Gold River Run

I wont begin to name them all as some I didnt even know.

The Don-Jilli-DD-Chevy-Gibby

Flo-Jillyi-DD-LD

Someone had way to much fun!!


We all met down at the Chevron at 2pm. I was happy about that as it gave me lots of time to practise in the parking lot.
The Port Alberni crew were coming and Michael from Courteny for part of the ride. Jippo and Tracy came as far as the Elk as the weather turned to rain. I thinkk there was 17 bikes. Great turn out. Michael turn back when it started to rain, and then so did Jippo and Tracy.
I can't begin to name all the people as some I had met for the first time.
Rob and I were the only ones that continued on from CR. Great way for him to get to know everyone.
Even though the rain came in wasn't constant and it was a nice ride. I remember thinking after the ride, holy where did all those swith backs go, the scarey curves.. Just shows you what some skills could do because not for one moment did I get the slightest bit worried about how I was going to take a curve.
We did a nice run out to the pulp mill and then back to the Motel, out for dinner and had lots of laughs, great food and company.
I think I only took 200 pics of the total trip... omg.. The ride home was cool but nice, with lots of stops along the way playing poker.
We were going to go to the car show, but we ended up all splitting up and Dogdrifter and Nick stayed with us for the night. I took them to the parking lot and got a little bit more practising in.

Friday RLAPING Jippo Tanya

Tanya, and I were in the parking lot practising and then along came Jippo with a big grin on his face!!!

Okay, show me how this new lot works he said... Big grin... he whips through it, but I have to say, not all that much of a lean.... Sorry Jippo if you are reading this..

Didn't take long, once he let me yell at him....SNAP... LOOK AT ME!!!

He didn't think his bike would lean because his pegs were too high. Eventually I could see them getting closer and closer to the ground, and he was leaning good. Hit the peg once and scared the heck out of himself.

Riding Blinga Picking up the Queen

Thursday I had to take Bling to pick up Queen, from CMS. I don't know why I was so nervous as I rode her for almost 3 years. But now, I am so used to the Queen and riding her so well. I even wanted someone to go with me.
Anyway I went alone... I felt like I was sitting on a big tank. It was loud as hell, and the friction zone was not anywhere near as easy to find as on the Queen. I just kept telling myself it's only a bike and runs the same way. I was a tad jerky going out of the yard but it didn't take too long and it started to feel okay.
I have to say, I didn't like the seat any more, or the high handle bars. The only thing I did like was that my feet were planted flat, and this wouldn't be a very long ride!!!
Once I did the swap, I was also again a little nervous with the new brakes, tire, and handle bars. jerky stops again, and feeling wierd.
Then I remember Doc saying.... don't over think it!!! Ride it, show her whos boss, and off I went, riding home in the pouring rain! i was fine with that, and so glad to have her home after not riding her for a full week!

Parking Lot with Mir!!

This was Mirs first road trip that us gals planned for along time. She just bought this bike a week before. Uprgrade from a 250 to a 600.
We hit the parking lot fairly early in the morning and when we first got there her U-TURN were about the size of the parking lot. It sure didnt' take long using the 3 tecniques of RIDE LIKE A PRO... Head & Eyes, Friction zone, and back brake.
We started of on the slow cone weave and u-turns, and I wouldn't let her go past that untill she was feelin comfy. It didn't take long that is for sure. I could see we had a natural on hand.
She got on all the excercises and once she figured out the butt dance, that was it!!! A lean machine. The first time she scraped a peg, she almost went flying. Then a scream came out of her mouth,,.. Was that a peg??? did I scrape??? Oh ya baby, that was scraping!!! Once she realized she was boss of the hoss as Motorman told her later... She was scraping constantly in the off set cone weave..
The smile kept growing and growing.
Ram and I were having an absolute blast watching and listening to her.
later on in the evening, Robocop came by and gave us intructions and advice. He was totally impressed with Mir.
This girl could not get enought!! I could not believe how much she accomplished in a very short time.
We took a break and a nice ride to Sayward for lunch.
In the morning before she left she decided she wanted to hit the parking lot again... Click on this.....Mir on OFFSET
Now she has gone back to Victoria to help create the RLAPING there. she is looking for her own parking lot. Motorman told her she was Rodeo Material.
How cool is that????

Not afraid to lean that machine!!

She is all happy with a job well done and sneaking in a couple extra hours before heading home. It was such a pleasure helping and watching her scrape and smile and go home feeling like she was a better rider.

A private email from Down South of the Boarder.

