Goin with the Flo!

The Last leg of Conga 1

2009-03-14T17:30:00.001-07:00

I was sure I was going to die!!It was a monsoon. I can not ever remember it raining this hard before ever in my life!! Never mind on 2 wheels. I was frozen to death!I honestly did not know how I would survive. It didn't seem possible. My body was vibrating. I knew I was going into hyperthermia. I was soaking wet and even my boots were full of water. I
I had 3 layersI had to do it!!! HTBD!! They were waiting on me... All of my new friends from all over north America and Canada. All my new friends from America and Canada were waiting for me.6000 miles almost!! I only had another to 60 to go. I had my oldest brother on one side of me, watching every move I made.My younger brother was riding behind, making sure no one would get in the way. They were protecting me.Behind my brothers was a woman, I had never met in person before, only on my Vancouver Island Lady Riders Forum. She had been there to greet us at our warm up spot at Timmies in Nanaimo, just after getting off the ferry. I saw this strange woman walking towards me with a huge grin on her face underneath an umbrella. We hugged, we laughed. No words were spoken at first. I knew who she was. She was exactly how I had imagined her. LD is her forum knick name. She changes the meaning of her name all the time on forum depending on how she is feeling. Sometime it could mean little donut even. Today in my eyes she would be LITTLE DARLIN INDEED!
It is funny really I have been trying to connect with Margaret (LD) for a couple of years now. She is also a biker but her job is a mortician, which keeps her on the leash as she calls it. She doesn’t get a lot of riding time in because of this job. LD has a great sense of humor and is great with words, writing stories, giving advice, and a big supporter of this ride that I was just about to finish. I had had spoken with her many times on msn while on my travels giving updates along the way. I didn’t however, dream that our first meeting would be like this.I could see her van through my rear view mirrors her wipers were slapping back and forth, as she tail gunned us on your trek home. I did feel a little safer, knowing that no one could get in our way, with my slow riding.My brothers and my friends they were with me... I had to keep going. If they could I would!I had no option.. The speed limit was 80, I am sure I was doing 20. I was vibrating so badly. In the 19 days that I had been traveling. This was the first time I wanted this trip over..done with.. How could I keep going, as the tears were rolling down my face it made it harder and harder to see. Not to mention I could not see through the rain, but now, the stinging in my eyes from the tears were making it worse. I was starting to feel sorry for myself, which made it worse. The more I thought the worse it got. The more I cried. I was loosing it.People do not realize, what happens to me when I get cold. They don't get it. Wasn't there something I could do?? When I was younger, I ended up hospitalized over it, and I knew i would probably drop off my bike soon... something had to change… soon!Things started flashing through my mind. I wanted my babies. My children, I needed to see them. I wasn’t even sure if they had been following me on this great adventure. Would I be around to tell them all about it? I wanted to see them again. I needed a hug from them. It's okay mommy!I wanted to see my family again, the rest of them. My mommy.. I wanted a hug!! I wanted to be warm. All of a sudden Carl pulled up beside me and said.... You okay sis????I looked at him and started to bawl....NO...NO I AM NOT!! I can NOT DO IT!! Carl, help me!!! I can't, I am scared!!!He rode beside me, and had a mean look on his face... YES YOU CAN HE YELLED,YES YOU CAN..... YOU ARE THE IRON WOMAN... YOU JUST RODE ACROSS AMERICA!!!YOU CAN DO IT!! He had to yell, so I could hear him over the motor and so that it would sink it to me, as he knew now... I was LOOSING IT!! Moments later off to the right side of the highway....I glanced over and saw a Spyder. A trike... There is only one Spider....For a moment a small moment I had a smile on my face!! Spyderman, Spiderman... I can do anything a Spider can...omfg... He did tell me..... Come HELL OR HIGH WATER he would be there when I came home.... It was both hell and high water at that moment!!Thumbs up!! Honking horn... smile...grin... Wanna go for coffee Flo!!Vibrating and trying to smile.... I said.. No Spidy... if I stop. I will drop!! Okay he said... lets ride!!!

CONGA II REUNION

2008-11-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

HERE IS THE NEW BLOG AS I WONT BE POSTING HERE ANY MORE!

CONGA II REUNION

2008-11-28T15:24:00.001-08:00

2008-11-28T15:22:00.001-08:00

2008-11-28T15:16:00.001-08:00

Adios!!!!!

2008-11-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

I will not be posting anymore on this blog, if you want update or to Go with the Flo :)
You must come here... Add it to your favorite if you wish because I will be closing it soon. Or at least not adding any more. Thanks for going with the flo!

Go with the Flo Conga II Reunion

Flo Intersection Sept 22

2008-11-21T18:12:00.001-08:00

3 months later with continued practise, I am riding like a pro. Thanks Motorman for sharing and helping me.

Recap in the parking lot!

2008-11-21T16:13:00.002-08:00

I have just been looking at old videos since I have been back from the Cong... Omg, is it funny to watch now. I think it is great sharing the bad with the good, as then you know there is hope for anyone... lol Watching this now, I see why Motorman insisted I put my handle bars back down.
Any wonders I burned out my clutch too.

First time in Parking lot in Canada

2008-11-21T16:13:00.001-08:00

Another letter in support of RLAP

2008-11-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

I am hoping with letters like this and the support on the forum my friend MOTORMAN will be able to juggle us into their busy schedule. What an event it could turn out to be.

Hello Tannis,
I got your email address from Donna Palladino. The emails below will explain. Yesterday, I had just been thinking about our club and some future safety events and reports that I could put together. My wife Michele and I had just finished watching the DVD again, and I remebered meeting Rob last summer at the local Harley Shop. "Small World" Rob and I also new quite a few people from Ladner as I grew up in Tsawwassen. That included Russ Spooner, who I had not met until I joined the Club in Kamloops, but many other names were familiar.
I am the Safety Officer for our local HOG Club. When the Chapter takes in the Vancouver Motorcycle Show in January there are usually a couple of DVD's played on the Bus and I was going to play the Ride Like a Pro DVD for the Club members. It will get some exposure and maybe some orders for Jerry and Donna. Also after my talk wth Rob I was wondering if there are any plans that your club may be holding an event with them in September as Donna mentioned. That would be a great excuse for any interested members from Kamloops to make a trip to the Island. If so let me know and I will present ideas to the membership. If it is just planned as a local event no problem either, just let me know.
I am so impressed with what the "Ride Like a Pro Team" have put together, and personnally can't believe the difference in my own skills after 34 years of riding. Like Jerry says in the DVD after 20 years he had repeated 1 year of experience 20 times. How true.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Tony Adshead

Can you believe it????

2008-11-16T21:20:00.001-08:00

This is the bazaar part.. A lot of shit has been going on as we all know. I have come to the conclusion, it doesn't really matter any more. Simply what ever works, will work. I am always trying to figure things out in my mind to the point where I drive not only myself crazy but others. What I am always trying to do is the right thing. sometimes it is very hard to figure out.
So as I am sitting her pondering things, as to how I want them to work and how they should work, or how they will work. I knew it was causing a few problems between me and my man. Can't understand why really,..,,. Can you??? I know that you could probably figure it out better or at least faster than me... He is happy for me, but not happy that I am riding and he is NOT!!
He is busy fishing in Alaska, in all the months that I am busy riding like a frigging pro across America.... Ask yourself, would that piss ya off??? In the voice and look of Jim Carey..,., just a little bit...snap your head and not the way Motorman would!!
Okay so being the compassionate person that I am... don't laugh!!
Seriously, it is a problem, and I want to fix it, so from the time.. I made a ridiculous post about my new forum about the Conga... I walked over to my man and told him, I was serious, and had some serious shit to talk about... Grab a cigar and lets go smoke!!!
Rob, does not smoke!! About a dozen a year, so he grabbed his cigar and said.. OMG!!!
I told him of my Passion which he was not surprised AT ALL!! hmmm hmm! AND THEN WHAT??
The thing is... I start feeling again, I am all alone, in the world of RLAP... I can ride, but I don't know how to promote it.. He on the other hand is on his own, in the middle of the Alaskan sea, knowing what he is doing and got no one, that really knows what he is all about!! So... why not put these two Passions together, riding and being together!! Screw this 6 months apart shit, I will do what I want and you will do what you want... Let's do it together!!!
We both like riding.......right? Yupper!!
Can ya suck it up, and let me show you those 3 techniques??? Big freaking frown, would ya not believe??? I told him... Rob.. it will be tough... real tough, but only 4 hours...lmao
Ya know what he said??? I will learn it in an hour!!! So be it darling... please do... Let's Ride Like a Pro and do it together!!
He told me to get that bike home safely, it is his to help me teach him how to Ride Like a Pro!! whoo hoo! And then, look out, Rob will have all his ducks in a row, and we will be dancing...
Have I ever mentioned, that we used to teach dancing together??? Country!!!

Doc recieved this letter!

2008-11-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Donna,

Earlier this summer, having coffee, I met a fellow at our local Harley Shop in Kamloops, B.C. ( Rob Irvin). During our conversation I mentioned the DVD that I had bought from "Ride Like a Pro" and how great I thought it was. Rob then said, well actually my wife just bought a bike from Donna Palladino, and rode home to the Vancouver Island British Columbia. At the time he also mentioned there was a possibility the Ride Like a Pro team may be coming to Canada and in particular to Vancouver Island to meet up with Rob and his wife.

I am the Safety Officer for our local HOG Chapter here in Kamloops. If the Ride Like a Pro team has any future plans to head to British Columbia in conjuction with any other local clubs, and would like our support please let me know. If you have an email address that you would feel okay about giving me, I would like contact Rob and his wife, as the day we spoke we did not exchange addresses.

By the way I will be ordering your new DVD " Learn to Ride the Easy Way" for my wife Michele. After years of being the passenger, at 50 she moving up front. She will be taking the Local Safety Course, but we thought over the winter she can learn from the DVD.

Thanks,
Tony Adshead

Unknown Friend

2008-11-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

I don't like posting anything that isn't on topic; bikes, humor, asking for prayers, etc. Drama has no place in my life. I just wanted to tell you privately to hang in there. I read your blog and really can't believe how jealous and petty some guys are to say the things they've said. Ignore them. It has been my experience that people get very empowered when they log onto a computer. People say things on the Internet they would NEVER say to your face. Everything you've posted on all the forums has been fun and entertaining; not to mention informative. Stay the course girl. Don't let petty people derail your train. You are inspiring a lot of newbies out there........hell, you inspire me and I'm an old rider. I love the enthusiasm. Keep it up and don't let the crap slow you down.

Was going to!!

2008-11-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

Today is one foggy foggy day. I was being tempted by my nefew and by a Dragon to go for a ride. The only trouble is I am the only one with insurance at this end of the Island that I knew how to get hold of. The weather didn't look tempting enough for me to even pursue it. I have to say she really tried too, naggin me on msn, calling me.. Names at that.. Wimp, wus... princess.. Whatever Draggie, I hope you are having fun though. I been thinking about you all every time I glance out the window to see if it got brighter. It has not. I am freezing thinking about it!! The guilt set in a couple times but did not hang around long.
Maybe there will be sun next Sunday.
Ride safe all!!

New Blog!!!

2008-11-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

I probably wont be doing much writing in the blog unless of course I get out to ride before I head south for the winter. Maybe just for fun the odd scooter ride down in Mexico.. Anyways pop in from time to time if ya wish.
I will post however on any updates to the preparing of the Conga #2 Reunion Starting in April..Here is the new blog and if you care to jump in and ride with us anywhere, it would be an honor!! Not to mention an absolute blast!!
If you have holidays around May -June 09 ... Meet the Canucks Conga Chicks somewhere.. They are on my new blog too.
If you have ideas of any kind. we would love to hear from you. Lets all put our heads together and conga across the US and Canada or for a mile or two...A state or two or a province or two, or merely follow us through this blog and the Canucks Chicks Conga..

Conga #2 Reunion

Public Apology

2008-11-13T07:59:00.000-08:00

Okay so good things do come out when a person stands up and explains things, when given a chance. Now I did not give this persons name even though he was willing to publicly apologise to me.I really believe it takes a real person to stand up to their mistakes. Apology accepted, now lets just move forward.

Look Flo ... I f#@ked up ... just started listening to all the post season bullshit and stuck my nose where it didn't belong. I hear all the shit and thought I would be the one pass some of it along. Had I gotten to know you personally I'm sure this would have never happened. For what its worth I apologize for causing you all this grief. Its not like me and I feel really stupid. If we ever meet in person I will walk up to and apologize. I want all this to end now and am staying off the forums permanently. I will however make one exception and apologize to you on the forum of your choice if you wish. My balls are big enough to accept the consequences of my actions. FACT ... There was no excuse for what I did and once again I'm sorry. Sincerely #### ( I think I might have accidentally posted this on vancouver island lady riders so I guess if I did you have your public apology)

Ride Like a Pro and Canada

2008-11-13T07:52:00.000-08:00

Later on, I talked to Docdonna and said, oh Flo, good for you, for sticking up for yourself and us. But we have decied we are not coming to Canada to teach. They don't like us there and Motorman says you will be full qualified by the time he is finished with you. I am totally saddened. I will not give up, and I told them it wasn't them they hated it was me.
I also said, it is only a handful of people, well maybe two handfuls and it is a large Island. You see we share everything and especially when it comes to resulst of the Conga #1

OVER-FLO!!

2008-11-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

This is the kind of stuff I have been trying to ignore since I have been back from Conga #1 I could not take it any more, as I believe getting stuff out on the table if you have a problem. I asked this person who he was and here is his response in black. I responded in the red. I had had enough!! I have had enough! I stood up for what I believe in.

