Jody Perewitz

Jody Perewitz: Blazing Trails and Breaking Records on Two Wheels

Jody Perewitz was practically born with the roar of a motorcycle engine in her ears. Growing up in a family where two wheels were more common than four, she was destined to make her own mark in the motorcycle world. Today, she’s one of the most recognized female riders in the industry, a record-breaker, and a true trailblazer. But for Jody, riding isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of life.

Early Beginnings: A Life on Two Wheels

From an early age, Jody’s life revolved around motorcycles. Family vacations weren’t the typical beach or amusement park trips; instead, they revolved around motorcycle rallies, rides, and races. As she recalls, “It’s all we did.” And with a father like Dave Perewitz—an iconic custom bike builder—and a brother who shared her passion, it was only a matter of time before Jody found herself on the seat of a motorcycle.

One of her earliest memories is riding a dirt bike that her older brother, Jesse, received as a gift. “You want to ride my bike?” Jesse asked. “Ahhh, ya of course I do,” Jody shot back without hesitation. She was so small at the time that Jesse had to hold the bike steady so she could mount it. Once she was on, though, she took off around the yard, riding with such ease that it was clear she had found her calling. When it came time to stop, she instinctively pulled up beside a pile of logs so she could rest her foot down, marking the beginning of a lifelong relationship with motorcycles.

Making a Name: From Family Tradition to Personal Triumph

As Jody grew, so did her skills. She and Jesse spent nearly every day outside, riding dirt bikes, ATVs, and whatever else they could get their hands on. Even during the frigid New England winters, they’d bundle up and head out to ride, ignoring the cold in favor of the thrill of the ride. “We didn’t have a lot of money growing up,” Jody says, “but I wouldn’t trade that life for all the money in the world. We always made the best of what we had, and I still live by that philosophy.”

That same drive and determination are what eventually propelled Jody into the spotlight. But while her family name opened some doors, Jody quickly set out to build her own legacy. She made history as the first woman to jockey an American V-Twin-powered motorcycle into the record books at over 200 MPH. To date, Jody holds an impressive 16 Land Speed Records, including a World Record, solidifying her place among the fastest riders on the planet.

Racing into the Record Books: Land Speed, Cannonball, and More

Jody’s speed records alone would be enough to secure her reputation, but she hasn’t stopped there. In 2018, she took on the grueling Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Race, a cross-country event on antique motorcycles. Jody rode a 1926 Harley-Davidson JD from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, completing every mile and becoming one of only three women to do so. Not long after, she competed in the Motorcycle Chase, another coast-to-coast endurance race, this time on a 1936 Harley-Davidson VLH, riding from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula all the way down to Key West, Florida.

The challenge of riding these historic machines has only deepened Jody’s passion. Lately, she’s been taking on even older bikes in the Sons of Speed Races, where she pilots early-20th-century machines like a 1919 Harley-Davidson, a 1920 Indian, and a 1951 Harley-Davidson WR 45. These bikes are true testaments to motorcycle history, with no gears and no brakes. It’s pure, unfiltered racing—a perfect match for Jody’s fearless style. In October 2018, she took home the checkered flag with a win at New Smyrna Speedway, showing that whether it’s on modern land speed bikes or century-old racers, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Family Tradition

When she’s not on the track or tearing across the country in endurance races, Jody is back in Halifax, Massachusetts, working alongside her father at Perewitz Cycle Fab. Dave Perewitz, a Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame inductee, has been a guiding influence for Jody, passing down not just technical knowledge but also a deep appreciation for the craft of building and customizing motorcycles. Together, they keep the Perewitz name synonymous with quality and innovation in the custom motorcycle world.

Jody handles much of the marketing and day-to-day operations of the shop, blending her own entrepreneurial spirit with her father’s decades of experience. But it’s clear that she’s just as comfortable wielding a wrench as she is managing the business. Working with Dave has been a unique opportunity to absorb the rich history and tradition of custom motorcycle building, adding her own flair to the legendary Perewitz style.

Honored by the Industry She Loves

In 2020, Jody was inducted into the prestigious Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. When asked what the honor meant to her, Jody responded humbly, saying, “It is truly an honor to be inducted into the MHOF. I was absolutely taken back when Jason Sims called me. It did not even cross my mind that I would be inducted this year. I don’t do any of this for fame. I do it because I love motorcycles, and the more experiences and knowledge I have, the better rider and industry person I can become. I will continue to soak up every experience I can get around two wheels. I hope to bring so much more to the museum and hall of fame.”

What’s Next for Jody Perewitz?

So, what’s on the horizon for one of the most dynamic women in motorcycling? Plenty. While Jody has already achieved more than most riders dream of, she’s not one to rest on her laurels. Next up, she’ll be competing in the 2020 Motorcycle Cannonball Race, this time on a single-cylinder motorcycle. It’s another tough test of skill and endurance, but there’s no doubt that Jody will conquer it just as she has every other challenge.

Beyond that, Jody’s sights are set on continuing to push herself—both on and off the track. Whether it’s setting new records, mastering the art of antique motorcycle racing, or helping run one of the most respected custom shops in the country, Jody Perewitz is a rider who will always find a new road to conquer.

For Jody, it’s not just about the speed or the accolades. It’s about the journey, the history, and the pure love of the ride. After all, as she puts it, “It’s what we do.” And what Jody does is nothing short of extraordinary.