Born: 1926 (Hannibal, Missouri)
Hazel Kolb (pronounced ‘cob’) was a touring ambassador for motorcycling. Dubbed the Motorcyclin’ Grandma, Kolb was famous for her perimeter ride around the United States. Her 1979 tour around the continental United States on a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide caught the attention of the media and she gave numerous interviews, made national television appearances and eventually co-authored a book about the ride and her life.
Kolb’s tireless promotion of motorcycling struck a chord with the American public and helped break down the stereotypical image many had about motorcyclists. She contributed to ushering in an era when motorcycling not only became acceptable but fashionable among aging Baby Boomers.
Born and raised near Hannibal, Missouri in 1926, Hazel Kolb grew up in a poor family during the Great Depression. She often mentioned that she had very few happy memories of her childhood. When she was growing up, her older brother, Tom, had moved to California and bought a motorcycle. Hazel’s first ride was on the back of her brother’s bike. This experience left a lasting impression on her, and she vowed to buy her own motorcycle and ride to California to visit her brother someday.
However, before she could fulfill her dream, life took over. She got married and had four children by the time she was 22. While her husband worked on the railroad, she single-handedly ran a small store and restaurant while raising her children. Unfortunately, her marriage to an oppressive husband soured, and they eventually divorced.
Hazel met and married Jack Kolb, a local farmer, and he acquired a Harley-Davidson in a business deal. This led to both Hazel and Jack becoming avid riders. Hazel initially rode as a passenger on their trips, but eventually, she got her own bike. Some of her most cherished memories were riding passenger with Jack on long trips they made, including one to the Redwoods of California and later to Alaska.
In 1972, tragedy struck when Jack suffered a heart attack. He recovered, but less than two years later, he began experiencing heart problems again. In October 1975, Jack passed away from heart failure. This loss deeply affected Hazel, and she wanted to do something to honor Jack’s memory and give back to the motorcycling community.
The idea of the perimeter ride came to Hazel as a way to achieve both of these goals. In April 1979, at the age of 53, she embarked on her solo journey from Maine on her Harley-Davidson. Her goal was to ride the entire perimeter of the United States. This ambitious feat caught the attention of the media, and Hazel became a national sensation. She gave countless interviews and made appearances on national television, sharing her story and promoting motorcycling.
After completing her ride, Hazel co-authored a book about her journey and her life. This book further solidified her status as a motorcycling icon. Her dedication to promoting motorcycling and her personal journey of overcoming obstacles inspired many, particularly women, to pursue their own dreams and passions.
Kolb’s impact on society extended beyond her solo ride and media interviews. She became the first female member of the AMA Board of Trustees, a post to which she was reelected several times. Her presence on the board helped guide the Association’s focus during a period of rapid growth for motorcycling. In recognition of her public relations accomplishments, the AMA Brighter Image Award was renamed the AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award in her honor in August 1990. This prestigious award is the highest honor given by the Association for activities that generate positive publicity for motorcycling.
Hazel Kolb’s journey from a difficult childhood to an influential figure in the motorcycling world is a testament to her resilience and passion. She broke down stereotypes and paved the way for others to follow their dreams, regardless of gender or age. Her legacy as the Motorcyclin’ Grandma continues to inspire and her contributions to women’s history and the motorcycling community will always be remembered.