Dykes on Bikes

By Kylie Mitchell

In 1987, two Sydney dykes went to the New York Pride Parade and amongst all the glitter, glamour and spectacle, the roaring noise of 1000 Dykes on Bikes was a bit hard to miss. Kimborley O'Sullivan and Kath Savona thought “that looks pretty damn amazing, we can do that for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras” and from there Dykes on Bikes in Australia was born. During the 90's two autonomous chapters were formed in Queensland and Victoria to continue the ideals and goodwill that is the essence of all Dykes on Bikes clubs.

As an avid motorcycle rider myself, I love nothing more that donning the leather and heading out amongst the hills with nothing but a bike between my legs and the wind racing past. The Brisbane branch of Dykes on Bikes has recently returned from the Sydney Mardi Gras where they joined up with their sister groups to head the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. Leather clad and chromed to the max, these girls certainly know how to turn heads. With hundreds of thousands of people screaming for them, not at them!

Dykes on Bikes offer regular monthly rides, nights and weekends away. They pride themselves on being a drama free, fun filled club for dyke riders, bike lovers and their friends. I caught up with the President of the Queensland branch, Vicki Ogilvie and asked her a few questions about bikes, Mardi Gras and life.

How long has Dykes on bikes been around in Brisbane, and how long have they been going down to Mardi Gras?

Dykes on Bikes in Brisbane formed in the late 90's with the Support of Sydney DOB and we have been traveling to Mardi Gras for 8 years.

Most Memorable Mardi Gras Experience?

This year all the Queensland girls wore matching military uniforms and stopped the bikes in Taylor Square; we dismounted and performed a precision military/sm drill in front of thousands of screaming fans and it was broadcast on a 40 foot screen also located in Taylor Square.

What was Mardi Gras like this year?

The parade itself was outstanding, a high like no other

How would you sum up the Dykes on bikes experience?

It was a mixed experience, the parade was unbelievable but some of the associated alcohol related behavior marred the experience for some.

When did you get involved with DOB's and what fuels your passion for Motorcycles?

I have been involved with DOB for 8 years and President for 4 years and my passion for bikes is the freedom they bring. They are sexy, loud, shiney and they vibrate and women love them, could there be a better reason?

What do the DOB girls get up to after Mardi Gras?

We attended the official DOB after party at the Hampshire Hotel. The party is organised by the Sydney girls and it's packed - 500 leather coated women, wall to wall, yum! Throughout the year we do social rides, and nights out and participate in fund raising bike runs and lead the annual Gay & Lesbian Brisbane Pride Festival.

If people would like to ride with DOB, how do they get involved?

Contact me on 0403798131 and we'll sort it out. They don't even have to have a bike, all you need is a love for motorcycles and the desire to ride.

Five from five

Best thing about being a part of DOBs?

Hanging out with amazing women.

Best ride you have ever been a part of?

A weekend away at Byron Bay.

Favorite thing to wear while riding?

Leather Chaps.

First Bike you ever owned?

A GN 250 sold to me by a Priest.

Best thing you can do on a bike without being arrested?

Perve lots!

So why not get out there and join the ride of your life. If you don't want to be a pillion, add getting a bike license to your list of things to do in 2009. Either call up a friend and get those lessons started or contact Q Ride to get the wheels moving. From my experience there is nothing like the freedom you get when you are on a bike, give it a go, ride once and you will never look back.