Well we got ourselves packed up and ready to leave on our last leg of the USA. We were out loading the bikes and all of our hosts slowly joined in to meet us and escort us most of the way to our destination. We took our time getting things packed and said rethanks for the wonderful evening that they showed us. We finally got things rolling and Brenda lead us through Tacoma and Seattle then I took over. We had 10 bikes and the trike rolling along with all the pink and it looked marvelous.
As I said I tok over the leading after we passed thru Seattle and lead the group to Sound HD in Marysville. We had a good reception there and they were helped us out with more donations. When we were done in the store we headed outside to get on the move again but before we did, Flo had to have one more round of the COnga dance around her bike. I tell ya what a misfit group we were with next to no rythym. We sucked but it was fun and funny to say the least. We loaded up and moved out again.
I lead our group again up to Skagit HD and had another great reception from them. We all had a look around and think almost everyone bought something there. It was time for lunch and off we headed to the otherside of the highway for lunch. We had a great time with our new friends and a great lunch. When we were done we headed outside to say our goodbyes to our new friends inthe USA that treated us most graciously. It was hard saying goodbye to them as we had been with them since Thursday night. We finally got things together and headed out before them.
It was our last final stretch up to Bellingham and I decided to go exploring instead of taking the interstate. I knew where we were going but they decided to put a detour on the route and messed up my whole route. By the time I got circled around and back to the road I wanted in the first place, everyone was wondering if I was lost and knew where I was going. Well given the options they could either continue to follow me or get lost themselves. Well I knew where I was going and lead the group where I wanted to go. We finally connected to Chuckanut drive and followed it along into Bellingham. I had already made stopping points for the trike to catch up to us and all was good. We zipped along until we hit the look out point and Bry and Bee showed up eventually. We had another quick round of pics and headed off again but unbenounced to Tanya and I who started enjoying the twisties way to much found ourselves alone. We kept looking in the mirrors and nobody else was with us. We finally found a safe spot to stop and pulled over to wait for them. Meanwhile we were laughing our asses off not knowing how we managed to lose them. We saw three headlights coming so pulled out to keep going with the group. Well Tanya and I are watching as we are going along and start to realize that it isnt the right 3 bikes behind us. We have still lost them, so start looking for a place to pull over again. We finally found an area and sit to wait for them. Eventually here they come with no idea on what tied them up so long. We continued along and into Old Bellingham. I lead them thru but somehow we managed to lose Carl and the trike. Just as we were hitting the I5 again for the last couple miles we had to do a loop and wait for them. They caught up and we circled a parking lot and headed back to the 5. Well some idiot decided not to post the sign to the 5 north and I had to practice a few more tuurns to get back to the 5 on the right track. Bry was getting a little impatient with me but too damn bad if he wanted to get to the motel. Well we got turned around and up the 5 a couple exits to the motel and have settled in for the night.
We plan on being at the border for 830 when exporting opens and then carry on to the ferry.
See yall tomorrow
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Day in Kitsap County and area
Well we were up and ready to go relatively early this morning. Brenda our host in the area came to pick us up and lead us to the meeting place. We met up with Gerry and Roxanne and a few others. They decided to change the route at the last minute and we are sure glad that they did.
We left from the meeting place and headed to our first stop at a Harley dealership. This was Destination in Fife. It is a very large and impressive store. Well I hate to say it but the reception we got there was outrageously bad. We stopped at the main desk and asked the girls there if we could speak to the GM or the owner. The were a bit snotty and said the GM was away and the owner was on a delivery. We explained to them that I had been in contact with them and that we were here in hope of receiving a donation towards the Conga fund. Well they still continued to be snippy with us and when we persisted and informed them that they would be the first dealership across the USA that didnt contribute they finally relented and made a phone call to the owner. She came back saying she had to leave a message for him and hopefully he would call back shortly, if we wanted to have a look around. So we wandered around and had a look at things while we waited to hear back. Off in another corner we started talking with another 2 staff members and they were absolutely enthralled by the story and were so impressed with what we were doing. While we were talking to them the other snippy girl came back with a paper in hand saying she had talked to the owner and he didnt want to give any donation to us even though supposedly she did tell him that they were the only ones who hadnt up til now.
Well we were quite unimpressed with the outcome and were getting ready to leave (of course without anyone buying anything) and low and behold the owner whom was supposed to be out on a delivery was just leaving with the delivery. What a joke. While we were there Brenda found some numbers and gave me the phone. I called to the other HD dealership in Lacey and spoke to the owner Steve Boone. I gave him a brief rundown of what we were doing and that we were planning on stopping by his store to see if he would be interested in helping our cause. He said he couldnt wait to meet us and that he was more then willing to help out.
We headed off with a couple stops along the way, we stopped at a honda dealership so Tanya could get some oil for her bike. Poor girl, think she is spending more money in oil then in gas. Anyways while we are there Brenda talks to a sales rep there and it ends up this gal is 28 and has had a full masectomy. Her story brought tears to our eyes. She was so forthright with her story and so thankful for what we were doing. The owner also ended up giving us a $100 donation to the cause. This was quite a tear jerking moment for sure. And thankful that Tanya needed oil cause this really made the whole purpose of the trip that much more emotional.
We left there teary eyed and stopped at a leather shop that generously donated as well, then off we went to the last dealership for the day. We got Northwest HD and found Steve Boone. What a great great and he couldnt have been more helpful. He wanted pics as did we and he ran inside an put togeather a bag full of donations for us. He made sure that we were fed as they were having a BBQ and then when we said we were going to go in and have a look around he offered us all a discount on anything we bought. He even ran back and forth helping Flo and a was willing to give her 50% off of a jacket she was looking at. This man was absolutely amazing and couldnt have been more helpful or friendly. Hats off to Steve and his dealership.
From there we headed back to Port Orchard along some backroads and was a beautiful trip. We ended at the Ackermans house for a great meal that Ron had been preparing all day. He had a smoked brisket, BBQed chicken, sausage, salads, baked potatoes with all the fixings. Ron definately outdid himself. We also managed to have a surprise for Bee as it was her birthday. These girls arent going to believe a word I say anymore as I keep surprising them and keeping the secret. I had aske if they would be able to have a card for Bee and also pick up a cake. Bee was so surprised but still called me a little rotter for tricking her. The dinner and company of their friends that also came for dinner was a wonderful ending to our time here in Port Orchard. we have made some wonderful new friends that really outdid themselves and it is a shame that they cant come along on for the last leg of the Conga. It would be great to show them some of the island. Hopefully they will make it up one day.
We thanked all and then headed back to the motel for the night. Up and at em again tomorrow heading for Bellingham and an early night. We are heading up the I5 and stopping at SOund and SKagit HD. At Skagit our hosts will be saying goodbye and heading back to the south sound. From there I will be taking the lead again and leading our little group along Chuckanut drive to Bellingham. Great scenic road between Burlington and Bellingham.
