Jr. Patriot Report

by John Stumpner

When we think about many motorcycle organizations and clubs, we usually think of the members as a bunch of tough looking men. This is especially true when we think about the various racers and long-distance riders. You would hardly think of a slender, elegant lady as a top racing competitor and hard-core endurance rider. But that is just who Dorothy “Dot” Robinson was.

Dot was born in 1912 in Australia. Her father moved the family to Michigan in 1918 to open a Harley dealership and expand his sidecar business. When Dot was 16 years old, she started working the parts counter at the dealership. It was at the parts counter she met her husband, Earl Robinson. The story is told that Earl kept coming in to buy parts just so he was able to see Dot. Dot and Earl later became business partners when they took over the Harley dealership. They were also partners in racing, with Earl often riding in the sidecar in the sidecar races they competed in.

Starting in the 1930’s, Dot was competing in motorcycle endurance runs, often the only woman in the race. At 18 years old, she won her first run, the Flint 100-mile endurance run, with a perfect score. One of the competitors in a two-day run tells the story how he “chased that woman for two days, through mud and trees” but never caught up with her. After that race, Dot showed that she was always a lady too. While all the other competitors tromped into the bar in their riding clothes, Dot went to her room, got cleaned up and walked in wearing a pretty black dress and pill box hat.

In most of the competitions, Dot was the only woman rider. In fact, she was the first woman to be allowed to compete in American Motorcycle Association (AMA) races. In 1939, with another lady rider, Linda Dugeau, Dot traveled around the United States to find other lady motorcyclists. In 1940, these pioneering women founded Motor Maids of America. This was the first ever AMA sanctioned women’s riding organization. Dot was the first president and held that position for 25 years.

As long as motorcycles have been around, women have been riding them. Dot is only one of the many women that have been active leaders in motorcycling. Even in ABATE of Wisconsin, women hold leadership positions, from the region level on up to the Board of Directors. This just shows that, no matter who you are, you can be a biker and a leader in motorcycling.

On another topic, ABATE’s family weekend is coming up in August. While not an official “event,” the second weekend in August is always planned for a family get together weekend at ABATE Acres. Hopefully you can join us August 9, 10 and 11 for games, prizes and fun provided by your fellow ABATE members. For more information, see the ad in this newsletter or contact John, the Junior Patriots coordinator (contact information on last page).

John