Another letter from Karen in Wenatchee Wash

Hi Flo,
Wow-have to tell you that over the few evenings that it took me to readyour blog, you really struck a chord. Yes, you made a difference! I lovethat you're just telling it like it is. Your heart shows in your wordsand I'm positive there are many, many people who are quietly reading,absorbing the good and coming away inspired.
I was surprised that you included my note/your response in your blog! Brought tears, as I was touched that you shared my challenge.I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. She would be so proud ofyou. Yes, we all are touched by cancer in some way. And it is a hard row to hoe.I've been telling people about your ride. With pride, that is, to be ableto share something so exceptional. :) I'll continue to tell others aboutyour ride and goals.Hey-thanks for sending good vibes on the 15th.
The riding class is Friday night and all day Sat and Sunday. They provide the bikes. I think I'll dook=nervous already. LOL I really hope they have a series of bigger and bigger bikes to try out.(HTBD?!!!)Give me a call when you hit town and I'll drop in whereever you are. or stop by the house. I know you'll be very busy.
Thanks again for all that you're doing. You're a new friend, Flo!! :)
Looking forward to meeting you and everyone.
Very best wishes for a safe, fun fun trip,Karen Allen
okay all you Conga II riders down Wenatchee way, please do not let me forget to call Karen, she needs to meet some new sistas.. She is just learning how to ride, stepping out of her comfort zone and is going to come do the Conga with us for a spell but in a cage. Karen if you are reading this, please call me as we get closer. Have you come to the Conga II forum if not.. it is time love..
727-255-2911 is my cell and the forum is http://forums.delphiforums.com/Conga2/start
Come on over as we are getting near, and I check in every night!!

Crazy Horse-Deadwood

We left Keystone after a nice breakfast and headed to Crazy Horse it is 17 miles from Mount Rushmore. It was real interesting. They show you a 20 clip in the theatre all aboout it. Things like this you see in pics but when it is explained it makes it so much more amazing. They have a great museum also and I spent 20 bucks on a bike ticket. Maybe I will win the Harley..Ha. not likely,
We went to 3 more HD shops and they were all directly related to the one in Black Hills so no donations today.
Many people along the way of course were asking our story with all the pink stuff.
We were very lucky today with the weather although it started out freezing cold and good chance of rain, it ended up being quite lovely. We only put on about 200 miles today in and out of stores and all over on the twisties and exploring, Deadwood and Crazyhorse. A must see if you come to the area.
I am a tad worried about Vgirl's bike.. She has been having some starter issues, some oil issues and now lost a nut off her clutch. Keep your fingers crossed for us.. Poor gal, lost her side panel that she had just all painted up too.
We are having a blast together anyway.
It is time to start getting some serious milage on now, as we have been lolly gaggin around Sturgis area. We gunned it off to Gillette Wyoming. Tomorrow is Saturday I believe. Still just over a week before we get home. I have been playing my Conga road songs for over 3,500 miles. I dont get tired of it. Each song has a great memory to it.. I think of everyone who came out to ride all the time. So many laughs and good times together..
I will miss the road, and hate to think of the future at the moment so I wont!!!
Off to do laundry, have a good night folks and don't forget to check out the pics on facebook.
I forgot to mention there are no helmet laws in Wyoming so we are going to go free as a bird.. ha!
Vgirl had her first experience in a casino today and first experience of riding without a helmet!

Mount Rushmore-Keystone

http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?aid=2009896#/album.php?aid=2009896&id=1487299258
Todays pics above on facebook.
Today started out to be a fantastic day weather wise. I was so happy I didn't have to wear my hard cardboard coat. I can barely function in. We didn't even get out of town and a couple cool places popped up in front of us... like HOT LEATHERS.. Crikey was I tempted but I talked myself out of it as I didn't have to wear that thing for most part of the day.. We bought a few little trinkets like patches and pink mohawk hair in case I lost my pony tail, which I almost did.
We went to Black Hills HD.. and of course, I did my speel once again. The lady that manages it was just so lovely.. Instantly said, sorry I don't know anything about it, but could I mail you something or give you some small items that would fit in your saddle bags. She gave us.. 3 cosmetic bags with items in them. Very very nice of her. I tell you ..I was hard pressed to fit those in the knooks and crannys of the bike.
While I was there, I had to get a clutch adjustment.. Something just wasnt right for some reason.. Anway, the fixed it up nice, and it is all good. I had to do a little show in the parking lot of course to see if it works.. I talked up RIDE LIKE A PRO gave them all a card and said tell them Flo sent ya..
The first ride we took was a nice windy road to Vanocker Canyon. It was like doing big huge cone weaving.. Push push push... I was watching Tanya just roll through them. I was thinking about all the gals down in Dragon land and how much they would have enjoyed these roads today.. Twist but not stressful.
We went to Mnt Rush more as you will see in the pics..The ride was not long but nice, and it was getting overcast and great chance of rain., and thunder showers. We had a decent lunch took lots of pics. The sculpture is totally amazing to see. We've all seen pictures, but when you see it in realy life, it is somthing else.,
It did start to rain, and we decided against Badlands today. Hopefully we can do that tomorrow if it is not raining too bad. Decision was to stay another day in this area HTBD!!!
We did do about 100 miles of twisties anyways and sight seeing so it was a nice relaxing day.. So whey are we exhausted again..lol A good exhaustion.
We were going to go back to our cheap hotel in Sturgis, but lil ol Keystone here ,by Mnt Rushmore looked so interesting,that I suggested we get a room here. It is a nice place, but we are sharing a queen size bed to save 30 bucks. All we do is blog and sleep andway and the first one that gets to sleep is the lucky one so we don't hear the other snore..lol
So off we went down to the lovely streets of Keystone. As you know everyone talks to us about this and that. This place is so friendly. The very first store we stopped in the sweet little old lady gave us $5.00 for the fund.
We meandered up the streets and sat out this one place called DAKOTA LEATHER OUTLET!! There was some nice inexpensive leather bags, that I could use on the seat and tie down.. Motorman, please stop shaking your head ;).. I know, I like to ship things.. I sent yours home and this is just a little itty bitty thing to make my life more simple... again.
Back to my story.. this nice talkative fella was out side yacking to us and we started talking about the bags, this and that, and then of course out came the speel. I have never seen anything like it myself... I said so would you care to donate a little something?? He jumped right in and said, "Of course I would" I told him I would give him and adress to see where the money is donated and he said.. no problem and biker has never ever done me any wrong. How cool is that?? He gave us a gorgeous leather vest with tassles!! He gave me the HD batterie lit up hat.
I just want to say if you ever go to Keysone near sturgis or Mnt Rushmore pleas stop in and see Barry L. Fretz.. He is a real nice generous guy and has tons of cool stuff with great prices.
Thankyou Barry!!

Beautiful day is sturgis.

It is a beautiful day. Only 5:30 am, we slept pretty good other than the hard beds. Im' looking out side and it is georgeous. We had a great first evening catcing up on our ride getting here. Lots of laughs already.
Today the plan is to go to Mount Rushmore, I have got to take her to the Badlands, it was so beautiful. Also the Black hills. I am sure the HD, will fill us all in on where to go. Of course we have to back track to River City to the HD i MISS. Apparently he owns both places so hopefully we can get donations. Donations are just so hard to come by now. Even the dealerships don't want to donate or can't because the manager is not available. Here I was hoping that Sturgis would be our biggest donater. People I meet along the way are so interested in the story and why all the pink and this and that, but when I say I am collecting small donations along the way even a dolloar.. They say good for you... ya... I raised $6.00 in the last , weeks its been great! Oh well, we may or may not make our goal by the time we get home.
I do have to get to the dealership this morning about my clutch.

