Among the many realms where women have left an indelible impact is the world of vintage motorcycles. Historically dominated by men, the motorcycle industry saw an influx of pioneering women who refused to be sidelined. These women not only rode but also designed, raced, and innovated in the field of motorcycles. Icons such as Bessie Stringfield, known as the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami,” and Dot Robinson, co-founder of the Motor Maids, challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of female motorcyclists.
The intersection of Women’s History Month and vintage motorcycles is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of women who dared to defy conventions. These trailblazers not only enjoyed the thrill of the open road but also fought for their place in a male-dominated sphere. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is vital to remember and honor the women who have made significant strides in all areas, including the exhilarating world of vintage motorcycles. Their legacy continues to inspire and empower women worldwide.
Every year I like to make a post on what I think are the best motorcycle related posters. Most are for events, but some can be works of art. This year I started with 17 very neat posters and worked it down to the 9 best motorcycle posters for 2024.
Which one is your favorite? Do you have one that I missed?
In August we attended the Wild and Wonderful Harly Owners Group (HOG) regional rally centered in Charleston, West Virginia. If this was your first HOG rally, I am afraid it may have been your last as well. If it was not your first it was disappointing when compared to other HOG rallies.
Now do not get me wrong, the rides, the main reason you go to one of these events, were great. The guides, on the guided rides, were good and made changes on the fly to adjust to the group.
We participated in in 3 of the guided rides:
Black Mountain/Dragon Slayer – A 10-hour day and I loved it 90% ride. That 10% of nearly hate was when we got behind a DOT road painting crew on the down slope side of the mountain. We really missed out on some very twisty mountain roads fun.
About halfway though, we stopped in Lynch, KY at the Dragon Slayer shop. The shop, with very friendly staff, has some neat souvenirs, a few of which we purchased.
Butcher Hollow Ride – Another day long but enjoyable ride. The destination for this ride was the childhood home of county singer Loretta Lynn, the coal miner’s daughter.
The visit to her home was very interesting, reminded both my wife and I of where we grew up.
Interesting side note: Loretta Lynn was big into motorcycling. So much so that when she made it big and bought her big money home, she bought enough land to create a motorcross racing facility. To this day amateur racers still compete at the “Loretta Lynn Amateur Championship. ALSO…. She is in the AMA Motorcycling Hall of Fame!
Moonshine Ride – This ride was only a high day. Hitting the back roads is goal was to visit the Appalachian Distillery and the Hatfield Family Distillery. As a guy that enjoys a good ‘Shine, commercial or not, I was pleased with both our destinations.
Interesting side note: The Hatfield Family Distillery is run by a descendant of “Devil Anse” Hatfield and uses the family recipe going back to the time of the “Hatfield’s and McCoy” feud.
So, what was my problems with the rally?
I did not feel it was well organized. I never felt like I was at a rally, based on my previous HOG experiences. Why:
There was no central location/HQ for the event.
The opening night was on Brewer’s Row, you chose which Brewery to visit. No opening ceremony.
With one exception, there was no solid nightly get togethers.
The nearest dealership did not really have much going on, beyond demo’s, to lure us in. We visited twice, once it was closed and the other, we were in and out in 15 minutes.
The claim was that there were over 1000 bikes at the event and I have no reason to push back. But, I never got a feeling that there were more than a few hundred at most.
It was a motorcycle rally that just did not feel like a rally.
If this was your first HOG rally, please do not judge, most are a lot more fun.
Motorcycle News – What you need to know… 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience USA
Moto Guzzi has announced the 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience in the United States. The Moto Guzzi Experience is not only about stunning scenery but also about rewarding riding.
“Participants will tackle some of the country’s most challenging and bucket-list-worthy roads and highways, offering a true test of skill and adrenaline. experiencing the thrill of riding our latest Moto Guzzi models on some of the most iconic routes in this beautiful country.”
Rocky Mountains, June 5-9, 2024 (3-day Ride)
Pacific Northwest, July 15-21, 2024 (5-day Ride)
Yellowstone, July 31 – August 5, 2024 (4-Day Ride)
Smoky Mountains, September 11-16, 2024 (4-Day Ride)
My Take –UPSHIFT – While some folks don’t care for vendor driven events, I do. You often get to see their new products and often get to take them on demo rides. I don’t own a Moto Guzzi if I did I would try to attend one or more of the events.
