Ride 4 Mary
In August, I’ll fire up my motorcycle in Marysville, Washington, and begin a cross-country ride. But this won’t be just another long-distance ride—it’s a tribute. A ride with meaning. A ride for my friend and mentor, Mary McGee.
Last year Women Riders Now (WRN) published a touching tribute to Mary McGee. The legendary women’s motorcycling pioneer sadly passed away in November, 2024 age 87. “Motorcycle Mary” will be honored this year at the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) international rally.
Ride 4 Mary is a new, global movement I’m proud to launch. It’s an open invitation for riders of all kinds to honor the life and legacy of a woman who helped shape our motorcycling world—and who personally inspired me to ride boldly, live fully, and never stop pushing boundaries.
Why We Ride 4 Mary
Mary McGee didn’t just ride motorcycles—she broke barriers at every turn. She was the first woman in the U.S. to receive a motorcycle racing license from the American Federation of Motorcyclists (predecessor to the AMA) in 1960, and the first to compete in an AMA-sanctioned motorcycle race.
Mary’s talent was undeniable, but it is her spirit that leaves the biggest impression on me and so many others. She had a sense of humor as sharp as her racing skills, and she never let the dirt, dust, or doubters stop her. Her stories—from racing with hand-me-down gear to crashing spectacularly and laughing about it later—are the stuff of legend. And she taught us something deeper: that courage is built one mile at a time.
I had the honor of knowing Mary personally. We shared stories, laughter, and a deep love for motorcycling. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to keep growing as a rider and as a woman in this community. Organizing this tribute ride feels like the most fitting way to honor everything she stood for.
How You Can Join the Ride
Here’s how to get involved and Ride For Mary:
- Ride in Mary’s honor between August 30 and September 7, 2025.
- Download banners and shareable graphics at ride4mary.com.
- Ride solo or organize a group—all are welcome, regardless of gender, bike style, or riding experience.
- Document your ride and tag it with #Ride4Mary #BajaMary #MotorcycleMary.
Share your story—submit photos, videos, or reflections to the website or on social media.
A Historic Destination
If you can, plan to end your tribute ride at the WIMA 75th Anniversary and International Rally in Poland, Maine, from September 7–13. This celebration will bring together women riders from nearly 20 countries, all gathering in the spirit of sisterhood, adventure, and the very legacy Mary helped build.
Let’s Ride 4 Mary—and 4 Ourselves
Through the years, I’ve met countless women who found the courage to ride because trailblazers like Mary forged the way. I’ve been that woman, too—nervous, unsure, wondering if I was “enough.” And I’ve learned, just like Mary taught us, that strength doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from showing up, throwing your leg over the bike, and believing in yourself.
Ride 4 Mary is for every rider who’s ever been inspired by a story like Mary’s. It’s for those who believe in honoring our history while carving out our own paths. I hope you’ll ride with me.
Learn More & Get Involved
Visit ride4mary.com to:
- Download promotional materials
- Submit your ride and photos
- Create a rider profile
- Learn more about Mary’s extraordinary life
Let’s make this the most meaningful ride of the year—and ensure that Mary’s story continues to inspire generations of riders to come.
