Members
NJ Renegades welcomes women riders - all bikes, all experience levels, all walks of life are welcome! Scroll down for information on how to join us!
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Lesley
Hi women riders! My name is Lesley a.k.a “Trouble”. I can’t remember how I got that nickname but it seems to fit for some odd reason. I have been riding Hondas since I got on a 125cc dirt bike when I was 18. I’m now a proud owner (well, after about 30 more payments) of a Honda VTX1300 which I absolutely love! I added a comfy back rest, a luggage rack and some highway pegs for those long road trips. With the pink water bottle, pink Mohawk on my helmet and a pink sheep-skin seat cover I don’t think anyone ever confuses me for a guy when I’m cruising down the road. I have been a member of WITW since ’03 and also a member of the AMA. I love riding with the Renegades... they always ride safe, they always ride smart and they always ride! I also participate in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk in NYC as a member of the Motorcycle-Safety Crew every October. Come check out the NJ Renegades....and remember...it’s not the destination, it’s the journey!
Deb
Hi, my name is Deb Ireton, I got my motorcycle license at the age of 40 and started riding my husband's old bike, a Yamaha Maxim that was not very reliable and so I never took it out of my 25mph community. I ended up pushing it home as often as I rode it home and longed for a bike I could trust. That wish was finally realized when I overheard someone in an elevator saying that her father was selling a '94 Yamaha Virago 535. Perfect! My first day on the bike I finally left my community and hit the 40mph big leagues. Riding with my husband was not "fun", since he is not the most patient person and I was soon discouraged and started riding on my own.
That is until I met a chapter of WITW and was invited to do a ride. I was very excited and nervous too but I put on my sneakers, leather bomber jacket, jeans, and summer gloves to take a ride with the ladies up north in late October. I was shaking so bad from the cold I thought there was something wrong with my bike; one of the ladies had an extra pair of winter gloves, which she lent me for the rest of the ride. Wearing the right gear was just the first lesson I was taught and the learning experience continues to this day. I am now very happy and comfortable in the fast lane thanks to the great ladies of WITW. The NJ Renegades Chapter hopes to pass on the support and encouragement that was bestowed upon us to other new riders!
Paige
Hi! My name is Paige, aka "CB", and I'm the tail gunner for the NJ Renegades. I started riding dirt bikes and quads when I was 27 and shortly after, I took the safety course and got the `M' endorsement on my license.
Over the past 8 years I've been through my share of bikes, starting with a Yamaha Maxim XJ 650, a Suzuki Marauder, a Yamaha V Star 1100 and now I'm riding a Harley Road King. I think this should be my last bike for a long time to come!
I found WITW as I was online looking for a local chapter of women riders to join. I've been very lucky to have such a great group of women to ride with, who share the same passion for riding as I do. Even though the NJ Renegades are just starting out, I know that we have a lot of room to grow and to share the positive aspects of riding a motorcycle with all.
Hope to see you all on the roads and to have the chance to meet you at Nationals!
Beth
I’m Beth, a/k/a “Paws.” I was given my club name because I am a volunteer for Basset Hound Rescue, and am the proud mom of three rescued hounds, Spencer and Jasmine, and Flash (at the Rainbow Bridge).
In May ‘05 my friend and I took the MSF course just for giggles. We figured what the heck, we could list “ride a motorcycle” as one of our life experiences. I’d only been on a motorcycle once in my life, on the back. Even if we didn’t like it, we decided, it would be a fun weekend. But since then, I haven’t looked back. I fell in love with riding that weekend.
I joined a local chapter of WITW before I even had a motorcycle. I got my first bike, a 2004 Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe from eBay in July ‘05. The women in the club gave me so much support, pointers and encouragement, all the things a newbie needs to build up her confidence level. August ‘06 was my first real “road trip” with the club (riding from NJ to NH), and of course, I needed a bigger bike! So I bought my current ride, a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT.
Several of us branched out and formed our own chapter of WITW, The NJ Renegades, in 2007. We ride together every weekend. It might not always be every member, but we’re out there. We have several different riding levels within our group, and those with more experience guide those of us with less experience, pointing out ways for us to improve our skills. Riding a motorcycle is a continual learning process, whether you’ve been riding for two years or 20 years!
In August 2008, Paige, Deb, and Lisa and I hit the highway and rode our motorcycles to Sturgis, South Dakota and points beyond, for the Black Hills Rally! Eleven days and over 4,500 miles is a lot of time in the saddle, but it was it was so worth it! Can’t wait to see what new adventures 2009 will bring!
