Unlikely Heroes

by John Stumpner

Many people have become famous for their accomplishments or for setting a world record at something. These accomplishments and records always come at a cost and require lots of hard work and dedication. Often, someone with enough money or backing of other people will set out to accomplish a particular goal or set a particular record. But sometimes, a person without much money can accomplish great things. They don’t always intend to make a great accomplishment, but by doing what they love, they manage to be the first or best at something.

Some people set out to set a record or accomplish a particular goal. The Van Buren sisters, Gussie and Addie, wanted to prove women could ride motorcycles as well as anyone. So, they set a goal of riding across the United States by themselves. Since they were from a wealthy family, they had ample money available to help with their trip. Another person that set out to accomplish a goal was motorcycle racer Burt Munro. Using a heavily modified 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle, Burt set several land speed records, including one in 1967 that still stands today. To get the resources necessary to accomplish his goal, Burt worked as a motorcycle salesman and mechanic.

Sometimes, a person can accomplish something by just doing what they love. Bessie Stringfield was an African American girl that liked to ride motorcycles. So, in 1930, at age 19, she set out to go riding around the country. Because she didn’t have a lot of money, she would support herself doing stunts and trick riding at carnivals and fairs. She eventually became famous for her cross-country trips and her fantastic riding ability. Anne-France Dautheville, was a French journalist and writer who used her travels for inspiration for her writing. She would sell her travel stories to support herself for more traveling. She became famous for being the first woman to ride around the world solo in 1973 and continued her world travels for another 8 years until 1981. One of the books she wrote was the children’s book, Girl on a Motorcycle, which was about her first trip around the world.

Another person who made a great accomplishment is Dave Zien, the man that put a million miles on a Harley Davidson. Dave was a Vietnam veteran and Wisconsin state legislator, serving in both the State Assembly and Senate. He traveled almost exclusively on his Harley Softail (I actually saw him come to ABATE’s Lobby Day on a February day while it was snowing). He eventually racked up over one million miles on that one motorcycle. Dave continues to ride to this day, although now on a trike, flying full sized American and Wisconsin flags.

Many ABATE members, by working hard with determination, continue to insure our freedom of the road. ABATE members don’t set out to become famous, but several have ended up in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Learn as much as you can while you are younger, find something you love, stick to it, and who knows what you will accomplish.

John