Day 2 Sumas toTwisp to Wenatchee

Day  2 started out very smoothly. We left on regular schedule, got throught the boarder with out and issues, there were five of us.  Willi joined the Conga line in the morning. We were heading to do the Cascades and then stop in Twisp to meet Belle's father. The Cascade are gorgeous as I knew, but also knew there could be all kinds of weather and there was. 

We had to stop and rain gear up. Before we headed into the Canyon

Willi's bike kept breaking down. something to do with the  battery issues and Wilbur had to push start it several times. It wasn't fun, pushing it, and very frustrating for her to say the least. It got so she was afraid to turn her bike off. Not to worry I kept telling her, it is all a  part of the adventure and is what makes good stories. Needless to say we are off to the Harley Dealerships this morning to get the situation fixed and also my horn

We arrived in Wenatchee around 5:30.. Riding around in circles trying to find our hotel. All a bit hot and tired now as the weather had switched to hot again. We ended up calling Karen, Willi took off and found the Hotel herself. We were only a couple blocks away from it after all. See it isn't just the Flo that gets lost... tee hee, it makes me chuckle. I just appreciate being able to follow the leader leader.

It was a great ride  through all kinds of weather, and at the end of the road , some new Conga friends.

Erin and Tim from Spokane, and Peppercat from Victoria showed up. Tanya's sister Sylvia was there too meet her. We all had a lovely evening looking at pics and getting to know each other. I can tell the new crew is going to be a blast. There should be about 9 riders this morning I believe. we are head the Cruiser Bar that you drive through. It is in Post Falls Idaho. We have another Conga Bra that we plan to sign and hang beside last years. Superior is where we will spend the night.

It is a clear blue sky this morning!!! whoo Hoo!!

Doing what we are doing!

Stuff like this keeps me doing what we are doing!!


hiya flo
just wanted to say how proud of u all i am

wot u and all of u do it absolutley fantastic

i have just been been given the all clear from breast cancer and am now in remmision :D, (waiting on surgery next wed which will hopefully be the last)

i read ur posts almost every day and they really do lift my spirits and make me smile so i thank each and everyone of u

i would love to be able to see the conga in action (even more so cos i simply love bikes) but livin in uk its virtualy impossible but who knows maybe one day

Happy safe riding to u all 

Angie  xxxxxxxxxxx

Day 1 of Conga leaving Vancouver Island

8pm and we just got settled in.This place totally rocks!!! We are in Abbotsford at the Super 8 First we pull into the parking lot and there is this young chick with long dark hair, waving a welcome sign. I could not read it yet but she was bouncing around like a jack rabbit. I thought wow, another surprise!! I wonder who she is?? It was my daughter Krissy. Her and Miss Willi got to conniving and she came to greet us! Meanwhile while she was waiting she went into talk to the clerks to tell them what we were up to and the story of the conga and the pink parade arriving shortly. They thought that was a great cause and were excited. When we booked the rooms we did not tell them of the fundraisers. So anyways... They donated the rooms!! Not just a deal, they donated. how cool is that????


What an awesome day. I think the pictures will tell the story.
We left in the rain, from my house, actually it wasn't pouring just a slight drizzle, so we didn't put our rain gear on. There was me, Fancy, Wilbur, along came Carl and Spyderman. We were on our way to pick up Vgirl and Belle. Just at the end of the block where my family lives. My little brother who just had back surgery was in his scooter, heading down the hill to come meet the Conga and send us off. The tears started to pour, tears of joy. I got pretty darn choked up.
We picked  the gals and did our little parade through town. Canada is pretty busy so we got a lot of honks and whistles, thumbs up. We were all honking along the way and my darn horn died... hmf!


