While they enjoy the open road and the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle, the WindSisters members also raise awareness for Cruise don`t Bruise , an annual event organized by the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC). The event raises money for the various programs that fight violence against children, women and the elderly. Pictured are members Kayla Dewar, Judy Lanthier, Shirley Archambault, Rosie Gaines and Linda Begin.
United by two wheels
FRANCIS RACINE francis.racine@eap.on.ca
landscape outside, the five motorcycling ladies still wear their leather jackets with pride. “Seeing as how we can’t ride in this weather, we oftenmeet up for lunch and talk,” explained Rosie Gaines, an avidmotorcycle rider since her thirties. Together, along with hundreds of other women donning the WindSisters insignia, they prowl the roads, sporting purple. The motorcycle club adopted it as its official color. As such, most wear a small purple ribbon around their wrists. “It all started because we give the peace sign when we encounter other motorcycle riders on the roads,” explained Linda Begin, president of WindSisters. “We now try to always have purple when we go out.”
The women’s club is the brainchild of Begin, who used to be a part of what she outlines as male-dominated motorcycle clubs. “I was part of different clubs for a long time and then one day, I asked myself, why not start one for women?” she explained. “I started WindSisters in 2011, to share my passion of riding with my female friends. WindSisters is comprised of five chapters, one of which is based in Cornwall. “Now, a few years later, we are 450 members and growing. The journey with this amazing group of women has surpassed my wildest dreams,” said a smiling Begin. According to the women, Cornwall and its surroundings is the perfect environment for motorcycle riding. “It’s like a rite of passage,” explained Shirley Archambault, Cornwall
club leader. “Everyone has to have ridden the old number two. It’s amust, it’s so beautiful.” When asked what they love the most about riding their motorcycle, themembers ponder for aminute. Suddenly, Gaines looks up. “The smells of spring,” she said, smiling broadly. “It’s all about forgetting the little troubles,” added Begin. “When you’re on the road, it’s as if all life’s little problems simply go away. But just like anything else enjoyable, riding freely on twowheels can be dangerous. “When you’re riding, you always have to watch out,” exclaimed Cornwall member Kayla Dewar. “For everything,” added Gaines, “from deer to dogs and especially cars.” Other members highlighted that one must always have eye contact with anything
They take to Eastern Ontario’s many streets, atop their loud machines of different sizes and all for a good cause. They are the WindSisters, a group of women motorcycle riders who raise awareness for Cruise don’t bruise , an annual fundraising event organised by the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC), which supports various programs that fight violence against children, women and the elderly. But sitting around a table at Philos restaurant, members of the group can’t help but smile, as they enjoy a delicious looking meal. Although snow covers much of the
Le Journal, Cornwall
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Le mercredi 2 mars 2016
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