Who am I ? I am the person you met at the SCRC pig roast 2 years ago.
Fact... I was not at the pig roast 2 years ago... Fact you must be confused. It was 5 months ago or less. Get your facts straight! I remember thinking about you and thought how nice it was that you gave me a skull for my bike. Ha!! I like your girlfriend. Wierd how people can turn on people isn't it
You stuck your video cam in my face and asked me what I thought of your "epic journey". The beginning of the Flo phenomenom.
Fact I did not stick the video in your face to ask you about the epic journey. It was not something I would say. All I was doing was going around with a camera at a party and letting people say what they wanted. I was meeting people for the first time and my words to you, were... And who are you?
I never once brought it up.. You all did. Fact. I have the clip so I know exactly what I said. So again get your facts straight.
So lets talk facts then so maybe we (not just you and I but a large number of others} can put all this to rest.
Let's talk facts. Get your facts straight before you go causing a disturbance. So far your facts are false. Why can't everyone put it to rest?? If you do yourself a favor and stay off my forum you wont have to hear about it anymore. I don't plan on stop talking about improving my riding skills or helping anyone that would like help.
FACT ... what you did was great (the long ride from Florida) but not so great that we need be constantly reminded about it everytime someone browses the forums.
Fact.. What I did was a hellova trip yes.. I was not responsible for the what took place, I rode by bike home and people jumped in. I did not call in the news or ask people to read my blog. People that were there chose to be. I am not in control as to what people say good or bad. I am not even sure it is worth waisting my time talking about it again. I only talked about it if people wanted to. People still want to, that is not my fault.
Granted , you are not entirely to blame. Your buddies at RLAP pissed a lot of seasoned riders off by saying you were in the top 2% of riders especially since you openly admitted that you dropped your bike ... how many times? ... on the way back.
fact.. my buddies said that, because they believe it or would not say it. Are you jealous a woman can ride for gods sake?? what on earth is wrong, with you. they didn't call you down, they were mearly saying all my practise is paying off!!! yes I dropped to to exhaustion and not being used to the bike. I was not among the 2% at that time. I earned it, I guess you could say, as I came home and trained daily and worked hard at it. Even though I continued to drop while learning taking it to the full lock lean.
FACT ... your go with the flo /ride like a pro blog thingy thats also in your face everywhere you look gives the impression that you are teaching the RLAP.
Fact... my go with the flo/ride like a pro blog thingy is in my siggy. People are allowed to put what ever they want in their siggy. You can take what ever you want from that, and yes I plan to teach it. Right now I have been giving it away. Kind of a pay back. Want a lesson? Care for a dvd??
FACT ... your brother Plinko stirred up a shitstorm in the C.R. chapter causing Puff to quit and many others. Honestly Flo ... ya think they booted you out for non attendance ... think about it? (not a fact ...JMHO).
Fact my brother is Blingo not Plinko. How did he stir the pot. Wow...that is unbelievable, that when a brother supports a sister who belongs to a chapter, they are going to quite because of it.. Come on really!! How pathetic is that???There is a whole lot more to the closing of my chapter than you can imagine.

FACT ... my chapter is on OVERFLO ...lol ... guess they have had enough too.
Fact.. if your chapter is on OVERFLO, then get OVER IT!!!!

You started this pissing match by answering my post to motorman (with a completely ridiculous answer) then your little friend donna gave me the answer I was looking for. A PROFESSIONAL reply by professionals.
Fact.. I started this pissing match???? omg, you went over to WWR, a ladies forum... Asked a question, and I am a moderator over there. I wanted you to feel welcome and thought you were a newbie FEMALE rider. I was trying to make you feel comfortable until he got to you. You see that is the way we operate over there. Friendly bunch that try to make everyone feel comfortable. I was only trying to tell you they helped me. that alot of my friends who had been riding for years admited they needed practise too. I even called you sweetie... lmao...IMHO you came over there to stir shit and that is what you did. You could have said.. I am a man, and I am trying to start some shit with Flo.. My god, you know how forums run of all people.. You dont just go into a strange forum a ladies of all and pretend to be one.
After all the title of thread was called Hi Priss!!!!Lets face it, the fact is you wanted to start shit and you did.

That is why I said what I did about you not being totally qualified to hand out advice in their behalf. Your intentions are all good as far as I can see bur your way of promotion alienates others and just plain pisses some off.
Fact I never said I was instructor.. Yes my intentions are good, so why don't you just leave it at that. You know nothing about me. I only wanted to share what had been shared with me. And it is all about riding. I can not believe that wanting to share something with some one has turned out to be so ugly at times. It is a crying shame. Do you think that is how they treated Donna when she was promoting herself. If you keep on reading on WWR, you will find out just how we NEVER get sick of hearing about her and all the people she inspires and helps. Watching her improve to this day.. It is always a pleasure to watch especially woman improve in their riding skills or anything else in their life for that matter.
How do you think she got to where she is. She was a challanged rider, like the most of us woman.
honestly think about what you are saying. We WWR dont get sick of hearing about good things. She has inspired me to want to become an advance instructor, what is so wrong with that?? Theyn were proud of me advertising RLAP so why don't you get over it and mind your own business.
If you think your the messiah to women riders (and maybe you are) great ! If you want to ride with those of us with the same opinion as me (FACT ... and there are many) get off your high horse. And by the way that brother of yours ... Plinko ... is in my opinion your worst enemy. Tell him to admire you OFF the forum and YOU will be better off.
I have never thought I was a mesiah to woman, although they have told me a zillion times I am an inspiration. Does that make you jealous too. If I want to ride with you???? Are you serious?? why would I want to??
By the way, why don't you stay off my forum and blogs then you might get over-flo as the next trip is underway and we dont need folks calling us down for riding and talking about it. I was hoping that eventually Your girlfriend would be able to join the Conga at some point.. I guess that is a definate no. Too bad!!
That is what my forum is for, talk about riding as much as you want. If something good happens to ya, lets hear it. If it continues to happen, we would love to hear it. Ther and you can help anyone.. why the hell not.
Good luck with your dancing lessons.
Thanks on the good luck on my dancing, anytime you want to dance with me, in the parking lot let me know. I could probably dance circles around you now, and show you how to pick up your bike in 3 seconds or less.. When I become certified, will I not be able to tell my friends for fear it will piss you off??
Shame on you!!!

Playin hooky

2008-11-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

I was at work today and it was the most beautiful days this fall so far. It was actually warm. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and all I could think about is jumping on my Harley and going for a ride. The trouble was, my Harley was not sitting out the door, or I would have immeadiately finished up my clients and played hooky. It was a busy morning and I had made enough in my eyes to justify playing hooky. If things didn't pick up again, I knew I could be out of their if I could get a ride home to get the Queen.
I sat down at the computer again to enter some writing in about my book. All of a sudden I heard this rumbling soiund of a motorcycle. The sound sounded very familiar, but it didn't sound like Rob's. Then I realized Rob's in insurance ran out today so I knew it wasn't him. I thought to my self, now that sounds like Ruthie on her vtx, as everyonce in a while she like to hop on hers and come for a surprise visit. It did sound like a vtx.
I swiveled around in my chair, to go see who it was and there was my brother bigE, reving up the engine, with a big shit assed grin on his face. Now he was the last one I expected to see.. He left the house early this morning for work. I aske him WHAAAT??? Thought you were at work. He told me, he couldn't stand it, that he thought it would be his last chance to get his last ride of the season in. It had been over a months since he road, due to weather and work. He just told his boss he was leaving for the day.
I got this sad look on my face and he kept grinning.. I thought to myself... I am the boss, why don't you go to the house and get my helmet and give me a ride back up to the house to get my bike. He did that with pleasure, laughed and said, that is what I was hoping you would say!
I didin't want to just ride to Courtenay and back, how many times have I ridden just to courtenay and back. I was so bored with that road. We wandered up MCauley road a road half way to Courtenay on a country road with a few twisties. I wasn't sure where it was going to go but basically in was just a 10 mile circle, and Eric had admitted he never had been down that road all the way.
We took the freeway to Dove Creek rode and were playing all the way. Hardly anyone was on the road so we opened them up to 100 per hour. Pulling up beside each other and back ing off and doing it all over again. He would give me his goofy Jim Carey look snap his head back open his mouth and I would be cracking up.
When we pulled up to the lights... he says...Ya baby....ya...best 85 bucks I have ever spent on myself not to mention a days wages. But I am worth it...
We just laughed and continued on our travels.
We stopped at CMS to say hi to Carl and Mark, and make them a little jealous and we did.. They were of course happy for us. We got our little visit in and off we went to comox along the water, and the back roads home. What a great day on November 10th.

Writing a Book

2008-11-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

Every one who knows me pretty much now that I want to write a book. Or at least i think I have a story or two to tell. Since I have been back I have asked many people to help me or to write it for me. Take my blog and what ever it takes to make a book. Of course I have not writing every thing down. Alot needs to be added, and I have actually never read back at all. There is a woman that challenged me to write starting Nov1 and I went gung hoe for awhile, and get frustrated and stop. I get lost all the time or something goes on in my life and I get side stracked. What is really wierd I find, that once I do sit down and start typing my mind goes and my fingers are just typing away.
Hell, I never even typed before for 30 years. I can't believe what a person is capable of doing if they just put their mind to it. I was never good in school with writing or reading or paying attention period. So now trying to stay focused is a real challange for me.
So anyway, I have discovered some friends along the way that can really write. I approach them again. Of course everyone is so busy with their life too. I do believe, with help from a friend, we may have things going.
This is what this person wrote to me.
Omg, I think i got a long haul ahead of me.

Hey Tannis,
You know you are already a good writer yourself ... I read through
some of the stuff in your blog and it has a good flow and is
interesting.
I'd still like to talk to My friend first just to see if there's any
advice we could use.
I'd also like to contact this other person -- he has published a number
of adventure books and his mom and my mom used to be good
friends so there's a small connection there ... but maybe if he likes
the idea he could write an introduction to his publisher (maybe even
an introduction to your book!) and get things rolling!
What you can start doing is (if you have a printer) is print out ALL the
material you have on your trip ... your blogs, e-mails, messages on
forums, and any other correspondence you have ...
You should also try and write down everyone who participated on
your trip.
Collect all pictures you took ... pictures others took.
Talk to Donna and Motorman and see how they feel about
being in the book -- talk to your family and friends and see
what they think about being in the book.
And keep writing ... the more you write the better. About yourself,
about your family, about your friends and about riding.
And be prepared for a long haul ... writing fiction is easy -- it can all be made it all up --
writing non-fiction can be tough, tough, tough because we have to stick to facts.
If you want to do this, the work starts now.
:)

Letter from Melissa

2008-11-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

I recieved this private letter today for someone down in NC.. I have never talked to her before. What a timely letter. Brought tears to my eyes.
Hey Flo,
I wanted you to know that I have now ordered my 2nd RLAP, coming across this forum has been a blessing for me. I have actually started to improve in my riding skills and feel a lot more confident with thanks to you the other ladies in these forums, and of course RLAP.
My husband was skeptical at first when I told him I ordered the "beginner" RLAP, but now even he will say it was worth me getting. He usually follows behind me to watch and critique what I do, ha we rode a little over 2 hundred miles today and he is sitting there smiling at me as I type with not a word to say.
He has actually watched some of your clips with me on You Tube.
My experience at the local community college a year and 1/2 ago was the worst I have ever had in my life. Out of 12 people in the class I was the only one that had never been a driver of a motorcycle and believe me when I say never, ever, in my life have I been treated so bad. I actually left the class in tears with only one day to go, because of the bullying, berating, and not teaching me anything. This was instructors and students acting this way. I ended up going and buying a 250 and taught myself with my husband and brothers guidance. (Big bro has a mile long private drive LoL) I now drive a HD1200
I went to this class to learn and was treated like crap because I didn't already know how to ride, I thought this was why is was called beginners class. It should have been called to lower your insurance class, anyway I have never been one to back down from anything, but that experience was so bad my confidence has not been the best. As I said before with thanks to all of you and RLAP I am getting there.
My goal is by next spring to have 5000 safe riding mile experience and my dream is a Road King, and ya'll have become an inspiration. Thank you from the bottom of my heart so much for putting your experience on this world wide web.
Melissa

RLAP RLAP RLAP RLAP RLAP RLAP RLAP RLAP RLAP RLAP RLAP

2008-11-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

I have been doing al ot of thinking about things as I have just a month to go before I head south. As I have said a lot has happened since returning from Florida....5 short months ago today. My God, it seems so long ago in a way but actually feels like I am on my way to visit my friends again soon. I guess that is because time in the sun passes by so fast and before you know it.. I'm flying to Florida. Are ya ready for me MOTORMAN!!
Yup, things went a little haywire around here and I took it very personally at times. I have to say though it was just a handful of people that couldn't handle the RLAP phenomenon as it has been called. I kind of chuckle about it now, maybe I should take up advertising.
So bottom line.... with help from my friends... I pulled up my big girl panties and decided to just be me.....I am going to just continue on being me... and those that want to ride with me, I am honored.. Those that don't, that is okay. Those that don't like hearing about RLAP please stay of my blog and my forum. Because I will never stop RLAPING!!!! ENOUGH SAID!!
Those that want to learn about RLAP , I am happy to share!! Those that don't not a problem.

Sad day for Pinkat!!

2008-11-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

MZ PINKAT, she came in today, a little sad, but a little happy. That girl is always happy, smiling, laughing hugging, a true pleasure to have in ones company. She is going to be a great addition to the rider community. Young, beautiful, outgoing, positive, excited, and very enthusiastic!!! Oh dear, have I created another monster??

Today was the last day of insurance for Stinky Pinky and it is pissing down rain of course. I asked her if she wanted to go riding as being a biker I would gladly go if she so desired. I gotta smile, because if I insisted, she would have gone. I looked at her and said... um... ya , no, we are NOT RIDING..Big smile!!

I am leaving in just a few days over a month, which means, she did not, will not,,get her MST, before she leave, or should I say before I get back in June. So what we are trying to decide, is how I can sign it over, or insure it when the time is right, even if I am not here. I am sure Miss Vgirl will want to take her out riding first thing come spring. I can just see it now, when i get back whe will be riding some big bike to show off.. lol... I know what us girls are like!! So I guess I best look into that before I leave, I mean, we cant leave this newbie rider, hanging in till June can we.

Not to worry Pinkat!!

