Resolve to Make Your Motorcycling Dreams Come True in 2011

[Voni]

If you attended the Women Who Ride Seminar at the MOA Rally in Redmond last summer you were fortunate to meet some amazing women who had exciting adventures to share. AND you were challenged by one of them, Alisa Clickenger, to go after your dreams.

To speak and make it so.

She's recently had an article published in WRN (Women Riders Now) entitled "Resolve to Make Your Motorcycling Dreams Come True in 2011."

http://womenridersnow.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=3796

I know I changed my words from saying I'm hoping to make a million miles to I WILL make my goal of a million miles by December 2011. Amazing the power of words.

What challenge are you planning for 2011?

What will YOU do?

Voni
sMiling

[motomuffin]

I didn't attend the seminar in Redmond but that's been my resolution anyway!!

I am:

Trailering to Florida, then Riding to Mardi Gras, in New Orleans.
Riding to the MOA Rally in Pennsylvania.
Flying to the UK, borrowing a motorcycle, riding to the Isle of Man and watching the races.
Doing as much solo moto camping as I can pack in. (get it? pack...? nevermind...)
Training for Moto Marshalling of bicycle races/triathlons.
Taking my KLR off pavement as much as I can.
I'm sure there will be more, but this, dammit, is My Year for Riding.

:dance

[womanridge]

I think I'm suffering from some sort of mental block. Last year was my Alaska adventure. I don't have any plan for this year. I must need therapy.:dunno
I do plan on attending The MOA and RA rallies though. That should count for something.

[clowry]

I plan to make my first solo trip this season (other than up to the cottage, that is). I want to know I can go off on my bike and be self sufficient for a few days.

[Voni]

There's nothing like your first solo ride!

I'm remembering Paul riding with me to the edge of town where he turned off to go to work and I headed off into the great unknown. I was crying I was so scared. I rode over 600 miles that first day before I stopped for the night - not because I wanted to but because I knew how to go, how to gas, and how to go again, but I didn't know how to stop.

But, oh, the adventure was so worth it. I rode from Topeka, Kansas to the Rafter Six Ranch the other side of Calgary, Alberta for the first ever Lunatic Fringe Rally.

Oh, the amazing memories . . .

Go, CLowry, go!

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

I didn't attend the seminar in Redmond but that's been my resolution anyway!!

I am:

Trailering to Florida, then Riding to Mardi Gras, in New Orleans.
Riding to the MOA Rally in Pennsylvania.
Flying to the UK, borrowing a motorcycle, riding to the Isle of Man and watching the races.
Doing as much solo moto camping as I can pack in. (get it? pack...? nevermind...)
Training for Moto Marshalling of bicycle races/triathlons.
Taking my KLR off pavement as much as I can.
I'm sure there will be more, but this, dammit, is My Year for Riding.

:dance

Now, THAT's a plan! Can't wait to see the pictures!

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

I think I'm suffering from some sort of mental block. Last year was my Alaska adventure. I don't have any plan for this year. I must need therapy.:dunno
I do plan on attending The MOA and RA rallies though. That should count for something.

You DID your big ride. And that's huge. The rest you'll make up as you go along.

I know you ;)

Voni
sMiling

[womanridge]

Thanks Voni. I feel better. Maybe something will pop into my head like Nova Scotia??
Clowry, of course you can do it. And we'll be waiting to hear your ride report.

[Holly]

I plan to make my first solo trip this season (other than up to the cottage, that is). I want to know I can go off on my bike and be self sufficient for a few days.

You'll love it and I know you can do it. I'm looking out the window at the snow right now. What to meet for coffee? We can whine about the winter non-riding season and talk about solo riding. I was really nervous about taking that step and now I'd never go back. Voni's mechanic saved me the first time a tried it with no clue how to look after the bike. Thanks, Paul.

Holly

[malaszka]

I was at the seminar in Redmond and the energy was palpable! It was so inspring to see all of those powerful women! Does anyone have the name of the woman who had riden through Asia and Australia? She was at Redmond and was riding across the US to go home to the UK! She was missing her sweetie. Wow! Now that was a case of fortitude and I bet she's got stories too!!!!
I think I said that I'd put on more miles and indeed I did! Almost 14,000 since I got the bike in November 2009. Now it's up on the lift and Bike Boy is making it road worthy for another few thousand. I am one lucky woman!

[Vagabird]

I plan to make my first solo trip this season (other than up to the cottage, that is). I want to know I can go off on my bike and be self sufficient for a few days.

