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Women: No Longer Just Back Seat Riders

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The number of women motorcycle riders is on the rise and the manufacturers are beginning to pay attention. According to the latest national survey by the Motorcycle Industry Counsel (MIC) they found that among the age group of women now make up 19% of motorcycle owners compared to 10% ten years ago.

Nearly one in five United States motorcycle owners are now female, compared with one in 10 less than a decade ago, and the data suggests that American women could soon make up one quarter of owners, which would be a major shift in motorcycling demographics, according to the latest national survey by the USA Motorcycle Industry Council.

The survey also found that women owners among younger generations is growing with 26% of motorcycle owners being women. As the number of mature motorcyclists shrink, they are being replaced by new riders and increased number of women.

The surveys also concluded that women are riding the following:

  • 34% of female riders
  • 33% scooters
  • 10% sport bike riders.

Data from this survey also concluded that:

  • The median age for female motorcyclists is 39 versus 48 for males.
  • More than 49 percent of women motorcyclists do their own maintenance or have a friend or relative do it, instead of taking their bikes to a shop.
  • New motorcycles are preferred over used by 57 percent of female riders.
  • 49 percent of female motorcyclists are married.
  • 47 percent of female motorcyclists have a college or post-graduate degree.

“Today more women are getting off the fender and into the driver’s seat.  For many years motorcycle riding has been a male dominated culture.  But our brothers on the asphalt are making a lane for us ladies. I didn’t start riding until I was 47.  I feel free and incredible joy behind those handle bars.  The days of catty behavior being in style are gone. Women need to stand shoulder to shoulder and support one another. Each one bring one. I can’t imagine my life now without a motorcycle.”

– Dazzlin, President, Bling Devas, MC

The riding community is also seeing a greater number of women motorcycle clubs such as the Bling Devas, MC and Rebel Queenz. There are women riding groups such as Women in the Wind and Sin City Moto Girls, are expanding and involving their groups in ALL THINGS MOTORCYCLE.  

Here in Colorado, a group of ladies have organized a ride on August 24th to attempt to break the world record for the largest number of women riders on a ride. If you are a woman rider and available that day, come out and support this World Record Attempt. The event starts at High Country Harley Davidson at 8am.

August 24 Womens World Record FACTS

If you would like to apart of Colorado history, please join us!  All you need to do is pre-register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colorado-women-ride-world-recordparade-attempt-tickets-57664702678 and meet at High Country Harley Davidson, 3761 Monarch St, Frederick, CO 80516 at 8 a.m.

  • If you want to be in a section with your posse, please ride in together because you will immediately be assigned to a section.  You can meet each other some where before riding in.
  • When you ride in, a traffic coordinator will direct you to where to park and a section lead will inform you of what to do next.
  • The parade will start approximately 10 a.m. and once you return, the festivities will begin.
  • Angry Steve will be performing on stage from 12 – 3 p.m.
  • Team Wildlyfe is a unique group of local fire and LED performers sure to entertain.
  • Special Guest:  Helen Tornquist, Rolling with Ronda, DJ Jones, Paty Juarez, and Kimberly Chavez
  • Trophies will be awarded for Farthest Distance Traveled, Eldest Woman Biker, Youngest Woman Biker, best looking trike, and Most Women Club Members locally and out of state.
  • Prayer:  Robert Espinosa will be honoring Wind Brother Bret Kerr
  • The Unofficial Party will be at Jerry D’s, 604 8th St, Dacono, CO 80514.

More information at www.missbubblesproductions.com.

What Does It Mean to be Part of the American Legion?

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I had the distinct pleasure to meet with the State Chair “Poncho” Serrano, Mike “Chaplain” Smith and Joe Calabro all American Legion members and American Legion Riders last month to talk about What does it mean to be a part of the American Legion in 2019.

As a daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I had only heard negative about the Legion and the VFW, my dad still carries today bad memories of what those organizations stood for when he returned from war and doesn’t want to entertain the idea of coming to the New 2019 American Legion.

