Margaret Wilson
2004, Leadership
This "golden gal" has ridden her motorcycles over 550 miles!
Margaret Wilson is a tremendous supporter, enthusiastic promoter, a
great guide, and highly respected by motorcyclists from around the
world.
Margaret began her love for motorcycles in 1946 when her husband,
Mike, gave her a 1946 Harley-Davidson® with a 45 cubic inch side
valve engine. The bike had a high buddy seat, windshield and safety
guard, foot clutch, and tank shift. However, it was so high off the
ground that Margaret's feet did not touch, so Mike rode on the back
with her, keeping his feet on the ground until she managed a "wobbly
start"!
In 1950, and for the next 25 years, Margaret was Mike's business
partner in Cedar Rapids, IA at Wilson's Motorcycle Sales.
In 1951, she joined the Motor Maids of America, a National Women's
Motorcycle Club founded on the basis of uniting women and promoting
a positive influence on motorcycling. Margaret holds the prestigious
title of Golden Life Member in this organization for achieving over
50 years of dedication and active participation.
In the early 1950's, Margaret helped form the Corn State Rider's
Motorcycle Club. Over the years she has served as secretary and road
captain. She was also the only female rider of their organized
motorcycle Drill Team!
Putting safety first, she and Mike were some of the first to wear
helmets and protective clothing, encouraging others to do the same.
Over the years, Margaret has assisted with many motorcycle events
(flat track races, hill climbs, etc), helping with paperwork, timing
and leading parades.
Margaret has ridden her motorcycles all over the United States and
Canada. In one year alone, she traveled all 48 contiguous states and
visited 9 Canadian provinces. On another road trip through Canada, she
went to the northern tip of Newfoundland. Over 100,000 of here total miles
have been with a sidecar on her motorcycle. It made special trips
and cold, snowy weather easier. If you need travel information just ask Margaret.
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