-owner of the Detroit dealership and a motorcycle courier during World War II. Known as "The First Lady of Motorcycling," she estimated logging over 1.5 million miles on motorcycles throughout her lifetime. Dot passed away in 1999 at the age of 87.
Trailblazer Bessie Stringfield left her mark on the sport of motorcycling by being the first African-American woman to complete a solo cross-country ride. During the '30s and '40s, she traveled through all of the lower 48 states and rode abroad in Europe, Brazil, and Haiti. She also joined an army motorcycle dispatch unit during World War II, making runs across America.
The Motor Maids, the world's first women's motorcycle club, was founded in the 1930s by Wellesley College graduate Linda Dugeau. The club became home to Dot Robinson, who was its first president, as well as countless others into the present day.
More modern times have witnessed the creation of the clubs "Women in the Wind" and "Women on Wheels," which boast large numbers of members and local chapters across North America. Today, 1 in 5 riders is a woman, and female riders are the fastest-growing segment of the riding population.
The International Female Ride Day (IFRD) is held annually on May 4th each year, organized by Motoress.com and is in its 18th year. This year’s theme is #IFRDEveryWoman, and according to the website, “represents the collective experience, struggles, and triumphs of women from all walks of life. It embodies the idea there is a common thread that unites women across different cultures, backgrounds, ages, and experiences.” Motoress also has a great Trailblazers page with many women in recent times who have broken barriers in the world of motorcycling.
Women Riders Now is also a great resource for women riders as the number one resource for motorcycling news and reviews from a female perspective. As a web-only digital magazine, it has great information, resources, and stories that all riders, women or men, can appreciate.
Many more all-female motorcycle clubs have been formed over the years as well. To name a few with chapters in the United States:
· Leather & Lace MC – Established in 1983 in Florida and has a huge following in the UK and Canada. There is an active chapter out of Daytona Beach.
· Caramel Curves MC – founded in 2005 in New Orleans, the club members are known for their styles, clothes, and bikes. This club is driven by sisterhood, style, and strength.
· The Foxy Fuelers – founded in 2014 and out of Sydney, Australia, its members have immense love for creative classic and custom motorcycles. The club was an offshoot of the Sydney Café Racers.
· Devil Dolls – Since 1999, it is a three-piece patch club and a women’s outlaw MC in the traditional sense. The members are dispersed across the West Coast. This club is reputed to be one of the best-run MCs in the country as its members take their responsibilities very seriously.
· Femme Fatales WMC – created in 2011, the club’s purpose is to encourage women to be unique and let their personalities shine. The club is spread throughout the U.S. and Canada.
· Sisters Eternal Women’s MC – Established in 2013, this club is centered on dedication and making a lifelong commitment to the club. It is considered a reputable, professional, and family-friendly organization, and is often seen at major motorcycle rallies.
· The Litas – Founded in 2015, this club’s mission is to inspire and empower through community and a shared love of motorcycles. The club’s headquarters is in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Want to be inspired by celebrity women who ride motorcycles? Alanis Morissette, Pink, Angelina Jolie, and others are in a HotCar.com article entitled " 9 Celebrity Women Who Ride Motorcycles."
Today, the number of young women getting into motorcycle riding is growing at 22 percent annually. Women motorcycle owners also spend, on average, more money on motorcycle accessories, modifications, and repairs than men.
In summary, as we prepare to celebrate another International Female Ride Day, it is great to know that women have never been more empowered to take to the road on the motorcycle of their choice and enjoy the experience, whether riding on their own or with a group or club. The history of female motorcyclists is rich, and deservedly so. Let’s all join our female riders in celebrating their day and having fun!
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