What you need to know… Suzuki 2024 National Demo Tour
Suzuki has kicked off its 2024 Demo Tour. Their tour will give you a chance to try out a large part of their fleet of motorcycles. The tour began during Daytona Bike Week.
Here is a listing of the motorcycles you could try out:
Day two started out bright and sunny with a heavy dew. We had our motorcycle seat cover on so our butts would be dry in the seats, and the dew made it easy to wipe away the many bugs splats from the previous day! Today’s ride was a guided ride to “The Tail of the Dragon”, “Cherohala Skyway” and “Maple Springs Overlook”.
We lined up early at Smokey Mountain Harley Davidson, the staging area for all the guided motorcycle rides. Our group ended up with 13 Harley Davidsons and 1 Indian. The Indian was ridden by a man who had come from Frankfort, Germany to attend the rally which was the longest trip to get to the rally. The Indian was what was available for rent when arrived. His Indian was not the only out of place bike at the rally, there were several Gold Wings interspaced throughout the event as well as a BMW.
Soon enough we were on the road passing through the quaint town of Maryville on our way to the mountains. Things were going well until we realized that the number 5 motorcycle, we were the sixth, in line was ridden by Mr. Slow. The moment we started into the foothills we fell behind quickly. I was worried that we would miss a turn and go astray. Luckily, we had experienced group riders in front of Mr. Slow and they would stop at the turns to make sure we followed the correct path.
When we hit The Dragon, it was clear we were going to set a record for the slowest run of all times. Mr. Slow rarely passed 20 MPH at anywhere along The Dragon. Now, do not get me wrong, I really believe in the adage “Ride your own ride.” however you do not need to force more then half the group to ride your ride. Mr. Slow had multiple places to pull off to allow the rest of us to proceed, we all knew we were going to stop at Deals Gap, NC to regroup.
At Deals Gap not only did we regroup we had a chance for a group photo and time to pick up some Dragon souvenirs. But we were shortly remounted on our iron horses headed for some additional twistiness and river front rides. This time I was in front of Mr. Slow.
By now we had been riding for 3 hours and the ride captain pulled off at Tapoco Lodge for lunch. The lodge restaurant is perched along a creek with a view of mountains and road upon which we arrived for our meal. For atmosphere alone I would recommend a meal stop at the lodge. The food was good, but company and conversation were much better.
The Parking area at the Maple Spring Overlook
Back on the road we headed to Maple Springs Overlook. A two-lane road takes you up hill to a parking area 3300 feet above sea level. A short walk from the parked motorcycles gave us a spectacular view of valley below and the Smokey Mountains in the distance. Turns out that this road was to be the start of the Cherohala Skyway but, plans changed and now we have a road to a wonderful overlook with an awesome view.
Speaking of the Skyway that was the next leg of our all-day motorcycle tour. The Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway running 41 miles from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville climbing to over 5400 feet above sea level.
I think the plan was to make a couple stops along the Skyway, but we were behind schedule. Dinner and a concert were on tap for the evening. But even without the stop to admire the views it was, none the less, awe inspiring from the seat of a moving motorcycle.
When we returned to dealership, we went to dinner with another couple we rode with and then returned back to Smokey Mountain Harley Davidson for the Def Leppard cover band.
Still watching you Hurricane Ian but, it is not looking good! Sigh!
Ride On, Ride Safe
All the way from GermanyPardon me do you have Grey Poupon?The western view from the Maple Springs Overlook
We rode for about 7 hours on Monday from our home to the rally. This ride was all interstate and really reminded me why one should avoid Interstate 81, south or north, it is a terrible experience in the best of times. Thousands of tractor trailers and stupid car drivers weaving to get “the fastest” spot while hold a phone to their face. SIGH.
As we approached the hosting hotel, the “Airport” Hilton, the GPS lady was telling us to ride the motorcycle to the arrivals and departures section of the airport. Of course, we thought that the crazy GPS lady was once again full of “stuff”, so I stopped and reselected the location. Turns out the hotel is literally a few steps from the arrivals and departures doors of the airport. Imagine that!
