Vicki Sanfelipo

Spitfire: The Unstoppable Force in Motorcycle Safety and Advocacy

Vicki Roberts Sanfelipo, better known as “Spitfire,” is a name synonymous with strength, resilience, and a relentless commitment to the motorcycle community. Her journey began in Minneapolis, MN, as the second of four children. A self-professed tomboy, she spent her childhood riding her bicycle instead of playing with dolls, never imagining that two wheels would eventually define her life.

But Spitfire’s path wasn’t always clear. In her twenties, she found herself a single parent with three daughters to support. Juggling her responsibilities, she sang and played guitar on weekends while attending nursing school. When a relationship ended in 1987, she bought her first motorcycle—a 1979 Sportster. As she recalled, “I really missed the motorcycle!” From that moment on, a deep connection to riding took root.

The Road to Independence: A Solo Ride to Sturgis

The Sportster wasn’t just a new hobby—it was a symbol of independence and empowerment. Driven by a desire to attend the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, she set off alone on a 1600-mile round trip with just $200 in her pocket. Ignoring the warnings of friends, Spitfire rode all the way to South Dakota, camped at Glencoe Campground, and put an additional 400 miles on her bike touring the Black Hills. She returned home with $8 left and a triumphant yell: “I did it!” It was this spirit of determination that would shape her future.

A Lifesaving Mission: The Birth of Accident Scene Management

In 1996, Spitfire’s life took a pivotal turn when she attended a class called “Two Wheel Trauma,” taught by Slider Gilmore and hosted by ABATE of Wisconsin. The experience inspired her to create a comprehensive training program, “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist,” aimed at teaching riders how to manage motorcycle accidents and provide immediate care.

Since 1997, Accident Scene Management (ASM) has become the world’s most recognized motorcycle trauma training program, with nearly 40,000 students trained across six countries. With over 100 certified instructors, ASM has made an indelible impact, empowering motorcyclists and first responders to act confidently in emergencies. When the South Dakota DOT needed to train its State Patrol in preparation for the Sturgis Rally, Spitfire was the first person they called. Her dedication has saved countless lives and dramatically improved outcomes for injured riders.

From the ER to the Open Road

Even as Spitfire built ASM, she continued working as a nurse at her local hospital, serving in multiple departments, including intensive care and surgery, before ending her hospital career as the Surgical Services Educator. Her excellence earned her the title of Nurse of the Year in 2007, a testament to her skill and compassion.

By 2010, the demands of both her hospital career and ASM became too great to manage simultaneously. With the full support of her husband, Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, she made the leap to volunteer full-time as the Director and Instructor Trainer for ASM. Today, she continues to pour her heart into the organization, teaching not just ASM courses, but also CPR and First Aid for the American Heart Association and Red Cross.

Motorcycling Advocacy and a Legacy of Firsts

Spitfire’s impact reaches far beyond accident management. A champion for women in motorcycling, she has spent over 30 years as a presenter at motorcycle conferences and rallies. Her advocacy began in 1994 when she co-founded the Central Wisconsin Motorcycle Show, which went on to host an Easyriders Rodeo. Two years later, she became the first female Road Guard for Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson’s Harley Tours.

In 2000, she co-founded Women in Motion, a group of 25 female Road Guards who organized group rides to raise funds for ASM. They hosted 250-mile rides in collaboration with law enforcement and local communities, all to support rider safety and education. On June 21, 2002, she and Pan were married on the arm of the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota—the first couple ever to do so. That day was doubly special, as Pan was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame in the morning, making it a milestone moment in their shared history.

Road Guardians and National Recognition

In 2010, Spitfire launched Road Guardians, a program designed to expand educational opportunities for motorcyclists. Partnering with Chris Hawver from Minnesota, they kicked things off with the Biker’s Betterment Conference in Chicago, a national motorcycle safety summit. Around the same time, Spitfire became the Motorcycle Safety Spokesperson for Allstate Insurance, a role that saw her traveling to rallies and writing for Allstate Rider News for six years.

Her passion for service extended to the military as well. Co-creating Diamond Posse with Diva Amy Skaling, Spitfire led a group of women on a fundraising ride from San Antonio, Texas, to Green Bay, Wisconsin, supporting the Center for the Intrepid, a rehabilitation center for wounded service members. She later became a keynote speaker at military safety events, and while teaching in Hawaii, she was honored with “The Spirit of the Bayonet” award from the 65th Battalion at Schofield Barracks—a rare honor for a civilian.

Spitfire’s Voice: The Inside Scoop

From 2012 to 2014, Spitfire hosted a weekly radio show for Road Hawgs called “The Inside Scoop by Spitfire.” Drawing on her vast network of contacts, she interviewed many of the motorcycle community’s biggest names, highlighting the stories and insights of riders and industry leaders alike. It was yet another platform for her to advocate for safety and celebrate the culture she loves.

The Motorcycle Cannonball: A New Adventure

In 2014, Spitfire took on a new role as Course Medic for the Motorcycle Cannonball, thanks to an introduction by Cris Summer-Simmons and Lonnie Isam. Since then, she has served as Course Medic for three Cannonballs and the inaugural Cross Country Chase, proving once again that when it comes to supporting her biker family, Spitfire is always ready to ride.

The Present: Family, Bikes, and the Open Road

Today, Spitfire splits her time between family and motorcycles, enjoying her rides on two beloved Harleys, including a custom Fat Boy named Trigger. Despite all her accomplishments, she remains grounded, valuing family above all. With five daughters, nine grandchildren, and the unwavering support of her husband, Pan, she continues to live life to the fullest, serving as a beacon of inspiration for the entire motorcycle community.

Spitfire’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. She has transformed her love of riding into a lifelong mission of advocacy and education, impacting thousands of lives along the way. As long as there’s a road to ride and a chance to make a difference, you can be sure Spitfire will be out there, leading the charge.