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Tampa Bay Diva Angels are ladies first, bikers second
By MARIE STEMPINSKI
Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/020608_cit-01.jpg) |
| Photo by MARIE STEMPINSKI |
| Tampa Bay Diva Angels gather for fun and community benevolence. |
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CLEARWATER – They’re not the well-known, controversial group of bikers that formed in California.
Instead, the Tampa Bay Diva Angels are basically do-gooders who help others in the community.
“Men ride ‘hell bent for election.’ We don’t like to go that fast all the time,” said Ava Ciolli whose women’s motorcycle group recently formed in Pinellas County.
The group isn’t made up of stereotypical ‘biker babes’, she said.
“We came together for camaraderie, philanthropy and building strong friendships. We’re class act-ladies first, bikers second,” Ciolli.
The group is the local chapter of Diva Angels, a national, nonprofit organization of women motorcyclists. The local group has 35 diverse members and the number is growing.
The members’ ages range from about 23 to 65 and include a banker, a financial analyst and several people in the medical profession. They enjoy riding together and have several fundraising events for local charities, Ciolli said.
The women’s group has raised money to help send adults and children with cancer to special camps. A Bowlathon for the Big Brothers Big Sisters is scheduled in April.
“Everything we do to raise money is women and children related,” Ciolli said.
Most of the women ride Harleys. Others enjoy sports bikes and some even ride trikes, or three wheeled motorcycles. They meet at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Quaker Steak and Lube on 49th Street in Pinellas Park. They also enjoy monthly “mystery” rides headed by a road captain who picks the destination.
“We mentor each other and help the new ones get started,” Ciolli said.
Even when riding motorcycles, The Tampa Diva Angels like to look fashionable. Ciolli said there are a variety of clothing styles available for Diva Angels members.
They have T-shirts, ball caps, and vests with patches that members can order.
The group is looking for new members.
“Women of all shapes, sizes and ages are welcome,” said Ciolli.
For more information, visit www.tampadivaangels.com.
Correction
The Tampa Bay Diva Angels will participate in a fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters in April, not the Boys and Girls Club.
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Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008
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