Go with the Flo to Sturgis!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2009823&id=1487299258&saved#/profile.php?id=1487299258&ref=profile
All pics and clips go to facebook.
I left this morning around 8am.. I was sure I was going to beat Tanya to Sturgis, as I do have a little more power than her. It was sprinkling when I left so I put on my rain pants, and my pink cardboard coat.. Frack, I hate that thing. Let me tell you I wish I would have listened t the Motorman and taken that lovely tassle jacket he gave me.. This thing is hidious and disgusting as I probably have said a couple times already. I am about to give it away and buy a new one, and am trying to contain myself. The soft pink Harley chaps are falling down now as they have all stretched out. It must be from all that US bug juice. I figured it was time for my electric gear as I was already freezing with 2 shirts a vest and jacke, pants chaps and rain gear..
What a site that was.. frickin wires coming every where, already feelin so damn big that I can barely move.. Now I have to figure out the electrical. People are watching me, saying hello and all. I have all of it on now, and now I need to put my helmet on.. Shit damn, why did I not put it on first.. Try it, I say..try putting a helmet on, when you are the size of an elephant now, and your hands are on fire instantly!! I had to remove the gloves and start all over again to get the helmet on. I almost asked this old man if he would do my helmet up for me, but opted against it.. I would rather suffer I guess.
The electric glove!! They burnt the shit out of me in minutes, as soon as I turned them off, my hands would freeze. Things were pretty okay, as I just had to stay on 90. Stop once in awhile at an exit to gas up. I pulled into the first one, and it was the coolest little place of and 1880 town. All the buildings are original and brought in some where from S Dakota. I could have spent the whole day there, but I knew I had to hussle my butt to meet Vgirl.
The signs that I kept seeing were for the BadLands.. I remember one gentleman at a rest stop told me it was a must. That was in Kadoka. AUnque park featuring the badlands larget petrified trees, logs fossils and fluorescent minerals. I really want to go back there tomorrow and show Tanya, if I remember correctly it is only about 60 miles.
When I was leaving the bad lands, it seemed to take forever and I was seeing no signs of 90. I thought for sure I was going to the interior of SD.. Oh dear.. When I stopped to take pics there was a man, so I asked him and he reassured me I was not lost........yet! God it was gorgeous.. I so wish someone was there to share the sights with.
Okay Flo, get on the road again.. Next destination..Rapid City Harley Dealership. 30 miles from Sturgis exit 55. I remembered that as that is the year I was born.. Easy Peasy...not!!!
As soon as you pull off 55 there is a HUGE HD SIGN... Right on, I thought,, Jenn is gonna be so proud of me as I come back with a couple t shirts or what ever to sell. heck, I am getting brave asking for stuff all on my own. By this time I had just traveled over 650 miles and 3 states, and didn't get lost!! Whoo hoo, I was even proud of me.. I kept glancing over there with all the heavy traffic, and there was not a bike to be seen. Only brand new machinery. Ithought to myself, it has to be down the road a little, that was just a major warning sign. I knew most dealerships were not far off the interstates. So.. I ride, and ride, and look and watch, and then, when I realized no HD, TO BE HAD.. I just followed the road and thought, interstate 90 would show up again. nope... I was headed for the Black Hills.. Twisties and curves, higher and higher, and colder and colder, and no pull offs.. Shit again, whey oh why, does it go this way when i try so hard.
Now I have this cardboard coat on and uturns are not the easiest to do in this gear.. Simple... 3 techniques, and don't look over there Flo as ya sure as hell don't want to go there. The coast was clear........I did it, went back the way I came, I thought and ended up in some frickin residential area on anothe damn hill. My nerves were starting to get to me.. The log and short of it is.. I went to a mall, pulled out the maps, didn't understand shit, cuz Ididn't know where I was. I aske a girl, took a wrong turn, ended up in a hotel, asked another guy, he sent me in another direction, I turned to early, had to do another damn Uturn.
I'm done leading.. I found that sob 90 again, gunned it to Sturgis and was never so happy to see a familiar face and bike.. Whoo hoo the Island grls are together..
Lead the way Missy!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are at the Days Inn, in the pet rooms, bottom floor so our bikes are right out the door..we are organizing, and bloggin of course..
Tomorrow should be a great day,... I need one and so does she, none of this power riding.. Some sun, twisties and laughs and pics.
Stay tuned.

I DID IT!!! Found my way!

I am safe sound and frickin tired, both mentally and physically.
I left Algon this morning around 8am.. Said my goodbyes to Jazzy and Steve. They were going for breaky and I just wanted to get on the show.. See if I could do it!! I am not really sure, but I believe I saw a sign in their eyes of pity, or sadness. I tried not to show, that I was sad and nervous about seeing if I could do it. I knew I would eventually find my way,or hopefully but that wind was some scarey out thar.
I knew I was heading to Sturgis in the end, so that was the most important thing to me. I was to go 18 west and they would go 18 east. Sounds pretty frickin easy don't it?? So why the hell did I go east then?? Frack ... sure happy I am good at U-turns, cuz that is what I did right smart like.
No I am not nervous... And the w ind!! Good Lord.. still 40mphr or more.. Ididn't get 5 miles down the road and I wanted to pack it in.. I kept thinking about Jazzy. It was serious shit, the normal average person should NOT be riding in that.. Work or no work... Hope you made it safely with no issues.
I just arrived and it is 4:30 I went just over 300 miles. I am in some place calle Mitchell about 300 miles to Rapid City.. Along way to go yet, but tomorrow is suppose to be less wind, and cooler. Today at one point was 95 some where that I stopped in SD.
I can honestly say I was done riding after about 15 miles this morning.. It was nasty. I saw semi's swaying, and I was white knuckling it myself. how could I only travel 15 milse and want to stop.. What a wuss I thought, but danger was setting in. The good thing there was a little town about every 15 miles, so I told myself I could ride 15 miles at a time.
I would stop for a coffee and they would say...girl.. are you crazy on that bike in this wind.. You need to get off the road for a day,.. One old bird says... I don't want to hear about no accident with a woman in a pink helmet and pink everything ya know. your mission will wait what ever it is..
I called Doc and MM, and they agreed it was dangerous.. I really just wanted to say hello and tell them I missed them, and was going on my own today.
It is always good to hear words from the wise one, in times like this. I knew it was dangerous so I thought just 15 minutes at a time, and soon, Iwas hoping to ridethrough it. I eventually did, enought that it was bareable anyway.
Here's were were the fright sets in... Sioux City... I am thinking it is just another one of these eensie beensie cities and all of a sudden it is approach fast, by passes, sighns all over the place, exit here, exit frickin there.. holy crapola.. I was not recognizing anything, so I just pulled of asap to and exit, got a guy walking into the store.. Told him I was so lost and did not know where I was going.. He said where ya headed, I say Sturgis, where ya from,, Van Isl, where'd ya come from Florida.. Poor guy, I wanted him to feel as confused as I was..
Anyway ge got me on the right track and thank gad, it was easy.
Here I thought I was going to do no interstate, but rode the 90 all the way to where I am not.. Mitchell.. I am at a Days Inn. I am very proud of myself!! I know it doesn't seem like alot to any of you, but to me it is huge. It is more than riding across the USA.. Riding alone and finding my way!!
I might just toodle off to the Corncastle in the morning alone and take a tour :)
I have to say, all the gals that have gone out of their comfort zone on this trip, kept me going... Pambliss, Chantelle, Vgirl,.. I am sure I left some out but I am dog tired and need a shower..
Ya Draggie was thinking about you and yur iron butt ride too but mine was not logged, or I may have done it... NOT!
So here I am in Mitchell, in a hotel, with all my friends.. Getting ready to set out on day too of going with the Flo..
See ya soon Vgirl, not sure when so now I am off to find you. There are some cool roads here in SD.
Apparently I am 330 ish miles from Rapid City apparently it is a huge city and Sturgis is small... who woulda thunk it?
I did it!!

Day 4 for Vgirl

Day four was a day of firsts for me.
I got to see my first ever wind turbine generator - those things are massive in person.
I also got to see a herd of buffalo.
I got to experience real crosswinds - I was leaned over and was still getting blown across the road, but I managed and kept reminding myself to relax. I will never complain about wind in BC again.
My butt is starting to get very sore after only an hours riding so I stopped at the Co-Op in Medicine Hat and bought one of those blankets that they put under horses sadles, it was a little large so I got out my handy knife out of my tool kit and cut it to fit. Still needs a little tweaking but I will do that tonight in my room.
Traveled 341 miles today. Got thourghly drenched in a mater of minutes about 2 1/2 hours away from my destination but was dry by the time I got here, now it's starting to rain here.
One bonus about travelling through the prairies is there aren't any bugs - at least at this time of year.
All in all a fabulous day riding
Tanya