We left from the meeting place and headed to our first stop at a Harley dealership. This was Destination in Fife. It is a very large and impressive store. Well I hate to say it but the reception we got there was outrageously bad. We stopped at the main desk and asked the girls there if we could speak to the GM or the owner. The were a bit snotty and said the GM was away and the owner was on a delivery. We explained to them that I had been in contact with them and that we were here in hope of receiving a donation towards the Conga fund. Well they still continued to be snippy with us and when we persisted and informed them that they would be the first dealership across the USA that didnt contribute they finally relented and made a phone call to the owner. She came back saying she had to leave a message for him and hopefully he would call back shortly, if we wanted to have a look around. So we wandered around and had a look at things while we waited to hear back. Off in another corner we started talking with another 2 staff members and they were absolutely enthralled by the story and were so impressed with what we were doing. While we were talking to them the other snippy girl came back with a paper in hand saying she had talked to the owner and he didnt want to give any donation to us even though supposedly she did tell him that they were the only ones who hadnt up til now.
Well we were quite unimpressed with the outcome and were getting ready to leave (of course without anyone buying anything) and low and behold the owner whom was supposed to be out on a delivery was just leaving with the delivery. What a joke. While we were there Brenda found some numbers and gave me the phone. I called to the other HD dealership in Lacey and spoke to the owner Steve Boone. I gave him a brief rundown of what we were doing and that we were planning on stopping by his store to see if he would be interested in helping our cause. He said he couldnt wait to meet us and that he was more then willing to help out.
We headed off with a couple stops along the way, we stopped at a honda dealership so Tanya could get some oil for her bike. Poor girl, think she is spending more money in oil then in gas. Anyways while we are there Brenda talks to a sales rep there and it ends up this gal is 28 and has had a full masectomy. Her story brought tears to our eyes. She was so forthright with her story and so thankful for what we were doing. The owner also ended up giving us a $100 donation to the cause. This was quite a tear jerking moment for sure. And thankful that Tanya needed oil cause this really made the whole purpose of the trip that much more emotional.
We left there teary eyed and stopped at a leather shop that generously donated as well, then off we went to the last dealership for the day. We got Northwest HD and found Steve Boone. What a great great and he couldnt have been more helpful. He wanted pics as did we and he ran inside an put togeather a bag full of donations for us. He made sure that we were fed as they were having a BBQ and then when we said we were going to go in and have a look around he offered us all a discount on anything we bought. He even ran back and forth helping Flo and a was willing to give her 50% off of a jacket she was looking at. This man was absolutely amazing and couldnt have been more helpful or friendly. Hats off to Steve and his dealership.
From there we headed back to Port Orchard along some backroads and was a beautiful trip. We ended at the Ackermans house for a great meal that Ron had been preparing all day. He had a smoked brisket, BBQed chicken, sausage, salads, baked potatoes with all the fixings. Ron definately outdid himself. We also managed to have a surprise for Bee as it was her birthday. These girls arent going to believe a word I say anymore as I keep surprising them and keeping the secret. I had aske if they would be able to have a card for Bee and also pick up a cake. Bee was so surprised but still called me a little rotter for tricking her. The dinner and company of their friends that also came for dinner was a wonderful ending to our time here in Port Orchard. we have made some wonderful new friends that really outdid themselves and it is a shame that they cant come along on for the last leg of the Conga. It would be great to show them some of the island. Hopefully they will make it up one day.
We thanked all and then headed back to the motel for the night. Up and at em again tomorrow heading for Bellingham and an early night. We are heading up the I5 and stopping at SOund and SKagit HD. At Skagit our hosts will be saying goodbye and heading back to the south sound. From there I will be taking the lead again and leading our little group along Chuckanut drive to Bellingham. Great scenic road between Burlington and Bellingham.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Leavenworth to Port Orchard
Yeee Hawwww, I get to be lazy now and dont have to lead the way and try to keep everyone on the right track. Now I can just kick back and enjoy the ride. Kinda nice for a change to not have to be the leader. The group was organized so that if we ended up getting split up one of our hosts was there to help get everyone to the right place.
We headed out and asked to stop at the top of Stevens Pass again so that Flo and I could play in the snow again, just like last year. We all pulled over and had a great view as well asanother opportunity for photos and conversation. Flo and I went over to the snow bank and wrote in the snow bank like we did last year. Lots of pics and posing.
We headed out again with a stop in Monroe to regroup and to get gas. As we left we did get seperated but all was good cause we had leaders in the mix. Besides traffic it was a nice ride to get to the Kingston Edmonds ferry. We took the ferry and headed towards Legend HD of Silverdale. According to Brenda(our host) the was going to be media there waiting for us. Sure enuf as we went under an overpast I saw people above with cameras. Sure enuf that would be the newspaper crew taking our pics.
We pulled into the HD shop and had a very warm greeting. The media was awesome and almost overwhelming, tons and tons of pictures and many questions all around. They were asking questions about all of us. We eventually managed to get inside to see if we could get a donation. While waiting for the manager to get something together for us we found a bin with little pink bears dressed in leather. HTBD we all had to get one to keep for the ride. What an awesome afternoon in all. Overwhelming and hot in the same breath.
We eventually headed out for a lunch break and then gradually made our way to the motel. The whole time since we arrived in Leavenworth Tanya has been having problems with her bike. Carl and herself did a little micky duck repair to help get her home. Well it started smoking and was worrying all of us. When we got to the motel, Brenda turned around and offered the use of her husbands bike for the day to Tanya. What generous people. Ron will be staying hoe to prepare the BBQ for us and was more then willing to lend Tanya his bike to ride for the day. They even went home then came back with the bike so that she would have it ready to go in the morning.
These people are amazing and so glad to meet them. Cant wit til tommorrow and the tour of the area they are taking us on. With the weather finally turning for the best it will be an awesome day for sure.
We headed out and asked to stop at the top of Stevens Pass again so that Flo and I could play in the snow again, just like last year. We all pulled over and had a great view as well asanother opportunity for photos and conversation. Flo and I went over to the snow bank and wrote in the snow bank like we did last year. Lots of pics and posing.
We headed out again with a stop in Monroe to regroup and to get gas. As we left we did get seperated but all was good cause we had leaders in the mix. Besides traffic it was a nice ride to get to the Kingston Edmonds ferry. We took the ferry and headed towards Legend HD of Silverdale. According to Brenda(our host) the was going to be media there waiting for us. Sure enuf as we went under an overpast I saw people above with cameras. Sure enuf that would be the newspaper crew taking our pics.
