Alligator on the Zipper - Documentary

[matrixdutch]

Has anyone seen this movie:

http://www.alligatoronthezipper.com/

Women truck drivers aren't usually thought of as American folk heroes, yet the seven women portrayed in the documentary film Alligator on the Zipper evoke the qualities of modern day cowboys. Courageous, tough and with a fierce love of freedom, they heed the call of the road that speaks to their independent spirit.

One such driver is Patsy Van Flateren, a Belgian immigrant whose drive to succeed and overcome an abusive past has propelled her to build a successful flatbed trucking business. Another tale from the road features Jackie Wheeler, a former actress whose dream is to appear on Oprah to tell her story of how she rose from being a trucker to a millionaire by inventing a lifesaving device for drivers. The stories of these women and five others give us a candid look into the rarely viewed lifestyle of women truckers. The open highways of America are where these independent women reinvent and transform themselves and reach for their dreams.

Just as an "alligator on the zipper" refers to a blown out tire in the middle of the highway, it also references the omnipresent danger that comes from hauling their rigs long distances. The freedom of the road is empowering yet it also brings risks.

[4roses]

I've watched this before and enjoy it each time I do ... thanks for sharing. :wink: ... it's a life style that once it's in your blood ~ it's there for life.

[BeauteousRot]

Yes I've seen it.

Just recently I ran into the lady with the purple covered wagon. She is as petite as she looks in the movie. And she bought her second truck.

I expected more from that movie actually. It seems like all they showed was the women behind the wheel and a little bit of their personality but not any of the challenges we deal with such as facilities, human relations... etc.

If youre not interested in paying the 19.95 +5.00 shipping to own the (approx 1 hr) movies, rent it at idle aire for 9.95.

[dle]

I haven't seen the movie.

I will also profess my ignorance, what is the zipper?

[4roses]

I'm sure someone else can explain it better than me but .... alone the side of the road/ on the edge of the hwy - alot of states put those 'humps' - 'ridges' - as your truck pulls off the hwy .... you can feel them in your tractor .... it sounds like - - thump-thump-thump .... geezzz I wish I knew the correct word for what there called, ... anyway ... if you start to move off the road you'll feel them. They do look like a giant zipper along the side of the hwy. :wink:

[Scoe]

Rumble strips.

[4roses]

thanks Scoe :wink: for the life of me I couldn't remember what they were called ...... ever have one of those moments when your mind just goes blank ... daaaaaa

[Soladad]

Going back to the days of more 2 lane roads I was always told it was the dash line between the 2 lanes was the zipper.