The (Surprisingly Long) History of Women Riding - International Women's Day

Not Such a New Concept...

Lately, it seems there's a HUGE focus on Women Riding - and not as passengers.  But a quick look at some history will show you, it's not such a new phenomenon after all...

For example, take the story of Effie N. Hotchkiss and mother Avis, the first women to ride cross-country on a motorcycle from NY to San Francisco.  There was a picture posted on a 1915 issue of The Harley-Davidson Dealer.

Or perhaps read the story of Linda Dugeau, the co-founder of the Motor Maids, the oldest Women's Motorcycle organization founded in 1940, with 51 charter members.  Her husband had taught her to ride on an old Harley-Davidson when she was 19 years old.  She actually moved from Boston to LA so she could ride year round.  She once took a trip that covered 3,500 miles in 2 weeks - talk about one of the original Iron Butts!  She was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2004.

The other co-founder of the Motor Maids was Dot Robinson, who, in 1939, rode all over the country looking for members to join her.  There's a great little story on the Motor Maids Website, related by "Hap:"

He tells of how he "chased that woman for two days, through mud and trees" and never caught her. At the end of the race, all the guys tramped into the local bar, but not Dot. She went to her room and got cleaned up first. "I'll never forget the picture: Dot walking into the bar in a black sheath dress and a pill box hat." Dot was always a lady.

Another great Women Rider story is that of the Van Buren sisters - the first women ever to ride up Pike's Peak.  In 1914, they set out on a cross-country trek from Brooklyn to LA.   Keep in mind, back then, women hadn't even earned the vote yet in most states.  They were often arrested for "wearing men's clothing".

Bessie Stringfield was the first African American woman to ride cross-country.  She served as a civilian courier for the US Army during WWII, carrying documents between domestic army bases. During the four years she worked for the Army she crossed the United States eight times.  Because of her skin color, she was often denied accommodations during her rides, and slept on her motorcycle at gas stations.  Once, she disguised herself as a man, and won a flat-track race.  When she took off her helmet and they saw she was a woman, they refused to give her the prize money!

As they say, we've come a long way, baby.  Let the stories of these women, and many more, inspire YOU.   If you've never ridden a motorcycle, maybe it's your time.  If you already ride, why not share your spark with some friends, and help them to see how it feels.  Because you can't really explain it with words.

Visit www.libertyharley.com/women for upcoming events.  And visit the Harley-Davidson women's site also for lots of information, links, and inspiration.

Just for fun - check out this link to "Don'ts for women riders from 1895."  Yes, I know, it's about bicycling, but some of the advice is just as useful (or completely non-useful) as it probably was back then.  I find this one to be particularly apt today:  Don’t contest the right of way with cable cars.

SO much going on in May!

May means a lot of things to a lot of people. But in the motorcycle world, it’s jam-packed with events, rides, runs, and adventure. The weather is warming up (and drying up!) and it’s time to RIDE!

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, to begin with, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a national initiative aimed at getting motorists and motorcyclists to "share the road" with each other.” Initiatives nationwide are aimed at raising awareness among car and truck drivers that motorcycles are on the road, and have exactly the same rights as any other vehicle. We see motorcycles on the road, but the average car driver doesn’t seem to, as we all know, sadly, someone who was unseen by another driver at a critical moment. As riders we have to be hyper-vigilant when we ride, and can’t afford to lose our focus. You can get lots of safety tips by visiting the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s website – or maybe even brush up your skills with an Advanced Rider Course.

May is also Women Riders Month! More women than ever are grabbing the handlebars for themselves, and May is a celebration of this new population of riders. On May 14th, women from across the globe will come together to celebrate women riders. There’s no reason to wait another day if you’ve been dreaming of riding. You can visit Harley-Davidson’s Women Rider website, or find a local Rider Safety Course. Or, start with a Garage Party – a special Ladies Night where you can learn all about riding among other women, women who either ride, or want to ride, or think they may want to ride someday. Ask your questions, get your answers, all in a no-pressure event, complete with munchies. And then, Jump on the Jumpstart!

