Brescia Chapter’s director is leading the way for Ladies of Harley

In the heart of northern Italy, among the famous lakes of Brescia, Francesca Gelmi stands out – not only for her passion for Harley-Davidson^®, but as Italy’s only female chapter director

Words by David Sexton

Francesca began riding in 1998, having growing up surrounded by motorcycle culture thanks to her father and brother. She took her licence exam on a Sportster^® 883 and rode it in her first H.O.G.^® Winter Rally that year – it has been nothing but Harley^® ever since! She currently rides a 2008 Cross Bones – with more than 160,000km on the odometer – and a Hydra Glide Icon No. 110, but her garage has also been home to a Sportster 1200, Street Bob^®, and Fat Boy^® in the past.

She joined H.O.G. in 2000 and proudly wears a 25-year patch on her vest. Her commitment to the Brescia Chapter is unwavering, and she speaks passionately about the connections, opportunities, and shared spirit that the Harley Owner’s Group^® fosters. “I love knowing that no matter where you are in the world, we recognise each other, smile, wave on the road, and share that unique bond of being H.O.G. members,” she says. “It creates connection, teamwork and gives everyone the chance to actively participate in programmes like mileage or photobook, while also enjoying the benefits reserved for members.”

In 2017, after 20 years of active membership in the Brescia Chapter, Francesca became Chapter Director – Italy’s only female Chapter Director – after serving as LOH Officer, Activity Officer, and Assistant Director. One of her proudest achievements is her role in founding the Ladies National Run, which evolved from a regional event into a national rally in 2019, held on Lake Iseo. Now approaching its fifth edition, the event is hosted by different Chapters each year and supports causes such as breast cancer prevention and the fight against gender violence.

“I feel the responsibility of being the only female Director in Italy. With that, I want to lead by example – to show all Ladies of Harley that it is possible to take on leadership roles within Chapters with confidence and serenity. My hope is to contribute to a more gender-equal environment, even in a world where the numbers have always been unequal.”

The Brescia Chapter is thriving under her leadership, with regular Sunday rides, weekend runs, whilst participating in the full calendar of European H.O.G. events, and national and regional rallies, often in collaboration with other Chapters. Their weekly Wednesday meetups – known as #faccedamercoledi (“Wednesday Faces”) – have become something of a tradition, bringing members together for spirited and cheerful social dinners.

The riding season begins and ends with a ride through the lakes and vineyards of the Brescia that Francesca calls home. “I am lucky to live in a territory like Brescia, surrounded by the lakes of Garda and Iseo, the vineyards of Franciacorta, and breathtaking alpine passes.”

For Francesca, Harley-Davidson is more than a brand, she says: “…it embodies a lifestyle that feels like home to me… I can’t imagine a better way to spend my free time.”

---

Tags: