Biography:
Becky Brown is an influential figure in women’s history as the founder of the motorcycle riding organization Women in the Wind (WITW). Her dedication and passion for riding brought together women from different walks of life and created a community that not only empowered women but also played a significant role in changing societal perceptions about women and motorcycling.
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Brown grew up with a sense of adventure and a love for horses. Riding horses gave her a feeling of freedom, and little did she know that riding a motorcycle would become an extension of that exhilarating sensation. In the mid-1970s, she had the opportunity to ride as a passenger on a small 125cc motorcycle and was instantly captivated. Determined to experience riding at the controls, Brown asked her co-worker to teach her. Her confidence in riding grew quickly, and after a few laps around a parking lot, she was eager to explore the world on two wheels.
Embracing her newfound passion, she bought her first bike, a four-cylinder 350cc Honda. This trusty little machine allowed her to hone her riding skills, and soon she had her first solo ride on a Harley-Davidson. It was during this ride that she fell in love with the powerful American V-twin. Brown realized her dream when she purchased a 1973 Harley-Davidson 1,000cc XLCH kick-start Sportster. She gradually transformed her Sportster into a chopper, emphasizing her individuality and showcasing her unique style.
In the mid-1970s, Brown was unaware of any other women riders in her area. Seeing the brotherhood and camaraderie within male-dominated motorcycle clubs, she longed to find fellow women riders who shared her love for the open road. Taking matters into her own hands, she placed an ad in her local newspaper in the spring of 1979, seeking women who were passionate about riding. To her surprise, she received an enthusiastic response from ten women who were eager to join her on this adventurous journey.
The group’s first ride took them along the scenic roads alongside the Maumee River, an experience that would lay the foundation for something much bigger. Brown had no inkling that this initial gathering would evolve into an international organization with hundreds of members. The name Women in the Wind was coined during a spur-of-the-moment brainstorming session when a local reporter asked what to call the group. The women gathered at a nearby Denny’s restaurant and came up with the name, Women in the Wind, which perfectly captured their spirit of freedom and adventure.
Brown’s vision and leadership skills were instrumental in the growth of Women in the Wind. From a small ad that drew ten responses, WITW expanded to 70 chapters and attracted over 1,400 members not only from the United States but also from distant places such as England and Australia by the early 2000s. The organization became a powerful force in empowering women, promoting safety, and fostering a supportive community for women riders. Becky Brown’s initiative created a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and break the stereotypes surrounding women and motorcycles.
Becky Brown’s influence went beyond the boundaries of the motorcycle community. She became an inspiration for countless women who longed to break free from societal expectations and live life on their own terms. Through her boldness and determination, she challenged the notion that riding motorcycles was solely a male domain. By providing women with a safe space and a platform to express themselves, she became a catalyst for change, not only within the motorcycling world but also in society as a whole.
Awards:
– Women in the Wind Founder and Visionary Award