I was sent this in a private email from down south of the boarder. I know some people are sick of hearing what good became out of the most amazing experience in a fairly newbie middle aged rider could have ever experieinced.

I wish they would stop reading my blog and my forum. If it bothers them that much, it is plain and simple.........DONT READ IT!
I had some moments where I thought that I would give it up, because it is driving some folk mad, my pasion to become a Pro Rider. I feel I have been given a gift in life.... The opportunity to meet and ride with the most amazing people in the world, not just the US. The Palladinos are very unselfish people. Not only did they take in a total stranger into their homes they, followed me home through the internet and guided me, when times got tough. They are regular posters on my forum and give free advice to anyone who want it. They have helped people improve their skills all over the world and we here on Vancouver Island are going to get the opportunity to have them come here. Is that not worth talking about?? You bet it is!!! I have been home just short of 3 months and it has not stopped my desire to continue to improve my riding skills and to share with anyone that has the same desire.
The Conga an its results are being talked about in many areas of the country that I would not even know unless people were to tell me. This is not about me....it is about WOMEN WHO RIDE....their spouses and family that are their for them.. Women wanting to get together and ride..... across state, country , province, what ever. To jump in where ever you can for how long you can, to bring women together from any part of the continent.
I still get private emails from friends I have met and friends whom I have never met wanting to share stories about the Conga or asking me if I plan to do another can they ride. It is all over whelming for me, but I am very proud to have been apart of that ride.
My buddy Doc and I hope that it expands each year.. I hope that woman will help woman reach their dreams. I will never forget what people did for me and I only hope to be able to do the same for them or others.
Most of the outcome of the Conga has been a very positve thing here on the Island and Donna and Jerry are looking forward to coming to the Island next year to do some classes.
So I will say it again, for all of those who want no part of it.... DON'T READ!!
I am getting a little side tracked.... I recieved an email from a SCRC member down in the US.... This is what he said.....Flo... I just wanted you to know that people are talking about you in Georgia!!!

Hey Folks-

If you're a new rider, or a rider with 200K miles under your belt, you will want to see this video. No crashes, no road rash, just a highly skilled rider performing really tight lock-to-lock manuevers. You will enjoy this.

The rider is Flo Fuhr, 5 foot 1 inch in height, and an SCRC member from Vancouver Island, BC. Some of you may remember Flo's story from this past summer- She purchased a Harley Davidson Road King from Jerry "Motorman" and Donna "The Doc" Paladino in Hudson, Florida, and planned to ride the Roadie back to BC. By herself. Yes.

Well, it seems that a few SCRC folks, and a few non-SCRC folks, got wind of Flo's ambitious jaunt, and they got together and organized the "Go With The Flo Congo Ride". Long story short, (real short), is that Flo was accompanied by riders nearly all the way across the United States and into Canada. A lot of you reading this post had a hand in this effort, and were fortunate enough to meet, to ride with, and to bond with Flo. She is truly a gracious and appreciative person.

To hear Flo, a dyed-in-the-wool Canadian, describe her experiences with the Americans that she met during her 17 day experience, would make you proud to be an American. I was with Flo for a few days as she came to NC to ride the Tail. We rode 45 minutes out of our way just so that Flo could get an American flag for her Roadie.

When I asked Flo why she wanted the flag so badly, she looked me in the eye and said "I will be flying this flag when I cross the border into Canada, and I want Canadians to know how I love you damn people. I cant say enough about the Americans". I sometimes wish we had more Americans saying the same thing.............

Heres the link to see her practice video.............

http://s295.photobucket.com/albums/mm150/WWRCONGA/Aug%2018%20Miram/?action=view&current=DSCN1915_717.flv

Flo started a Delphi forum that has become tremendously popular.............heres a link to see what shes up to next.................Careful though, you may become one of Flo's fans............

http://forums.delphiforums.com/VILR/start

ENJOY...............And strive......................
Bill "UEee" Daves
First Officer
SCRC Lake Blue Ridge Chapter #380

Pinky in the Parking lot

My Queen is still in the Shop getting new tires, so I decided to ride Stinky Pinky... Boy I tell ya that bike has come in handy already, I have helped a couple people learn how to ride.

I had a childhood friend come for the weekend from out of town. Of couse she followed me all across America and actually was the one that agreed with me that it HTBD....HAD TO BE DONE... I always encouraged her to learn how to ride, and it was an absolute NO. Could have been the little taste I gave her in mexico of the schooter....tee hee.... A method to my madness.