Hope to see you on the road, and keep the shiny side up!
Linda
My name is Linda, although in the NJ Renegades, I am known as Fuzzy because of the fuzzy sweaters I like to wear.
I’ve been riding motorcycles for 29 years – unless you add the years I spent on the moped I bought w/ my newspaper route money - - then its 32 years on 2 wheels.
So much has changed over the years. It is so nice to see women riders on the road. It is so different than when I first started riding and thought I was the only one, but it didn’t stop me from doing what I really, really wanted to.
My first ‘Real’ motorcycle was a blue 1978 Kawasaki KZ200 leftover (blue). Three of my girl friends went with me and all four of us bought bikes the same day. We had another friend of ours who had a motorcycle license lead the pack-from Hawthorne to Morristown – in the dark, at night. I will never forget that first trip on my first bike.
I don’t even remember if we had licenses that day or not!
They all stopped riding shortly thereafter, but not me.
My next bike was a Kawasaki 454LTD – brand new too! loved that bike! I graduated to a 1999 Yamaha Vstar 650, who was happily adopted by another NJ Renegade. My current bike is a 2006 Yamaha Vstar 1100.
I’ve never ridden dirt bikes or on the back of anyone else’s bike, which a lot of women have. I always rode solo and was self taught until I joined WITW. When I found WITW online (after reading a story about them in the newspaper), I finally found a group of women riders to ride with.
I’ve even taken my first Safety Course – 28 years later, but never too late to learn.
I’ve been a member of WITW since June 2004 and have logged on more miles that I would have ever done on my own. I’ve been able to meet a lot of women, learn a lot about bikes, and ride to a lot of places I never would have otherwise seen.
Nothing beats the feeling of the freedom you feel when riding. I enjoy riding, socializing and learning from everyone in the group.
I look forward to the NJ Renegades growing larger and many more years of safe riding.
Lisa
Hi Everybody! I'm Lisa aka "Easy"! I'm a current member & Road Captain of the NJ Renegades Chapter, WITW.
I've been riding since March '02. When I decided that "Riding B*tch" wasn't for me. I needed to be in control of where, when and how I wanted to ride. Not to be at the mercy of someone else's bad decisions. So at 31, I finally went out and got my MC permit. Took the NJ Rider ED Beginners Course, got my MC Lic and was ready to ride! Learning to ride on an beat up, crashed twice and rebuilt '81-'82 Yamaha Virago 750 that was a freebie hand-me down from my Brother John when he got his new ride. It ran great just as long as you took care of it! With its do-it-yourself paint job, I had no worries about if and when I dropped and/or scratched it. It didn't really matter. All I needed to focus on was improving my riding skills. Which I did every chance I got to ride. Towards the end of Sept '03 my Brother helped me out again by loaning me the down payment (which I still owe him for) on a new bike. Thanks John!
I now ride a '04 H-D Sportster 883XLC. It's a Great ride and I'm loving every minute of it! I spent my first 2 1/2 years riding with the "Boys"! Watching and learning. trying to keep up with them. Pushing my riding skills forward. It wasn't easy but I improved! I'm now able to hold my own with them! They were and still are great! Very supportive and Yes, very protective of me! Even though I can take care of myself and have many times! I loved riding with them and still do whenever I can! I also do a lot of riding with my Dad and Brother. We try to get together each year for a long 4-day weekend road trip to wherever. If that doesn't work out we do a day trip whenever we can.
I found WITW doing a search on-line looking for women's riding clubs/groups. I joined a WITW chapter in the Fall of '04. I had a wonderful time with them! I learned a lot! Met some great women and made some really great friends!
In the Spring of '07, myself and a few others decided it was time to branch out to form a new chapter. So the NJ Renegades Chapter, WITW was born! We're a small close-knit group. Just recently they elected me their "Road Captain"! I'm honored that they chose me! Even though I kinda just took over when it can to planning our rides! I enjoy planning the routes to take to wherever they want to go. Finding those great roads out there to ride that we all can enjoy as a group! Whatever our personal riding skills level may be! They don't seem to mind it too much when I get us lost or miss a turn! Eventually I find my way back to where we need to be. It's always an adventure! Half the fun of a ride is finding those great roads on "accident" by missing a turn and getting lost!
