Mississippi - If you happened to notice the abundance of motorcycles traveling the highways and byways throughout Pontotoc County lately, don?t worry?our hometown isn?t becoming overrun by a notorious gang.
Unlike the preconceived notions that some folks seem to have about leather clad bikers, most motorcycle riders in this area are not gang members, nor do they pose any threat to our society at all. For the most part they are average people from all walks of life who happen to have one thing in common?they just love to ride their Harleys ? or whatever other favorite brand of bike that suits their fancy. ?The first motorcycle we bought was an Aztec orange Road King,? says Carrie Stringer, a Pontotoc wife and mother who definitely does not fit the 70s ?biker babe? image. After purchasing their first ?road hog?, she and husband Jody rode double to the Gulfport Blowout along with about 25 other local bikers. ?There were some ladies riding,? she continues, ?and Jody said, ?You know, you could ride.?? For her 10th wedding anniversary Carrie became the proud owner of her very own Harley, specially lowered so her feet would touch the pavement. And the rest, as they say, is history. For the Stringers, riding has become a family affair that includes their 10-year-old son Sam, and even some extended family. ?We went to Gatlinburg in November and trailered the bikes up there,? Carrie reminisces about a multi-family member vacation. ?I was really skeptical about the weather because I thought it would be way too cold.? One thing she learned as she toured through the breathtakingly lovely, but chilly, Smoky Mountains was, ?Leather is definitely for function; it?s not for fashion ? you have to have it when it?s cold!?
Rainy day Bodock Festival 2008
Patriot Guard Riders
For Steven McGillivry, riding his motorcycle has become a form of outreach to his community?especially to those serving their country in the armed forces. As a member of the local chapter of Patriot Guard Riders, McGillivry takes great pride in honoring service men and women, especially fallen heroes, their families and communities. On invitation from the family, the Patriot Guard Riders will come together as a group to bring an added dimension of patriotism and honor to the funeral services of a fallen soldier. They also participate in sendoffs of military units and homecoming celebrations for soldiers upon their return home. ?We don?t want people to look at us as a bike group from, say, the 70s,? McGillivry explains as he makes reference to some motorcycle gangs of that era who carried rather unpleasant reputations. ?We?re just a group of people who enjoy riding and want to help people out and support our country.?
Ashley?s Angels
Pontotoc based Ashley?s Angels is another diverse group of big-hearted bikers. Named after the Ashley Furniture plant in Ecru that is the employer of many of the members, Ashley?s Angels began with a few truck drivers on a Christmas mission of mercy. On hearing about a mother and young child in desperate straits, with nowhere to go but their car, these compassionate truckers determined to provide not only Christmas gifts and a food box, but also to make arrangements for housing for this family. One Christmas mission led to another, and Ashley?s Angels was formed. Last year the organization served 468 needy children by delivering gifts, food boxes, and Bibles at Christmastime. A few misconceptions about people who ride motorcycles may continue, but most bikers around our town want people to know that they are just regular folks having some good clean fun. And the next time you hear a loud roar thundering through the streets of Pontotoc, or you see a brigade of bikers in black leather in your rearview mirror, keep in mind?you may just be getting a glimpse of angels in disguise.
Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are solely those of the writer, and may not reflect the beliefs of anyone at Outlaw Biker World.
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