Robinson, Dot (1912–1999)
Robinson, Dot (1912–1999)
Australian-born motorcyclist. Born Dorothy Goulding, April 22, 1912, in Melbourne, Australia; died Oct 8, 1999; dau. of Jim Goulding; m. Earl Robinson (d. 1996), 1931; children: Betty Robinson Fauls.
Known for promoting motorcycling for women, moved to US; raced competitively (1930–61); earned 1st trophy at Flint 100 Endurance race (1930); competed in other off-road enduros including Michigan State championship Enduro, Thanksgiving Day Enduro and Jack Pine Enduro; with husband, set transcontinental sidecar record from Los Angeles to NY in 89 hours and 58 minutes (1935); also road as duo with daughter; traveled the country searching for women who owned and rode their own motorcycles, so as to form Motor Maids of America (now Motor Maids, Inc.), of which she served as co-founder and as 1st president for 25 years; became 1st woman to win Jack Pine Enduro in sidecar division (1940) and won again in 1946; ran successful Harley-Davidson dealership with husband (until 1971); inducted into Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum (1998).