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 Women on Wheelsฎ
A Sanctuary for NW Women Motorcyclists
 Seems in every walk of life there is a sanctuary for women. Fortunately
that includes motorcycling in Puget Sound as well!
Consider as an example The Evergreen Road Riders chapter of the
International Women On Wheels (WOW) Motorcycle Club. The chapter serves Seattle and the Northern Puget Sound
area. Women On Wheels was founded in California by an avid woman
motorcyclist in 1982. It's purpose was (and still is) to unite all women
motorcycle enthusiasts whether they ride their own machine, are motorcycle
passengers or enthusiasts, or future motorcyclists. WOW members are located
throughout the United States, Canada, and several other countries. WOW has over
2,500 members and is growing strong!
The only two things each member has in common is 1) they are all women, and 2)
they all love motorcycles. They are nurses, teachers, school bus drivers,
accountants, computer professionals, wives, mothers, grandmothers, partners, and
every other role women play.
 Evergreen
Road Riders, the Seattle/Puget Sound Chapter usually meets on the second
Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at the 112th Street Diner in Everett. WOW
members have breakfast followed by a chapter meeting. The meetings are for women only, but
Women on Wheels is a family-oriented organization and encourages family members
to become involved through support membership for spouses/ significant
others and child membership for future riders. When business is concluded, the
group goes for a day ride such as to Deception Pass, Chuckanut Drive, or Canada.
Throughout the year WOW holds special events such as camping
trips, retreats, and holiday parties. WOW also participates in local charity
rides. As the local chapter grows, they hope to be able to fund a charity
event that is close to all of their hearts.
 Women on Wheels welcomes all women, driver or passenger, on any machine of
any size. They currently have members on bikes ranging from 250cc to 1520cc. The
group attracts interest and a lot of thumbs up while on rides, or at a
fund-raising events. WOW members experience the fun and excitement
of riding together, supporting each other, socializing, sharing adventures, and
helping special charities -- all while projecting a brighter image of
motorcycling.
Promoting a positive image of motorcyclists to the
non-motorcycling public is a top priority. Women On Wheels was awarded the Hazel
Kolb Brighter Image Award in 1993, by the American Motorcyclist Association --
an honor they are especially proud of!
 WOW also encourages women who are interested in riding to participate in
courses offered by the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation, and offers a mentor program
for new riders.
The many benefits to WOW membership include the following:
Plastic
membership card
Membership pin, patch, and helmet decal
Courtesy cards
Bumper and windshield stickers
Annual member service directory
Club discounts offered by some organizations in the
motorcycle industry
Subscription to the Women On Wheelsฎ bi-monthly
magazine
Annual mileage contest
Individual cumulative mileage recognition program
Recruiter credits
Membership in Women On Wheels is a great value for an
investment of only $30 (US) per year. Sign up for more than one year at a time and
get a reduced rate. Support membership is $15 per year - an excellent choice
when you have someone else in the household belonging to WOW but you only want
to get one copy of the magazine. Child membership is $10 per year. VISA and
Mastercard are accepted!
More information is available at http://www.evergreenroadriders.org
and http://www.womenonwheels.org.
Special thanks to Dawn Johnson for her help in
assembling the content for this story.
Tom Mehren
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