Sturgis, S.D. (KELO) —
As the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally comes to an end this year, you can start to reflect on how the event has evolved especially since starting in 1938.
Decades ago it would be rare to see women riding their own bikes to the rally, however now hundreds of women have come together on two wheels, showing they are more than just a passenger.
The Buffalo Chip has been hosting the Biker Belles for 16 years, giving women a platform and a place to connect with other riders.
“To support honoring the women who paved the way for us and inspiring the women who are coming into the community.” Biker Belles Program Director Toni Woodruff Said
The Biker Belles also raise money for several charities and have been growing their ride on the Tuesday of each year’s rally to include anybody with a motorcycle.
Deborah Jolley has been riding bikes and paving the way for women riders for the past 50 years.
“I started riding on the street in the 70’s. And a lot of women didn’t ride in the 70’s, so we got quite a bit of flack,” Georgia Rider Deborah Jolley said.
Riding to the rally became a solo journey back then, with motorcycle riders being predominantly men.
“Definitely didn’t want you to be riding with them unless it was on the back. So they didn’t understand women wanting to ride,” Jolley said
Woodruff wanted groups like the Biker Belles to encourage women to have a place at the rally.
“Women at that time didn’t always have a place to connect, it was before social media is what it is today and we wanted to find a way to give back,” Woodruff said
Sturgis Mayor Angela Wilkerson has been riding for over 20 years, and just took the leap to ride on two wheels.
“You just have to get out there and do it. So just seeing people take that step to learn is awesome. It’s scary being on a motorcycle, of course you’re just on two wheels. You know, you don’t have the protection like a vehicle. And so to take that step to even try to ride a motorcycle, you know that’s a big deal,” Sturgis Mayor Angela Wilkerson said
“You know, like today, there’s been girls that have come by and they’re like, oh wow, you know I’d really like to. I’m like ok, don’t just like to, do something about it,” Jolley said
Each passing year, more women are riding their own bikes to the rally.
“Now today, in just the last five years, I’ve seen women transition from riding two up, you know, on someone else’s bike, to riding their own, to building their own and to having their own community of women builders,” Woodruff said
The joy of riding is empowering, but even seeing others get up on two wheels can be just as encouraging.
“I mean it’s absolutely great to see more women riding and even though I ride myself, still every time I see a woman riding it’s like, wow she is brave and courageous. Just going out there and doing what she wants to do, that’s so great to see,” Wilkerson said
The Sturgis Rally has been adding more women’s rides throughout the week each year.