Leaving Rochester to Algon, Iowa

First off, I want to say, if you want to see the pics go to Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/editalbum.php?aid=2009681&add=1
We left Rochester this morning aiming for Sioux City Iowa... The weather was beautiful. Me, Jazzy, Steve only.. has it didn't work out for the others that were to join. Plans change for Jazzy too as she has to be back to work tomorrow at one.
We stopped at our first HD SHOP right in Rochester. Jazzy said that she had been there to inquire about donations and they said the only do it to locals now.. Well, for goodness sake, she is local, and just has a loca Canadian with her, and is riding for a cause, right with me, so I decided to give it a go anyway. She was right... this woman did not want to donate a thing.. Nada.. I told here ya know you will be the first dealership from Hudson Florida that turned me down. Don't you even have a tshirt we could sell?? Well, I guess, I could give you a tshirt and she ran back, and came out with one. Now I hate to sound ungrateful.. but we both decided this no name brand tshirt would be good to clean the bugs on the windshield. I doubt anyone would want it, maybe for a work shirt, I graciasly thanked her, and left , put down the things I was going to buy and stole a free pen walking out.. I'm sure Jazzy thinks I am nutz.
Luck was not on our side today so off we went to the next one. Alber Lea, MN.. Now this this one was very firm.. NOPE,, NADA, NUTHIN!! I said are you, its for a good cause and you will be the only one from Florida that has not donated to this worthy cause. All of us Women Riders really wanted to make the HD shops our goal to stop at.. No... Thankyou very much ma'am... I grabbed a card, put down the things, I was going to buy.
Okay so not to much luck there we went to MASON CITY.. I tell you, if yu are ever passing through, it is a must stop. Everyone in there is so friend, everyone.. Again, I asked for the donation, did my speel... and the manager was not there. There was this lovely gal, called Katie Eppers... She was enthrauled about the story and asked for a web page and she would get her boss to look into it.. I said, now girl... that is simply what they all say. Sure, I will give it to you but, there will lbe nothing happening, you will forget all about it.. How's about if we go for lunch and come back and see if I can catch him then.. In the mean time, I need an oil change service tires checked, and a wash.. Would that be possible??
I went to service and had it arranged. when we come back,. I asked if the manager had come back.. I said see... that's what happenes, but thanks anyway you have been real nice.. She told me, that, although he wasn't there she did connect with him, and they told them to not charge me for the service.. Wow.. I could not believe that.. I felt bad, that it didn't go the the BC fund, but dang happy, I didn't have to dish out 89.oo, so thankyou Mason City and all you riders, I will work harder to get the donation for that nice one.
We got on the road again, and the winds were picking up.. Drastically, like my big bike, was having a hard time staying on the road. I felt like my face was aging 5 yrs every 5 minutes.. I couldl feel the stress coming in, and it was time to fill up with gas. I could see Steve weaving all over the road.. I could not imagine, how Jazzy was feeling probably double bad as me, and it was bad.
We all pull in, to yet anothe Harley dearlership just popped in, but I guess was on our list and I didn't know it. A real nice gal name Jo, was there and was the manager.. I speeled off again, and she did remember something and at first said, sorry, we only do local, and I said, you mean to me, a nice gal, like you can't give a tshirt away.. She smiled and gave us 2 pink ones, and helped us figure out what the best route was to take in the morning, and find out what the weather is going to be like tomorrow. It is not looking good. More stronger winds.
I told Jazzy and steve, they must go their separate way tomorrow, and I will find my way.
No problem... I am sure they are in their room, trying to figure out my route tomorrow. Or maybe relaxing after a wicked day on the last stretch of the road. Where does the time go?? It is already almost 8pm, there must have been a time change..
My job tonight is to figure out where the hell I am going tomorrow, I have no interest in interstae!!

Vgirls 3rd day on the road

Today was the first official day for me to ride by myself all day. Let me tell you I had some serious butterflies this morning could hardly eat any of my sisters yummy breakfast she made for me.
The first leg of my ride started off Ok cause I have driven the road many times but then it turned nasty with the most gunrenching switchbacks and I had a big truck on my ass all the way through them it felt like there was at least ten of them climbing up a mountain. After that there were only soft turns that I barely had to slow down for. I stopped twice for 1/2 each and gassed up twice. It was a little cold at each summit (three of them) but it didn't last long, there was still snow on the side of the road. Took me eight hours to get here.
Tomorrow I travel to Swift Current Saskatchewan
Tanya

Left Milwuakee to Rochester Minnisota

I left Milwuakee with Rick and Maria, and Rob this morning around 9 am , heading to meet up with Jazzygirlo/Jules. Rob was flying back to Canada to go fishing.
Rick and Maria rode with me to Madison.. They wanted to make sure I was heading in the right direction.. they knew I was kinda nervous about riding alone. Kinda!! ha, that was an understatement , but I tried ot fake it as best I could.
I sure do appreciate them going as far as they did, because it was frickin cold as soon as we got out on the interstate. I already had my electric vest, vest, long sleeves, chaps winter gloves on, and was bloody freezing. Wasn't long and I put my neck warmer on made of fleece by Mochrome. I was totally surpised they hung out as long as they did, as Iknow they were both freezing too.
We stopped for one of the best bowls of clamchowder in Madison, and I put on my rain gear as the sprinkles were starting. Here is where we were said our good bys for the 20th time, and about 20 more pictures. That Maria is a little snap happy, after she hung out with me for two day. I know she was talking pictures even as I pulled off on 18West heading for Prairie de Chain..
Omg, it was instant.. the tears started to roll down my face... Stupid.. real stupid, but I felt so alone in this big ol Country, after doing the Conga in all those state for over a week now, with all the wonderful people. I was off to meet my new family if I could find my way..
All of the sudden the number 18 was my favorite number... 18West.. just follow the signs, they say it is straight, well, all of a sudden, it was right, then left, then straight.. Crikey I thought to myself, you can do this and maybe you will learn a thing or two like how to pay more attention.
The wind was picking up big time,and it was really cold but at least it was dry,
The tears subsided, and I cranked up the tunes... on the road again!!! It was pretty hard to keep the bike on the road at times as the winds were so strong. Especially if a semi went by.
I was never so happy when I saw the first sign Prairie de Chain... I knew Iwas running late, as there was that construction on the road, the wind, and oh ya, the bowl of soup, that we needed to warm our inards.. not to mention, that silly Maria taking 20 more pics.
I pulled over to a gas station, in some little town, that was after Dodgville, so with a name like that you know the next one is pretty small. I wanted to call Jazzy and us the biffy. I go running in there and got the first look from whom I believed to be the store owner.. I felt like this big pink elefant, but didn't really care, I needed to go..
I looked in the mirror, and could not believe what I looked like.. Worse that what I thought.. My hair and all blown out from the helmet, went into some sort of dred locks... hidioius I say... hidioius.. This old bike babe, in cardboard pink leather, pony tail, with sparkles, feeling like a mishlen tire... I fixed myself up, best I could... and there was an old woman there.. Lets say middle 70's.. She steps back and looks and me and says.... Good Lord, and shakes her head to her friend.. I heard it loud and clear.. it was meant for me.. I turned around, and she was still shaking her head. She probably had been living in that little town all her life.. Still had not seen such a site, and was still shaking her head.. I really wanted to say something.. Do you know why I look so rediculous, cuz I just rode 2,500 for Breast Cancer and I have at least 2500 more miles to go.
I decided against it, I took the high road, went out to my bike, took off one of the magnetic ribbons, and as she was coming out of the bathroom, i went up to her shaking my head and handed it to her.. Chuckle chuckle!
Now I had to find Jazzie's number, use the phone that I bought in Florida for the second time. I open up the folder and the wind blows the frickin papers all over the place.. Try chasing down important documents in 50 pounds of hard pink leather and 4 layers of clothes. I could barely bend over. Anyway some young good looking boy came to my rescue, laughing, and says in his southern accent.. no worries ma'm, that happens to me all the time.
I was only a 1/2 hour a way from Eddies Iris Pub, now would that be easy to find.. yup it was.. Flo did it.. I know it sounds like and easy peasy thing to do.. but for me, it was stressful. Now I want to thank all them southern sisters of mine, and of course my vilfriends that said I could do it.. That is a good thing, cuz I have to do it again.
Jazzie will ride with me to Souix City and then I am on my own to find MZV/girl. My first home girll!! See, it is a learning experience for me.
Jassie and Steve are real nice, they had some real nice friends who came for the ride, and for an great barbeque. It was an exhausting day because of the weather,.. wind and cold and a teensie weensie stress about getting lost..
We will be on the road at 9 am for Sioux City.. just wanted to say... I Did it!!

We

Vgirl's second day heading east to meet Flo and Conga!

I had an early start to my day I woke up at 6 and couldn't get back to sleep so I try & relax by watching a movie until my brother wakes up and we go to IHOP for breaky. We return home and I load up the bike and am on the road at 10:30. Destination Mission to meet up with my new friend Willi. Arrived a little late cause I hit every red light in the city. We had a little visit and I gased up and off we went to Hope. It was a beautiful ride the sun was shinning and the rode had a few nice turns in between some nice long straight stretches. Thank You Willi for joining me on this portion of my ride, it was a pleasure finally meeting you.
After departing Hope I took my usual way to Penticton and I was about 30 mins down the road and I had to stop because of an accident. I sat there for almost an hour, then decided to turn back and go the alternate way to Penticton so needless to stay I was seriously behind schedual or at least I thought I was. I had estimated arriving in Penticton at 5 actually arrived at 5:30 but I didn't get to stop and take any breaks so by the time I got here my butt was a little sore.
My mom had made me a wonderful dinner and my sister & neice came over for a visit as well.
Now it is time to rest up and prepare for tomorrow's adventure.
Tanya

