[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or MPN columnist Alisa Clickenger, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only organize the Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride, but to also take 125 women riders on a “lap of history” around the picturesque Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course in Lexington, Ohio during AMA’s Vintage Days last month.
“We’re so grateful to the AMA for inviting us to do a victory lap around the Mid-Ohio race track,” said Clickenger. “It was something dreams are made of. It’s one thing to imagine it, quite another to be there at the starting grid, listening to the announcer, watching for the flag… I now know why they call it a ‘Victory Lap.’ All the ladies felt so triumphant circling that track which is so full of history. I know I will never forget it.”
In 1916 the Van Buren sisters rode their Indians across the country. At a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote, the Van Buren sisters were trying to help the War effort by becoming motorcycle messengers.
They were ultimately turned down for the position but had already proven a point: “Woman can if she will.” Today, women riders are one of the fastest growing segments in the industry.
After we welcomed the riders, we got a chance to walk around Vintage Days and take in a few rows of the swap meet as well as some exciting on-track action in the Superbike class and vintage motocross track. One thing we can say about this event is that it keeps getting better every year. This year saw more vendors in the swap meet area, more campers and, partly due to the perfect weather, a larger crowd on hand.
As we’ve said before, but it bears repeating – vintage motorcycling is alive and well in 2016. And Vintage Days is quickly becoming a must do event for the vast array of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts and industry professionals who sell and service these machines.
