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it for Harley-Davidson ’ s Enthusiast magazine a couple of years later . It resonated with folks all over the country , and even with some American troops in Korea , who sent letters . Gloria still has them , and treasures them still .
“ From then on ,” Gloria told this author , “ I was hooked on motorcycle touring . And pretty much since that trip I ’ ve been traveling on my motorcycle , meeting people , seeing the country – and the world – and just enjoying it .”
Reknowned artist David Uhl painted Gloria as part of his Harley Women collection . “ Gloria is a national treasure ,” Uhl says . “ To spend time with someone who remembers many of the people in my vintage paintings is a huge deal .”
I have flown to a number of motorcycle events over the years , and at virtually every one I can expect to be greeted by a little wisp of a lady named Gloria who ’ d give me a smile and a hug , and who rode hundreds and hundreds of miles – fall , winter , spring and summer – to be with us . Gloria , we love you ! – Rod Woodruff
Like anyone else , life happened for Gloria during the following decades . She met an army vet named Len and married , raised two children ( Lori and Glen ), became a highly successful Avon cosmetics representative ( working there for 44 years !) and , of course , continued riding and touring and living a motorcycling lifestyle . Along the way she made thousands of friends , earned a handful of awards ,
Five generations of Tramontin Strucks : Top row , right to left . Gloria , daughter Lori , and Lori ’ s daughters Kathy and Cheryl . Bottom row : Cheryl ’ s children Alyssa and Justin , and Lori ’ s son Gary DeSilva . That ’ s Gloria ’ s parents Ernest and Pierina Tramontin in the photo to Gloria ’ s right , and Gloria as a baby .
30 | MAY 2020 | THUNDERPRESS . NET