From Hot Rods and Harleys 2010

More locally, May means Hot Rods and Harleys in Downtown Rahway! Saturday, May 14th from 11am to 6pm, join 10,000+ of your closest friends and enjoy a Bike Show, Classic Car Show, live music all around town, street vendors, and all around good times! So far, we know that World Within will be playing the train station, and One Too Many will be downtown. We know the local taverns will be having specials all day, and the Union County Performing Arts Center is putting on a 70’s Tribute Band show on the night before, and a Doo Wop Spectacular that night. Visit the UCPAC website for all the info!

Liberty’s also getting in the Summer Line of clothing and gear – and it’s HOT! We’ve got a great selection of Men’s and Ladies’ clothing, and all the brand-new Summer Gear is arriving daily. We’ve got clothing for the whole family – including kids and the family pet. Everyone loves Harley.

Here’s wishing YOU an awesome riding season – why not make this the year you check out Laconia, or Sturgis, or Biketoberfest? Think of all the things you haven’t seen – or haven’t seen from a Harley. But most of all, make sure you have a SAFE riding season.

We hope to see you soon!

Garage Party – What on Earth?

Come to Liberty's Garage Party on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 6pm! Visit www.libertyharley.com/women

So you’ve been invited to a “Garage Party,” or perhaps you’ve seen one of our ads for a “Garage Party,” or, maybe you even heard about it on Fox and Friends last week. But what does it mean?

Do I have to have a license? A Harley? A motorcycle? Do I have to know a biker? Do I need a helmet??

The answer to everything above is – NO!

The “Garage Party” concept is something Harley-Davidson began as part of their Women Rider outreach. A few years ago, Harley figured out something that we’ve all known for a long time – women like to ride too! And not just as passengers!

It’s like a Tupperware Party, but instead of looking at food storage in someone’s basement, it’s checking out Harleys at our dealership! We can promise you it’ll be more exciting than keeping your veggies fresh!

Here’s a quick summary of what happens at one of Liberty’s Garage Parties:

Station 1 – Orientation
Our friend Shari, who’s a Rider Education instructor from the Riding Center, will give you a basic overview of the motorcycle, including identifying key components. She’ll let you know where the brakes, shifter, and throttle are located, and how they work together. You’ll get to sit on a bike, put your feet up, and see how it feels. Shari will also be happy to answer any questions you have.

Station 2 – Jumpstart Experience
This is a new station just added this year, but we’re very excited about it! This innovative piece of equipment allows a Harley to run up to 60mph without leaving the safety of the showroom. The bike is securely attached to the Jumpstart, and the rear wheel rides over a roller, allowing you to actually start up the bike, slam it into gear, and feel what it’s like to ride. You can get a feel for the clutch, the shifter and the gas, and take it through all the gears – no traffic, no trees, no weather – no nothing – and best of all, you don’t need a license, or any experience at all!

Station 3 – Fit Shop
Our Fit Shop will let you sit on a specially modified Harley, and then swap out key components such as the handlebars and seat, to find the combination that best suits you. We can also use special mats to simulate a lowering kit. The possibilities for modifying a Harley are almost endless – and with this station, you can see exactly which combination feels best for you.

Station 4 – Gear Up
What sort of gear do I need to ride safely? Our MotorClothes experts will give a demonstration of all the gear you need, and why it’s important. Things like how to properly fit a helmet, fashion leather vs. riding leather, eyewear, and many other topics will be covered. Speaking of “fashion leather”…

Station 5 – My Inner Biker Unleashed
Just for fun, why not grab your favorite “biker” gear and hop on one of our bikes? We’ll snap a picture of YOUR inner biker, and make sure you have an awesome souvenir picture of your experience to share with your friends – ready for you before you leave.

The night is actually very laid back and loosely structured – if you have questions, ask ‘em. There will be some ladies who have already grabbed their own handlebars who will be happy to share their experiences. We’ll also have some light refreshments. It’s really a good time.

Are you already a rider? Bring a friend and share YOUR spark, and you’ll get a “Share Your Spark” pin!

If you’d like to join us, we’d appreciate it if you would RSVP so we know how many people to expect. We do have a limited number of spaces, so please let us know soon. You can RSVP either via Facebook or by visiting www.libertyharley.com/women.