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 Dykes on Bikes veteran Webby chats with Cath Davies about sliding down drainpipes, water bomb fights and karaoke.
Cheryl Webster, better known as ‘Webby’, grew up on the Murray River in rural Victoria (where there was ‘no lesbian scene’ at that point) and came to Sydney in 1979 “for a look”. Almost 30 years later she’s still living in the Harbour city, though things have certainly changed since she first arrived.
“We used to have to 'fight for our lives' when we went out to pubs, clubs and so on,” she tells CHERRIE.
“Many of the older dykes back then dressed like men, even strapping down boobs, and adding fake sideburns, and had high femmes as partners. They used to look after us younger ones. One time at Ruby Reds in the early ’80s there was a police raid. We were at the back bar and all we could see was people dropping and screaming from being hit by police batons. An older dyke screamed at us, ‘Quick, out the toilet window and down the downpipe!’
“In a panic my friend and I did that, and lost all the skin on our palms from the rusty downpipe,” Webby continues.
“We landed in the laneway to see police throwing unconscious girls into the rubbish skip. I am not a good runner, but I took off like a startled gazelle that night!”
Webby is renowned for her involvement in Sydney’s Dykes on Bikes (DOB), starting as a member’s guest in the mid-’90s, becoming an associate member before becoming treasurer (a position she has held for quite a few terms). The Sydney chapter of DOB will celebrate its 21st Mardi Gras in 2009, and the club has recently initiated a history project to preserve its stories. The club and also has dealings with DOBs from other states, many of whom ride in the Mardi Gras parade each year.
The club is open to licensed motorcycle riders who identify as dykes, with associate membership often available to those who fall outside that category but may wish to be involved in the social aspects of the club (or be a ‘bitch-on-the-back’). As the DOB website explains, “The club has seen a few changes throughout its time but the basic sense of inclusiveness hasn't altered that much and the encouragement and promotion of safe riding within a great social network has always been a priority and Learner and Provisional license holders are looked after during their monthly rides.”
DOBs’ trips away are legendary. They are held at a couple of locations where their members and guests can indulge in “raging fires, great food, water bomb fights after breakfast and a beautiful motorcycle ride to boot” as well as have the opportunity to go for a swim or a canoe trip.
Socialising aside, the girls from DOB are also involved in a lot of work for charitable organisations: “Our major annual charity rides are the Pink Ribbon ride in October, and the Salvos Toy Run in December,” Webby says. “We also raise funds and distribute cash to our chosen charities each year. Over $7,500 was donated for 2007 to 2008, as well as providing 'in kind' services from time to time. Our chosen charities donated to include The Luncheon Club, Monika's Doggie Rescues and the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service.”
Webby is heavily involved in organising some of the DOB public events, including the annual Bike and Tattoo show, Anzac Day activities and weekends away. She appreciates and encourages the girls who get out and supports DOB events, such as their recent Black and White Ball, because “without patrons events cease”.
“It’s fantastic that the current girls in Sydney do have some relatively safe places to go, as prior generations have made it easier,” she says. “I can't believe that I am now one of those ‘older dykes’ whose turn it is to look after the younger ones. I still avoid going past the toll gates though.”
If you are lucky, you might even encounter Webby out and about enjoying a spot of karaoke. “Now you're getting personal,” she laughs.
“Even though I do get nervous, apparently I appear ok when on a microphone, MCing and so on. I do enjoy karaoke – mostly to amuse my friends – but I am a hack, so I make up for it by trying to be entertaining at the same time. My fave karaoke numbers are ‘I'm Too Sexy’ by Right Said Fred, ‘I Love Rock ’n’ Roll’ by Joan Jett and ‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner. I don't sing slow tunes.”
DOB’s Pink Ribbon Ride, which raises money to fight breast cancer is on 19 October. DOB’s Sydney meet and greets are held on Sundays at the Hampshire Hotel in Camperdown from 5pm. For more info on this, membership and other events, visit www.dykesonbikessydney.org.au
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