Riding into History, the annual vintage motorcycle show held in St. Augustine, Florida, has named Mary McGee the Grand Marshal for the 2023 event with the theme “Get Your Heart Racing – Competition Motorcycles.”
McGee is no stranger to competition herself, having raced her way through the ’60s and ’70s and into the AMA Hall of Fame, the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, and the Trailblazer’s Hall of Fame.
McGee started racing motorcycles in 1960 to help with her sportscar racing skills. People were hesitant to let a woman race, but eventually she was allowed to try out for her FIM license. Once she passed the tryout, there was no going back.
She became the first woman to have an FIM license in the U.S., the first woman to finish the Baja 1000, and the first woman to compete in road races and motocross in the U.S., among other accomplishments.
Since then, McGee has been an ambassador for the sport, encouraging others, especially young women, to give motorcycles and competitive riding a try. Through speaking at events and being active on her Facebook page, McGee continues to uplift others and shine a light on the sport.
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As Grand Marshal of Riding into History, McGee will participate in the Grand Marshal Tour and Grand Marshal Banquet, where attendees can hear her speak about racing as a woman in a male-dominated sport and hear her stories. She will also participate in the Concours D’Elegance, where attendees can meet and talk to her.
Riding into History 2023 will take place at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida, April 14-15. The event attracts hundreds of antique and vintage motorcycles to be displayed around the lake at the center of the World Golf Village. Riding into History is a nonprofit, and proceeds go to K9s for Warriors to provide service dogs for disabled veterans. Spectator admission is $15 per person, and there is no charge for show entrants.
For more information about Mary McGee or the event, visit Riding into History’s website.