Have you noticed all of the women out riding their own motorcycles lately? It’s the most wonderful thing to see women out there doin’ their own thing and making no apologies for it. Frankly, we are long overdue and I, for one am so happy to see us gals makin’ our own way in the world. It seems that other folks have noticed it too and they decided it was time to pay a tribute to the ladies in leather and they are doin’ it in a big way July 1-3 with the first Southern Ladies’ Bike event in Fayetteville, aptly named, ‘Bikes, Babes and Bling’.
If you already have plans for July 1-3, you’ll need to cancel ‘em and check out Bikes, Babes and Bling, cuz it’s got more pizzazz than Liberace but it’s not too Miss America, which is awesome. I mean, just cuz we’re ladies and we’re riders, doesn’t mean we can’t look good doin’ it (and let’s face it, any one of us on our worst day is still prettier than any one of the guys on their best, right?). They have sponsorship from a lot of the spas and salons in Fayetteville, music galore, Southern food, a ROAR fashion show, Stokes Air Ladies Only Bike Show (with some SWEET prizes) and a Parade of Power (and what woman doesn’t like having all the power? Wave your man’s checkbook and credit cards if you agree!).
Bikes, Babes and Bling’s Website has a bunch of info on lodging, trails to ride in the area, rally info, a blog, a short list of laws you have to obey while in Fayetteville and so much more. Their Website is chock-full of useful stuff that you will want to know before you take the ride. All of the proceeds gathered go to great causes and none of the organizers are doin’ this to make a buck, which is so wonderful to see happenin’ these days. It promises to be a wonderful three days of fun, ridin’, food and gathering together for many great causes. It’s useful to know that this a family-friendly event, so keep that in mind when selecting your attire and attitude for the weekend.
What is probably the most exciting event of all three days is the Stokes Competition at the Walton Arts Center parking lot on Saturday, July 3. There are 10 categories and then the best of the 10 will win a big final prize. For all of this fun and excitement, there is a nominal $20 entrance fee (cash or checks only, please) that goes entirely to helping women and children in crisis, and if you are feelin’ froggy and want to donate more, don’t be shy; they would love all the help they can get. They have a bunch of charities they donate to, but if you know of another one that needs help, they are willing to think about it, so go to www.bikesbabesandbling.org and click on ‘charities’ to learn more. As the organizers so eloquently put it, “This year marks the first ladies’ rally here in Arkansas. That means thousands of the most awesome ‘Bling’d Out’ bikes around are cruising the hills of Northwest Arkansas. Everything from tricked out custom choppers to rockin’ Harleys and sweet metric bikes will line the streets of Fayetteville. What better way to showcase these amazing rides than to round up the best of the best and let the public decide which one is the coolest of them all?” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
The folks who organized the Bikes, Blues and BBQ in May decided it was time to honor the gals and have taken it upon themselves to stir it up for the ladies, so git your best leathers out and git on over to this event, ladies, cuz we need to keep it alive for next year too. Ladies, whatever you decide to do that weekend, just remember to be careful and watch out for motorists, because we all know they don’t watch out for us like they should and we want you all to come home safe and sound. If you would like to attend, be a volunteer, be a vendor, be a sponsor or if you would like more information on Bikes, Babes and Bling, logon to www.bikesbabesandbling.org or give them a call at (479) 527-9993. You can also e-mail them for general information at bikesbabesandbling@gmail.com. Be safe out there and have a great time!