I was excited to hear of the newly formed Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists (WCM) and their goal to double the number of female riders by 2020 and promote women’s prominence in motorcycling.I’m happy that today there are so many high profile role models, because this is what helped me get past my “girls don’t ride motorcycles” conditioning. Now, people tell me that I’m a pioneer and role model since I was the first woman elected to the Motorcycle Industry Council Board of Directors and served two terms, so I try to “pay it forward,” too. I remember attending my first Women on Wheels (WOW) event in Seattle, back when I first started riding. I met an 83-year-old woman who had started riding in her 70s after her husband passed away and his motorcycle was collecting dust. She walked with a cane, but she had circumnavigated the country on her GoldWing, pulling a trailer to get to the rally! I am still inspired by her, as well as the women I have met since, such as racing pioneer Mary McGee, who was a special guest at the “2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference” in Carson City, Nevada. Mary started auto racing and then road racing in the ’60s. Steve McQueen eventually convinced her to get in the dirt and she rode a 250 Husqvarna solo in the Baja 500, beating 17 two-man teams. She also did motocross races and she’s still racing today at 75. Then there’s NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. She actually wears a Schuberth auto helmet, so I have to give a plug here (smiles). But she’s a true pioneer and inspiring role model.These stories transcend motorcycling. And gender.
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