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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

Throughout the 20th century, women riding motorcycles defied gender stereotypes and societal norms. Motorcycles provided women with an avenue of independence and freedom when women’s rights were limited. Women who rode motorcycles challenged women’s traditional roles and broke barriers in the motorcycling community.

In the early 1900s, motorcycles were considered a novelty and were mainly ridden by men. However, some women began challenging this norm and took up motorcycling for transportation and leisure. One of the first documented female motorcyclists was Effie Hotchkiss, who rode her motorcycle from New York to San Francisco in 1915, becoming the first woman to make the cross-country journey on a bike.

During the 1910s, more women began to take up motorcycling as a hobby, and women’s motorcycle clubs started to emerge. These clubs offered women a sense of community and support and opportunities for social and recreational activities. One of the most notable women’s motorcycle clubs was the Motor Maids, founded in 1940 and still exists today.

In the 1920s, motorcycles became more affordable and accessible, and the number of women riders increased. Women’s motorcycle clubs continued to grow, and women started organizing their own races and competitions. The 1920s also saw the emergence of female motorcycle stunt riders, such as Lillian La France, who performed daring stunts and tricks on her motorcycle, challenging gender roles and expectations.

During World War II, women in various countries took up motorcycling for transportation and work. In the United Kingdom, women delivered messages and supplies to the military on their motorcycles, and the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) also used motorcycles for their work. In the United States, the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) used motorcycles for messenger duty, and many women also took up motorcycling as a hobby during this time.

The 1950s and 1960s saw an increase in women motorcyclists, with many breaking gender barriers in motorcycle racing. Women like Beryl Swain and Maria Teresa de Filippis were among the first to compete in motorcycle racing at the highest levels, inspiring a new generation of female riders.

Today, women continue to break barriers in the motorcycle world, and the history of women riders serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of women who have paved the way for future generations. Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, women riders have persevered, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions and break barriers. The history of women riders is an essential part of motorcycle culture, and their impact on the sport and industry will continue to be felt for years.

Here are some stunning photographs from the 20th century showcasing women riding motorcycles and defying gender stereotypes.

#1 Marjorie cottle (second from left), a famous motorcyclist, and friends in germany, 1920.

Marjorie cottle (second from left), a famous motorcyclist, and friends in germany, 1920.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#2 Madge saunders and her husband, british comic actor leslie henson, 1920.

Madge saunders and her husband, british comic actor leslie henson, 1920.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#3 A woman on her bmw motorcycle, 1935.

A woman on her bmw motorcycle, 1935.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#4 Sally halterman, the first woman to be granted a license to operate a motorcycle in the district of columbia, 1937.

Sally halterman, the first woman to be granted a license to operate a motorcycle in the district of columbia, 1937.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#5 An entrant in a ladies-only reliability trial in london, england, 1927.

An entrant in a ladies-only reliability trial in london, england, 1927.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#6 Three women riding motorbikes at the acu trials in birmingham, england, 1923.

Three women riding motorbikes at the acu trials in birmingham, england, 1923.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#7 A woman riding a motorcycle alongside a woman on a horse in london, 1921.

A woman riding a motorcycle alongside a woman on a horse in london, 1921.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#8 Nancy and betty debenham, well-known motorcyclists, riding bsa bikes with their dog, 1925.

Nancy and betty debenham, well-known motorcyclists, riding bsa bikes with their dog, 1925.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#9 Marjorie dare (doris smith) riding hands free around “the wall of death” sideshow at the kursaal amusement park in essex, england, 1938.

Marjorie dare (doris smith) riding hands free around “the wall of death” sideshow at the kursaal amusement park in essex, england, 1938.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#10 Marjorie dare performing, 1938.

Marjorie dare performing, 1938.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#11 Children being pulled along by a woman on a motorbike in london, 1926.

Children being pulled along by a woman on a motorbike in london, 1926.

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#12 A woman alongside her harley-davidson in california, 1925.

A woman alongside her harley-davidson in california, 1925.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#13 A woman and a performing seal at a circus, 1935.

A woman and a performing seal at a circus, 1935.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#14 Two women ready to play tennis on a bsa motorbike, 1925.

Two women ready to play tennis on a bsa motorbike, 1925.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#15 A woman trying out a douglas motorcycle on display at the 18th cycle and motorcycle show in london, 1933.

A woman trying out a douglas motorcycle on display at the 18th cycle and motorcycle show in london, 1933.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#16 Workers measuring the positions of footrests and controls on partially finished motorcycles, 1933.