Anyway on her last day of visiting this weekend, she said... what we going to do?? I was missing my bike terribly as she was still in the shop waiting for the tires.. I jokingly said... Well I could always teach you how to ride Stinky Pinky, my new little ride... She said...WhAAT???? You got a new bike, so I showed her the little thang, and she sat on it and said... let's do it!! I could not believe my ears......You serious girlfriend??? yup...Off we went to the parking lot!!!! I created another monster.....lol
On the way to the airport to take her home, her words were.....Hey.... Look at the size of THAT parking lot....I said... Oh no.... yur hooked honey!
So bottom line, she was riding all over the parking lot, and she said, wow this is great to have this spot eh?? Oh ya!!! Im feelin a little guilty girlfriend as i know you don't have your learners............DO SO....she said. I just cracked up......I have been friends with here for 50 years......Crikey....did I say that...
My friend will be flying back on airmiles to stay for a week before it is too cold to learn.... omg.....I love it!!!
After my friend left, I was feeling lonely expecially not having my Queen. So me and Stinky came to play in the parking lot. I had heard Vgirl was there and was excited to come hook up with her. By the time I got there I was alone. It is amazing when things are causing ya shit in your life how even a little pink bike can make you smile. Believe it or not, I am having more trouble whipping around that little pink thing than I am the Queen. The friction zone is not so easy to keep.
Still had fun, and Vgirl came back, so did Ram, and a little visit from Jippo at the right time as the skies opened up.

Nice little visit and when the rain stopped we went out to practise again. I kinda lost the friction zone and hit a grease spot in the intersecton and went flying... Yikers... That little beast can cause quite a ruckess. Nice huge bruise and lump on the leg, bent shifter, broke light....
I just laugh get back on her again, and thought....Boy people would think I dont know how to ride... if they knew how many times I drop my bikes... Never let fear hold ya back...
Ram got on the Stinky Pinky to see how she rides, looked kinda cute really. I say, that boy can ride.. He is definetly riding like a Pro these days.
I always have a great time in the parking lot, beit, only me or one to or three people. Of course the more the merrier.
Always a nice visit gets in while we give our bikes to cool down period or if it rains.

Time with Miram

littleone-blingiton-dd-gazelle-flo-cc
Here we sit waiting for hours and hours for baby Mir...I have to say we were not hard done by, just getting a tad worried. Okay alot worried. Great time though it is just too bad, she missed out and never got to meet all her wonderful sisters.


RAM-GRISS-GINO-BIGE-TRIBOB-ANGELLOS. We met Angellos for the first time today. We were expecting to get a bit of a ride with our new Cabana boy, but we ended up waiting for MIR as she rode all the way to CR by herself! She almost got stuck with the handle WONGWAY! As you can see, it wasn't too painful sitting around waiting all day for our Baby...lol

Breaking the new Cabana Boy Angellos in right!! We were not letting him be shy and we all got our Squisie!!!

CC-Rider!!!! Great pic, she had stayed in CR and rode down with BigE and me to meet Mir that she never met!!
This weekend was planned for along time as our Baby/Mir/Hoss, lol, can't get away too much. Anyway, it was suppose to be a grlz weekend with Tazzie, and Mir. As it turned out, our Tazz couldn't come do to problems with her arm. Very frustrating for her, but we decided to make the best of it. We were to meet at the Hut around 1pm. Mir never traveling up Island before, and her being on her brand new to her bike. We thought for sure.... There would be NO PROBLEM...meeting at the Hut. I had told her about 1/2 mile past the Shell station. No turns, just on the straight higway... She didn't listen.. Straight now the SLAB... who woulda thunk it???

CC-RIDER and BigE and me left aroun llam. We met up with Ram and a new VILR for the first time LITTLONE, and headed to the Hut from Courtenay.
It was very unexpected to see the rest of the gang from PA there, but always a true pleasure... Them gals are nutz..... I love nutz!! Meeting 2 new people ANGELLOS AND LITTLEONE, and where is our baby. Also Grizz,Gazelle and Gino popped in, so it really was a great visit.
We also ran into SCRC 40....In a nut shell, I did not feel like I belonged that day as I tried to make an effort and SIUP. With out going into detail of any kind, it was the first time in an absolute long time, that I did not see 2 clubs come together and say hey!
We hung around till 5 pm waiting for Mir, and after a few phone calls found out she was safe and sound sitting at my work in CR... LOL FIRST ROAD TRIP FOR MIR/WONGWAY!

New Parking lot!

