International Women’s Day seemed like an ideal time to write about some of the women who are doing inspiring and amazing work in the riding community. While each and every lady rider deserves a space to be recognized today, listed below are a few who have been particularly inspiring to me.
1. Elena Myers
When I was in elementary school, I felt like I could not find a rider to look up to, until I saw Elena Myers race. My dad pointed out number 21 of all the bikes zooming by and said, “that’s a girl”. I think my inner-self exploded with joy. Finally. From that point I was a mega-fan. As I followed her riding journey, I eventually had the chance to meet Myers. She was so friendly and encouraging, I still have her signed poster hanging in my room. Myers was an inspiration to me as a little girl looking for a riding role-model. Not only is she a professional motorcycle racer, but she is the first female to win an AMA Pro Racing sprint road race and the first to win a professional motorsports race of any kind at Daytona International Speedway. Alongside her success as a rider, she is an amazing person, a dog-lover, and soon to be mom. Myers truly represents that being a biker chick means whatever you want it to be. I admire her to this day.
2. Roshni Misbah
Known as the ‘hijabi-biker’, Misbah is making waves in Delhi and on social media. The Honda CBR 250 cc rider has gained a lot of attention since she began riding. She never felt like riding a scooter like other girls and decided she would follow her ambition to be a motorcyclist. Misbah says she is happy to be breaking gender-based stereotypes and traditional expectations of women. She has quickly become a bit of a star as fans, particularly young girls, are waving excitedly as she passes, praising her, and even asking for lessons. This sort of encouragement and empowerment is not only bold in the face of traditional gender norms and restrictions, but is absolutely inspirational.
3. Jessica Haggett:
I would probably not be stretching the truth if I said Jessica Haggett is a major reason why so much positive support is being generated among the females in the motorcycle community. Haggett is the creator of The Litas, a women’s motorcycle group taking the world by storm. Present in over 30 countries, it is thanks to Haggett’s persistent efforts and welcoming nature that The Litas are drawing the attention of so many women. Haggett is an ideal representation of what a strong woman who runs a successful business looks like, and I absolutely cannot wait to become an official Lita and join this empowering community.
4. Bessie Stringfield
I do not think I could compile this list without mentioning Bessie Stringfield. While she is a figure from history, she stands out in my mind as a woman worth recognizing. Stringfield broke barriers for women and African American motorcyclists. If you want to hear about a boss babe, look no further. Not only did she serve as a U.S. Army motorcycle dispatch rider during World War II, she also completed eight solo cross-country tours on her bike, including through the deep south – a threat to her own safety during an era fraught with severe racial prejudice. Stringfield is truly a legend and has earned her space in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Frankly, I find her bravery outshines even Evel Knievel, and I absolutely think more people need to know about this amazing figure.
5. Jessi Combs:
While Jessi Combs is not exclusively a biker, I think that is super important to note. She is a strong and powerful woman outside of the fact that she rides. Combs is a welder by profession, outnumbered by the 90% male ratio in the industry. You also might recognize her from her work as a TV personality, representing women’s voices in the automotive industry. Her ambitions to fight stereotypes and break norms in various realms stand out to me as not only important but empowering. Experimenting with riding not only motorcycles, but also stock car racing, off-road racing and the like, Combs is truly a feminist motorist. I can only hope more young women are inspired by her work, as she continues to pave the way.
Admittedly, this list could extend to fit every single woman who rides. Each is inspiring in her own way by being willing to give riding a try and through consequently inspiring others. This International Women’s Day, thank the strong women who have made an impact on your life, and be sure to consider the often overshadowed work of women who have made an impact on the world.
the feminist motorist 