Louie McLean
Louie McLean née Ball was a true trailblazer in the world of motorcycling. Born in 1900, Louie developed a passion for motorcycles at a young age, working in her father’s garage and quickly becoming both a skilled rider and mechanic.
Louie went on to compete in motorcycle trials across Britain and Europe, becoming one of the most accomplished female riders of her time. In 1927 she was part of the team that won the Silver Vase at the International Six Days Trial – the only all-women’s team ever to achieve this feat.
At the height of her competitive motorcycling career during the 1920s and into the 30s, Louie rode for Douglas as well as James and BSA. In those days Douglas, based in Kingswood, were probably the biggest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world.
Kingswood Heritage Museum has an exhibition gallery dedicated to its large collection of Douglas motorcycles. This includes Louie’s famous motorcycle FY8006, alongside a fascinating wall display of trophies, awards, and photographs capturing her extraordinary career.
The motorcycle is featured in the colour picture alongside Ralph Brain, one of the Museum’s volunteers and the author of an article on Louie and her life that was published in “The New Conrod”, the members’ magazine for the London Douglas Motor Cycle Club.
Louie herself is shown in the black and white photograph astride another machine.
All of this has been made possible thanks to the generous loan from Louie’s daughter, Mrs Louie Hackney, who lives in Scotland.
If you visit the Museum this season, don’t miss the chance to see Louie McLean’s motorcycle up close and discover the story of one of motorcycling’s great female pioneers.