Dixie Diva’s Rev it Up!

Math Teacher, Gifted Teacher, Harley Salesperson, Bus Driver, Mom, Social Worker, Secretary. Mother, Grandmother, Wife, Friend, Sister, Daughter. Walker County, Jefferson County, Blount County, Shelby County, Chilton County. Girl’s who played soccer, softball, read books, barrel raced, and ran through their daddy’s cow pastures.
This is who the Dixie Diva’s are. What do they have in common? A love for motorcycles. A love of life. Freedom. Breast Cancer Research.

This group of women is strong, diverse and they are not afraid of a challenge. July’s ride took them to Memphis where they experienced Blues and BBQ. The last woman was picked up in Jasper and up Corridor X they went. The tail gunner remembered something very important and she shot up to the lead where she signaled to exit immediately. Pulling into the Chevron there in Jasper, all 7 women dismounted, took their helmets off and they all knew what they had forgotten to do. Circled up, hand in hand, they bowed their heads to pray. Protect us Lord, may our foot not be dashed against a rock, send your angels to protect us and put a hedge around us. In Jesus name. With the Amen, they all saddled up and headed toward Memphis. It was hot, around 100 degrees. Hydration was important, so a minimum of 1 stop per hour was in order. Folk’s are not used to seeing 7 women on bikes pulling into gas stations, so at every stop there was conversation with people asking questions or just wanting to chat a minute. Stops took a little longer than planned, but these women are gracious and warm, chatting briefly with anyone who desired. Waving at little girls who are tugging at their daddy’s hand at gas stations, watching people in cars realize “Hey! Those are women bikers!” and looking at the size of those tires as they pass by 18 wheelers; these women are enjoying life. Along the way, several summer showers were welcomed refreshment.

Arriving safe and sound in Memphis, the group took time to cool off before taking a stroll to Beale Street for dinner and to take in the sights. It was an early night for some and a not so early night for others. One Diva called the rooms at 7am and when the phone was answered said, “It’s 10am! What are you doing?” Everyone said, “My clock says 7am.” and the prankster Diva told them their clock was wrong. Around 9am there was a morning stroll to breakfast. One Diva inquired of a gentleman where the café was that Elvis used to eat. It was soon realized that this very neat man was homeless and as he escorted the group to the café, another friend joined him. All people are worthy of dignity and respect. This was clearly communicated by these ladies to these gentlemen. However, I would be amiss if I did not report that most of the ladies were a little uncomfortable when the second gentleman showed up. But, as the group walked along, the second man talked about where he was standing when MLK was shot, showed the ladies where the shooter was and described the actions of the crowd in response to the event. These fellows did not ask for money, they simply did a good deed.

Arriving at the café and after sampling the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich and other delectable items, the trolley took the Diva’s on the loop of the city. The mighty Mississippi was not too muddy although the dredging machine was actively working. The Pyramid stands without a professional sports team. Beale Street was just beginning to buzz for the day. After the ride the outdoor market beckoned the ladies to look at the fresh flowers and local produce. During the walk home it was discovered that some wanted to shop and some wanted to do a little riding around town. So everyone got their wish.

Speaking of wishes, the Dixie Diva’s 2nd Annual Revvin’ for Research motorcycle run will be held on October 9, 2010. They are wishing and hoping to double last year’s success. All monies go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama at UAB. This means that all money raised, stays in Alabama for Breast Cancer Research.
You may reach the Dixie Diva’s at sherri@heartofdixiehd.com and/or visit the Revvin’ for Research site at http://www.revvin4research.com/ for more information.