“We have opportunities today that quite simply would not be available if not for brave women like the Van Buren sisters. I am thrilled to ride in honor of their journey and the men and women who encouraged them to follow their dreams” said Sills.

The July 3-24, 2016 Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride, an American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sanctioned event, is a cross-country motorcycle ride for women commemorating the 100th anniversary of Adeline and Augusta Van Buren’s historic ride across the United States from New York to San Francisco. The Van Buren sisters set out in 1916 to prove they could ride as well as anyone. With World War I looming, they planned to show that women had what it took to be dispatch riders in the U.S. Army and rode a pair of motorcycles on their transcontinental journey. “This was a phenomenal accomplishment by two courageous women at a time when few roads were paved, Victorian attitudes were in full flare and women did not yet have the right to vote,”says Clickenger. “This ride is intended to honor their achievement and promote the growth of modern-day women motorcyclists and the motorcycling community.”

The event concludes with a large group ride into San Francisco on July 23, 2016, where festivities will celebrate the ride’s completion and all riders’ accomplishments. Women have several options for participation, including a fully supported tour and self-guided tours of the entire route or individual segments. Registration is open on the event website at www.SistersMotorcycleRide.com. For photos of the Van Buren Sisters and their history click here or visit www.VanBurenSisters.com.