Demenshea's Ride like a Girl

Salute to Bessie Stringfield–African American Female Motorcyclist rides into history

Donna — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:22:49 +0000

Bessie Stringfield was a true enigma while being female and African American, she championed the sport of motorcycling during tumultuous times. Known as the Motorcycle Queen of Miami, Bessie Stringfield started riding when she was 16. She was the first African-American woman to travel cross-country solo, and she did it at age 19 in 1929, [...]

The Pace that Thrills…a little flat track racing for a friday!

Donna — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:29:06 +0000

“A woman shouldn’t have angles, she should only have curves”…this is suck a sexist film it’s humorous, but I have to admit, I did enjoy the motorcycling sequences especially the flat track racing. The entire film is found on YouTube. I have only watched part one, but have full intentions of seeing it in its [...]

Happy Cupid Day!

Donna — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:54:48 +0000

Why do I ride what I ride–a short moto history

Donna — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:14:52 +0000

A day or so ago, I answered a query on a moto-forum as to what bike I rode and why. I began thinking that a short moto history would be a good blog post, as choosing a certain bike is as personal as are the reasons we choose them. I began riding my own, after [...]

Illustrated version of how ABS works!

Donna — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:56:13 +0000

I found this very enlightening, but what happens when the ECU breaks or is disabled by one thing or another? I believe you have no braking ability at all, however I have had a difficult time establishing this fact. More research is due and I welcome any thoughts that you might have! The argument against [...]

Fiat’s Lingotto factory in Turin with its Rooftop Banked Track!

Donna — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:47:31 +0000

Though not necessarily a moto-centric post, one that I believe you will find interesting nevertheless. 1923 marked the completion of the Lingotto Fiat Factory in Turin, Italy. Though not as large as the Ford’s River Rouge Factory Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, USA, it was the first of its kind to use a spiral five story [...]

Time to get the bike and rider in GREAT riding condition!!

Donna — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:24:49 +0000

Ok, it’s been a really mild winter here in California, but nevertheless, I have done little riding. Being immersed in family travel and the purchase of a new home, has kept me off the bike, more than I’d like this year. So now, family travel is complete, the new house is lookin’ organized and I [...]

Motorcycles and Art…Georgia O’Keeffe

Donna — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:24:44 +0000

A friend sent me the link to another vintage photo that merges two of my favorite subjects, motorcycles and art. The photo is of Georgia O’Keeffe entitled, “Women who rode away” taken near Abiquiu Ghost Ranch. The famous photo was snappedt by Maria Chabot in 1944. The painter and driver of the motorcycle, Maurice Grosser, [...]

Mad Skills!!

Donna — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:19:13 +0000

The first thing I noticed was the extreme head turns as the rider cranes his neck to look through the turns!! Walt at Streetmasters would be proud! The rider has total trust in his judgement. Awesome stuff!! On another note….I wonder if I can get my husband or any of my friends to try this [...]

Another awesome Vintage pic…motocross girly rider!

Donna — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:25:20 +0000

Thanks go to my friend Geoff, for sharing this beauty!! Lots o’ mud there, but she appears to be powering through. I love these vintage photographs and motorbikes.