On Exhibit: Women on Wheels, California Wind Dancers

Exhibit Open Through December 2024

Did you know that the California Wind Dancers was a local chapter of Women on Wheels? They once rode through the Bay Area, breaking new ground for women in motorcycling. From welcoming families to organizing women-only campouts, this group created a community that lasted over 25 years.

Now, you can explore their legacy at the Women on Wheels, California Wind Dancers exhibit. Open until the end of December 2024, this free exhibit in the California Room at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library showcases the Women On Wheels Research Collection that was generously donated in 2018 by Kathleen Fletcher, a founding member and club historian. It includes photos, newsletters, awards, and memorabilia from the club's remarkable history.

Details

• Exhibit: Women on Wheels, California Wind Dancers
• Dates: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
• Location: California Room, 5th Floor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
• Opening Hours: During California Room Hours

What to Expect

• Photographs and Awards: Take a look at the visual history of the California Wind Dancers, including awards they earned over the years.
• Newsletters: Peruse old issues of BAC Talk and Wind Chimes, where club members shared stories, advice, and experiences from their rides. Topics emphasized safety and encouraged the growth of their members in riding and maintenance
• Memorabilia: Explore maps, documents, and keepsakes that tell the story of their rides and activities throughout California.

Why This Exhibit Matters

• Historical Significance: Women on Wheels was founded in 1982 by Arlene Ruby and is now an international organization dedicated to supporting women motorcycle enthusiasts. The Bay Area Chapter, later renamed the California Wind Dancers, formed in 1984. For over two decades, this group made history in women’s motorcycling, with their 22nd anniversary celebrated in Women on Wheels magazine.
• Local Connections: Though started largely due to the efforts of San Jose residents Judy Cox and Lori Garley, the club welcomed members from across the Bay Area. They held monthly meetings, family-inclusive events, rides, charity runs, and an annual women-only campout.
• Educational Value: This exhibit highlights both the feminist aspect of the club and the larger motorcycle culture in the Bay Area, showing how social clubs evolve over time.

Further Exploration

If you're interested in local history, the California Room offers these additional resources:

• Women on Wheels, The Research Collection: A digitized version of this collection is coming in 2025.
• City Directories: Perfect for genealogy and property research.
• Aerial Photos, Maps, Building Permits, and Tax Rolls: Useful for looking into historical Bay Area properties.
• Newspapers on Microfilm and Clipping Files: Explore past news through our archives.
• Newsbank: Access historical newspapers online with your library card.

Visit Us and Spread the Word!

The Women on Wheels, California Wind Dancers exhibit is open until the end of December. Be sure to visit us on the 5th floor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, and feel free to share this exhibit with friends and family. It’s a free opportunity for everyone to take a spin through the unique history of women in motorcycling!