the 941

“Kickstands up (or KSU, in bike speak) at 11 a.m.,” the email says.

The weather forecast isn’t too sunny this Sunday, but a handful of Angels wheel into the Mobil station on Clark Road, studded belts and black tanktops, sunglasses and spunk. I bum a sticker-covered helmet from national president, Marsha Wolak, and hop on the back of Rita McClain’s teal and beige Harley.

McClain, who works for Sarasota County, tells me that, with her bike getting over 50 miles a gallon, it’s a much more economical means of work commute than the typical four wheels. “A lot of us are riding our bike more than just for recreational reasons these days!!!,” Wolak later adds.

After a few photo ops, we line up and file out in orderly fashion.. I haven’t been on a motorcycle since last August (coincidentally enough, also a Harley) but have always enjoyed such rides. The wind in your hair — however helmet-matted, feeling at one with the bike and the road, and yeah, just lookin’ like a bad ass.

The ladies are point-on when it comes to proper signaling and keeping a safe speed and distance from each other. We cross paths with fellow bikers heading in the opposite direction, acknowledging each other with a nod and a smile. By the time the group reaches U.S. 41, a few heads have turned. I take my leave of the Divas in a steakhouse parking lot a few moments later.

And with a few hugs goodbye, the kickstands go up again, those Angels bound for Casey Key.

For more on the Diva Angels, check out my cover story this week.

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