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More than 125 women bikers had registered for the two-day event as of Aug. 9, said Dawn Johnson, chairwoman of Lady Biker Day. They not only come from Michigan, but from other states, such as Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio and some come from Canada.

The bikers are riding Harleys, Hondas and other makes of motorcycles, "some big, some smaller," Johnson said.

"They ride in, very few are trailered-in," she said. Johnson began riding in 2000, after a longtime interest.

"I worked at Big Rock Point and a lot of co-workers had motorcycles and they got me into it."

Women have been riding motorcycles for some time. Jane Shaw, grandmother of one of this year's participants, began riding in the 1930s on a Harley Davidson purchased by her brother, Pete.

"My brother was a patient teacher," Shaw writes in a memoir. "Soon I was riding that Harley across corn fields, down dirt roads, across streams and up hills."

Shaw joined up with other enthusiasts and wrote about the times they had. "We were not a sanctioned club. We had no by-laws to follow or dues to pay. We held our meetings in garages or tool sheds. Sure, we had 'colors'which we wore proudly. Our 'road shirts'which were dark satin with our names embroidered on them were reserved for special occasions or events. Our light-colored club shirts were for everyday riding. Instead of helmets we wore leather aviator caps complete with goggles.

"On our rides we were led by our road captain with a 'trouble shooter'at the rear of the pack. Back then it was all about the riding," Shaw said.

"I am now approaching my 90th birthday and my fondness for the motorcycle has not waned. I can remember, in detail, the good times I shared with my fellow riders and I have even given some thought to setting aside money from my monthly social security checks to purchase a trike but after grocery and rent there's not much left."

Shaw's daughter and granddaughter both own Harley's.

Funds from the event go to Camp Quality, a program that gives children with cancer a week of camping, games, campfires and a time to be a kid again.

"Last year we raised over $14,000 and the year before $21,000," Johnson said.

The event includes a welcome reception by the Jordan River Arts Council where a vintage bike exhibition will be held. A "best of show" contest is scheduled and the winner will lead the Parade of Bikes on Friday.

Safety presentations will be offered with slow-riding and tight-turns demonstrations, beginning road captain training and bystander assistance training. Local guided tours of the surrounding countryside are scheduled for bikers who want to see the area.

A cookout will bring everyone together, followed by a concert in the park and fireworks. Complete schedules will be available downtown or check out the Lady Biker Day website at: ejladybikerday.com/events.