Crap Fest

2008-11-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

There has been many posts on the forums that I would have liked to defend myself . I have ignored them as hard as it has been somtimes. This post (in black)was from some guy to Docdonna in a post where she was defending me... Anyway here is ...My response if given a chance to speak would have been.... ( red)
This person is talking to Docdonna.......
I agree with you totally that we all learn from different means. That is exactly the kind of response I would have expected to hear from professionals. Unfortunately that is not the message that is coming from Flo.
I just said yes the dvd's will help you more than your friends. I thought you were a newbie woman rider as you came on the WOMAN WHO RIDE forum...You're first and only post. I was trying to make you feel comfortable, until MM or Doc could respond. I should have just asked you to go introduce yourself. You see there ya go, you already knew about forum ediquet, and didn't use it. You should have said... I am man and have been riding for years, and I am just trying to cause some shit, so I followed Flo over here.
You dont know how that forum runs.. We all respond if we have something to say... We are woman...lol For instance on VILR.... you know the one you lurk on all the time... Sometimes I post to Motorman, and because he is a very busy man, our Island Motorcop responds. Ya see , no problem, that is the good thing about forum. They are open. We are almost all frieinds and enjoy helping each other. Most of us are out to help not bash, or invent problems.
You say her skills are amazing ... in a parking lot maybe. I have spoken to many that say her road skills are not quite so amazing but that is not what this is about.
Why do you waste your time talking about me when you know nothing about me. If you ride with me someday, and I don't ride the way you like tell me.. If I can improve I will .
I believe as professionals you should not have someome teaching others or offering advice on your behalf when they are not qualified. She took your course and is teaching riders up here. Is that all I takes down there to become an instructor ... a couple of lessons. Hope not.
Why on earth would they not want someone who believes in their product so much and can obviously get the word out to to the whole biker community in less the 5 short months with out even trying. I am not teaching, I am showing people, friends, family, what I have learned. Teachers get paid, I have never accepted anything. Who ever uses my bike sometimes they put in the gas and sometimes they don't, it is cheap and fun, and my hobby, and I love to share. Have you never shared something without expectations??? Shame on you.
One of these days, after my next trip to florida I will come back certified, and then if I am any good, get paid... Fancy that!
You are far from here and probably have no idea that the Go with the Flo ... ride like a pro phenomenom has stired up a serious crapfest almost destroying her own chapter and causing the resignation of many good officers and others who worked incredibly hard to build them.
Yes my friends are far away, but we speak often, and are very close. They know everything and encourage me constantly. I am always asking for advice from them. They know everything I do when it comes to RLAP. Honestly I can not understand how RLAP phenomenom could destroy a riding club but rather enhance one. There always new riders coming in and let's face it even though we have been riding for years, there is always room for improvement.
I agree with you totally the CR chapter dimissed me not for lack of interest... possibly too much interest. Calm the waters about what?? Spreading the good word of learning to ride better... For shame!!
And just so you know I will not be backing off promoting good riding skills. It isn't about me, it is about helping others. Just like the Palladinos helped me.. Sort of like paying it forward. If it has caused a rift in our calm riding community because one person had something to share with other riders about riding, then there is something wrong. Why wouldn't it be in their best interest to have someone like me to get the word out about Riding like a Pro. I believe in them.
Toy runs and other events may suffer in their absense and it and has created a rift in our previously calm riding community. Also I cannot believe that the C.R. chapter revolked her membership solely on lack of attendance. They in my opinion were looking to calm the waters any way they could. Is it in your best interests to have someone like that promoting your product? And to you Flo ... respectfully ... just back off with all the self promotion and you will be fine. JMHO

Looking back

2008-11-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a season since I have been back from Florida with my new bike. I have managed to put on almost 17,000 miles since May 21 when I left Florida. Wow, it has been a whirl wind really. Here it is almost time to head south to Mexico to our other home in the sunshine. I will be riding the 49cc scooter and walking the beach. Sunshine everyday, it always make the blues go away.
A little recap in my mind of how things went since I've been back almost five months to the day.... I met so many new people. Especially down the other end of the Island where my new found Friend Dragon was. I met people that I knew only by nicks from the Forums. I saw roads on the Island I had never been on before.
I was still only working 3 days a week so I had lots of time to ride. I went to Port Alberni and met so many new people there also. I got to know a great bunch. There was rides being planned here and there and everywhere.
My forum Vancouver Island Lady Rider VILR became one of the most popular biker forums on Delphi. We were all organizing rides and trying to jump in here or there with a friend for a scoot somewhere or a last minute hook up with someone. I was almost never home.
Of course I was so into RLAP that I talked about it all the time and found a parking lot to put all the exercises, with help from friends and family. I was wanting to share what I had been taught by the pros in Florida. For me it was just amazing to me how much one could improve their skills after riding for years. I never went anywhere with out RLAP DVD in my saddle bags. I wasn't out riding, you could find me out in a parking lot somewhere.
I was being critiqued by Motorman through video clips and you tube. Docdonna was giving me encouragement through emails and posts on my forum. I was honored that Motorman would give his time on my forum to help critique other riders that were interested also. The more time went on, the more I knew I was loving it, and by helping friends I knew I was seriously considering becoming an instructor as I so enjoyed helping someone improve.
I guess my enthusiasm drove some people nuts. Others just encouraged or joined me. It was fun and exciting watching each other improve our riding skills or conquer a difficult exercise. One gal in particular Vgirl, just a brand new rider, became as dedicated as me. She is doing some of the excercise better than me. That is so exciting watch a newbie become such an awesome confident rider so soon. Not because of ME... because of MOTORMANS dvd's., because of HER. Her determination!!!
I wanted to share, with those that wanted and even up in Port Alberni we had a huge group come out to practise these exercises in their parking lot. We were honored to have a local Motorcop join us and encourgae us.
I know I get a little over enthusiastic about things that I believe in. Wether it is about riding, running, working out, new diet , living in Mexico, planning a ride, or a fund raiser, an new book, a persons desire to become an great author.. Whatever !!!! ... if it helps me and I think may help others. I am enthused!!
I never for once wanted to show how good I was, but how good the DVDs were and just what you could learn from them. Hell, if someone like me could learn it.then why not share it.
Apparently that is not how I came across to some people and it caused a bit of an explosion. I will never understand, how sharing, giving, something you have ,can cause such a commotion. I wonder if I'd won a billion dollars and shared if it would cause the same commotion.
One other thing, I do not understand is why... if people have a problem with you can they not have the decency to email you privately or call you and just be up front and honest. Especially when you come right out and ask if there is a problem and they deny it or say they don't have any idea what you are talking about.
The long and short of it all is ...I seemed to have caused quite a commotion here on the Island. It is a very sad situation for many... myself included. I would like to say that I am sorry for anything that I have done that would caused such an upheaval, but for the life of me I can not figure out what it was or what I did. It was never my intention. I only wanted to share with friends. I have ignored all the nasty posts on the forums. This was the last one ...and I AM going to defend myself once and for all for everyone that reads my blog.
If only someone could have simply stood up to me and said something before this all grew out of proportion!!
TO BE CONTINUED....

End of Season.

2008-11-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

Today is a gorgeous sunny day, and I am working.. wishing I could be riding. By the time I get off work it will be dark. I will be lucky to get another day in of riding before we leave for Mexico
We have 5 days insurance left on Stinky Pinky.
It's looking like it may not happen that Kathy gets her MST before I leave in the next 5 days.
It is a sad thought that riding season is over. There is only 5 days that I would be able to ride before my insurance runs out on the Queen. Praying for sun on Sunday.

A new rider.

2008-11-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

A gal about my age came into the shop today said she was recommended to come and talk to me to help give her some practice on riding. I know who the client was as I told him about the bike I have to help friends learn to ride or get more practise and confident on a bike before they make their purchase.
I told her I would be happy to help her so long as she knew, that I was not an instructor, just a wanna be, and that one day I hoped to be. I could only show her what I know and ride the streets with her when she was ready or if she wanted to. The most important thing to do would be learn from the professionals and they are in this dvd I sell. You will learn alot as I did and then if you practise those skills you wont be scared any more.

I got a little chuckle because she was describing how she felt the first time in the parking lot when it was time to leave and head out on the highway, she was petrified on how to get to 5th gear and once she got there how to get back down to first. I said to her, my goodnes can I relate to you.. she told me she didn't complete the course and wants to take it again , and I told her I thought it was a great idea. Hopefully in the spring when i get back we could do some riding together. She said she has another lady friend that just learnt how to ride and is looking for someone to ride with. I gave her my card and invited her to VILR forum . There is more lady riders coming up all the time.
She bought the dvd, a leather coat off me and best of all another friend to ride with in the springtime.

Tanya Figure 8 oct 8

2008-10-31T20:55:00.001-07:00

This is Tanya/Vgirl...I tell ya, she is riding like a pro. She just got her liscence this summer. Unbelievable. Riding like a Pro!!! Even the Motorman says...Excellent!!

Pinkat MST PRACTISE

2008-10-28T21:11:00.001-07:00

Once we got the Pinkat to the parking lot we figured it was time to go over what they do for the MST. We actually took her to the actual Motor Vehicle Branch parking lot.

Between Me, Mark, and Tanya we got things figured out. It had only been 6 months since Tanya had done it so that was a help.

Looks easy we thought and so did she. Piece of cake after what she has been doing with the RLAP. Just use those 3 techniques and you will ace it.... NOT!! Well not for the firt few times any way but each time she did it of course she got better. A few more times and it will be all good. We thought that she had to wait 30 days since her learners. We started this on 14 days exactly. She called me in pure excitement few minutes ago...

It's 14 days today, I can do it!!! Alrighty then, lets get this out of the way.. Then there is 30 days after that, that she can be fully liscenced before I leave for Mexico in Dec. Boy things are moving fast. I see another Shawnboy coming up.

So what I have decided to do is lend her the bike untill I return from Florida and she is whipping that bike around like nothing. Having the desire for MORE POWER!!

I just don't want to see here waste money going to a 750 and then wanting bigger in a couple of months.

Gotta love that Stinky Pinky!!!

Oh dear she just called again, and said they do do that this time of year, so now she has called Courtenay and they will call her for the next opening when it is not raining.

Her is a couple of clips of her practising. Excuse the big mouth in the background.

12ft Biatch!!!

2008-10-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Tany and Mark came by at 3:30 to the barbershop to tempt me to leave early.
It didn't take much and I was out the door. I didn't go for a ride as it was too cold so I took off to the parking lot with my 20 cones for that horrid 12ft offset cone weave.
I just watched the dvd before they got there and thought to myself... I can do this.. I watched it over and over and over. Especially the part where little Miss Docdonna aced it her first try. Motorman sayin...its's easy I have even drawn you a picture.... Ya right... Easy freeekin peasy!!
Okay so no one is around ...I keep trying... I keep failing.. My blood is boiling, it is freezing outside, but I am cookin.
These guys come by,... just what I need!! Hey Lady, you some kind of instructor, we see you out her all the time, and you are with people and taking pics, and I just wanna tell ya... you can ride.
That is a pretty nice Honda ya got to... what is it?? I look at him and say it is a Road Queen thankyou very much..
So he asks if he can watch, him and his buddies.. Im like....CRAP!! Sure, be my guest, and I went over to the figure 8 and gave him a sparking show...lmao
So away they go, and I am back on the 12ft..I can hear him...Motorman
You lost your friction zone Flo... Dig in your purse and find it!!!!!!!!!!
Docdonna... don't over think it girl, just do it!! If I can so can you.
Away I go........I aced it, but only one way. Okay..I did not ace it, if I aced it, it would have felt easy peasy, but it so did NOT!!
Have you ever tried to do an excericise with 20 cones and knock some down every time. It's work getting on and off the damn bike.
So just as I was packing it in, along came Tanya and Mark. I told them how damn hard it was.. What the hell is wrong with me??
She proceeds to tell me, she thinks they are 2 ft short entering the gate. Are you bloody serious?? Any wonders, I am damn near putting the bike down in a full lock turn with the big ass end I have...(the bike that is)
I don't know for sure but, I am going to find out tomorrow for sure....Enough of that for practise, it was time to go get the Pinkat.

Pinkat parking lot.

2008-10-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

We took Pinkat out for a little scoot through town. Vgirl, Dr. Ruth, me and Pinkat. I booked off early in the afternoon, when Dr.Ruth arrived at the barbershop. The sun was shining and it was another gorgeous fall day. Business on the slow side and I couldn't resist. We went for a short ride, and ended up stopping at Vgirls to see if she wanted to ride, and of course was gearing up with the same thing in mind.
She doesn't live far from me so we all went to my house and Pinkat was just arriving. We decided to let her take the lead an rode back to her house. She was doing really great. So we let her lead to the parking lot. The four of us went the parking lot and the practised started.
Actually Tanya kinda took over looking after Pinkat as we had our photographer
there who was taking pics of Dr. Ruth on her bike. This is the same guy that stopped by my shop one day and took a picture of the Queen.
He also took some pics of me in the mean lean in the figure 8. Really hard to get the right pose as he is a still photographer.
Tanya took care of pinkat making sure she was getting her lessons in. It is great having her and Mark helping out.
We are getting brave now, taking Pinkat out on the busy streets. She can do her MST on the 14th of this month and then leaves for Florida on the 15th. I am hoping we can get her licence before I leave for Mexico on Dec. 10...Whoo hoo, I am getting that much closer to Florida myself.
I think she has about 12 hours under her belt now. She is paying attention and picking up everything we are telling her.
It gets cold really early and dark, so every hour counts now.

Mount Washington

2008-10-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

I got to ride DH's bike as he is away. He was pretty worried and I must say, I was at first till I got going down the highway. It does have a whole lot of power. It has a 103 engine, what ever the heck that is. May have alot of power, but sure wasn't as comfy as riding the Queen. Slight little lean, and I was scraping. It felt so small.
Spydie, lettin all the gals go for a little burn on the Spyder. It is always so much fun having him around and you always feel safe when he is tail gunning us. Sweetie bought us lunch on the mountain.

This is my buddy Jippo. His bike insurance ran out, and I really wanted a couple people to ride as the weather was so good.

I told him he could be Queen for the day..lol

We were heading back from Mount Washington. He doesn't look very happy does he??

He Looked at me, and said...hey Flo, what color bringingback next time???....lol

Me Gazelle, Vgirl, top of the Mountain to ya. We got up there had a short visit and headed back down.

Cold and crispy for some. I myself was toasty warm with my electric vest. Beautiful fall day!

Spyderman-Grizz-Jippo-Ram

Spydie escorted us gals up for lunch on the mountain and later the other 3 showed up.

This was all the snow that was left.

I think I may have created a Monster!!

Burger Bus

2008-10-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful sunny fall day. I went to work, but kept thinking about everyone gathering at Rosies burger bus for the last day of the season. I really shouldn't have left work as my new barber, I don't think is quite ready to be left alone.
The way I looked at it though, is how could I not! The sun was shining, it's end of season, there was going to be alot of bikes for sure. I needed some therapy, and the Queen kept calling my name as I saw her sitting outside the window.
Unfortunately, there never seems to be anyone up this way to often to go for a ride, as others work Saturdays too.
So I asked the boss, and she said go for it!! I'd have gone no matter what she would say, hoping that I would get fired anyway..lol.. It has been a rough week at work. Welfare week is not a pretty site at times, and I was full up to drunks first thing in the morning, and smelly ppl..
Fresh air, breeze to the knees... The new gal said it was all good for her, so off I went. Everyone is always so surprised to see me still there.
After I was have way to Courtenay, I realized, I was suppose to have someone stop by today.. Darn it.. I missed her... A biker friend I have never met before.
Anyway, I am sure there were over 20 bikes, and every one is just so friendly. We had a great time, met a whole bunch more people I didn't know before.
We had the photographer that took a pic of my Queen take some of 3 other bikes. It is phenomenal work. I am thinking we need to do a calender for next year or should I say 2010.
I rode back home around 3 and could feel a huge change in temperature. No fear though as I hit the parking lot and RLAPED..by myself. Something is wrong.. I fell like I am loosing it!! My consintration is gone. I keep loosing my friction zone. I can NOT do the offset 12 foot at all. It is just nutz, how I can break now and cry all by myself in a parking lot. Calm myself down and just go at it again, with a good attitude and it doesn't work. I can even hear Motorman, telling me what to do. But I am not gettin it.
The only thing I never have trouble with is the figure 8 and the intersection and regular offset. What the hell is going on!!
Tomorrow is another day. and suppose to be the same as today. I just thought of Pinkat, I'll bet she is itchin to ride. It will be a full day, a ride to Mount Washington and some parking lot.

2008-10-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

I got out to the parking lot last night with Vgirl and Pinkat. We only have an hour after work these days to practise before it gets dark.
Pinkat is on about her 8th hour of riding. She rides it from my house to the parking lot, practises for an hour and then rides it back to the house. So she is getting about 10 miles of road time. One hour of practising. She is doing awesome and is really getting the cone weave and figure 8 down good, with a nice steady friction zone, and I am not having to tell her as much to snap her head.
She always has such a huge smile on her face and is always so grateful at the end. It makes her feel a lot safer having Vgirl behind her tail gunning. I was totally impressed how she can take off on the steep hill when she is parked without any troubles. Gaad.. how I hated that hill when I was learning. Definitely got a future pro on our hands
Actually.. that Tanya is going to be teaching me a few things soon. I can feel it. I have not been able to practise much because of my new clutch and then spending time with Pinkat instead of practising my self. It is nice to have her support. It just shows ta go you... I am so not a natural.
Yikers!! The slow cone... I need practise and that damn 12ft wench of an offset. Terrible, terrible I say. I was literally in tears as I couldn't get it. Now put me on that figure 8 and it is music to my ears.