We pulled into the HD shop and had a very warm greeting. The media was awesome and almost overwhelming, tons and tons of pictures and many questions all around. They were asking questions about all of us. We eventually managed to get inside to see if we could get a donation. While waiting for the manager to get something together for us we found a bin with little pink bears dressed in leather. HTBD we all had to get one to keep for the ride. What an awesome afternoon in all. Overwhelming and hot in the same breath.
We eventually headed out for a lunch break and then gradually made our way to the motel. The whole time since we arrived in Leavenworth Tanya has been having problems with her bike. Carl and herself did a little micky duck repair to help get her home. Well it started smoking and was worrying all of us. When we got to the motel, Brenda turned around and offered the use of her husbands bike for the day to Tanya. What generous people. Ron will be staying hoe to prepare the BBQ for us and was more then willing to lend Tanya his bike to ride for the day. They even went home then came back with the bike so that she would have it ready to go in the morning.
These people are amazing and so glad to meet them. Cant wit til tommorrow and the tour of the area they are taking us on. With the weather finally turning for the best it will be an awesome day for sure.
CDA to Leavenworth
Well we got ourselves organized and prepared to head out to Leavenworth. Got the bikes all loaded and they were in a line waiting to go, meanwhile Flo had to do her group pics, Conga song blaring in the background. Had the boys dressed in pink and ready to rock and roll.
We headed out with me still in the lead for Spokane and Shumate HD. Was a short ride to Spokane but a gorgeous morning. We knew it was going to be warm later in the day. I found our way straight to the dealership and yet again everyone was inthralled by the group of us all in our pink. The staff there were so wonderful and spent quite a bit of time with us as well as giving us a donation.
We hung around for a while then headed out again towards Leavenworth. On route we had to meet up with Bee and Bryan in some little hill billy town called Wilbur. Well with good time we headed there and found them sitting on the side of the road. I knew Bee was Video taping us so we road in slowly and straight past them so she could get a good pic of us. We did a u turn and came back for our greetings. We had hugs all around and introductions to those that had not met before. We chatted for a while then got ready to hit the road. The day was becoming glorious and we all had to lose a layer or two of clothing.
We headed out on highway 2 was a very boring highway in my opinion, straight, then a bend, straight then a bend the other way. Just slight rolling hills and lots of farm land. You could easily just blast across this countryside.
We gradually made our way closer to Wenatchee but just before the turn off we were stopped in a construction zone with the most beautiful vista. Damn it was hot though. We were cooking standing around, taking pictures and chatting. When we were allowed to go again we all scrambled to get on the bikes and get going. When we came out of the canyon it was even more beautiful with the most amazing lake view in the horizon. Damn I wish I had the camera on hand. We got to the bottom of the canyon and the junction into Wenatchee. The highway followed along the lake and was absolutely breathtaking. Hard to keep your eyes on the road when you want to see everything around you. We found our way to Wenatchee HD and met with a fellow lady named Karen who had been following us on line and had to meet us.
We had a great response from this dealership, they had been having a BBQ on our behalf with all proceeds going tothe Conga fund. They also donated one of the Heritage plaques for us to sell. Karen was so happy to meet all of us and spend what time she could with us. This lady is fabulous. She has fought breast cancer and is still in the fight but in the meantime she has gone and gotten her MC endorsement and now wants to buy a bike and start riding while she is still fighting her battle with this devastating illness. She considered all of us an inspiration and yet we look at her the same way.
We spent quite a bit of time there but finally decided the heat was getting to be too much and needed to get moving for the last little trek into Leavenworth. We said our thanks and goodbyes and headed off to our motel for the night. It was a great ride to Leavenworth but the temp didnt drop all that much. Leavenworth is just the coolest little town, all bavarian themed. We checked in and got ourselves cooled down when we finally met our hosts for the weekend. They all seemed like great people and were even more organized then I thought I was.
We hung around chinwagging and sociallizing for quite awhile and had a great time meeting new friends. Eventually we had to call it a night andget ready for the morning.
We headed out with me still in the lead for Spokane and Shumate HD. Was a short ride to Spokane but a gorgeous morning. We knew it was going to be warm later in the day. I found our way straight to the dealership and yet again everyone was inthralled by the group of us all in our pink. The staff there were so wonderful and spent quite a bit of time with us as well as giving us a donation.
We hung around for a while then headed out again towards Leavenworth. On route we had to meet up with Bee and Bryan in some little hill billy town called Wilbur. Well with good time we headed there and found them sitting on the side of the road. I knew Bee was Video taping us so we road in slowly and straight past them so she could get a good pic of us. We did a u turn and came back for our greetings. We had hugs all around and introductions to those that had not met before. We chatted for a while then got ready to hit the road. The day was becoming glorious and we all had to lose a layer or two of clothing.
We headed out on highway 2 was a very boring highway in my opinion, straight, then a bend, straight then a bend the other way. Just slight rolling hills and lots of farm land. You could easily just blast across this countryside.
We gradually made our way closer to Wenatchee but just before the turn off we were stopped in a construction zone with the most beautiful vista. Damn it was hot though. We were cooking standing around, taking pictures and chatting. When we were allowed to go again we all scrambled to get on the bikes and get going. When we came out of the canyon it was even more beautiful with the most amazing lake view in the horizon. Damn I wish I had the camera on hand. We got to the bottom of the canyon and the junction into Wenatchee. The highway followed along the lake and was absolutely breathtaking. Hard to keep your eyes on the road when you want to see everything around you. We found our way to Wenatchee HD and met with a fellow lady named Karen who had been following us on line and had to meet us.
We had a great response from this dealership, they had been having a BBQ on our behalf with all proceeds going tothe Conga fund. They also donated one of the Heritage plaques for us to sell. Karen was so happy to meet all of us and spend what time she could with us. This lady is fabulous. She has fought breast cancer and is still in the fight but in the meantime she has gone and gotten her MC endorsement and now wants to buy a bike and start riding while she is still fighting her battle with this devastating illness. She considered all of us an inspiration and yet we look at her the same way.
We spent quite a bit of time there but finally decided the heat was getting to be too much and needed to get moving for the last little trek into Leavenworth. We said our thanks and goodbyes and headed off to our motel for the night. It was a great ride to Leavenworth but the temp didnt drop all that much. Leavenworth is just the coolest little town, all bavarian themed. We checked in and got ourselves cooled down when we finally met our hosts for the weekend. They all seemed like great people and were even more organized then I thought I was.
We hung around chinwagging and sociallizing for quite awhile and had a great time meeting new friends. Eventually we had to call it a night andget ready for the morning.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Well, we had a relatively early start if you call that around 9 am. Late for me but oh well. We got ourselves organized and made the hour treck into Missoula and stopped at the dealership there.
The owner was more then happy to donate to our cause and one of the employees came outside just as we arrived and had to have pictures done with us. Everyone thought that we just were the best. All the pink!
