Imagine riding through the southern US in the 1940’s on your Harley. Not the comfortable, stabilized bikes of today… The shaky, heavy bikes, that broke down often. The belt you wear isn’t a fashion statement, it’s to protect your kidneys while you ride. And, you ride thousands of miles, from one event to another, where you stunt or race.
Your bike isn’t the only thing shaky on this trip. You’re riding through the Jim Crowe South… Some nights, you sleep on your bike, simply because there’s no room for your kind. You make sure you pack food too, just in case you can’t get served a meal. You’ve been run off the road, simply for being a woman of color, on ground.
And then, you return home to start an MC, only to be told women aren’t allowed to start motorcycle clubs. So you disguise yourself as a man, and start one anyway. Ran your club for years too, before you were found out.
You made it across country 8 times, and let the wind guide you… You never let race or gender keep you off your bike or away from your goals. You’re Bessie Stringfield, Motorcycle Queen of Miami.
Think you’re about this bike life? Learn the history of Bessie Stringfield and those like her who paved the way. Because of her, we can.
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
