Born: 1909 (Florida, USA)
Died: 2001
Biography:
Vivian Bales (1909–2001) was a pioneering figure in the world of motorcycles and an icon of women’s history. Born in Florida and raised in Georgia, Bales made a lasting impact in the 1920s and 1930s with her long-distance motorcycle rides and daring stunts.
From an early age, Bales exhibited a sense of adventure and a determination to defy societal expectations. After leaving school, she pursued a career as a seamstress and dance instructor. In 1926, at the age of 17, Bales purchased her first motorcycle, a brand new Harley-Davidson Model B. With no prior experience, she taught herself to ride and embarked on her first long tour of 300 miles with a female friend from Albany, Georgia to St. Petersburg, Florida.
The Model B was an innovative motorcycle, featuring a 350 cc, single-cylinder, side-valve engine with a manually shifted three-speed transmission. Despite its modest size, it became known as the peashooter due to the distinct sound of its exhaust. Bales’ daring journey caught the attention of a Florida Harley-Davidson dealer, leading to a feature about her in the St. Petersburg newspaper and subsequently in the Atlanta Journal.
More ambitious rides lay ahead for Bales, prompting her to trade in her Model B for a 1929 flathead engine D-series, Harley-Davidson’s first 45 cu in (740 cc) motorcycle. Eager to undertake a longer solo trip, she reached out to Hap Jameson, the editor of The Harley-Davidson Enthusiast magazine, to share her plans. Despite her petite stature of 5 feet 2 inches and 95 pounds, and her inability to kickstart the bike on her own, Jameson appointed Bales as the official goodwill Enthusiast Girl.
On June 1, 1929, at the age of 20 and with only three years of riding experience, Bales embarked on her most ambitious journey yet. Over the course of 78 days, she covered approximately 5,000 miles alone, riding from Albany, Georgia to the Harley-Davidson factory in Milwaukee. Her return trip took her through Canada, Manhattan, the Carolinas, and Washington, D.C.
During her remarkable journey, Bales became a true ambassador for both motorcycling and female empowerment. She met with local dignitaries, generated widespread media coverage, and even had the opportunity to meet President Herbert Hoover in Washington, D.C. Wearing her signature all-white riding gear with The Enthusiast Girl emblazoned across her sweater, Bales left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Her achievements were recognized not only in the motorcycle community but also in wider society. Bales became the first motorcycle magazine cover girl, gracing the covers of the May and November 1929 editions. Her extraordinary journeys were meticulously documented in the December 1929 issue of The Harley-Davidson Enthusiast magazine and also received extensive coverage in local newspapers across the United States.
In addition to her long-distance riding, Bales showcased her skills as a stunt rider at motorcycle races in Tallahassee, Florida. Her daring feats captivated audiences and further solidified her place as a trailblazer in the world of motorcycles.
Vivian Bales passed away on December 23, 2001, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire both motorcyclists and women around the world. Her remarkable accomplishments and unwavering determination have cemented her as a true pioneer in the history of women’s achievements.
Awards:
– First motorcycle cover girl (May and November 1929 editions)