President: Pam
I guess you could say I'm the type of person who can't sit still. I like to experience a little of all that life has to offer. I am learning to play piano, I make jewelry and I enjoy electronic scrapbooking. But to sum me up best . . . I am a motorcycle junkie. I woke up one morning in 2004 and decided I wanted a motorcycle. My husband thought I had lost my marbles or was having a mid-life crisis. I bought my first bike (800 Suzuki Intruder) in October '04. I now have a Honda VTX and an HDST Duece. (Oh, and my husband decided motorcycles were pretty cool too since he now rides a Royal Star Venture).
I'm also a founding member of Iron Horse Church, a church dedicated to making bikers feel welcome in a Christian environment. Not long after the beginning of Iron Horse Church, I discovered the Dixie Angels. That was the most exciting thing I could imagine...a group of women who get together and share a common love. The first first meeting I attended was just before Hurricane Katrina ravaged our coast line (Aug '05). The Chapter took a beating in membership, but it's come a long way now into becoming a great group of biker chicks! I'm proud to be part of this group and can't wait to experience our future adventures.
Chapter Founder/Public Affairs/Historian/Co-VP and Events: Renee
Well, a little information about myself, I hail originally from Reno, NV and I have been riding motorcycles in one form or another since 11 yrs of age. I purchased my first “street” bike in 1996. One day, after reviewing my “70 Things to Do Before I Die” list, I went out and got myself a Suzuki Intruder. Then a few years later, I decided I needed a bigger bike and treated myself to a 2000 Harley Softail. Now, I have on ’06 Softail due to Katrina totally messing up my ’00. Anyway, after retiring from the Air Force in Aug ’04, I decided I wanted to start a chapter down here on the MS coast for women riders. I found the WITW national web site, one thing led to another, now here we are alive and kickin’! Currently, in my spare time, I work on Keesler AFB in Civil Service and am pursuing a degree in Psychology through the University of Southern MS.
Although, I am an extremely busy person, I always find time for my passion…riding my bike. To me riding is one of the most empowering and relaxing things I have ever done for myself! I have always said, “I would leave a man before I would leave my bike!” Anyway, I am in association with some very beautiful, dynamic, and talented women who share the same passion. I am so grateful I have had this opportunity to bring something together which is only getting better and better, I am also very proud to have served as president for the Dixie Angels chapter.
-- Renee A. Collins, AKA Dragonlady
Secretary/Treasuer/Co-VP and Events: Mary Lynn
Mary Lynn, aka Blondie, goes from Banker to Biker weekly. She has always loved Harley Davidson. Bought her '97 Dyna in October 2005. Rode on the back and decided "I want to drive." So her husband bought her a Suzuki Marauder to learn on. She got on it and has been in the wind since. For her birthday he gave her the R.I.D.E. Motorcycle course in which she learned a lot of confidence & skills. Her husband went and bought her a 2007 Heritage Softtail she is curently breaking in. She is also a member of Iron Horse "Biker" Community church in Gulfport. Jeff and Mary Lynn were the first couple married in the church, which was a 'Hog Tied" all out biker wedding. She joined the Dixie Angles in 2007 and looks forward to forging friendships and riding with the girls.
Sgt at Arms/Lead Road Captain/Safety: Beth
I have been riding a Honda Shadow 750 for the last 3 years and just bought my first Harley Davidson, a 2002 Low Rider.
I joined Dixie Angels in January 2007 and am also a member of Southern Cruisers. Besides riding, I enjoy golf, watching Ocean Springs HS football, and playing with my dog Dolce’.
Web Mistress: Petra
I have been riding since 1979 and joined the Dixie Angels chapter in June 2007 after moving to Mobile, AL. My current motorcycle is a 2001 BMW R1200C Phoenix. My other loves are walking with doggies Zoe and Barney and sharing lots of great adventures with boyfriend Marty.
Member: Helen
I started riding in 1987 two-up with my husband. I got my own bike in 1988 but after a bad accident I went to three wheels. I am an attorney with the federal judiciary and 'cycling is a passion. I am currently president of God's Gulf Riders, Christian Motorcyclists Association in Gautier, Mississippi. I have our Christmas run to the Humane Society in December 2005 to thank for my dog, Radar, who I adopted that day depite my protests to the other ladies to "Keep me from adopting a dog while we are there!" Women riding together gives us all a chance to let down our hair and learn about the sport without being intimated by the "dumb" questions which sometimes come up in a woman's head about riding. I've been part of Dixie Angels since March/April 2005 - almost since Renee started the chapter. LETS RIDE!
Member: Carrie, aka Patience
I have been a member of the Dixie Angels since the birth of the chapter in 2005. I began riding solo in 2002 on a 2001 Yamaha Virago 250. In 2003, I purchased my current bike 2003 Honda Shadow Spirit VT750 w/Red Flames. Besides riding my bike, I love painting, gardening and spending time with my wonderful husband Leo and my precious pup “Ms. Minnie” age 16. I have two grown children, Joseph 23 and Jannice 22. Always Remember... “Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.”
I've never ridden a motorcycle before and in Mar '07 at age 42, I took the Rider's Institute for Defensive Education (R.I.D.E.) beginner's course on a '07 Harley Police Sporster. I loved it so much that 3 weeks later, I took the intermediate course! I practiced almost every weekend riding the Sportster and in Aug '07, I purchased a vivid black '07 Harley Davidson Deuce. I joined the local chapter of the Harley Owner's Group (HOG) and then the Dixie Angels shortly after. I am a self-employed massage therapist, I work for R.I.D.E. doing class registration and I am the events coordinator for the local HOG. Riding my bike is my first love (I ride ever chance I get) but I also love gardening and yoga.
Member: Mary
I got my first bike, a small scooter, at age 52 and then my first motorcycle, a Honda Rebel 250, at age 60. That's when I found my niche in life: riding, riding, riding. I raised 3 children as a single parent and then married my Donald when I was 50. My main job over the years was as a purchasing agent/field expediter in construction and I traveled extensively. I currently ride a black/white 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe.
Member: Annette
I have been a member since June of 2005. I started riding bikes in 2003 and trained on a Honda VLX. In 2004 I wanted a bigger bike so I bought a 2004 Softail Classic, which I love even more with the Voyager Kit on it.