The support and camaraderie of these Women is amazing! We're all there for each other! Helping each other to improve our riding skills. Be it someone who has been riding for many years or someone who is just starting out. Supporting each other in whatever is going on in our lives! Having a great time together! Whatever we do, where ever we go! Sharing our stories and experiences along the way! I'm going to really love watching and being a part of the NJ Renegades Chapter as it grows! If you are ever in Northern New Jersey area look us up and join us for a ride! I look forward to meeting you all out on the road sometime! Ride Safe & Have Fun!
~ Lisa aka "Easy"~Road Captain~NJ Renegades Chapter, WITW~
Maria
My name is Maria. I was told as a young girl that “girls shouldn’t ride motorcycles”. I was always fascinated watching my cousins ride dirt bikes and watching my neighbor on his motorcycle as a young girl. I decided after being a passenger all the time that it was time that I got my motorcycle license. I took the Rider Education class eight years ago and got my license. I didn’t tell anyone I was doing it because I didn’t receive any support being a woman. I was thrilled to show everyone the “M” endorsement on my drivers license I do recommend that any beginner take this training as I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about riding a street bike.
I joined my first Women in the Wind chapter in 2003 and made many friends. I received the support and confidence I needed to become a safe rider. During that time I met my husband who also supported me. He also rides and helped me buy my first bike a 1999 Suzuki Savage 650. I rode it for four years and I just bought my second motorcycle a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan.
As a group we compare motorcycle stories, share our skills with each other if we are an experienced rider or beginner, have fundraisers, socialize, support each other, laugh, cry or just take off with the wind in our hair. There is nothing like the freedom I feel being a woman motorcyclist and having friends that share it with me.
Melissa
My name is Melissa a/k/a "Spike", for as long as I can remember I always said that someday I was going to own a motorcycle, feel the wind blow through my hair and see the world. Well, I ride a 2008 Harley Davidson Dyna LowRider, and, I haven't seen the world yet, but while riding with my fellow Renegades, I am seeing places that I never seen before, having lots of laughs, meeting lots of people, and learning how to ride safely. I know that if I am ever in need, my fellow Renegades will be there to lend an ear or helping hand. Riding has taught me a lot. But most of all it has given me a total sense of freedom, that nothing can hold me back.
When the weight of the world is on my shoulders, I know that I can hop on my motorcycle and all my problems disappear. Life doesn't get any better than this !
Tracy
Hello ladies. My name is Tracy Larmer and while I learned to ride a motorcycle when I was a teenager, I didn’t get my license until 2005. I have always loved the outdoors, and most especially, having the wind in my hair. There is something about riding a motorcycle that gives you a sense of freedom. After many years of riding on the back of a motorcycle, I decided it was finally time to own one of my own. I signed up for the motorcycle safety course in September of 2003 and bought my first motorcycle (Honda Shadow VLX) in October. While riding a motorcycle gives me a great deal of pleasure, it’s even more fun sharing the experience with others. I started searching the internet for a motorcycle group and found the NJ Renegades chapter of the Women in the Wind. I met the group for my first ride to New Hope PA in the summer of 2008 and had a great time. I have learned a great deal about the “rules of the road” in a very short time. They are a fun loving group of women who made me feel very welcomed and I look forward to many years of riding together.
Barbara
Hi, my name is Barbara Raciborski. I believe I could very well be the oldest Renegade at age 52. When I was younger I had a couple of boyfriends who rode motorcycles, and it was always thrilling riding on back. Then came work, marriage, divorce, marriage again and kids, divorce again. About 2 and ½ years ago I met a wonderful man, and he bought a used 1994 Honda Goldwing. I loved riding with him but I was concerned that I would not know what to do if something happened to him. So I decided to take the Motorcycle Safety Education class and get my license, which I did at age 50. There was no way I was going to start out riding that BIG Goldwing so I bought a used 2006 Honda Nighthawk 250. I quickly outgrew that bike and traded it in for my current ride a 2006 Harley Davidson Sportster 883. Not very long after that purchase my boyfriend took a job in Virginia, and there went my riding buddy. No one in my circle of friends and family rode. So I searched the internet for a woman’s riding group and found the NJ Renegades Chapter of Women in the Wind. It’s taken me quite a while to get in my prerequisite 2 rides but I finally made it. I have found the women of the NJ Renegades to be open and welcoming, caring and understanding and I am proud to be one of them. I look forward to many years of riding with them.
