The Daring Life of Helen Gibson: A Trailblazing Professional Female Motorcycle Racer

Helen Gibson was a true pioneer in the world of action and adventure. Born Irene Rose Wenger in Cleveland, Ohio, she began her journey as a performer at just 18 years old when she joined a Wild West show. It was during this time that she honed her skills, learning to pick up a handkerchief from the ground while riding a galloping horse. But little did anyone know that Gibson's true passion lay in motorcycling.

In the early days of Hollywood, men in drag typically performed stunts for female actors, but Gibson became the first-ever professional stuntwoman when she doubled (and later replaced) Helen Holmes in the long-running serial Hazards of Helen. She impressed audiences with her death-defying feats, including leaping from the roof of a building onto the top of a moving train car - a stunt that would earn her the nickname 'Helen the Daredevil.' This fearless spirit and impressive skills eventually earned her the title of professional female motorcycle racer.

Gibson's love for motorcycles began during her off-season stints in silent films, where she would often ride in Los Angeles rodeos. It was there that she met and married cowboy Hoot Gibson, a union that would last a lifetime. Together, they formed an unstoppable duo, with Helen taking the reins as a professional female motorcycle racer.

As a trailblazer in her field, Gibson paved the way for future generations of women who dared to take on the world of motorcycling. Her legacy lives on through her remarkable achievements and unyielding spirit, inspiring countless individuals to follow their passions and never give up.

Professional female motorcycle racers