BMW Motorrad USA Joins Panel Supporting Women Riders at Sturgis

Sarah Schilke, National Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad USA, will be among a panel of leaders representing a broad cross-section of women in the motorcycle industry at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s 2016 Biker Belles symposium, Tuesday, August 9. Other industry trailblazers taking seats on the panel, moderated by Marilyn Stemp of the Sturgis Rider Daily and Iron Trader News, include moto-journalist and Iron Lillies co-founder Leticia Cline, Perewitz Cycle Fab’s Jody Perewitz and land-speed record-holder Karlee Cobb. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip organizers chose this group of panelists due to their influence in the industry and their leading roles in helping to shape the future of motorcycling.

“I look forward to participating in this unique event alongside such notable industry veterans,” observed Ms. Schilke. “It’s an honor to represent BMW for its ongoing commitment to women and motorcycling.”

Following a ride through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, the panel will discuss the theme “Two-Wheeled Transformation” while guests enjoy a catered lunch at The Lodge at Deadwood. The event was created to raise awareness of the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling and to raise funds for local worthy charities.

2016 Biker Belles Schedule – Tuesday, August 9

8:30 a.m. – Registration at the Buffalo Chip’s CrossRoads and an opportunity to meet antique motorcycle racer Brittney Olsen.

9:30 a.m. – Guided ride through the picturesque Black Hills led by Ride Captain and safety expert Vicki Roberts Sanfelipo.

11:00 a.m. – Registration opens at The Lodge at Deadwood for those not participating in the ride.

11:30 a.m. – Riders arrive at The Lodge at Deadwood for a catered lunch, a pampering at the “Comfort Zone” by Team Diva, a silent auction, uplifting songs and stories by Iron Cowgirl Missy and an inspiring program.

12:30 p.m. – The symposium, “Two-Wheeled Transformation.” Filmmaker Michelle Carpenter will offer a preview of her new documentary, “Klocked: Women with Horsepower,” the story of land speed record-holder Laura Klock and her daughters, Erika and Karlee Cobb.

1:45 p.m. – All participants will gather for inclusion in the Biker Belles official group photo.

How To Register

Participants are asked to make a $60 contribution to join the festivities, 100 percent of which directly benefits two South Dakota charities for women-related causes: Helping with Horsepower and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. For reservations, visit www.BikerBelles.com or phone (605) 347-9000.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.