A Year in the Life of a Chrome Diva

I have so much to say, what a challenge to get everything in to one article!

The Chrome Divas have been so busy riding this past season, I must say, this has been a great season for all. Rain never failed but rides and friends never stayed back.

I had an excellent chance to travel to Ottawa to see the Military Museum. No directions to get to the museum and blinded by the ride, one could say. The weather was clear and no rain was in the forecast for the whole day. I jumped at the opportunity - # 410 to # 37 which brings you to Tweed. Just before Tweed, a blink actually, stopped off at the coffee shop and met 3 buses of our Canadian Soldiers who were leaving that day for Afghanistan. At 8:30 in the morning they were standing in the parking lot, laughing, and drinking the ever so famous coffee.
Never saw any donuts around, maybe they aren’t healthy to eat for soldiers. Bikers just love donuts, right? The sight of our finest in their uniforms, colorful buses made you proud to be a Canadian. I managed to get a picture of some as the trip for them was to be relaxing. Their trip consisted of Hwy # 7 to the airstrip. This encounter makes one reflect on everything. Here’s a bunch of soldiers who do not know any of us, but are willing to give up their life for our country. Yes, it affected the soul. My hero’s every one of them. When I close my eyes, I can see the smiles on their faces.

Traveling along Hwy # 7, we just noticed to the left of us a Harley-Davidson® sign on this quaint building which had a classic vehicle parked beside. Slight u -turn and we were in the driveway. Cameron’s Motorcycle Sales and Service has been a Harley Dealer for 32 years in Perth. It was a shop of distinction which was on the road of distinction.

The classic story, a shop which met the Harley Standards, sales requirements, but thru modern transition it’s just is not needed anymore. Gerris Cameron has been a member of Harley’s family for 32 years, well, the sign might go, but not the reason they are there is staying. They are licensed mechanic’s, they work on motorcycles, a lot of motorcycles around this side of the province, so they are not going away. Thinking back as I write this, a huge monster of a building built here on Hwy # 7 just would not break an appeal, this is great riding country, easy way to get right into downtown Ottawa by motorcycle.

Countryside to enjoy, vintage buildings just add to a trip. Lot’s of rest areas and places to eat. This was just a day trip, no time for eating, just traveling. Ode to modern technology.
www.cameronshd.com

One drawback here, there’s a lot of truckers, on this road. Perth sends an interesting message on the road. No shortage of motorcycles and no shortage of Classic Cars. Down on Hwy # 7 not far from the Harley Shop there’s a dirt- bike museum off the road. Continue on into Perth, at the beginning, a garage full of Classic Cars sitting beside the road begging one to stop and take a look at the beauties. Perth is a proud town of 6,000 of a population.

Hwy # 7 lead us to 417- east to Ottawa, lots of construction, into Metcalfe- We were looking for Le Breton Flats-, Place Vim - and elegantly marked was the Guerre-War sign.
As Canadians we took that for the Military Museum. For this season, it has been the best place to spend $10.00. I was fascinated by each separate display, I read as much information my brain could comprehend. There’s a great collection of military vehicles, including motorcycles to walk thru. It was an easy trip, simple directions, on a motorcycle, easy to get downtown. It was interesting, I believe everything happens for a reason, meeting those soldiers enhanced this trip, opened my eyes, and made an understanding for me. My brother served overseas, was lucky, he came back, and never once have I heard, that he would change a thing about his life. Life has not dealt him the greatest blows, but he still stands tall and proudly wears the red t-shirt his crazy sister makes sure he has. In my world, my brothers are the best.

August was a half decent month to get out there and ride. I make a habit each year of visiting special friends. Most of my friends have annual parties, and not all I can attend so if I miss, then a visit is in store. One bright morning off to see Britta was on the agenda. Off we went, stopped off at Newmarket for Beth, and then we were on Hwy # 9. Just off # 9, my motorcycle just died.

As I safely pulled it to the side, a tow-truck was immediately to my rescue. Then to the right of my bike I had a truck with a towing bed of accident bikes. Well, boosting it off Anvil’s bike only led me 2 kilometers down the road. Then again, the motorcycle died. I must say Thanks to Russell who drove Anvil to two shops. Thanks to Dave who stayed back with us Ladies, and who is friends with my friends. Both these gents helped out so much. I really appreciated what you did.

Thanks! What a small world. The only battery we could find that day was a gel battery, slipped it into the bike and off we went to our destination. That soft sand on #9 near Kenilworth was testy, had a great cup of coffee, food, talked to Britta, and Rose, and then jumped on the bikes to head home. Now, it wasn’t going to be that easy.
Cruising along # 9 just pass # 50 the bike died again. Call to Tow Truck, and the next 3 hours were quite black. My main mission was to see my friends, and I did do that. Now, you are never stranded any where long with the Divas. Beth came along, hot coffee, donuts and our hearts were mended. Let’s don’t talk about the bike.

