By Kate Brown—
San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® (DOBTM) WMC is riding through a milestone year with joy, gratitude, and a very full calendar. As we celebrate 50 years of leading the San Francisco Pride Parade, we are reminded again that this organization was built by riders, sustained by community, and carried forward by everyone who believes in the power of lesbian visibility, courage, and the power of showing up.
On April 24, 2026, the Friday night of Lesbian Visibility Week, our 50th Anniversary Celebration and fundraiser filled Rikki’s Women’s Sports Bar with history, love, laughter, and plenty of motorcycle spirit. The evening was co-hosted by the San Francisco Bay Times and Rikki’s, and we are deeply grateful to both organizations for helping us mark this incredible semi-centennial moment.
The night was made especially meaningful by the special honors we received. Senator Scott Wiener presented a resolution from the California Senate recognizing San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® WMC and our 50 years of service, visibility, and leadership. San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman also presented a special commendation, honoring the organization’s place in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ history and our continuing role in the Pride movement.
We were honored to have the incredible Donna Sachet emcee the evening, keeping the program moving with warmth, humor, and heart. DJ Christie presented by Olivia Travel brought the music and energy, helping turn the celebration into exactly what it should be: a party worthy of 50 years on the road.
Our fundraiser included a wonderful auction with generous prizes donated by supporters and community partners. The grand prize captured the spirit of the party perfectly: a ride on the back seat of a Dykes on Bikes motorcycle in the San Francisco Pride Parade. For the lucky winner, it will be a chance to experience Pride from a motorcycle surrounded by the roar of engines and the love of the crowd.
As we continue celebrating our 50th, we are also riding in connection with motorcyclists around the world. Saturday, May 2, marked the 20th International Female Ride Day, celebrated annually on the first Saturday in May. With its mantra of “Just Ride,” the day brings riders together across borders and communities. The term “female,” as used by the organizers, is stylized and inclusive, intended to embrace a range of identities, including non-binary, trans, and gender-expansive riders.
In recognition of International Female Ride Day, San Francisco DOB met up in Emeryville, where Road Captain Maria led our riders on a beautiful outing through the Sacramento Delta. It was the kind of ride that reminds us that the open road, shared purpose, and the simple joy of riding together are part of why we do this.
And we are just getting started.
June will be a full and exciting month for San Francisco DOB. One event we are especially looking forward to is our June 7 gathering at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland for an evening entitled “Wheels in Motion.” Organized by Patch-holder Smokey, this will be an evening focusing on the history and legacy of Dykes on Bikes, including a screening of the 2010 documentary SF Dykes on Bikes®, directed and produced by Emeritus Patch-holder and DOB archivist Dr. Sheila Malone. Dr. Malone is a media artist, scholar, and educator, and their work, including the short film SF Dykes on Bikes, has helped preserve and share the story of this organization for future generations.
“Wheels in Motion” is sure to be a powerful and memorable evening, bringing together our past, present, and future as we continue riding into our next 50 years. Please keep the date open and watch our website and social media for more information soon.
Kate Brown, Ph.D., is the President of San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® Women’s Motorcycle Contingent.
Dykes on Bikes® Tales from Two Wheels
Published on May 7, 2026
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