I guess it is soon time to just let it go until I get down Florida way with the professionals. Being off for 6 months, I can't imagine how rusty I will be.

Frienship Ride #2

2008-10-23T15:07:00.001-07:00

This clip is the #3.. After my brother made the first I thought how nice it was to put all the pics together in one place for everyone to enjoy. I have a bazillion photos from over the summer.
This one in particular has caused a ruckuss. I did not by anymeans put this pic first. When you own load to You Tube it does it randomly. Now with all the shit going on in the clubs. There was some offense taken. I say.... I just don't get it!!! If you take the time to look at the pics, how could anyone take it offensively unless of course they think I put this picture up first. This person was giving me the finger because I was always in his face with the camer or video.
Some times I get tired of being afraid to do something nice for fear someone will take it th wrong way.
I hope you take no offense to this :)

Friendship Ride 2008 #1 Pics.

2008-10-21T22:52:00.001-07:00

These are some of the pictures put together from the Friendship ride this past weekend. It was organized by Dr.Ruth of SCRC 394. Members and non members from all ove the Island joined. Thee was about 60 bikes. just to remember what it is all about the ride. We are all just people enjoing the same thing. Doesn't matter what club you are from or if you are. Or even if you like the person riding behind you. To be continued.

Letter from a friend I have never met!

2008-10-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have never met this woman in person, but have chatted lots over the years, I recieved this letter this morning. I believe she lives in Ontario!

Hi Flo,
I can see by the forums that something negative has been going on with some club members and I'm sorry to realize that. I see Dr. Ruth's camaraderie ride did much to dissipate any hard feelings and that is wonderful to see. I hope things turn around. We had something much the same happen here a year ago in our SCRC club, and everyone left the club. There wasn't one group event or ride this year, there is no group, although they haven't closed the forum down. In spite of all that things change and life goes on. Most people joined the CMC and I ride alone or with the hubby.I see also some people have said negative things, whether about you or what you are trying to do, or something said... I don't know and it doesn't matter. I just wanted to tell you that most of us have dreams and it is the right thing to work on fulfilling those dreams, regardless of what anyone says.

My first book reading is tomorrow night and my presentation is about you. I wanted you to know that (in case your ears get burning). You have changed so much and accomplished so much in your few years of riding. I remember you hitting the forums, I guess 3 or 4 years ago now, full of questions and anxiety and uncertainty. Today you are a remarkable, confident woman and I am proud to be presenting the story of your adventures to my friends and acquaintances. I imagine you can expect some more hits to your blog after tomorrow... hahaha

Anyway, I'd better get back to my article on stress... lol .. lots of that going around.
Happy RLAPping and I'll see you on the forums.

It is amazing really how many people watch and care what is going on. I never really realize just how much one person can affect so many.. Good or bad reasons. Obviously she could feel the stress way over in her own province. I will be glad when all this stuff blows over.
One thing for sure....I will always wonder... what the real cause was. Was it RLAPING...it couln't really be lack of interest. I have put 11,000 miles on my bike since I returned from the Conga, and rode with SCRC all over the Island. It just so happened, I was hanging down Victoria way with my new friend.
Is it because I post too much, well , if I got something to say, I need to say it. Especially if it is encouraging.
I think the one reason RLAP is so important to me, is because I was one of the most challenged riders out there. Any one who knows me, knows that. I am never afraid to share that, to make me look bad, it is to encourage others, that if I can, it is possible for almost anyone.
To buy the dvd is one thing, but I had the honor of being there one on one with Jerry Motorman Palladino and Donna Palladino. Even though I thought I could ride when I got to Florida I really couldn't. I couldn't do the cone weave for the life of me. The u-turns were as MM might say, the size of 2 countries. I did not know I had to SNAP my head to look where I was going.
So to have, been given that for free, and to return home with the one on one again from Motorman... I felt it only right to share it, with anyone else that wanted it. Like paying it forward.
It was never meant to brag.... I know I am guilty for getting too enthusiastic over things from time to time, and now its plain obvious, it can get me in trouble.
I never even realized that it was at all possible to come close to riding like the pro's.. When the Pallidinos watched and told me and encourage and critqued me... It was then, that I realized I wanted to share it even more.
Especially to woman. It is important to feel sure and safe on the busy streets. I am learning more every day myself.
We all have goals is right, and to hang up my scissors and take a passion into a job is a pretty good goal.
Keeping my fingers crossed that I can continue and figure out a way to have the first Canadian RLAP.

Pinkat rides in hail storm

2008-10-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well .... she is for sure a biker!! I got off work early as she was so excited to get to the parking lot. By the time we geared up and got the Stinky going,...we looked towards the parking lot direction. The sky was black. So we decided no parking lot, just go for a little short ride to fuel up the bike. We went about 5 blocks and the skies opened up.. With hail, pinking in my face like pellets. They were good size and collecting right in the pocket of my seat... Not funny!!
So why was I laughing?? I was thinking about poor Pinkat and couldn't get her off the road as we were on a main drag with no turns.
Travelling very slowly and safely, and was praying she was okay. We got to the gas station and both got off at the same time... laughing our fool heads off.
The gas attendents came on the intercome and told us to come in and get warm.
They bought us a hot choclate while we wait for it to blow over. Everyone was laughing at us, and we were explaing that she had about 6 m iles or riding time on the road.
Hey that is good practise riding in sleet.. Pinky did not like it either and on the way back to the house died, or should I say took a good rest in the middle of a busy street.
I was so proud how, Pinkat, calmly got off her bike signaled to pull over to the opposite side of the road which I was.
We got it home and had some more good laughs and says that todays ride earned her 5 more hours under her belt...
She can't wait to ride tomorrow. What a trooper.

FRIENDSHIP RIDE 2008

2008-10-20T10:27:00.001-07:00

This is our frieindship ride. Just what the Dr. ordered. There has been some political trouble in the local chapters. Today everyone put their differences aside and set out to ride!!!
This ride is for Spyderman who has struggled so long to prove that doesnt matter what patch you wear, or what you ride, or even if you don't like 1 out of 60 people, you can still ride!!

Pinkat's a Pro

2008-10-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here we have Fancypants, Rocky and Dr. Ruth coming to the parking lot to support what's going on!! Got to love those VILR'S.

Here miss Pinkat is doing the figue 8.. By the end of it she was doing great. Some other VILR'S came up to support us, and were totally impressed how much she was learning in a very short time. Fancypants was shaking her head and said, I have been riding 3 years and I can't do that.

Guess what's in store for you in the spring Fancy???

Pinkat.... this is at 6 hours of riding around the parking lot.. Split up over 3 days. This gal learns fast. I sweart this little bike Pinky Stink has some good luck. Along with Docdonna's gloves and oh ya, I guess we will give Motorman some credit for the dvd and all his good tecniques and putting it together so well for us to follow. Almost like it was written for me.. pictures and all. This is Vmax/Mar, he was helping out today also. Marke used to intstruct so it is great having is support. And picking up the cones helps too.... lol
Today was a great day with Pinkat, I tell ya!! She is doing te 12ft slow cone.. It is crazy, they were farther apart, and I just snuck them together went over the ususal, you know, head and eyes.. Look where you want to go.. give it some throttle or your gonna go down,..of course SNAP... LOOK AT ME!! Poor ga!!

Then I would say... This one is for Motorman, as of course she is going to get critiqued by him!! All of a sudden she starts to do really good. I go off and talk to Ram for a while and she does her own thing... Thinks I am not watcing. She aced the dang thang, both freekin ways. I saw her SNAP THAT HEAD!

Kathy is a really gung ho anxious rider. Learning really fast. So I showed her the off set cone weave as ya know ya get a little tired of riding around in the same circle. I went throught it on my bike and then Stinky, and then said, not worry, it is a little early for you, I know that... Just wanted to show you try it using those 3 techniques and the butt dance..

She freekin ACED IT!!!! The friction and everything kept it steady.

It is amazing... bloody amazing, this is a brand new rider!! So I take her over to the hill and doing stops going up and down the hill... No problem!!

I knew she was ready for the road, just a little tour around a quiet part of town. Damn, this girl was smilin, doing everything right. So I went a little farther, and a little farther and farther, to her down a main street, busier neighbourhood, about 2 minutes on the highway at 80km..

If you could see her face you would understand why I love to do this!! She was screaching!!!

To be continued I am sure............

More pics of Pinkat click here

A great loss to the biker community.

2008-10-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

It is almost the end of the season and is the end for alot of people. Their insurance has run out. I still have another month. I am thinking it is probably a good thing right now to let the local biker community settle down.
Things have not been so good lately in the clubs. Seems something huge has been lost. If people could just be honest, open, compasionate and up front with each other. What happened to talking things out!!
If someone has a problem, with someone, I don't understand why it can't be discussed before it explodes and distorts. We were all suppose to be friends.
The biggest loss in the Club is the Regional Officer stepping down. He has with out a doubt in my mind done more for the biking community that anyone possibly could.
People look up to him. He doesn't need us... We need him!!!
He strives so hard to bring all bikers together.. Regardless of what club, on non club you belong to. He is diplomatic in trying to solve problems and always tries to put friendship aside when making decisions.
I suppose there is another way to look at it. He will never give up riding or trying to do what was good for the riding community, no matter wether he returns as Regional Officer or goes off on his own just being who he is.
These are my thoughts only on this rainy day.

No Parking lot practise.

2008-10-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

The weather is not on our side to get Pinkat on the bike. Hopefully tomorrow it will be better. I myself look forward to practising again. I was hoping to get her out around the neighbourhood by Saturday but it is not looking that way.
We could accomplish alot on Sat and Sun though.

Pinkat Figure 8

2008-10-16T06:17:00.001-07:00

First time in Figure 8. This is kathy's second day, 3rd hour in which she had been riding. She is doing good, just a little timid of course. She was getting a little bored with the off set so we gave her some variety.

Pinkat in Parkinglot

2008-10-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Another great time with Pinkat in the parking lot on Stinky Pinky. She is doing really well and loving it. What an enthusiast gal. It is just a joy watching her learn and grinning away.
Vgirl and Vmax brought the bike down for us again today. Extra support is always nice too. It's great because Vmax used to instruct himself, so maybe I will learn stuff. Well actually I am as I am not an instructer and he knows of things to say that I don't. Team work! I am hoping to have Pinkat riding around the neighbourhood on Saturday afternoon.
It's funny it is freezing cold but we are not feeling it. She does have me picking up the pylons a fair bit yet. Not that I dont need the excercise.
It keeps me from over practising myself. I haven't had time to tackle the 12ft biatch off set cone weave. That's okay, my clutch is still resting.

pinkat Slow cone

2008-10-15T22:40:00.001-07:00

Kathey is a brand new rider. She has been in the parking lot only 2 hours and is doing the slow cone, not knowing she was being filmed. I told her she had to show the bad with the good. Besides this is pretty dang good after 2 hours.

Flo Sparking

2008-10-14T21:41:00.001-07:00

This was tonight, The figure 8 wasn't that great, as I was consintrating more on making some sparks than anything..

pinkat rlap First day in Parking lot

2008-10-14T21:27:00.001-07:00

Today Kathy passed her learners and is riding.. Why wait for spring, do it now!!

PINKAT PASSES LEARNERS.

2008-10-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

I have known Kathy a few years, but dont really see much of her until I ran into her on saturday and she told me how much she wanted to learn to ride. She was in CMS looking at bikes. I told here I would love to help her and I had a bike, and she couldn't believe it as she was thinking about spring time. Anyway, I sold her the dvd, she went home and watched it and I told her why not study the book and just go see if she can pass the test. If she failed, like I did 3 times she could keep trying.
Just at closing time, in she comes to the barbershope snapping her license with a big grin on her face saying.. I did it... I did it!!! Can we go to the parking lot today. ....Off we went.

Vgirl, and Vmax brought the bike down for me and away we went. With advice from me and Mark, she was on here way. I was happy Mark was there, as as I have said many times.... I am not an instructor....yet! I always prefer to help someone that already rides incase I forget to mention something. Yelling SNAP LOOK AT ME... is easy! I apologised to her for yelling so loud and she says,...no, I need that!! It is so easy to forget to not look down or at the curb you don't want to go to.
It didn't take long and she was riding!! She pays attention, got great posture, shifts good, didn't have any close calls, looked pretty confident.. We worked her hard for about an hour and a half.. It was so exciting to see how excited she was. I think we have another natural on our hands. I believe that is a lucky lady bike.

I get such pleasure watching someone succeed. It is hard to believe that I am actually doing it sometimes, when I think back to how difficult it was for me.

I can't wait untill tomorrow and neither can she! Whoo hoo another VILR!

Go With Flo RLAP #4

2008-10-14T14:29:00.001-07:00

This is the day I took the Ride Like a Pro course in Hudson Florida, getting reaing to set off soon to ride my new Harley across America for the most amazing journey alone but never alone!!

Smilin

2008-10-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is my first time in the parking lot with my Queen in Florida. I have been going through pics and couldn't help sharing this. Look at me....foot draggin bike straight up,serious look. And I was about to ride this hog across America. I was just damn proud of me for staying inside the figure 8.
Here I am with a serious lean going on, but a very serious look still. It is one of the hardest things I have strived to do while practising, is to smile. Always afraid I am going to dump her just one more time!! Now I think I am shooting for a record. Good thing I am a Pro at the pick up too.
Finally 4 months later when Doc and MM realized I was serious as the practising hasn't stopped, other than since I burnt out my clutch. The sent me the intructors shirt that they are confident that I will be using one day. Now I got the serious lean with the shirt and it helped me smile!!!

Turkey Run

2008-10-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

A FANTABULOUS day, bikers from all clubs and non clubs enjoying each others company. I think there was about 60 bikes I have heard.
I met a couple people I had never met before and had only spoken to on the forums. That Bear guy!! he is a big bear... I'm like wondering who it is and have to look at his patch... Crikey, he is one of our Cabana boys on VILR, was great meeting him. Also met Ripper... love that name, nice friendly guy, I felt like a midget beside him..lol
Zeek puts on a great event and he even got free lunch ticket for a draw which my nefew won and bought us lunch. It was a $50 certificate. We had a moment of silence to remember what we were all thankful for.
We had a great ride on the back roads of Nanaiamo and Parksville. It was a nice crispy day, but dressed warm with electric vest, woolies and rubber gloves it was all good.

