Celebrating the Coolest Lady Riders

At Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson, the spirit of riding runs deep, and it's not limited to any gender. The coolest lady riders have taken the road by storm, embracing life's challenges with the roar of their engines and the camaraderie of the riding community. In this blog, we'll introduce you to some remarkable women nominated by their peers and loved ones for their exceptional dedication to the world of motorcycling. These are the ladies who inspire, unite, and spread the love of riding everywhere they go.

1. Meagan "Boston" Mycroft (6 nominations), Here is a summary of what her nominators had to say: Meagan, also known as "Boston," is a shining example of resilience and determination. She's not just a rider; she's a force of inspiration. Despite life's challenges, she has embarked on cross-country trips and even completed her first Iron Butt ride. Boston's commitment to empowering women and men in the motorcycling community is truly admirable. 

2. Rachel "Hot Wheel Rachel" Baldwin (1 nomination) Here's what was said: Rachel is a true motorcycle enthusiasts and she dedicates a lot of her riding time to support charities such as Mule Monsters Inc., Hoagy's Heroes,  Motorcycle Relief Program, and she is a state board member for the Christian Motorcycle Association.  She gets many miles for a purpose she balances her busy ride schedule with her hospital day job very well. She is known in the bike world as Hot Wheel Rachel

3. Trisha Rathke  (1 nomination) Her husband writes: I've created a monster, and in a good way, my wife Trisha. Why do you ask? It all started on a trip to Hawaii almost 20 years ago. We rented a Harley to cruise around Maui and loved it. Since then, I've been wanting to get a bike. Fast forward to 2021 where my wife surprised me with a Triumph. Great bike, but she couldn't ride comfortably on the back so we traded it in for a Harley, which was very comfortable for her on the back, as she rode with her dad when she was young. A few months later on demo day at Tobacco Road, she sat on a Street Bob and she was hooked! She took the Harley riders course and got her very own 2022 Street Bob.  Not exactly a beginners bike, but she mastered it quite quickly. She loves going to HOG meeting and going on rides. She even got a few of our friends to buy Harleys and join the group. Trisha recently traded up and got a 2023 Low Rider ST. Always changing the bike to her liking and has one of the sweetest STs around! It's hard on her when she's away on business as she really misses riding her "Beastie" , the name she calls her bike. As soon as she comes home from business trips, she wants to ride! Again, I've created a monster!

4. Tracy Garland (1 Nomination)  Alex writes: Tracy is a nurse at Wakemed and is an enthusiast of all kinds of motors (especially American). She rides a custom 2003 sportster 883 which is a family heirloom with an interesting story behind it. She is a firm believer in it's never too late to learn something new. She learned ride with the purpose of family bonding;She will ride alongside her husband and son for no other reason than to feel the wind and spend time with family.

5. Angel Jordan (1 Nomination) Here is what Grant wrote: She has been riding since she was 13. Has done 48 states on a Harley. We are going to Alaska in June. Loves to ride. Has to bikes. Getting ready to buy a Third for the Alaska trip.

6. Angela Kimball (1 Nomination) Here's what Julie wrote: I met Angela probably six years ago right when I began riding.  I was absolutely terrified of the motorcycle and she encouraged me and helped me learn how to ride.  She also is a huge supporter in the community of all female riders.  She is a liter in the Stilettos on Steel All Female Grouo and is always putting together rides for ladies!  She goes above and beyond to unite us in this sisterhood.   There have been several ladies that I have sent her way for encouragement, as well as learning riding skills.  She is always excited and full of smiles to help fellow riders!
   
   
7. Tonya Miller (1 nomination) Her husband, Bryan, Writes: My wife after having a stroke and going through a lot of medical work for heart including 2 cardioversions decided life to is short and she is going to do what she wants and live the best life she can.  She started riding with a softail slim but we discovered she had some balance issues at slow speeds and in parking lots because of her stroke, so rather than ride on the back of mine she opted for a Harley Freewheeler and loves every minute of it.  She is in several lady riders and new riders groups on facebook and she is the most positive and encouraging person I've ever met when it comes to new riders and people thinking getting into riding.  She always has an optimistic word for everybody.  She truly deserves recognition for all she does for everybody else even when she is down and out.  Sometimes I think she gets more out of helping folks than they get out of it, it's just the kind of person she is.
   
