Adeline & Augusta Van Buren

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Trailblazers on Two Wheels: The Van Buren Sisters’ Historic Ride

In 1916, two sisters, Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, set out to change perceptions and challenge societal norms by embarking on a journey that would make history. Determined to prove that women could serve as valuable assets in the war effort, Adeline, a schoolteacher, and Augusta, a librarian, rode 5,500 miles across the United States, from Brooklyn, New York, to San Francisco, California. Their goal was clear: show that women could perform tasks typically reserved for men and, in doing so, help dismantle one of the primary arguments used to deny women the right to vote — that women were non-participants in war efforts.

Choosing the Right Machine

The Van Buren sisters each selected the Indian Powerplus motorcycle, the premier model of its time, as their vehicle of choice. With its robust build and advanced engineering, the Powerplus was ideally suited for the arduous journey. But even the best machines of the day were tested to their limits by the treacherous roads and unpredictable weather conditions. From muddy trails to steep mountain passes, the sisters faced formidable obstacles that would have deterred many seasoned riders. However, the grueling conditions only strengthened their resolve to complete the ride and prove that women were as tough and capable as any man.

Breaking Barriers, Mile by Mile

Their journey was a series of firsts. The Van Buren sisters were the first women to conquer the challenging ascent and descent of Pikes Peak, enduring hairpin turns and sharp drops at a time when roads were little more than dirt tracks. They braved the scorching heat and treacherous sands of the western deserts, survived mechanical breakdowns in remote areas, and even encountered hostility in the form of local authorities who repeatedly arrested them for the "crime" of wearing men’s clothing — practical riding attire that allowed for greater safety and comfort during their trek.

Unsung Heroes in Their Time

The Van Buren sisters finally arrived in San Francisco on September 2, 1916, completing the main leg of their journey, but they didn’t stop there. Continuing southward, they pushed on to Los Angeles and ultimately crossed the border into Tijuana, Mexico, on September 8th. Despite the undeniable bravery and skill required to complete this feat, their application to join the military as dispatch riders was rejected. They had proven beyond a doubt that they were more than capable, yet their achievements were minimized. Media coverage praised the endurance of their motorcycles but dismissed the sisters’ journey as a mere vacation, ignoring the significance of their ride and the barriers they sought to break.

A Legacy Beyond the Ride

While their immediate goal of joining the military was thwarted, the Van Buren sisters did not let society’s indifference define their legacy. Both went on to lead extraordinary lives. Adeline later earned a law degree from New York University, becoming a trailblazer in another male-dominated field. Augusta took to the skies, earning her pilot’s license and joining the 99s, a pioneering women’s flying group founded by Amelia Earhart. Together, the Van Buren sisters broke through the rigid stereotypes of their era, proving that women were not only capable riders but pioneers in fields far beyond what was expected of them.

“Women Can, If They Will”

More than a century later, the story of Adeline and Augusta Van Buren continues to inspire. They were not just women on motorcycles; they were symbols of determination, resilience, and the fight for equality. In an era when women were largely relegated to the sidelines, they stepped up and rode forward, paving the way for future generations. Their motto, “Woman can if she will,” resonates as a testament to their courage and spirit. While the world may not have given them their due in 1916, history now remembers them as the trailblazers they truly were.

A Ride That Echoes Through History

Today, the Van Buren sisters are celebrated as pioneers, not only for their incredible motorcycle journey but for their larger impact on the women’s suffrage movement and gender equality. Their daring ride was not a mere adventure but a bold statement of defiance against the limitations placed on women. By demonstrating their capabilities under the harshest of conditions, they helped pave the way for countless women to follow, on the road and beyond. Their legacy is a powerful reminder that when faced with adversity, the road forward is conquered one mile at a time.