Santa Rosa Beach woman leads the pack of Thunder Angels

Harleys are not just for guys, ya know.

If there's any doubt, ask Vickie Gatliff.

When the Santa Rosa Beach woman was turning 50, the only thing she wanted for her birthday was what she had always yearned for: a Harley.

She got it.

These days, you will find Gatliff riding the roads on her bike at least a couple of days a week. She likes to take the bike on her twice-weekly trips to DeFuniak Springs, where she does hair for residents of the Stanley House, an assisted living facility.

When not doing the women's hair, she joins the group's "organized" fortnightly rides. However, some members of the group get together to ride more often — sometimes just to do lunch.

The groupd of ladies call themselves the Thunder Angels.

The Angels' organized rides have taken them to places such as Tarpon Springs and Atmore, Ala.

They have even used the events to support or raise money for local charities, including breast cancer research.

The women who make up the Angels come from varied backgrounds, said Gatliff.

"We have attorneys, nurses; some are very well off and some not so much," she said. "It's made up of a bunch of women who like to ride motorcycles."

There are 32 core members in the group, plus others who join the rides from time to time.

Gatliff has ridden with the group for a couple of years now, and she is the only rider from Santa Rosa Beach.

"I can't find anyone here to ride with," she said.

Gatliff has been embraced by her sisters in the neighboring county, however. Only with the group a couple of years, Gatliff was named road captain and rode in front last year.

"That was fun," she said.

The Thunder Angels is an all-female group that was founded on April 30, 2001, in Panama City. Eight women riders came together at the first meeting to promote awareness of female riders and how much fun it would be together on the open road.

According to its website, the Thunder Angels are as diverse as their bikes and have all levels of riding experience, from beginners to the most experienced riders. Members meet the first Monday of each month at various locations in Panama City. Rides are shared with spouses, significant others and anyone else who would like to ride. Owning or riding a motorcycle is not required, just a passion for motorcycles, hanging out with the girls, biker camaraderie or just enjoying the rumble of motorcycles.

For more information visit www.thunder_angels.org or phone: 850-832-3752, 850-763-1881 ext. 305, 850-763-3223, or email pamt@pettiboneconcrete.com.

A Thunder Angels Swap Meet is scheduled for Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Ms. Newbys Liquors, 8711 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. Contact Vickie at 850-585-9780 about the meet.