Workers measuring the positions of footrests and controls on partially finished motorcycles, 1933.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#17 Miss e. Foley and miss l. Ball, entrants in the international six days reliability trials, at brooklands race track in england, 1925.

Miss e. Foley and miss l. Ball, entrants in the international six days reliability trials, at brooklands race track in england, 1925.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#18 Nancy setting off for a motorcycle rally in england, 1934.

Nancy setting off for a motorcycle rally in england, 1934.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#19 A woman on a 500 oec tinkler all-weather model designed for use on rough roads and cross-country, 1928.

A woman on a 500 oec tinkler all-weather model designed for use on rough roads and cross-country, 1928.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#20 A reverend blesses the motorcycle of a woman who is learning to drive, 1938.

A reverend blesses the motorcycle of a woman who is learning to drive, 1938.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#21 A woman rider in the six days motorcycle trial, in which competitors have to cover 200 miles a day over rough terrain, 1933.

A woman rider in the six days motorcycle trial, in which competitors have to cover 200 miles a day over rough terrain, 1933.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#22 Women of achille serre ltd’s private fire brigade setting off on their motorcycle and sidecar to compete in the london private fire brigades’ tournament, 1925.

Women of achille serre ltd’s private fire brigade setting off on their motorcycle and sidecar to compete in the london private fire brigades’ tournament, 1925.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#23 Lexington motorcycle police stunt display

Lexington motorcycle police stunt display

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#24 Lillian la france was one of the first, and also one of the most popular, female wall of death riders of the 1920s & ’30s.

Lillian la france was one of the first, and also one of the most popular, female wall of death riders of the 1920s & ’30s.

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#25 Cookie crum on the wall of death

Cookie crum on the wall of death

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#26

Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#27 Cookie crum riding side saddle

Cookie crum riding side saddle

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#28 Lillian la france showing off her balance

Lillian la france showing off her balance

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#29

Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#30

Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#31 Unknown woman

Unknown woman

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#32

Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#33 A young lady in a fur-trimmed coat posing in the saddle of an nsu 501 t combination in an autumnal forest. The bike is registered in the city of berlin, november 1929.

A young lady in a fur-trimmed coat posing in the saddle of an nsu 501 t combination in an autumnal forest. The bike is registered in the city of berlin, november 1929.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#34 A cheerful young lady posing in the saddle of an ancient motorcycle in front of a double-leaf door. The words “1 january 1930” are handwritten on reverse. The bike is registered in the city of berlin.

A cheerful young lady posing in the saddle of an ancient motorcycle in front of a double-leaf door. The words "1 january 1930" are handwritten on reverse. The bike is registered in the city of berlin.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#35 A fashionable lady posing in the saddle of an ariel model f 500 on a dirt road in the countryside. The bike is registered in the city of vienna, circa 1930s.

A fashionable lady posing in the saddle of an ariel model f 500 on a dirt road in the countryside. The bike is registered in the city of vienna, circa 1930s.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#36 A stylish lady in a female suit posing with a sidecar motorcycle in the countryside, circa 1930s.

A stylish lady in a female suit posing with a sidecar motorcycle in the countryside, circa 1930s.

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#37 Two cheerful ladies posing with a opel motoclub 500 combination on a dirt road in the countryside. The bike is registered in the administrative region of düsseldorf, circa 1930s.

Two cheerful ladies posing with a opel motoclub 500 combination on a dirt road in the countryside. The bike is registered in the administrative region of düsseldorf, circa 1930s.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#38 A young lady in a dress and apron posing in the saddle of an ancient motorcycle. The print is dated “september 1931” on reverse, the bike is registered in the german state of württemberg.

A young lady in a dress and apron posing in the saddle of an ancient motorcycle. The print is dated "september 1931" on reverse, the bike is registered in the german state of württemberg.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#39 A lady in an elegant dress and a fellow in a leather coat posing with a bmw r 11 combination on a gravel road in the countryside. The vehicle is registered in the city of munich, circa 1935.

A lady in an elegant dress and a fellow in a leather coat posing with a bmw r 11 combination on a gravel road in the countryside. The vehicle is registered in the city of munich, circa 1935.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#40 A young brunette lady proudly posing with a victoria kr 20 en in summertime, circa 1938.

A young brunette lady proudly posing with a victoria kr 20 en in summertime, circa 1938.

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#41 Three generations of an austrian middle-class family posing with a indian chief combination on a gravel road in summertime. The sidecar motorcycle is registered in the city of vienna, circa 1939.