Robocop helping BigE find the friction zone on Blinga.. What a pretty sight!

Lot done, Donster off to the interesection.

Chevy Scraaaapin!!! on the Figure 8

Robocop giving us advice. We are lucky to have him giving us his valuble time.

The first gang in the new parking lot after a great successful workout!
Chevy, Donster, ME,ROBOCOP, CC, BigE
So off I go to the parking lot with my cut up hockey balls, before anyone got there. I couldn't wait to show them the intersection I was so proud of.. Specially Chevy as he set up the RLAP in PA and we been talkin about gettin them over here, as I had gone up there a couple times.
CC and I had planned this for a couple weeks too. It was very exciting for me to have someone to share it with.

When I got there I saw Robocop talking to some officials and I knew there was going to be a problem... shit!! He pulls up to tell me they wanted to talk to me. Four of them!! Jazaz!!! I must look like a mean freekin biker chick...

Anyways they told me I defaced there property and would have to leave. I mentioned about the truckers practising and that we were only trying to improve our skills. I am sorry for the paint but it will wash off and blends in good.. I was really nice, and asked if there was any way around it?? Nope, can I talk to the owner...nope, he is not around..

Im really feeling like caca now, and Icould feel my lip starting to quiver and the tears fighting back. Now I have to tell these guys that just rode a couple hours to get here it can't be done.

Not to mention by beautiful interesection...lol I love that thing!! I bragged about it to Chevy and he was dieing to try it too.
Robo was so kind and said... "There is a solution to ever problem, we need to go for coffee somewhere"
Everyone knew I was on the verge of cryin, and then I saw the uniforms walking towards us again. The lady said to me... "You know I am feeling really bad and I apologize this is the way it has to be" I told I apologise to and things will work out! She asked if we had thought about Cambellton School. as it was not in use, it was condemmed.. Our eyes lit up and even Robo says.... "I can't see the problem there"
Whoo hoo, off we went, and Chevy just happened to have a couple cans of spray paint, and I happened to have a tape measure in my saddle bag, so we set out to make us a new RLAP LOT!!
It was a scorcher of a day, but it didn't matter we were all on a mision. Friends helping freinds.

Saturday Monin Up Island Crew.

Robocop and Ram. Sure nice of Robo to come out and spend time with us. He will be a great help to improving our skills.

Mz Cheryl fell in love with Stinky Pinky

Jippo new guy Kevin and Randy
dy

Ram and daughter
Saturday morning I am all excited as some Chevy, TheDon, CC, Robocop, were coming to practise in the parking lot!
First off we went to meet Jippo, and the gang headed up to Port MeNeil. We all met at the Chevron for coffee and fuel first. It was nice to see Randy and Cheryl from CMC I hadnt riden with them in a couple years. I still never got to ride, but some day soon. Cheryl fell in love with the little Stinky Pinky and she just MAY be the next learner on that bike.

Shawn Passes MST and rides Blinga

Blingo-ShawnBoy-BigE. Shawnboy's first ride, form Campbell River to Courtnay and Back. Whoo whoo another member of the FUHR FACTOR!!

Crikey I think he is taller and BigE.. Let the fun begin... Flo-Bro's Nefew!!

do you have any idea how hard it was to keep a straight face??


Shawnboy, with Stinky Pinky, Agreesive Salmon.. (Aggie)
My oh my another addiction to the Fuhr Factor.
We went to the parking lot early afternoon, and here is that same miserable man that was there the day before in his beat up old camper. His poor bedraggled wife sitting beside him.. He's sittin right in the middle of the interection excercise. I asked him if he would be so kind as to move back one truck length and he said...."NO... You got the whole f*cking parking lot I aint moving.. Fine, we went to another excercise and just ignored him.
He comes over and says to Shawnboy.... You know.. if you gave it more throttle you would keep it up better!!".. I told Shawn that was correct, and then the guy says.... "And I have never ridden before" ..Shawn says... Please sir, I really dont need any more stress, my Aunt is teaching how to ride" The guy told him to shut up and not be cocky, or he would come over and bash up his bike!!! F*ck... Some people!!!
We go about our business and the miserable old coot finally leaves...
He returned today as I know he is doing it to piss me off as he sees me out there all the time. The same thing happened but it was like he was RACING towards me, and I just got to the end of the off set cone weave.. Parked in front of him, and said...."Good afternoon sir... I was just wondering if you could move back a truck length?"
NOPE!! Once again, Mr. Miserable in his own skin said... I aint moving anywhere ya got the whole F*ckin parking lot. I looked back at him and said, Ok... no problem sir, you have a nice say, smiled at his wife and said... You poor thing, as she looked helplessly at me.
Of we went to practise waaay out of his way to the figure 8 and all of a sudden, this FREEK... came bareling at Shawn, and he had to get out of the way fast!! Shawn pulls up beside his door window, and says, in his polite voice.....Sir... What the FUCK are you trying to do??? The man reached out to grab Shawn and by this time I was right there and called him a Fucker right back at him...He reached out and tried to punch me!! Unbelievable, that someone could be so misrable in their life that they drive around looking for problems... Jayzus!! I could not believe what I had just witnessed..
Not to worry we got over that, and practised a bit more and Shawn went and did the MST (motorcycle skills test). What that did is lift the restrictions of having to ride with someone and being allowed to go over 60km pr hour.
So of course after that, Aunty Flo is on a mission to take her nefew for his first FUHR FACTOR RIDE. We picked up BigE, and headed to Courtenay to meet other brother Blingo. What a surprise, that in 3 half days, Shawn was actually riding!! Even tho it was on the Stinky Pinky.

