We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends

The distress call was sent out and the Divas answered.

Akili, who is enduring physical therapy for a herniated disc found the daily climb to her third floor apartment was too much for her back to bear. So after getting the okay to move into a first floor unit, she asked for help on the move.
Victoria, Trish, Melissa, Chris, Deb, my husband Mark and I, along with Akili's family and many of her co-workers all showed up to lend a hand. By the end of the day, mission accomplished. Her entire apartment had been packed up and transferred to another building downstairs. We were rewarded with Akili's famous gumbo, cornbread, potato salad and cold drinks. Mark somehow found the energy to get back up for thirds.

Chrome Diva Ride - August 16, 2009

On August 16th the Divas met up and rode to Cocoa Beach. Sharon W. was in charge of this month's Divas-only ride, and with some input from Victoria, Trish and Chris, her ride was a success. We met at Broadway Pizza Sunday morning and left at 10:00 -- 30 minutes past our original kickstands up time but, hey, we had a lot to talk about, especially since we had four new members to introduce ourselves to!

Thankfully, for an August day it wasn't too hot while we were riding. The beach was another story. Whoa, it got a little warm!

Once we got to Cocoa, we stopped in at Coconuts On The Beach for lunch. They have a great menu and you can't beat the view (right on the beach). We were all feeling thankful for the air-conditioned, indoor-dining option, though. The food was outstanding! Lots of rave reviews on each of the dishes ordered.

After lunch, some of us headed back while others stayed to check out the beach bods and visit other friends in the area. We had a great time and many of our regulars who couldn't make it this time were missed.

A few pics from the ride:

Pre-ride

Newest members Keri and Joni

Sunscreen application before a ride -- always a good idea!

Joni's all saddled up and ready to ride.

Diva newbies Yvonne, Roxanne, Joni and Keri

Comfort stop at James G. Bourbeau Memorial Park

Pic taken by Deb. We had a follow car this time, as Deb's bike was having technical difficulty. Glad she "rode" along with us!

The whole gang at Coco -- wait! Where's Victoria?

Okay, the whole gang at -- now, where's Bunny?



Here's the detail of the ride:

Starting Point: Broadway Pizza Parking Lot 9:30 AM

Heading East on 434 to North Central Avenue.

Make a Left on 419/E.Broadway Street/Chulota Road

Left on Lake Mills Road Turn Right on Fort Christmas Road

Stay on Fort Christmas Road until you reach 50 E. Crossover heading East, take the next turn on the Right onto Taylor Creek which takes you to 520.

Turn Left onto 520 heading East thru Merritt Island directly to A1A. At 520/A1A intersection turn Right.

At the Minuteman Causeway proceed one block make a left, go one block make a left. Coconuts is located on the right up one block.

Ending Point 25 S. Atlantic Avenue. Cocoa Beach, FL

Ladies Garage Party at Stormy Hill Harley Davidson

On August 8, 2009, Stormy Hill Harley Davidson in Clermont hosted a Ladies Garage Party. Hmmm, a day full of motorcycle information for ladies, with ladies and about lady riders, with food and drinks included? Of course we were there!

Victoria, Trish, Chris, Debi, Melissa and Donna

Divas Melissa, Debi, Victoria, Trish, Terri, Donna and Chris met at the Pizza Hut on 436 in Apopka and headed out for a beautiful Saturday morning ride through some of Lake County's back roads to Stormy Hill Harley Davidson. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the staff and served Mimosas and soft drinks. Everyone in our group, being some of the first 50 women to arrive, recieved free gifts, including a Stormy Hill coffee mug -- hope that fits in your cup holder, Melissa! -- a kickstand pad, lip balm, playing cards and a compact mirror all wrapped in a "Don't Drink & Drive" bandana.

Roxanne, Chris, Debi, Melissa, Victoria, Trish and Terri

Stormy Hill's very own Chef Brian served a fabulous lunch of fresh, green salad, rolls and a pasta mix with red sauce. For dessert, it was mint chocolate chip ice cream pie and crème brûlée. Yum-o!

Some of the guest speakers:

• Marg, a leathersmith, taught us how to care for our leathers and how to roll up chaps so that they do not become damaged when they are not being worn.
• Dennis of Stormy Hill HD spoke about driver and passenger safety and proper pre-ride inspection.
• One of Stormy Hill's mechanics spoke about basic motorcycle maintenance and followed up with a Q&A session.
• Attorney Brent Miller gave tips about how to work with your lawyer and insurance company if you are ever in an accident.

There were quite a few very nice prizes raffled off, and Melissa took advantage of the 20% discount given to each lady who attended and purchased new boots and a hat.

The Orlando Chrome Divas made some wonderful new friends and met other women's riding groups that we will certainly be working with on future charity events. It was an incredible day and we all thank the owner of Stormy Hill Harley Davidson, Janice Malik, for putting this event together. We would also like to thank the entire staff at Stormy Hill for making us all feel so welcome.

Chrome Diva Ride - July 18, 2009

The Divas met at 8:30 Saturday morning at Broadway Pizza for our monthly Divas-only ride. Before heading out, we had a photo-op with a photographer with Lake Mary Life Magazine. Julie Compton is writing the cover story for the September/October issue of the magazine and our picture may be included. Between Akili, Victoria and Julie, we are managing to get a lot of positive exposure. Not bad for a 4-month-old group!

After picture time, we headed out to ride. And what a great one it was! A big thanks to Trish and Victoria, who planned and led the event. There were plenty of beautiful, sweeping, country roads and then a delicious lunch at The Wharf Restaurant in downtown Deland.

Debi, Chris, Trish, Akili, Victoria, Bunny, Melissa, Lisa, Grace, Laura and Julie

(Not pictured: Sharon W., who met up with the group at The Wharf Restaurant)

Lunch at The Wharf Restaurant

Here is the detailed route of the ride:

• Turning right from the Broadway parking lot to 434 E. Left on Weikva Springs Rd
• Right on Welch Rd
• Right on Rock Springs Road
• Left on Kelly Park Road, bear off to the right on Plymouth Road
• Left on 46, Right on 437
• Cross over 44, turn left at 44A
• Turn Left on Thrill Hill Rd
• Turn Left on 44 Turn Left on 439
• Stay on 439 to 42 Turn Right
• Turn Left on 44 which turns into New York Avenue
• Stay on New York Avenue until you reach the intersection of NY Ave and 17-92cross over and make an immediate right into the parking lot of the Wharf Restaurant.
• Return to Orlando: Stay on 17-92 heading South around the St. Johns River thru Sanford into Orlando. Take a right on 434 back to Broadway parking lot.

Victoria Mitchell "Motorcycle Mama"

Check out this article written by our very own Victoria Mitchell: Meet Victoria Mitchell! Victoria was featured in the Inspiring Women Gallery of Global Handcrafted Jewelry.

Chrome Angels' Hawaiian Luau & Poker Run

On Sunday July 12, 2009 the Chrome Angels of Central Florida held their 5th Annual Hawaiian Luau and Poker Run to benefit Women's and Children's charities in Central Florida. Of course, some of our Divas made it out there.

Lynn, Taz, Debi, Sharon W., and Chris

Lynn, Taz, Debi, Sharon W. and her boyfriend

3rd Stop on the Poker Run

Car Wash

On June 27, 2009 the Orlando Chrome Divas held a car wash to benefit SafeHouse of Seminole and Easter Seals.

Honorary Diva Zazzoo the Clown/Debi, Chris, Trish, and our two Divas in training (Trish's grandchildren)