Sunflowers version the being bit by the Dragon

I couldnt have told it better myself Michael!
I was going too fast for the curve and I knew it, I should have down shifted to 2nd around that curve...Ive rode the dragon 2 other times, and had no problem with it, but rode it in 2nd, straight always in 3rd. A HUGE lesson learned for me.
Im so glad you managed to go over me too...hitting the mountain probably saved us both. I really have beat myself up over this, as it was your 1st time on the dragon, I felt very bad that you didnt get to finish and slay it.
I wanted to ride further with Flo this year, I was very disappointed in myself for the bad decision I made and the consequences I had to face. I can remember seeing you fly over me..and yelling " Michael, are you ok?" I believe I was in shock, I tried to get up several times, and had to sit back down. Then I seen you and your face bleeding, after the bikes were taken across the street, I heard you talking about your ankle..I was trying to get my DH on anyones cell, wasnt working.
One of the guys rode me to the store, and I used the phone. The paramedic there checked me out, I told her about you, she said we needed to get you down there asap. I was on the phone with my insurance co. about having my bike towed, and one of the ladies said that some of the guys bring trailers just for this purpose, she went out to see if she could find one to help, thats when the guys in the jeep came in place...they rode me back up, got my bike down the mountain, and I had told them about you, that you needed a ride down, so we got ya, and went back down, I went into the store and told her you were there, could she please come out and look at you. Then everyone from the conga started coming in....
Thankful she was there to check us both out.Both of us were very lucky! Minor injuries to us and to our bikes. My bike has to have new windshield, exhaust, saddle bags, highway bars, rear brake light, front fender, rear fender trim, trim on radiator. I hope your recovery is fast and you heal well.
HUGS to you and Marion!!!!

Day of Rest in Miluakee!! Milwauke Amigos rock!!

My new friends Maria and Rick are two of the nicest people. They had the RV set up for 6 people. It is a real roomy and lovely place. I got all my laundry done, and blogging and stuff. Packed and repacked the bike. I have decided to send the extra MM luggage home with Rob, he leaves tomorrow. I was not liking the extra weight at all. Today I rode with out it, and it felt so good I decided to let er go.. like LD said... anything you dont have you don't need and if you do ... buy it.. I have been wearing mostly conga shirts or pink, so byby to the rest. Motorman, you'd be proud of me. you always riding on my shoulder ya know.
I'm riding damn good too. :0) I did a couple little show's in a couple parking lots for my new friends, and of course talked RLAP alot. Don't be surprised if you get some new clients. There is a bunch of fairly new riders,. and they were dead interested in your dvd. I was handing the cards out and doing my speel to everyone that donated.
Maria was puting on a barbeque in memory of her mother whom passed away of Cancer. She told me, every penny was going to the Conga fund. It was from 11-3 in the afternoon, and then we were all to go for a nice ride. She was apologetic as she said she hadn't organized it very long. I couldn't believe she was doing it for us.. I only met this couple in Mexico for about 1/2 hour this winter. We had talked Conga, and they had told me, they lived in Milwuakee. About 2 weeks ago, she emailed me and askedd if it was still on.. I was thrilled and she had room for at least 6 ppl.
As it turned out it was just Rob and I.
Anyway at barbque, I decided to pull out all the tshirts I had picke up along the way from the HDships.. Patches pins, that me and Louise donated.. conga bracelet, and the feathers that Priss and the gals made.. also the magnets from MOchrome.. Whelp... 450 bucks later goils... it is donated today.. Wasn't it a party!!
Later there was 12 bikes altogether. I was the only female who rode her own. I can honestly say, these people were awesome, and I felt like I had know them for years. It was magic.. Bikers are magic, we are all one big happy family. From state to state, in never ceases to amaze me how eveyone is so kind and helpful and caring. We were hugging and giving well wishes, come back soon Flo... Next year I want to ride alot longer in the Conga.. Milwuake said, if the Conga comes again this way, that will be a huge fundraiser.. I personally thought it was huge!!
One complaint about Milwuake.. it seems every road, needs fixin.. Some rough roads round this here area.. yoik.. Did alot of swerving in and out.
Maria says next year she is riding for sure... she has had a bike but doesn't feel comfortable enough to hit the streets or heavy traffic.. I will be sending them the dvd... Ya'll know the one ;)
Thanks so much Maria and Rick for everything in Milwuake..
I am sure I am missing alot of detail, but my eyes are hanging once again, and I am off to Conga with Jazzygirl and the gang in Prairie de Chain tomorrow, Hitting the road at 9 am.. If you want to see pics go to Facebooke......flo fuhr vanisladyriders@live.ca

Words from Michael

492.1
Okay, this is gonna be kinda long.
On Thursday, my wife (Marrion) rode home to Claxton, GA from Murphy, NC with Cindy (Trixie), went to doggie day care and picked up our fur baby, returned home and got some sleep.

Friday morning Cindy brought her motorcycle trailer (this thing is GREAT, the bed lowers all the way to the ground, easy loading!) and she and Marrion hooked it up to our Explorer. Marrion drove back to Murphy to get me and my bike at Sharon and Don's house (6 hours) and back home (another 6 hours) with me lying across the back seat, my foot propped on a pillow.
All told, my injuries are a broken right ankle, broken left thumb, bruised ribs on the left side, bruise and scratches on my right jaw. I'm not in as much pain as I thought I would be, actually I feel pretty good, considering what happened. The most pain is coming from my ribs.
As for what happened, for my part it was “Target Fixation”, pure and simple. I was starting into a sharp left curve when I saw Denise (Sunflower) go down in front of me. Why did she go down? I don't know, I wasn't paying that much attention to her until it happened and then I just couldn't take my eyes off of her.
Of course we all know that where you look is where you go and I was headed right for her, to my horror. By this time I knew that I was crashing, but I decided that I was NOT going to run Denise down in the process. I managed to ride into the hill around the right side of her and her bike, up around the back of them where my engine guard dug into the dirt (I'm glad it wasn't solid rock!).
I wound up down in front of her bike. I got up off of my bike and went to check on Denise who was still on the ground. She seemed to be okay, no bleeding and no apparent broken bones. Her bike seemed to be okay except for her right muffler which was bent out about 70 degrees from the side of the bike and a broken windshield. My bike had bent engine guards, a bent shifter and a broken windshield. I helped pick up the bikes and push them across the road to a clear spot where some other bikers had stopped before we came along and they had immediately come to our aid.
It was then that I noticed that my right ankle was beginning to hurt, I had a couple of small cuts on my right hand and blood on my chin from a scrape on the right side of my jaw. The other group, in which Marrion was riding, came around the curve and I told her to go ahead because I wanted her to finish her ride, which she did.
Unlike me, Marrion has slain “The Dragon”. Gypsie and Trixie (Cindy Daves and Cindy Taylor) had turned around and come back to see about us. Gypsie helped me bandage the cuts and abrasions on my hands and jaw and made me sit by butt down to take the weight off of my increasingly painful ankle.
Trixie went to the end of the Dragon to let everyone know what happened. Denise got a ride back to the Deal's Gap Resort to try to call her husband. I guess she told someone there what had happened because soon a guy came along on a bike that appeared to be set-up for supermoto racing. He checked out the situation and made a run back down to the resort. Soon he returned with a couple of guys (Kyle and Vern) in a Jeep Cherokee with a trailer with Denise in the back seat.
They removed the broken part of her bike's muffler and someone rode it down to the resort. Then the guy with the supermoto bike managed to ride mine down while Kyle and Vern picked up my broken butt and put me in the car. Denise got in and we rode down to the resort to wait for everyone to return. One of the staff at the resort, Jade, who also happens to be a paramedic checked me out and wrapped up my ankle.
Everyone had to come see how I was doing and I met Flo's husband, Rob, who flew down to surprise her at the Dragon. Sherry's husband, Gene, rode home to get his trailer and drove back to get me and my bike. He took me to the emergency room in Murphy and waited for HOURS (we had some great conversations) until he was relieved by Sharon and my wife. I signed in at the hospital at 5:00pm and was there until 2:00am.
I want to thank Sharon and Don for letting us stay with them in their beautiful home and for all of their help and hospitality. Thanks to Gene and Sherry for all of their help. Thanks to everyone for their concern. Denise, quit beating yourself up on my account. You didn't cause my wreck, I did. I'm just glad that I didn't run you down after my mistake. I hope you are feeling better and that you get your bike back on the road soon. As for me, I'm afraid that I will miss most of the summer riding season. Oh well, stuff happens.

Next stop will be Eddie's Irish Pub

Yes, we are still planning on meeting up with you in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The spot I suggested is Eddie's Irish Pub (800 S Marquette Rd, Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821). That way we can all have some lunch before we head to Rochester, Minnesota. Draggie thought you'd make it to Eddie's by around 1:00, so we'll be their eagerly waiting!