Day One of the Great Smokey Mountains HOG Rally
Rally registration was at the hotel and sign in for the pre-registered, like Debbie and me, was quick and easy. We each received a SWAG bag that contain pertinent rally materials a t-shirt, patches, pins, and a HOG water bottle.
We were also showed how to download the routes from by scanning a Q-code from their routes posters and how to load those routes into the motorcycle. Snip/snap and we had multi-routes installed on our Harley Davidson.
Ok not quite snip/snap. The problem is the that the Harley Davidson Boom GTS radio/navigation system does not come with a paper owner’s manual but with a little coaching I was able to get the routes set up. I mentioned to the National HOG representative that they should hold a few classes on using the Boom GTS at each rally, I think it would be one of the more popular aspects of future events.
After registration we rode to Smokey Mountain Harley Davidson. SMHD is the host dealership of the rally, and their facilities are among the best that I have ever experienced. A large dealership with an inviting exterior and expansive interior they have very large inventory of motorcycles (and sold 2 while I was there), accessories, and clothing. But that is just the start, Smokey Mountain HD also has a BBQ restaurant and a concert venue. I have never seen a dealership like this before. A little more on the concert venue below.
As we were looking around the dealership and the vendor, Debbie spotted a Custom Dynamics Rear Finder Tip Light which would be SO much brighter than the existing OEM light. She bought the light and wanted it installed while we were there, I did not argue. With the large number of drivers, she saw holding phones on the ride down another run/brake light will never hurt. I will do a separate post on this light and my thoughts on Custom Dynamics soon.
After the part was installed, we decided to ride through Wears Valley, TN. The twisty ride up and over a mountain was a lot of fun and the ride through the valley was quite beautiful. The route we took dropped us in Pigeon Forge, TN near the Rocky Top Harley Davidson Dealership. If you have followed IJustWant2Ride on Facebook or Twitter you will know I collect dealer pins which means I had to get a Rock Top pin!
We had a snack at the Iron Boar bar and Mexican Grill right across the street from the dealership … along with 30 new friends, all from the HOG rally! After we had fueled ourselves, we headed back to SMHD for the opening ceremony and the first concert of the rally.
On May 7th, 2022, women across the world will be riding their motorcycles for the 16th annual International Female Ride Day! For 16 years the IFRD has “shined a spotlight on women riders and females in the motorsports arena!”
Nearly 20% of riders are women and that number has been growing over the years and I do not expect that growth to end anytime soon. Coming out of the pandemic more people and especially women are feeling empowered to do the things that they really want.
The goals of the event are:
Highlight the number of women who ride.
Encourage other women to take up the activity
Raise awareness about women’s equality in motorsports
Celebrate women’s advancement in motorsports and powersports
Ride for accelerated gender parity.
Are you going to participate? If so, submit your photos to the IFRD photo gallery for a chance to participate in the photo challenge sweepstakes. And while there are no prizes here, you could post to the comments section to show us what you were doing!
WOW 2021 was just as bad as 2020 in regards for content for best motorcycle poster, but it was close. I gather my candidates from the social media cesspool, looking all year for the interesting, cute or weird poster.
This year I had 12 to start before reducing down to the best 9 motorcycle posters. Why 9 because everyone does 10 and 11 is too much work. I would love to give credit where it is due, so if you know the artist that produced the items below let me know and I will be happy to provide attribution.
I am just now getting around to writing about our trip to the 2021 International Motorcycle Show. Life and work have been pushing against riding and writing for a couple months now thus the reason for fewer posts. I hope that is changing for the better, fingers crossed.
For us this year’s show was held at the Carlisle, Pennsylvania Fairgrounds, which is about a two-hour trip for us. That was not much more than the trip into Washington, DC. The trip into the city, while 100 miles closer, could often take hours as well.
The fairground was mostly flat with only a small hill to get to the Kawasaki display I had no issues with the choice of the venue. It was easy to get to food and product vendors as you walk around taking in the sights. Parking was ample with separate areas and entry points for car and motorcycles.
The fact that the International Motorcycle Show was outdoors, was a surprise. While there I meet a member of the show team and spoke to her about why they moved outdoors. I will write a separate post on her response to that question, it was interesting.