YES! First solo ride. Wow. I got all sorts of advice and warnings, mainly form non-riders. And then I did it and found it wonderful and liberating. The warnings were good to keep in mind, but mainly in the back somewhere where they didn’t interfere with the thrill of doing it. What people didn’t warn me about, though, was that I would be seriously hooked from then on.

I think I'm suffering from some sort of mental block. Last year was my Alaska adventure. I don't have any plan for this year. I must need therapy.:dunno
I do plan on attending The MOA and RA rallies though. That should count for something.

An Alaskan trip may encourage a year off. I rode to Alaska in ’08. In '09 I rode only about 1200 miles. (Last year was another down year, but for other reasons. :()

However, this year I will ride in each of the 48 contiguous states. If I still have energy, I’ll hit the Canadian Rockies, too. Oops. Make that: And when things get warm (late August) I will ride to Jasper.

Thanks for the article, Voni. :)

- Kate

[Newstar]

1. I will master the U-turn box on my 1200 GS.

2. I will improve my off road skills significantly by not worrying about what I may scratch, dent, or break.

[rinty]

I rode from Topeka to the Rafter Six Ranch the other side of Calgary...Voni

You might have sat at our table...

http://rinty.smugmug.com/Other/Nakusp-09/Karin-summer-09-122/731392723_ZfZxP-M.jpg

[mototraveler]

I hope this is appropriate for this thread, and I think is IS.

Alisa Clickenger and I, Karen Thomson of AVID MotoTours http://avidmototours.com/womens_empowerment.aspx are putting on a women's learning tour; the Women's Empowerment Motorcycle Tour June 24-July 2, 2011. It is set up somewhat like a rolling classroom and our aim is to teach women who already ride how to tour on their own.

Alisa and I have gotten so much out of our motorcycling we want to give back to our chosen sport and bring more women into the fold. We want to empower them not just for motorcycling, but build their inner self to apply to their total lives.

We are signing up tour members now. If you're interested or know someone who might be please check out my website and contact Alisa or me.

Alisa also has her own website that includes all her adventures in Central and South America on her DR650 at MotoAdventureGal.com http://motoadventuregal.com . (http://MotoAdventureGal.com)

[beemergirl]

Been traveling alone for a few years, love the freedom. Last summer had my first flat, not much drama....a tow, new tires, and on my way the next morning.

For me this is the year I start Rallying, starting with the Cal 24. Did an 8-hour mini-rally last spring and honestly, never I'd I ever had more fun on the moto. Really looking forward to this year.

[Voni]

I was at the seminar in Redmond and the energy was palpable! It was so inspring to see all of those powerful women! Does anyone have the name of the woman who had riden through Asia and Australia? She was at Redmond and was riding across the US to go home to the UK! She was missing her sweetie. Wow! Now that was a case of fortitude and I bet she's got stories too!!!!
I think I said that I'd put on more miles and indeed I did! Almost 14,000 since I got the bike in November 2009. Now it's up on the lift and Bike Boy is making it road worthy for another few thousand. I am one lucky woman!

You are!

I can't remember her name, but was very impressed with her enthusiasm.

Good for you Malaszka! Goals are for breaking!

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

You'll love it and I know you can do it. I'm looking out the window at the snow right now. What to meet for coffee? We can whine about the winter non-riding season and talk about solo riding. I was really nervous about taking that step and now I'd never go back. Voni's mechanic saved me the first time a tried it with no clue how to look after the bike. Thanks, Paul.

Holly

Who could resist helping a gorgeous blond adventurous!

He says "Your'e welcome!"

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

YES! First solo ride. Wow. I got all sorts of advice and warnings, mainly form non-riders. And then I did it and found it wonderful and liberating. The warnings were good to keep in mind, but mainly in the back somewhere where they didn’t interfere with the thrill of doing it. What people didn’t warn me about, though, was that I would be seriously hooked from then on.



An Alaskan trip may encourage a year off. I rode to Alaska in ’08. In '09 I rode only about 1200 miles. (Last year was another down year, but for other reasons. :()

However, this year I will ride in each of the 48 contiguous states. If I still have energy, I’ll hit the Canadian Rockies, too. Oops. Make that: And when things get warm (late August) I will ride to Jasper.

Thanks for the article, Voni. :)

- Kate

They just didn't comprehend that you could get hooked. What an uplifting hook it is!

