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Our Motto - Gypsy Freedom
Every woman remembers the first time she rode a motorcycle as the rider,
rather than the passenger. For many women, that was just the beginning
of a lifelong infatuation with motorcycling. The affects motorcycles
have on women are as complex as women themselves. For some women, riding
is a feeling of weightlessness as if floating in space; for others it is
a Zen-like experience of being one with the motorcycle. Other women
liken riding to a euphoric state similar to a “runners high”. Still
others describe it as a combination of exhilaration and tranquility at
the same time - a feeling of empowerment in a peaceful way. Although
women experience various feelings when they ride, they are all feelings
of incredible joy. And when the road beckons and wanderlust fills a
woman’s soul, there is sanctuary in the saddle. Riding a motorcycle is a
journey to a place like no other; a special place where worries fade and
clouded minds become clear; a place where a woman can be free.
Creed
“When I first saw a motorcycle, I got a message from it. It was a
feeling - the kind of thing that makes a person burst into tears hearing
a piece of music or standing awestruck in front of a fine work of art.
Motorcycling is a tool with which you can accomplish something
meaningful in your life. It is an art.” ~ Theresa Wallach
The Gypsy Riders adopted their creed from a former Phoenician, Theresa
Wallach, a pioneering motorcyclist. The above quote by Theresa Wallach
was made during an interview with Road Rider Magazine in 1977. Theresa
Wallach was born in London in 1909, crossed the Sahara on a motorcycle
with a woman companion in 1935, and won the British Motorcycle Racing
Club’s Gold Star in 1939 for circling the Brooklands circuit at over 100
mph on a 350cc single cylinder Norton. She died in Phoenix in 1999 at
age 90.
History of the Gypsy Riders
In the spring of 2004, our Founder, Christine Bell, was a woman on a
mission. Christine knew there were many women riding motorcycles in the
valley and she wanted to connect with them. Christine’s objective was to
unite, meet, and ride with these women; create a venue for camaraderie
and community service, and to promote a positive image of women
motorcyclists in the valley.
After advertising at various motorcycle establishments, a dozen
professional and entrepreneurial women gathered together in late May
2004 for the first unofficial meeting of the then un-named chapter of
Women on Wheels. From there the group took off. On August 21, 2004, the
Gypsy Riders received their Chapter Charter from Women on Wheels®. And,
by the end of 2004, the group had tripled in membership. In 2006, the
group terminated their affiliation with Women on Wheels® and formed the
Gypsy Riders LLC and their affiliate, the Gypsy Riders Foundation.
Member Benefits
Legend has it that a bell, given as a gift to another rider and attached
to the recipient’s motorcycle, will keep the rider safe throughout
his/her travels. If a new Member does not have a bell, the Gypsy Riders
will present her with a bell to attach to her bike.
Our members represent a true cross-section of society and
come together from all parts of the valley. These women are as
conventional as unconventional women can be. They are strong-willed,
self sufficient and enterprising. All members have a strong desire to
serve their community and they all share a common bond in their love for
motorcycling.
The members ride regularly in organized rides, as well as impromptu
rides. Rides are listed in the Gypsy Riders Forum. Riders are encouraged to
invite family members and friends on rides. Like minded women, regardless of age, ethnicity,
religion, education, sexual orientation, economic class, or preference
in make of motorcycle, are welcome to ride with us as a guest, or when
sponsored by an active member, join our group.
Current members range in age from 25 to 60. Full membership is open to
women only. Husbands, children and others may join as Support Members,
with limited voting rights. Members pay a small annual fee, currently
$120.
The Gypsy Riders foster a sense of sisterhood amongst members.
Experienced members help less experienced members learn to ride and
encourage them to ride at their own pace without pressure from their
peers.
Camaraderie
Many women enjoy spending time with other women riders to share their
riding experiences, and to coach less experienced riders. The Gypsy
Riders provide a safe and fun environment for women of all riding levels
to gather in friendship. Attending the meetings, rides, charitable and
social events as a group, are great avenues for getting to know other
women who ride.
Fun and Safe Rides
The Gypsy Riders host organized rides monthly. Impromptu rides are
scheduled intermittently between organized rides. The Gypsy Riders Group
Riding Guidelines are followed on all organized group rides and help to
insure a safe riding environment. Members always have the option of
riding with the group, or participating in the ride as an “Out-Rider”.
Community Service Initiatives
Giving back to the community is a high priority with the Gypsy
Riders. Members work together in organizing and hosting public rides and
other events to benefit charitable organizations. Members are required
to serve on one or more public service committees. To date, members
have raised close to $100,000 for valley organizations. Fund raising activities
are highlighted by the annual Gypsy Riders Ball. A fun night of music,
dancing, food, auctions and of course, motorcycles
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