As far as the show and motorcycles went it was pretty much on par with the indoor show with one major exception, there were a lot of test rides available. Every major manufacture had something on hand for a test ride! This was not the case with the indoor DC show typically held in January. DC in January is not an opportune time to test ride a motorcycle.
This year, as I noted in earlier post, the motorcycle show folks had the Direction Wide Open team there to talk about traveling the RV/Caravan lifestyle with motorcycles. Lucinda and Will Belden provided an interesting and lively discussion on how you can take your motorcycling in a different direction with the use of an RV. It was quite fun listening to their stories and answers to the attendees’ questions.
J&P Cycle was again sponsoring the custom motorcycle show and contest next to the tent holding the vintage bikers’ rides. Walking between the two was like a time travel event! But, in each tent there were fabulous motorcycles that made me want to hit the lottery so I could have my own set of tents.
So, all in all I would deem the Outdoor International Motorcycle Show a hit. Would I go if it were raining? Well, if you have read this blog for very long you know the answer to that question, of course I would. But would the attendance be as great, of that I am not sure.
Five years ago, I didn’t own, ride, or predict seeing my future self on a motorcycle. Not that I didn’t like motorcycles, they were just not on my life’s blipping radar. I was a cruise agent with six grandkids, a brick-and-mortar home and, well, I did have a nice little convertible. Transport yourself to the future ‘now’ and you see me riding 5-6 hours a day, many days in a row…and on a sidecar no less. I rode it on the Tail of the Dragon, Twisted Sisters, Talimena Scenic Drive and so many other ‘famous’ road. I’m full timing it in an RV working and riding. Icing on the cake – I’m making a living at it. How the heck did I get here!
Step one: Your spouse suggests you guys buy a bike and take motorcycle lessons.
Step two: Two-upping isn’t enough, you get your own ride.
Step three: Life sneaks up and kicks your ass – you decide how to respond.
I didn’t take naturally to riding a motorcycle. I failed my first class. I went out and bought a bike anyway and practiced in a parking lot for months before I could get up the nerve to take the class again. I passed with a perfect score. About a year into riding, I was in a motorcycle accident (mechanical failure), the bike totaled. Broke my kneecap and nose and was in physical therapy for 9 months. What did I do while I was laid up? I bought a new bike and helmet.
On a cross-country road trip, I dropped my bike at a corner with my weak knee. It took me an hour to feel like I could get back on the bike, but I found I had messed up the gear shifts. My spouse and I two-upped it the rest of the trip. On this trip I decided two things – riding a motorcycle wasn’t for me, not riding wasn’t an option either.
Mounting up for another day of riding!
Idea! How about a sidecar. A new journey of resistance, not on my part but for every inch I tried to step forward, something or someone was shoving me a foot back. The first sidecar builder I found botched the job – the wheel fell off at 60mph going down the interstate. The wheel well kept it from flying off and I was able to pull over. At least 10 other things went wrong in this journey until I found the sidecar builder who helped me change my life (to him I will forever be in debt). Thanks Texas Sidecar Company!
I have put over 20,000 miles on my sidecar in less than two years. And like this whole path, I continued to forge forward following my new passion. My spouse and I started RVing so we could ride new places. I had written a couple of articles for Ride Texas Magazine. The editor found out and mentioned it might make a good story. Like everything else, I took it to the next level. I now write a series called Direction Wide Open on our RVing and motorcycling experiences for Ride Texas Magazine which will culminate in the first ever RV-Motorcycle Rally in the U.S end of September 2022 – hosted by ‘Me’.
I looked for new ways to share my excitement about riding and RVing and found several more magazines who would have me. I submitted a short motorcycle story to Continue the Ride which is a series of rider stories that showcase the diversity and shared passions in motorcycling. My story was in the first round picked up and the only one with the unique combination of RVing and motorcycling full-time around the United States. A few months later Progressive reached out to me to present my experiences at the national Progressive IMS Motorcycle Shows across the U.S. As an introvert, I now find myself center stage at six major cities presenting on RVing and motorcycling five times per weekend.
RV’ing at Iron Mountain
How did I get here? Well, I don’t think I was planning on a shift from being a work from home cruise agent grandma to a RVing, sidecar toting, riding, grandma writer and speaker. But here I am. This has been the best ride ever!
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 