Vgirl/ Tanya send off for Conga

About a dozen bikes or so...
About 8 went with her to Nanaimo. Dragon Boat ladies did an arch for her and the others. They turned right onto Erickson and went up To Dogwood, Jubilee to the Hwy. Probably about 30 or so people turned out to see her off. It will be quite an adventure for her...as it HAS been one for you again.
Take care...saying a prayer for your safe ride home.
Dave
Tanya is on the road heading to Sturgis to meet me. For those of you who dont know she lives in the same town as me. She has been riding only a year. This woman is absolutley amazing. She is on a mision, to start her first riding adventure alone. To help a friend in need, (me) and to help raise money for Breast Cancer. She has just finished taking her bike apart and putting it back to restore it. There is no doubt in my mind that she will not get lost, like I would.
Tanya was the first to support me in RLAP last year in the parking lot, so I know she knows how to ride, we spent hours..days riding circles together.
So missy, if you get a chance to read this, I am having a great rest day, here in Milwuake with Maria and Rodriques.
The funny thing is.. Cookie had to leave, Rob goes back tomorrow, and I have heard nothing from the people I am to be traveling with to go meet you. I'm just going to go with the flow, get my little map attatched to my windsheild...come find ya...I have my phone still...lol
We will see things could change in the next while. Ride Safe!!!!

Hey Ladies (& the few dudes)
I cannot begin to tell you what this last week meant to me and sharing time with those who I have met in person. This week will always have a beautiful place in my heart. And OMG, the laughs we have shared. I will never look at hotel luggage carts & bungee chords the same again, Patti. I also have Conga lessons on my to-do lists because I want to be able to shimmie like Ms. Kaye. Also on the same lists is cowgirl lessons so I can slap it like the Doc. Like Kaye & Debbie, I rode home with a clown smile. The last 4 hours of my trip was in steady rain and that couldn't even dampen my spirits - it just meant I got to spend a little more time on my bike since it slowed me down. Yes Donna, it is possible for me to even go slower than I did! :)
I do want to give a special shout out for Sherry (VSTARMTNGAL) and her wonderful hubby Gene. They were the hosts for Chantelle and I and we could not have been better taken care of. There was even bottled water on ice in our room waiting for us. Thanks bunches Sherry & Gene - love you both much!
Whether you are joining the Conga, traveling home from it or riding around for the pure joy of it, safe travels to everyone this weekend!
Pam

Milwuake with Maria and Rodriques

Maria and Rick, arrived just minutes before Cookie had to fly home to be with her hubby. They got to meet, and there was instant hugs and support. I know she would have really enjoyed their company. I was feeling really sad that she had to leave, especially, knowing what she had to face. I have been travelling with her for a full week, and felt a special bond. Like I was taking care of her, like my daughter, not that she needed it.. just advice on the road once inwhile. She was doing great!!
We went straight to the Milwuakee dealership and there was a HUGE, block party of hundreds of bikes.. My first thought was, holy shit, if everyone gave me a dollar, I would have a great donation amount.. I went to ask the managers, and they said they dont allow that at these functions anymore.
People were really staring at me in pink.. Someone called me pinky Tuscadero.. It was so tight parking, and here I am with a Ride Like a Pro on my bike. I was in my cardboard hot pink, jacket from Packistan.. Not feeling comfy.. If I ever had to use all of me RLAP skills, now was the time.. Shit...........infront of hundreds. I managed!!
I talked to alot of women that wanted to hear the story and asked how long I was riding. They were shocked, and told me, they wanted to so bad. I told them, hell, girl, if I can you can... I passed out alot of RLAP cards so I hope ya'll get someone calling saying Flo sent me.
We are now at Rick and Maria's. They are so nice, and have this big awesome RV, set up for at least 6 people and it is just Rob and I ... Where is everyone, so I explained and now with Cookie gone... The ol Conga Line has certainly diminished.. Tomorrow, we are having arride with a group of friend of R & M and then the barbeque.
Okay all for now.. Please leave Chantelle/Cookie a not of encouragement.

What a day!! Very Good..Very Sad!!

For pictures, please go to facebook... vanisladyriders@live.ca
This morning started out great!! The guy we met c oming in at the rain storm, did meet us for breaky and led us to UkesMiluake Dealership. I am telling you, I can n ot imagine, if I was on my own, or even the 3 of us.. Chantelle, Rob and I , we were all a little nervous about getting there, as we had to go through Chicago. I guess we wouldn't have had to, there are long ways around, but t hen we would have rode in Chicago.. Friction Zone Flo, stepped up to the plate. It was either use it or loose it.. Very heavy traffic, never mind looking around to try see anything. 3 lane back to back... yike!! I would like to say thanks so much Brian, it was a true pleasure, ya got to love the biker comeraderie, and you certainly stepped up to the plate. If you ever get up to our way please look me up, there is alot of cool bikers and nice roads on Van Isl to show you.
The first thing I did when I entered the dealership was buy a ticket on a brand new Harley.. They said they ship to Canada... ha.. wouldn't that be something. Anyway they didn't know anything about the ride, but donated a tshirt.
The sad part is no sooner than Brian left... Cookie and I were ready to go into spead some money. She had a lot of phone calls to respond to and I could tell the news was not good. Her husband was in a bad motorcycle accident.. He is in the hospital that she works in. He has a broken leg and some severe road rash.. Poor Chantelle.. omg, I didin't know what to say.. Her biggest concern, other than her husband of course was who was going to take me to the next destination. She was planning on riding to meet Jazzygirl, which is only 180 miles.. Okay I got to figure this one out but sooo... It may take me awhile or run into another adventure of some kind but.. go home Cookie be with your man..
As it turned out she had to ship her bike home, and book a flight home. I have to say one thing, this Dealership, took care of everything.. They got her in the office, made the calls, gave her a ride to the airport. It all happened so fast and so smooth. She was to fly out at 4:30, so I am sure she is safe at home now with her man. Her bike will be shipped when she is ready.
What a horrible way for her first long trip alone, and her portion of the Conga.. Cookie I love you, and don't worry you got yur Milwuake tshirt, but it is doing the Conga with me.. Send me your adress in a couple weeks.
Please know that I am thinking of you and hoping that things are not as bad as might be thinking. I am glad you got to meet Maria and Rodriques... They are wonderful hosts!!

Miss Flo,
Sorry I didn't get to ride with you this year. But I truely enjoyed our visit. What an honor to hug and talk to my wonderful BC girl. And I was so lucky to meet Rob, too. Enjoy your ride home. Prayers for good weather and SAFE travels til you reach your Island.See You on the Forums:)Miss and Love You
BethCherokee County Georgia

Note from Kaye

Oh WOW!! What a wonderful article! That is too cool!
I just arrived back home - Deb and I split off from Pris, Patti and the Pensacola cops around Sweetwater, TN, after a marvelous ride on the Cherohala Skyway this morning. We experienced riding through a CLOUD - (NOT fog, it was a big-ass CLOUD). Spooked us all a bit, but everyone made it fine. Donna and MaryAnn were smiling ear to ear when we stopped for a break. It is a more fun road than the Dragon, in my opinion.
I think, other than yesterdays's accident, that everything went off REALLY well. Pris and Patti sure outdid themselves at Pensacola to make it super for all of us. Don't you just love those two? Debbie sure enjoyed everyone. I do have some way-cool friends. LOL
Speaking of the accident, I am so thankful that the injuries to both Denise and Michael were not life threatening. The bikes can be fixed or replaced - our friends can't. That road is NOT something to be taken lightly. It WILL bite your ass, if you let your guard down for even a nano-second. Always remember what I said - "I'd rather be laughed at for going slow than prayed over for going too fast."
Wishing you safe travels, good roads and especially fun times as you continue the Conga. I'll be watching the forum for your progress.
Love you muches!
Kaye

Letter from Pam

Hey Flo & Donna
Girlfriends - I don't even know where to start. I still can't believe I am home and my short time on the Conga is over already - it happened so fast!
My first Conga will always be a beautiful memory in my heart. The friendships formed will not be weakened by time or distance. I know that I do not ride as fast or with the confidence that all the other ladies do but I am proud of the fact that I always rode my own ride and stayed true to my skills and abilities. I am sorry if it created conflict or concern with you.
I am glad to hear that both Sun and Michael will quickly heal and be able to tell their tale of the Dragon.
I am thankful that things worked out for Marianne to be able to join us. She is such a jewel and was very helpful to this newbie.
I hope everyone continues to enjoy safe travels after the Dragon mishap. Love you both much and I highly value the time I have spent with both of you. THANKS can't even come close to expressing my gratitude.

See you on the forum Ladies

Pam
Niceville FL

Tonight in Lafayette

The weather is sucking right now.. I am hoping we dont get this shit tomorrow. A guy rides on on his new bike soaked to the gills. He looked wet and freezing and waiting to get a room. I told him in a very short time, about the Conga and asked him if he would care to ride with us a spell. He actually lives in Miluake, so we don't need an escort to the dealership as he has agreed to meet us for breaky and lead the Conga to Miluake... He works for Harley.. not the dealerships.. his name is Brian, and I am sure he is probably reading the blog right now.. I told told him he needs to check out RLAP, gave him the card to check out Ride like a Pro.

