Our Brothers and Sisters

Active in the MC Community…just what does that mean? In the beginning, it’s all about listening and learning. There’s a great deal of knowledge to be had from the “old skool” biker community if you have the right approach. First, you got to be seen as “friendly.” Support the Events we work so hard to produce, buy a few raffle tickets and hang out for a while. But that’s not enough. You also need to be active, what I mean is, you got to step up and talk. Introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself and your MC. Patched MCs give this simple courtesy to each other all the time. If you’re a Prospect or a “hang-around,” you’re not exempt. And for those Independent riders who wish to remain so, you’re the biggest part of the motorcycling community; we depend on your support to “Make a Wish” or “Seek a Cure.” You don’t need to see a patch on the back to recognize an “old skool” Biker; it oozes out like oil from an old Pan. We’re all a part of this tight knit community because we’ve all taken these first steps. Be patient, listen and learn, and offer to help when you see it’s needed. If you want to join an MC, ride with them and if it’s right for you, you’ll both know when the time is right to commit.

The Sisters of Scota supports a myriad of Causes. The Cause nearest and dearest to our hearts is the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Seeking a Cure for Breast Cancer. But it doesn’t stop there; we support almost every non-profit fundraiser imaginable. From the Children’s Receiving Home to the Vets at the VA Hospital, we ride to support those in need as do all our Brother and Sister MC. Let me introduce you to a few of our Families, I’ll start with some of the Women’s MC.

The She Devils MC USA became an official “three rocker” club on July 31st, 2004. Founded by Mama Prez and Pitbull, based in Hayward, they have members that hail from cities that circle the SF Bay Area and beyond. Their signature She Devil support wear is the envy of all the Clubs. Their generosity is only shadowed by their hospitality as they welcome everyone to their great parties for charities such as Deaf Hope.

The Lost Girls is an MC that appeared on the scene a few years back out of Visalia. Cat and Sidecar Cindy have taken their fundraising efforts to the local level, the Breast Center at Sequoia Imaging in Visalia. This is a hard working group of women who raised over $8,000 at their last annual Breast Cancer Ride on the 1st weekend of October.

The Mahogany Riders out of Sacramento are friends that fundraise for local charities. Tweave and Lil Hipps are Sistahs that know how to ride, and work the Motorcycle Expo and other charity events that raise funds for the Cause.

The Road Queens with Pres Choc Lic and SAA Off Limitz volunteer at churches and at venues caring for the homeless - particularly women and children. But, before you think these gals are just into work, think again. These Sistahs know how to party - seriously. Prepare yourself for their non-stop weekends whenever they call out the Clubs. It’s non-stop action from dusk till dawn with Poker Runs and fish fry’s in-between.

We also ride to support the women’s Social Clubs (SC) including Full Throttle, All Hail to the Queens and the Sistah Souljahs who sponsor an annual Thanksgiving clothes giveaway for the homeless of Fresno. There are new SC appearing on the scene all the time these days, but these are a few of our closest friends. Know that the Sisterhood appreciates all their hard work and fundraising efforts – the SC are a strong force within the families.

There are many men’s MC that we support; and I’d hate to leave anybody out. I’ll highlight a few of the usual suspects from the road.

Let me introduce you to my local buddies, the Screamin’ Demons. They not only patched a name in 2004, they embraced it! Riding with the pack at triple digit speeds in broad daylight gives you a new appreciation for life. Whether it be raising non-perishables for the Food Bank, or hosting a Run with their signature “first time, every time” kicker contest; Frank, Danny and the Demons know how to challenge the Clubs for bragg'in rights and good times.

Pres Ray Ray and the Underlords are another Fresno staple who have been on the local scene for years. They have an open run in the spring and the Black and Orange Ball for Halloween every year. With a smile and a handshake, these Brothers now how to make you feel right at home and have some of the hottest bikes in the Valley.

Andy and Merle of the 5 Diamonds are “old skool” to the max. Founded in the mid-1970s, these Brothers open their Clubhouse for parties and host a Mountain Greenery Run through the foothills that will take you through the twisties and the sweepers with awe-inspiring vistas and a few surprises along the way. They greet and take care of everyone and make sure you make it safely back home at the end of the day.

