DEADWOOD, S.D. — What started as an annual women’s ride is now a day-long celebration of women in the motorcycling community.
They’re the princesses of the pavement – the vixens of the vroom – the Biker Belles.
The 13th annual Biker Belles celebration drawing in more than a hundred riders Tuesday morning.
Women from all backgrounds and ages taking part in a scenic ride from The Lodge at Deadwood to the Buffalo Chip.
Accompanying the Belles, riders from the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride – on their journey from Portland to Virginia – celebrating the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote.
“I love wrapping women’s motorcycle events around historic events because I like highlighting all the changes that come from riding a motorcycle,” says Alisa Clickenger, event producer for the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride.
The annual event serves as a both a celebration of women in motorcycling and a fundraiser for local charities.
“I love this celebration because it’s all about the women of Sturgis…and it’s a fundraiser and it’s a chance to get together with people we haven’t seen – make new friends – you know, renew acquaintances…and I just…I love this event,” Clickenger says.
One hundred percent of contributions go to South Dakota-based charities supporting women-related causes: Helping with Horsepower, the Strider Foundation, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.
The riding community looking to empower and support women while encouraging new riders into the sport.
“Get out there and do it – take it at your own speed – you can’t believe what you’re missing out there by not being on two-wheels,” says Wendy Crockett, long distance motorcycle ride competitor and the first woman to win the Iron Butt Rally.
“I started off as a shy housewife and now I’ve traveled all around the world and I’m just trying to help other ladies do that,” Clickenger says.
The Biker Belles community grows every year – earning itself the reputation as “the home for women in Sturgis.”
A pay-it-forward program is available for anyone looking to sponsor a rider. More information is available by clicking here.
Looking for more news and information? NewsCenter1 Media Group has you covered go to NC1.TV today for all of your Western South Dakota and Wyoming news today.
