In recognition of Black History Month, taking place in February each year, we shine the “headlight” on two pioneering female riders: one who broke barriers for women 70 years ago, and one today whos following in her “tire tracks.”
In the 1930s and 40s a black female named Bessie Stringfield not only rode her own motorcycle—very uncommon for women in that day—but rode her bike across the United States eight times … solo.
In addition to riding cross country, Bessie did what she termed “penny tours.” She’d throw a penny on the map and ride where it landed.
Bessie was a civilian motorcycle dispatcher for the U.S. Army and as a black woman encountered prejudice along the way. While a lot of details about Bessies life were lost in a fire, what we do know was enough to inspire a new generation of women riders to create their own motorcycle adventures.
One rider influenced by Bessies life is Sarah “SeCCRet” Moreau. The Los Angeles-based motorcyclist decided to use Bessies cross country accomplishments as a template for tracing her own two-wheeled travels. Just one year after earning her motorcycle endorsement at age 35, Sarah set out to ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic. And back. Solo. She journeyed back and forth eight more times for a total of nine, beating her heros amazing achievement.
Many women riders give themselves a “road name” inspired by their passion for two-wheels. Sarahs is SeCCRet. The capital C-C-R stands for cross country rider.
“Bessie is my road ‘she-ro,’” says Sarah, now 46. “Bessie started riding at age 19 on a 1928 Indian Scout. I made the decision to bring attention to her accomplishments by breaking Bessie’s personal record.”
Sarah adds, “I didn’t know if Bessie rode one way or round trip, so I decided to count my motorcycle rides round-trip.”
Nine times across the U.S. on a motorcycle by herself in 10 years is quit a feat even today, let alone 70 years ago. We asked Sarah to share with us what motivates her to take these monumental motorcycle journeys with hopes of inspiring others to kickstart their own two-wheeled dreams.
WRN: Why did you start riding motorcycles? SM: I’ve always been fascinated with motorcycles. I waited until my daughter was an adult before I took the course. She’s an only child and we were close. I needed to be there for her. I had also finished my master’s degree in negotiation and conflict management from California State University. Then, I needed something to do for me.
WRN: What prompted you to ride not once, but several times round trip across the United States?
SM: I decided to take a break from living inside four wall structures … the office, library, and the house. I wanted something that allowed me to escape and break free temporarily from the realities of school and work. I really liked the freedom so I decided to break Bessie’s personal record.
“On a motorcycle you really get to feel nature,” says Sarah. “One time I was flying through butterflies. Another time there were hundreds of little turtles crossing a back road. Different parts of the country provide you with different scenery.”
WRN: How do you pace your trips?
SM: I like to cover at least 1,000 miles within 24 hours when I travel cross country on the first day. I ride until I’m tired. I don’t make plans in advance. I don’t make hotel arrangements. My minimum quota of miles to ride after meeting my 1,000-mile goal is at least 700 miles per day unless I’m stopping to visit family and friends or sightseeing.
WRN: How do you choose your route?
SM: I decide based on my weather research and the time I have to travel. I choose different interstates and backroads. I always ride with a map because satellite signals for GPS are not always reliable. I’ve been all over the United States, from Interstate 90 at the top to Interstate 10 at the bottom. I have pictures from every trip. I think it’s important to document the rides because with Bessie there’s little information.
“I haven’t had a breakdown because I keep my motorcycles well maintained,” says Sarah. “I do not own a car by choice. Motorcycle riding is a major part of my life.”
WRN: What do you think about on those long rides?
SM: I wish my helmet could record my thoughts. Motorcycle riding cross country allows me time to think about life and view situations from vastly different perspectives and develop creative solutions to approach issues from several angles. I think about how I can make my life simple so I can enjoy time on the open road with my motorcycle.
WRN: How do you keep costs down on these long distance trips?
SM: Iusually camp, spend the night with family and friends, and occasionally sleep at a hotel. I then eat enough food to fuel my body for the day.
Sometimes I actually sleep on my bike. I sit on the bike and lay up on the gas tank. I rest my head near the handlebars. In the summertime I usually don’t need a blanket. I also sleep at trucker lounges. Truckers aren’t usually in the lounge. You have it all to yourself. You can wake up and take a shower. It’s an inexpensive way to travel.
For her record-breaking ninth time roundtrip across the U.S., Indian Motorcycle loaned Sarah this Roadmaster to ride to help mark this milestone journey. This photo was taken on a beautiful backroad in Pennsylvania near Highway 6.
WRN:
How do you feel about traveling alone?
