A Message from my Tennesse Connection-Kaye

This is my friend Kaye and her Hubby Phillip. You have to know if I was pick out who had the strongest southern accent,it would be this couple and Phillip would win. They have a great sense of humor. My first sighting of Phillip was when my bike was laying on its side for the 3rd time..(I believe.)
Phillip says..Now Flo.. I never expected yur bike to be layin down when I first met ya.. then he picked it up..Well he picked up 2 because Gypsie went down with me.

This is was suppose to be where I my first day off! The Palladinos must have threated because I sure did rest. I asked Kay if we could just go down town and back with her. She says... nope,you are grounded!! We took the vehicle and went shopping to one of my favorite stores and hers too...Good Will.

This is my very own little cabin. I could just rest, stay in bed as long as I wanted. Snore as loud as I wanted...ha!!! Great Cabin!!!

Kay has a great place to kick back and relax.

This is where we stayed at her families after not making it to Louisiana becauseofthe mini tornado,and why I missed Alabama.

Hey Dahlin! (In my very best accent, just for you)

I don’t think I even have to tell you how much fun I had meeting you and riding with you! (((((((FLO))))))

There ARE a couple of things I would change if I could: We’d have found a way to get Alabama on your map and do the stops at Graceland in Memphis and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale . As far as planning another Conga – If it comes ANYWHERE near me, you know I’m in!! Let’s just allow MORE time to see the sights and have fun! We also learned that there must always be a “PLAN B”. Rarely, does the first plan work exactly and has to constantly be refined along the way or even scraped altogether!! LOL

I am SOOO proud of the way you faced some tough challenges and rose up to meet them. I hope you realize now just how strong you really are.

You have made a place in many hearts all over the USA ! The welcome mat is always out for you in Tennessee !

Kaye

Not much to report

I'm not very happy today about the weather. I will get a total of 5 miles riding in. The weather sucks. Was nice when i left home ,but a 2.5 mile ride home is it! Hopefully the Ice cream rund to Qualicum, one hour or so will happen after work.
Very busy today, the boys stopping by to inquire about the new ride sitting out side the shop!! It is a hit, and they can't believe I can ride it...What they really couldn't believe was when I told them I could pick it up.
I think the shop is going to be a great place to sell RIDE LIKE A PRO dvd's. Also after telling of my Conga escapades, a couple guys said, maybe you are the gal to come and see when we need to buy another Harley!!

Dragon's reason for joining the Conga!!

Well as you know when you first asked what anyone thought about riding the Queen home, I didn't have to give you an answer, you all knew what I would say. Darn right!! If you have the time and finances then go for it. One of my own personal motto is "don't let fear or common sense hold you back" If I could I would do the same.

As planning began and it was clear that you didn't have any escorts for the wet coast, I agreed to do all I could to come down and meet you. Thinking it is also a chance of a lifetime for me. I didn't think about helping someone I had only met once or any obstacles there might be, I was coming to help you out and be part of your journey. And I am sure glad I did.
Call me naive, stupid, overconfident, but I picked a day to leave and I was heading as far south as possible to meet up with you. And not everyone knew I was going it alone!!! I didn't think anything of it but those that knew thought I was nuts.

This is Draggie and Therapy!! They suite each other alot!! I means check them out. This is what I had to live with for a couple nights.. lol (keeping in mind I met Draggie, once before this, the day at the end of season when I rode up with BigE on the back of my Blinga. The actual day that I started my forum VILR, come to think of it.

I really didn't want to stay in the same room with her. I find she is not one to argue with.. I snore Draggie...so,so so I.. I smoke..so so do I.. I stay up late and post...so, I will help you. The light will be on..so,if I am tired enough I will sleep any way..So...

We settled in our lovely room with 2 TV'S (no coffee pot) Ready to do some posting and up dating on the Blog. She knew how it important it was to me and sat there and helped me. But before we got started. Up she jumps and says....Flo, I'm going to Slay California!! I'm like what?? It's an hour away and she said look at how many States you got girl. I need another one, you just gave me a patch to fill in.

