The above pictures are taken at different events we have attended and different rides we have gone on. They represent the memories and shared experiences of our members.
Meet Diane!
"I have been with WOW® for a couple of years now. 2011 as Ride Coordinator and 2012 as Director. We are truly a group that is very diverse and has a lot of fun while letting riding clear our minds.
I was a 'surprise' - but I don't mind. My sister is 7.5 years older. My father was a master automobile mechanic. Growing up I wasn't at the mall - but in the garage helping him or going to the auto/bike shows. I guess that is where my love of motors, chrome and cool paint developed.
I went to Lindbergh High School, graduated Saint Louis University with two degrees - one in B&A: Marketing, another in A&S: Fine Art. I have been in Marketing/Graphics ever since. I have also worked in retail for many years and have even sold motorcycles as well.
I married my best friend and high school sweetheart, Eric over 10 years ago. Our kids are our Harley's. They are our pride and joy! I have had my M license since 1997 but could not always afford a bike, so I consider myself to be very lucky.
I have owned a 2008 H-D Nightster and currently a 2009 H-D Dyna Lo Rider. I call it my 'little black dress with diamonds'. It has diamond accents and is Orange/Black/Chrome - and YES chrome can be a color!
I have been to many rallies, ridden in 6" mud, creeks, miles of deep gravel, tire deep chip and seal - then it rained top of it - it was 'baptismal by fire'... but with a SMILE. I am one of the biggest 'cheerleaders' for women riders. I feel that most women don't ride their own bike because by the time we think of doing something for ourselves, it is midnight and we put it off yet another day, week, year. We forget that adventure of when we were little. Then, if we finally do commit to riding, that voice in our head doubts... saying 'I can't do that' - causing us to mess up in reality. YOU CAN DO THIS! I believe women can ride well if they really want to AND look GREAT doing it!
Dream Rides:
'Road of 10,000 Curves' Stelvio Pass, Italian Alps (Like the Tail of the Dragon on steroids!)
Trail of Tears Ride. My Great Grandfather was a Cherokee Indian and his redheaded wife was the tribe mediator (where I inherited MY red locks!).
My dream bike: a spring front end dyna, 100+ lace wheels and a twisted down-tube hand-made frame that looks like chrome diamonds. Amazing!
Biggest impression: Those ladies our there who began riding when women were only supposed to be 'fender fluff'. So, I would toast those ladies that paved the way for today. You Rock!
I hope to meet you all sometime but until then... life is an adventure, enjoy the ride!!!"
Meet Sandy!
Sandy served as the Secretary in 2010 and is excited to take on the challenge of Director of The Heartland Chapter of Women On Wheels® in 2011. She has done all kinds of jobs from being a private detective to a chuck wagon cook on a working dude ranch.
"The first motorcycle I rode was actually an 1949 Cushman Motor Scooter with my father; I was three years old. This ride lit my fire for motorcycles and my uncle's 1954 Harley Hydra-Glide just reinforced my love for anything motorcycle. I learned to ride on my friend's Honda 125 and then her Honda 175. I've owned a Honda 350, Kawasaki 400 Limited and my current bike is a Kawasaki Vulcan 900."
Meet Cris!
Cris, a member of Women On Wheels® since 1997, is a founding member of the Heartland Chapter, and served as our first Director (1997-2000). She has served as Missouri Assistant State (2000-2001) and State Ambassador (2001-2002), on the Board of Trustees (2006-2011) and as the association's president (2009-2011). She is the chapter's Assistant Director and Ride Coordinator for 2012.
"Inspired by my mom who rode a motorcycle in the 1970's, I have ridden various motorized two-wheeled vehicles for more than 40 years. I currently ride a 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom with close to 230,000 miles. What better way to share the passion for riding than with a group of like-minded women (and men)?"
Meet Dee!
My name is Diana, better known as Dee, Rooks. I've been riding six years and starting my third year with Women On Wheels, Heartland Chapter, out of St. Louis, Missouri. I also belong to the Patriot Guard Riders. My family includes my husband, Roy, and my sons, Chris and Jared. We have a cat named Dakota and an Engish Bulldog named Mufasa Meat. I retired on December 31, 2009, from GKN Aerospace (formerly McDonnell Douglas and then Boeing). My love of life is riding my 2009 Harley Davidson Triglide, named Fire Lake, which has carried me 53,600 miles so far. The camaraderie shared in WOW has introduced me to numerous new friends across the USA, that share my love for riding, and led me through 29 states. WOW! YES!