SM: Most of the time people are really friendly. They’re in awe that there’s a woman doing this. I haven’t had any issues. Most people are really good people. I believe it depends on the energy you give off to people on how they treat you. You have to respect yourself. I do have a concealed weapon permit so I do “carry,” but I’ve never been in a situation.
WRN:Whats your favorite destination so far? Where would go back again?
SM: Oregon is my favorite destination. I find peace within while riding my motorcycle on Interstate 84 surrounded by beautiful greenery, mountains, and the stunning view of Hood River.
WRN: What is one of your best motorcycle memories?
SM: I will never forget riding a motorcycle across the United States with 100 women. I was a team leader for the theSisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ridewhere werode from Brooklyn, New York, to San Francisco, California. The ride honored the 100-year anniversary of Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, sisters who made the same journey on their own motorcycles in 1916. It was during that ride I passed Bessie Stringfield’s personal record.
WRN: You covered 13,351 miles on this monumental journey that started June 16, 2016 and ended July 24, 2016. Tell us about the route you took.
SM: I rode a 2016 Indian Roadmaster starting in Los Angeles, California, to mile marker 0 in Key West, Florida. I left Key West and made a few stops along the way to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Then I conquered the 318 curves in 11 miles of the Tail of the Dragonin Tennessee. Then onto Springfield, Massachusetts, for the Sisters Centennial Motorcycle Ride staff meeting. Then to to Brooklyn, New York, to meet the Van Buren family and to register motorcycle riders taking part in the Sisters Ride.
We then escorted those riders back to Springfield, Massachusetts, for the rides commencement before heading west across the country to the last stop, San Francisco, for the grand finale party honoring the Van Buren sisters own transcontinental motorcycle ride in 1916. From there I headed south to my home to Los Angeles.
Heres Sarah by the Golden Gate Bridge, the end point of last summers Sisters Centennial Motorcycle Ride. This day also marked the culmination of her ninth cross country ride. “I don’t feel like a role model although women from diverse backgrounds have told me I inspire them to ride a motorcycle cross country.”
WRN:What do you think of the Indian Roadmaster that you rode on this trip?
SM:It glides smoothly on the open highway and is very comfortable. There are floorboards for your feet, but I added highway pegs on the engine guards because I like to stretch my legs forward when I ride long distance. I was protected from the wind and rain by the fairing and adjustable windshield. And the lower, vented fairings sometimes served as an air conditioner allowing air to blow directly on my legs during hot days. For the cooler weather that I encountered, the heated seat and heated grips provided warmth.
A remote-control key fob made it easy to start the ignition and to lock the motorcycle after riding. The saddlebags and rear tour-pack storage provided plenty of room for a cross country motorcycle rider. My full-face helmet fit perfectly inside the tour pack and I still had room for other items. I really like the hidden and secure storage compartment located below the fairing to charge my cell phone and connect my iPod to the USB/Bluetooth device. The sound system was clear and crisp while riding at high speed.
At 5 feet 6 inches tall, Sarah says the Indian Roadmaster’s 26.5-inch seat height is manageable for her. “The seat is low enough for my feet to touch the ground so I could easily park the bike when going at a slow pace.”WRN: What model of motorcycle do you own yourself?
SM: I ride a 2015 Harley-Davidson Street Glide currently. I don’t own a car, by choice.
WRN: Will you ride across the country again?
SM: I don’t plan to stop cross country riding anytime soon. I’m going to continue to ride for as long as I can. I’m addicted. For now, I want to ride in other countries. I currently have my eyes set on Cuba in March.
“You only live once,” says Moreau. “If you want to ride a motorcycle cross country follow your heart and embrace the love of the open road.”
Girl…thank you, thank you! After reading this article , my mind was set! I’m heading out this Tuesday morning bright and early for my first cross country solo ride—Pheonix to Daytona Beach—I’m so excited!I’ve always been a very independent, strong, and confident woman. I think as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to realize my own mortality. I’m not getting any younger and I’m tired of my own accomplishments and goals being shrugged off by my family and friends (as much as they think it’s to keep me safe because they care.) It’s made me realize this is my life, not all of it has to be shared with others. I’ve waited for both of my children to become adults that are very well on their way. I really think most people don’t have the self confidence or are insecure within their own abilities. Especially women.I finally told myself, “Ladies, we gave birth. We were protective mama bears not to be crossed. We raised our children to go out into the world without fear or hesitation. Now it’s your turn. Janet, you deserve this. It’s your gift to yourself! Don’t let anyone take this from you. DO IT NOW!”Thank you thank you for sharing this article. I hope I run into Sarah one day during our rides.
