Through the rain, the thrill and romance of adventure endured.

Last week, the Chrome Divas hosted the Ontario branch of the International Female Ride.

Motorists rode in the rain and congregated at the Freak-N-Leather shop in Newmarket, to raise funds for breast cancer.

“We’re like little cyclones coming to meet at this orange table,” Danni Stockley said, a Chrome Diva member and co-ordinator of the ride. “It’s time to take ownership toward breast cancer, all cancer.”

The Blue Knights, a group of retired police officers volunteering to escort the women, cancelled the 85-kilometre, two-hour ride due to bad weather and slick roads.

But more than 25 riders still gathered to share their experiences of the road, sporting their bikes, leather and all. There was even talk about bikes geared specifically to women.

“We’re diehards,” said Iron Cowgirl Marcy Stewart, who rode in from Creemore.
 
“We’re not fairweather riders.”

Although only half the expected number of women showed up to the event, they raised close to $500, said Beth Horton, a Chrome Diva member and co-ordinator of the ride.

The ride was also about breaking the conventional image of hog riders.

“There’s a vision about motorcycles being bad,” Ms Horton said. “This is a hobby. We’re showcasing our hobby for charity.”

Ms Stewart pulled out a small note pad from her leather jacket and read the Iron Cowgirls motto.

“She will never take no for an answer. When told she can’t because she’s a girl, she’ll prove you wrong every time,” she read to other riders in the shop.

“It’s nice to be reminded of the thrill. We’re really just a bunch of moms, grandmas and sisters.”

Amanda Persico is a journalism co-op student from Centennial College