Rider Profile - Sylvia Spice
We were deeply saddened to learn of Sylvia's passing. I was honoured to have known her and to speak with her the week before she left us . She was a role model and leaves a legacy to be proud of. This article is now a tribute to her.
Sylvia Spice is the founder of Durham Divas and is committed to getting other women involved in motorcycling and making them feel comfortable, even if they're just starting or thinking about starting to ride.
Sylvia is 60 years old, rides a 2003 V Rod and is a professional CEO of an organization providing Home Support to the disabled. She's a Registered Nurse and has a Masters in Education. She's known for being influential in “getting people off their tush and riding” and in helping them understand that most limits they set are self imposed. Her self confidence, gentle nature and soft-spoken style are very effective in getting women to push those limits and build their own self-esteem and confidence. The rewards are self-evident.
For many years, she took pleasure in being a passenger on her husband's bike. 4 years ago, when he was no longer able to carry passengers because of a disability, she decided that if she wanted to continue riding, she'd have to learn how to do it on her own. Of course she loved it and has subsequently enjoyed 35,000 km.
Durham Divas is a women's riding group with 42 members, 10% of whom don't ride… yet. Their average age is approx. 35 yrs; they represent a cross section of occupations and ride all makes and models of bikes. They join because they're looking for other women to ride with, camaraderie, and they want to demonstrate personal ownership - showing that they can do it on their own and don't have to have a man to support them. Sylvia works hard to promote the feminine side of women riders and dispel the misconception that they are hard and tough. As with most riding groups, the Divas give back to the community and subsequently support local charities through their own activities as well as fundraising events organized by other groups.
Men are welcome to join the Divas on their rides – as long as they follow the rules and ride at the back of the group. If they choose not to, they ride separately and meet the women at a designated destination.
The Diva's riding season is full swing with regular rides scheduled, including the trip Sylvia and 11 others are making to Myrtle Beach for Bike Week.