Ladies of Harley is a program sponsored by the Harley Owners Group to support women motorcycle enthusiasts. It doesn’t matter whether you ride your own or are a passenger. All members of the chapter are welcome to participate. That means guys too. Any women who are national H.O.G. members can join, regardless of whether you are a full member, life member or associate member.

Why Woman Ride: There are some common reasons why women decide to ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Adventure: There aren't many options left for the person seeking pure, unadulterated adventure. Luckily, the excitement-hungry can still climb on a Harley-Davidson and ride off into the sunset, finding the exhilaration they crave, and discovering new sights and experiences on the open road.

Camaraderie: No other motorcycle company has helped forge as many relationships as Harley-Davidson. All over the world, Harley riders can find a sense of community and companionship with other riders. Organizations like Harley Owners Group seek to get riders together to share their experiences on the road.

Freedom: There's nothing like the feeling of climbing atop a rumbling Harley-Davidson and temporarily leaving your responsibilities behind in the dust. When you're on the road, you answer only to yourself. How you spend your time is up to you.

LOH Officers: Amy Stetson and Johnnie Covington will serve as co-directors for Ladies Of Harley for 2012. They have several projects in the works already.

Events & Goals: One very important goal is called "POP" or Purses Of Purpose, where new or gently-used purses will be donated to women at local rescue missions.

"Bags Not Trash Project" is another project involving children who are removed from their homes by the Child Protection Agency. The children’s toys and clothes are placed in trash bags if there is no other way to carry them. We would like for Bossier City HOG and LOH to donate suitcases, duffle bags, totes, etc. to these children. These things don’t have to be new. You can find some good bargains at garage sales. After all, “Anything is better than a trash bag.”

We’d also like to continue the tradition of the Bunny Run where we decorate Easter baskets for the children of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and we entertain them with a hot dog roast.

Another tradition will be hosting the Pink Ride fundraiser on May 12. This fundraiser is a motorcycle ride to earn donations for the Susan Komen Cancer Fund.

Instead of having Diners-Drive-Dives, this year we are planning Historic-Destinations visits. Each participant will be given a list of destinations of historical value. It’s similar to Diners-Drive-Ins-Dives, in that participants must verify that they have visited these sites. We plan to include information like hours of operation, telephone numbers, entrance fees if any, and nearby restaurants, etc. The Road Captains will plan some of these rides but you’re welcome to ride by yourself or form your own riding group. Those who meet all the requirements will earn a Historic-Destinations patch.

The goal for 2012 is to “Ride, Ride, Ride". Keep in mind, Ladies of Harley is not just for us gals. Men are cordially invited to all our meetings and events. Amy and Johnnie want to hear your ideas. Contact Amy at 868-7447 or LukeintheWind@aol.com. Contact Johnnie at 865-5955 or FuschiaRoadKing@aol.com.