Coffee and muffins etc, were waiting for us at Fusilli Grill, and a few well wishers and my family. Also a couple gals from the Dragon boat, Dave Hay from 99.7 the River.  Catriona, my friend, and Jippo!! It was very emotional and exciting. We hung around for an hour and took tons of pics. Along came the  Police officers to escort us out of town.  One in front and one at back. Stopping traffic all the way down Dogwood. It is so cool to see the parade of pink and the close friends out on a mission making people smile,. I felt so proud of what we are doing... KICKIN IT TO THE CURB!!!
I was getting texts from Carrie down in California for updates of how things were. We stayed pretty dry, but put on the rain gear before we left Courtenay.  Once we got to Courtenay at American Motorcycle Services, we had another nice visit and Wade had the coffee and donuts waiting for us. Every stop we make we get anyone that has come out to ride even a mile, to sign the banner.
When we got to Qualicum there was Jilly and Robin from PA. 
One of the big highlights out of many today was a phone call from Sue Gough. She called and met off the ferry.. First off on the side of the road, taking pictures and when Willie met us at the Shell, Sue and Dave were there just ahead of us. I couldn't wait to see her, as she has been such a supporter of the Conga. I felt like I have known her for years. We have sent many an email, and posts. It is crazy, we just started screeching and hugging when we got there, telling each other ..I love you.. a very short visit, but I tell ya, it was sweet and she sure is!! Dave is a great guy and was busy taking pictures for us. We were so excited about taking pictures of our helmets for Char from Sassybiker. Here we are 5 Canadians and we have  her special helmets. Sue agrees... We need to meet Char!!!
Willi filmed us coming in, escorted us to our hotel, brought us a 6 pack, and we will be seeing her tomorrow to continue the Conga to Wenatchee to meet the Biird. Got to find out where we are meeting Peppercat.. Crikey it is hard keeping track of everything and everyone.
I gotta go now, get a little more visit with my daughter, go check the facebook...omg and TRY to get some sleep as we hit the highway tomorrow no later than 9 am.
Thank you so much to totally everyone that came out to support the Conga and ride as far as you did. I really do love you all!!!

Montana Leather and More

The Leather Store & More CALLING ALL BIKERS-THE CONGA III RIDE FOR CANCER IS COMING TO HELENA ON SUNDAY-JULY 4TH. We are going to give them a Montana WELCOME. We will be filming them and leading them into town to the Leather Store. And then to our home for a BBQ, before they head out. If you are interested in welcoming these wonderful Ladies, ...send me a message for more details....CONGA-I can hear the rumble.....See you Ladies Soon....

Helena Montana!!! Robin, Leathers and More

Flo,

I hear that you're coming to Helena. YAHOOOO!

 To check out our store and I also have had conversations with Karen. We would like to feed you all lunch, a BBQ at our home. Karen said that would be great. Our home is on the way out of town. I let Karen know that my husband will be on the highway just before you get into town (and I will let you know where) to film you coming in. 

I asked Karen and would also like to ask you if I can lead you Ladies into town? If its okay, I would like to have my husband film me leading you into town as well. I asked Karen if she could get somewhat of the a count of riders and give me a call when you get into Superior. 

We're going to Costco to get the food on Friday night. And I also asked her if she would call me Sunday when you Ladies leave Superior and take Garrison Junction/Helena exit to give me an idea when you will be in. I'm actually thinking the filming at the bottom-East side of McDonald Pass. Mountains, open and awesome road. I will let you know for sure. Do you have a cell number?

I would like to Thank you for all that you do and I feel very honored and excited that you all are coming to Helena, our store and home. Thank you for changing the route. I know you're busy so I will keep in touch.

Ride Safe and Have a Blast.....

Robin

Conga Fever

Whelp.. 2 more sleeps and the Conga III hits the open road. Hard to believe!! We have hit our goal.. $14,000.00 for Breast Cancer. The fever is in the air... People have hit the road from North Carolina, getting ready for kickstand up on Vancouver Island, down Texas way, they are exploding with emotion. People are coming from Saskatchewan...Emails are coming in left right and center from people I have never even spoke to before, with well wishes, prayers and blessing, to say thank yous for what we are doing.
I just put in my last day at the ol Barbershop. I decided to close it rather than pay the bills while I am gone. Not to worry, I already have another place to go to when and if I get back... lol  It's all good, 
Conga Fever!!
A lot of ups... and a few little downs, but I tell you nothing will get in my way of making this another amazing Conga ride. I see good things in the future, not only for work, but for the Conga and all the people that have so willingly stepped up to the plate to make it one hell of an event. Not only are we raising money for a cause, we are meeting women for the first time. From the INTERNET... Yup.. again, a small world we live in.. So big, yet so small. I want to say I have met, but I haven't, even tho it feels like I have. Some of the coolest people. People from magazines, that want to do a story on us or cool people like lets say... BRENDA FOX
I mean really ...I can say she is my friend. Who is Brenda Fox you say??


