MEMORIES DON’T FADE, THEY GET MORE MEANINGFUL

As I sit here at my computer, I look at my hands and arms, which have the traditional "biker tan", from my fingertips to the top of my sleeves. There’s a little patch of skin that got tan when my pants rode up my left leg while riding, about 2" wide, which looks like some kind of ceremonial leg band, (the most sun my leg has seen in 10 years). My tan is fading and so is my allergic cough, which I picked up as soon as headed South. But memories of Tampa Times stay with me, and I already have witnessed, also with our members.

Last night was the Long Island Chapter’s first monthly meeting since the Winter 2000 Nationals in Tampa. I wish you all could have been there. Our stories have become more fabulous with the telling; stories of fantastic fun, scenery, and events. You would think we were making a television advertisement for Women in the Wind! I must also add (if you all haven’t noticed), that our members carry energetic enthusiasm with them, enthusiasm so contagious, it encourages the most shy of our members to do the silliest things. Myself included; but then again, I was never too shy.

Our journey began in Long Island, at the Long Island Expressway in Melville. Seven vehicles with seven trailers left Exit 49 at approximately 5:45am, with Carl and Jean in the lead. Riding in a caravan of vehicles can be an experience in itself, contending with the LIE in one vehicle is normally challenging; but seven vehicles and seven trailers holding eleven bikes must have been a lucky combination (7-11). The BQE was overtaken by our caravan; the normal commuters must have been taken by surprise, as our group orchestrated the roads with the skill of a well-practiced dance, as if it were a ballet in itself.

When we woke in Fayetteville the next morning, we noticed Vicky and Chris’s truck and trailer, holding 4 more bikes. Our group was beginning to grow. We planned to get to Tampa early to case out the place, get settled, and get riding. As we pulled into the motel in Tampa, we were the first group to meet "Rafael", who worked at the front desk. After several room changes (some of us can’t be in smoking rooms), we were settled to rest. Sue Mastelli got the bikes settled in by taping off a section in the parking lot…

The next day our members were treated to a ride to the Sponge Docks, in Tarpon Springs, lead by Nancy and Sandee, of the Tampa Chapter. This ride was a bonus, not on the agenda, and an appreciated treat at that. That night we sat at the Hotel’s restaurant, getting to know the other WITW members who were streaming in.

Our rest was short-lived. On a trek to Target (Tar-Jhay) as we call it here in NY, one of our members lost her purse. You can’t imagine how helpful all the WITW members were in trying to locate that single purse, containing Camille’s financial life, and information. Everything about Camille and her trip were included in this purse, and no sooner had the NJ Girls, Janie and Beth, mentioned the idea, than an envelope was being passed around for donations to alleviate Camille’s worries. Three Michigan Chapter members, Bull, Trisha, and Tammy had their money out before the envelope went across the table…

There was a lesson for all of us in that event. After two days the purse was found, along with honesty, generosity, and support of people we met. These wonderful people gave new meaning to the phrase "support and encouragement", which are words in the by-laws of Women in the Wind. This may be a small incident for some, but it was the beginning of deeper and richer understanding, creating compassion and caring that became part of the theme of that trip for some of us. In retrospect, as we all met again last night at our meeting, we felt closer for every moment we experienced on our trip, both the bad and the good times.

The run the next day was incredible. We’ve heard no official count here of the bikes it included, it seemed to be about seventy. Many of us dined at the Green Iguana, in Ybor City, and met afterwards in the parking lot.

There were about a ½ dozen police officers waiting there, from the Sheriff’s Motorcycle Unit, two of them called Becky aside for discussion of her bike’s registration. Becky fell for it, and the joke was successful. Photos I am sure will be circulated...and here is one!

After that incident, we left for the second half of the run. When we got to the rest stop before the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, (the turning point that would separate the women from the weasels), not one woman turned around. Our LI Chapter has several new riders who would have been justified to do so, but they attacked that monster as all their other fears, to arrive at the other side in jubilation.

The banquet was full of fun and laughs. Several surprises and awards were given that stuck out our minds. The "Bustier"given to Patty from Tampa, was handled with such good humor, and was a highlight we will not forget.

Of course, the Long Island Chapter was delighted to receive a plaque for "Best Chapter Attendance" (eighteen members), and Cat was far from silent in receiving her plaque for "Tygr", the Best Bike in the "Silent Bike Contest".

On the serious side, I was not only impressed but also amazed at the endurance and courage of the California women, who rode all the way to Florida on their motorcycles. There is so much to emulate and experience; you are truly incredible women!

As Sunday morning arrived, and the people and their bikes departed, we bid our fond farewells to our new and old WITW friends and Tampa members, and continued our adventure to other parts of Florida. Five of our members went to visit friends and relatives, and thirteen of our members continued on to the East Coast. We spent Monday in Daytona and from there we went our separate ways. Four stayed near Tampa, four left for NY, and five continued on to Key West. As I write this we are still short two members, whom we affectionately call "The Wandering Menstrals", (Vicky and Chris). They, with their trailer of four bikes, are anticipated to be home today, March 21.

Our memories have not faded, but have become fonder. We have bonded once again with our peers. Each year we attend a WITW National gathering we carry bits of meaningful moments that we keep in our hearts. We have not forgotten the first Winter National we attended in Las Vegas in 1997, or in 1998. We have not forgotten our 1997 Nationals, which we sponsored, (it being our first anniversary and first attempt). We will not forget our Tampa Times, the "Fairy Dust", and the wonderful women we have met during these times. Our memories of Women in the Wind won’t fade, but they will become more meaningful. We thank you all for the times we have been fortunate to spend with you as members of Women in the Wind.

JoySee

3/21/00