We pulled in for gas at the Chevron and the old boy bikers were pulling in. All different kinds of bikes. Too funny they were all gawking at the Stinky Pinky saying how cute she was and that they loved the color and would ride it them selves. It was cool to see so many people making a big deal out of the big boy riding the Agreesive Salmon colored bike..

We decided to go for a ride to CR and on the way there, we stopped at the Driftwood, and our pics taken, some guy on a Gold Wing stopped by and took our pic and dropped his Gold Wing right in front of us...
This is were the Fuhr Factor did a switcheroo on the bikes... BigE so wanted to ride, the 1800 BigRed... Shawnboy, so wanted to ride Blinga, so that left Blingo on the Stinky Pinky....NOT!! He takes the Road Queen, and I get stuck on Stinky!! Something be wrong with this picture, somethin be real wrong... Flo rides stinky pinky!!!
Blingo practises in the parking lot with Blinga doing figure 8's... I never told him but the average size camper could have lived under his floor board, not to mention, the figure 8 was taking up part of the US territory!!! Hmmm.... Where have I heard those words before?? Also Blingo put the Blinga down, but had her ups so fast before, Bige could see... Need practise on the 8's Bro!!!!
I hung back and took pictures with a huge big grin on my face watching the FUHR FACTOR go down the highway all on different bikes. Too funny. I mean, Shawnboy, just came up to maybe learn how to manuever a little bike around the parking lot and now he is riding the Blinga home.. HUGE BIG GRINS ON ALL OF US!!
As we are approaching the turn off to my house, I am thinking... hmm... this is where I had trouble on the Blinga the first time.. Hill...sharp corner, sure hope Shawn remembers to dip and to not lean with the bike...........OOOPS!!! He forgot!!
Down boy... but up so damn fast, almost no one saw but Blingo... I am waiting up the road a spell on Stinky and turn around as it seemed to be taking awhile, first comes Carl, and he has his hand on his mouth.....Shsssss, then I look at Shawn... same thing........Shsssssssssss!!!
Moms the word!!
Well at least that is out of the way for awhile. He explained exactly what happened, so I think it will be awhile...
Everyone still grinning. I told Shawn if he wants to come back tomorrow and play on Aggie, all would be great!! he said he couldn't has he had other obligations to visit more family while he was on vacation....

Friday Parking lot

ShawnBoy changes his mind and decides to come back out and play some more...Ha.... Addict!!
I was at work today on a slow afternoon, and this guy John, a client of mine, that I had sold a RLAP dvd to stopped by. He said, well, I got my Road King, just like yours... Only one thing different, you know how to ride yours and I don't!! You once said, you would help me if I needed... I need help and I have taken a week off to learn how to ride this thing better, do you have time??
I closed the shop..lol,,,,any ol reason, and off we went to the parking lot!! He meant it when he said he didn't know how to ride. I told him how proud I was of him for being able to admit it, especially to a woman, as alot of men get intimidated. Anyway, we kept trying to find the friction zone, and do the slow walk and u-turn... Whoah...Am I ever glad he came to the lot. He spent a couple of hours and he was starting to get it, and tired of course too. The first thing I said is you must not be a foot dragger!Yup he was duck walking. I do not mean to be talking mean about this guy, the great thing he was there and willing to learn. he said he never had any instruction ever and it was 25 years since he had rode, and felt he was a danger on the road.. You got to love that.. Well before he left he said, I know it may not seem like it to you, but I already feel more confident like I can do a u-turn better. I know why you are always saying...LOOK AT ME!!!
We have, John, Gary, Shawn, Flo, Ram, and Robocop showed.. Totally cool!! Robocop, told me he was very impressed with it all and is going to show up today for us also.
We got in a little shit for the security at the mall for using paint, but I talked my way out of it.. Robocop stuck up for me and we convinced them that it was water soluble paint...lol Little white lies that help people never hurt no one.
In the end it was Shawn, Ram and me, and I told them to follow the leader leader... ha, we had our own little parade and went though every excercise the 3 of us.. We done good..
Later Jippo shows up in the pickup and of course we had to show our stuff again..
Whoo hoo, I am so excited, i think there will be about 9 of us in the parking lot today.
Chow for now going to go rlaping!!!!

