The Greenville Chapter of the Harley Owners Group includes about a dozen women, including the H.O.G's director, 51-year-old Cindy Lyle.

Photos by Anna Vaughn Creech/Her magazine (ENLARGE)

Among the women who belong to the Greenville Chamber of the Harley Owners Group are, from left, Wanda Gay, Pauline Perkins, Dorian Miller, Emily Miller, Susan Miller, Pam Sanger, Cindy Lyle, Leigh Ann Elks, Denise Baker.

(ENLARGE)

Wanda Gay's vest features the Greenville H.O.G.'s logo.

"As far as women riding, you would never believe how many women are getting in (H.O.G.) who either already ride or want to ride," she said. Current members include a woman who has been riding motorcycles for more than 40 years, an East Carolina University department chairwoman, a nurse and a retired postal worker.

Cindy bought her first Harley — a black Dyna Low Rider 1980 that she painted pearl white so that it would stand out — in the early 1980s. These days, she's riding a 2003 Springer Soft Tail.

Like many other H.O.G. bikers, Cindy said her love of riding Harleys comes from "the friends you make and have so much in common with ... and the freedom you can never experience any other way."

H.O.G's charity involvement includes a Poker Run for the Ronald McDonald House and a ride for the Breast Cancer Foundation which raised around $6,000 last year. At its most recent bike night, the group raised $1,300 for the parents of a local girl with leukemia.

Cindy says she has made many strong friendships through H.O.G. with "so many nice people who will do anything in the world for you."

She strongly encourages any new riders, or even seasoned riders, to take the Safety Riding Course offered at Pitt Community College.

Want to join or get involved?: For information on how to join or get involved with the Greenville Chapter Harley Owners Group contact J&E Harley Davidson, 2300 Elaine's Way, Winterville, N.C. 28590, 439-1345.