Check this out... Conga hits new in Kentucky!!!

http://www.wlky.com/news/19473915/detail.html

GoVgirl!!!!! I will be there in Spirit!!

Riding for breast cancer research
Dan MacLennan, Courier-IslanderPublished: Friday, May 15, 2009
Campbell River's Tanya Loiselle heads out of town on her motorcycle tomorrow to take part in a women's cross continent ride to raise money for breast cancer research.
She's heading for the Harley Davidson mecca of Sturgis, South Dakota to meet her friend Tannis Fuhr, known as "Flo", and escort her home along with other riders as part of the Women Who Ride Conga for Cancer.
That's farther than Loiselle's ever gone before.
"I like a challenge," she said Wednesday. "I've been looking at the forecast every day hoping it's going to change and currently they're actually forecasting snow in one stop already. I'm like, 'Oh My God!'"
The idea started last year when Fuhr bought a Harley and decided to ride it home from Florida rather than having it shipped. Friends and family were concerned about her riding across the country on her own, so she ended up with assistance from many of the friends she had made on an on-line forum know as Women Who Ride. The forum members banded together to give her an escort and the WWR Conga was born. Along the way she raised a small amount of funds that she donated to the Cancer Society in memory of her riding instructor.
Now Fuhr's doing it again. She left Florida May 9 on the WWR "Go With the Flo" Conga 2, hoping to raise $10,000 for breast cancer research. They've already raised more than $6,000. They're stopping at Harley Davidson dealerships along the way. Dealerships have been contributing funds and donating items for auction.
Loiselle expects to meet Fuhr in Sturgis next Thursday with plans to return to the Island and Campbell River June 1.
"There are quite a few people from all over the Island, lady riders who are going to be joining us as we get off the ferry in Victoria," Loiselle said.
As for the departure, "I'm leaving the Shell station in Willow Point at 2 p.m. (Saturday)," she said. "I'll be there by 1:30 if anybody wants to come and visit and say hello."
To learn more and/or contribute, check out .

Indiana with Digital Rodey -HD shops

We left New Haven this morning headed to meet up at the Louiseville for breaky t his morning and to meet up with GG, O.J., Jeff. I believe they rode 140 miles to get to us. As we were pulling in I saw them waving, and also the news was there. We had no idea they were going to be there. Me, Gypsie, and Rob were interviewed. I am sure I was a blumbering idiot, stuck for words. Gypsie is lovely and full of words, just the right words. Gypsie was kind enough to lead us there, have breaky and turn back.. I hope you made it home safe Gyps... miss ya already. Every dang time some one leaves that I have spent days with it is so hard.
Here is the adress WLKY 32 NEWS CHANNEL ncollins@hearst.com
You will probably check it out before me, as usual, I am behind on stuff. I need a day of rest soon, tomorrow should be laxadazy!!
Back to the dealership in Louisville. The little breaky was fantastic, bagel, cream chees and assorted fruit, orange juice , coffee and water. The gals were all real nice, and friendly. They all wore pink Harley shirts for us and had little weclome Conga signs. They have donated a Harley Clock, to auction off, when I get home. Thank goodnes they are shipping it home. Most of the girls donated some money and I gave them either on of Priss's feathers, or a magnet. Everyone that donates gets a little something. We were there about an hour and Digital Rodney and Kasey were only 30 miles away so that worked out great. As we were pulling in, I could see them with their camera as he too did an interview, and filmed us riding through wonderfull Indiana.
GG and the gang didn't ride very far from there, as they had a ways to go back too.
Of course we did take lots of pics so you will have to go to face book to see them.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1487299258&ref=profile

The ride on the back roads around Indiana were extremely beautiful. At times it was like the Dragon. Many curves some real tight ones and some up and down hills like a roller coaster, beautiful farms and creeks. The smell of fresh cut grass and dead racoons all over the place. I was thinking about Chantelle and knew she was probably getting tired, and we had a ways to go. I think we probably did a couple hundred miles of mostly twisties.
We also went to the HD in Lafayette, and they had cookies and lemonade for us. A real friendly bunch. They donated, quite a few items which I sold most in the parking lot. heck they even booked us a room... Very nice people!!
They took us for a lunch at Mayberry restauarant, where there is memorbilia of the Andy Griffith show. It was Rodney, Kasey and John, that were there, and I have to tell you it was great company.
We changed our plans about staying in Hammond as we were all exhausted.. I hope that didnt cause any problems anywhere. We are down to just me, Rob, Cookie!!! We are staying at a best Western. Now for those that are traveling wear pink and say you are on the BC Ride, they didint even ask for proof, but I think our helmets gave it away. We got it halve price,
Another short and sweet situation with Rodney. All of you who couldnt make it sure missed out!! He is going to make a movie out of the day and sell it, for donations to the fund.. dang, I hope more than me and Chantelle will buy.. He you will get to see the wonderful roads.
Thankyou all, and John, thanks for your generous donation. Don't forget to call Ride Like a Pro and tell them Flo sent ya.
Going to chill out for awhile and put some money on the fund... whoo whooo!!

Tomorrow

We are headed to Louisville tomorrow morning for breaky at the HD.. I have to call Rodney when I am ready to leave.
I am suppose to meeting up with a bunch tomorrow, but haven't hear from anyone else. I am suppos to be meeting GG.O.J.,Yammiegirl, Nathan... hmmm it is too late to call anyone, so we will see what happens. I actually have not hear from anyone other than Rodney for a long time. Cant find them on the forums even. We shall see what happens.
I have heard from Kaye, she is home safe, and Doc and Marianne are enjoying the curves heading home,.
Goodnight all!

Another frickin adventure... One we would like to do without!

Okay... another eventful day... It was the shortest milage about 300 and we just got to New Haven at 10.pm........why!!!!!!! Little Miss Chantelle had a flat tire... Funny thing is we had discussed it in the morning as she had heard a hissing sound on her bike. She asked us if her tire was seeping or was it her muffler making a sound. We all said, I dont think its your tire. She was paranoid as being a new rider, she has already had 3 flats. I was riding behind her, and was paying attention of how she was taking the curvs today, and thought she was doing real well. Then these big windy curves we were on and she starte to shake.. I remember think.. sup cookie... ya scare or something you are loosing it.. I glanced down at her tire...and thought omfg.. its almost completely flat, so I buzzed by her and said...pull over. It probably wasn't the best place but, I was more concerned about her. I never witnesse a tire go completely flat and did not want her loozing control.
So we had some bonding time getting to know each other a little more and discussing the last couple of days..All apart of the adventure, everyone handled the situation great. Afew stopped by to see if they could help, or tow us or fill it up with air. One guy donated 20 bucks after he heard our story. He had just lost his mom 10 weeks previous to BC.
we had to wait along time for the trailer to come get it, then we had to wait at a HD dealership in Cookieville
Just seams to be one thing after the other...
Jeez I miss Louise!!! I miss everbody.. We have had so much fun through all of it.. I want to say again.. thankyou to everyone so much. I am not going to say names just everyone. you know who you all are, and I love the heck outa ya!!
Now that I know that everyone is ok all the fond memories pour into my head all the way down the highway.
Today it was just Gypsie, Chantelle, Rob and I till we got to I forget where it was where KYdragon and Scraggy were. I guess they were waiting for quite some time. We got a little visit on before we hit the road, and then stopped to put our clear glasses on and it was getting dark fast and the deer were popping out and dancing all over the place. If it weren't for one vehicle going by at the exact right time, we would have had another issue.
Ky and Scraggie were real nice, and had there conga shirts on to greet us.. We already had a room booked so here we are just nestling in, and they will ride with us partway to the Louisville HD.. They dont want to go there because of all the traffic. So it will be a short visit with them.. Short and sweet..

http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?aid=2009419#/profile.php?id=1487299258&ref=profile

Facebook is the place to see all the pics.....
We are up early... it is time to get on the road again.. I had to say goodby to most yesterday, it was very emotional for me..
Just so glad the Sun and Michael are going to be okay
I have to say goodbye or so long to my buddies Doc and Marianne.. :(
This morning we are leaving at 9 am ,,,Gypsie, me, Rob, Chantelle heading for Kentucky...

Weather is overcast and looking a lil chilly...
by for now..
He.. Kilboy pics are gonna be great I hope.. I am sure...
Killboy is watching us... thanks for coming Killboy an taking care of our Conga friends!!