Start of a New Year, stirs thoughts, ambitions, goals, and evaluations of rides that happen yearly. I like mixing up yearly events to create an excitement. I’m sure this is why I ride. Different strokes for different folks. The motorcycle world provides such stimuli to some of us, it provides purpose at times. When you stretch those legs out on your bike and the sound of the engine flows thru the blood stream, the air brushes on your face, man, it feels good riding to a special place where you know you will meet friends and maybe new ones.

As Chrome Divas we do have our yearly events, which are exciting, The Smoke Out, River Rat Rally, Iron Cowgirlz Run, Wasaga Beach, and our new ride, Brianna’s Run.

Brianna has appeared in our life and it has created so much fun. With all of our lives so busy, routines, schedules, just mention the name, Brianna to a Chrome Diva / Iron Cowgirlz and there’s a story to tell you. Our young, Chrome Diva/ Iron Cowgirlz, Brianna is 2 years old and her Dad, Billy is unable to look after her at this moment. Billy is not happy about this, but with the help of Carol and great family members, this situation is on its own run and the hurdles are not as many.  When word was received that there was a young lady who needed help that was all that had to be said. At this moment the rest is history. Bikers either male or female write a different history.  We will go the distance to enable a cause which gives joy to individuals, especially a 2 year old.

Brianna Marie Crystal Pearl is a name greatly influenced by the Janis Joplin Album, Pearl. Going against all odds, Brianna survived at birth with a spirit that captured the Nurses; the best of care was lavished on her. Love immediately influenced all around her.
Above: Brianna with her entourage
The Brianna Run was held on September 13th / 08, starting at Barrie Harley-Davidson® and riding to Wasaga Beach. There were 20 motorcycles, thus showing how friends do grow in numbers especially in such a great cause. Thanks to Debbie and Marcy, for helping with the gifts. Brianna was the guest of honor at the Long Beach Café’ and helped everyone enjoy the great times at a quite quiet Wasaga Beach environment. This busy little waterfront town shut down for our special day. The Café has a great outdoor patio which we enjoyed. The rain held off until we all hit Collingwood to participate in another run.

I would like to personally thank all of you who rode up from the city, Orangeville, London, Guelph, you are our hero’s. Brianna never knew she had so many friends. Carol explained she fell asleep soon as she started the drive home, with a smile on her face holding the stuffed animals Beth just knew she needed. A very special thanks to the café’ that pitched in and got into the event and showed us all such great hospitality. Diva Crystal rode her Sporty all the way up there and back, what a trooper!!

Diva Beth played Santa with Brianna and Carol taking them to a great Christmas Event. Brianna’s eyes at viewing Santa were sparkling like diamonds at a jolly big fellow with a gigantic laugh. She sat on his lap and received a gift with a huge smile and immediately when she left Santa, tore the package open. When Santa can provide a smile on a little child’s face, it shows what Christmas is all about. Our goal is to make sure smiles are many on Brianna’s face and she is able to celebrate all year round being in our world. Now, Santa didn’t have a Harley Shirt on, but we can over look that, maybe next year. Beth did say, “Carol and herself didn’t get a chance to sit on Santa’s knee.” Now this will have to be fixed for the girls.
Snuggling up to a white beard and a slight tummy can really make a Lady’s day especially when he listens to your every word and wish, Right girls!!!
Now our ladies are getting ready for the International Center as we build our circle of
riders each year, it becomes fun building our booth.

Women know and I know men realize this too, how important Breast Cancer means to our group. We have taken on the task to save the Boobies, it’s a tough task but we mean to fight for it. Can one imagine life without them? We can be noisy at times but if we don’t yell, who will hear us?
I would like to take this time to send out our sympathy to Issac and Val from Cycles 317 upon the passing of Val’s Mother, Winnie McClurg. Winnie lived with Issac and Val and I know they will be missing her. Crystal, Anvil and I attended the funeral and it was a sad day but a bright day with all the friends visiting with each other at Cycles 317 celebrating a life.

And the soul afraid of dying

That never learns to live

I would also like to send a speedy recovery to a very well known biker in our community, Steve Force from The Sportsters in London. Steve has really been ill, he’s been in hospital. Joan has been spending all her free time with him. Get well guy!!! Our motorcycle world needs individuals like you.

I would like to send a special hi! To Mick Reed who had an operation in the fall, and it was an operation that tied Mick up for awhile. Mick has been responsible for fixing many a motorcycle that many mechanic’s did not have the knowledge to put back on the road. Whenever I have a problem, I call Dr. Mick and he has the answers for me, then I relay them to who ever is in need. Mick, hope to see you soon.

Please visit our booth at The International Center where we have a picture which we are raffling off for Brianna. The picture is real nice. Guys and Gals will want this on their wall. Drop by if you just want to say, Hi! Come by and meet The Divas and the Iron Cowgirlz. Some say love, it is a hunger I know that Brianna’s Dad, Billy has sent a letter of Thanks for the awesome run that was held and I will have it in my article next month
DANNI
Chrome Diva / Iron Cowgirlz

NB:
The Chrome Divas have won a MAX award for Motorcycle Group of the Year at the Toronto Super Show 2009! Watch next week for more on the MAX Awards.