I have to say that I was extremely impressed when I have visited Post 178 (Lakewood) and Post 22 in (Northglenn) each time the members were inviting and greeting and the stigma that I was expecting was no-where to found. In April of this year, I have also attended and event at ALR Post 35 in Chandler Arizona what I saw was a young, organized group of veterans ready to help any and all veterans in need, no matter what war you came from.

The ALRs is a program within The American Legion. We are Legionaries who ride motorcycles. Each ALR program is sponsored by an American Legion Post. A person can be a member of the ALR if they are a member of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion or Auxiliary. We commonly refer to this as our Post family. So, if you’re not a veteran, don’t think you can’t join us. If you have a relative that served, such as a parent or grandparent, then there’s a chance you may still qualify to join our family. Check with your local post and learn more. We love signing up new members. The ALR is the fastest growing part of the American Legion and has had a great effect on Legion membership. We currently have about 35 ALR charters in the state of Colorado and growing.

What do we do? Well we ride for military veteran causes and do great things for our community and youth. We raise funds for all kinds of causes such as youth scholarship funds, veteran’s assistance funds, food pantry’s, homeless transition programs, veteran therapy programs. The list is huge, and we keep finding great things to support and promote. So many great things are happening in the Legion as well as outside the Legion. If it helps our veterans, we’re usually there to offer support.

We also take part in motorcycle escorts and honors for our fallen as well as participate in parades throughout the state. Most of us served in the military ourselves or have lived within the military family unit. We know the cost and it’s important that we remember the warriors and families that paid the ultimate price. We also support those that came home wounded with scars seen and unseen. We do our best to offer a network of support to those who are among us still fighting the battle in their minds.

Every year our riders raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund that helps pay for college for military families who lost a parent after 9/11 or who’s veteran parent has a 50% disabled rating or more. We do through what we call the Pony Express. Riders go across the state from post to post collecting funds with the Pony Express satchel. This all takes place in one fun weekend and we’ve had great success with it and have collected record amounts every year.

The new face of the Legion are veterans from more recent wars, and they aren’t in the shadows, they are involved, engaged and ready to be involved. They have a home now away from home, where they can hang with their own and get thru those moments that flashback to them and feel a part of something.

I ask any veteran who is looking for somewhere to call home, to give the American Legion a try and come to a few meetings. If you like to ride, the American Legion Riders are involved and regularly meet and go for rides to help other veterans and local charities.

To find out more information, please contact the

American Legion Department of Colorado, 7465 E 1st Ave D, Denver, CO 80230 — (303) 366-5201

Please take a moment to read about what these veterans have found being part of the American Legion.

Joe Calabro (Road Captain) – American Legion Post 178, Lakewood Colorado

I didn’t even know the American Legion Riders existed. As a veteran of the first Gulf War, I was interested in veteran’s issues. So, in 2004 when I got a letter from the American Legion, I thought that would be a good way to support veterans. At my very first Legion meeting someone noticed that I had ridden my motorcycle to the meeting and told me that American Legion Post 178 had a Riders Chapter. I went to their meeting the next Saturday and have been a member ever since. What drew me to the American Legion Riders was that it is a volunteer organization that does a lot in the community to support veterans and their families. Between raising money for charities, standing in flag lines at funerals to honor our departed brothers and sisters and their families, or bringing food to disabled veterans, the Am. Legion Riders gave me a feeling of purpose and a way to help other veterans and their families. There is no better feeling than when the family member of a fallen veteran gives you heartfelt “Thank You” for standing in a flag line, in boots that were not made for standing, to honor their family member. It is a small price to pay. As a long time, motorcycle rider, I also enjoy the charity poker runs, the parades, and the brotherhood that only riders understand. No matter if you served, or if it was your Father or Grandfather, the American Legion Riders is a great place to support our veterans and their families.

Michael Wilson – American Legion Post 22, Northglenn, Colorado

When I was 6 my uncle came over to the house in his dress blues, he was a full bird Colonial. The instant I saw him I told my dad that I would one day proudly wear that uniform. At age 19 I entered boot camp to become that proud Marine. My intent was to make it a 20-year career. After 6 years I decided against it, a decision that I have regretted to this day. That was back in the day that if you entered the military you were pretty much guaranteed a free trip to Vietnam.