More of that damn Dragon

So..anyway... I'm f'd... I am a Ride Like a Pro..fanatic, and freeked, cuz my two Conga buddies got bit by the f'n Dragon... Not happy.. but happy cuz they are alive. and if you see the clip which at some time I will post...HOW NOT TO RIDE THE DRAGON..nOW is just not the time..
Anyhow we are all good.. I get off the bike.. more pics... yup..ya gotta believe it...I am so stunned about what happened..stunned.. gob smaked.
So I get off the bike, there is my buddy Doc ready to snap ANOTHER FRICKKIN PIC!!!!! I'm ready, dont knwo who the heck is standing besid me now, but I put my arm out ready for the pic.. I am lookin at Doc... like get on with it Doc...take that frickin pick...Suddenly, I looked to my left to see who the heck was takin ia pic with me.. Look left...ROB...........YA GOT TO BE KIDDIN ME!! Yup ther was Rob, my man, checkin out his bike... going with the Flo and the Conga, right after the Dragon bit a couple of Conga riders.. Now that was a sight to behold, if I could down load the clip I would do it...
Be sure to go to Conga Flofacebook

More of the Dragon!!!!!!

All my posts go to Facebook with all the pics... please go here

http://www.facebook.com/friends/?ref=tn#/profile.php?id=1487299258&ref=profile


Okay... Here is the scoop.. There were 18 bikes....We split up in groups... Slow and virgin Dragon Slayers were at the back left in Gene's hand to take them slowly through. Mariann led the group of the faster more experienced ones. Marianne rocks... no question about that!!! I felt safe to be behind her. It was going fantastic as far as I was concerned. It was me... behind Marianne, then Curvs/Debbie, Sunflower, Michael, Trixie, Doc, Gypsie behind Doc......other than that is doesn't matter at this point...
I was keeping up to Marianne, feeling good, and then all of a sudden, I knew I was not keeping up, I was riding my own... I kinda felt sad because I didn't have her to follow her lines.. Not sure if I was feeling confident or lost... I suddenly had an OH SHIT MOMENT!!!!!!
Okay, I said to myself, the was the biggest f'n warning you will every need, I had Rob's face flash infront of my face... Im sayin to myself.....NO... NO..NO FLO... its Rob's bike... then I heard Motorman, Docdonna, Marianne, say....look through the turn, throttle up!!!!!!!!!!! I weaved, and scared the shit out of Curvs, and also Doc, and I didn't even know she was behind me... She was screaming out loud....NO FLO...PLEASE NO FLO...THROTTLE UP...
Little did I know, she had just witnessed a near fatal crash of Sunflower bashing into a wall. I can not describe it, as I didn't witness it.. Then seconds after, Michael, glanced at Sun... do not... look at anything you don't want to ride into...that is exactly what he did..He fixed on Sun... she was the target.. We have clips of him riding right over top of her..
So at this point, I myself, still knew nothing, after my oh shit moment, I got it together, and we met at the agreed meeting point, Marianne was waiting on the side of the road.. I was so happy to see that yellow bike, you have no idea, and it wasn't for Sun, it was for me.. I was glad it was over. But damn it, had to do it all over again..
In the mean time,we are off our bikes, and here comes my buddy Doc... she gets off her bike, looking all flustered and I knew something was wrong. She say.. omfg... I just witnessed Sunflower drive into the wall and Michael followed her.... I wanted to PUKE!!! Instantly...God no...are they okay... I have no idea she said, I don't know, but I saw it and I can't say if they are okay.. We were all sickened.. the tears coming and I didin't think I would be able to get back on the bike.. how could this happen to the Conga..
It has been perfect up till now.. I had visions of the worst thing you could imagine..
Seconds later along came Michaels wife Marrion and we started talking about the accident which she had saw two bikes in the ditch , on top of each other.... Omg she said who was that?? We told her and she said, I just saw Michael, and he waved me to keep going.. We were so releaved that, we at least knew he was okay, whether the bike was or not, did not matter. Now we had to worry bout Sun!!
We were all sick, but we had to decide to go back.. Just before we left Trixie, who was at the scene for all this time, came in and said... she is standing, she is okay, not sure about her bike tho..Okay.. it is all good, the Dragon bit, but left them alive..
Crap... what a day....THERE IS MORE TO COME.... to make this day complete, more excitement and all.. Some good stuff too..

The Damn Dragon Slayed Sun and Michael

Okay before I start this ................I want to say, they are okay!!!! Michael is off to the hospital, with what we believe is a severe sprain or broken ankle. His bike is being towed. Sunflower is okay, today that is....she is going to be very sore tomorrow I am sure, probably both of them will be hurting units. Her bike is also being towed also and she was debating wether or not to leave her fishtail, pipes on the tree of shame. She decided against that because they don't make her particular brand any more. I bought her a stuffy of a dragon, to snuggle up and think of the Conga, that she wont be able to finish to Milluake with us. She will be with us in Spirit, big spirit!!! I bought Michael a patch, and told him...notice it did not say... I slayed the Dragon.. he laughed. They will both be here for the barbeque tonight, and Dale is coming to get Sun.. She is a trooper, I will say that, she more worried about not going farther on the Conga , than she was about herself or her bike.. Michael is mad at himself, and I so know how that goes, but they will get over it with help from their friends, so please send them a note of encouragement... SHIT HAPPENS!!!!
All for now!!!

First off I want to say, that all pics will now be put in facebook, here is the link, if you are on not my friend yet get me to add you as I will not be adding pictures here any more, as the blog is taking too long to down load. There is a feed that takes the who blog over there.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1487299258&ref=profile

We left Lagrange for Murphy North Carolina with I believe 18 bikes. The weather was a little crispy in the morning. For me it was a typical Vancouver Island weather kinda morning. I still wore my half gloves while everyone wore their full gloves and balclava wishing they had there woolies on,.. I finally used my pink fringe coat, and felt like the oversized pink elephant...lol It was all good, even though we thought we were going to run into rain, everyone was grinning from ear to ear. I would crank up the song Conga and get every one smiling waiving and ready to dance. I'm sure the conga will be worn out by the time I get home.
I had made up some Conga Road song tunes plus had some given to me, It was like every state I came into, the song would come on.. Like Sweet home Alabama,, or Geoooorgia....Geoooorgia,
ask we were pulling into meet Gypsie and the gang, on came Chatanooga, and not long after I saw a sign Chatanooga River.
The weather changed to sunshine again. We pulled over , had lunch Tom's place got to have a nice lil visit with all the folk that just got there. Tsb, Joe Friday and Linda, were not staying they just came for the little jaunt as she had to work.
Ocoee Gourge is where we stopped to take pics ... It was so beautiful... the roads were getting nice a curvy.. not really twisties yet but you can tell they are a comin. I am having fond memories of last year.
As usual Gypsie my friend, is the hostest with the mostest,... I can smell the bacon cooking now. Her place is like a log house out in the wildnerness ...evn though it is not far from anything. A couple of acres of land and nothing to see but tree's birds and other wild live. absolutely amazing.
The group has split up, Sherry, Sharon took some of the gals and a few stayed at the motel. We were all suppose to get together last night but after a full days ride, everyone settled in and stayed home. I had taken the time to take every single little thing off the bike to see if I could ship anything home. The gals cracked up at me as it was only the size of a zip lock bag.
I have taken off the luggage to make it not so top heavy for a couple days while here at Gypsies.
We have been disgussing the Dragon this morning as there are a few newbie riders, or just riders that are not used to twisties.
Gypsie Marianne, Me, Doc, and Sun are going to slay it a few times. Actually Mariann and I are going to switch bikes at some times and have our pics taken on each others bike. She can have a little more fun on Rob's bike as it is higher than hers. Can you just imagine a pink on yellow.. Marianns bike is bright yellow!! Whoo hoo, got to remember to smile while slayin that biatch this mornin..
Got to run, the bacon's done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The rest of the ride back to Gy

We are in LaGarange.

Lori from Montgomery HD, DONATED 100 bucks and she is just an employee. A real nice gal, and decided to jump in the Conga all the way to LaGarange with her hubby. She told me please to let her know if we were doing it again next year, she wants to ride.. Oh Dear..Will there be another ;)

Okay this is the third time hope I am lucky.. it is 1:30 am.. Only me and Sun are up. This puter is so damn touchy it deletes itself.. I forget what I write, and Im so damn tired now ..

The rest of the day was awesome riding. Some nice back roads, we had about 20 riders. We got to LaGarange around 7 I think and Marrion, Michael, and Trixie were all here waiting and worried about us. We went for a great dinner and good conversation, came home to the hotel and watched the clips.. Good lord did we laugh!!

Just when you think things couldn't possibly be better. Iwould never imagined that the Conga II could be the same or better than the one.. It is magical is all I can say.!!

We put another $450.00 on the fund today from things we auctioned,and the nice ppl we meet along the way. Thanks everyone. Looking like we may get close to our goal after all.

Good night folks!!!

Great group pics

Montgomery harley, where they had a barbeque with desert and drinks, gift bags, and some great shopping. They had a banner up for us, and filmed us coming in and out! In our gift bags, there was a little bit of everything from matching breast cancer doo rags, to water, pins, snacks, cooler, all sorts of little goodies. One of the gals that works there Sherry donated 100 bucks to us!! This is Tom the owner. They really treated us special.

