More Than a World Record: Women Riders Unite for History in Illinois
By Laurie Montoya
This weekend, hundreds of women motorcyclists from across the United States will converge on Rockford, Illinois, with one goal in mind: to break the world record for the largest organized ride of women on motorcycles.
Hosted by Midwest Women Riders during the annual Get Your Groove On 2026 event, the record attempt aims to surpass a mark currently held by Australia. But for many of the women making the journey, the event is about far more than setting a record.
Among those traveling to Illinois are Las Vegas riders Pineapple Amy and Shannon “Dazzlin” Venturo, who will embark on a nearly 3,600-mile round-trip journey to participate in the historic ride. As of the publishing of this article, Pineapple and Amy have crossed through Colorado and are anticipated to arrive in Rockford, Illinois sometime tonight.
For Amy, the event showcases something she has experienced throughout her riding journey: women riders come from every background imaginable, yet they share a common love for adventure, freedom, and the open road. “It’s about proving that women riders come from all walks of life, yet we share a common bond of courage, resilience, and the love of the open road.”
Her travel companion, Shannon “Dazzlin” Venturo, shares a similar perspective. While she is excited about the possibility of helping set a world record, she believes the true significance of the event lies in what it symbolizes. “What inspires me most is what the record represents. It represents thousands of women choosing to show up for one another.” Venturo believes motorcycling has a unique ability to bring people together regardless of age, background, occupation, or experience level.
As women from across the nation prepare to gather in Illinois, both riders recognize that many participants will be meeting for the first time. Yet they know that shared experiences on two wheels have a way of creating instant connections. “Some will arrive as strangers, but many will leave as friends,” Venturo said.
The Get Your Groove On event has become one of the premier gatherings for women motorcyclists, celebrating not only riding but also education, empowerment, networking, and community. The world-record attempt has attracted attention from riders throughout North America who see the event as a chance to be part of motorcycle history.
The event comes at a time when women continue to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the motorcycle community. More women are riding, leading motorcycle organizations, advocating for rider safety, and inspiring future generations to embrace life on two wheels.
Whether the final rider count is enough to claim a new world record remains to be seen. But both women agree that the true achievement will not be measured by numbers alone.
“Whether we ultimately break the record or not, the true achievement is bringing so many women together in one place, united by freedom, adventure, and the joy of riding.”
In a world that often feels divided, gatherings like this serve as a reminder of the power of community. “The road has a way of connecting people,” Venturo said. “This gathering is proof that a shared passion can create lasting bonds and unforgettable memories.”
When engines start and hundreds of women riders take to the road together in Rockford, history may indeed be made. But perhaps the greatest accomplishment will be the message they leave behind—that women riders are not only participating in motorcycle culture, they are helping define its future.
Building on a Legacy of Women Riders
The women gathering in Rockford are following in the tire tracks of other riders who have worked to bring the women’s motorcycle world record to the United States. One of the most notable efforts was led by Colorado rider and organizer Susan “Risky” Udero, whose Colorado Women’s World Record Ride drew 465 women riders in 2019 while raising more than $25,000 for Firefly Autism. Although the ride fell short of the world-record benchmark, it became one of the largest all-women motorcycle events ever organized in the United States and inspired future attempts across the country.
Women-focused organizations such as Women in the Wind, Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA), Motor Maids, and regional groups like Midwest Women Riders have spent decades growing the community of female motorcyclists and organizing large-scale rides and rallies. The record currently being challenged is widely credited to the Australian 2WheelBabes “Babe Raid”, where 1,002 women riders gathered in Dubbo, New South Wales, in 2016. Now, organizers in Illinois hope to bring that title to the United States while continuing the tradition of women riders coming together in the spirit of friendship, empowerment, and adventure.
Interested in Participating?
Women riders interested in joining the historic record attempt or learning more about the Get Your Groove On 2026 event can visit the official event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1548452199711491/?active_tab=discussion
Whether you’re riding across the country like Pineapple Amy and Shannon “Dazzlin” Venturo or traveling from just a few miles away, every rider has the opportunity to be part of a memorable moment in motorcycling history. We hope the women bring the world record HOME TO THE USA.