The ride back home with my nefew leading his aunt and uncs and Jippo and Tanya riding back..
We stopped at CMS, as Lobo needed to pick up his bling, and I needed a squishie from a Spyder.
Just a closing time in comes this gal that wanted to look at bikes, she wants to learn how to ride. Spydie says, thats the gal you need to talk to...
Crikey it was my sons ex girlfriend.. We got to talking and I sold her a dvd, she is going to write her learners, and I am going to teach her how to ride Stinky Pinky....Still got some insurance left som hopefully we have another VILR, SC, AND CMC member. Hee hee, I am thinking so.

yeah, yeah, yeah, I get to practise my RLAPING!!! Another new recruit to practise my skills.
Am I ever glad I bought that bike, heck this summer she will have taught 3 people to ride. Already makes it all worth it.
I had burned the clutch off my Queen, with all the practising and got a new one put in. I have been trying to wait 500 miles to break it in.. Now that has been a challengd. Today Motorman givs me the go ahead to practise even though it isn't 300. But cool that girl off once inawhile.
Today is sunny and I am hoping to someone shows up at the parking lot today. I am so looking forward to it!!

Flo 12ft offset Offset Biatch!!! Oct 8

2008-10-09T23:04:00.001-07:00

I just had to post this to let you know I could not contain myself,I had to try it just once with my new clutch. I know I was suppose to put on 500 miles first. But anyway, it was not that good, but it will get better. I have POTENTIAL..Right Motorman??? Go on... make a commment!!!!

Flo at Palladino's Hudson Florida

2008-10-08T23:17:00.001-07:00

This is day 2 at the Palladino's, getting to know each other, feeling like I have know them forever. Knowing that, I wanted them in my live forever. Wonderfull times by wonderful people. Getting ready for Conga #1
Next one will be learning to ride like a pro on the Queen from Hudson Florida. Soon to be Queen of the Road!1

More Parking lot.

2008-10-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting to my pictures and some sort of order. I have tried time and time again, how to figure out how to make pictures into movies. Off and on for 4 months now, wanting desperately to have them organized in a storey book movie. I finally figure out how to do it.. not perfect but I am doing it. It is keeping me up late at night for sure. If I don't git er done, the one I have started, I will forget the order in which I am doing it. It is alot of sorting, going back and forth and omg, does it take persistence. I figure if I can do this, I probably can write a book. Which by the way, my time is coming near where a friend who has wrote a book has challenged me for Nov. 1.
Riding season is coming to an end as the weather is starting to get really cold. When I work till 5 , there isn't much time left before dark, and cold. Today was an awesome day, and I wanted to close early due to the weather but I stuck it out!!
Tanya/vgirl, is really enjoying the parking lot practise,and I have to say is getting really good. Crikey she has only been riding since this summer and can already ride better than some that have been riding for years. Man, she aces the frigging 12ft off set cone weave, which is my biggest dilemma these days.
I went out with her today, and she had the intersection all measured out and painted for an 18ft instead of 24.. Good job, and I'm thinking shit, that is going to be hard....
Actually considering, I wasn't allowed to use my new clutch yet, not for 500 miles, or I will ruin it and I had to replace it and also my brakes from all the parking lot practise. God, how I just wanted to tackle the bitch. I have to say, I did do it once, only once with my clutch and I realized, I better not. So anyway I went off to all the other exercises and tried them.
I am hearing the Motorman, saying, you can do it without, brake or clutch, it is harder, but it can be done, everything alot faster except your speed. I actually managed doing most of them with out, and will start to concentrate on that more. Not easy!!!
We put out the cones Tanya bought and all of a sudden, it was like these brick walls were put up. holy molly, they are just cones, but woaha.... they freaked me.. Now I can't even cheat a little bit!! I am sure it will perfect the skills alot faster and more proficient. I tell ya, it may have been cold but, not for long, I was sweating, and had to put on my lucky docdonna gloves.
It was a great practise, and I can't tell you how much I miss it when I don't get there, and how happy I was the weather was good.
I could have gone on longer but with not being allowed to use my clutch, I didn't like the limitations, but I was not ready to go home yet on a clear night. For some reason other than working in the parking lot, I had something on my mind that I had to do.

Go with the Flo-Woman Who Ride Conga #1

2008-10-07T22:36:00.001-07:00

I finally figured out how to take pics and make a movie out of them and post them for the whole world to see. OMG, it took me all night for this one, but there will be many more to come. I have been home for 4 months now. This has been an on going goal for me, so it will be easy to share, and find. I hope you enjoy as much as I do. Picking the music is not easy. Well done of it is easy but well worth it to me. The next one will be more time with the Palladinos and at RLAP DEMO and the class of Ride like a Pro.

Flo with Bro's and Bikes

2008-10-07T10:58:00.001-07:00

Jason Called

2008-10-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Today was my only day off. I only get Sundays off lately. Anyway, I have been waiting for a descent day to go for a ride. You all know I love to ride.. My problem is, I never have desire to go riding in the rain, or if you look out side, and it appears the skies will open up.
I'm itching to ride, I got me a new clutch, wanna slay the 12ft bitch that lives in the parking lot at the condemmed school even. I walk to the windo every hour and instead grab the broom and ride it around the house and do some needed house work.. What has happened to me.. I hate house work, not want to work, only because I have the wrong job. I want to ride, but the weather is not with me.
I guess if I was hard core I would be on it riding down Island dodging the rain. I hate rain, reminds me of the last day of the Conga.. I like to be reminded of the first day of the Conga and the Conga ll.
Okay, I am getting side tracked... Conga....Florida...riding...RLAP...
I got this cutest call tonight from the guy I met the other night....Jason from Florida, the one I met through my new possible barber..Elaina..The guy I sold a dvd to who just rode across america to Vancouver Island.. Okay he is still on the Island...leaving tomorrow.
He was suppose to come up this way before he left so I could take him to Mount Washington or Gold River, a couple of the nicest roads we have on our end of the Island. But... the weather sucked, he was tired, and was heading out, but just called to say Hey Flo.... guess what???
I say what Jason??? Sup my friend??? Nice hearing from you, and I am so sorry we never got to ride today..
Ya, he said... Me too, I am just gonna kick back and watch a dvd... Right on, my friend, relax have a good evening, and hopefully I will hear from you when you get back to Florida..
He says to me.... the movie I watched last night was so good girl, that I be watchin it again tonight... I say... kewl, what is it, maybe I should get it??
He says... GIRL!!! (I like the way the Americans say that) Girl... you sold it to me... I jist wanted to share that wit ya... you rock, I am now addicted... addicted girl... to RLAP..
I'm laughing... right on... I created anoter monster then? He said... omg girl, I got it bad.... I got my parkling lot picked out, I am going to be practising every night... All I want to do now, is get home...All the way to Florida... so I can ride like a pro...
I gotta say this....excuse my language. I was fucking laughing... omg..
I meet this guy on VI..he cant wait to get home to Florida to ride like a pro...
He tells me, I am signing up for the course, so you are telling me, that this Motorman dude and Doc, if I say Flo sent me, I want to sign up, but not till she gets here,.... they will know what I am talkin bout???
How freekin funny is that?? I said, yup... I do think the Motorman, and Docdonna will know when I am coming.
He told me he going to watch it every damn day till I get there..
Holy Crap!! send that off to HARLEY DAVIDSON

Palladinos asking for help!

2008-10-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,
I need your help. Harley-Davidson understands that the biggest growing segment is women riders. We've been trying to get the attention of Harley-Davidson to let them know more or less how Ride Like a Pro has helped so many women become better, safer, riders.
So far, with negative results. The problem is trying to get thru to the right person up the ladder at the MOCO. What would be fantastic if we could get an email campaign from all of you, "women riders", that have learned how to handle your big bikes because of the Ride Like a Pro DVDs.
We'd love to have them see how women such as me, Flo, Marianne and ALL of you can maneuver your bikes with skill and confidence. How important it is for them to consider contacting us so we can perform our Rider Skills shows at their events around the Country, etc.
I think we found the right people to contact, so here are their email addy's. I thank you all in advance for taking the time to see if we can get this mission accomplished!
leslie.prevish@harley-davidson.com

jerry.wilke@harley-davidson.com
Thanks!!
Doc and Jerry

How can we not help when they have helped so many people myself included that it is not the size of the bike or the person but the riders skills by sharing their riding skills with the rest of the world making it a safer place to be as it continues to grow the amount of motorcycles on the road. Here is my response.

Dear harley Davidson
I am writing to you with a brilliant idea. I would like to ask Harley-Davidson to consider contacting Jerry and Donna Palladino from Ride Like a Pro, www.ridelikeapro.com so they could perform their rider skills shows at your National and State events. When you finish reading this email, you'll see why I feel so strongly that the thousands and thousands of HOG riders across the USA and Canada would benefit from seeing these ladies and the Ride Like a Pro team handle their big Harley-Davidson's like children's toys. In complete control, with total confidence and skill.
I understand that maybe Harley Davidson may have their doubt about just how important Ride Like a Pro is. I can not believe that it has not been jumped all over by Harley Davidson World Wide. Especially with all the baby boomers and younger, learning how to ride. Woman in particular, but believe me...... most men I have met since meeting the Palladinos and taking their course need to improve their riding skills even after riding 30 years.
I am from Vancouver Island B.C. Canada.Here is my story and why I think it is so important for Harley Davidson to take on Ride Like a Pro and show that their riding skills can improve riders old and new in 4 short hours and make the world a safer place to live.
Harley Davidson definetly has the bikes....but Ride Like a Pro have the skills on showing us how to handle those big gorgeous machines with out killing ourselves or someone. I have only been riding for 3 years.. I am 53... The reason I decided to ride... because my husband who had been riding for 30 years... totalled his big bike ..The second time on it after being fixed I was on with him... he put me down.... Too bad, he didn't know about how to Ride like a pro then. I am riding my own, because I did not trust riding with him.
Anyway, my goal was to have my own Harley Davidson... Road King which I would call the Road Queen. First of all I needed to learn how to ride like a pro... I didn't even know that, I just knew I was on the look for my Road Queen. I was also very apprehensive that I would ever be able to handle a huge bike like that. How fortunate I was to have found Donna & Jerry Palladino's Road King in Hudson Florida.
I had gotten to know Donna through her Woman Who Ride Forum which by the way is the busiest biker forum on Delphi. I had been a regular on that forum where they give advice on all sorts of things, and of course riding. They promote their dvd's and I ended up buying one of course, and thinking wow, how can those petite lady's throw those bikes around like that. I had listened to Donna on the forum, encouraging me and other woman, that it was not the size of the bike or the size person it was the rider and his skills. She had struggled to ride as well as Marian as she was not a natural, like myself. I remember when she MADE IT...The LIGHTS WENT ON! She would tell us all, if I can you can, it is only 3 simple techniques if you apply them and practise them you will get it..
She was my inspiration!! Still is.... Motorman is my Idol.. These 2 people and their team, know what they are doing.. The simple fact that they can take an average woman like myself and teach them to ride better than the average man who has been riding for 30 years or more. This has got to be worth something huge.
They have like 8 Harley's in their garage, and last year would not even think about letting me ride one other than the one I was buying. This year when I return to visit they have offered to let me ride one of their Harley's as they are confident I am a good rider.
Donna and Jerry have become very good friends of mine, and continuously guide me on my riding skills through video clips and U-tube where I post. I believe in Ride Like a Pro so much that am working hard at becoming a certified trainer my Motorman himself.
They have taken another simply average woman rider and trained me from afar to out ride any guy that I know... That is only that I know.. The men will admit it!
When it came time to have my bike shipped home, I had posted on her forum, that I had a dream I flew out to Florida took their course and road my bike home across America....Donna and all the ladies on the WWR Woman Who Ride forum convince me I could do that. That in itself is another whole long story.. Anyway, I did just that
When it came time to pick up my Road Queen, the Palladinos picked me up at the Airport, took me into their home, put me in their course, gave me private lessons on these 3 special technique of how to handle that man sized bike like a Pro. They were not letting me go across America until it was safe to do so. He even showed me how to pick up my bike in case needed.
A long story short, I would never have gotten home safely in just under 6,000 miles with out these 3 techniques going through my mind every moment I was on my big beautiful Harley Davidson Road Queen. I say I picked out the best name for that girl, as she certainly was Queen of the Road, getting me home safely.
There was times however, that I would call or email them along the way to say I was having trouble in certain areas. They were always there reassuring me, it would all work if I just continued to use those 3 techniques ... and it always pulled me through.
When I returned home to Canada to Vancouver Island all I could think about was how fortunate I was to have spent time with the Palladinos learning how to Ride Like a Pro.. I wanted to share this with everyone I knew that had interest in improving their skills and making this a safer world to live in with all the motorcycles out on the road, and the drivers that don't see us. How to be able to manoeuvre that bike in and out of situations.
I set up the exercises in the pamphlet that comes with the dvd's and started to continue to practise and share what I had learned. Through this summer I have had men and woman come to me and ask for help as they knew now, what I had been through and what I was doing and how I could now throw my big assed Harley Queen around better than most men I know.
I am asking you to please consider involving Ride Like a Pro in your Harley Davidson events, as it will most definitely benefit thousands. It will help people like myself realize their dream of riding any Harley no matter how big that they can do it.
Thanks for your time. I have attached some pictures and clips of me riding like a pro.
Flo

Strange day in the parking lot!

2008-10-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

It was 4:45 and almost time to go to the parking lot before going home for supper. Just then 3 bikes pulled in, and I recognized Elaina the gal I met a couple weeks ago and cuts hair. I am hoping I can convince her to come cut hair for six months straight, while I go to Mexico and Florida.

