Cookie Crum

Cookie Crum: A Life on Two Wheels

From the moment she was captivated by the roar of motorcycles zipping by her classroom at just 14 years old, Cookie Crum knew that her destiny lay in the thrilling world of motorcycling. Inspired by a fellow rider, she vowed to ride her own bike one day—a promise she has fulfilled with a passion that has spanned over six decades.

Early Inspirations and Daring Beginnings

Cookie’s journey took a dramatic turn during a family vacation when she witnessed the exhilarating Motor Drome show at an amusement park. The sight of daring riders defying gravity captured her imagination and ignited a dream. In 1949, an ad in the Sarasota Herald would change her life forever: “Travel and Adventure. Will teach personable girl with nerve and courage to become a motorcycle exhibition rider in a Motor Drome.” At just 18 years old, Cookie seized the opportunity, launching an eight-year career as a wall of death rider.

Throughout this period, Cookie faced the exhilarating highs and perilous lows of her chosen profession. Known as “Miss Cookie: Queen of the Daredevils,” she rode the Wall of Death with remarkable skill, experiencing the thrill of the ride while narrowly avoiding serious injuries. Along the way, she became a mother, raising her daughter amidst the vibrant world of carnival life before navigating through the complexities of marriage and divorce.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Community

In 1959, Cookie and her husband ventured into the business side of motorcycling by purchasing a Harley-Davidson dealership in Medford, Oregon. They founded the Crater Cruisers Motorcycle Club, and Cookie served as a state director of the Motor Maids, a women's motorcycle organization dedicated to promoting riding among women. Throughout her career, Cookie has encouraged countless individuals—men and women alike—to embrace motorcycling, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Cookie's commitment to the biking community has never wavered. After her second divorce in the mid-1960s, she continued to advocate for motorcycle awareness and safety by participating in various charity rides. Her dedication has benefited many organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, March of Dimes, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Easter Seals, among others.

New Chapters and Lasting Connections

In 1982, Cookie launched a chapter of the Gold Wing Road Riders of America in Medford, Oregon, where fate introduced her to her current husband, Bob Crum. Their romance blossomed after Bob experienced a flat tire on his way to a rally. Cookie offered him shelter for the night, and he found his way into her life permanently. The couple eventually married aboard their Gold Wings at the MGM Grand in Reno, cementing her identity as “Cookie Crum.”

Throughout her journey, Cookie has maintained a robust network of friends and fellow riders. As a Charter Life Member of the AMA, she has been part of several motorcycle clubs, including the Sand Slingers Motorcycle Club in Florida, the South Oregon FLH Dressers Motorcycle Club, and the Goldwing Touring Association, to name a few. Her friendships extend to notable women riders, including the late Samantha Morgan, a fellow Motor Drome rider who left an indelible mark on Cookie's life.

Celebrating a Rich Legacy

This year, Cookie had the distinct pleasure of spending time with Cris Sommer Simmons, a 2008 Hall of Fame inductee, who is currently working on a book titled The American Motorcycle Girls, 1900 – 1950, featuring Cookie’s story. Reflecting on her experiences, Cookie feels fortunate to have built a life rich in friendships and adventures over her sixty years on two wheels.

Cookie Crum embodies the spirit of motorcycling—a testament to passion, resilience, and the joy of community. 

Through her lifelong commitment to riding and advocating for motorcycling, she continues to inspire others to follow their dreams on the open road. As she always says, “If you love to ride, the journey never truly ends.”