Great Goals. Hope you'll share your pictures and adventures here. We'd love to hear them. Jasper in warmth! Makes me sMile ; )

Welcome, Kate!

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

1. I will master the U-turn box on my 1200 GS.

2. I will improve my off road skills significantly by not worrying about what I may scratch, dent, or break.

Say it and you will make it so! Especially when you know we're counting on you, Newstar!

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

You might have sat at our table...

http://rinty.smugmug.com/Other/Nakusp-09/Karin-summer-09-122/731392723_ZfZxP-M.jpg

GREAT memoires, Rinty! I might have!

Thanks for sharing the visual!

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

I hope this is appropriate for this thread, and I think is IS.

Alisa Clickenger and I, Karen Thomson of AVID MotoTours http://avidmototours.com/womens_empowerment.aspx are putting on a women's learning tour; the Women's Empowerment Motorcycle Tour June 24-July 2, 2011. It is set up somewhat like a rolling classroom and our aim is to teach women who already ride how to tour on their own.

Alisa and I have gotten so much out of our motorcycling we want to give back to our chosen sport and bring more women into the fold. We want to empower them not just for motorcycling, but build their inner self to apply to their total lives.

We are signing up tour members now. If you're interested or know someone who might be please check out my website and contact Alisa or me.

Alisa also has her own website that includes all her adventures in Central and South America on her DR650 at MotoAdventureGal.com http://motoadventuregal.com . (http://MotoAdventureGal.com)


Definitely is appropriate here. You've both set a big challenge for yourselves and you're living it. And we can all only be encouraging of you.

The power we have when we share is unstoppable.

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

Been traveling alone for a few years, love the freedom. Last summer had my first flat, not much drama....a tow, new tires, and on my way the next morning.

For me this is the year I start Rallying, starting with the Cal 24. Did an 8-hour mini-rally last spring and honestly, never I'd I ever had more fun on the moto. Really looking forward to this year.

Amazing how TROUBLE often is so less worrisome than we imagine.

We'll be rooting for you in the Cal 24. LOTS of fun and challenge. Go, Beemergirl, go!

Voni
sMiling

[womanridge]

I sure like this room of ours! Feels good.:dance

[soph9]

Big trip for summer 2011 will be a 40 day adventure from BC, Yukon, NWT and Alaska of course. 2 chicks, 2 bikes, one Mutha Hubba tent and freedom! Leave July 4!

[Voni]

Big trip for summer 2011 will be a 40 day adventure from BC, Yukon, NWT and Alaska of course. 2 chicks, 2 bikes, one Mutha Hubba tent and freedom! Leave July 4!

And, of course, you'll take us all along.

Love your trip report!

Voni
sMiling

[mototraveler]

Big trip for summer 2011 will be a 40 day adventure from BC, Yukon, NWT and Alaska of course. 2 chicks, 2 bikes, one Mutha Hubba tent and freedom! Leave July 4!

That sounds GREAT!

Where's Maple Ridge? I live in Washington and have relatives in BC.

Karen

[soph9]

Maple Ridge is about 45 to 60 minutes east of Vancouver....

[mototraveler]

Maple Ridge is about 45 to 60 minutes east of Vancouver....

OH, My relatives are in Sydney, Chillawack, 100-Mile-House, and Penticton.

[clowry]

Hey! I have relatives and friends in Chilliwack, too! And Merritt and Whistler...


Holly - I'd love to meet you for a coffee sometime! I'm pretty much available Monday-Thursday, so whenever works for you.

Cheryl

[soph9]

Hey! I have relatives and friends in Chilliwack, too! And Merritt and Whistler...


Holly - I'd love to meet you for a coffee sometime! I'm pretty much available Monday-Thursday, so whenever works for you.

Cheryl
who are you speaking too? Either way you are in Ontario!:scratch:brad

[clowry]

I can't say that I understand your confusion. Karen said she has relatives in Chilliwack, and various other parts of BC, I was just saying that I also have relatives/friends in Chilliwack and various other parts of BC. I was just pointing out a small commonality. That's a problem?? :dunno

The other bit was prefaced by "Holly", so I think it's clear who that was intended for. ;) Of course, if I should happen to meet you, whether in Maple Ridge or Ontario or somewhere else in our travels, I'd be happy to have a coffee with you, too!

[52Baden]

I also attended the 2010 rally in Oregon.
I was awed by the ladies on the panel and I SHALL attend the BMWMOA rally in Pennsylvania and RA in Wisconsin. Europe 2012. After that - who knows?
Greetings from a Canadian rider.