While in Vietnam as a combat radio operator I saw more than my fair share of action. 13 months in country left me a broken man. I left many friends over there. The good lord above saw fit to let me come home and I swore that I would spend my life doing good for others and I would take care of my fellow veterans that were not given all that I was lucky enough to be granted. I knew that I needed to share my experiences in an attempt to self-heal. That is when I found the American Legion. The Legion is a place where we can go to re-bond as brothers and share stories without being judged. Of course, we tease each other about our different branches and that’s OK for us but God help any outsider who would do any one of us harm. I have made many lifelong friends due to my affiliation with the American Legion, if you’re a member of ANY post you are a member of every post around the world and welcome everywhere.

I am a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast but have never had any inclination to join an MC. I have always told anyone who would listen that “I am one of the good guys”, our Legion chapter started an ALR (American Legion Riders) some 4 years ago that I have become intimately involved with it and plan to remain a member for life. We ride for our brothers who cannot, we raise funds for veterans and their families, and we do many motorcycle dignified honors escort services for our departed brothers.

Even if you are not personally a veteran there are various ways you may be eligible. We encourage your interest. There are American Legion posts in just about every city in Colorado. Come on down.

Frank “Poncho” Serrano – Colorado ALR State Committee Chairman

In 2014 my riding buddy and I were looking into joining a riding group and we ran across the American Legion Riders. The more we learned, the more it seemed to be a good fit for us. We are both military veterans and liked the idea of riding for veteran causes. Our local Post didn’t have a Riders program, so we were asked to start one. It began with about 8 of our closest riding friends and in 3 years, it grew to around 70 members. Not only did our rider group grow but our post did as well. From around 60 members to over 260. It has had a positive impact on our Falcon Colorado community since 2014 and we’ve been able to do great things for our local veterans ever since.

Gringo’s MC

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By: Stormy

If you hang out at local biker bars or attend charity rides, you more than likely will notice a group of bikers wearing black and silver cuts that read Gringo’s. Every time I see them, I always wonder why there is an apostrophe in the word ‘Gringo’s’, I am curious if they meant it to be plural or a possession of something. I am a stickler when it comes to grammar, so I asked the president, Mark Sousa during a phone conversation. He tells me the history, “The word Gringo is a Spanish, French, and Portuguese word that existed far before there was ever a country called Mexico.” He thought it was quite interesting that I had asked that question about the apostrophe and continues, “The word itself was used to describe someone who was not from the same village, a foreigner, speaking a different and unknown language ‘gibberish’, someone who is different. Gringo has origins in the Greek language as ‘Griego’. We are Gringo’s because we look different, we speak different, we think different, and we are different. We are not in the mainstream of life, but we do live in its tributaries and tidal pools. The members belong to Gringo; therefore, they are Gringo’s.”

Gringo’s MC was established in 1988 in the town of Terhagen, Belgium. Friends who lived and grew up together, shared a love and idea of all things Americana, motorcycles, and Harley Davidson.

Mark tells me more about the Gringo’s and said that in the mid 90’s, these friends made a pilgrimage to Sturgis Rally. There they met a few kindred spirits from Colorado, international visits soon followed to Belgium and the US, and friendships evolved. In 2005, an opportunity was presented to charter a Denver Chapter, from that point on it has been a rollercoaster of a ride.

Gringo’s MC Denver currently has multiple Denver metro chapters, and in two years, it will celebrate its 15-year anniversary right here in Denver. The Gringo’s MC in Terhagen, Belgium Chapter celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2018.

Gringo’s MC members are all from different ethnicities, cultures, and race. They welcome those who are honest, trustworthy, of good character, a good friend and brother. No one is perfect, they are not perfect. As with any family, they are functional and at times dysfunctional. Who isn’t, right?