She was with her girlfriend Sophia, and some strange dude, I had never seen before. A big dude on a Fat boy!! She came in to say hey... I will come in tomorrow she said. I met this guy on the ferry coming home from the Oyster run. He is from Florida, and has been traveling 2 months.........
I say ...WHAAT?? I already like this dude and had'nt met him yet. Great big burley guy with a southern accent. All of sudden, I was telling him my story, and he said he had heard part of it already. He said, any wonders you flew to Florida for that sweet ride girl!!
I would like to say it was more than 5 minutes but it wasn't before he had a dvd in his hands and buying it!! Poor man, struck by the Flo!! Anyway, I told him, I was heading to the parking lot if he cared to join me, and see what the dvd could do for him. The girls all agreed and were ... shall I say, going with the flo.
This man, had just done what I did....Traveled from Florida to Vancouver Island and was staying with strangers, but by this time were not strangers. He was from Sebastion Florida which is I believe on the other coast of Florida from my dear friends the Palladinos. I felt a closeness, like we were friends. It was amazing really. In such a short time, I wanted to make this guy feel as comfortable on Vancouver Island as I was made in Florida and all the other states.
He just smiled and said in his southern accent, I would love to see what this dvd will do for me girl. Off to the parking lot we go, and I told him, I would go through all the excercises first if he thought and if he felt like it, spend more time with him. As he now had all the instructions in the pamphlet on how to lay out the excercises. Damn, I hate being the way I am sometime, but he seemed to be really enjoying it, so I continued on.
He pointed out the intersection first and said... What's this one Flo? Well that be the intersection it is hard really and you should start over there, pointing at the slow cone. Ah, letme try it!! Crikey... give me 4 hours in the parking lot with this dude and he would be a pro in no time. All he was missin was me yelling....SNAP....LOOK AT ME!! OMFG.. I am cracking up as I write, as I must be such a freek, to the average person. I tell ya, he was loving it!! Stayin inside the lines, scraping already, just missing the head snap and the butt dance..
We do that for awhile.....and then I had to pry him off the intersection, over to the figure 8, SNAP, LOOK AT ME!!!
OK smaty pants, I thought in a fun way, we will take you over to the Texas Star, I did it first, and he went after me, as I was yelling SNAP...LOOK AT ME!!! (I need a new patch) OK, this one was quite a bit harder but he did it!! Told me afterwards... Whoa girl, that was really hard and my circles were 10 times bigger than yours... I said, ya but ya did it... He really was impressive, said he never been practising in a parking lot ever, but he already has one set in mind for when he goes home... LMFAO!
Okay so then it is off to the off set cone weave.. He did really good again for a newbie, lost the friction zone a couple times and forgets to snap his head if I am not yelling at him....lol
We have an audience by now... Tanya, Ram, Sophia, Elaina, Me and Jason, slayin the off set. He is loving it! We take a little break to cool down the bikes, and I told him to follow me,and we went through all the excercises again... Excellent!!
Okay.......Now for the best one, I told him...follow me... the DREADED 12FT OFF SET....Ha!!! I explained how to do it and to SNAP when I did and go through the gate.
I made it about half way through and he barely made it at all.... Pulls up to me and says...Girl..........that really is nasty!! I couldn't help it, but started to laugh and told him I was very sorry... Not to worry as I couldn't do it yet either but if he continued to watch the dvd more than once, he would get it, just as I would.
Tanya looked at me and said...omg,... that so was not very nice to do to him Flo!! I told her, I just could not resist!!
We ended up all going to my house for a visit and of course Florida came up and I told him he needed to go take the course, and tell them Flo sent him. He is going to come on the forum, says he will take the course, but wants to make sure I am there so I can yell at him....SNAP LOOK AT ME!!
It really was a great time... I gave him a RLAP hat and told him I do not just give them to anyone, and he said, no doubt, and I promise I will not wear it until I am riding like a pro.... like you!!
He said to Rob... That woman of yours knows how to ride man... Rob said, ya... why do ya think I can't go with her to the parking lot!!
I am hoping he will be back on Sunday so we can plan a ride to Gold River, one of the most beautiful rides on the Island and of course slay the parking lot once again. Also if it fits into the schedule and not raining too much take him to Mnt. Washington with the gals.

Tuesday Parking lot

2008-10-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

I went to the parking lot for an hour or so. Tried to warm up on all the excercises before attempting the dreaded 12ft off set cone weave. I forgot to watch the dvd before I set out to do it, as Motorman had suggested. I have been off the lot for a few days while we traveled to the Oyster run. Even though I did ride around parking lots doing circles waiting for everyone to be ready.
I was there for half hour before Ram came along, as Mz Tanya didn't show. We seem to be the only ones left interested but that is okay. Wow have we got a great parking lot.
We have the SLOW CONE WEAVE-FIGURE 8-FULL INTERSECTION-TEXAS STAR-OFF SET CONE WEAVE 24 FT and the DREADED 12FT-18FT CIRCLE-21FT CIRCLE-24 FT CIRCLE, hooked up together which makes the SNOWMAN.
So off I got doing all these excercise with brake first and then with out brake... and then, listening to all the advice planted in my pea brain... Put on Doc's lucky gloves....and........nope...not all the way through.. 10 attempts again, starting to sweat!!
Along comes Ram, I tell him of my whoas and asks him to try it... Sounds really hard he said.....then aced it!! CRAP!!!! Well, pretty damn close anyway...
What the hell??? So we practised everything for a good hour and away we went... Tonight will be a different story.... I hope!!
Look to my left a little longer than I have been doing. Snap to the right, sit forward on the seat, crank them bars....and just DO IT!!!

Oyster Run Weekend.

2008-09-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

We got back at 9pm on Monday morning from a great weekend at the Oyster Run. It was a first for me, and I woulD say it was a mini, mini, Sturgis. Of course I have never been to Sturgis but saw pics and heard stories. Probably not too much of a comparison, the more I think about it. But 20 thousand or so bikes was quite a site to behold. (HALF FOOT DRAGGERS!)

Me, Rob, Eric, and Shawn, THE FUHR FACTOR, and Stephen... We left CR at 10 am and headed to the Duke point ferry for Tswassin. The weather was unbelievable. Steven really wanted to go with us, but it was not possible, so he headed home from Nanaimo.
Brother Carl, had to back out because he had to work. We were all pretty disapointed but that is the way it goes. Shawn was really looking forward to traveling with his Uncs and Auntie... This was Shawns first trip on the Island on his new ride to. Into the US in Washington in Anacortes. The run wasn't until Sunday so we had lots of time to get there.
The weather was awesome and we did run into some friends along the way but got separated after we stopped at our hotel.
We get all settled in our room and have a good night, and are all excited about the ride in the morning. It took us a little while to get going as Shawn was having issues with is radiater fluid leaking out. Nothing a little un bolting couldn't fix.
Anyway the ride to Anacortes from where we were was about an hour of nice twisties. It didn't matter at what stop by this point, there were bikes coming at you in every direction.
It was really cool to see the smile on Shawns face and at one point, he just looked at me and said "I'm lovin it"
The scenery on the way there is beautiful, and the leaves are starting to turn colors.The water was sparkling along the coast, the smell of the farms and the twisties with the fresh air in the morning, was so invigorating.
As we were pulling into town, there were bikes EVERYWHERE!!! We just took a side road and parked out of the way, and started to walk around. Bikes of all kinds, people of all kinds. It was great people watching even though I dont normally like too big of crouds.
The bikes are just crawling up the mainstreet. OMG.... FOOT DRAGGERS!! From both sides.. Now normally I wouldn't have noticed this so badly, but after RLAPING so much it as unbelievable. If I sold a dvd to every footdragger I would have been rich.
We ran into a few people from the Island. The streets were jammed so it was hard to believe we would see anyone we knew. We went and had some raw oysters and a beer and listen to some head banging shit music and people watched, then it was time to get outa there.
The boys spent some money on leathers and then we watch the Cossacks Drill Team. That was quite the performance all the bikes riding in unisence and at one time 5 people on a bike. That was the highlight of the day for me. Thinking shit I wish I was younger I would try out for it.. Mind you the oldest guy was 73 and still had people standing on his shoulders.
We hung around people watched went for pizza and headed back to Bellingham.
All in all a great weekend, didn't want it to end because of the weather. I think we put on about 400 miles which isn't lot but better than nothing.
I have like 26,000 miles on my bike now, since I left Florida just over 10 thousand.
Oh ya... just had to stop at Trev Dealy Harley and buy another skull or two.. ;)

Man oh man, they were crawling, duck walking with there hand on the front brake while they were wobbling all over the place. Shyte, I so wanted to start selling dvd's. I found I had to shut my mouth, but then everyone else started noticing all the duck walkers on their big hogs.

Flo 12 ft offset

2008-09-26T14:45:00.001-07:00

This is that dreaded 12 off set that I couldn't do and thought was impossible. I really did!! Talk to the Motorman, and of course what does he say??? HEAD AND EYES, FIRCTION, BACK BRAKE. I was finally getting it but I see I sure need to get the pylons to see it all better.

12ft Off Set Cone Weave

2008-09-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is the unifom shirt that I recieved from the Pros down in Hudson Florida. Now I have to say.. I can start to visualise being a pro. When I talked to Doc, she said.. its yours Flo now go ride like a Pro. I was off to the parking lot to attack the dreadead 12 off set cone weave that Motorman gave me to do. I put the shirt on under my jacket and thougt no bloody way can I be caught wearing it., like a dope going through the gates of these 12ft spaces. This is the toughest excercise for me.
Tanya the gal that goes with me to the parking lot seemed to be having no problem or should I say very little problem. I was KILLING IT.. It was killing me, not to be able to do it.. I just couldn't see it being possible.. She is getting the look on her face... the same look that Sandy had way down in Death Valley when I said I can't do it... It is not me, it is the bike...
Then I hear the Whaaa Whaaa my bike wont fit shit... By this time... after about 10 attempts.. I sat back an looked at that thing, visualizing when I was suppose to SNAP my head.. I was sweating and it was very cold out side. I looked at Tany and took off my coat, with my Pro shirt on.... and I DID IT!!!!!
Not perfect but I can see it happening. She didn't make a mistake on the measurements. It was coming together.
I had to use every damn thing I was taught and double the time and dont forget not even one thing of it..
Lucky Glove, lucky shirt.... SNAP,..HEAD EYES, FRICTION,. BRAKE, BUTT SHIFT, REPEAT. as fast as you get it out of your mouth... Whewwww!!!

Flo-Ride Like a Pro Uniform!!!! :)

2008-09-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

This is what I would look like as a paid instructor for RLAP. I recieved these in the mail today, do I look proud or what???? Believe me, the Palladinos don't hand these out to just anybody. These are their official instructing uniforms. I am totally 100% honored, and will wear them with pride.
They have more than one use to I might add. Nothing like a little bit of pre advertizing getting the word out, having people ask questions. You can't see because I am in the way, but the RLAP dvd is sitting on the window sill for all to see. There is a sign that says.... Do you want to learn to Ride Like a Pro for $35.00 Up above my mirrow I have DrDonna's lisence plate off the Queen. I did have my certificate of RLAP hanging on the wall, but some guy knocked it off and I have to replace the frame. Of course if you look a little harder you can see on the windsill my latest trophie of the Queen.
If you look a little closer you will see it is pissing cats and dogs outside. Normally I have the Queen parked outside the window and she has her own shelter. She is a real attention getter sitting outside the shop. I usually go to the parking lot from here for an hour which is a 5 minute ride away.
I am looking forward to getting back at it if the rain stops... Just so looking forward to attempting the dread 12ft OFF SET CONE WEAVE... NOT!!
What I am looking forward to do is getting it and showing Doc and MM that I am listening, that I can do it!! All these challenges...

Parking lot- 12 Ft Offset Cone Weave

2008-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days I have been going to the parking lot for a good hour. I was starting to get a little bored with the excercises so VGrl and I decided it was time to put a couple more down. You know you think you know it all! Ha!!! That is funny!
Anyway, Motorman has been telling me, I am getting pretty good so it is time to shorten up the length of the off set cone weave from 24ft to 12ft.. The Offset cone weave is my absolute favorite excercise, as I have managed to scrape good on both sides. It is like music to my ears ya know!!
So we get that set up and all of a sudden, the Off set cone weave becomes, my absolute worst excercise.. Omg, how can I not get this?? It is highly impossible, my big bike WILL NOT go through, not even 2 of them :( :( I swear I practised 10 times and it was not coming, where did it go.
I am SURE that Tanya measured it all wrong. We took the instructions down wrong!! It is all freekin WRONG!! I made her measure it over again, NOPE... not wrong.. Well something is bloody wrong.... I went from riding like a pro, to riding like a newbie..
There has to be a trick to doing it. I post to the Motorman and tell him of my whoas... Now I can see the smirk on his face as he is typing to me on my forum....
"My bike won't do that Whaaaaa...whaaaaa. nonsense. The techniques don't change, the bike is still the same, everything just has to be done faster..The techniques MUST be used to the extreme."
" I'll bet if you use head and eyes, the friction zone, and the rear brake, they'll be easy."
The Rotter I say!!!! (In terms of endearment of course!!!!)
So I am just itching to get to the parking lot today and it is pissing down rain and windy. So I will be watching the DVD tonight.... 3 SIMPLE TECHNQUES!!
My goal is to be freekin awesome when I return to Florida to work with Motorman next summer and get certified and get yelled at...lol I know I will loose some skills while I am in Mexico but it shouldn't take long to pick it up again, at tleast if I have them semi mastered by the time I get there.
We have also set up a Snowman Excercise and the Texas Star. I have lots to keep me occupied now on my one day off a week.
The weather is changing and the nights come earlier every day. Soon, there will be no parkinglot... Sunday parking lot day soon. Until of course the frost sets in.

Conga Bracelet!!

2008-09-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

A very WyzWmn, asked my what a Conga bracelet was... These were the bracelets I had made on the Beach in Mexico for all the people I may meet along the way of the Conga. I just couldn't go empty handed with out a little something to say thankyou. I couldn't afford to buy a bunch of tshirts or nor did I have room to pach them all. Any way, as soon as I met someone that road with me I would tie one on them. Every one said they would wear them until I got home safely. This picture is one of my favorites and it wasn't even my idea. It was taken just before we Slayed the Dragon.
I had a peddler on the beach make 100 of them. His eyes lit up that day let me tell you. Okay so many people I know that were involved in the Conga still have theirs tied to the handle bars of their bike. I know mine will be there until it rots off. I still have about 50 left for the Conga Reuninon that I will take back and pass around.
My brother Bling had them sewn right over his pocket on the vest so I did it and so did my other bro. It looks cool.
There is lots of talk about the next Conga and it will soon be time to post on WWR!! It takes awhile to plan but a bunch of woman want to do it.. Now it probably wont be to escort me home, can't afford another bike, but hey one never knows at this point. The point would be to go have a Reunion with all the folk and bring more together to go around and ride some states together. Woman who have gotten to know each other on WWR FORUM and supported each other through triles and tribulations of riding and other things in their life.
I still have mine, do you have yours??? ;)

My Vest from my newfie friend Tequila Sheila.

2008-09-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is the vest I recieved from a friend in Nova Scotia, Tequila Sheila. I had it given to me before I went to Slay the Dragon, and it was to put all my pins and patches on along the way.I have my Canadian flag on one side and American on the other. All the pins and patches from the coold stops I went and all the states I stopped in. Some were from friends and some I bought. Right along the top of the pockets I had my conga bracelet sewed above each pocket. There is also a VILR patch and a WWR patch sewn close together. There will never be club patches sewn on this vest. It is a memory of mine that is very near and dear to me of a trip of a life time, that brought so many women close together. Sheila if you are reading this, thankyou very much, and I do hope to meet you in person one day. Anything is possible I have found. You are a very kind and thought person to send a complete stranger such a wonderful gift, and I am sorry it took me so long. I just got all the patches sewn on today. Big hugs..
My next task is to order pics and fill up my lovely photo album I got from another friend, I have never met in person.

Flo Slow Cone Weave

2008-09-22T20:44:00.001-07:00

I always seem to forget to go back to the basics. I added a few more dots, and found it quite a work out. I need to practise it some more as it was feeling really comfy.I wonder what the MOTORMAN will think?

Flo on the interesection Riding Like a Pro

2008-09-22T16:51:00.001-07:00

This was a few weeks ago but I am just finding out how to post on a blog. Now that I have figured it out, I will be doing it regularly. Listen to the scraping left and right...Ha!!

Parksville Toy Run

2008-09-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

More Winners! Slyboy!!Gibby-Bro Blingo

And the Winner is!!!

And the Winners are.... Flo-Kazz

More Parksville Toy Run pics... click here!