The Fresno County Hells Angels seem to be at every local Biker event. In March, they usually host their own St. Patty’s Day corned beef and cabbage feed which brings out their Brothers all over the state. This year, Fresno and Merced Chapters will hold their events during the annual Laughlin mega-rally, in a show of solidarity for the patch wearing community…piss on the river!

I met Moe, the Vietnam Vets (VNV) “U” Chapter Pres, and Aquaman, at a Patriot Guard Mission a year or so ago. He told me they’ve been riding to their brothers “homecomings” since the Vietnam War era. Griz, from the VNV “Freedom” Chapter, is another regular at our Heroes Missions. One day, we went to the Legion and cooled down after a particularly hot Mission; we threw back a few brews and became fast friends. Sacramento VNV and Batman also give strong support to the the Sisterhood. It's comforting to know, we can always count on our Brothers in good times or bad. The Fresno VNV host a Christmas in July Run to raise much needed funds for the Fresno VA Hospital every year.

A host of local motorcycle ministry friends include: Black Sheep with my good buddy Jim, Soldiers for Jesus with Whip and Coalinga Mike and the Sons of God with Pastor Snake and Dawny Reb who fundraise for homeless Vets at their annual Reb Run.

Styxx of the Unknown Riders welcomed the Sisters to a lost weekend on the Westside of Fresno. The Hennessey was flowing and the music was kick’in from the “electric light parade” bikes riding in from the Bay. What a party! Whenever the Brothas get together, you better pack some git in yer git-a-long…they party like there’s no tomorrow and welcome all comers with a positive attitude.

The Pancho Villa Riders have been doing lots of fundraising Events for Children’s Hospital of Central California, buying backpacks for kids in the Fall (in conjunction with the Maple House), and riding in memory of their good friend Harvey. When you ride with PVRMC, expect to see Mexican blankets rolled tight on the apes, and enjoy plenty of good food and spirits with folks that ain’t afraid to reach out to everyone who shows.


Then there’s Lt. Dan and the Quarter Mile Club who race all comers. These are the sport bike riders in the family who take pride in their ride and make no excuses for poor performance. It’s all or nothing with these Brothers who support everybody in and out of Fresno. (That's actually a photo of our Founder, Grumbles, riding an Aprilla Futura at Femmoto - Sport Bike Track
Time on the Las Vegas Speedway 2005).

The Sisterhood rides in support of them all including: the Vagos, Hussiens, Grandfathers, Tophatters, Boozefighters, Devils Horsemen, Mongols, Hellbent, Resurrection, Skeleton Crew, Jus Brothers, Wind and Fire, Soul Brothers, Red Nation, Seekers, Ironworkers, Marines, Henchmen, Mofomen, Sonnenaufgang, Yellow Jackets, Barhoppers, Devil Dolls, Miners, and on and on…

We also ride to support motorcycle organizations such as ABATE, AMA, PGR, ALR, VFW, WMF, UBNC, MMA, CMA, BACA, RWC, RFTW and more. It’s all part of the patchwork that makes up the motorcycle community. The Sisterhood is an active member of the Confederation of Clubs in multiple states, building bridges with our Brother and Sister MCs for biker rights and communication. So, don’t sit by and idle; hit your throttle wide open and ride in support. If you want to be a part of the community, you got to jump in. All you have to do is saddle up and ride, it’s right there in front of you. With a little time and perseverance, you'll soon be a part of our extended family too.

About us, the Sisters of Scota

The truth is we ride. Photo above is of SOSWMC Founder "Grumbles" on her 1970 xlch. What we ride is sacred. The love of riding our bikes, on the open road, takes us on a positive and spirtual journey. Sisters of Scota Womens Motorcycle Club has a long history and a journey of its own. Since our Founder/National Pres. Grumbles is Scottish, we decided to name the Sisterhood in honor of "Scota," an ancient, celtic, warrior goddess. The name Scota is derived from "Scathatch" who also was known as the goddess of retribution. Scota taught special techniques of self defense, healing ones self and others with herbs, spirtual growth and positive change in self to be a stronger and better person. Scota showed the men how to make their own weapons of protection, food for survival and so on. Check out various websites on celtic ancient history and Celtic Goddesses to learn more about Scota. Today, Sisters of Scota W.M.C. practices Sister unity, safety in motorcyling, encouragement, and charity/volunteerism.

Our Fuschia is derived from the Thistle flower, which carries a proud and distinct history.