It has been great riding along without a helmet for the last 2 days and somehow I managed to tie a bandana on tight enuf to keep the wig from blowing off. Yep just imagine the three of us riding down the highway, Flo in all her pink leather and both Tanya and I in pink wigs!!! Quite the sight. We had people waving and thumbs upping us as they went by. When we went through construction sights the workers were all giving us thumbs up and waves. It was great. Had one guy that had to race by us and give us the hang loose sign and then cut over infrontof us and hit an exit. He still was waving as we went by.
We made our way across the interstate towards CDA and managed to collect a few donations along our route. We stopped in CDA at the dealership and received more donations both from the dealership and customers. At the same time as we arrived I had BigE texting me that he had arrived at the motel 10 minutes down the road with (unbenounced to Flo) Carl in tow. Now how to surprise her. Told them to come to the dealership and I would keep Flo inside so just E could come in. Meanwhile she is supposed to be going in the store and listening in on my conversation and almost caught what I was up to. |But she did go in and was able to set things up. She was fighting me the whole time cause she wanted to stay outside and video her bro riding in. Her and that damn camera what a pain in the ass. Got her moving so she could do her speel inside and kept a watch for the boys.
The boys arrived and E came inside and hugs all around. Then of course had to head outside just because and then E started teasing her that his pipes were having an echo. She didnt clue in at first but Carl was around the corner and Flo didnt know. E revved the bike again and sure nuff Flo clued in and OMFG off the charts again. This time atleast she wasnt on the highway. It was another unforgettable moment for sure.
After all the excitment, we got our shit togeather and headed to the motel, with Peppermint Patty and Jim in tow (who had met us at the dealership) We checked in , had a beer and unloaded, cleaned up slightly, fixed my wig so it wasnt blowing sideways anymore. we then gather up again and headed off to Cruisers, which is a drive thru bar right on the state line. Jim had dropped off the camera for us so that they could video all of us riding through.
We got to Cruisers and they were ready for us, mind you they couldnt miss all the pink. Thankfully it wasnt that far cause that damn pink feather boa was causing me to eat feathers no matter how slow we were moving. They taped us thru and it is on facebook. We set up a table of all the items since the last tour pack sale and set to work at selling things off. The owner of Cruisers, Sheri bought $150 worth of stuff and then we had several others that came over and bought things. Sheri even donated quite a few items for us to donate at our next tour pack party. Flo and I decided that we hadnt made quite enuf money and that we needed to make more. So after Bryans mention about bras in the rafters we decided to run with something else. Flo and I escaped into the bathroom and she took off her bra and we wrote on it with the Conga logo and then went around the bar having people sign the bra for a donation while I wore her bra. We made about 35 bucks and then hung the bra from the rafters.
After that we headed back to the motel and relaxed and joked around and had a good evening.
The owner was more then happy to donate to our cause and one of the employees came outside just as we arrived and had to have pictures done with us. Everyone thought that we just were the best. All the pink!
It has been great riding along without a helmet for the last 2 days and somehow I managed to tie a bandana on tight enuf to keep the wig from blowing off. Yep just imagine the three of us riding down the highway, Flo in all her pink leather and both Tanya and I in pink wigs!!! Quite the sight. We had people waving and thumbs upping us as they went by. When we went through construction sights the workers were all giving us thumbs up and waves. It was great. Had one guy that had to race by us and give us the hang loose sign and then cut over infrontof us and hit an exit. He still was waving as we went by.
We made our way across the interstate towards CDA and managed to collect a few donations along our route. We stopped in CDA at the dealership and received more donations both from the dealership and customers. At the same time as we arrived I had BigE texting me that he had arrived at the motel 10 minutes down the road with (unbenounced to Flo) Carl in tow. Now how to surprise her. Told them to come to the dealership and I would keep Flo inside so just E could come in. Meanwhile she is supposed to be going in the store and listening in on my conversation and almost caught what I was up to. |But she did go in and was able to set things up. She was fighting me the whole time cause she wanted to stay outside and video her bro riding in. Her and that damn camera what a pain in the ass. Got her moving so she could do her speel inside and kept a watch for the boys.
The boys arrived and E came inside and hugs all around. Then of course had to head outside just because and then E started teasing her that his pipes were having an echo. She didnt clue in at first but Carl was around the corner and Flo didnt know. E revved the bike again and sure nuff Flo clued in and OMFG off the charts again. This time atleast she wasnt on the highway. It was another unforgettable moment for sure.
After all the excitment, we got our shit togeather and headed to the motel, with Peppermint Patty and Jim in tow (who had met us at the dealership) We checked in , had a beer and unloaded, cleaned up slightly, fixed my wig so it wasnt blowing sideways anymore. we then gather up again and headed off to Cruisers, which is a drive thru bar right on the state line. Jim had dropped off the camera for us so that they could video all of us riding through.
We got to Cruisers and they were ready for us, mind you they couldnt miss all the pink. Thankfully it wasnt that far cause that damn pink feather boa was causing me to eat feathers no matter how slow we were moving. They taped us thru and it is on facebook. We set up a table of all the items since the last tour pack sale and set to work at selling things off. The owner of Cruisers, Sheri bought $150 worth of stuff and then we had several others that came over and bought things. Sheri even donated quite a few items for us to donate at our next tour pack party. Flo and I decided that we hadnt made quite enuf money and that we needed to make more. So after Bryans mention about bras in the rafters we decided to run with something else. Flo and I escaped into the bathroom and she took off her bra and we wrote on it with the Conga logo and then went around the bar having people sign the bra for a donation while I wore her bra. We made about 35 bucks and then hung the bra from the rafters.
After that we headed back to the motel and relaxed and joked around and had a good evening.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day 1 of my Conga, Idaho Falls to Hamilton, MT
Well as expected I was awake at 5 am even though I didnt close my eyes til midnight. I tried to stay in bed as long as I could but gave in around 630 and made coffee. As expected the others slowly got up and we all add more notes to the puter and read what others had left for us.
We got ready and thats when the fun began, with the pink wigs I had and other accesories, Im sure people thought we were nuts. We finally got the bikes loaded and managed to check out of the motel. Then headed to the dealership that was right around the corner. We had to wait for a bit for thr manager to return but she did donate quite a few small items to us to auction off. All the staf thought òur look`was great and were bending over backwards to help us with anythings. Should have told them Therapy needed a good detailing as she has a new tie dyed look to her with all the bug guts collected.
We hit the road finally but late, it was close to noon before we actually got going and sure enough we barely get 2 miles down the road and Tanya has a `hair` raising emergency! Her Hair is trying to leave. So we have to stop to fix it. Then Flo figures she needs video of us two pink gals and takes offf up the highway to get us on camera. Well we thought we were doing ood and being calm but guess she couldnt keep up with us and it was like we were blowing by her. Finally we actually really get moving.