This is Al the policeman from Pensacola that road with us to Montgomery, wore on of the doorags, and tailgunned for us. We had a hoot with him.
Here we are in our matching doorags!!

Always reading t kick up our heals and start to Conga and the last minute.

Doing the Conga to three Harely Dealerships!

Tom from the HD in Pensacola

Ray and Neil, Ray is Priss's Hubby, Neil is Patty/hd'ganny's.. What a couple of great guys.

Scott and the Conga Clan!!

Here we are getting ready to Conga!!!

We left Penscolas from Scott's house.. Cute Scotts house!!!That'd be Priss's son, 32 yrs old and all the old biker bags were drooling all over him. he knew it...lol He had a gorgeous home with the pool, and made us feel real comfy. We left him a real nice banner with all our signatures. Cleaned up best we could for him.

We were way to early on schedule waiting on men, to get us to our next destination, which was the HD dealership in Pensacola. Ray and Neil were excorting us there where we were to meet up with to meet up with some more riders, that were just riding for awhile to the next HD. At this one in Pensacola, we got some tshirts, and believe you me, I dont have a damn bit of space in the bike to pack them, so I had to put on a little garage sale in the parking lot. We raised $100 bucks.

In the mean time another police man arrived, to block traffic for us along the way. I believe we had 20 riders.. unbeleivable.It brought tears to my eyes many times watching all the bikes and seeing the ladys in pink in front and behind. We had our Cabana boys with us, the cops,a nd Bill, Mariann's brother again.

I will be posting many pics soon on face book.. I am finding it so hard to keep up with everything. After all I want to spend time with everyone, not sit on this thing. Now every one has gone to bed and me and Sunflower are still up as usual. I am editing pic, answering emails, if I go on facebook there are a bazillion posts..lol I am afraid to checkmy mail.. I hope the gals are having a good sleep as all I got here so far is that we got to the first HD.. and we made 3 today.

Funny how fast I can loose the order of the day. I promised the gals this morning that I would not misplace or loose or steel anybodys things today. I reorganized the bike and all was good until we stopped for gas. I reached down for the keys hanging off my belt and yup....GONE!! cRAP!! I really hate to admit to this, but I will anyways as I know a couple of yous are shaking yur heads. Thankfully I have another set, so damn it I hope I can hang on to those.

The reason this conga started this year in the first place is because I didnt ride Alabama last year do to the weather so the idea was to come and ride Alabama have a reunion fly home. Plans change as they always do.. I come to Alabama, see the girls, slay Alabama and leave a set of fricking keys. It was worth it.

Later, I want to film the crew leaving the rest spot, Ray said he would hang back with me and I would catch up with him. NP... we get stuck behind a logging truck formiles, and wood chunks are flying at me, hitting me at all of my body parts. Dust and shit,flying in my eyes. It was all good though I would be excorted back up tothe Conga line in no time. Ray heads back after he gets me in line, and we are with Al the other cop.. He hangs in with all us chicks up to the next HD in Montgomery.

Picture to come.. Al is definetly a masucline enough to wear pink and do the Conga!!

The Conga has a big following, I am finding, between private emails and posts on all the forum and facebook. yike, sometimes I wonder what we have created.. A great monster!!

Letter from Maria in Milluake

Hi Flo,
I'm making plans for a Fundraiser here in my house. Remember I told you I lost my mom to Kidney cancer last year. If it's ok I would like to do this fundraiser in memory of my mom. I think she would have loved to meet you all. I'm calling everyone to donate, we will be cooking here, and we're inviting people to come eat and donate $ to WWR Conga II. I'm thinking of doing this Sunday the 17th since we can't for sure know exactly what time you'll get in on the 16th. we can plan to ride after the fundraiser. What do you think?
Wow, I only met this woman and her husband in Mexico for about a half an hour.. Now she is taking us in and helping us raise money.. How cool is that!!
Thanks Maria and Rodriques!

Monday today-day 3

Marianne-MoChrome-Flo-Doc
Chantelle/Flapper on the right

Sunflower, this is an instant replay of last year. This girl hates gittin outa bed. You got to go talk to her in a sweet voice, twist here hair and whisper... Sunflower.. time to get the f up...In a very Naaice way!!!

I just threw the dog on her and it was all good... She got right up!!

Curvs-MoChrome/Flapper

Always a fight for the bathroom, actually gave up on that and we pile in!!

It's 7:12 and we have been up for an hour getting our butts on the road. We promised MzPriss we would be up on time 6 am.. 5:59 I beat her into the kitchen, put on the coffee, through the sheets in the wash and tried to beat the rush to the bathroom.

We are going to be at the first HD at 9 am!!

Ya'll have a great day, I know we will!

Pink in Pensacola with Priss

What a day today was.. Mothers Day It started out with a gourmet breakfast cooked by Mr. Ray, w hich is Miss Priss's DH., We had scrabbled eggs, crispy bacon, hash brown casserole, home made bisicuits, with orange juice. It was a sit down breaky. I said to Ray, are you gonna clean up for us too??
Well now Flo, usually when I do the cooking someone else does the cleaning.. But Ray, its Mother's Day I told him... "Ya he said, and I can be a real MOTHER...;) Needless to say Ray cleaned up the kitchen after us gals.
We no sooner finished breaky and along came the next Conga Chickie... Chantelle. This gal does not have a knick name YET!! There she was, like we'd all known each other for ever, big hugs all around. She arrived in her black leather jacket , chaps, full faced helmet and some goofy lookin critter hangin off the back of her bike. Her helmet had pig tails on it. But man she looked hot.
We were ready to ride , but we took the time to do the Conga dance around the yard first.
Priss, Marianne, Chantelle, Doc, Flo,Sun, Hdganny, MoChrome Curves, and BILL... Mariann's brother our awesome Cabana boy, photographer. He got real good at the end of the day, organizing us for pics. Again you will have to wait for the pics as we are having problems with computers and stuff. The Pics are on my puter, and I am on Docs. Beleive me they will be worth the wait.
Bikes were all lined up to go around Pensacola, along the water, around town, off to a little bar for a bush wacker. Ya'll might not know what a bush wacker .. we'll get to that later. First of all we road all over around town all decked out in pink with the Conga song blaring, everyone was smiling and having a great old time,. Cars were honking at us and giving us thumbs up. We cruised on down to the water. It was a beautiful site. I can honestly say I never saw this kind of sand before, they call it sugar sand, but it was finer than sugar. Like snow, with colorful umbrellas sticking out all over the place. Last year when I was riding though Death Valley was similar, but blowing in my face so it didn't look so pretty.
By this time we are damn hot.. really hot, and MoChrome, kept talking bout wading in the water when we got there. Along the way, every time she rode by bicyclist, she would reach out and try to grab their ass. It's hilararious even riding. When we got to the water, we were just cooking, and a couple of us went down to get our feet wet. I myself, could not hold myself back and went right in the water. They thought I was nutz...It felt great and I stayed cooler than the rest of them for the rest of the ride to the little bar to experience a Bushwacker.
Now in that little bar we were famous in our pink for about 15 minutes. Some guy was taking snap shots left right and center and is going to send them to us.. You know we have a shortage on pics after all. ;)
The bushwacker was a delisious frothy drink. While we were getting all the attention I took it apon myself to ask people for money for the BC cause. In that short time we walked out with 55 bucks.
So after the bush waching drink we went off to the harbour and had some more pics taken, poor Bill the CB, he even earned his Conga bracelet.. he proudly wore it for a bout 10 minutes..lol
Okay .. one more stop before we head home to Margarittaville. The PARKING LOT!!
The plan was the gals, RLAP'S, Doc, Marianne, Priss, Me were going to do a little show for the gals. I just wanted to say that I RLAPED with Priss. Well, damn if we didn't get there and Ray had a fricken Policeman rodeo excericise. Shit I was lost before I entered it. Even Doc and Marianne were not sure what it was. I have to admit it took me a few times before I could go around. It is really hard when you don't know where you are going. I was standing back watching Doc and Marianne and Priss, ya a couple mistakes were made but it wasnt long and they were getting it. I was still frickin lost. I could feel the lumps coming to my throat fear of not getting it. I pulled up my Granny panties, and made it through with out knocking over a cone.
Yes... I was very bloody proud of myself, even if I do say so myself.
Later we came home and watched them and laughed and of course bragged.
Margarittas were served with hamburgers, home baked beans, we lounged around the pool, sat and laughed and talked and laughed and talked and watched another bazillion pics.
I forgot to mention PamBliss showed up and stayed for awhile and we will meet up with her tomorrow.
Here it is 10:30, everyone has gone to bed sept me, Sun, and Flapper... who is Flapper???
Chantelle, why because she left her saddle bags flappin..
Goodnight all

I'm telling ya... these gals are always pickin on me about my strong accent, if you can believe that.. I have no accent, they all talk funny.