Thistle is the common name for many prickly, herbaceous plants (family Compositae). They normally have purple or yellow flowers. When the seeds are ripe, they are dispersed as fluffy thistledown. Thistles normally produce a thick taproot that can be eaten or used as a coffee substitute.

History of Scotland's Thistle
The prickly purple thistle is the national emblem of Scotland. Ever present in fields and pastures throughout Scotland, thistle has been Scotland's emblem for centuries. The first use as a royal symbol was on silver coins issued by James III in 1470. The plant, which grows to a height of five feet, has no enemies because of vicious spines that cover it like armor plating.
There are many different stories of how the Thistle became Scotland's symbol, but most point to the events surrounding the Battle of Largs in 1263. It is generally forgotten that for more than 600 years most of Scotland was part of the Kingdom of Norway. By 1263 Norway seemed to have little interest. King Alexander III proposed to buy back the Western Isles and Kintyre, still Norwegian territory. However this re-awoke Norse interest and King Haakon IV attacked with a large force, but was finally defeated at Largs. At some point during the campaign the Norsemen tried to surprise the Scots with a night attack. They removed their footwear for a silent approach but found themselves on ground covered with thistle.
It is said their leader steeped on thistle and cried out. His shout warned the Scots who then saw off the Norsemen, thus saving Scotland. The role of the thistle was then understood, and was chosen as Scotland's symbol, with the motto "Nemo me impune lacessit", "No-one harms me without punishment" but more commonly translated as "Wha daurs meddle wi me".

Pony Express 2007

Pony Express Ride 2007 – The Bracelin/Bratcher 1000
Journey of Hope Seeks a Cure for Breast Cancer
By Helldog

Dobbins, CALIF, September 17 – 22 – Actions speak louder than words. The Pony Express Riders Pledge says “We won’t give up, be turned back, or roll off our throttles until breast cancer is history!” Gin Shear and Sue Slate along with hundreds of “peaceful warriors” have made this their battle cry since 1996. Through the Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation Inc. (WMF) founded in 1983, they have raised over $2 million benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation that goes directly to breast cancer research. What started as a small group to encourage women to ride in Boston has turned into a national organization to encourage people to live their dream. With the concept of “work locally, think globally,” each Pony Express Rider is a highly visible link with hundreds of people spreading the message of hope and raising funds for a Cure.

Pony Express Riders (PER) take on most or all of their own expenses to participate. A rider must commit to registering and living in the Pony Express community for the week, pay expenses to get there, meet a minimum fundraising goal of $1,000 and ride 1,000 miles during the week. Riders from all over the East Coast started arriving September 13 to join the West Coast Riders hosting PER 2007 at Lake Francis Resort. This is a top-notch “campground” on a beautiful lake nestled in the Sierra Foothills. Cabins were outfitted with comfy beds, heating and A/C, full showers and kitchenettes. The Restaurant and Bar on the premises catered our meals twice daily in the Meeting Hall. Every day we rode and every night we had live music, a bike show, a tattoo contest or other diversions. Of the $57,000 raised at this year’s Pony Express, 25% of the proceeds went to Environmental Alternatives, the owners of Lake Francis Resort, to support their non-profit program for kids that “age-out” of foster care. The remaining 75% went directly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. The U. S. Post Office was on-site and many Riders took advantage of the opportunity to send thank you cards to their Donors with a commemorative postal cancellation made specifically for the event.

Throughout the Pony Express Ride, we stop to pass the medallion. These ceremonies are in public venues where the medallion is passed from rider to rider. The “calling of the names” is announced and you can hear individual voices speak the names of those we honor. After the medallion is passed, the Messengers are given the opportunity to speak why they ride and who they ride for. It’s hard to get through a medallion pass ceremony dry-eyed. The medallion is made up of four parts that together, represent the PER mission. One horseshoe honors our survivors; a second horseshoe represents the hope of a future free of breast cancer; the third is the ring of memory and at the center lies the heart; bearing a relief of a one breasted woman archer aiming for a cure. This year’s PER honors Bill Bracelin and Dotty Bratcher; PER and WMF family who fought fiercely for their lives, but ultimately succumbed to breast cancer. A “Messenger bag” containing some of Bill and Dottie’s remains was passed along with the heart of the medallion. As a token of memory, each rider’s efforts are recognized with a replica of the medallion during a medallion pass ceremony before they leave.