Rode bout an hour and hit a stop for road construction, got a donation from the flag guy and carried on for lunch. Small bit of rain but then it cleared. We rode on with basically no stops but for gas. Our second from last gas stop we knew we were coming to a scenic route and Flo wanted to take the lead so we let her go. Off she went tearing through the twisties. I was having some difficulty as my arms and especially my shoulders were extremely sore and I had a hard time pushing the bike into the corners. Ibuprophen wasnt helping as I had already had 8 to this point and I felt like I was straining every muscle in my arms, shoulder, neck and upper back. Guess I needed more rest then I thought. I was still keeping pace fairly well even though it hurt somethin fierce. We hit another straight stretch and figure no problem, I may make it to either of our choices for stops tonight. Well I was wrong in a huge way! These nice straight stretches with gentle twists turned into an alpine climb, with switchbacks(which I hate even in a cage)
The pain radiating out of my shoulders was almost unbearable and I had to slow down alot to keep myself in the turns. The girls just kept going as they knew I wouldnt give up and that I would come down the mountain eventually, which I did, tearing at a buck 40 and they were pulled off to the side and I just wanted to keep going instead of stopping but stop I did.
I tried to stretch my arms out abit, popped a couple more pills and off we went. Now the speed is posted at 70 miles so Im flying along and calculating mileage in my head to make sure Tany has enuf gas for the next stop. I knew she would but they started dropping off to conserve fuel. We pull into the station and are debating wether to stay in this little burg or to carry on to one of our choices for the night. Well we were all going to top our tanks anyways but now I realize I cant find my purse, with all money, credit card and passport. I tear apart both saddle bags dumping everything on the ground and cant find it anywhere. I check my luggage bag cause I was in there at the last stop but it isnt there either. Now Im starting to stress in a large way! No money credit and no passport to get home. Well if I can find money I can be home before the law take effect on June 1st but will end up being another casuality in the Conga. Flo suggests to try and find the number for the last gas staion we were at in Idaho and see if it was found. Even though I had asked both of them to dig through my bags themselves, they didnt at first and just tried to calm me down and tell me what to do. So while Im standing waiting at the counter, here comes Flo all noncalante with my purse. Damn it all to hell! It was where I had put it, I just couldnt find it. So after I have a little rant and try to unwind my stressed nerves we think we are going to stay in this small town called Darby. It is all done up with false fronts looking like an old western town. Well no motel and deffinately no internet, so we take off down the highway to the next town which wasnt as far away as we had thought.
We are in Hamilton, MT for the night. It is about 35 miles short of Missoula and was bout a 500 km trip today, longer then Flo likes to ride but they wanted to do the back roads instead of the slab. Found a cheap hotel, no coffee machine but hey for $60 we each get our own queen size bed tonight. The motel manager even got us the hose, bucket, rags and car wash soap so that we could clean the bikes down from all the bug guts we had collected. And Therapy sure needed it, the windsheild was a mosaic of multi coloured splatters this morning.
We were definately a sight rolling down the highway today, with myself and Tanya in neon pink wigs (no helmets) and Flo in all of her pinkness! Yep managed to fashion my bandana around my head tight enuf to keep the wig on the whole trip. Think I will have to give it a bit of a brushing and rebraid it before we take off again. We had many people honk or wave to us in passing and several ask us what we were doing and give us donations.
Heres hoping I can get Flo moving in the morning so we have the extra time to get to Missoula before the trip to CDA to meet up with Peppermint Patty and then of course to our motel in Post Falls to meet Flos bro BigE. After that we plan on going to Cruisers which is a drive thru bar on the stateline.
We got ready and thats when the fun began, with the pink wigs I had and other accesories, Im sure people thought we were nuts. We finally got the bikes loaded and managed to check out of the motel. Then headed to the dealership that was right around the corner. We had to wait for a bit for thr manager to return but she did donate quite a few small items to us to auction off. All the staf thought òur look`was great and were bending over backwards to help us with anythings. Should have told them Therapy needed a good detailing as she has a new tie dyed look to her with all the bug guts collected.
We hit the road finally but late, it was close to noon before we actually got going and sure enough we barely get 2 miles down the road and Tanya has a `hair` raising emergency! Her Hair is trying to leave. So we have to stop to fix it. Then Flo figures she needs video of us two pink gals and takes offf up the highway to get us on camera. Well we thought we were doing ood and being calm but guess she couldnt keep up with us and it was like we were blowing by her. Finally we actually really get moving.
Rode bout an hour and hit a stop for road construction, got a donation from the flag guy and carried on for lunch. Small bit of rain but then it cleared. We rode on with basically no stops but for gas. Our second from last gas stop we knew we were coming to a scenic route and Flo wanted to take the lead so we let her go. Off she went tearing through the twisties. I was having some difficulty as my arms and especially my shoulders were extremely sore and I had a hard time pushing the bike into the corners. Ibuprophen wasnt helping as I had already had 8 to this point and I felt like I was straining every muscle in my arms, shoulder, neck and upper back. Guess I needed more rest then I thought. I was still keeping pace fairly well even though it hurt somethin fierce. We hit another straight stretch and figure no problem, I may make it to either of our choices for stops tonight. Well I was wrong in a huge way! These nice straight stretches with gentle twists turned into an alpine climb, with switchbacks(which I hate even in a cage)
The pain radiating out of my shoulders was almost unbearable and I had to slow down alot to keep myself in the turns. The girls just kept going as they knew I wouldnt give up and that I would come down the mountain eventually, which I did, tearing at a buck 40 and they were pulled off to the side and I just wanted to keep going instead of stopping but stop I did.
I tried to stretch my arms out abit, popped a couple more pills and off we went. Now the speed is posted at 70 miles so Im flying along and calculating mileage in my head to make sure Tany has enuf gas for the next stop. I knew she would but they started dropping off to conserve fuel. We pull into the station and are debating wether to stay in this little burg or to carry on to one of our choices for the night. Well we were all going to top our tanks anyways but now I realize I cant find my purse, with all money, credit card and passport. I tear apart both saddle bags dumping everything on the ground and cant find it anywhere. I check my luggage bag cause I was in there at the last stop but it isnt there either. Now Im starting to stress in a large way! No money credit and no passport to get home. Well if I can find money I can be home before the law take effect on June 1st but will end up being another casuality in the Conga. Flo suggests to try and find the number for the last gas staion we were at in Idaho and see if it was found. Even though I had asked both of them to dig through my bags themselves, they didnt at first and just tried to calm me down and tell me what to do. So while Im standing waiting at the counter, here comes Flo all noncalante with my purse. Damn it all to hell! It was where I had put it, I just couldnt find it. So after I have a little rant and try to unwind my stressed nerves we think we are going to stay in this small town called Darby. It is all done up with false fronts looking like an old western town. Well no motel and deffinately no internet, so we take off down the highway to the next town which wasnt as far away as we had thought.
