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Starting in August 2025, motorcyclists from all corners of the globe will come together for the ‘Ride 4 Mary’ event, a heartfelt tribute to the late Mary McGee, a trailblazer in the motorcycle community. This initiative not only honors her incredible legacy but also invites riders from various backgrounds to celebrate the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that Mary embodied throughout her life. Are you ready to join in this celebration?
The Journey Begins
The heart of this tribute will kick off with a significant ride led by Ruth Belcher, a close friend of Mary. Ruth will set out on a coast-to-coast journey from Marysville, Washington, to Portland, Maine, on August 30. This date is especially meaningful as it coincides with the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) Rally and its 75th anniversary. Ruth’s journey, spanning thousands of miles, serves as a symbolic connection to Mary’s enduring influence in the motorcycle community. Are you curious about the places she’ll visit along the way?
During her trip, Ruth will make several key stops, including the Wailin’ Wayne Weekend in Nelsonville, Ohio, where she’ll connect with fellow ADV riders, and the AMA Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, to pay homage to Mary at her exhibit. These stops are not just tributes; they’re opportunities for riders to gather, share stories, and celebrate their shared passion for motorcycling.
Mary McGee: A Legacy of Inspiration
Mary McGee was a groundbreaking figure in the world of motorcycle racing. She earned her competition license in 1960, making history as the first woman in the U.S. to race motorcycles professionally. She competed in the renowned Baja 1000 and was the first woman to participate in an AMA-sanctioned event. But beyond her achievements on the racetrack, Mary’s spirit and character left an indelible mark on the community. Have you ever been inspired by someone who broke barriers?
Mary inspired countless riders with her humor, resilience, and kindness, serving as a mentor to many. She often shared stories of her early days, riding in borrowed gear and facing challenges head-on, embodying the belief that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to push through it. Although Mary passed away in November 2024 at the age of 87, her legacy lives on through the riders she inspired.
Participate in the Tribute
The ‘Ride 4 Mary’ event is open to riders of all genders and skill levels. Whether you’re cruising solo or with a group, you’re invited to participate in this global tribute from August 30 to September 7, 2025. Riders are encouraged to honor Mary by riding in her name during this period. Want to make your participation official? You can share your ride details on the official website, contributing to a collective celebration of Mary’s life and legacy.
Participants can also download digital assets and banners to promote their rides and use social media hashtags like #Ride4Mary and #MotorcycleMary. Plus, joining fellow riders at the WIMA-USA Rally is a great way to connect. This event is not just about the miles traveled; it’s a chance to bond with fellow motorcycling enthusiasts and celebrate the spirit of adventure that Mary represented.
Continuing the Legacy
‘Ride 4 Mary’ is more than a commemoration of the past; it’s a vibrant reminder of the courage that lives on in every rider who takes to the road. Each mile ridden in her honor celebrates the freedom she cherished and the legacy she left for future generations. As we come together to honor Mary, we also celebrate the strength found in community and the shared passion for motorcycling. Are you ready to be part of something bigger?
This tribute is a call to action for all riders—those who have questioned their strength, those who have been inspired by Mary, and those who simply love the thrill of the ride. As Ruth Belcher aptly stated, this ride is for Mary, for everything she stood for, and for the riders who will continue her story. Will you join us on this journey?