Parksville Toy Run, was a great day.. We started out from my house with brother BigE, Me, Tanya, Mark, Ram. We were invited to join up with 394 SCRC in Courtenay. The weather was on our side. When we got to the usuall meeting place at the Cheveron there were probably a dozen bikes. I am sure by the time they all arrived there were at least 25 leaving for Parkville. Boy, Dr. Rut is a great road leader, she managed to keep us all together. It was a pretty exciting day for my nefew Shawn, his first toy run. He had some huge bug smiles going on. He is traveling with his two Uncs, and Aunty Flo.. Pretty darn exciting for me too. It is always a special day for me when I get to ride, but especially with my family. The Fuhr Factor.

The weather held out for us going down, but I could sure feel the chill in the air, and I will never travel with out my electric vest for the rest of the year.

We arrived in Qualicum at the Hut, there to meet the crew from PA... The coolest thing, is that it didn't matter if you were CMC or SCRC or VIR... VILR, or just a rider which would be a VIR.. Every one on the Island is a VIR... Just a rider who lives on Vancouver Island. The gal I met on my US trip last week, Straycatdi for instance, I told her that is where we were meeting. she was there first and the PA crew got there and introduced themselves to her as they had seen pics.

Absolutely wonderful to see everyone again. We are once big happy family!

Off we went to Parksville to register for the toy run. We hung around and mixed and mingled for awhile and then it was time to head out. I do have to say it wasn't very organized and the groups fell appart, and there were no road blockers, and we almost road back alone. But whatever, the weather was good, the cause was good, and we were about 25 bikes in our bunch. Out of 500 I would say, it was a tad disorganized. It really didn't matter we all got a ride in. And were probably safer that way anyway.

Of course Flo and the Bros and nefew had to enter our machines in the show and shine. Actually we had alot of entries with our group of people, and we had alot of winners too.

I sold a few WWR patches and a few VILR..Not near enough to ever cover the cost, hopefully in time. Silly me, I get these whims in my head that I think may work, and it never usually does. Oh well, just another learning experience.

I did meet a cool lady that came up and introduced herself to me, Elaina. I was talking about needing a barber. Long story short, she is coming in on Wed and Thurs to see if we can work something out so I can still go away for the winter and go back to Forida for the Conga Reunion and learn how to RLAP, with MOTOMAN. That is my goal, even if I have to close the doors to do it. So here is hoping Elaina works out.

After we said our good byes, we did get caught in the rain going home. We were NOT HAPPY... Memories of the last day of the Conga were coming back at me as I travel down the road with my bros and a couple friends making faces at each other. It was cold and rainy but not even close the last day of the Conga.

Crikey it has been almost 4 months and there has not been a day, that it has not been talked about. Or some result of the Conga (eg.....Shawnboy) doesnt stop touching me and others.

A book came out today... Wind in my face... I was asked to make an entry in it, so of course I bought my copy today. I really wanted to buy Motorman and Doc a book, but that girl beat me to it!!

One of the girls on VILR is giving me till Nov 1 and she is challenging me to write my book. She said if she can I can, and mine is a true story hers was out of her head. Crikey I sure hope that I have what it takes to do it!! Now there is something I do not have faith in myself about.. Writing... I mean really!! Physical is me, physical not mental writing shit. I can't believe I have managed to keep a blog since before the Conga. Maybe there will be a bookd two if every book one gets out.. Hell, Conga 1, Conga 2 Reunion, wouldn't that be something if every year, more and more woman pulled together and did the Conga... The longer the better, bring Canada and USA together to do the Conga. I want to get a lisence plate called Conga...then I start thinking and think it should be RLAP.. Something to think about.

Okay Flo is rambing got to go now!!!

Shawn/El Lobo Figure 8

2008-09-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is my nefew Shawn with 700km on his new vtx 1800. This is his second time in the parking lot practising RLAP. He is a brand new rider.I would say is a natural and is scraping floorboards on his second attempt! It did help however when I said MOTORMAN will be watching and critiquing you! He says he just wants to ride like his Aunty!! I tell you it wont be long!

Shawn Steven Parkinglot.

2008-09-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Shawn and Steven came up from down Island to do some parking lot practise with me. I had to work till 2 so I asked them if they wouldn't mind sweeping the parking lot and it had a big thick spot of gravel, and we wanted to draw out another exercise. They went at it for awhile, while I was working and then when I got off, they were still doing it only with a gas powered blower. Steven had rented it.. I gave them some money for paint to freshen it all up so that when we do clips Motorman can see it better if we are staying in the lines when he critiques us.
I never realized what a job it was, but I sure appreciate it!! So we had an hour to practise before they headed out. Ram was there also and we practised together quite a bit.
I was trying to do the offset, as Motorman said to narrow it down, but I sure don't think I heard him right when it comes to the measurements. Because it was so NOT working. I put the boys on their exercises the rest of the time.. The like it when I yell at them snap your head look at me..lol
Now for all those people that thought the VTX 1800 was too big for a brand new rider...They were so wrong. This guys has got it!! A freaking natural. I am sure Motorman would even say that.
He says, how come I can't scrape like you Auntie?? I said don't you worry, you will get there, just concentrate on staying in the 8... Keeping the friction zone, and don't even worry about your lean too much. Don't forget to look where you want to go and once that feels really comfy, worry about the scrape. From what I see anyway you are about an inch away from scraping.
This boy has no patience I tell ya.....Listens to everything I say....Goes in the 8...I said..okay, this one is for the Motorman.....I will give you 2 rounds before I start filming.........Crikey!!!!!!!!!!!!
Scrape...Scrape.......lean, head and eyes, friction.. The boy has got it!!!
The fear of the Motorman...lmao
Steven did really well too.. Still wants to keep his finger on the front brake so I am on him about that.. Just not quite in the friction zone constantly but I think he was tired out from the sweeping.
I am trying to get the clips on to UTube but it is not working.

Smiling :)

2008-09-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

I went off to the parking lot for about 20 minutes... Sure not the same without having someone around. So I had to think of my friends in Florida. My mentorS, my teachers. I have to say.. I enjoy helping someone learn.. as much as I do learning more myself. I love to see their faces light up when they get it!!! I love to make them feel good. I love to take good pics of them. I love having conversation with them.

Wierd thing though, I even get nervous when I go to the parking lot alone, like someone is watching me to see if I am doing it good enough.

It is amazing, what goes through my head and then it starts going good in a short time. I put on my lucky Donnathedoc gloves, the smile comes , I hear Motorman saying.... I don't ever have to replace my clutch or brake, I hardly use it!!! So then my foot relaxes, so does my hand. I hear Doc say.... I swear Flo... if I can do it...you can!! But don't forget to relax your shoulders.... think of me and smile!!!

I'm smilin :0) Going with the Flo around and around, weaving back and forth, smiling, scraping, smiling more... Some boy comes in on his skate board, does a few of his whatever he does... Stops..... Watches....and says..."Hey Lady"... I say say yes, what can I do for you?? He says....You you are Good, you can handle that machine!!!

I said, well thanks young man!!! You are very good too , you handle that machine of yours really well too!!

I rode of smiling!!!!

My Mentor

2008-09-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

I had a great conversation with my friends in Florida Doc and Motorman. They are always so encouraging me about what I am doing and my riding. If I have troubles in any way. They know that my plan in the future is to have a RLAP Franchise, the first one in Canada. Now usually you have to have to have a Motor Officer to own one, but they believe in me and my skills so when the time is right, if I want to go it alone, it is possible! Now I just have to figure away to make that dream come true.
He figures I should be chargin already for what I am doing and he has watched the improvement of the riders that have spent time with me in the parking lot. That is not possible yet as I am not certified. There are people out there that would try and cause trouble FOR SURE!
I appreciate so much what they are doing for me, and always there handy with advice, and telling me how to correct a problem when something isn't working out.
Things are different here in Canada than the US. Just because Motorman certifies me, I am not sure I would be legal here. I so look forward to going back to Florida and getting more one on one with Motorman. To be fully trained by my Mentor. Surely that will have some pull when I have certification from a Motorman and can go challange the test, rather than going to school.
The problem is taking time off work now. Just need to do some more reserch.
I only practised for half hour, and had good conversation with Jippo and Ram that came out.

Parking lot therapy

2008-09-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

I have been home for a day and back to the grind at work. Boy can things change fast. Life is good, you got it all figured out. Job the way you want it, get to go away for the winter and off to Florida to seem my buddies the Palladinos and ride with them and take the course again and get certified. That was the plan, not to mention, do a Conga reunion with all the WWR that helped me travel across America.
I come back and my partner whom, I sold have the shop to wants to move... No!! It was a very stressful day back trying to figure out in my mind how I would make this possible. More so Florida than Mexico even. I want to fufill my dream, of becoming an official intstructor for RLAP. They have offered me the franchise.. Imagine!! You just got to love these WWR ,VILR ,FORUMS. Anything is possible!! If I had never found WWR, I would never have found my bike, and would never have found my great friends the Palladinos, and had the pleasure of getting to know them personally and riding in their class, and finding my true passion. I mean, since the I started riding, I knew I loved it, but with out that trip, I would have never known what passion I really did have. If I may say so even some skill. If it were possible, I would throw away my scissors and just do it!!
To be told by a person like Motorman, that I have what it takes only makes me want to push harder.
Anyway today sucked in my head, so after working, I went to the parking lot and just started practising. It only took a couple of minutes and nothing mattered. All the anxiouty went away. I could hear Motormans voice in my head, saying you can do all these excercises without your brake. You are good now, try it!! It will seem wierd at first, but you can do it. I did it!!
I turn around after feelin like I really knew how to ride, with a smile at that, and could hear another bike.. Along came my bro on the Blinga, my ex. Now this boy is having major trouble finding the friction zone, and the old gal, her clutch is not comfy at all. I could see how bad he wanted to do it, so I told him, I was going to have to do some MM instruction. Long story short, he got it. Not perfect, I will admit she is a bit of a pig... even though she is beautiful and just won a show and shine.
This vtx, does not run smoothly like my nefews... I looked at my brother and said.... Hmm... might just have to fly to Florida and buy a police special when MM is ready to sell again. I am always into another Conga. Anything for my brothers.
He was feeling alot better when he left and it was only a half hour of practising. Vgirl also came out, and I felt bad, as we never really got time to practise as I had dinner commitment. It was great seein her there and she did get a little practising in.
Who would ever have thunk that a parking lot was good therapy???

Riding 3 States.

2008-09-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

We left forks and headed south to Randle to go to Mt St. Helens. We went through Oakville.
Okay now I have waited far to long to blog to remember the order of which things happened. It doesn't really matter anyway.
We got home last night and we traveled with the Straycat all the way. We had the times of our lives. This girl has only been riding a short time. She just upgraded from a 250 to her 750 Shadow, and now she was going on the exact same route I did 3 years ago on my 750. Of course I had to tell her all about RLAP and sell her a dvd and tried to give some pointers along the way. Once in awhile her name would switch to Slowcat, or Scaredycat.. Anyway she did just find and we would tell her to always ride her own and not to keep up with us unless she wanted. I rode behind quite aways so I could enjoy going at my speed. I remember how scared I was on esecially the RATTLESNAKE GRADE and HELLS CANYON. This time was totally different. With all the training I been doing, I was way more confident, not to say there wasn't a couple of imperfect curves that crept up on me.
We traveled 2250 miles in a week. Washington has the most amazing roads. We went to Idaho, Oregon, and a bit of Montana.
Hurricane Ridge, Mnt St.Helen, Columbia River, Rattle Snake Grade, Hell's Canyon, Highway 12, which was over 100 miles of twisties,Cascade Loop.
The weather was perfect!! StraycatDi, stayed with us the whole time and was glad she did as she was in awe at the different geography. Another new VILR. She will fit right in with the rest of us.

Trip to Forks Washington Sept 7

2008-09-07T20:21:00.001-07:00

Today, we left Shawnboys, from Victoria to Port Angeles (Coho0) It was an hour and half, awesome ride on this ferry going out of Victoria Harbour. Really nice seeing different scenery that the regular Nanaiamo ferry. There was a lot of bikers going on. As usual everyone gabbing away to each other. I gave my VILR card to a few. The only one gal I didn't talk to came up to me at customs and asked if I knew how to get to 101. I told her no.... but hang on and follow us if she wanted when Rob came through. She was going to follow the 101 along along the coast to California. She was traveling alone. I thought to myself now there is one gutsy woman.
She asked where we were going and I told her HURRICANE RIDGE! It was suppose to be an awesome road.. I told her she could join us if she wanted and then head out on her own if she wanted. Seeings it was early she thought she would.
The ride was absolutely amazing!! It was only about 20 miles long, but one mile high. It was definetly a road you had to use all your skills on...Head and eyes, butt dance... pay friggin attention. Some switch backs like I couldn't believe. I was so happy that I had been practising so much because it was going great.
It was crispy cold but a nice cold, going through tunnels of trees changing colors and the sun shining through. I highly recomend that road to do again. And so close to home really. Just as you get off the ferry your heading in that direction.
After that, Cresent lake had some less dangerous twists just even push left push right, just gliding along, along side the water.
We pulled into Forks.. Stayed at the Forks Motel... and went to the Forks Cafe... They were short giving us a fork too...lol Now that place was a blast from the past let me tell ya. Including the people working there. I swear everything was original, with the booths, coffee cups and the waitress. Stuffin coming out of the booths Only thing missing was a juke box. The food was awesome though.
Back to the Stray Cat, Diana we picked up... She decided to travel with us if we would have her and go off on her own later. We all get along just fine, and I was having memories of the Conga thinking she shouldn't be on her own, unless of course she really wanted to. We were all having lots of laughs so why the heck not.

Lobo in Parking Lot-before first road trip

2008-09-07T20:20:00.001-07:00

Aunty Flo-El Lobo begining of RLAP PRACTISE

After an hour ..check out the lean

The gang that came to get El Lobo home safely! The Hut in Qualicum.. Shawns new family. He was just gob smacked!