We are in Hamilton, MT for the night. It is about 35 miles short of Missoula and was bout a 500 km trip today, longer then Flo likes to ride but they wanted to do the back roads instead of the slab. Found a cheap hotel, no coffee machine but hey for $60 we each get our own queen size bed tonight. The motel manager even got us the hose, bucket, rags and car wash soap so that we could clean the bikes down from all the bug guts we had collected. And Therapy sure needed it, the windsheild was a mosaic of multi coloured splatters this morning.
We were definately a sight rolling down the highway today, with myself and Tanya in neon pink wigs (no helmets) and Flo in all of her pinkness! Yep managed to fashion my bandana around my head tight enuf to keep the wig on the whole trip. Think I will have to give it a bit of a brushing and rebraid it before we take off again. We had many people honk or wave to us in passing and several ask us what we were doing and give us donations.
Heres hoping I can get Flo moving in the morning so we have the extra time to get to Missoula before the trip to CDA to meet up with Peppermint Patty and then of course to our motel in Post Falls to meet Flos bro BigE. After that we plan on going to Cruisers which is a drive thru bar on the stateline.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Iron Butt, but not.....
Well I made my goal of reaching Idaho Falls tonight to meet up wit da gals. I just didnt do it in the time limit allowed. Guess I should have gone farther last night and hoped there wasnt as much construction on the Interstates today.
In total I rode 1707kms from Vancouver to here. And yep I think my butt is made of Iron now. It wasnt so sore as were my shoulders. Had quite a bit of wind not to mention the last 4 hours from Boise to IF, I was doing 140 steady, with only one stop for gas and one to relayer as night set in.
Even thought I didnt succeed in the certification, I can say that I can pull off that kinda mileage in a day. Yep Im frackin nuts! Dont think I will push for it again anytime soon.
I went south on the 5 to Portland, then headed east on the 84, across Oregon and Idaho to get here. Took a quick detour to Walla Walla to add the extra miles that I didnt need for the Iron Butt. Some nice views but I found Idaho to be pretty boring scenery wise, just stayed on the throttle trying to make time. Hate to imagine the ride at the speed limit. Yes yet again the Dragon was flying under the radar in stealth mode and the troopers never saw me. Or maybe it was the fact they were scared to confront a crazy canuck in a pink wig, with pink pool noodles on her bike?? Who knows either way no tickets.
Personally I think mapquest is full of shyte cause their 12 hour ride I was supposed to have today turned into 15 somehow and if I had of known that I wouldnt have pushed myself so damn hard to try and pull it off.
Ah well, all is well that ends well and so it is. We all made it to the arranged meeting spot, others not so easily as I. Took the gals a bit to figure out where they were staying, but after a few phone calls they managed to find their way and were here waiting for me, with a cold one and a sandwich.
Now all I need is some shut eye and I will be ready to go again in the morning, thankfully not all the way back and just to Missoula, MT.
In total I rode 1707kms from Vancouver to here. And yep I think my butt is made of Iron now. It wasnt so sore as were my shoulders. Had quite a bit of wind not to mention the last 4 hours from Boise to IF, I was doing 140 steady, with only one stop for gas and one to relayer as night set in.
Even thought I didnt succeed in the certification, I can say that I can pull off that kinda mileage in a day. Yep Im frackin nuts! Dont think I will push for it again anytime soon.
I went south on the 5 to Portland, then headed east on the 84, across Oregon and Idaho to get here. Took a quick detour to Walla Walla to add the extra miles that I didnt need for the Iron Butt. Some nice views but I found Idaho to be pretty boring scenery wise, just stayed on the throttle trying to make time. Hate to imagine the ride at the speed limit. Yes yet again the Dragon was flying under the radar in stealth mode and the troopers never saw me. Or maybe it was the fact they were scared to confront a crazy canuck in a pink wig, with pink pool noodles on her bike?? Who knows either way no tickets.
Personally I think mapquest is full of shyte cause their 12 hour ride I was supposed to have today turned into 15 somehow and if I had of known that I wouldnt have pushed myself so damn hard to try and pull it off.
Ah well, all is well that ends well and so it is. We all made it to the arranged meeting spot, others not so easily as I. Took the gals a bit to figure out where they were staying, but after a few phone calls they managed to find their way and were here waiting for me, with a cold one and a sandwich.
Now all I need is some shut eye and I will be ready to go again in the morning, thankfully not all the way back and just to Missoula, MT.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Down for the night
Ok well I didnt quite make it as far as I said I was going, but close. Just as I was logging off and leaving, I received an offer for a place to stay on route. So what the heck, why not save the dollars and stay with some crazy American guy that wears a skirt!
Great afternoon riding for sure, traffic wasnt all that bad, didnt put my leathers on til 8ish. Lots of troopers on the highway so to say the least, IM BEHAVING, no tickets yet! Saw one roll over somewhere around Burlington, I think. The border was fine, 10 minute wait at the truck crossing and away I went. Border guard didnt even question me wearing a pink wig, just asked me to take my glasses off. Guess he figured with the rest of the pink accessories there was something going on and I was on a mission. LMAO
I am in Chehalis, WA, annoying a friend I met last summer, he is still showing off his legs but atleast he is wearing shorts this time!
Anyways, time for some shut eye so that I can hit the road early and skip the traffic in Portland.
Great afternoon riding for sure, traffic wasnt all that bad, didnt put my leathers on til 8ish. Lots of troopers on the highway so to say the least, IM BEHAVING, no tickets yet! Saw one roll over somewhere around Burlington, I think. The border was fine, 10 minute wait at the truck crossing and away I went. Border guard didnt even question me wearing a pink wig, just asked me to take my glasses off. Guess he figured with the rest of the pink accessories there was something going on and I was on a mission. LMAO
I am in Chehalis, WA, annoying a friend I met last summer, he is still showing off his legs but atleast he is wearing shorts this time!
Anyways, time for some shut eye so that I can hit the road early and skip the traffic in Portland.
The Dragon is leaving the lair!
Well home from camping, bike is packed but for my bag and the puter. Then time to head for the ferry. Hopefully going to get to Portland tonight and then onto Idaho Falls to meet the Island gals.
I will try and check in tonight, when I stop so that there is no worrying and panicing going on.
Time to hit the road and see what kind of attention and strange looks I get with all the pink. Hopefully the border guards wont be to afraid.
Let the ride begin........
I will try and check in tonight, when I stop so that there is no worrying and panicing going on.
Time to hit the road and see what kind of attention and strange looks I get with all the pink. Hopefully the border guards wont be to afraid.
Let the ride begin........
