For all you women riders out there, I’ve compiled a list of some of the pioneers in women’s riding. Those who have paved the way for many organizations, and those who have helped to break stereotypes.

Adeline and Augusta Van Buren: These two sisters set out on a mission to ride across the US in 1916. On July 4th, the sisters left New York City to begin their journey. They arrived in Los Angeles on September 8th, after traveling 5,500 on hazardous roads. The Van Buren sisters were the first women to ride coast-to-coast on separate motorcycles.

Theresa Wallach: Theresa began riding in the 1920s, competing in trials, scrambles and road racing. In 1935, her and riding partner Florence Blenkiron rode from London to Cape Town, South Africa, becoming the first people to cross the Sahara on a motorcycle. In 1939, Theresa won a Brooklands Gold Star for lapping the Brooklands circuit in England at over 100mph. During World War II, Theresa became the first women dispatch rider in the British army, where she spent 7 years in active service. Theresa moved to the US, where she became the first woman to own and run her own motorcycle business.

Louise Scherbyn: In 1932, Louise Scherbyn began riding at the encouragement of her husband. She was initially worried about her reputation, but soon overcame that. Louise claims to be the first American woman to reach the Timagami Forest of Canada in 1937. Louise became involved in many motorcycle clubs, eventually founding the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA), which still exists today.

Bessie Stringfield: During the 1930s and 40s, Bessie, and African-American woman, completed eight cross-country journeys, even riding through the South where racial prejudice was everywhere. During World War II, Bessie served as a motorcycle dispatch rider. In the 1950s, Bessie started the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club as she continued to break many stereotypes and prejudices.

Dorothy "Dot" Robinson: Dot, another pioneer for women motorcyclists, created Motor Maids in 1940. The organization encouraged women to try motorcycling, and helped to unite riders. In 1941, the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) issued Motor Maids an official club charter, making it the first US women’s motorcycle club. Dot rode competitively, even becoming the first woman to win an AMA national competition. In her lifetime, Dot estimated that she rode over a million and a half miles.

-Julie