I didn't want her to go alone, and I didn't want to ride either...She was back in an hour.

You look scary Draggie!!!!!!

I headed out and travelled alone from the Island to the California border to meet you. I went through rain, drizzle and a snow storm, but none of the weather issues deterred me from getting as far south as I could in a day and a half. Yes, some of the weather was miserable but I was on a mission and I was going to accomplish it. On the way there I proved to myself that I am strong enough in mind,body and soul to venture off to places unknown and I don't have to worry about company.
Once I met up with you Flo, it was like we had known each other for years, or maybe separated a birth. You tried to dissuade me from sharing a room, but every excuse you had, I had the same answer. We were on the same page, just incredibly surreal somehow. Almost complete strangers and yet so much alike!

I followed the Conga daily, keeping track of your progress and also trying to pinpoint where I would end up meeting you.(how hard I would push myself) Your trials and tribulations were inspiring to both myself and all the riders following both your blog and the forums.

I could tell you were getting tired and I felt bad that when I arrived I was going to have to push you just a little bit more. But I knew in the end you would be so happy that I did. I had arranged behind the scenes to have both your brothers meet us along the highway to surprise you. Knowing how much it would mean to have your Bros there for the final push home. What fun would it be to know they were coming, better a big surprise to rejuvenate your spirit!!!!! I only let 2 others in on the secret, one of them being Doc, just so she wouldn't get mad that I was pushing you!!!

The surprise did exactly that, perked you up and you were ready to make the final trip home with the Bros by your side and a Dragon to lead you home. I was so honoured to be there for you and lead you and the Fuhr Factor home to the Island.

Would I do it again, damn rights!!! Would I go on my own Conga, YEP !!!

You have inspired many and accomplished alot. You are a hero to all and and inspiration to new riders and some experienced riders as well. As you have said, "If Flo can do it...."

You made it on a trip of a lifetime!! You have memories to last forever, you have formed lifelong bonds with many, all of these would not have happened without the common bond we all share!

On that note, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to you Flo and CONGRATULATIONS to all the riders out there that helped inspire and escort Flo and La Reina home to the Island. That is what riding is truly about!!!!

My last blog before we headed to the Sumas Boarder. Got my Do Rag on for my American Conga buddies!!!! The Eagle will be landing soon!!

She got us to the Boarder on time!

She got us to B.C. Ferries, even if it was late!

Most of allDraggie, ya brought me my Bro's!! It was worth the push to Yackima! I will never forget that!! You are a very caring gal to have arranged that. Crikey I had only ever met you once.. Is that not what its all about ...the Biker Comeraderie!!!! It's strangers not really strangers.

This is on the Ferry! As drained and tired as we were,we are still smiling girl! Hey not to mention lookin like Pros!!!!

Love Ya Sista!

Been home a week now!! June 16

THE FUHR FACTOR-BLINGO-FLO-BIGE


Me and La Reina!!! Vancouver Island, Fanny Bay

Sitting Pretty!

THE FUHR FACTOR-BLINGO-FLO-BIGE
Holy Moly, a week has gone by since I finished the Conga. Not sure where to start.. First and foremost......I haven't dropped the Queen. I haven't had any close calls!!
Secondly, she got her first bath, I mean real bath. I had to get 4 layers of crap off her. Topped in with DEATH VALLEY DUST, More like little pieces of glass. Mud, the white walls were black. Sand down behind the stereo. It took me 4 hours of scrubbing and still needs to be pampered more. It is definitely not up to standards, of MOTORMAN OR BLINGO..Or me for that matter. But it was time to ride!!
I am sure my friend MOTORMAN is probably wondering...when, where or if it is going to happen. I am getting very comfy with her now.. Not afraid to venture out alone. Crikey I sound like a newbie rider.
I shouldn't be it's getting close to 6,500 miles not kilometers.
I have had the bars pulled up a little when I took the stereo off to clean it. I thought I would have to get new bars. But it appears this might work. I still miss the wide handle bars of my X Blinga.

