The image of motorcycle racing is often defined in popular culture by the vision of men motors and leather. There should, however, be no doubt throughout the history of motorcycle sport, which predominantly post dates the era defined by Women’s campaigns for the right to vote and the germination of the principles of equality the ACU banned their taking part in road racing in 1925. Women although few in number instead became active and competitive entrants in off road motorcycle racing Cottle and Edyth Foley both winning Gold Medals in the ISDT in 1925.

Marjorie Cottle competes in the ISDT 1939

Marjorie Cottle pictured riding a road motorcycle. (courtesy of Getty Images)

Photo: circa 1920: Four women motorcycle racers in Germany, including Marjorie Cottle. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) ISDT

In more recent times riders like Katrina Price have been able to show women are as competative and skilled as men and able to take on events of the severity of the ISDT/E. The involvement of women in the sport is featured in its own page. Continue reading →