Inspiring story! I think that the goal of 1,000 miles in the first 24 hours is a bit ambitious for me—about 400 to 450 miles per day is my limit. Of course, I also like to explore a bit, and enjoy the scenery (and, of course, the “Heritage Marker in 1/4 mile” signs!).In 2008 I rode a 2008 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy from Mobridge, South Dakota, to my home in Washington state—about 1,200 miles on my own. I was inspired by Karen Larsen’s book Breaking the Limit (Hyperion, 2004). That first step—getting on the bike to start my solo trip—was the scariest. Once I started rolling, I was fine. I want to try a cross-country trip next, although I would plan to take about 10 days to complete it (one way). This article gave me lots of planning ideas, that’s for sure!
Loved this article. You don’t often hear about the solo journeys of women in the Americas so this was well-timed.Just another nudge toward my overcoming my own shyness and fear of getting on the bike.And boy does she look fly in all her Indian Motorcycle gear!
Thanks WRN—great and inspirational article for all lady riders! I have never ridden cross country but have often daydreamed about making such a trip on my bike. Love hearing about all ladies past and present who have made milestones and are inspirational to all! Kudos to Sarah for following her passion and letting us know about Bessie. Hope someone could do some more research on her life and write some more about her as well.Thanks, I love this website.
Bravo! A woman with brains, bravery, and good sense. And I’m glad you have a CCP. I did a lot of solo traveling in my van. Just me, the road, the sun-kissed breezes blowing through my open windows, my sleeping quarters in the back, my Sterno stove, canteens, and Dinty Moore Stew. Best wishes!
You are an inspiration! I just finished reading Grace and Grit. Women have been riding their own motorcycles by themselves all over the U.S. and more for 100 years. I hope you read about me taking that trip some time soon.
Girl…thank you, thank you! After reading this article , my mind was set! I’m heading out this Tuesday morning bright and early for my first cross country solo ride—Pheonix to Daytona Beach—I’m so excited!I’ve always been a very independent, strong, and confident woman. I think as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to realize my own mortality. I’m not getting any younger and I’m tired of my own accomplishments and goals being shrugged off by my family and friends (as much as they think it’s to keep me safe because they care.) It’s made me realize this is my life, not all of it has to be shared with others. I’ve waited for both of my children to become adults that are very well on their way. I really think most people don’t have the self confidence or are insecure within their own abilities. Especially women.I finally told myself, “Ladies, we gave birth. We were protective mama bears not to be crossed. We raised our children to go out into the world without fear or hesitation. Now it’s your turn. Janet, you deserve this. It’s your gift to yourself! Don’t let anyone take this from you. DO IT NOW!”Thank you thank you for sharing this article. I hope I run into Sarah one day during our rides.
Inspiring story! I think that the goal of 1,000 miles in the first 24 hours is a bit ambitious for me—about 400 to 450 miles per day is my limit. Of course, I also like to explore a bit, and enjoy the scenery (and, of course, the “Heritage Marker in 1/4 mile” signs!).In 2008 I rode a 2008 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy from Mobridge, South Dakota, to my home in Washington state—about 1,200 miles on my own. I was inspired by Karen Larsen’s book Breaking the Limit (Hyperion, 2004). That first step—getting on the bike to start my solo trip—was the scariest. Once I started rolling, I was fine. I want to try a cross-country trip next, although I would plan to take about 10 days to complete it (one way). This article gave me lots of planning ideas, that’s for sure!
What a great story. Hopefully this inspires other women to do the same.
Loved this article. You don’t often hear about the solo journeys of women in the Americas so this was well-timed.Just another nudge toward my overcoming my own shyness and fear of getting on the bike.And boy does she look fly in all her Indian Motorcycle gear!
What an inspiration you are! I’m so impressed with your journey. Thank you for sharing! I’m so excited now I just want to jump on my bike and ride!
Thanks WRN—great and inspirational article for all lady riders! I have never ridden cross country but have often daydreamed about making such a trip on my bike. Love hearing about all ladies past and present who have made milestones and are inspirational to all! Kudos to Sarah for following her passion and letting us know about Bessie. Hope someone could do some more research on her life and write some more about her as well.Thanks, I love this website.
Simply incredible! Ride on!
Bravo! A woman with brains, bravery, and good sense. And I’m glad you have a CCP. I did a lot of solo traveling in my van. Just me, the road, the sun-kissed breezes blowing through my open windows, my sleeping quarters in the back, my Sterno stove, canteens, and Dinty Moore Stew. Best wishes!
You are an inspiration! I just finished reading Grace and Grit. Women have been riding their own motorcycles by themselves all over the U.S. and more for 100 years. I hope you read about me taking that trip some time soon.