The founder of women motorcyclist is Brenda Fox, a Spokesperson for Women in Motorcycling, Professional Motorcycle Test Rider, journalist, stunt actor ... and high-profile motorcycle enthusiast whose inner circle includes AMA Hall of famers Malcolm Smith, Skip Van Leeuwen, Danny LaPorte, reads as the "who's who" of the best motorcyclist in the world. Few women have had the opportunity to ride with motorcycle icons such as Jesse James and Arlen Ness, but Brenda's pavement history includes legends such as these and other highly respected motorcycle greats. She has trained with Motorcycle Hall of Fame legend Fast Freddie Spencer, raced in several SCORE Off Road races along the likes of the Baja 1000, and fitness trained with six time AMA National Motocross Championships "Golden Boy" Broc Glover.


How frickin cool is that.. She is a big supporter of the Conga and wishes us all well. If she was well, she would be riding with us this year. Hopefully next year she will be riding with a vengeance.
Women Motorcyclists

Conga Line in North Carolina hits the road.

Here is Tamela Rich one of our Conga Riders who has hit the road and make news where every she goes. She left from NC. Tamela is a new rider and has been sponsored by BMW. They have put her through extensive training to be safe out on the road. She is also on another mission besides the Conga. To write a book  "Tradeoffs: Leveraging the Longs & Shorts of Life.

She will be traveling 8000 miles, 20 states and 3 time zones 

"Tradeoffs: Leveraging the Longs & Shorts of Life"

See Tamela in the News here and here and here and here 

Go Tamela Go... and don't forget your shoulder checks!!!

Conga Reaches Goal of $14,000.00

With just a couple of days to go before, the Conga leaves Vancouver Island, we are proud to say that we have already reached our goal and our kickstands are not even up yet.

We had a car wash on the weekend at Steve Marshall Motors for the second weekend in a row and raised $800.00. With that and all the money we have been raising on the side, we managed to top it off, just before we leave. Pretty awesome I would say.

WWR CONGA III - the North Texas leg

in support of Breast Cancer

Come to the launch party all pinked out and ready to ride and dance cancer away!

The North Texas leg of the ride will be led by Cindy aka Texas Red. The ride will depart from Strokers on July 4th.

 This is Texas Red's tentative schedule:

Sunday, July 4th - depart Strokers Dallas to OKC KSU 11:00 AM
Monday, July 5th - OKC to Amarillo (Dumas)
Tuesday, July 6th - Dumas to Monument, CO
Wednesday, July 7th - Cheyenne, WY

Thursday, July 8th - Party at Maverick Motorsports!!! Conga, Conga, CONGA!  
Friday, July 8th - head back home to DFW

The WWR Conga III is the third annual ride. This year the women are meeting at Cheyenne, WY. The group of mainly lady riders will ride from Campbell River to Cheyenne, WY and return. Others will be riding from all points across the USA to meet the Canadian group in Wyoming, wearing pink and dressing their motorcycles in pink and will be collecting donations and pledges along the way. Last year the ride raised $12,000 and this year we are hoping to raise $7,000 for each countries Breast Cancer society.

Riders are welcome to join at any point along the route, or make their own route and meet in Wyoming.

This year we have two beneficiaries, one for each side of the US/Canadian border. The U.S. beneficiary is the National Breast Cancer Foundation headquarted in Frisco. The Canadian beneficiary is the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation headquarted in B.C. A link for U.S. online donations is located on Cindy's Conga blog listed below. It is set up for donations to go directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation which is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization making your donation tax deductible.

For more information or to follow along you can go to:

Cindy's Conga blog
with links for online donation and website

SHELL WYOMING IS GETTING READY TO CONGA FOR A CAUSE!!

This is unreal, our friends in Shell are preparing for our arrival!!!

Plans shaping up in Cheyenne at Maverick Motorsports

Here is our plan for the 7^th & 8^th at the present.

July 7^th:

We will have our (FREE) c-store bar in the dealership open that day that include icees, tea, and coffee for the riders if any show up here the 7^th.

We will have a bunch stuff on sale for your group that they can take advantage of if they’d like.

Stay open until 8PM with part of our crew in case anyone has any mechanical issues or wants to stop in that evening.

July 8^th:

Have a barbecue for lunch, which will be free to all the conga riders with music on the patio.

Same sales for the riders that day.

Give the Conga group some prizes to give away as you see fit.

We have a real col blues/rock band coming in to play that evening from 6-9.

We will stay open until 9PM that evening.

Barbecue some more food for that evening between 6-7 while the band is playing.

Conga speakers can use our mic system as you need it to make announcements.

