Just Get Out and Ride

by John Stumpner

A long time ago, in the early 1900’s, a little African American orphan named Bessie, was adopted by an Irish American mother. Bessie was a bit of a tomboy growing up, and when she got older, decided she wanted to ride motorcycle. Her step-mom bought her a 1928 Indian Scout. Bessie, mostly by herself and with a little help from a neighbor, learned to ride in the streets and alleys of the neighborhood in Boston where she grew up. Then, in 1930, when she was 19 years old, Bessie set out on the first of many cross country trips she made. This was at a time when women did not travel alone, and discrimination was legal and supported by all levels of the government. Bessie would earn money by doing trick riding demonstrations. When she couldn’t find a place to stay, she would sleep on the seat of her motorcycle. Even when people were mean to her, she would keep a cheerful and positive attitude. This won many people over, sometimes gas station owners would even fill her tank for free. In the 1950’s, Bessie, now known as Bessie Stringfield, moved to Miami, Florida, and became a prominent leader in the Miami motorcycle community. She continued to ride around the United States and several other countries around the world.

Burt Munro was a farmer from New Zealand. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, Burt became one of the best motorcycle racers in New Zealand. He eventually left his parent’s farm to work full time as a motorcycle salesman, mechanic and racer. Burt wanted to make his personal motorcycle, a 1920 Indian Scout, go faster. Because he didn’t have much money, he had to work on the Scout in his spare time and made most of his own parts and tools. In spite of not having a lot of money or corporate backing, Burt, in the 1960’s, managed to set three land speed records with the Scout, one of which still stands. Commitment and ingenuity allowed Burt Munro to accomplish things that many wealthy people could not do.

Bikers like Bessie Stringfield and Burt Munro have always pushed the boundaries of what can be done. In spite of discrimination and lack of money, they accomplished what they set out to do and became famous leaders in motorcycling. We can use their examples and think about what we may someday be able to accomplish. Lots of people out there will tell you about all the things that can’t be done, but you can always look to bikers and your friends in ABATE of Wisconsin to help you accomplish whatever you put your mind to.

John