HD Open Road

July 19,2009

It started early in the morning. That unmistakable rumble of Harleys running through the canyons of Trabuco. First just a couple, then more. And as the sounds of v-twins echoing off the canyons reached a crescendo, the corner motorcycle row at Cook’s Corner began to quickly fill up.

But something is surely different today. Yeah, yeah, it’s hot. But there is something else, too. Today, we are celebrating Women Who Ride at Cook’s Corner. And a large number of these bikes ridden in here today arrived with a women driving it.

Cook’s Corner once again has done a superb job of hosting a major charity event. There were several charities represented here today, most dealing with cancer research. Vendors, raffles and music added to the entertainment of the day.

The Viet Nam Veteran’s m/c were there for the hoisting of the new flags. One of their own (also a women rider who blew by me on the way in) lead us in the American Anthem. But the rest of the day truly belonged to the Women Who Ride.

I met Serena, Miss June in the Biker Babes for Boobs Calendar. All the proceeds of this calendar will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer charity.

Serena told me about her passion for riding. The owner of a 2006 Road King with 60,000 miles on it already, Serena has several Iron Butt awards, and is a regular on the roads to Sturgis.

Carol graces November. The rider of a 2002 Dyna, she too shares a passion for riding.

The women in this calendar don’t just own bikes, they ride them. And they all have a story to tell.

But there were a lot of others there, too. Yolanda told me that she has been riding for 12 years, and loves her Dyna. And Susan explains that riding her 2004 Dyna is the only thing that keeps here sane.

In talking to these women, one central theme kept coming up. These women all have different lives, many have families and careers. But the central theme that I kept finding is their passion for their bikes and the open road. They do love to ride.

Despite the heat, the day was a success. People were brought together to celebrate that part of our sub-culture that until recently has never received a lot of attention. Monies were raised and attention given to some notable charities that deserve all our support.

My hat is off to all these Women Riders today, and to Cook’s Corner for their hospitality and support. See you on the open road.

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