Bessie Stringfield

Bessie Stringfield, famously known as the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami,” was a true trailblazer whose courage and determination reshaped the landscape of American motorcycling. At a time when both women and African-American riders faced overwhelming barriers, she carved her own path on two wheels. Beginning with a 1928 Indian Scout, Bessie completed eight solo cross-country rides during the 1930s and 1940s, including journeys through the Deep South, relying on faith, grit, and an unshakable love for riding. Her fearless travels challenged societal norms and proved that the open road belongs to everyone.

Over her lifetime, Bessie owned 27 Harley-Davidsons and became a respected figure in both racing and riding circles. She competed in flat-track races, earning her legendary nickname through skill and sheer presence, and later founded the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club in Miami to build community among riders. During World War II, she continued her service as a civilian motorcycle courier for the U.S. Army, delivering vital messages while further demonstrating her mastery and trustworthiness as a rider.

Bessie Stringfield’s influence extended far beyond her own rides. Her advocacy and visibility helped open doors for women in a sport long dominated by men, inspiring generations to follow in her tracks. Her legacy has been honored through her posthumous induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2002, her inclusion in the inaugural AMA Motorcycle Heritage Museum exhibit on Women in Motorcycling, and through the Bessie Stringfield Award, which continues to recognize women leaders in the motorcycling community. Today, her life stands as a powerful testament to independence, resilience, and the enduring spirit of adventure that defines motorcycling.