Mary McGee's remarkable life and contributions to the world of motorcycling have left an indelible mark. As one of the first women to race motorcycles in various disciplines, she inspired generations of women riders and became a true icon in the sport. Her unwavering passion and spirit continue to resonate with motorcyclists around the world.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Motorcycle Mary McGee

Early Life and Background

Mary McGee was born in Juneau, Alaska, on December 12, 1936. At a young age, she moved to the continental United States to live with her grandparents in Iowa. In 1944, her family settled in Phoenix, Arizona. It was in this diverse environment that her love for motorcycling began to take shape.During the 1950s, McGee's interest shifted towards auto racing. However, in 1957, her life took a new turn when she first hopped aboard a motorcycle. She learned to ride on a 200cc Triumph Tiger Cub that she purchased from a friend, and from that moment on, she was hooked.

Breaking Barriers in Motorcycling

As one of the first women to race motorcycles in motocross and road racing events in the United States, McGee faced numerous challenges and backlash due to her gender. But her acts of courage inspired generations of women riders across the country. She showed that women could compete at the highest levels of motorcycling and that they had a place in the sport.In 1963, McGee shifted her focus to dirt racing and competed in an AMA District 37 enduro aboard a 250cc 1962 Honda Scrambler. This was just the beginning of her remarkable racing career. In 1967, she became the first woman to ride the Baja 500, and eight years later, she completed the event solo, despite it typically being a two-person race.

A Life Dedicated to Motorcycling

McGee continued to compete in both motorcycles and cars until 2011. Throughout her career, she remained a steadfast ambassador for motorcycling, encouraging people, especially women, to get on a bike and experience the joy of riding. Her efforts as a competitor and advocate earned her a well-deserved place in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018.As the president and CEO of the American Motorcyclist Association, Rob Dingman said, "Mary McGee devoted her life to promoting the motorcycling lifestyle to women throughout America, and did so with unrelenting passion and spirit. Her contributions to motorcycling will never be forgotten, and her legacy within our sport will live on forever."The AMA, founded in 1924, is a not-for-profit member-based association that promotes the motorcycle lifestyle and protects the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, it advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year.In addition to offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America's largest-circulation magazine.Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. Mary McGee's story is a testament to the power of determination and passion in achieving great things.