Cris Sommer Simmons, a trailblazer in the motorcycling community, has dedicated her life to vintage motorcycles and empowering women riders. Her journey began at age 9 as a passenger and evolved into a lifelong passion for two wheels.
Cris’s adventurous spirit led her to participate in multiple Motorcycle Cannonball events, grueling cross-country endurance rides on pre-1916 motorcycles. Notably, in 2010, she rode her 1915 Harley-Davidson, affectionately named “Effie,” from Kitty Hawk, NC, to Santa Monica, CA, covering 3,200 miles. This achievement honored pioneering women motorcyclists like Effie Hotchkiss, who completed a similar journey in 1915.
Beyond riding, Cris is an accomplished author. Her book, The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900–1950, celebrates the rich history of women in motorcycling, inspiring a new generation of female riders.
Cris’s unwavering dedication to vintage motorcycles and the communuty at large, as well as her visionary role in many aspects of motorcycling have solidified her status as an inspiring figure among motorcyclists and enthusiasts worldwide.
For a deeper insight into Cris’s remarkable journey, watch the following interview hosted by Kelly Yazdi for Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys.
