Becky Brown

Becky Brown: Pioneering the Sisterhood of the Road

Becky Brown’s path to motorcycling wasn’t influenced by a biker family or a love of engines — it was inspired by her own desire to find freedom on two wheels. Unlike many of the women inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Becky didn’t grow up in a household surrounded by motorcycles. She grew up riding horses, feeling the wind and mastering control from the saddle. That foundation made the leap from saddles to saddlebags feel natural when she finally bought her first motorcycle in 1976. But riding alone wasn’t enough for her; Becky wanted something more—camaraderie and a sisterhood of women riders.

By 1979, she was determined to connect with other women who shared her passion. She wanted a riding community that didn’t yet exist, so she decided to create it. Without knowing any female riders, Becky placed a classified ad in a local newspaper, inviting women to join her for a group ride in Toledo, Ohio. That simple ad marked the beginning of a movement that would evolve into Women in the Wind (WITW)—an organization that now has chapters in more than 70 cities across the United States and Canada. Becky Brown’s vision of bringing female motorcyclists together would change the landscape of riding for women forever.

Creating a Safe Space for Female Riders

The formation of Women in the Wind was about more than just organizing rides. It was about creating a welcoming environment for women to learn, share experiences, and support each other. Becky envisioned a community where women could ride together without judgment or intimidation—an opportunity to gain confidence on the road, make friends, and, most importantly, be seen and respected as bikers.

Under Becky’s influence, Women in the Wind expanded rapidly, not only fostering a sense of sisterhood but also promoting charitable work. Over the course of its existence, Women in the Wind has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities, making a tangible impact on the communities they ride through.

Despite her role as the founder and the organization’s driving force, Becky has never served as its president. She deliberately avoided taking on the top leadership role to ensure the group wouldn’t be seen as something driven by her own vanity or ego. Instead, she has always positioned herself as a participant, a mentor, and a guiding presence, making sure the organization stands for all women who share a passion for riding.

Breaking Barriers in Motorcycle Journalism

Becky’s influence doesn’t stop at Women in the Wind. She has made significant contributions to motorcycle journalism, using her voice to shed light on women riders and challenge stereotypes. As a contributing writer and photographer for magazines such as Iron Trader News, IronWorks, Harley Women Magazine, and most recently Biker Ally, Becky has shared the stories of countless women and celebrated their achievements in the motorcycling world.

Her own story has also been documented in print and on screen. Becky is prominently featured in the book Hear Me Roar: Women, Motorcycles and the Rapture of the Road by Ann Ferrar, a pivotal work that explores the experiences of female motorcyclists in America. She was also a key figure in the 1994 documentary She Lives to Ride by filmmaker Alice Stone. Unlike many pop culture portrayals of women in the biker world, She Lives to Ride showcased female riders in a positive and empowering light, capturing the essence of what Becky set out to create with Women in the Wind.

An Ongoing Legacy of Empowerment

Today, Becky Brown continues to live in Ohio but travels extensively for Women in the Wind events and gatherings. The organization’s annual meeting draws women riders from across North America, and Becky is there for every mile, every ride, and every new chapter. Her work has paved the way for women who want to ride, inspiring countless others to find their place in the motorcycling community. In a world where women riders are still sometimes considered outsiders, Becky made a space where they could belong.

Whether she’s riding cross-country or spending time with her family, Becky’s spirit and determination remain the heartbeat of Women in the Wind. She has proven that one woman’s passion can create a legacy, uniting thousands in the shared joy of the open road and the bond of sisterhood.