Mary McGee (1936–2024) came to motorcycles through car racing. She learned to ride a Triumph Tiger Cub in 1957, then entered motorcycle road races initially to improve her driving skills. In 1963, she moved into off-road competition.
Her 1975 Baja 500 finish became a defining achievement. McGee rode the entire event solo and finished ahead of several two-rider teams. The ride highlights her endurance and ability to keep racing without a relief rider.
Her experience also included teamwork: during the 1970s, she joined a 24-hour road race on a Suzuki. Later, she supported preserving motorcycling history and encouraged people from different backgrounds to take up riding.
McGee entered the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018. Her legacy combines competition with encouragement for other women to begin. Her story shows how one rider can change perceptions of who belongs on the starting line.