Written by:
SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
SPEEDtv.com
07/16/2008 - 09:47 AM
Columbus, OH
Many remarkable women have blazed a path on two wheels. Here, Nationwide salutes four who have been named to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Adeline and Augusta Van Buren: In 1916, Adeline and Augusta rode to coast to coast on Indian motorcycles - the first women to make the transcontinental journey solo on two motorcycles. The sisters rode to convince the military that women were capable of serving as dispatch riders. Although they were unsuccessful in that mission, they were able shatter many of the early twentieth century's stereotypes about women.
Bessie Stringfield: In the 1930s and 1940s, Bessie - a female, African-American motorcyclist - broke down barriers by completing eight solo cross-country tours and serving as a U.S. Army motorcycle dispatch rider. During these tours, she rode fearlessly
Dot Robinson: In the mid-twentieth century, Dot paved the way for women motorcyclists. In 1939, she and fellow motorcyclist, Linda Dugeau, began Motor Maids of America. Today, Motor Maids is thriving and is the oldest motorcycling organization for women in North America. Dot also opened doors for women in motorcycle competition. An enduro racer, in 1940, Dot became the first woman to win in AMA national competition.
"These women are inspiring to all riders," said Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. "And, the Hall of Fame encourages motorcyclists to nominate more remarkable women for inclusion."
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