Day 1 we rode “In Memory” of those gone by. We left at 8:30 am to ride to Oroville, where we took a quick stop at the Fish Hatchery to ogle some of the biggest fish I’ve seen in these parts. Then we rode along twisty Cherokee Rd. that opened up to the mountain hugging sweepers of Hwy 70. Along the way we passed through the mountains inside illuminated stone tunnels and crossed bridges along the Feather River. We arrived in Quincy for our first medallion pass ceremony where “Pink” and Becca were our Ride Marshals. Cathy and Josh Bracelin (Bill’s wife and son) spoke about him. This cigar smoking, hard riding, “man’s man” was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991 and underwent a left radical mastectomy with removal of 17 lymph nodes. Cathy said that Bill would want men to know that breast cancer is not an exclusively female disease. They call ‘em “pecs,” but they have glands and lymph nodes just like women’s breasts. Bill would have said, “You men need to be doing your monthly ‘pec’ self-exam, just like the women check their breasts.” Bill got involved with the Pony Express Rides in 1996 because they incorporated fundraising for breast cancer, motorcycling and men. I met Bill at PER 2003, still smoking his infamous cigars; riding and fighting for his own life and the lives of others. Josh trailered in Mr. Bill’s Special Edition 1981 Electra Glide (which won the bike show), and with some light wrenching, was able to ride her every day.

Then there’s Dotty Bratcher from Boston; a die-hard rider who rode regardless of the distance or the weather. In 1994, Dotty was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Totally undaunted, she pushed her way into every clinical trial from which she felt she could benefit. Her courage and tenacity won her five additional years of quality living. She was still riding her motorcycle two months before her death. Fully aware that cancer would eventually take her life she stated, "Sure, cancer's going to kill me, but it's not going to kill me today!" Woody Woodward quoted Dotty at her last ride when someone asked her how she was gonna ride in a wheelchair? “Well geez, I can ride, I just can’t walk.” Dotty served as a role model to other survivors and their families to seek every available treatment so that they could still experience zestful living, not just surviving.

Day 2 we rode for the Survivors’ as we took the pot-holed, bumpy, twisty Challenge Rd to the ghost town of North Bloomfield where we honored those fighting the battle daily. Dayna “Grumbles” Davidson was our Ride Marshal and said it well, “Sometimes you hit sharp turns in the road, blind corners with winds whipping pine needles in your path. You hit dips and the road banks sending you in a different direction then where you thought you wanted to go. You persevere; you face the challenge head on and hang on for the ride. When you come out on the other side you are Rough and Ready for whatever life might throw at you next.” Then it was off to the town of Rough and Ready for some well earned ice cream and coffee after the challenging morning. We had several survivors riding this year but Woody Woodward, who is a WMF/PER mainstay, was the one on our minds and in our hearts. President of Moving Violations MC, she flew in from Boston on Thurs after recent surgery and finishing her 3rd round of Chemotherapy the day before. She accepted the Chemo only on the grounds that she could fly out to CA to lead her PER pack, Research Rules. Woody at 62 years young exhibits her zest for life by taking the lead in whatever chore needs to be done, staging us daily with that damn air horn, wearing costumes to breakfast and sharing that infectious smile with all comers. Woody’s courage in her personal fight with cancer speaks to living and enjoying life every minute of every day, regardless of the pain.

Day 3 we rode for the Future and the hope of a world free from breast cancer. This was my favorite loop with the least traffic and the best views. By this time, my pack, Early Detection, was “into a zone” as we found our line and rhythms through the turns and reacted instinctively to each other’s ride. We rode the “Gold Chain – Hwy 49” for 74 miles before our first gas stop at Jean and Jerry’s Funny Farm. We stretched our legs and like children, we enjoyed feeding the pygmy goats, oxen, lamas and Petunia the pig. The weather was cool and dark, but not wet, which was a good thing since it probably would have turned to hail or ice. We proceeded on Hwy 89 to King’s Beach on Lake Tahoe. Families playing in the park joined our Pass Ceremony where Woody took Ride Marshal duties. After passing the medallion, she talked to the children and led us all in a silly song for the kids. After lunch, we packed up and rode to Donner’s Summit for a spectacular view of Big Blue. We headed on to the I-80 for a short 13 miles then exited onto S-R 20 for more rural twisties through deep forest with granite walls.

