Active Woman Traveler

Motor Maids Inc. became a reality more than fifty-seven years ago. A young woman named Linda Dugeau conceived the idea that there might be a number of women who owned their own motorcycles and might be interested in becoming acquainted with one another. After an extensive search for names, she compiled a list of fifty-one names from which the Association Charter #509 was issued to the Motor Maids.

The founding premise of the Motor Maids was to unite women in promoting motorcycle interest. Whenever the Motor Maids get together for a parade or their National Convention, they will be seen in their colors – Royal Blue and Silver Gray – and the Motor Maid emblem in the form of a shield. The uniform consists of a royal blue overblouse, gray slack with white boots and tie. The Motor Maids is the nation’s oldest women’s riding club.

And ride they do – millions of miles over the years. These are ladies ranging in age from sixteen to eighty-five. To become a Motor Maid, a woman must be sponsored by another Motor Maid. The prospective Motor Maid is placed on probation for a period of three months. During the three months, another Motor Maid will interview the prospective member to insure that they meet the standards as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of Motor Maids, Inc.

The first President of the Motor Maids was Dot Robinson of Detroit, Michigan. Dot held this position until she retired at the National Convention in 1965. Dot Goulding Robinson was born into motorcycling. Her father, James Goulding, designed and built the famous Goulding sidecar. As a matter of fact James Goulding rushed his wife Mary to the hospital in April 1912, in a Goulding sidecar, to give birth to their child Dorothy “Dot” Goulding. In the late 1920’s, James Goulding continued to produce his sidecars however, he also obtained a Harley-Davidson franchise. Several years later he hired a mechanic by the name of Earl Robinson. Of course the first thing that Earl noticed, aside from the 1925 Harley JD with sidecar was Dot. A courtship followed, which included Earl teaching Dot how to ride her first bike. In 1931, Dot and Earl were married forming one of motorcycling’s most famous and enduring husband and wife teams.

In regards to Motor Maids conventions, yes – men are there too. They take pictures, socialize, talk about previous National Conventions, in some cases they are riding partners but most importantly they are there for support. It is obvious that each one of these men takes great pride in being associated with this organization. Whether husband, brother, or significant other the men love these women who ride and are proud to ride beside them. The camaraderie, the genuine love and caring that these ladies show for each other is overwhelming. As one of the Motor Maids said at the closing ceremonies, “Motorcycling is not a sport. It is a way of life."

Are you or do you know of anyone who may be interested in joining this active, adventurous group of women motorcyclists? Motor Maids are from the US and Canada, all model bikes are welcomed. According to their schedule, "The VA/DC District meets at least once a month to ride and share good times." Go to www.motormaids.org/calendar.html to see their list of Virginia rides and events. For more information call phone: 804-556-3252, send your email to motormama@i-c.net or visit their website http://www.motormaids.org/. Article by Marie Cammock-Payne

MOTOR MAIDS, INC. & the 57th National Convention Excerpts taken from Motor Maids, Inc. and the 57th National Convention by Stephen N. Mathlery. Thanks to Jacqueline Moreno in Richmond (Virginia), a Motor Maids member, along with her very supportive husband for this article and briefing on the historical accounts of Motor Maids, Inc.