Biker Belles Women’s Day at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Biker Belles Women’s Day

Every August for the past 16 years, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has organized and hosted the women’s Biker Belles event and ride. It was conceived with two goals in mind: to raise awareness of the many positive aspects of the women’s riding culture, and to raise funds for local charities. Since its inception in 2009, what was originally a ride has evolved into a full day of celebrating women riders. Check out WRN’s video coverage of the first Biker Belles ride here.

Biker Belles Director Toni Woodruff states, “Biker Belles represents many positive elements of the motorcycle community—encouragement, empowerment, mentorship, and charity. When we created the event in 2009, we’d hoped it would change people’s lives for the better, and it’s amazing to see how much it truly has.”

buffalo chip biker belles at sturgis motorcycle rally

The Biker Belles ride is about 50 miles, starting from The Lodge at Deadwood, through scenic Black Hills, ending at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

Biker Belles Women’s Day starts at The Lodge at Deadwood, where event registration connects riders prior to the ride.

the lodge at deadwood buffalo chp biker belles staff

2024 Biker Belles staff, all wearing this year’s special event shirts, on hand at The Lodge.

Morning rain didn’t stop the amazing riders from gathering for the special day. The rain cleared before the ride.

Women Riders Everywhere

About 100 riders took part in this year’s ride, held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Although the vast majority are women, men may participate as well. There are always special guests on the ride, including top women in the motorcycle industry. The Biker Belles route winds riders through 50 scenic miles along Nemo Road and Vanocker Canyon Road, to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. What better way to see the Black Hills than with an amazing group of women riders?

Several special guests often join the annual ride, including Harley-Davidson’s Karen Davidson, pictured here in the middle of the group.

The ride starts at 9 a.m. and is fully escorted for the entire 50 miles. Diva Amy and Karen Davidson lead the group down The Lodge’s driveway.

Karen Davidson and Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe high five on motorcycles

Ride Co-Captains Karen Davidson (left) and Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe (right) give each other a high five upon the ride’s arrival at the Buffalo Chip Crossroads.

For many women, the Biker Belles Ride is the highlight of their Sturgis Motorcycle Rally experience.

Some women even come to Sturgis solely to partake in Biker Belles woman’s day.

Biker Belles at the Buffalo Chip

The afternoon portion of Biker Belles is held at the Buffalo Chip Crossroads complex, with the Big Engine Bar reserved exclusively for the “Coffee Clutch." Attendees get brunch, coffee, a souvenir, and the opportunity to bid on silent auction items donated to benefit charities. This year’s charities included Laura Klock and Crystal Young’s Helping with Horsepower, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, Real Deal Revolution, and Jessi Combs Foundation.

Taking the stage are Biker Belles volunteers who introduce special guests and groups involved in the day’s proceedings. One of the most compelling and empowering activities of the event is the Real Deal Revolution (RDR), a group of women dedicated to the trades.

RDR was started by Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras a decade ago, with the mission to revolutionize the perception of skilled trades and women’s roles in them. It motivates women to attract other women to the trades and provide support for their development and progress. Sadly, Jessi passed away in 2019 during a racing accident while earning her title as the Fastest Woman on Earth. However, Theresa and other women continue to expand the organization honoring Jessi's legacy.

Women at Biker Belles are introduced to welding and pinstriping by Hannah Stout-Ortega and Zoe Carmichael during hands-on Real Deal Revolution instruction.

theresa contreras welding real deal revolution

Theresa Contreras teaches women some of the basics of pinstriping.

real deal revolution crew at biker belles woman's day sturgis

The Real Deal Revolution crew getting well-deserved recognition.

Honoring and Caring for Women at Biker Belles

Another much-loved feature of the event is the Comfort Zone presented by Team Diva. Comfort Zone vendors offer massages, beauty care products, fashion clothing, and riding gear for women.

In recent years, all registered women riders have been invited to participate in the Women’s Bike Show presented by Maiden Moto. This is a fun way to see what bikes women ride and hear stories of their motorcycling adventures.

Savannah Rose, Founder of the Maiden Moto Art Show presented the Women’s Bike Show at the Crossroads Amphitheater. Women who entered did not have to build their bikes, nor did the bikes have to be custom. There are some great stories behind these machines!

A number of very cool items are donated for the silent auction to raise money for the charities. The talented Gevin Fax displays her beautifully crafted leatherwork and jewelry.

These women speak about the Medicine Wheel Ride, which had been held two days prior. It raises awareness and provides support for families of missing and murdered indigenous women and their relatives.

karen davidson diva amy toni woodruff and shelly rossmeyer biker belles

Left to right: Diva Amy Skaling, Karen Davidson, Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe, and Toni Woodruff. This year’s Nancy Davidson Ambassador Award was presented to Shelly for her contributions to women in motorcycling the industry.

Mark Your Calendar

Next year’s Biker Belles event will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Keep an eye on WRN’s women’s events calendar for more information.

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Biker Belles Women’s Day at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

16th annual Buffalo Chip Biker Belles ride and event