[Voni]

I also attended the 2010 rally in Oregon.
I was awed by the ladies on the panel and I SHALL attend the BMWMOA rally in Pennsylvania and RA in Wisconsin. Europe 2012. After that - who knows?
Greetings from a Canadian rider.

Go 52Baden, go!

Looking forward to seeing you in Pennsylvania!

And to your trip reports!

Voni
sMiling

[soph9]

anyone thinking of going to the Pacific Northwest Adventure Rallye?

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa203/soph9_photos/Motorcycles/FireShotProcapture564-XplorPac-NW2011-www_rawhyde-offroad_com_pac-nw-rally_html.png

http://www.rawhyde-offroad.com/pac-nw-rally.html

[Holly]

I also attended the 2010 rally in Oregon.
I was awed by the ladies on the panel and I SHALL attend the BMWMOA rally in Pennsylvania and RA in Wisconsin. Europe 2012. After that - who knows?
Greetings from a Canadian rider.

Welcome 52Baden. Great first post. Where in Canada are you?

Holly

[motomuffin]

I was at the seminar in Redmond and the energy was palpable! It was so inspring to see all of those powerful women! Does anyone have the name of the woman who had riden through Asia and Australia? She was at Redmond and was riding across the US to go home to the UK! She was missing her sweetie. Wow! Now that was a case of fortitude and I bet she's got stories too!!!!
I think I said that I'd put on more miles and indeed I did! Almost 14,000 since I got the bike in November 2009. Now it's up on the lift and Bike Boy is making it road worthy for another few thousand. I am one lucky woman!

I wasn't there but from the sounds of it you're referring to Tiffany Coates:
http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk/node/766 (it's really worth taking some time to read a bunch of her travel blog!)

She is my hero. :bow

[tvgal2000]

I LOVED Alisa's talk at the National in Redmond! I've been trying to avoid the "I want/I wish/some day" kind of talk since the seminar! Thanks Alisa (and of course, Voni for being a great role (roll?) model)!

My resolution this year is to take the MSF dirt bike course, then ride the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail (540 miles of non-paved roads from the Wisconsin-Illinois border to Lake Superior) with a fellow female club member. She and I are already signed up for the one day course and are planning on doing the Trans Wisconsin this summer! Neither of us has an off-road background but we're going to have a blast!:boldpurpl

[clowry]

Well, I've committed to my first solo trip. I've registered for the Great Chicken Rally in Alabama at the end of May, and booked my tent for the event with Sherpa Ted. Now to plan my route! :clap

[Voni]

I LOVED Alisa's talk at the National in Redmond! I've been trying to avoid the "I want/I wish/some day" kind of talk since the seminar! Thanks Alisa (and of course, Voni for being a great role (roll?) model)!

My resolution this year is to take the MSF dirt bike course, then ride the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail (540 miles of non-paved roads from the Wisconsin-Illinois border to Lake Superior) with a fellow female club member. She and I are already signed up for the one day course and are planning on doing the Trans Wisconsin this summer! Neither of us has an off-road background but we're going to have a blast!:boldpurpl

Ambitious! You'll have an amazing adventure!

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

Well, I've committed to my first solo trip. I've registered for the Great Chicken Rally in Alabama at the end of May, and booked my tent for the event with Sherpa Ted. Now to plan my route! :clap

The most amazing journeys begin with the FIRST step.

Go!

Voni
sMiling

[Voni]

I wasn't there but from the sounds of it you're referring to Tiffany Coates:
http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk/node/766 (it's really worth taking some time to read a bunch of her travel blog!)

She is my hero. :bow

Great read! You're right!

Voni
sMiling

[mototraveler]

Well, I've committed to my first solo trip. I've registered for the Great Chicken Rally in Alabama at the end of May, and booked my tent for the event with Sherpa Ted. Now to plan my route! :clap

Route planning can be some of the best time of a journey. I love pouring over maps to find the twistiest way from here to there. One tip: I've found that riding squigly roads for distances, though tiring in itself, keeps me more energized and with less body kinks than taking the straight route and sitting in one position on the freeway.

[clowry]

Route planning can be some of the best time of a journey. I love pouring over maps to find the twistiest way from here to there. One tip: I've found that riding squigly roads for distances, though tiring in itself, keeps me more energized and with less body kinks than taking the straight route and sitting in one position on the freeway.