How does this sound for an itinerary?

Also, we are encouraging supporters to show up to support your group.

Let me know if you need any modifications or you want changes to this.

Justin Johnson

Shell Wyoming

Brad from Shell, Wyoming  Flo/Karen:
Rene Huge (pro: Heugee) a reporter with the Cody Enterprise/Cody, WY called this morning. She wants to get in contact with her as soon as possible in regard to the Conga III Ride. Her phone number is: 307.587.2233 and her email is: rene@codyenterprise.com. KAREN: I think your group is coming from WA (right?) and planning on staying in Cody the 5th (?). I think I told you previously that it is real busy in Cody on the 4th of July weekend. I think I also told you that Claudia Wade is the head of the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce. I know her well and I am sure she can be of a lot of PR for you as well.
If you guys would contact these folks, I would really appreciate it. They can help get you Lots of $$$$ donation for your very worthy cause.
Let me know if I can help you any further.
Thanks, be safe and have a great ride.
See you all in Shell,
Brad

Words from the Wyz Wmn!!

It was too my surprise when I checked my mail today. There always seems to be something new every day. I never know whether it will be a PITA!! For those of you who don't know what it means, it means...

 PAIN IN THE ASS!!! WHO ME??  I know for a fact I can be. A lot think I am, and a lot think I am just me. So... I received this email today, and it made my eyes leak big time.. Words from the Wyz Wmn!

Karen WyzWmn Brown June 22 at 6:21pm

and before you head off on this year's conga I wanted to tell you how proud of you I am...

You've taken a simple thing like buying yourself a new ride...and molded it into an international event in support of a world charity for both men and women...you've worked tirelessly to raise funds and keep on top of everything...and being a former coordinator/provincial chair for a Canadian national motorcycling charity I have first hand knowledge of just how very hard that can be.

Just this minute I'm reminded of your first conga...and how upset you were cos you dropped it a couple of time when you were so frackin tired you couldn't see straight....and scared witless a couple of times...

So...just take a minute and look at yourself now...look at how far you've come, the friends you've made and the community you have created both in person and on line.

You are a force to be reckoned with Flo...sometimes maybe some people view that as a PITA.....but in this case I really think that's a good thing and I'm proud to call you friend.

with great respect

Karen WyzWmn Brown

Texas Conga Line hits the local news station.

Click here

Route from Wenatchee Get your motor running!!

Karen/Biird has been working very hard at organizing our route from Wenatchee. 

Day #1, 300m/5.5hrs. Shrub-steppe, desert, Spokane, two passes, Cruisers in Post Falls. Spokane HD is no longer. The direct route out of Wenatchee takes us through town into East Wenatchee. Riders are welcome. A good meet up on the road is the wide parking area near Hydro Park.

Day #2, 350m/6 hrs of Montana! July 4th in West Yellowstone... and if you've never done that, hold your hat, baby! It's nutz! Great fund-raising opportunity there!

This is a proposed alternate route. If we have any riders that have planned to ride with us in the Drummond, Anaconda, Butte areas, please contact us.

ELKS CLUB GARAGE SALE BARBECUE

We were there at 10am, on Fathers Day. Poor Wilbur being a Father had to spend it going witheflo selling burgers, or at least trying. He would get a bunch on, and by the time people arrived, they were like cardboard. So after a few times he said he would wait until people arrived, and then put them on. They didn't want to wait. So in total from 10-4pm, we sold 5 burgers and 2 dogs. We had a stack of over cooked meat, that we had a really big problem throwing out so we put them in a container in the cooler, and you should see this MEAN pot of chili I am cooking. Left over tomatoes, onions, burgers, wieners, and beans... Ha!! Waist not want not, when you come from a big family of 9.

The garage sale was pretty pathetic to start off. Honestly no one started arriving untill late in the afternoon. I was determined to sell some stuff, as I sure did not want to pack it all up again. I knew, that once i made up my mind, it would go to the Sally Ann at the end of the day, so why not take what little people were offering me.. Come on 50 CENTS??? This is a fundraiser, not that many cared. I can be as cheap as the rest but, I do know the value, and I never charge more, than I would be willing to pay. I would rather give it to someone than get 50 CENTS!!

