Leader of the pack:
What began as a way for Phoenix divorcee to expand her circle of friends became a fellowship of fun-loving women
Sue Barenholtz was simply looking for some more fun-loving friends. She now leads a group of about 400 of them, known as the Wild Boomer Women.
Nervous laughter floats across about a dozen women as they head out to the football-field-size parking lot to choose the motorcycle they will ride for the next few hours. “All right, ladies, let’s go have some fun,” Sue Barenholtz calls out. Today, they are attempting a beginner’s lesson at TEAM Arizona Motorcyclist Training Center in Gilbert. Coach Earl Thompson circles the women, now sitting atop their bikes.
Barenholtz, 57, grins beneath her black and gray helmet. “This isn’t so easy. This thing is heavy,” she whispers, attempting to stay upright.
Stretched in a single line, the women follow orders and turn on their engines. “Go slow,” Thompson says. “Walk it with your feet.”
Barenholtz’s bike lurches and quickly stalls. She laughs and looks around. She’s not alone. Several women struggle against the weight
of the bikes and fight to stay upright. Within the hour, at least three will tip over. “Easy Rider” this is not. It’s one of the more adventurous outings for this group of women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, a fellowship known as Wild Boomer Women.
Barenholtz is the self-appointed queen.
After an amicable divorce in 2006, the Phoenix resident came up with the idea of coaxing female Baby Boomers out of their comfort zones with the promise of making friends and exploring new activities. Wild Boomer Women events run from the mild — bowling, going on wine tours and learning to make biscotti — to the wild — rock climbing, river rafting or pole dancing.
Upcoming events include a self-defense class and a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake outside Apache Junction.
On a recent Friday night, another dozen members turn out to bowl, down some pizza and mingle. Again, Barenholtz leads the way. She stands behind the foul line, shimmies her shoulders and takes a deep breath.
“You got it, Sue, you got it,” a teammate calls out. Barenholtz, who’s trying to pick up a spare, turns and grins. Another breath and she swings the bowling ball back and then forward, releasing it into the air about 3 feet off the ground.
It lands with a loud thud and spins down the lane toward the remaining five pins. Barenholtz stands frozen, watching as it veers left and into the gutter.
“Oh, dear, not so good,” she whirls around.
But no worries. This night is meant for fun, not competition.
The group might never have been created if Barenholtz had more friends willing to help her celebrate her divorce. At the time, she was re-energizing her career as a business consultant and thought going out with friends would be the perfect way to christen her next chapter in life.
She sent out e-mails inviting