Kimber
Hello, I'm Kimber Santorella. I ride a Yamaha 1000 2005 FZ1 (130 horse) standard sport bike. I've come a long way since the day my husband had one of his friends put a 1989 Honda 650 Hawk GT together from parts he had in boxes in the garage. When the friend got tired of riding it, he returned it to us. I looked at the bike in the garage for a year. I've ridden dirt bikes, quads, bicycles most of my life, but was scared to death to even think of riding a street bike on the road. I was presented with the opportunity to attend the motorcycle safety foundation course for free. I couldn't resist, so in June of 2006 I took the course, and I was able to lay my fears to rest. I rode that little Hawk GT over 2000 to 3000 miles that season and the next. Of course, dragging my husband Frank complaining all the way. He said he created a "Monster". Don't get me wrong, he enjoys riding but the Hawks are not designed for endurance or comfort. I bought the FZ1 in Aug of 2007, and I have already put over 2000 miles or so on the bike. It's so comfy…. It's the "Cadillac" of the sport bike. My husband liked it so much that in Dec 2007, he bought himself one.
I didn't realize, nor was I looking for a women's riding group until I went to the NYC Motorcycle event in 2007. The WITW sponsored a booth there. My husband saw the booth and said I should check it out. I did and brought the information home, went on-line to search, and found the NJ Renegades. I signed the guest book and Deb emailed me right away. The women of the NJ Renegades are so friendly and supportive, and I really enjoy getting together with them for meetings and riding. Lisa's a great Road Captain and our Tail Gunner, Paige, does an excellent job as well. Deb says she's not the "President" of the group, but we all see her as such... .. no matter how hard she denies it. I'm looking forward to many years of camaraderie and friendship with a fine group of women motorcyclist as the WITW and the NJ Regenades. It does my heart good to see as many women riders on the road as possible. So call now! We want to meet you :).
Nancy
Hi, I’m Nancy and I ride a beautiful purple haze Harley Davidson Fatboy. In August of 2006 I met my current boyfriend who rides a Street Glide. I would ride on the back of his bike and we took great trips together. In March of 2007 I took the riders course and got my license thinking I would surprise Bob by renting two Harleys when we went to California that June. I soon realized a class in a parking lot did not qualify me to ride the coast of California. Not being able to afford a bike at that time, I just continued to ride with Bob. We went to several Harley factories in PA & MO and I would dream, sitting on different models and look at colors – since my first choice - purple was not available. Unbeknown to me, Bob had decided I looked best on a Fatboy, and he searched the country for a Fatboy in the new purple custom color Harley had for that year. On Valentine’s Day 2008 he totally surprised me with this incredible gift. Yes, I still say OH MY GOD whenever I think about it.
Learning to ride the Fatboy (over 700 lbs) was a challenge. But I decided to just go for it - got on - and mile by mile became more hooked. I loved the wind in my face, that burst of cool fresh air on a hot day that seems to come from nowhere, and the brightness of the world as viewed from a motorcycle. I rode 5,000 miles that first summer and I’m really looking forward to this year’s riding season.
I found the NJ Renegades online and a woman’s riding group sounded intriguing. I am very glad I decided to contact them. I learned how about group riding, gained valuable riding experience and am truly enjoying the Women in The Wind sisterhood. The Renegades have provided me with wonderful new friends that really love to laugh – and RIDE ! Riding with them always seems like an adventure waiting to happen.
Roe
Hi there-I''m Roe "aka" Trey! Not only am i the newest member to the Renegades, but I am the only Trike Rider. I took the Motorcycle safety course years ago and promised myself I would get a bike right away. Well, 2 yrs later I bought a Honda Rebel. Now I've had Vertigo since 1997, and that small bike might as well have been a huge Road King because I was petrified that I would turn my head and get dizzy and drop the bike. I knew the only alternative would be to get a Trike. Well, after researching for about a year, I found an awesome Trike Dealership. Problem, they were in South Carolina. Well, it took alot of planning, borrowing from my 401(k), which I swore I would never do, getting that long weekend so that me and my fiance could make the trek to SC and back in 24 hrs. I did it, got my Trike, and have been riding ever since with no fear of dropping my bike. I love riding with the Renegades, they are a cool, funny, and very supportive group of women!! So if you hear a thunderous roar coming down the road, take a second look, it's not only "the boys" who enjoy their toys!!
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Become a Renegade!
Come and meet a great group of women riders! Join us on one of our rides or attend one of our meetings. To contact us, sign our guestbook or send us an email.
Membership dues are $30 per year - $15 of which goes to our local chapter and $15 to the national Women In The Wind chapter.
We welcome your questions and comments - hope to see you soon!
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