A few of the divas taking a break on the trail. Charlotte is second from the left in red. Vickie is on the left beside Charlotte.
Positive Energy on the Trail
Charlotte Huntington and I became friends fourteen years ago when our daughters were in the same class at West Rowan Middle School. Over the years we’ve shared many special memories ranging from beach trips to birthday parties. Although we’ve had fun together, there are some interests and likes we don’t share. One of those is mountain biking.
Charlotte’s love for mountain biking happened quite by accident after hearing about the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC, on the radio station, 107.9, The Link. Learning the center offers a diverse choice of activities including white water rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking, Charlotte ordered tickets to go.
Although Charlotte invited me, I couldn’t go with her, so another friend, Vickie Burnoski, went along. Once arriving at the center, they discovered their only choice for the day was kayaking or mountain biking.
Since Vickie had participated in the sport of mountain biking before, Vickie encouraged Charlotte to try. Thinking it couldn’t be that hard, Charlotte agreed. Looking back, Charlotte laughs. She said, It didn’t take long for me to realize mountain biking can be quite a challenge, even when only little hills.
While the course wasn’t as easy as she thought it would be, from that one experience Charlotte fell in love with the sport. One week later, on July 4th, Charlotte’s son, David, surprised his mom with her very own mountain bike. Both Charlotte’s husband, Kurt and Vickie’s husband, Danny, didn’t think the enthusiasm would last, but they were wrong. Determined to ride, Charlotte and Vickie joined a group of ladies who enjoy mountain biking known as the Dirt Divas.
Based in Charlotte, NC, the Dirt Divas frequently ride trails in several states, including North Carolina and Virginia. The President of the organization, Patty Smith, started this club so ladies could participate and encourage each other in a sport they love. Part of their mission statement is to provide opportunities for women mountain bikers of all ages and ability levels. With fun and fitness in mind Dirt Diva rides encourage a safe and supportive environment for women who ride the trails.
Now, six years later, both Charlotte and Vickie are still riding and have only positive things to say about the club. Vickie said, To have found this group of ladies has been such a blessing. They’ve taught me so much and not just about riding, but about friendship. It makes me feel like a kid again.
Charlotte said, One of the reasons I like to ride is because of the energetic, positive people I’ve met, including four of my best friends. Sometimes when you’re 40-60 years old, people look at you and think you can’t do anything. This group proves them wrong. I love it.
To learn more about this organization, their mission statement, club activities or how to join, check out their website here.
Do you enjoy the sport of mountain biking? What experiences have you had and what trails do you like the most? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