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Friday before leaving
Well have the bike packed down and getting ready to leave for the weekend. Going camping with the girlchild and friends. I think I have everything ready to go for Sunday but Im sure I will be spinning around the house trying to make myself gone. Was pretty hard today packing 2 different bags just so all I have to do is empty the bike and then reload, instead of packing before leaving.
Have a pile in the garage that has to go on the bike, like chaps, sheepskin, extra gloves, heated gear (hoping I dont need it and if today is any sign then I wont) Bag is packed, except for last minute things that I have to transfer, toiletries, chargers and of course the laptop.
Im sure I have forgotten something but oh well. If I dont think of it over the weekend then I will have to do without or buy it on the road..
I will be offline for the weekend, and wont blog until maybe Sunday night when I stop. I will make a quick post when I am leaving but that may be it til I find Flo, Tanya and complete the Iron Butt Ride.
Now to start the weekend!
Have a pile in the garage that has to go on the bike, like chaps, sheepskin, extra gloves, heated gear (hoping I dont need it and if today is any sign then I wont) Bag is packed, except for last minute things that I have to transfer, toiletries, chargers and of course the laptop.
Im sure I have forgotten something but oh well. If I dont think of it over the weekend then I will have to do without or buy it on the road..
I will be offline for the weekend, and wont blog until maybe Sunday night when I stop. I will make a quick post when I am leaving but that may be it til I find Flo, Tanya and complete the Iron Butt Ride.
Now to start the weekend!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Preparing to leave for the Conga and Iron Butt Ride
Well have been doing some side jobs for the last few weeks to make sure that all the bills were paid before leaving. Dont need to come home, broke but happy and find utilities getting cut off! So basically I have today to get things done and organized as tomorrow afternoon, I am taking the girlchild away for the weekend. Have to spend sometime with her before I run away for a week. Lordy I hope that her and Sly can get along without to much turbulence! He gets to relate to a 15 year old girl with an attitude while Im away. Atleast it will only be in the evenings as he will be working and she "SHOULD" be at school!
Well my head is spinning, I feel like I have so much to do and not enuf time to get it done in. I have to get 2 bags packed, one for the weekend and one for the Conga. I still have to exchange our monopoly money to that plain American stuff. Get some laundry done, pick some things up, and get basically organized so that when we get back Sunday at noonish, I can unload, add my rear seat and backrest, reload second bag and dress the bike for the Conga!
My basic plan so far is to meet the girls in Idaho Falls on Monday May 25th. Now the bigger mission is I have also decided to test myself yet again and add some more of the Dragons shenanigans into the mix. I am planning on doing an Iron Butt Ride to get there. http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/ The Iron Butt Saddlesore is 1000 miles in 24 hours, but if I succeed then, I will also get a certificate and patch saying that I did so and of course some bragging rights. It will also make this trip that much more memorable for me, not like it wont be already. But I figure I have to find a new way to test myself, so why not. Last year was a test to go out on my own and bring Flo home.
The route I am going to take is all Interstate, heading south to Portland, then east to Walla Walla, and on to Idaho Falls. I am hoping to head out of Vancouver by 5ish on Sunday evening and ride til about 11pm(which should put me in the Portland area) then sleep a few hours and on the road again by 5 am. This should get me to Idaho Falls on time. If I feel that I am losing time then I can cut out the small detour to Walla Walla. I dont need to stop there but wanted to add a few more miles just to be on the safe side for the mileage I need for the Iron Butt. Will see how it goes while Im on the road. I have also realized that it is the Memorial Day weekend in the US, so traffic may be heavier. Oh well she what happens as I go. If I dont succeed, then there is always next year!
I think I have all the info I need, printed out and in one place. I have maps(not that I use them), my Conga donation sheet and info (cause Im sure more then one person will stop to ask me what the hell Im up to - between the pink wig and the way I am dressing the bike) my reservation information, the Flotinerary and the week long itinerary I made for my own reference. I know what other things I need to pack into my bag, but of course I cant til the last minute. Have passport and ID ready, need puter, cell phone, chargers for everything, camera(hoping girlchild will borrow me hers as well as it is smaller then mine) Im still trying to add more music to my MP3 players, so that it is not so repetitive.
I feel so overwhelmed right now, but I know I will get through it all, one way or another.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Seeing Tanya off
Well as usual, something simple turns into a frenzy!!!
I read on Friday night that the laptop Tanya was going to take with her kicked the bucket. So I go in touch with her and told her that I had a spare that she could use if she wished. She greatly appreciated the offer and we made arrangements to meet at a plaza near the ferry terminal to give it to her and see her off.
Well Saturday came and of course I was on the run all day. I knew I had to be in Nanaimo before 430 but besides that, my major concern was trying to get Therapy in for a warranty issue. It seems that my front rotor was warped and hence my front brakes werent worth a hill of beans. I called Dranes several times over the day until they said yes bring it in and so I did. Len was with me and we decided ahead of time that if they were delayed, that he would run to Nanaimo to get the puter to Tanya if I got stuck at Dranes.
Well sure enough as it ended up we were back at Dranes at 3 figuring we still had enough time to get to Nanaimo, but they were just taking Therapy down off the lift. So we waited impatiently and were fianlly out the door and on the highway at 345! Now I know this doesnt look good for timing but.... if you give the Dragon a mission, she is going to pull it off somehow!
Thankfully for a long weekend the traffic wasnt to heavy on a Saturday afternoon and we were able to make a run for it. As we were getting closer to Nanaimo, I was watching the clock and trying to decide if one of us should go to the mall(meeting place) and the other to the ferry, or just head straight for the ferry in hopes of catching Tanya. Well plan B was the choice, now I just had to hope that they would let me thru the toll booth if need be!
We blasted thru Nanaimo and made it to Departure Bay terminal, I pulled up at the toll booth and asked the attendant if a girl on a purple motorcycle had gone thru. She said yes, she just went in. I told her quickly and briefly that I had something she forgot and I had to get it to her, could I please go down to her. She was nice enough to wave us both thru. We went tearing down the laneway towards Tanya and I was revving the pipes (for what little noise they make being stock) and pulled up beside her.
TIME : 445!!!
The look on Tanyas face was priceless! She jumped off her bike in shock, asked if they just let me through and I said yes but dont ask when I left Victoria! She informed me she had forgotten her cell phone as well so by me showing up it definately made her feel better that she had a way of keeping in contact now. Im glad that I was able to get there when she told me that.
We had enuf time to hand the puter over, hugs all around and best wishes for her on her trip. Then they were ready to load.
What can I say, but in typical Dragon fashion, I made things just a little more memorable and interesting! Thank goodness for a new rear tire and front brakes!!!
I read on Friday night that the laptop Tanya was going to take with her kicked the bucket. So I go in touch with her and told her that I had a spare that she could use if she wished. She greatly appreciated the offer and we made arrangements to meet at a plaza near the ferry terminal to give it to her and see her off.
