My Queen "Mi Reina" Ready to do the Conga!

Here is my beautiful Queen. "Mi Reina"

I am pretty excited now! Two weeks tomorrow and I leave Mexico for Florida. This is my baby. Jerry and Donna have been so kind. They polished my ebay tour pack up installed it for me. The only thing she is missing now...is ME!!!

A Ride of a Lifetime-Tenatative Route

Here is a tentative route I will be riding...
Arriving Hudson ,Florida May 15 (THURS) Staying with Donnathedoc

Leaving Hudson, Florida arriving Savannah, GA May 21st(WED) Doc,Jerry, Hippie John,Becky, Elieen,Larry, Rick, Kim-High PreistessStaying with Vi

Leaving Savannah, GA ,arriving Ellijay, GA May 22nd (THURS)Micheal, Sunflower,Vi, Stay with Holl&Wolfie..Doing the Driveway of Doom!!!!

Leaving Ellijay, GA arriving Murrphy, NC May 23rd(FRI) Holl, Wolfi,Vi, Gypsie,Sunflower, Beth, Danny SLAYIN THE DRAGON!!!!

Leaving Murphy, NC Thru Chattanooga, TN Arriving Nashville, TN May 24th (SAT)Stay withKaye/Mochrome

Layover Nashville May 25th (SUN) Stay with Kaye/MoChrome

Leaving Nashville, TN arriving NW Lousianna May 26th(MON) Stay with Miram

Leaving NW Louisanna arriving Dallas, TX May 27th (TUES)Stay with Monte/Denise

Leaving Dallas, TX May 28th (WED)Stay with Monte

Arriving New Mexico around the 30th :& 31st(FRI-SAT)With Monte

Arriving Phoenix, AZ June 1 (SUN)

Arriving Las Vegas, NV June 2nd(MON)Panzer

Arriving Carson City on June 3 or 4th(TUES WE) Panzer

Arriving Seattle, WA( June 5th or 6th)(THURS FRI) Valkitty,Panzer Willi

Arriving Vancouver Island June 7th (SAT) Jippo,LD,Dogdrifter,Jilli,Gibby,Schjossie

Motto for life!
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive body, but rather to ride in sideways, champagne in one hand, Friends in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming....
WHOOO HOOO!
What a ride!!!!!!!
I saw this on a wall in a bano down here in Mexico and it reminded me of me!

Tentative Map!!

Charity Fund Raiser

This WWR CONGA has turned into quite the thing. After things started to progress big time. I thought at one point that it should be turned into a fundraiser as there was so many people involved. I would feel better if it wasn't all about me.

Actually had one gal from the Island from SCRC offer to help out in anyway she could. I just didn't know how to go about things, so I just let it drop.

Then today I get a really nice post on my Vancouver Island Lady Riders forum.

From Spyderman of SCRC 394 on the Island that he was taking it in his hands to do it. Here is a message from him. Wow is all I can say...and thanks alot Mark!!

Hey Flo,
After talking to Blingo yesterday and letting him know how proud SCRC394 members are of you and the trip you're planning... I decided to put an offer on the table that I expect folks to participate in. To truly show you we care and support you, I'm suggesting that we do something fun. If you produce 1 receipt for a purchase in each State and Province you ride through... I'll give you $10 a State for you to donate to a charity of your choice.
So If you ride through 15 States, show me 1 reciept from each one, I'll give you $150.
Come on girls and boys, the challenge is laid. Let's show Flo we're behind her.

So the charity of my choice will be in memory of Rod Wiseman who taught me how to ride. It will be donated in his name to Cancer foundation. There will be a memorial ride for him this August and that is all great timing,

Conga Crew

I met one of the VILR (Vancouver Island Lady Riders). She is not from VI, but does belong to my forum and is very active there. She also belongs to WWR (Woman who Ride) forum.

Willi is her name, and she is the first gal that I have met personally. She offered to give me a bed if needed, or escort me to the dreaded ferry. She lives at the end of the Conga line, in Mission B.C.. Willi will be meeting me at the Sumas boarder, ifin I get through.

Anyway Mz Willi came all the way to Mexico to meet me. Well, I am sure that is not the only reason..lol I picked her up from the airport and took her immeadiately to a biker bar for a cold cerveza (beer).