New Pink Lady teaches ShawnBoy how to ride!!

I bought this 1981 Cm450 with 23,00 klm on it. It starts like a top. The original reason I bought it was, because it was so damn cute!! Affordable, reliable, and in great shape. Still has guts after all those years. I could see great potential. If any of my girlfriends needed a loaner, there it is. If any of my girlfriends want to learn how to ride, there it is.

Little did I know in the first week of having this little cutie, I would be teaching my 30 year old nefew to ride it. 6ft tall too by the way.. We were visiting and of course talking riding, when he told me he had his learners.. Ha.. snagged him, right away told him of my new ride. I showed him the clipping of me doing the figure 8 on the Queen, and asked him if he was ready to learn to ride. "On that thing?".... yupper on that thing!! Can ya do it, can you over look the color and just learn to ride??? If you can, I would love to teach you.......And so the fun began, to add another member to the Fuhr Factor...

I rode the little beast to CR, it ran really good, although I could sure have used a wind screen which I will be putting on shortly. Of to do the RLAP excercise in the parking lot. This boy (man) wasn't even scared or nervous. Only laughing at himself becaue he was on a pink bike, and his words he kept using... I feel so inadequate. I am cracking up!! He sure listens and asks lots of questions. In no time at all he was going up and down the parking lot, shifting gears, quick smooth stops, slow manuevering, like he had been riding before for sure.

Every excercise I put him on he aced it!! I have never seen anything like it really.

Shawnboy Practising

Not only am I enjoying spending time with my nefew but it is such a pleasure teaching him. Today already he is going for his MST ...Crikey it took me a couple seasons to ride like that boy!!

Sunday Ladysmith

As we were sitting around having Sushi in PA the night before, it appeared to me, to be enough people sitting at the table to go for a ride the next day.. Sunday was suppose to be descent weather. So I asked them what they all thought and they agreed, let's do it.

Time was arranged, we meet at the A & W in parksville, and then the shell in Ladysmith, and post it and see what happens... It happened, there were a total of 12 bikes.. let me see if I can remember all the names.

Flo, El Capitan, CC,Chris, DD, Vatman, Mark, Tanya, Tazzie, Vulcanator, Bugs, Dragon, Roadie..

Dragon took the lead and Roadie Tailgunner, what a gorgeous ride through all the back roads. All the way back to parksville where we stopped for lunch at the Kicking Horse pub. Great food and company once again.

RLAP PRACTISE IN PA AND SUSHI

Port Alberni Sushi Crew!!El Capitan-Flo-Chris-Vatman-CC-Ram-DD-Blingiton...Where is that LD?? Taking the pic I guess!


There she is, with That Guy.. her son Willi

Sorry CC where's the Chesir Cat?? Chris-Ram

Chris/Cruiser
There was a ride planned for today for a bunch of us to go up to PA and practise in Chevy's RLAP parking lot. Alot of people away and busy, but even if it were a couple people for me it is a good enough reason for a ride. Any reason is a good enough reason for aride, but to have a parking lot and Sushi at the end of the road with some good friends... Even better.
The weather wasn't appearing to be on our side, but we decided to go anyway, well at least me, my man El Capitan, and Ram. We went in and kept keeping in touch with DD to check the weather.
We did get rained on a little but the wet was worth it. That is something for me to say, let me tell ya, I hate riding in the rain. By the time we got up there the roads were dry, and DD and Blingiton met us in the parking lot at the mall and escort...literally, to the RLAP parking lot.


