Mid-Maine Lewiston Chapter Ladies of Harley
Message from a former LOH Officer, Lorrie Fernald:
This month’s article starts off with a brief background of the beginning of “Harley Women”.
HARLEY WOMEN
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY ARCHIVES
Harley-Davidson Women Riders
One of the things documented in the very earliest of Harley-Davidson company records and the personal collections of riders is the enthusiasm that women have had for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Early advertising photos show women in genteel clothing posing with the latest models. Even more abundant are accounts and photos from personal collections. Women riders as early as the 1910s did everything men did, ranging from long-distance riding to enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon with friends. Many of these accounts are in early issues of The Enthusiast, which began publication in 1916.
As the decades progressed, individual women would stand out as great enthusiasts. Vivian Bales of Albany, Ga., drew attention for her 5,000-mile round trip journey from her home through the upper Midwest and back, including a visit to the Harley-Davidson factory on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee, Wis. Bales would appear on two different covers of The Enthusiast, and was later dubbed “The Enthusiast Girl.” Dorothy “Dot” Robinson, wife of dealer Earl Robinson, competed in endurance races through the Depression alongside men. Among Robinson’s accomplishments were a 1940 victory in the punishing Jack Pine Enduro in Michigan and several high-placing finishes in other years.
The 1930s gave way to the founding of the Motor Maids, the world’s first women’s motorcycle club. Founded by Wellesley College graduate Linda Dugeau, the Motor Maids have been a club home to Dot Robinson and countless others into the present day. More modern times have witnessed the creation of the clubs, Ladies of Harley, Women in the Wind, as well as Women on Wheels, all of which boasted many members with local chapters across North America. **www.Harley-riders-guide.com
What is LOH and Why Become a Member?
LOH (Ladies of Harley) is a group of female Harley-Davidson enthusiasts promoting activities from within a local HOG Chapter. The Ladies of Harley was originally established to encourage women to become more active members of the National Harley Owners Group (HOG) and their local chapters as both riders and passengers. The fact is that in 2001, more than 10% of all new bike owners were women. LOH promotes ladies participation in the world of Harley-Davidson. The active members of LOH are a group of women who enjoy organizing and participating in social, travel and charitable events resulting in everlasting friendships and memories. By joining LOH, you enjoy an even greater sense of belonging because you are part of the National HOG as well as the local Chapter and the LOH family. Triple Benefits !!
How Do I Join LOH?
The LOH is not a separate organization with HOG, but it is an additional benefit offered by the National HOG for women who are full, full life, associate, or associate life members of membership in HOG. LOH is FREE of charge to active HOG members, but it is not automatic. When applying for the National HOG membership, a woman simply checks the box entitled LOH. LOH offers members a special embroidered patch and pin the first year of membership. Each renewal year, members receive a LOH pin indicating the year of membership. Once you join the National HOG, you must then join the local Chapter. If you haven’t joined LOH and would like to, it is not too late. Your membership can be update by a call to the HOG Office or choose “Update Membership Profile” from the navigation in the My Membership section to join online.
What is the Purpose of LOH?
The purpose of LOH is to organize and promote activities and adventures related to motorcycling for the enjoyment of all chapter members and their families. We encourage all women to get involved with the chapter and activities in general. “The Family that Rides Together-Stays Together”. We want to encourage all ladies, whether you ride two-up (as a passenger) or ride your own bike, to join us in fun and exciting chapter events. You do not have to own your own bike to become a LOH member. If you are interest in socializing, enjoying the camaraderie, riding and volunteering with a diverse, supportive, and never boring group of lady bikers, then come join the Fun with the Fabulous Ladies of LOH where lasting friendships are made, laughter is heard and memories are made. It’s where people like you come together to share their common interest in Harley-Davidson motorcycles. We look forward to meeting you and riding together.
Join us and prepare to fulfill the charge that we are given by HOG — “Ride and Have Fun!”
*** MEN ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY LOH FUNCTION/EVENT ***