Flo and her bros!
Today, my nefew Shawnboy/El Lobo was going on his first group ride. Actually it would be his first ride on his new bike. Honda vtx 1800. He just upgraded from my Stinky Pinky 1981 cm400 that I taught him how to ride on. On his new vtx, all he had was about 3 miles to Uncle Blingos house and up to CR to RLAP with Auntie Flo. He was suppose to be here at 9 am. Now being Shawn is a very conscientious boy, and very reliable, I made sure I was there at exactly 9 am. Around 10:00 I start to get worried, where is he, as he really wants some parking lot practise before he make his venture home to Victoria on his new big Sweetheart. I think his uncles kept him up a little late putting on the bling on his new ride. As it turned out it was 10:30... Okay, I have exactly one hour to help show the boy how to RLAP like he did on the Aggresive Salmon Stinky Pinky.
In the meantime I had been riding my X around the parking lot to find her FRICTION ZONE.. I remember MM telling me, when you are getting good Flo, you can jump on any bike and find the Friction Zone.
Okay, I am all alone, with the Biatch. She just had her exhaust adusted, she should be fine. No one here to watch me, or think... hmmm,... he can not ride that thang, and she used to own it.
Omg... I was so determined. It was horrible, trying to find the friction zone!!! Horrible. The clutch was stiff, ...the brake was spungy, handle bars high.. I hated the sound... Where the hell is that smoothness??
Determination.... I started all the excercises slowly and consintrating very hard. Finally, I could keep a little consistency on the friction. My arms were aching!!!!
This was NOT a pretty sight, and I was so glad no one was around. Crikey she used to be my friggin bike!!
Finally it all started to take place, it was not by any means the same as the Queen, but at least I could say I was doing it. Then along came Jippo, as he knew my nefew was coming to practise the excercise on his new bike. The parking lot needed some sweeping. He cleared off a couple of the excercises.. How nice that was, so to make it fun, we tied a broom to the Blinga and started to video me cleaning the lot with a broom dragging behind.
Jippo was still there when Lobo finally arrived, and started to watch and in the first 3 minutes, the good on gal, was lying on the pavement, and not from the gravel. It wa all my fault, I pushed him into the excercise as we only had an hour by this time, and had alot of things to fit in.. I do apologise!!! I am not an intructor, but I should never have put him into that before playing around first. I thought the trip up from Courtenay would have warmed him up as he came in with just a grand smile on his big huge bike.
Anyways, being who he is, he was feeling slightly inadequate!!! As soon as I put the camera on him and tell him MOTORMAN will critique him... he start to ace it!
I told him we now had 45 minutes to cram in the 3 hours that I would have showed him in that time. When you say MOTORMAN to Lobo, he all of a sudden remembers everything, that I had told him EVER as far as it come to riding.
Bottom line, I was very proud of him and he aced it in my eyes. He did all the excercises in one hour and did them better than most do in 4 hours.
We got ready and headed to Qualicum to meet the gang.
He rode absolutely fantastic!! I was so proud of him and he was so proud of himself. This is what he had to say.

So I headed up to Uncle Blingos' in Courtenay Friday night, and he, El Capitan, and I attacked my new ride (well, they pretty much attacked it, and I assisted), which had been waiting in his garage for the past two weeks. Had to clean her up all nice and purdy-like, and had a pile of stuff to install: lightbar, windshield, saddle bags, crash bars, and some odds and ends bling for good measure. (Hey, what I can say? I am my uncle's nephew.) Took us about six hours all told, but we all had a good time.
Next day, El Capitan and I rode up to CR to meet Aunt Flo in her RLAP lot. Boy, she's one heavy bike, and it took some gettin' used to, but it felt good on the road. Was a nice ride with the good Captain. RAM and Jippo were waiting with Flo in the lot, and well, she got me right into it. (Rob and I had lost a bit of time gettin' ready to go that morning, so by the time we finally got there, we only had like an hour to practice.) Slow walk for about 20 yards, okay, let's hit the U-turn. Haven't really mastered the friction zone on this massive beast yet, but okay, let's give'r a shot. Down she goes. Three times within the first 20 minutes, I think. Dammit. NO, I was NOT happy. Shouldn't've rushed into the U-turn so soon. Ah well. Thankfully I had the bars on, so that's the only part that took a scrape. In the end, having that hour did help, because by the end of it, I was really starting to get used to the weight and feeling the friction zone.
El Capitan, Aunt Flo, Uncle BigE, RAM, and myself departed for Courtenay at about midday. Stopped to see Uncle Blingos for a short visit at CMS, and we were on our way to the Qualicum Hut. There we met up with GearJammer, (I'm sorry, don't know all the nicknames here) Bill (GearJammer's friend), CC (& Bob, is it? I think so), and Vic & Steve. After lunch, CC & Bob had to head back up to PA, which left us as 9 for the trip down-Island. My little bro (in Parksville) called me up and wanted to see the new ride, asked if I'd be rollin' through on my way home... HHAHAHA... well, he and his girlfriend were sittin' outside at the end of the driveway when I (who was leading the pack at this point) came around the corner, and lemme' tell you, I don't think he was expecting to see a PACK of cruisers takin' up the real estate!! I think he just thought it was gonna' be me and the family. No doubt he heard us feeding our way through the residential streets leading up to the place, and then to see Big Bro come around the corner, leading the pack... that was pretty freakin' sweet, I think.
SOOO (this is getting long), GearJammer took us all on a real nice ride through the backroads through Nanaimo (some nice windies, but not too crazy for the newbie). We stopped to pick up Tazzie in Ladysmith, and carried on with some more scenic backroad ridin' on to Duncan. Jenn and Mir met us at Timmie's for a nice break, at which point RAM had to leave us to head back up-Island. On the road again, our party of 11 soon became 6 as Vic, Tazzie, Steve, GearJammer and Bill all broke away to head back to their respective homes. We hit Langford Timmie's just as I was about to turn into a pumpkin (dusk; I'm still restricted to daylight riding only). We said goodbye to Jenn, Mir, and BigE, and Flo & Rob came home with me.
Just saw 'em off this morning, on their way to Port Angeles for a week-long cruise in WA/OR states. Off I went to meet up with RAM and Jippo again, who were down for the Victoria Toy Ride. I missed the ride itself, but met up with 'em all at Butchart Gardens. WOW. Lotsa' bikes. Eep. Went out for lunch with RAM and Jippo, as well as Susan & Mike, Wendy & Marty, John, and Zeek. After lunch, off we went in our separate directions, and thus ended a FANTASTIC first weekend of riding.
To all of you who participated in seeing me home safely, thank you so much for coming out. It was a great experience, you gave me one helluva' nice ride, and I learned one helluva' lot from you all. Thanks for showing me the ropes (or at least some of them).
I look forward to riding with y'all again!!

More Parking lot

2008-09-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

I have been going to the parking lot in the morning before work even if it is a couple rounds in each excercise. After work for at least an hour.
Yesterday, my bike was having some work done, and I needed a ride, so I borrow BigE's blinga, my X... He had just done some work on his exhaust as it was running rich!! I told him I was going to go down to the parking lot and see if I could find a steady friction zone. I have to tell you I was nervous.
When I got to the lot the gate way was blocked off by a golfer using the field for his practise. I snuck off the the old lot where we got removed as I new the dots would still be there. I kept thinking, its only a bike, you know how to ride, you know what the friction zone is. You did it on Robs you can do it on this....I mean your buddy Doc she did it in the excercises, that means you can do it!!!
Why was she feelin like a tank!!! The clutch lever I could hardly reach which only means it is going to be harder on the hand. HTBD... Had to be done!! I did the slow cone weave, okay not perfect but I did it.. Not much time so I have to go to the 8.. I did it, very slowly and I sure had to talk to myself but I did it.
OMG... It does not like to lean like the Queen!!! I want to perfect that girl too!!!!
Been getting at least an hour in the evening. Mostly every night I can count on Tanya and or Mark. There was a couple newbies, clients of mine. Ram comes regular.. Holy.. is he getting good...
Today one guy asked me if I would give him some priate one on one when I knew there would be no one coming. I said sure would love too. He said he goes, but it just isn't the same, he wont listen to himself when he tells himself not to look down.
I have just had a new set of brakes put on, and I think I am riding them to hard and making them boil.. Because I loose my brakes and it is frightening. Doc told me that now that I am more confident to slack of the brake and use the friction zone.. I am looking forward t tring the excercises with without the brake even.

Letter from a Friend I have never met!

2008-09-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

I was reading your blog - YES I still check in even though the Conga is over! ha! I noticed your latest blog:

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.

PLEASE don't let anyone stop you from your passion (ok I know they won't but still! ha!) It sounds like you must have received some negative e-mails - but you know - you made an amazing journey and CONTINUE to make amazing progress - wish I lived closer I'd be RLAP'n in the parking lot with you every flippin weekend! ha! Anyways....just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog, the VILR forum (ok I lurk on VILR and participate on WWR mostly! ha!) ....your photos/videos of everyone's amazing progress. I'm really proud of you and hope to catch you on Conga II next year..... already planning to take the Houston RLAP course when it starts up - and meet up with you'all somewhere along the way! It may only be for a day but it would be worth it!

Ok - Blog on - keep up the good work and hope to see ya next year!

Debbie Payne
aka Vegas113

Sharing the parking lot-Words getting out!

2008-09-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Thank God the sun is shining again, and it doesn't look like summer is quite over yet. It always gives me more energy and I couldn't wait to get a half hour on the parking lot before work.

I am not sure why, but I get nervous every time I get out there, wether there is people there or not. I guess it is just that I want to ace the excercises the first time I take a shot at it.. That, to me......is when I will know that I am riding like a pro or ready to move on, or to become certified, or to ride with the Paladinos be in one of their demos or classes.
Or to make it in one of MOTORMANS dvd's.. I just want it to come natural, with a smile on my face every time... I am still not really smiling, I am looking to dam serious...
As I am going through the excericises I am hearing all the words the Palladinos have ever told me.. Relax, snap your head, friction, lean, move your butt... Sometimes I realize I am not doing one of those things and all of a sudden my shoulder will relax... then I will lean my butt to the opposite side, get that friction back and it all just starts, the scraping the tightning of the handle bars.
Last night when I relooked at the clip of me doing the figure 8... holy crap!! I kept hearing Motorman say.. draw an 20 t circl inside the 24ft, and you still got 2 feet to SCREW UP!!!
That was defenitely being heard as Vgirl was filming me. When I looked at it ... I got a huge big smile as with out the inside circle, I knew I had just showed the Motorman I was doing it. I could almost see the smurk on his face!!
Im at work now at the shop is slow and I just want to go play in the parking lot... 1pm... shyte... I recruited 2 of my male client today that have a couple of Harleys.. Of course they see the DVD right in their faces as they are getting their haircut. That starts the conversation.... and low and behold, I have two guy meeting me at 5 oclock so I can give them a demo in the parking lot so they can use it at their convienience or come and ride with me. I am totally excited and so were they. One asked me if I could teach his wife how to ride. I told him about Stinky Pinky sitting there with insurance on waiting to help someone. They both said, this was very exciting for them as they had ridden years ago and were feeling a little rusty.
My Goodness..... The phone just rang and someone said.... Hi is this Flo from Ride Like a Pro??
Yikers.... I knew things were going to catch on, but holy that sounds funny and cool at the same time.
She says to me... I met you a few years ago when you first started riding and also in Mexico. One time you left a note on my door about riding with you... Do you remember?? Well, yes I certainly did, it was the year I met Cheryl Teigs in Mexico is that you??
Okay, so how did you hear about me I asked her? She said.. someguy was talking about some gal, that has learned how to RIDE LIKE A PRO and is working hard at becoming an intructor. They started talking about me and she realized she knew me.. She must have got a good chuckle because I remember this lady .... when she was in riding school, and I was so bad, I paid to go take an extra class at riding at night (NOT WITH MY SUNGLASSES ON)
So she said I hear you are instructing now. I told her by no means am I an instructor, so therefore it is free, to come out and ride with me, and that I can only show her what I know, and that I have a long way to go still. She said her husband wants me to help him too so, how about that... i have 5 people coming tonight... to ride, to practise, to improve, to use the free parking lot.. WHOO HOO!!!

Practise with Vgirl

2008-09-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

Vgirl you go girl!!!!

Today I went to the parking lot at 4:00. For some reason, I was pretty rusty for the first half an hour. How cant things change so much? I guess we have off days.

I was determined to do the inside of the figure 8 where you don't cross over just follow the inside with a quick snap back... Not easy for me.. Nor for most apparently. When Robocop first showed me I thought I would never get it!! That was a couple weekes ago and I can only do it twice in a row. It takes pure consintration, almost no lean but more agrresive on the the friction and throttle and brake. Complete locked turn. Whoo hoo, I go it!! Now I just need to get out there and keep it going so I can perfect it, by the time I see him next.

I was there for an hour and Vgirl came by. Now there is one gal that has some determination and desire to improve her skills. She is a very new rider , but has come along way. She is even starting to smile as she is doing the figure 8 and intersection.

I am proud of her and her determination. She sure doesn't mind being told or shall I say yelled at.. She knows I am not yelling at her, but raising my voice so she can hear it over the engine. She told me it is better when I do. I know even I wish I had someone to coach me. Believe it or not, it is the slow cone weave that I find the most difficult as i want to look down.

Tanya is a pleasure to practise with!!

RLAP PA! HOLIDAY MONDAY!

2008-09-02T12:27:00.003-07:00

Mz Fancypants, givin it a go, to pick up the Queen, she just couldn't find the right spot to plant that fancy butt... That be Flo and Vatman beside her.

Mz CC also had a bit of trouble, but it wasn't as easy to pick up on the grass as is on the pavement.

Gibby picking up his VTX!

Stephen who is Tazzie's son, really enjoying the RLAPING and doing very well at it.

Spyderman!!! I saw him do the slow cone weave and he was consintrating ;)

End of the day- a couple bikes missing.

Robocop recieves a card and gift certificate from the PA CREW!!

Tribob, the hotdog dude and water man... What a treat!

Robocop giving instructions.
We left CR, DD, Tanya, El Capitan, and me, to Courtenay and picked up Fancypants. We were off to meet the rest of the gang at the Hut which were all heading up to PA to do some RLAPING..

I cant remember all the names so I won't even go there. I know we had about 17 bikes headed up to PA..

Not to long before leaving the Hut in pulled Spyderman and Frank Sinatra... whoo hoo, SCRC Regional Officer... coming to PA to check out the RLAP event. When I asked them if they we coming, they just gave me this grin and said....Well, we are going to PA for Chinese Food, and if we run into a Parking lot somewhere... any thing can happen. Sure was great to see those 2 smilin faces let me tell ya... Always nice being tail gunned by a Spyder.... and who wouldnt want FRANK SINATRA... I mean really!!!

It was pretty funny when we pulled into Pa, and passed Robocop. I waved at him to let him know it was us, and before long he was tailgunning the Spyder... Ha, that must have looked kinda funny...

The weather was great in PA, and the gang had the parking lot looking realy nice, all swept and an nice pylons and the barbuque going with hotdogs and water on ice...

I think at there was a count of 28 bikes at one time. Robocop did a real nice proffesional job of giving a speach and demonstrating the excercises and working with anyone that needed help. He was very very supportive and not afraid to give praise to a job well done. He told us how proud he was to see us working so hard to improve our skills.

We practised for about 3 hours. I was so not ready for it to be over when it was. It was so much fun watching everyone, and helping out here and there and learing new stuff.

We had 2 new excercises, one called the snowman which was the triple figure 8 with a 24ft circle and a 20ft and the 18 which was bloody hard. Man, you have to be on top of that with the aggressive friction zone and just the right amount of lean.. Yikers, got a ways to go to perfect that one.

Also there was Texas Star, which Robocop put up and it was hard but Idid manage it. I have to admit I put the bike down as I went off on the grass a bit, and down she went. Going down, does not mean you are a bad rider, it means you are not afraid to try for fear of going down. That is my story and I am sticking to it!!!!

We all went to Starbucks for coffee, and then separated and headed for home. We still had bikes going our way.

WHAT A GREAT RIDE... GREAT EVENT.. GREAT DAY, WITH AWESOME FRIENDS!!!

I never realized learning could be so much fun!!!

Gold River Run

2008-08-29T22:24:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-08-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-08-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-20T14:15:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-08-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-15T13:13:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-08-11T10:17:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-11T10:16:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-06T17:09:00.003-07:00

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

2008-08-06T17:09:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

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.