We didn't have a long practise, maybe 45 minutes, but boy oh boy, the lights were going on for me. I just kept hearing the MOTORMAN, talking to me.. The butt dance.. don't lean, let the bike do, sit straight, relax your shoulders, Doc would say, and smile!! Whoo hoo, I was doing it all. The scraping sounds was music to me ears!! I was in control of the sound even!! Light scrape, heavy scraped, I was doing it!!!

I got it on film too and had Motorman grade me.. On a scale of 1-10, I got me a 9!!! From the MOTORMAN... You have NO IDEA what that means to me!!

We all went out for Sushi and what a grand time we had. First time for El Capitan and Flo's new friends. He fit right in. Great Sushi, lots of laughs as usual. Ram, Capitan and I rode home around 8, we stayed at sister Bea's in Parksville, poor Ram got caught in the rain, continuing on.

Parking lot Wed

I went to the parking lot on this morning for about an hour before I went to work. I am always antious to get there after work too. I am doing better each time and am feeling in control of my scraping. I bent up the kickstand and it was hanging low and scraping before I should have been. Actually alot easier for me to reach now.
I was really surprised and excited that Tany and Wayne from 40 showed up. Just out of the blue. I had cut Waynes hair this week and mentioned the parking lot and I guess Tanya had been reading the forum. This is good.. They both did really well and it was exciting to see new faces.
Someone had told her that she didn't need the parking lot because her bike was too small and these parking lot excercises were for big bikes only...Ha!! I guess this person should maybe get out in the parking lot himself seeings he has a big bike and a big mouth that doesn't know what he is talking about. I talked to Motorman about that, not giving any names or anything, but he said he had heard alot of reasons, why you don't do the parking lot, but that was THE MOST REDICULOUS he had ever heard.
No biggy, some do and some don't want to impove their skills, the lot is there for whom ever do!!

PAYING IT FORWARD

I was just amazed this week on how the people that are on VILR are so supportive. Our little newbie... Baby, who was so looking forward to her first road trip was going to have to cancel as her little 250 had self destructed as she puts it. I think she got it up and running again, but didn't want to take a chance and take it on any highways. We have been planning this trip for quite sometime. I knew she was disapointed and so was I. We only met her once on Canada weekend. We had rode all the way down Island to meet one of our new gals on VILR.
If there is a will there is a way I always say.... I decided I would try to do a fund raiser and help her trade up a little. Like her bike is worth 500 bucks. Even if we could raise a couple Grand. I listed a couple things so did some others and the bidding began, and there was silent donations coming in.
It was overwhelming to see how everone got together, and wanted to see her ride and help her upgrade. As it turned out, she managed to find a way to finance her new ride hereself. She could not believe it... the support and then actually finding away to do it herself.
We had lost of support from my Conga members in Florida. Unbelievabe.. We had called this the PAYING IT FORWARD FUND... PIFF..... Many of us have decided that we really do need this fund. If we can get it going good enough, we will be able to help our fellow bikers that have financial struggles. I know of a couple people I would like to help right now actually but there is not enough funds yet.
If we all put a looney in a jar each time we road, we wouldn't feel it and it would help so much to help someone in the future. Not too mention how good it makes you feel when you help someone.
I know this will take time to get off the ground but it is one of my biggest wishes, and to be able to pull it off with out things going wrong would be an amazing thing. We would all decide together through private emails first if we knew of someone who was in need.
We have had some great items donated to the fund and sold and now have about 250 in our PIFF.

Rod's Memorial Ride Aug 3

Qualicum Beach

Buckley Bay fueling up

Rod's Students

Flo-Wendy-BigE


We left Dragons house about 8:30 and only had to go to the highway which is seconds away from her place, and wait for the first group to show up.. 443 coming from Victoria and there abouts. I assumed probably 4 bikes as a lot of people were away on holidays. I can't remember all the names, as a lot of them I met for the first time. I think we had a dozen bikes there. I was already getting excited. Everyone introducing them selves and big hugs all around.

I had my new vest on that I got from one of my Conga girlfriends Tequilasheila, from Nova Scotia. I had the ROD RIDE WITH ME patches sewn on each shoulder. I always said that Rod rides with me on my shoulder... (course now I got the MOTORMAN too)

We rode to Ladysmith to pic up the Taz, she was sitting there waiting on the side of the road with her usual big grin.. Boy this gal is getting some experience in on her first year of riding. After we fueled up we headed to Northfield parking lot where the gang from Courtenay, CR, PA, were waiting, I figured about at least 8 and we would have our 20 people and then when we went to the school to meet Wendy she would get a great big smile on her face of 20 bikes coming in.