Gringo’s MC is a motorcycle club, and it is structured and organized to ensure it lives and thrives in our local and global MC community. It is also a family club in the sense that they look to become family and take the word “Brother” for what it means. Not just a casual expression as it has come to be. Brother means just what it is, for bad or for worse ‘I am my Brother’s Keeper’.

Mark claims, “Our little bit of difference is that we choose to be part of each other’s day-to-day life and commit to one another’s well-being. We begin this journey by becoming friends and evolve to being brothers, a family. We are family not by blood, but by life and by choice.”

He says proudly, “We follow three simple life priorities: 1. Family (Home), 2. Job, and 3. MC. The goal is to strike a balance between all, but one should never forsake home, nor work. Our life revolves around the motorcycle, it is the centerpiece, it is the primary means of conveyance for everyone. If one’s job permits it, it’s not below freezing, and there is no ice on the road, the motorcycle is choice year-round.”

It was interesting to hear that Gringo’s Denver is active in its community in both charity fundraisers and projects. Everything from helping those in financial need, health, illness, as well as supporting our military veterans. On occasion, Gringo’s MC Denver will partner and host charitable events for these very causes. They also support and advocate for motorcyclist’s rights, they are active in supporting legislative actions that benefit all riders and oppose those who would risk their freedom of choice and the road.

Gringo’s MC simply desire to ride, keep life simple, live vicariously through one another’s experiences, tell a joke, share a story, and help a Brother. There is no magic to this, no Hollywood story, just a friend and brothers’ company.

As an international MC, they get to experience this on global level with friends, families, brothers and sisters. “Riding your Harley in America is great! Riding one in Europe is spectacular as well”, Mark boasts.

When one wears the Gringo’s MC patch, they are an ambassador to all its members worldwide, and their MC community at large. It’s critically important that they have that awareness, responsibility, and accountability.

I had the privilege to be invited to their clubhouse and meet the president and some family members. When talking with Mark and learning about his life and his accomplishments, I realized what a humble, happy guy he is. He tells me, “We must be politically aware and astute of our MC environment and those things that would affect our community at large in addition to all motorcycle riders, however, an MC is about having a fun, riding, and closing out the day with a road story, a cold beer and a brother.” Mark ends our conversation saying, “We are to be the rebels of life’s daily norm and outlaws in spirit. We must never lose sight of our primary goal of coming together. If we are not having “FUN”, then why are we doing it?”

In closing, I found there were many misconceptions about motorcycle clubs in the riding community and was pleased to learn that the club members share the same love and passion for family and riding that independent riders have.  Thank you, Gringo’s MC for allowing us a glimpse inside your world.

Deaf Motorcycle Riders

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By: Stormy

Last month I covered hearing and tinnitus and the damage loud noises can have on your hearing.

This month, I had the pleasure of riding with Will and Marie Cornell last season. They are both deaf, and they love to ride. Will brought his other friends who were also deaf to a Cool Biker Lunch and Ride event. They are all fun people; although it was a little difficult to communicate with them, we all seemingly understood each other. They use the American Sign Language (ASL) and some can talk.

[Read more…] about Deaf Motorcycle Riders

Mile High Sisters of Colorado

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By: Stormy
stormyperfect@gmail.com

Mile High Sisters of Colorado is a ladies’ motorcycle group in the Denver area. This group was developed because there seemingly were no other local groups that hosted rides. The other groups were more meeting and socializing at bars and talking about riding.

After receiving her motorcycle endorsement, the founder of Mile High Sisters also known as Road Queen just wanted to ride, ride, and ride! This is one badass lady. She chose riding her motorcycle over her husband, and this inevitably ended the marriage. This is something you would hear men doing, so hearing this blew my mind. [Read more…] about Mile High Sisters of Colorado

Women Who Ride

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Audrey Paulas

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a motorcycle enthusiast and love to ride with other like-minded bikers, sharing the same passion. I love to volunteer and help with charities and those in need.

How long have you been riding and what do you ride?