   

8. Deb Dover (8 Nominations) Here is a summary of what people said about the lovely Deb Dover:  

   Deb Dover is an inspiring and remarkable woman who embodies the spirit of a Harley Davidson Lady Rider. At over 70 years old, she has become a true road warrior, embarking on solo motorcycle journeys and documenting her adventures along the way. Her most notable achievement was a coast-to-coast ride from North Carolina to California, covering over 6,000 miles. Deb's journey is a testament to her strength, resilience, and zest for life.

   Deb's path to becoming a passionate motorcyclist was born out of personal loss and tragedy. She lost her partner unexpectedly, but instead of succumbing to grief, she found solace and purpose on the open road. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating how one can overcome adversity and transform their life.

   Deb's adventures are not just about motorcycling; they symbolize resilience, transformation, and embracing life's challenges. She has faced storms of loss and emerged as a symbol of courage. Her story encourages others to follow in her footsteps, proving that even in one's 70s and beyond, life holds endless possibilities for adventure and enjoyment. Deb Dover is a true badass and an inspiration to motorcyclists and adventurers alike.

9. Andi Groves (3 nominations) Here's is what people said about her: Andi is not just a rider; she's a fighter, survivor, thriver, and warrior. Her Harley provides her with happiness, peace, and thrills as she serves the motorcycle community. Let's celebrate Andi's spirit and passion for the open road.

10. Michele Elane (1 Nomination) Thomas writes: She has been riding since she was 13. Has done 48 states on a Harley. We are going to Alaska in June. Loves to ride. Has two bikes. Getting ready to buy a Third for the Alaska trip.
    
    

11. Justine Homiak (1 nomination) Tim writes: Justine Homiak, the Raleigh HOG Director, is a passionate rider who leads by example. Her dedication to organizing rides and her enthusiasm for motorcycling inspire both female and male riders alike.

12. Jamison Buccola (1 Nomination ) Shaun writes: She started on a ninja 400 with no experience and now has a badass Harley and wrenches on Harleys all day as her career.  She has ridden up and down the east coast solo numerous times.

The coolest lady riders of Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson represent the heart and soul of the riding community. They inspire, support, and unite riders from all walks of life, showing that the love for two wheels knows no boundaries. These women are not just riders; they are role models, trailblazers, and true embodiments of the Harley Davidson spirit. Here's to celebrating their incredible journeys and looking forward to the many miles they have yet to ride.

AND NOW TO OUR WINNER: 

While it was incredibly difficult to select a winner we did narrow it down to two incredible lady riders. Each of these ladies had multiple nominations and so many kind and amazing things said about them! In the end we selected Deb Dover as our "Coolest Lady Rider" and the person who nominated her, Natalie Ramsey, with these beautiful words:

Meet the extraordinary Deb Dover, a true trailblazer on two wheels and the embodiment of a Harley Davidson Lady Rider! She's a force of nature who inspires and motivates women to saddle up and hit the open road with unbridled enthusiasm.

Her journey to becoming this ultimate lady Rider was born from the ashes of profound loss. It is a tale of resilience and adventure. 18 years ago, tragedy struck when my father passed away suddenly during Easter brunch. They had built a life together, including their dream house on their "golden pond". She found herself navigating this new chapter alone. Years later, she (reluctantly at first) opened her heart to a man who introduced her to the exhilarating realm of motorcycles! It was as if she was born to ride, seamlessly fitting into the motorcycle community like a perfectly tuned engine. But destiny had more tests in store. Tragically, she lost her partner unexpectedly. Another devastating loss at the peak of their happiness. The road became her sanctuary, and she truly found her calling on those two wheels.

Deb is a symbol of strength and resilience. Her spirit, bravery and zest for life are contagious. Despite the weight of grief, she transformed those tragedies into a blazing determination to truly live life. She grabbed life by the handlebars and hit the throttle on an epic journey.

Imagine this: a woman with a heart as big as the horizon, with the wind in her hair, the sun kissing her face, and the occasional raindrop adding to the thrill. She embarked on a daring journey to the west coast. An adventure that captured the hearts and minds of everyone who followed her on Facebook.

Deb's journey is not jut about motorcycling. It's about resilience, transformation, and embracing life's twists and turns. She's ridden through the storms of loss and emerged as a shining beacon of strength. She's a symbol of courage and an inspiration to all.

She's not just my stepmom, she's a superwoman and a true badass. Her story is living proof that even in the face of adversity, the open road holds endless possibilities. She's leading the way for others to follow in her tire tracks and I couldn't be prouder to nominate her as the ultimate 'Harley Davidson Lady Rider'.

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Thank you Natalie for bringing this beautiful story to us. We love Deb around the dealership and while this was a difficult choice, your words made the difference in the end!