Day 4 was Community Day to share the message of hope with our local Community. We rode into Sacramento along Hwy 70, Feather River Blvd and Nicolaus Ave. The local Susan G. Komen affiliate and a huge group of Sisters of Scota WMC greeted the PER and helped us park. Gin and Sue where Ride Marshals and officiated at the ceremony in Old Town Sac right beside a statue of an original Pony Express Rider. Grumbles led us in singing the National Anthem while Deacon, founder of CA ABATE, stood by holding her mic. She didn’t need it and foregoes the mic when singing Amazing Grace in memory of Bill and Dotty, which left us all searching for Kleenex or shirtsleeves. Much thanks and recognitions were bestowed on all as shoppers stopped by to see what was going on. We were “cut loose” after the ceremony to find a personal spot to eat and drink. Grumbles was carrying the “Messenger bag” and we brought Mr. Bill out to share a round with us before heading back up the hill. That night, the band had us dancing and the Bar was flowing for a job well down without incident or injury. We packed our gear to shove off early Sat morning for our homes scattered near and far. As Jennifer Bushman and I rode south we were hit by a downpour just out of Sacramento; it was the only weather we had to deal with all week. In the Fall of 2008, the WMF plans to honor their pledges by having the Pony Express Ride in the Smokey Mountains of NC and TN. In “Dragon Country” we will be faced with obstacles including rain, exhaustion, heat, hail, hairpin turns and no small amount of the unknown. It is how we confront these obstacles that will be the measure of our mettle. Imagine the difference we can make in the life of someone fighting the daily fight against breast cancer. Whatever we may face together on the road beats a day of dealing with breast cancer….hands down! Visit: http://www.ponyexpressriders.com/ for more info or stop by the WMF Booth at the IMS Shows, Femmoto and the Annual Motorcycle Expo next year.

Pony Express 2003

When I rode the Pony Express Relay for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 2003, I had no idea where it would go. I had just bought my new H-D Deuce in Henderson Nevada and rode her into California across the Mojave Desert. I planned to ride the Relay solo - in a group. Now that may sound odd, but I think a lot of you have ridden that way too. You see, I have ridden motorcycles since I was very young. But I had never ridden in a Run or a pack formation. I liked it that way; I was in control of my ride.

The Pony Express changed all that. I met women who were experienced not only in riding with groups; but also in leading groups. I started my ride in the back because I was on a new bike and wanted to take it easy. We had rest stops about every 100 miles or so and I got to meet some of my fellow riders. One of the first people I met was Gramps, National Liaison for Sisters of Scota Women’s Motorcycle Club. It was obvious by her faded vest with the heart and wings ”cut” that Gramps had been riding a long time. She was breaking in a new bike too and took to riding in the back of the pack with me. We became fast friends.

When she described the Sisterhood to me it was as if she was talking about her family. The experienced riders took care of the newer ones showing them correct pack formation and signaling. Respect was always key, no one ever became experienced without first being new themselves. After assessing my riding, Gramps was ready to challenge me and we moved to the middle of the pack. Through the twisties of Topanga Canyon we got into single file, I was flying. This was not unlike the foothills I love to ride at home, but quite different to ride with speed in a large group. By the end of the ride, I was in the front of our pack with Gramps leading the way.

I had an awesome riding experience but what made it unforgettable was meeting the survivors and hearing their stories. It seems that once you survive breast cancer, you have the ability to try anything. A survivor from Texas bought a V-Star and rode the entire way from Seattle to San Diego. It was her very first time on a motorcycle. Amazing!

After four days I was hooked on group riding. Gramps left me a contact number and shortly thereafter I joined the Sisters of Scota WMC. Now, I am a biker and speak of the Sisterhood as my family. Many Rides, Runs, Parades and Charity Events later, I don’t see why I didn’t join sooner. It is not like riding in a group of unfamiliar motorcyclists. We take care of each other. We know our strengths and weaknesses and adjust the pack accordingly. We take turns holding elected officer positions as our Founder Grumbles guides the direction of the Sisterhood. We range in age from 20’s to 50’s and are spread across four southwest states. We visit each other’s homes as stopover points on long rides, much nicer than any Hotel. Most importantly, we are in for life. That means whether I can ride or not, I will always be a Sister. But for now, I will continue to ride hard with my family, the Sisters of Scota WMC.

The Sisters of Scota WMC at San Francisco Pride 2005

Helldog~She rode a dark horse, and Hell followed with her.