She's a great gal, and ain't no Axe Murder, that some people think I have got mixed up with. It is kinda cool when you think of it really. The camaraderie of woman riders, of course with most riders. I feel like I know some of them personally.

26 days to go!!!

Wh00 hoo, time is nearing.. Things are coming together. My credit card is sorted out!!! Being delivered to Doc's house. Poor Donna and Jerry, things are piling up there. I have my tour pack on its way from ebay..(fingers crossed)

Motorman himself has given me a GPS. How do I thank all these people??

Still alot of planning going on changes here and there. Still not sure of the exact route and it will change along the way I am sure.

I have 100 bracelets that say WWR CONGA, to give to all the people I ride with along the way. I had them made from a peddler on the beach here in mexico. He was a pretty happy camper.

I will be curious to know how many I will have left. Leftovers will go to Donnathedoc, in case she ever has another WWR CONGA.

Planned Route

I don't know the exact route yet. Many people asking me and I will be posting a map when we know for sure. For now this is the plan with changes being made along the way I am sure.
Landing in Tampa Florida May 15, staying a couple of days, getting used to the bike and sorting things out as far as papers go etc. Going to a RLAP class.

Riding north to Slay the Dragon in North Carolina.

Florida-Georgia-South Carolina-North Carolina-Tennessee-Arkcansa-Oklahoma-Texas-New Mexico-Arizona-Utah-Nevada-Idaho-Oregon-Washington.
Woo hoo, that is covering 14 States even if it is cutting a corner on each one.

34 days to go!

Not much new to report. Still trying to sort out what I am going to take with me in my itty bitty suitcase for 3 weeks. The gals are telling me not to bother with blow dryer..lol the most important thing for me being a hairdresser/barber. So I have been walking around lookin really ugly these days preparing for a no hairdo trip.
Just got my new prescription glasses and sun glasses. At least now I can see travelin alone.
The main thing I am waiting for right now is my replacement credit card that I lost down here in Mexico. Sheees, I won't be relieved till it arrives. I still have just over a month so it should get here.
I tell ya, I go to bed thinking about this trip, dream about it, wake up and it is the first thing I think about, and then all day long it is in and out of my mind. Mostly in!!

Messages from frieinds. CRIKEY!!!!

A very good friend of mine sent me this email. I thought it should be posted. It brought tears to my eyes and made me laugh at the same time.

I have been reading all your stuff through those sites you sent and all looks pretty darn good, you seem to have thought alot about this & are really doing an awesome job figuring it all out and it also seems you have quite the awesome group of ladies out there supporting you.

I was & I'm sure others were thinking you were doing this through some misc biker type forum and the thoughts going through our heads were just...well...not good & we're hoping you were joking & just having another Flo day...LOL...

I mean let's face it, there are a lot of weirdos out there (we've met quite a few on ebay, haven't we...LOL) I guess some of us non-riders/bikers do think you are a bit crazy to do this, especially on your own but I guess it's because we don't really understand or share your passion for riding yet because we haven't been bitten but I'm sure your two brothers are quite jealous LOL.
And ya never know, maybe someday Hubby & I will do a trip like that somewhere with you & your man. But for now, I'm sure everyone who truly loves you is and will be worried about you doing it and you can't blame anyone for that. Just remember, if we weren't worried about you, we wouldn't love ya now would we and then YOU would be worried...LOL

Crikey, I hope I don't sound too much like a Mother...LOL

Anyways, all for now, I'm sure we'll talk again before you take off on your adventure. Bye for now Flo!
P.S.S What does the ROD mean in the wing symbol?

Rod means.. Rod Rides with Me. Rod was my instructor who passed away last year. He was one hellova instructor. Cuz he had the patience to teach me. I designed that patch and sold them to people. It raised $300 to donate to cancer on his anniversary ride which will be in August. If he could only see me now!!

Another message:
Holy crikey! Good job on the blog, Tannis. What an adventure you're off on - we'd expect nothing less! Be safe and have lots of fun. We'll be looking forward to reading the next chapter.

See what ya started Doc!!!! Crikey!!!!!

36 days to go!