Well Saturday came and of course I was on the run all day. I knew I had to be in Nanaimo before 430 but besides that, my major concern was trying to get Therapy in for a warranty issue. It seems that my front rotor was warped and hence my front brakes werent worth a hill of beans. I called Dranes several times over the day until they said yes bring it in and so I did. Len was with me and we decided ahead of time that if they were delayed, that he would run to Nanaimo to get the puter to Tanya if I got stuck at Dranes.
Well sure enough as it ended up we were back at Dranes at 3 figuring we still had enough time to get to Nanaimo, but they were just taking Therapy down off the lift. So we waited impatiently and were fianlly out the door and on the highway at 345! Now I know this doesnt look good for timing but.... if you give the Dragon a mission, she is going to pull it off somehow!
Thankfully for a long weekend the traffic wasnt to heavy on a Saturday afternoon and we were able to make a run for it. As we were getting closer to Nanaimo, I was watching the clock and trying to decide if one of us should go to the mall(meeting place) and the other to the ferry, or just head straight for the ferry in hopes of catching Tanya. Well plan B was the choice, now I just had to hope that they would let me thru the toll booth if need be!
We blasted thru Nanaimo and made it to Departure Bay terminal, I pulled up at the toll booth and asked the attendant if a girl on a purple motorcycle had gone thru. She said yes, she just went in. I told her quickly and briefly that I had something she forgot and I had to get it to her, could I please go down to her. She was nice enough to wave us both thru. We went tearing down the laneway towards Tanya and I was revving the pipes (for what little noise they make being stock) and pulled up beside her.
TIME : 445!!!
The look on Tanyas face was priceless! She jumped off her bike in shock, asked if they just let me through and I said yes but dont ask when I left Victoria! She informed me she had forgotten her cell phone as well so by me showing up it definately made her feel better that she had a way of keeping in contact now. Im glad that I was able to get there when she told me that.
We had enuf time to hand the puter over, hugs all around and best wishes for her on her trip. Then they were ready to load.
What can I say, but in typical Dragon fashion, I made things just a little more memorable and interesting! Thank goodness for a new rear tire and front brakes!!!
December to May
Well since the morning in December that I saw FLo off for Mexico, the Conga has grown and is a week in to its travels. Behind the scenes I have done a lot of legwork to help Flo get it up and running. I have created the route with addedto it with help from those that were to lead a portion of the trip. Have sent out both media release letters and letters to all the HD dealerships that the Conga will be stopping at. As well as raising donations myself to add to our total.
At present I believe the Conga has raised over $7000 and still has 2 weeks to go. Im thinking we will hit our goal! I still have to add the donations I have collected so far, which is a few hundred dollars.
Time is flying by and I am starting to stress. It seems I have so much to do and not enough time to get it done in. Tanya left to meet Flo last Saturday, and I am leaving on Sunday. Now Flo is on her own in the middle of the USA, lord I hope she will find her way!!!!! She is determined to stay off the interstate as much as possible.
At present I believe the Conga has raised over $7000 and still has 2 weeks to go. Im thinking we will hit our goal! I still have to add the donations I have collected so far, which is a few hundred dollars.
Time is flying by and I am starting to stress. It seems I have so much to do and not enough time to get it done in. Tanya left to meet Flo last Saturday, and I am leaving on Sunday. Now Flo is on her own in the middle of the USA, lord I hope she will find her way!!!!! She is determined to stay off the interstate as much as possible.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Restarting for Conga II
Well I started this to recount the journey for the Conga of 08 but never really found the time to get running with it. So instead Im going to start again for Conga II, as Im getting ready to leave again to collect my wayward friend. Here is a small bit of background while getting to this point.
Back in December before the snow flew, Flo was leaving for Mexico and then of course off to Florida again. She had done me a huge favour and I had to see her before leaving and say thanks and give her a hug to send her off. We had made arangements to meet in Nanaimo at Timmies early in the morning as Rob and Flo were planning on catching the 730 ferry. Well it was a dry morning and not all that cold so I was riding. At the last minute Len decided to ride with me, what pocessed him to leave Victoria at 530 in the morning is beyond me. It was still dark out but off we went, haulin arse up to Nanaimo in the wee hours of the morning. I know we had more then a few looks from passing cars, thinking what a couple of nuts, including another friend who passed us in Duncan and thought we were right bent!
Well the roads were a little slick, but not too bad just had to take it a little easy, so needless to say we were pushing our time. (what else is new) Meanwhile up at Timmies, Rob is starting to get impatient and askin Flo what I drive when Im not on the bike, so that they can keep watch for me. Well her only answer was "I dont know, her 80$ car" They try to call a couple times but of course no answer - Im riding!
Next thing they hear the bikes coming to the stop light and they start thinking, no friggin way, she didnt! Yep, I did. 6:45 in the morning, still dark and we come whippin into the parkin lot with big grins. They both thought we had lost our minds. But to me, what better way to start the Conga, then by seeing her off with atleast one of us on our bikes.
Hugs and laughs all around, Flo and her damn camera, a quick coffee with them and then they had to run for the ferry(which was a mission in itself) That was the last I saw Flo, believe it was December 12th, but that will change in less then a week and will meet up again on May 25th in Idaho Falls, ID.
Back in December before the snow flew, Flo was leaving for Mexico and then of course off to Florida again. She had done me a huge favour and I had to see her before leaving and say thanks and give her a hug to send her off. We had made arangements to meet in Nanaimo at Timmies early in the morning as Rob and Flo were planning on catching the 730 ferry. Well it was a dry morning and not all that cold so I was riding. At the last minute Len decided to ride with me, what pocessed him to leave Victoria at 530 in the morning is beyond me. It was still dark out but off we went, haulin arse up to Nanaimo in the wee hours of the morning. I know we had more then a few looks from passing cars, thinking what a couple of nuts, including another friend who passed us in Duncan and thought we were right bent!
Well the roads were a little slick, but not too bad just had to take it a little easy, so needless to say we were pushing our time. (what else is new) Meanwhile up at Timmies, Rob is starting to get impatient and askin Flo what I drive when Im not on the bike, so that they can keep watch for me. Well her only answer was "I dont know, her 80$ car" They try to call a couple times but of course no answer - Im riding!
Next thing they hear the bikes coming to the stop light and they start thinking, no friggin way, she didnt! Yep, I did. 6:45 in the morning, still dark and we come whippin into the parkin lot with big grins. They both thought we had lost our minds. But to me, what better way to start the Conga, then by seeing her off with atleast one of us on our bikes.
Hugs and laughs all around, Flo and her damn camera, a quick coffee with them and then they had to run for the ferry(which was a mission in itself) That was the last I saw Flo, believe it was December 12th, but that will change in less then a week and will meet up again on May 25th in Idaho Falls, ID.
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