1999 WITW WINTER NATIONALS, HOSTED BY THE LAS VEGAS CHAPTER
By Joyce Ehlich
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The Winter ‘99 Nationals took place for the second year in a row in Nevada. Hosted by the Las Vegas Chapter, it had become a place where many of us looked forward to attending again. Viewing last year’s pictures brought some of us back to Vegas to recapture the adventure and fun we experienced then. Those of us who thought we would not be able to attend and ride our bikes, were able to, because of the generosity and support of our co-members, Vicki S. and Chris G. Together, they traveled in a truck followed by a 16' trailer carrying four bikes, across the country. They clocked 3,200 miles on their odometer, just to GET to Vegas. Chris has a journal of their experiences traveling to Vegas, which we hope to put on the website, and at this moment are returning back to NY, hopefully adding more adventures to her journal.
The trailer and four bikes that Vicki, our L.I. Newsletter Editor, towed with her truck for 3,200 miles, just to GET to Las Vegas!
Nine members from our chapter attended these Winter Nationals. Several of us took different flights there and back, Vicki and Chris, of course, were in the truck. Each one of us may have had their own idea of what they wished to accomplish during these nationals. Some of us were there to ride to places we missed last year, some have never gone to Nationals before, speaking for myself, I had a wonderful time in Vegas; riding, and others had their own dreams. But whatever they were, (my first priority), socializing, and sharing memories with my sister member and other chapters. As the secretary of the Long Island Chapter, I did plan on going to the oficers’ and general meeting, but as circumstances turned out, I chose to ride that day with the group of women who made this trip possible for me, We rode to Laughlin, and then on to Oatman, Arizona that day, and I seized that moment while I was able. I felt comfortable enough to make that decision without feeling I had offended anyone, after all, I am a "Woman in the Wind", and free to choose my own destiny
Yes, Sylvette, you earned that #1! You are no longer a "Virgin of Vegas on your bike" Here is the quote you wanted on this site: "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."~Anais Nin~ (We're glad we met you too, Sylvette)
And Manna, don't you look great on that Harley, your first night on the strip!
With destiny in mind, I realize that I am in this organization for more than one reason. I could always take a motorcycle and ride wherever I wish. But in belonging to Women in the Wind, I have met and befriended such special people, people who I would have never met or even bumped into if it wasn’t for the common interests we all have: riding and supporting each other. Without the support of my fellow members, the national organizers and officers, contagious encouragement and enthusiasm from other chapters, I would not have become more familiar and comfortable with the motorcycling world as it is. What I have found out is that I can go to any town, city, state or possibly country, and I will have a common bond with other female motorcyclists. And they surely are a group of determined women! Many of the women I have befriended are from different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. My life has become richer for the women I have met, and even though we may disagree on many things, the love of riding is our common bond. I appreciate all our differences and have to sit back and laugh when I think of our differences, yet we are one in our passion for riding.
How different we all are, yet so much alike!
A character not to be missed in Oatman, AZ: "Reverend Uncle Charlie", Preacher-Bartender-Gold Miner-Gunfighter-Custom Silversmith
My first experience at WITW Nationals were with the Las Vegas Chapter. I noticed how they went for the gusto in entertainment and partying, Their spirit was contagious, and encouraged our chapter to have the ‘98 Summer Nationals. The women who rode ALL THE WAY ON THEIR BIKES to our Nationals were a tremendous inspiration to me, and gave me the courage to push my own skills further, past my personal discomfort, opening the window of opportunity to help me grow. I thank all of you whom I have met in these past two years, you have enriched my life. Regardless of our differences, we have been put into each other’s life for a reason, and that reason is good.
So what more can I say than let us share our photos of the good/bad times of these past nationals. Sure, this time I fell, but not with my bike again as last year. This year I went to sit on a small wall, which was not behind me.
Some of us had bike problems, and probably not the only ones who did. (Hey, I was so excited to finally reach Death Valley, I didn’t realize that I left my key on, what an appropriate place for my battery to die-Death Valley!) Only 1,000' uphill from a service station, I coasted down the hill. After giving me a free jump, the men at the gas station said I could leave my bike with them if I wanted to! All kidding aside, I was really lucky it happened then and there. Now I have my sister members reminding me every time I get off my bike, to take my keys with me. Thank you, friends. It’s great being imperfect, yet still cared about. They teased they would have left me at a rest stop in the middle of the desert, but I would have considered it another adventure!
Enough talk, here are some of our members pictures, we are glad to share them with you!
What a cool thing, to be riding along, and all of the sudden, the road changed colors!
Anyone’s pictures from the Nationals are welcome on our site, whether you are from our chapter or not...(providing there is enough space).
Just contact or send files by E-mail to: joisea@aol.com
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