I'm getting excited. Actually couldn't get to bed untill 3:30 am. Trying to figure this blog thingy isn't that easy. but it is coming together. I go to bed and then get up 2 or 3 times and just lay and think about the trip and things that I can't forget to do and say. The people I will meet, the sites I will see along the way.
The unbelivable comeraderie of everyone. ( I know bad spellin)

Holl tells me today someone ordered a vest for me to put all my pins and patches that I will collect along the way. She wont tell me who it is........But thanks who ever you are!!!

Donna has given me a long sleeve RLAP t-shirt, so I have one less shirt to pack. Also a bell to hang off La Reina, to keep the gremlins away. 3 WWR patches for Willi and LD and me...HOW SWEET!!! A couple of Cabana Boy Patches for me Bro's..I tell ya... it brings tears to my eyes!!!

I tell ya... I am so looking forward to meeting the Palladinos....HOLY CRIKEY!!!! Seeing the Bikemajal, touching my new ride, sittin on her seat..talking to her, not to mention riding her..I Get to go watch one of their classes!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry LD... wishin you were here.... I know ya want it as bad as I do....But I think betwickst you and I ... We will get them here one day!
Then girlfriend, I get to get instructions or help from Hippie John...to make sure I know how to ride my new ride properly..... and then............
I get to Slay the Dragon with some southern sistas... and get the siggy of a life time.

I will get to do the DRIVEWAY OF DOOM........and get a patch for doin it... GRAVEL BABY GRAVEL!!! But I am hearin that GRITS, COME WITH GRAVEL!!!! That almost sounds like a patch!!
And now I hear that there will be a patch made called....Goin with the Flo Conga 08?????
Please may I pay for those?????

Open Road-If you don't ride you don't know!

This video deserves a posting of its own. Anyone that rides would agree I am sure...Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4mU8ZqMZPU

WWR CONGA PLANNING

I am trying to figure out this blog thing and could be making a mess with it. But I will continue on.

One of the gals has emailed me to ask me my favorite colors. So she could send me back to Canada a Photo Album that she designs to help keep track of the memories of this trip. What a great thing to do. Imagine!!

I have had offers on helmets, coats boots, chaps. You name it these WWR PEOPLE are totally awesome. I only hope I get a chance some day to return the favor.


Everyone from Vancouver Island Lady Riders are very supportive and encouraging me to go. Well, I am going the ticket is booked. But they have helped me go from scared to excited.

I have sent my family and close friends my blog so they can follow up on this adventure. They are starting to feel more relaxed about Flo Going! They can not believe the support I am getting. I only wish that I was doing this for a good cause other than for me. I keep trying to think of how I , we could raise some money traveling across the country. It's like a Relay for Something!! Maybe the idea will come to me or someone before the trip begins.

I sure am glad I started talking about it about 6 weeks ago. At least now when I do talk about it I am starting to feel excitement and a little organized.

Florida-Vancouver Island with WWR

This is my first time ever doing a blog. So please excuse me while I figure it out. First of you will find alot of spelling mistakes, bad grammar, but that is just me. That is so not what I am worried about. Getting my up coming trip written down is. Something I will be able to share with my Grandchildren if I ever have them..lol
Here are some events that led up to it.

This bike to the right is my vtx 1300/03 "BLINGA" I have had her for 3 years and I still love her. She is a Bling machine and I have had so much fun riding her especially with my little brother "Blingo" (Carl). We have an absolute blast riding together. It is like we are kids again. Hell, we are having more fun together than when we were kids. He is the Bling King and I was the Bling Queen. It was like a fun competition between us. That part I will so miss about letting Blinga go.

We have won show and shines together. If he doesn't get first, I do and visa-verse! That is my Blinga on the left and his on the right.. I won that day..lol

Here is the two of us entering the Bling off!

This is my other little brother BigE. He has seen us have so much fun and felt he was missing out. At the end of riding season last fall I convinced him to get on the back and go for a ride with me. That was it!! He knew he was missing out. He said for sure he was going to get his license in the spring and would I sell him my bike.!!!! The only way I would sell my bike if I could get the bike I wanted a Road King. I said that from the very beginning of riding. One day I would have a Road King and call it Road Queen.