Three generations of an austrian middle-class family posing with a indian chief combination on a gravel road in summertime. The sidecar motorcycle is registered in the city of vienna, circa 1939.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#42 A young lady enthusiastically posing with an nsu konsul in the countryside, circa 1950s.

A young lady enthusiastically posing with an nsu konsul in the countryside, circa 1950s.

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#43 An elegant lady posing in the saddle of an nsu konsul in the countryside, circa 1950s.

An elegant lady posing in the saddle of an nsu konsul in the countryside, circa 1950s.

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#44 A young lady with a scarf wrapped around her head posing in the saddle of a bmw r 51/3, may 17, 1952.

A young lady with a scarf wrapped around her head posing in the saddle of a bmw r 51/3, may 17, 1952.

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#45 A company of three cheerfully posing with a puch 250 t in an autumnal forest. The bike is registered in the city of vienna, circa 1955.

A company of three cheerfully posing with a puch 250 t in an autumnal forest. The bike is registered in the city of vienna, circa 1955.

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#46 A young lady with an ice cream cone in her hand posing in the saddle of a bmw r25/2. The bike is registered in the west german city of cologne, circa 1956.

A young lady with an ice cream cone in her hand posing in the saddle of a bmw r25/2. The bike is registered in the west german city of cologne, circa 1956.

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#47 A young lady wearing a white turtle-neck sweater, stirrup pants, and suede leather boots posing in the saddle of a bmw r50/2, circa 1965.

A young lady wearing a white turtle-neck sweater, stirrup pants, and suede leather boots posing in the saddle of a bmw r50/2, circa 1965.

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#48 A couple of ladies astride a couple of vintage motorcycles

A couple of ladies astride a couple of vintage motorcycles

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#49 Lady riding on a vintage motorbike in germany

Lady riding on a vintage motorbike in germany

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#50 A woman with the royal enfield motorcycle and sidecar, ca. 1940s

A woman with the royal enfield motorcycle and sidecar, ca. 1940s

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#51 Bsa motorcycle, england, 1947

Bsa motorcycle, england, 1947

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#52 Coventry-eagle flying 8 motorcycle and sidecar in england

Coventry-eagle flying 8 motorcycle and sidecar in england

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#53 A woman posing with harley-davidson, california, 1953

A woman posing with harley-davidson, california, 1953

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#54 Lady with a moped, germany

Lady with a moped, germany

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#55 Cushman delivery scooter, as owned by the united states military during world war two

Cushman delivery scooter, as owned by the united states military during world war two

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#56 Zundapp motorcycle, germany, ca. 1930s

Zundapp motorcycle, germany, ca. 1930s

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#57 Lady on the harley-davidson, wisconsin, usa

Lady on the harley-davidson, wisconsin, usa

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#58 A harley-davidson and rider, wisconsin, usa

A harley-davidson and rider, wisconsin, usa

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#59 Ladies posing with a vintage sidecar motocycle

Ladies posing with a vintage sidecar motocycle

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#60 Harley-davidson motorcycle, registered to miami, florida, ca. 1950s

Harley-davidson motorcycle, registered to miami, florida, ca. 1950s

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#61 Bsa motorcycle and sidecar in france

Bsa motorcycle and sidecar in france

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Speed Queens: The Women who Ruled the Motorcycle World in the 20th Century

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#62 Ladies on a reading standard motorbike

Ladies on a reading standard motorbike

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#63 A woman on the cushman motorcycle

A woman on the cushman motorcycle

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#64 A company of three posing with a ajs sidecar motorcycle on a dirt road in the countryside. The bike is registered in the city of vienna, circa 1935.

A company of three posing with a ajs sidecar motorcycle on a dirt road in the countryside. The bike is registered in the city of vienna, circa 1935.

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#65 Three cheerful young ladies posing enthusiastically with a zündapp k500. The bike is registered in the german state of württemberg, 1939.

Three cheerful young ladies posing enthusiastically with a zündapp k500. The bike is registered in the german state of württemberg, 1939.

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#66 A cheerful young lady in a white sports coat posing in the saddle of a harley-davidson wl 750, circa 1948.

A cheerful young lady in a white sports coat posing in the saddle of a harley-davidson wl 750, circa 1948.

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#67 A teenage girl posing in the saddle of an ancient motorcycle in the countryside. The location seems to be an olive grove, somewhere in rural greece, circa 1950s.

A teenage girl posing in the saddle of an ancient motorcycle in the countryside. The location seems to be an olive grove, somewhere in rural greece, circa 1950s.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet....... I’ve never been able to figure out what would i write about myself.

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