I have sat on her numerous times, and man, the fit, I do so miss. My bro's won't even let me take her for a little spin.... I still do love her!
They say...."Step away from the X"
Anyway, I am going to take my lovely seat in and see what the upholsters say if it can be dug out a little. Then I will take my boots in and add 3/4 of an inch. Lowering it will be my last option. I don't want to do that.
Motorman tells me it will ruin the performance of the bike in turns. Probably hit bottom on speed bumps. Even with the height, I am feeling comfy except when it comes to parking in a tight line with other bikes. I did do it yesterday and got a big thumbs up from the Bro's. I think it is just a fear of hitting another bike.

My stops are almost perfect every time!!!!!!!!!!

When I parked her yesterday there was just the 3 of us, and I didn't think it out too much, other than... I hear Doc saying...lean it!! Don't be afraid to lean.Throttle, show the bitch who's boss...That is my favorite saying in my mind when it comes to the Queen.

I rode all weekend with my Bros and Dragon. Also ran into Spyerman, the guy who rescued me at the end of the Conga. He told me again, what a emotional moment it was for him riding the Queen home for me that day. He let me take the Spyder for a ride too!!

Blingo jumped on the Queen and took her for a Riiiip, down the road, came back with a smile and said...Ya know Sis, If I didn't work at a Honda Dealership, I could see me riding this. Now that is something...Cus he sure likes his big VTX!

We met with Jossie, Vic in Qualicum on Sunday. yike there was a show and shine of cars and the place was packed. I had to move it and was going to whip it in to a spot.....No can do.. No problem though as it sat out there for everyone to see...tee hee.. I have to admit, it is kinda cool, people drooling on her!!
This one couple there were all over her, and I walked towards her. they said "Is that your bike?" Yup it is!! The woman was my age and said how on earth??
Long story short, I told her my long story!! She was impressed and so was he.. Blingo says hey sis ya want me to move it for ya???
Not!!!! All nervous I pulled outa there like I knew what I was doing in a tight spot!
We all rode to Rath trevor and had a pic taken. Great day was had by all. Draggie Vic Jos left, and the FUHR FACTOR headed back to Campbell River.

We went to the fishing pier, for icecream, and lined the bikes up nicely the Queen in the middle. Along comes another couple and says...NICE BIKES!!
I told here thanks very much, which one do you like best??
"But of course the one in the middle she said"

We only rode for awhile today it was chilly. So far this week I put on 450 miles. Not bad for just riding across America a week ago. There would have been more if the weather cooperates.
Since I have gotten back things have changed alot on the VILR forum. It has become very busy. We are honored to have Donnathedoc, from Ride Like a Pro, be assistant manager. Even MOTORMAN makes the odd post! I have had hundreds of posts on all sorts of subjects. New people coming, lots of ideas, and have ridden with people I have never talked to before.
It is still as busy as ever for me on this computer. People are encouraging me to write a book. I hope I find away. It certainly wouldn't be about a woman riding across america, but the main thing, would be about the comeraderie of interenet friends and bikers. The caring of people. This is still a very nice world we live in!!
The fund raiser has raised almost $1700 and my goal is to get to $2000 by August. We will be donating the money to cancer in memory of the man who taught me how to ride, when I first learned. His name is Rod Wiseman from Comox Valley School of Driving. There will be a memorial ride put on by his wife in August.
Many thanks to all who have helped out!!

June 16 From my Sister Bea!

flo2.asf (7.3 MB)
This is what she emailed all her friends!!
Thought maybe some of you might be interested in my sister, Tannis' recent accomplishment that made the Island news. The news story depicted the major feat of being a woman riding a motorbike over 9,000 km, basically nonstop, across 18 states from Florida to Vancouver Island. The real story, from my perspective, is one of the power of the Internet, and the trust she so vicariously put in the hands of strangers met over an Internet rider's forum.