So BigE buys Blinga, gets his license and now we have "The Fuhr Factor" our own little gang. Last name Fuhr... I bet there will be some Bling offs, between bros!!!

And then... Donnathedoc, from WWR listed hers for sale!!! Long story short, I bought it.

I mean look at her. She is a beauty!! Check out the seat!! She's mine, all mine..lol The seat was one of the main reasons I bought her. Comfy and sexy or what!!

That was in Dec/07 a week before I was leaving for a 6 month trip to Mexico. So now we are in April and riding season is coming, and its time to head back to Canada.

I went on to Donna's forum WWR and just put the idea out of what anyone thought if I was to fly to Florida and pick up my new ride, and ride it home. Being that I was afraid of riding anything bigger than Vancouver Island alone. .....

The rest is history!!!!!!!!!!! The WWR CONGA BEGINS!!!

I WILL ride my new Harley Davidson Road Queen 05 from Florida to Vancouver Island, with help from WWR, which means WOMEN WHO RIDE!

I found these gals last year sometime, on a forum. Actually the lady I bought the bike from is Donna Palladino. Her nick name is Donnathedoc, or Lady in Red . She also used to ride a vtx 1300. I just call her Doc. She runs 3 forums. WWR, VTX RIDERS, MOTORMANS TIPS AND TRICKS. Motorman is her husband Jerry.

She is a very busy woman keeping up with her forums and her business. Doing the riding classes. Helping people along the way and I am honored to be able to meet them and get to know them in person. Here is a pic of Doc, she just got this new Street Glide for her birthday.

RIDE LIKE A PRO (RLAP)

She is an amazing lady, that has struggled to learn how to RLAP (RIDE LIKE A PRO). Her husband (and now her) go all over teaching classes. They have made dvd's that I have bought even before I ever heard of them. I am actually going to get to see a class and get some help, to make sure I can ride my new Queen with no troubles before I make the trip home.

I knew it would be well taken care of because the business that they are in. The have a Bikemajal I believe she calls it. My Queen only has 5000 miles on her.

All my closest friends at home and my family think I am nutz! Nothing against them, I guess it is because they know and love me. Especially Blingo me bro Carl.. I have done alot of riding with him and he knows I just follow the leader leader, and can still get lost. My biggest fear is riding anywhere I don't know. Especially big cities and lots of traffic. I have a hard time reading all the signs and consintrating on riding. Well, especially seeings as my eyes aren't that great.

I made a few posts to get some ideas and thoughts on that and HOLY CRIKEY!!! Bottom line I am doing it. 2 days ago I booked my flight to Tampa,Florida. Going to meet the Palladino's. Stay with them for Crikey's sake...(Donna's favorite saying) She's got me sayin it!!

She will be picking me up at the airport I will be staying with them, getting used to La Reina, and watching one of there courses. How totally cool and exciting is that??? Then on the 21st of May, the Conga line begins...These awesome WWR, AND CB'S (Cabana Boys) are out to escort me home word bound.

Not before of course that they take me to "Slay the Dragon"

The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, with 318 curves in 11 miles, is America's number one motorcycle and sports car road. I have been hearing about the DRAGON for a year now and the awesome pics that are taking while riding it. Now how could I go all the way there and not Slay the Dragon with some friends.

The posts from all the WWR GANG, is unbelievable. Many many offers to meet me in different states to ride a ways or get me in the right direction. To take me into there homes and give me a bed and some Grits!!!

One gal, Vi, Flsnowball, who used to be a trucker has taken upon herself to organize the route. She is collecting phone numbers and addresses of people who have offered, and is laying out the trip. She is going to be with us for about 5 days I believe.

Wolfie and Holl have started a WHERE'S FLO CONTEST.. The one who rides with me the longest or helps out the most they are donating a leather coat from North Georgia Leathers. Also one to me for having the cajones for taking the trip alone.

I have actually met one of the WWR gals who has been one of my biggest supporters from the get go....Mz Willi, she is from Mision. She has offered to pick me up at Sumas from the boarder and ride to the ferry or her house, all depending on what time of day it will be. She is down here in Mexico helping me sort things out. How cool is that! I get to meet the gal that is my last escort to Vancouver Island.