Thanks for the insight. I think I may mix it up a bit - some freeway, some smaller roads. I've picked up some maps, and have my gps...I have lots of time to play with the route.

[womanridge]

Thanks for the insight. I think I may mix it up a bit - some freeway, some smaller roads. I've picked up some maps, and have my gps...I have lots of time to play with the route.

Way to go, Cheryl. :clap I attended the Chicken Rally last year. There are some fantastic roads in the area.

[dsauer608]

Newbie here - My goal for 2011 is to learn how to ride in dirt. I'm a pretty proficient street rider but want to learn how to be a good dirt rider and my goal is to do the TAT one day. I'll be 55 this year (holy crap!) so there's no time like the present! :D So, ladies, dish up your advice please! I can't afford to take classes, so I need your best tips on what you've learned off road. This is a great forum, btw!

Deb
CO

[soph9]

get some good crash bars and don't freak out if you dump your bike once or twice. Momentum is your friend in loose terrain and learn good brake clutch control is a must...practice slow maneuvers, look where you want to go, learn braking techniques for going up and down off road, turn off your ABS, standing on the pegs is also your friend and relax and have fun!:bikes

[Bullett]

Newbie here - My goal for 2011 is to learn how to ride in dirt. I'm a pretty proficient street rider but want to learn how to be a good dirt rider and my goal is to do the TAT one day. I'll be 55 this year (holy crap!) so there's no time like the present! :D So, ladies, dish up your advice please! I can't afford to take classes, so I need your best tips on what you've learned off road. This is a great forum, btw!

Deb
CO

Deb,

I would say work on throttle control. You don't say what bike you are riding, but I find my F650GS twin a little twitchy. You want to avoid unintended acceleration when the terrain gets rough. (DAMHIK!) I found that an "elbows out" type grip made it much easier to control the throttle on rough terrain.

There are a couple of DVD's available on dual sport riding (beginner and advanced techniques) I think they are available through Riders Warehouse and possibly Whitehorse Press, and probably some other places, that I found very helpful to me.

I haven't ridden my GS on anything more than dirt roads, but I rode a 250cc Yamaha dual sport for a couple of years.

Have fun gettin' dirty! :D

[tvgal2000]

105030,

I'm with ya! I'm 52, have taken the MSF 1 day dirt bike course once but haven't done any dirt riding and one of my goals this year is to get more dirt time under my belt (helmet?). A good female friend and I are both dirt newbies and are taking the MSF dirt course this spring and we're going to ride the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail this year! It goes from the Wisconsin- Illinois border all the way north to Lake Superior..

Let us know how your adventure in off-road goes! I'd be interested in hearing how you do!

Sarah

[Voni]

Dirt is good! That's where I started riding. I was too afraid to go on the paved roads where the traffic is. It gives you so much confidence to know you can handle a little rough stuff.

Jim Doyle helped us get ready for our first Alaska trip. We learned to pick the easiest path as we rode through rough stuff, mud, water and sand. One bit of advice I still follow is to sometimes take that hardest path because once in awhile it will be the easiest choice!

My terror still though is steep and loose downhill gravel.

With so many miles of unpaved roads in the Big Bend Paul and I got dirt bikes suited for the terrain. My TW 200 gives me lots of confidence.

Usually.

Voni
sMiling

Voni
sMiling

[tvgal2000]

Voni,

don't take this wrong way, but it's nice to know that there is something motorcycle related that still intimidates you! You're such an inspiration and it seems like you must be able to do anything on a bike so for a 'regular' rider like myself, it's a bit reassuring to know that even the legendary Voni :bow gets a bit weirded out by the same kind of stuff that would freak me out too!

[Voni]

Voni,

don't take this wrong way, but it's nice to know that there is something motorcycle related that still intimidates you! You're such an inspiration and it seems like you must be able to do anything on a bike so for a 'regular' rider like myself, it's a bit reassuring to know that even the legendary Voni :bow gets a bit weirded out by the same kind of stuff that would freak me out too!

:blush

No worries. :brad

Early on in my riding someone asked me if I wasn't afriad to ride. I told them that I was and added that if I stopped being afraid, I'd stop riding.

Fear is good. It keeps you vigilant.

Now TERROR, the dominant emotion I had when I started riding, isn't so good . . .

Voni
sMiling

[dsauer608]

Great advice from all - thanks! I know just what you mean about "unintended acceleration" - I hate it when that happens! :D Right now I have a Honda 200, which is nice and small. I bought a DVD on dual sport riding which is very informative, do y'all recommend any books?