So.. although the barbecue was PATHETIC...LOL I made about 500 bucks on my stuff, and and other $200 on just nice people donating for the cause. Like this one guy who was actually at our Car wash, came to buy 2 pink pens... He gave me $30 bucks... omg, told me he lost his wife while they were in Mexico, she had cancer and it went through her body so fast she couldn't get home. So then we get to talking and he says he will be right back. He went to the book store and bought these 2 Harley Davidson books valued at $65 each and said I hope you can make some money at a raffle.

Barbecue not going so well!!

White boots did not sale again!!

For more Pics, go here

Steve Marshall Motors Carwash

Great time at Steve Marshall Motors doing the car wash. Even my 80 year old mother came out to help. She donated $3,000.00 to help me and my brother cover expenses in memory of our sister who passed away of Cancer in 1996. When she first got there she started to cry and wanted to leave. It didn't take long and she was one of  the rest helping out. People came from all over to donate. We ended up raising $1055.00 which was the exact figure we needed to set us to our goal of $7,000.00 donated for the Canadian Breast Cancer Society. Our American sisters are a little behind, but I have no doubt in my mind they will soon catch up. 

 It ended up being a very hot day and everyone worked so hard. It is so greatly appreciated, words can not describe. Hard work but very exhilarating and rewarding. Thankyou to all that came out to help and that donated.

Here is a link to some more great pics!! STEVE MARSHALL MOTORS

PICS

Strokers Pub in Texas-Texas Red

This is Rick Fairless, the owner/mgr of Stroker’s Ice House, Dallas

This is Cindy aka Texasred, behind the scenes being interview for TV! Today, check out Cindy's pink bra on the outside of her clothing. Looks like the Island girls have given her a great idea...WTG Cindy!!

Conga III National!! From Texas to Vancouver Island...Conga Baby!! Save those ta tas!!

Behind the scenes in Texas

Hi Cynthia, Thank you so much for profiling the Conga III Ride for Breast Cancer.  I'm sorry I can't be there with you tomorrow when you meet Cindy (TexasRed). I know first hand what it is like to hear the words "You have Breast Cancer".  I was diagnosed on October 20th, 2008, and having never been sick a day in my life I can tell you it was totally unexpected!  Within three weeks of being diagnosed I had a biopsy followed by a mastectomy.  I started chemo a month later (and no I don't look good bald! ha!) and finished chemo April 2, 2009.  Those are dates I'll never forget. During the 2009 Conga II run I can't tell you how much I wanted to join everyone - but was sidelined with treatment.  I followed the Conga II every day, riding each mile with Flo as she crossed the USA.  Her travels got me through my last month of treatment.  This year I am riding ..... I am riding for the many wonderful women and men who are in treatment right now, I am riding for those that need funding to get treatment, and I am riding for those we have lost.  Well all that and I really want to meet this Flo character I've known on-line at WWR for over three years! ha! In 2009 One in Eight women had breast cancer. By 2019 One in THREE are expected to have breast cancer. Breast cancer also affects men. My story is just one of millions.  Mine has a happy ending.  Please do what you can to support the Conga III.  The Conga may pale in comparison to many of the large cancer fund-raisers, but this is a group of women motorcycle riders who aim to make a difference AND have a great time doing it.  And, you know what happens when you get a bunch of determined women together! ha!  Stuff Happens! Thanks again for your time and effort to profile and promote the Conga III.  Every dollar raised will make a HUGE difference in research and treatment.  Let's make this a nightmare our children won't have to deal with. PS - If you see a bunch of women on motorcycles decked out in Pink - you'll know it is the Conga heading through to Kick Cancer to the Curb!  Join us if you can..... we aim to have a mighty good time! Regards, Debbie Payne Dayton, TX 1-year Survivor!

Words of encouragement!

Hey Flo.... just a word of encouragement to you and your friend that was diagnosed with lung cancer - saw your post on Facebook.  I'm so damn sorry to hear about it.  But please don't give up hope!  You have done more in a couple of short years than most people do in a lifetime to help find a cure.... a cure for ANY cancer is a positive step for ALL cancers.  It sure does seem that 50 is a trigger.......research is key...... people get cancer for no good reason every day - it didn't run in my family either until I got it - who knows - can't be pissed at the world for it - we just have to take it day by day and enjoy every single minute we have.  

Conga III will make a difference for someone .... maybe someone you don't even know through research/testing etc. ..... and those of us lucky enough to participate even in some small way will have memories to last a lifetime for the trip we made to Cheyenne going-with-the-flo.... 

Hugs to you my friend.... please pass along our support and prayers to your friend.  He'll be in our hearts as we make the ride next month.