I have decided to put together a list of what I call "ME"...the Motorcycle Elite! It is a list of women riders who have made a impact in the motorcycle industry. This series will include some of the most recognizable names in the industry; women who have stood strong in an industry dominated by men and left their feminine mark along the way. But its not just about celebrating those in the limelight...its about celebrating incredible women riders around the world.
So if you know a special woman rider that deserves to be on this list..please don't hesitate to send me their story!
First "ME" on the list: Charlena Beebee from Virginia Beach, VA.
Charlena Beebee is a local girl who is a Corman in the US Navy. She is an active member in her local HOG Association and and is the owner of an adorable Yellow Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail Trike. Charlena started out on a HD Sportster, but instantly fell in love with a pretty yellow trike she affectionately calls "Mello Yello". Charlena and her husband are true riders, never missing an opportunity to jump on their bikes and head out for the day. But here is the reason I picked Charlena for my "ME" Series...
Within a few weeks of coming home from a three month deployment, Charlena was called out again to assist her fellow sailors on the US Bataan...their destination? Haiti. I got a chance to see Charlena the night before her ship pulled out, she was exhausted from rushing around trying to get medical supplies for the earthquake victims in Haiti. But even though you could see the strain of the day in her eyes, she stood strong and proud. Even though she had never faced this kind of challenge before, I could see the determination on her face. My last words to her that night was that I was so proud of her, that she had more than medical skills to offer... she had a wonderful since of compassion. And one day she will remember that she made a difference to all those suffering.
Well, Charlena has been in Haiti since a few days after the earthquake. I got an e-mail from her the other day. I had a mixture of pride and sadness when I read it. She is overwhelmed with the pure tragedy she has witness. She is quickly running out of medical supplies and the overall devastation is more than she imagined. Her first days there were spent helping as many people as she could, going three days without sleep. Sleep did not offer much comfort her her either, she can still hear the cries when she closes her eyes. I said the only words I could say to her, you ARE making a difference and we are all so very proud of you.
So the first in the "ME" Series is Charlena Beebee. She is definitely one of our "Motorcycle Elite"
Again, if you would like to submit an incredible female rider for our "ME" Series..send me a story and a picture to Tami@DivaCustoms.com