Introduction:
Since time immemorial, motorcycling has been viewed as a men’s activity; however, women have been motorcycle riders since the very early days of the sport—racing and wrenching on them for over one hundred years. Their contributions are major in the world of motorcycling, though oft times overlooked. This blog will outline women’s journey in motorcycling and their history, struggles, and successes that have marked this incredible journey of how they continue to break barriers and make history.
Early Pioneers of Women in Motorcycling
The history of women riding motorcycles goes back to the turn of the century. One of these precursors was Dot Robinson, who in 1940 took part in the founding of the Motor Maids—the very first women’s motorcycle club ever formed in the United States. More than riding, Robinson raced. In 1940, she won the quite famous Jack Pine Endurance Run and repeated the feat again in 1946. It is an event that propelled her and really changed society’s views, showing that women could be great riders.
Another lady who would be an early forerunner was Bessie Stringfield, otherwise called the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami.” She cruised solo across the country eight times through rough roads and racial and gender discrimination during the years 1930 and 1940, proving to the world that adventure and resilience did indeed have a face.
Women and Motorcycling in the Mid-20th Century
More and more women were riding motorcycles in the mid-20th century. In the 1950s, Carol “Indian” Myers became the first drag racing female when she redlined the quarter mile on her Indian Scout—cousin to Evel Knievel. Throughout the 1960s, Mary McGee became the first lady to compete in an AMA-sanctioned motorcycle racing event, racing both motocross and road racing.
During this time period, women’s motorcycling was still breaking through barriers into many competition and riding groups. The Women’s International Motorcycle Association, founded in 1950 by Louise Scherbyn, offered female riders across the globe a forum for networking, supporting one another, and providing community and companionship.
Challenges Faced by Women in Motorcycling
Despite all the success stories, there have been many obstacles against women motorcyclists. It was easy for women to get deterred by traditional gender roles and social norms from becoming involved in motorcycling. Most times, women had to fight cynicism, prejudice, and lack of representation for their place within the male-dominated industry.
Lastly, there were few women who had access to gear and motorcycles. For years, the motorcycling industry designed the gear and motorcycles targeting the male population; hence, it used to be hard for women to get the appropriate size gears and motorbikes that would suit them. These created other challenges for women to practice motorcycling.
Modern Day Achievements of Women in Motorcycling
Today’s Success Women’s involvement in motorcycling today is more active and influential than it has ever been. Their population as riders has grown drastically, and they dominate the scene almost in every sector where motorcycling is involved.
Racing and Competitions In competitive motorcycling, women have really improved.
Ana Carrasco became the first lady to win a World Championship in solo motorcycle road racing by clinching the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship in 2018. Maria Costello is best known for competing in road racing, and according to her listing in the Guinness Book of Records, she is the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course.
In motocross, riders like Laia Sanz have become beacons, winning a huge number of Women’s World Trials Championships and places consistently inside the top ten in the Dakar Rally—another race globally renowned for its difficulty. These successes are clear proof that women can compete at the best levels and even dominate some of the most physically demanding forms of motorcycle competition.
Industry Influence and Advocacy
The ladies not only emerge winners in most competitions but also affect changes in the industry. Women riders like Alisa Clickenger and Brittany Morrow have come to the frontline championing, not only women riders but also safety and education. Alisa Clickenger is a journalist and event organizer who founded Women’s Motorcycle Tours to give inspiration and support to female riders. Morrow is a safety advocate herself, experienced in sharing her experience and expertise with riders on how to get the best information on riding gear and riding techniques.
Gear and products for women in motorcycling
The industry has been very inclusive today, where more gear and motorcycles are specifically designed for women. Companies like Harley-Davidson and BMW understand the increase in female ridership and begin tailoring their products to meet these opportunities. Much of this shift towards inclusivity makes motorcycling easier on women and increases their joining of the community.
Motorcycling Community and Events: The motorcycling community has more involvement of women, whereby more and more ladies are joining riding clubs, attending events, or riding in groups. Such events as Babes Ride Out, the annual all-women motorcycle campout, to the International Female Ride Day, which calls on women from around the globe to ride, have provided that support system, allowing women riders a networking chance and sharing their enthusiasm over the sport of motorcycling
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Women have continued to make a mark by breaking barriers and history on their bikes. Their feats and contributions are redesigning the face of motorcycling in such a way that there can no longer be any doubt that gender is actually not a limitation. The more women out on the road, the more they will inspire future generations to chase their passion about riding, racing, and working in the motorcycle industry.
Bringing Along the Next Generation Mentorship and education are important in bringing along the next generation of women riders. Programs like the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s RiderCourse provide training and support for new riders. Many experienced female riders mentor, as well, offering knowledge and experience that can help newcomers along the tricky path of motorcycling—both literal and figurative.
Conclusion
From pioneers such as Dot Robinson and Bessie Stringfield to modern-day champions like Ana Carrasco and Laia Sanz, the story of women in motorcycling reads of resilience, passion, and sheer will. Today, female riders take much pride in getting more recognized and influential for the shaping of the motorcycle industry and inspiring future generations. It is a day that at the same time has to remember that much work has to be done in the future with respect to further advocacy and assistance for women in motorcycling—to ensure that the future road is wide open and inclusive to one and all.