Deb
CO

[clowry]

OK, back to the drawing board...My first solo trip WAS going to be from southern Ontariio to the Chicken Rally in Alabama, but that isn't going to work out. Some friends are going, and since we usualyy only get to see them every couple of years, Dave's joining me on the trip. So...I need a new plan!

[womanridge]

OK, back to the drawing board...My first solo trip WAS going to be from southern Ontariio to the Chicken Rally in Alabama, but that isn't going to work out. Some friends are going, and since we usualyy only get to see them every couple of years, Dave's joining me on the trip. So...I need a new plan!

What about trying a circle tour of the Great Lakes? :dunno

[kbrn07]

I am hoping that we can get the bikes out of the garage, because IT IS STILL SNOWING here!!!! Here's wishing for the Chinook to blow in and soon :nyahttp://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/images/smilies/tongue10.gifh

[EllenR]

At the (wonderful) seminar last year I stood up and said that I was going to hit the 100K mile mark. While it took me a little longer than I planned, I did it this weekend!

The inspiration I owe mainly to Voni who has long been my idol, but the stories I heard at the seminar by some great women stayed with me all these months. The fact that many of the women ride many, many miles solo has spurred some big plans for me including a solo ride to this year's MOA rally.

A big thank you to all of the panelists and those from the audience who shared their stories. I'm looking forward to another great seminar this year!

[womanridge]

At the (wonderful) seminar last year I stood up and said that I was going to hit the 100K mile mark. While it took me a little longer than I planned, I did it this weekend!

The inspiration I owe mainly to Voni who has long been my idol, but the stories I heard at the seminar by some great women stayed with me all these months. The fact that many of the women ride many, many miles solo has spurred some big plans for me including a solo ride to this year's MOA rally.

A big thank you to all of the panelists and those from the audience who shared their stories. I'm looking forward to another great seminar this year!
Way to go EllenR. Congrats:thumb I'm hoping for the same this summer.
What route are you taking to PA. next month?

[EllenR]

Karen, your solo trip to Alaska is one of those that lit my fire! I sat next to you at the seminar...I think a little of your spunk rubbed off:)

I'm probably heading north from my So. Ca. home to avoid some heat, then across so that I can pick up ND, WI, MN, then to RI before getting to the rally. Those states along with AR and LA (which I'll get on my trip home) are the only ones of the 48 I haven't ridden my bike through. I'm also going to try to pick up some National Park stamps along the way. As you can see, I have big plans:brad

Looking forward to seeing you in PA!

Ellen

[Visian]

At the (wonderful) seminar last year I stood up and said that I was going to hit the 100K mile mark. While it took me a little longer than I planned, I did it this weekend!

i am pretty sure you're the Ellen i'm thinkin' of... the one that keeps ol' Howard on a real short leash.

i remember when you were a n00b, and you wore those really thick-soled boots to help you reach the ground. it was like Saturday Night Fever all over again! :ha

you go! i am so proud of you for your accomplishments. :thumb

ian

[EllenR]

i am pretty sure you're the Ellen i'm thinkin' of... the one that keeps ol' Howard on a real short leash.

i remember when you were a n00b, and you wore those really thick-soled boots to help you reach the ground. it was like Saturday Night Fever all over again! :ha

you go! i am so proud of you for your accomplishments. :thumb

ian

Guilty as charged! Hey, I was determined and I had great encouragement from great friends, even if some of the advice wasn't quite kosher :ha

See you in PA!

[womanridge]

Karen, your solo trip to Alaska is one of those that lit my fire! I sat next to you at the seminar...I think a little of your spunk rubbed off:)

I'm probably heading north from my So. Ca. home to avoid some heat, then across so that I can pick up ND, WI, MN, then to RI before getting to the rally. Those states along with AR and LA (which I'll get on my trip home) are the only ones of the 48 I haven't ridden my bike through. I'm also going to try to pick up some National Park stamps along the way. As you can see, I have big plans:brad

Looking forward to seeing you in PA!

Ellen

I'll be there :dance

[Visian]

Guilty as charged! Hey, I was determined and I had great encouragement from great friends, even if some of the advice wasn't quite kosher :ha!

non-kosher advice? moi?????? :brow

:ha

[EllenR]

non-kosher advice? moi?????? :brow

:ha

I don't recall mentioning any names:D