Monster Ride with the Valkyrie Vixens RC

 Ghouls and goblins and monsters carousing the backroads of Ulster and Dutchess County on two wheeled speedsters . . . in the name of charity? Yes, that is exactly what happened on Sunday, October 15th, 2023, thanks to the Valkyrie Vixens RC. This was one of the most fun rides I've ever been on, leaving Castaway Marina in Connelly at the crack of noon, swooping through the rolling hills and deep yawning curves of Ulster County's hidden lanes, careening across the Mid-Hudson River Bridge, and finally landing at Juan Murphy's in Poughkeepsie. 

The ride included Ghost Rider, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, a slew of skeletons, an ape man, and the wolfman (that was me), amongst a host of other fearsome nasties. This must have been quite a sight for any onlookers who heard the hellish roar of piston pumping cycles flying through the fallen leaves of an otherwise quiet mid-October Sunday afternoon.

Besides having a damned good time, what could possibly be the purpose for such a miscreant crew of fantastic beasts to take to the streets in their v-twin fury? This was the bold effort of Valkyrie Vixens RC in conjunction with Safe Harbour’s Red Sands Project (#redsandsproject) a charity effort for those people who have fallen through the cracks of society and are left at risk to be "enslaved or trafficked and exploited for the profit of others". 

The Valkyrie Vixens RC - whose members completely embody the strength and image of their namesake - were dressed in their own stylized version of the Viking age regalia with beautifully ornate, black feathered headpieces. These fantastic women aren't just a collective of two wheeled terrors; they have a heart for charity. According to Jessi, the group's Vice President, they try to hold a festive ride every month to raise money for a variety of charities, mostly local to Dutchess County. I can only judge by this particular event, but so far what I see is a group that really knows how to throw a party. Live music from Heavy Gauge kept the spirits high as we pulled into the lot at Juan Murphy's, whose excellent kitchen and on point staff kept everything rolling smoother than a new set of tires.

I'm always a sucker for a well done Halloween themed party and this one came complete with a skeleton wait staff, an amazing tarot card reader, and even pumpkins carved with the RC's logo. I found myself wondering, are all their parties this good?

I snuck away for a moment to chow down on a burger and check out the Valkyrie Vixens RC on Facebook (they can also be found on Instagram and Tik Tok). Paging through photos of past events hosted by the all female riding club, I saw bad ass bikes, loads of leather and countless beaming smiles, which all added to the appeal of this fun loving, big hearted and thoroughly independent group of women.

I asked Lauren, a prospect who rides all the way from Connecticut just to be with the Valkyrie Vixens, what it really means to her to be with this group. For her, it's about loyalty and devotion and being with "a group of women who empower each other in what they love to do". These are women that do not wait for permission. They are not looking for anyone's approval. Just speaking with them, one can sense the pride and power of sisterhood emanating from these free spirits.

The Valkyrie Vixens RC is a fantastic group that cares about people in need just as much as they care about burning fuel and leaving their worries in the wind. They aren't here for your pleasure, but you are always welcome to join the ride. I know for sure that I will be attending every event of theirs I can make and I will never miss their Halloween costume rides.