Riding to new heights with the Chrome Divas of Southern California

This summer, 11 members of the Chrome Divas of Southern California will experience both an exciting journey and an inspiring destination. The dedicated motorcyclists will embark on a group ride to the American Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, which will take place Aug. 19-22 in Keystone, Colo.

Chrome Divas is an international women’s motorcycle organization with chapters throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. Members pledge to give a positive name to women bikers, raise consciousness about women’s health issues, practice and promote safe riding practices, and give back to their local communities.

“The AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference is a great way to get women riders to connect with each other,” said Minnie Ozuna, director of the Chrome Divas of Southern California, which was founded in 2007. “It's wonderful to see so many women come from different parts of the nation, and beyond, to attend this event.”

Her chapter’s 20-woman membership draws from a variety of cultures and lifestyles in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. Riding experience in the group ranges from six months to 27 years.

A nine-year rider who owns a Harley-Davidson Dyna Superglide T-Sport, Ozuna is quick to point out that the group’s activities also welcome novice riders.

“We promote safe rides for those with less experience, and encourage them to come out,” she said. “When on the road, we are mindful of our less-experienced riders, allowing them to gain confidence and have fun while doing it in a safe riding environment. We have become a sisterhood of fellow women riders who care about each other and bring a positive influence to anyone who rides with us.”

Other members agree.

"It's very different riding with women, and especially this group,” said Road Captain Mary Halverson. “It's more relaxed, and it's just as much about the friendship as it is the ride. I was only looking for someone else to ride with besides my hubby, and what I found was so much more."

Halverson’s sentiment underscores an emerging trend within the motorcycling community: the increasing number of women who are piloting their own bikes. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council’s 2008 Owner Survey, women account for 23 percent --  5.7 million -- of the 25 million Americans who rode a motorcycle last year.

Chrome Divas of Southern California will depart for Colorado on Aug. 14, taking in a few national parks in Utah along the way. They will round off their return trip with a stopover in Las Vegas. Ozuna says some riders in the group have never been to Colorado, while others have never made the trip by motorcycle.

“We are all excited about the opportunity to make the journey and meet other fellow riders,” she said.