Gloria Struck

Gloria Tramontin Struck: A Lifetime on Two Wheels and Still Going Strong

Born in 1925 behind her family’s Lexington Cycle Shop in Clifton, New Jersey, Gloria Tramontin Struck grew up with motorcycles in her blood. The family business, started in 1915, sold bicycles and Excelsior-Henderson motorcycles, setting the stage for Gloria’s lifelong passion for two wheels. When she was just three years old, tragedy struck as her father, Ernest, passed away. Her mother, Pierina, stepped up to run the shop, becoming the area’s Indian Motorcycle dealer in the 1930s and continuing the family tradition until her retirement in 1947. That’s when Gloria’s brother, Arthur “Bub” Tramontin, took over the business as a Harley-Davidson dealer.

Gloria's love for riding began early, and by 1946, at age 21, she joined the Motor Maids, one of the oldest women’s motorcycle clubs in America. To this day, she remains one of the longest-standing members, alongside the founder's daughter, Betty Fauls. In 2019, both women made history as the first to be honored for 65 years of active riding with the club.

Throughout her decades-long riding career, Gloria has become a beloved icon in the motorcycle community. Her story has been featured in The Enthusiast Magazine by Harley-Davidson, and she’s appeared in numerous TV shows, videos, radio segments, and magazines. She’s even been highlighted in the books American Motorcycle Girls 1900-1950 and Biker Chicz of North America. Her commitment to the riding lifestyle is undeniable—she’s logged over 500,000 miles, riding through all 48 continental U.S. states and across Europe.

Even now, Gloria continues to ride at major rallies like Daytona and Sturgis, proudly representing the Motor Maids. Her love for motorcycles runs deep in her family as well. Often, she’s joined on rides by her son, Glen, and daughter, Lori, who is also a member of the Motor Maids.

So, what’s next for this unstoppable rider? As Gloria approaches her 100th birthday in 2025, she has her sights set on an extraordinary goal: to ride across the United States. Gloria’s resilience and passion for riding are a true testament to the spirit of motorcycling. As she often says, she’ll keep riding on two wheels for as long as she can. And for Gloria Tramontin Struck, the road ahead is always open.