We did it!
I’d like to personally thank everyone who support this website. I’m humbled by the influx of support that’s been given. I often asked myself why me? Why was I chosen to inform black bikers and bikers at large about the rich history of African American motorcyclists. It was told to me; why not you.
I accepted the task and with complete unselfishness I grabbed the bull by the horn and rode the hell out of him. I’m humbled and very thankful for all the love, controversy and challenging comments I’ve received. This is why I continue to do what I do. There are too many to name but I will acknowledge a few.
Boss Mike “Chosen Few MC” Cliff Vaughs “Chosen Few” Doc ” Hollywood” Chapter Chosen Few MC Melvin Ayers Angel “Sin City Desciples” NDN Red “The Real Deal MC” Morticia NDN “The Real Deal MC” Rebecca Karmel “Kitty” Route 66 Tigre Blood Route 66
To all the other riders who allowed me to sit at your feet I say thank you soooo very much. I will continue this labor of love and strive to be honest and fair with everything that I write or post about the motorcycle community.
Do you have an untold story about your experiences as a rider? Want to contribute pictures of your bike, club or a rally? Go to h-d.com/ironelite to upload and share. My story was chosen and will be part of an exhibit at the Harley-Davidson Museum, debuting during Black History Month 2012. I am a proud black female harley rider named Goldie Sowers. Join in the conversation on my Facebook Page
My story is a rather simple story. I’m a female motorcycle rider who has been honored to meet some of the most fascinating and motivating leathery outlaw motorcycle riders around the country. They felt safe enough to speak with me about their journeys and experiences while out on the road riding their motorcycles.
Some things I’ll take to my grave and some I’ve shared with you through my writing. When I was encouraged to start this project of having our history as black bikerscaptured in one location I didn’t know what would come of it. I wanted to educate all bikers about our rich addition to the sport of motorcycling. We as black bikers have our own way of expression when it comes to this motorcycle thang. We tend to have a more flamboyant style then most within the motorcycle sub-culture.
I often wondered why I was chosen to do this. Along the way I spoke out rather candidly on topics most wouldn’t dare to touch. I wasn’t afraid to speak mind. I even gave Harley-Davidson hell on not including African American Harley Riders in the Harley story and for not giving the respect and appreciation we deserved for the support we’ve given with equal acknowledgement over the years as they’ve done with our white biker brothers and white biker sisters.
I want to thank Harley-Davidson Motor Company for finally reaching out to including our rich history as Black Harley Riders in the Harley story. We are a vital part of the story and they are now making a conscious effort in getting it told.
I was afforded the opportunity to go to the Harley-Davidson Museumand get interviewed by some of the most loving and friendly folks there. I was chosen by Harley-Davidson to be interviewed at the corporate location in Milwaukee 11-11-11. I was honored to fly all expenses paid by them to Milwaukee to meet two other exciting African American riders, the Harley Marketing team and my new special friend the walking Renaissance man, Jim who’s over the archive department at Harley.
This is our story not mine. Others paid a price for me to be here and I humbly give honor and respect to them at all times. I’ve created a video from some of the pictures that were taken. I promise to keep you informed of the opening date in February 2012 when the exhibit starts.
My fearlessness to confront the topics that most wouldn’t; especially a black female rider has opened many doors for me within our community and I am very grateful. I strongly encourage all black riders to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum.