Hers is an inspiring story of hundreds of strangers who came together to form a Conga and on-line support group to see a single inexperienced woman rider, on the journey of a lifetime, arrive home safely. Her family did not want her to attempt this trip, but with her on-line support, the friends she met on the Conga, and through courage, determination, and sheer willpower, she completed this amazing feat in just three weeks.

Follow her daily blog from May 15th and see how she inspired women all over America and Canada. (Shadowlady from Nova Scotia says it all...). She had women crying, cheering, and praying for her. Some would not go to bed until they knew she was safe for the night. It brings tears to my eyes to read their comments and hear how she inspired them. It is not over for her yet, even though she has safely arrived home. It is all she can do to keep up with emails and comments that people are posting.

I am so proud of my sister!. What a story she will have to tell her grandchildren one day.

Message from Jan

Hey Flo:
I didn't ride with you in person but I did in spirit... you are an inspiration to us all .. Im going through the hardest time in my life right now after loosing my only child before Christmas.. a true test of strength and faith...

so many times in reading your blog I would want to tell you what I have learned these past 6 months in my journey .. Its all in how you look at things. You would write about not being able to ride any more.. being intimidated by your new bike, conditions were doin a number on you.. etc..

but, I would read a different version of your journey.. not in what you couldn't do and carry on .. but what you were doing and had done up to that certain point .. take a step back and look at it a whole different way. So glad you were able to pick yourself up and carry on.. Wow!!.. such an accomplishment -

something you will always be proud of and have many wonderful stories to tell. We CAN do anything we set our minds to .. you just proved that big time and look how far and wide your adventure has been shown. How many of us would be brave enough to set out on our own like that .. not really knowing for sure who would be waiting at the next line to pick up.. maybe be by yourself.. maybe not.. but you kept going... Way to Go Woman!

You have so much to be proud of... Im glad to hear you are home and safe... will continue reading your updates as they come. You will always be an example set.. from now on Im sure many will think... "well if Flo could do that.. then I sure can do what I need to do"... Thank you Flo for quite an adventure!
Jan

Vi's Version!!

All our bags are packed and we ready to go!!

Viola/Snowball/Avonlady leaving



This is my friend Vi. She was just arriving there to start the first send off from the Palladino's. Like she said she was the trip organizer. Got all the people together and kept track of it. Planned the route around the people that were offering there homes and time to ride. Nice bike Vi!!
Nice job, I know ya didn't plan DEATH VALLEY!! LOL

Vi is a newlywed. Bruce is his name. I never really got to spend any time there as we stayed one night and we went out to biker night for a couple hours.

That is Vi second from right on the bottom. She was the tail gunner on the Dragon. She wasn't ready for the Dragon on her new bike. Good for you for admitting it Vi.. Sometimes it's hard to admit, but safer..

Bike Night... We had to win those t-shirts. That was the best beer I'd ever had. Was a thirst girl! I see you hiding that cig...it didn't work.

How the days have flown by since the start of this Conga. From its conception to its finale...
I remember back when Flo first said how she only dreamed of riding cross country. I think I was one of the first ones to egg her on. I am glad I did....

I helped organize the stops and each individual person Flo would stay with to the best of my ability. Her main goal in the beginning sprang from her desire to ride "The DRAGON" and how we wanted to all do this with her.

I so enjoyed talking to each lady who held her hand up and could actually be part of this great expedition. I so appreciat e all the ladies who also raised there hands, but routing wouldn't allow Flo to come to them to. THANK YOU!

Okay, so the morning of May 21st, I get a call from the first hand off person "HighPriestess" who was so ill she couldn't make the trip. Sheila we were so sad that you weren't well and hope you will be available the next time.

I called Trixie-Cindy and said what time are you leaving. I had not planned to head to Florida and escort Flo but I did it anyway. I had a blast seeing Jerry and Donna again and meeting Hippie John.

So, as would seem to be the case throughout this trip we were running an hour behind getting to Flo and 2 hours behind schedule getting back into Georgia due to inclimate weather of which we avoided under an overhang at a truckstop. The 3 of us shared some laughs and got scared by some cloud to ground lightning. You would have thought a bomb dropped it was so loud...lolI hope Trixie will chime in with the gloom and Doom guy we encountered there. She tells it much better than I...

