Dot Robinson

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Dot Robinson: The First Lady of Motorcycling

On April 22, 1912, in the sunburnt land of Australia, a trailblazer named Dorothy "Dot" Goulding Robinson was born. At the tender age of six, her life took a pivotal turn when her family relocated to the United States in 1918. Her father, Alfred Goulding, sought to expand his burgeoning sidecar business, Goulding Sidecars, setting in motion the extraordinary journey of a young girl who would redefine women’s roles in motorcycling for generations to come.

Breaking Boundaries on Two Wheels

Dot married Earl Robinson in 1931, but she wasn’t one to sit idle on the sidelines. At a time when endurance motorcycle races were dominated by men, Dot wasn’t content to simply watch. Though early attempts were made to stop her from entering these rigorous competitions, she persisted—and won. Dot competed throughout the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, becoming a legend in her own right.

One of the more famous stories about Dot comes from Hap, a Honda dealer in Sarasota, Florida, who fondly recounted his experience with her. “I chased that woman for two days through mud and trees,” he would say, “and never caught her.” After grueling races, while the men would tumble into the nearest bar, Dot always made time to freshen up. Hap remembered her sweeping into the bar in a sleek black sheath dress, pillbox hat perched perfectly in place. “I’ll never forget that sight,” Hap mused. “Dot was always a lady.”

She made it clear: you could be fierce on the track and polished off it. Dot’s philosophy empowered women—she shattered stereotypes and showed that women could be both competitive athletes and graceful ladies.

The Birth of the Motor Maids

In 1939, Dot joined forces with Linda Dugeau to connect with women who rode their own motorcycles. Their mission wasn’t just to ride—it was to create a community that showcased the joy and independence motorcycles provided. Dot hit the road, searching across the country for like-minded female riders.

That same year, she found 51 women willing to take the leap, and the Motor Maids of America was born. The Motor Maids became more than just a club; it was a movement, uniting women from all walks of life—professionals, homemakers, mothers, and grandmothers—who shared a common love for the open road. Dot’s guiding principle was simple but revolutionary: Women could own and ride motorcycles without compromising their femininity. Today, the Motor Maids continue to thrive, adhering to the core idea that members must ride their own motorcycles—a legacy of independence and empowerment that Dot cultivated.

Legacy of a Pioneer

Dot Robinson’s impact on motorcycling and women’s empowerment is profound and lasting. She proved that gender was no barrier to adventure, competition, or passion. Long before the women’s rights movement gained mainstream attention, Dot embodied the idea that a woman could pursue her passions on her own terms.

Through her courage and charisma, she paved the way for women in the 1990s and beyond to pursue careers, care for their families, and, when the mood struck, jump on a motorcycle and ride. Her example lives on in women who balance professional lives and personal dreams, embodying the same spirit Dot carried with every mile she rode.

Farewell to a Legend

On October 8, 1999, Dot Robinson passed away at the age of 87, but her spirit continues to ride with every woman who twists the throttle and embraces the freedom of the open road. Dot’s life is a testament to courage, elegance, and the unyielding pursuit of passion.

In the words of the Motor Maids’ motto: “It’s not just the destination—it’s the journey.” And what a journey Dot Robinson had.