I have been riding for sixteen years and ride a 2009 Road King, 2016 Road Glide, and 2012 Heritage. [Read more…] about Women Who Ride

Clubs: Sober Souls

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By: Coach, Sober Souls MC, State Rep

The Sober Souls Motorcycle Club is a traditional MC that is celebrating 27 years in 2018. The club was started in 1991 and is a charter member of the Colorado Confederation of Clubs. We are, as stated earlier, a traditional MC that operates under its own bylaws with a National Governing Board. “The purpose of the Sober Souls Motorcycle Club is to encourage and conduct ourselves amongst motorcyclists with sobriety, spirituality, fellowship and service work.  Putting the welfare of the group above self-interest and helping others, individually and as a Motorcycle Club.”  We take this mission statement very seriously, and, with multiple chapters in Colorado, we are able to do this service work from Ft. Collins to Pueblo and beyond.

All the SSMC members are recovering drug addicts and alcoholics who run the gamut of society; some of us have had some of the obvious legal problems that come with addiction and alcoholism, while others have not. There are members who are mechanics, construction workers, students, addiction/recovery counselors, musicians, artists, teachers, ex-military, high-level employees of billion-dollar companies, and so on. We are grandfathers, fathers, sons, brothers, single men, married men, Christians, Pagans and atheists.

Chapters across Colorado participate in many charitable events that include rides for cancer patients or kids with medical conditions, toy runs, addiction and recovery charities, fallen bikers, etc.  Some examples of our annual events are:

Send the Kids to College Run – which supports kids with addiction issues and helps to fund higher education.

Annual Peer 1/ Haven Toy drive – which gathers hundreds of Christmas presents for kids whose parents are in intensive inpatient treatment programs.

Realities Ride for Children – We do fun decorations and help decorate bikes for the kids, bike parade as well as donate new bikes for the winners of the publicly voted best decorated bikes.

Feed the Homeless – Three times a year we do a feed the homeless event, in which we supply food, water, hygiene supplies, and clothing to hundreds of the Denver areas growing homeless population; and finally

The annual Soul Repo Poker Run to benefit The Hornbuckle Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which helps fund sober living and recovery treatment options for many.  This run is growing every year and features top musical talent.

We also host and fund a very popular recovery meeting every week at a local inpatient treatment facility. Many of the Souls also make an annual trip to Cedaredge, CO for the International Serenity Run, which is kind of a Sober Sturgis. Like most other Motorcycle Clubs in our communities, there are a lot of behind the scenes activities that go on that support many local charities.

Speaking from a personal level as to what the Sober Souls MC has done for me, I can say this club has given me a home. When we found each other, I was already active in recovery, with 8 years free of drug use, and a little over 2 years free of alcohol. I was trying to do service work within the community on my own and just didn’t feel I was having much of an impact. One man alone can only do so much, so I sought out a group of men with whom I felt I could have a greater impact on more people. I was introduced to the club by my fallen brother Big Mike. From there many things began to click and change in my life. I began an extensive hang around/prospect phase. I grew to know humility, learned to plan events, learned to help wherever I was needed and worked my ass off to be the best future brother I could possibly be. I eventually worked my way to gain the vote from my future brothers to become a full patch member.  Now, the sky is the limit for me personally.  I’ve been pulled from the dredges of society, TO SERVE A HIGHER PURPOSE.

For more information on the SSMC, or to request help with alcoholism/addiction please go to SoberSoulsmc.com and hit the contact a Soul link at the top of the page, check out our Facebook page: Sober Souls Motorcycle Club.

Cool Biker Lunch & Rides

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We ride for ice cream

By: Audrey Paulus

It all started in the spring of 2013. Three Mile-High Sisters and great personal friends, Jacquey Tabcum, Jan Oglesby, and Audrey Paulus, began riding to work on Fridays and meeting at noon for lunch. The three of us worked close to one another, so riding to lunch was easy. Our weekly routine would be to check in on Facebook, state that the Cool Bikers were having lunch at whatever restaurant we were at that week, and invite anyone to join us. This is not a women’s group, we have just as many male riders as female riders. [Read more…] about Cool Biker Lunch & Rides