We got back to my parked the bikes for the night. Jumped in the Pickup and we went to bike night in Pooler, GA. Flo said to me...I am sure glad we parked the bikes first. She was a wooped puppy by time we ate dinner. We ran into the Toxic Twins...had a great dinner and both won T-Shirts from Low Country Customs. Came home exhausted but Flo had just enough energy to call Doc and say we were here.

May 22nd....the day to depart for Ellijay, GA to our wonderful Ms Wolfie-Holly's house....we had coffee and Flo made sure to log onto the forums and give an update. We actually left on time at 9am and decided we had to make a detour to pick up T-shirts and to scrape the edge of South Carolina....I almost feel selfish that I got to have her all to myself for over a hundred miles. We clipped SC and had already ridden 50 miles before we could even get out of the Savannah area of Georgia. Here is where we wind up 2 hours behind meeting up with Michael unfortunatley Miriam had to work. (btw Micheal I still have your map for all it's help....rotf).

We stopped and had lunch and headed to Jackson, GA another 100 miles to meet up with Sunflower Denise and her DH Dale. We were still running 2 hours behind. We were having a great day. Michael left us there and Dale went back home too! Now there is just the 3 of us. I finally got to lead more than one other person. We got misplaced once due to incorrect directions, but only for a few minutes. Between Dale's assitance over the phone and the guy who overheard we were lost...we got back on track. I was amazed by another lady who couldn't even tell us where we were and she lived there in Gainsville...

It was getting later in the afternoon and we still had almost 200 miles to go. Mountain Routes are no fun in the dark. Everything seems that much harder to navigate after it gets dark. We finally made it to Holly and Wolfie's around 10pm. Navigated the Driveway of Doom and had a wonderful spagetti dinner. Holly you did great and we all appreciate you lots...
I was worn out and hit the pillow and was the 1st one asleep. Flo and Sunflower stayed up on the computer for hours.
Just so you know Denise is truly not a morning person. We had the hardest time getting her to wake up...

May 23, the day to "SLAY THE DRAGON"....that was awesome and even though I followed in a Cadillac Escalade the trip was so worth it. It also gave me a feel for the roads I would negotiate by myself the next day.
Off we went to meet Gypsy-Cindy and Ueee-Bill. Of course Minnie Me-Beth and Danny were there and Sherry and Gene to meet us. We had 9 bikes and 10 riders and 1 me in the Caddy.
So many laughs and smiles this day. I would do it all over again and again. I enjoyed Ueeeeees U turn, I know Denise didn't but we went through this one lane bridge and the first road to the right was Lovers Lane. Wished my sweety had been with us...
Wonderful BBQ at Cindy and Bill's house, thanks guys had a blast looking foward to seeing y'all again this summer to truly slay the dragon on my own bike.

Sat. May 24 parting was really difficult. We were all leaving at the same time and everyone else was going left while I turned right heading home. I went 300 miles of beautiful roads alone and met up with my DH in South Carolina where I finished off a wonderful weekend at my home up there.

FLO what can I say! You have been an inspiration for so many Ladies and I am so elated to count you amongst my friends. I know the above is more like a ride report but I am not really good at sometimes putting my feelings down.
My heart is very full right now. I have truly been here for the whole ride and I have cried and laughed with you as I have read each Blog and post you made on the forum. Since my time with you I have only strengthened my resolve to do my own cross country tour. My DH and I are saving our pennies.
You have been such an inspiration to me and so many others. I would say not only have you fullfilled a dream but you have touched lives in so many positive ways that most of us never get to do. That in itself is living this life to it's fullest and you my dear have. I look forward to your many adventures and meeting with you again. I am so Proud of YOU!

I raise my wine glass to you my dear. I wish you many miles of smiles and sunshine and many friends to brighten you days.
God must Love you, I know I do...Big Hugs, Vi