Three Women Inducted Into Sturgis Hall of Fame

Each a pioneer in her own right

Sam Storm and Marjorie Hummel pose for a picture upon being inducted to the Hall of Fame.

Sam “Morgan” Storm, Marjorie Hummel, and Elizabeth “Boots” Buchholz are latest female riders inducted in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum amp; Hall of Fame during the Sturgis Rally in early August.

Marge Dwyer (maiden name) on her 1939 Harley-Davidson.

In 1939 at age 25, Marjorie Hummel was the first woman long distance rider to attend the Black Hills Motor Classic, the predecessor to todays Sturgis Rally. She was also the first female to compete in an official rally event entering an endurance race in 1941 competing against seven male riders. The race covered about 30 miles of trails that included a creek crossing and other forest hazards around Sturgis. Marge came in next to last place but is proud of her effort. She is recognized for her spirit of adventure and as a female motorcycle touring pioneer.

June 1939, Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Marge and her sister, Angie, ready for a 6,070 mile trip. They lived out of two saddlebags, one suitcase and dressed in canvas helmets, boots, breeches and leather coats.

Sam “Morgan” Storm is one of the few women to ride a motorcycle in a motor drome also known as the “Wall of Death” because of its 90-degree angled walls. Sam was inducted into the Hall of Fame with the late Paul “Sonny” Pelaquin, the man who took Sam under his wing when she ran away from home at age 14 and taught her how to ride the drome. Sam grew to adulthood around the drome traveling the world doing four shows over 16-hour days.

Sam Storm riding at a 90-degree angle in the motor drome. She currently rides for the American Motor Drome.

Sam shares her unique gift and love of motorcycling and the drome wherever she goes. She is respected by her peers and considered one of the top extreme sport performers in the motordrome business today. To read more about Sam and the dromes, visit motordrome.org.

Sam#39;s mentor, Sonny Pelaquin. Sonny was born into a family of wall riders becoming one of the best in the business. In 1964, he was chosen to do the stunt riding for Elvis Presley in the film Roustabout.

Elizabeth “Boots” Buchholz was inducted the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, which recognizes those individuals who work on behalf of motorcyclists rights. Boots has been a member of ABATE of Florida holding various managerial levels throughout her years as a motorcyclist. She has affected change not only in Florida but for riders nationally.

Other inductees into the 2006 Hall of Fame are: Jay Springsteen, John Parham, John Reed, “Deacon” Dave Phillips, and Rich “Neb” Nebelsick.

For more information on the Hall of Fame, visit sturgismuseum.com.

1 thought on Three Women Inducted Into Sturgis Hall of Fame

  1. Kathy Hurwitz

    Just got news that Marge Hummel past away last night. The picture of the two pioneers above make me proud.
    R.I.P.

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