As we were pulling up to the spot our road lead Slyboy, must not have saw them or didn't know we were to stop, so we turned off and I was waving away to about 30 or more bikes. omg... I could feel tears fro some reason. It is always such a pretty picture, and to know the reason behind it makes it even more special.

Suddenly Dragon our tailgunner realised what went on a whips up beside Slyboy and and before you knew it we did the most beautiful U-turn of about 20 bikes.

We all pulled in and I was gob smacked at how many of us there were. I knew about half the people, but we just all went around hugging and introducing ourselves. So when we all pulled into he parking lot at the school, it looked so nice. There wasn't many from Wendy's side and she later told me she was worried we would not show. It was a very nice surprise.

I still had 10 patches left over that I had ordered a year ago, and they all sold. I also had 10-001 patches that I gave to Wendy and she insisted that I keep one for myself. Rods brother and his wife Micheal and son were there and a few others I had never met. Her son told me how much he enjoyed the patch and is having it tatooed on himself. That did make me feel good, that I chose something he was so proud to wear , for life. I can't believe a year has gone by already.

As we had such a big group, on a busy weekend, we all agreed that we needed to split up because without a doubt we were going to get split up anyways. We had 5 groups of about 10. It was a nice leisurly ride to Qualicum Beach our next meeting stop. Little did we know though that one of the riders went down and another ran into her, shortly after getting out of the parking lot. It was Wendy's sister inlaw Micheal. She was on her new Harley and wasn't really comfy and the rider behind her ran into here.. Sad as she ended up in the hospital and Rods brother and her never got to do the ride. Fortunately it was too too bad and she will be okay.

We are luck to have our experience road leader and tail gunners that took care of business really well.

The riders were held up at Qualicum for awhile and we lost some riders because it too long of a wait. The rest of us just mingled and got to know each other more. Lots of laughs... pictures of course and food.

Our Robocob Dave showed too which was a really nice surprise as he has offered his time to work with us in the parking lot in CR.

Off we went eventually to our next stop in Duncan Bay, where we fulled up and Wendy made a little speach thanking us all for coming out. We all decided that it was so great, we wanted to do it anually. I believe one of the SCRC members will take it on.

From there we went to Oyster Bay and had a great lunch buffet at the Driftwood. Everyone went there separate ways and headed home.

It was a fabulous day weather wise, friends and food.

Ride to Duncan

Shees, it is hard to get on here, time just goes, and even though it doesn't take long to blog once you get going, it's just getting here.
The weather has be fanomale. We had a couple days rain, which gave me a chance to get some things done around the house.
All I cared about was that sunday be a nice day as we planned this memorial ride for Rod Wiseman and it mean alot to me, also to his wife Wendy and family of course.

We decided BigE and me got go to Duncan and stay at Dragons, that was we were closer to where the ride would start at Malaspina College in Naniamo. We headed down that way fairly late in the day, as I needed to spend some time with a couple non biker friends and get my fix of garage sailin... Usually I spend my saturdays all day going to garage sales, and this year hadn't don it once. Okay, so I got things done, house shit, friends and salin... All is good, now let's get back on the road with the wind in my face, and the breeze on my knees!!

BigE and I headed down south with a few stops along the way, and met up with Dragon in Ladysmith. We picked up some stuff for a nice dinner and an early night, to get up early for the memorial ride.
Not knowing how many people would arrive for the memorial ride. I was hoping we would have at least 20.

A no riding day

I rode my bike to work as usual and was going to go out to practise after work. It's only 3km to work, but I got caught in the rain on the way home, so no practising at all. Crikey, I only have 18 miles on the road this week and it is Friday. I usually have at least 500 miles per week. The memorial is on Sunday so that should put a few miles on. Sure do miss it. Things are not the same here at the barbershop in between haircuts, when I can't look out the window and see the Queen. There is no body stopping by to drool over her..lol She is usually such a conversation piece sitting there so purdy!!

It was raining again today so I never rode to work and I had to pick up a friend. So I thought I would take the truck. I have only driven the truck twice since I arrived home two months ago.. So off I went, grabbed my helmet and headed for the truck.. Stopped in my tracks, and started to laugh... looser, I don't really think I need a helmet to drive this truck.

Now I am at work and it is slow this afternoon, and the sun is shining brightly, and I can hardly wait to go riding, and I can't go riding, because I have a friend coming and no bike here. My frieinds have been complaining that I am never around to visit, so that is exactly what I will be doing, at least for a day... Stepping AWAY FROM THE QUEEN!!