Motor Maids is one of the first and oldest continuously operated women’s motorcycling organizations in North America. Established in 1940, it was sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association in 1941 at 51 members strong.
Fast forward to 2022, the club is made up of approximately 1,300 diverse women motorcyclists united through a passion for riding while fostering a positive image and promoting safe riding skills.
Marjorie Neilson, Janice Connolly, and Linda McGarry have been members of Motor Maids for 35 years, 15 years, and 10 years, respectively. The three Canadian riders know each other well from their days attending conventions, celebrations, local scenic rides, and long-distance tours.
When asked what they enjoy most about riding, the women offer everything from independence to experiencing heightened senses.
Marjorie: “Why do I love riding? It’s hard to explain without sounding cliché. Because you know the key words that come to mind are, ‘freedom, power and control.’ It’s just such a great feeling heading out for a ride (sometimes with no set destination). There’s also a calmness about it, especially on country roads. It’s like meditation.”
“I bought my first motorcycle simply because it was fun and more affordable than owning a car. Now I ride because it’s a part of who I am. I can just take off by myself, with my husband, or call up a Motor Maid. That’s the best part of the club. The life-long friendships and new adventures.”
Janice: “When I rode through Yellowstone coming back from the Motor Maid Convention in California, I stopped for some construction and a bison crossed the road. I was in shock! I didn’t even get my phone out to take a picture. I just kept thinking, ‘keep going, keep going.’ And then another one came by; those animals are huge.”
“You really need to be aware of your surroundings and watch out for road hazards and wildlife.”
The women agree that this is where having a deer whistle can pay off.
Linda: “A little bell can make a big difference! There are these little (Guardian) angel bells that you put on the lowest part of your bike, so it hovers above the roadway. The deer stop in the ditch and look up when they hear the bell.”
“Not superstitious, but… [laughing]… Legend is that evil road gremlins will attach themselves to a motorcycle and bring bad luck to the ride. Angel bells keep the spirits at bay and provide protection and good luck, which is doubled if the bell is a gift from a friend. Many riders also use them as a throwback to the 1940s when this tradition [and Motor Maids] first started.”
The women joined at such various times in their lives. Some in their teens and others after raising a family.
Linda started riding when she was 50, once the kids left and she had time to herself. That was when a friend who was planning to take lessons invited Linda to join her.
“I loved it so much,” she says. “Just in the parking lot on the little, tiny bikes. We did figure eights. I am like, ‘wow, I’ve got to get a bike.’”
Even though her friend stopped riding, Linda’s still at it 15 years later. She rode alone for the first couple of years until someone asked if she’d heard of the Motor Maids. After checking out the club, Linda filled out an application and sought a sponsor.
“It is like a sisterhood, but you can’t even explain it,” she says. “Everybody is fun, open, and kind. On long trips, members chip in and help put you up for the night.”
In Janice’s case, “I started out on the back of my husband’s bike when we were dating. He was riding a lot and I got tired of looking sideways (as Mike’s passenger). One year at the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America rally there was a seminar: Ladies Who Ride. It was just ladies telling their stories; some were in their eighties and still riding. So many inspiring stories.”
“After that seminar, I decided I would take lessons from the Ottawa Safety Council,” recalls Janice. “I rode with Mike for the first couple of years until one summer when he was not able to ride due to a pinched nerve. That is when I joined the Ottawa Motorcycle Enthusiasts, which is mostly women from the Motor Maids. At first, I was hesitant about joining the Motor Maids because I thought they just went on long rides to places like Alaska. When I realized they had shorter rides, I joined them. I now go on longer rides to conventions.”
Now that things have reopened after COVID, the women are getting ready for their Annual Convention. This year it will be held in Rapid City, South Dakota.
“I haven’t been out much yet this year, so I did a short ride yesterday, about 350 kilometres,” says Marjorie. “It was warm, about 80 degrees and the bike ran great! But my wrists and legs are a bit sore.”
For prospective female motorcycle riders, the women enthusiastically agree that one should follow the call of the open road.
“You’ve got to try it out,” says Linda. “Take a course just for the heck of it; you could surprise yourself so much.”
“Even just meeting up with women who ride and ask questions, listen to their stories,” adds Janice.
“Yeah, I agree, the Rider Safety Course is the way to go,” says Marjorie. “It really helps with your confidence. Whatever your passion is, just go for it!”
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Very nice article! Thank you ladies and see you in Springfield!!
Wyoming Motor Maid-Terry