Robin's Ride For Women, Overcoming the Fear of Life and Helmet Hair

Others Making a Positive from Loss

2007-03-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

The March issue of Thunder Press has an article about my ride - I'm told in Back Roads - not sure because I haven't seen it yet. But I can tell you that it wouldn't be there without the help of Susan Swan (Chewn' The Fat Boy), one of their great writers/editors. Susan helped edit my story and I thank her.

Something else Susan is involved with is called "To Honor". She and some other people are building a retreat for caregivers - like I was for my parents until their passing - like many of us may have already or may yet be similarly entrusted. Caring for and watching a loved one pass drains the heart and spirit - filling it back up by helping others is a gift. And we can only hope we have someone who loves us helping when we need it - more than likely it will be a professional caregiver - who will also need a respite from the responsibility and the loss.

I hope To Honor will not mind me using their words to help describe what they do. I have taken this from the site (please go there):

http://www.tohonor.org/default.php
"To Honor
At this moment, in countless private homes and nursing facilities nationwide,someone is awaiting a drink, a kindly word, medication, or the comfort of another's company. Whether driven by hunger, pain, or feeling isolated from the familiar, in all likelihood, comfort will come from a caregiver.

Caregivers, nurse's aides, nurses, social workers, and hospice workers are the front line protecting the vulnerable. In addition to addressing patient's medical needs, we rely upon caregivers to provide care with compassion.

Home Alone
Family members who become caregivers quickly realize that, although gratifying, care giving is emotionally and physically exhausting. In the absence of adequate support, unforeseen calamities, loss of personal freedom, worry, and fatigue often lead to caregiver depression.

Unless a supportive relief network is promptly rallied, the patient and the caregiver suffer. "

I'm really big on women helping women - but I'm even bigger on everyone helping everyone! I said this site was about helping others and so I hope you find someone here to help, be it me with my ride and Habitat in New Orleans or Grounds for Health, possibly To Honor, perhaps DJ (story below)...the point is - just reach out - it really feels good! Hopefully it will come back to you when you need it.

Keep following your dreams!
Robin

Hi Home Inventory Professionals

2007-02-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

If you are from the home industry profession and you saw my note on the message board, glad you came to check out my blog.

For those of you who have been following my ride, I will soon be opening a Home Inventory business.

Here's why I'm going to do this: After seeing all of the devastation in New Orleans and then experiencing the record storms in the Seattle area this last year, I realized I could help people minimize their losses through a good home inventory. It can't replace your home or your personal memories, but it can help you replace those costly items that insurance can only cover for a fraction of their value without proof. Trying to remember what you had when you are walking away from a devastated home is too late. Rely on the reports from home inventory professionals at a time when your memory might not be it's best.

I did an inventory for myself before my ride, just in case something happened to me. Now when I look at it, I see that it was not at all what it should have been. Most people doing their own inventory - if they can find the time - will probably not be aware of all that they should do. So why not let a professional do it for you. I see that the recovery on only one item can more than pay for the cost of a good inventory! The inventory can also be used for estate planning, asset verification, loss due to theft...it's just a very valuable tool

I will post my new biz site when it is ready - which should be soon. I'm still doing many things related to the ride.

Let me know if you have any questions on home inventories and why to have one.

Those of you who are the new home inventory industry professionals - good for you! I have found it to be a wonderful, sharing community!
Robin

Video of Robin's Ride on WomenRidersNow.com

2007-02-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

Check out the video that they did for me on http://www.womenridersnow.com/! It's really great and they worked very hard on it.

Go to the home page and then go to the streaming video link and you will find my video, or paste this into the Address line of your browser.
http://www.womenridersnow.com//PublicFiles/DepartmentViewer.asp?DepartmentID=44

If you have a slow line it will take a long time to download, but if you have a fast line you will be fine. Pass it on to all you know. And the WomenRidersNow.com site is a great resource!

Remembering Mom and Dad

2007-02-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Just remembering my mom and dad. This is their wedding photo and they would be having an anniversary on February 13th. It was always easy to remember because dad's birthday was Valentines day. He always said getting married aged him a year overtnight :0)

Bet lots of guys have said that but he really did get a year older the next day.

They were married 58 years I believe. Wow - people hardly lived that long years ago, let alone be married to the same people for 58 years! They are still together :-)

Checking My Updated Blog

2007-02-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hi and let me know if you are still out there. I have updated my blog so if you can, please send me a comment to let me know it's working ok.

I would like all who read this blog to please go to my home page at www.robinsrideforwomen.com and use either - or both - of the links on the right hand side of the page to contact and send help to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity's Women Build Program, or Grounds for Health - another great women's charity.

Tell them Robin says Hi!

AUCTION ITEMS!
I have just been able to sell one of the items left from the auction. It was a wonderful espresso machine from Vaneli's Espresso Machines. It was a $700 value that went for $300 plus shipping. There are some great deals! Take a look at the list on the "Sponsor List" page on my site and see if there is something you might like. There is still a single shot Kuerig coffee maker from Green Mountain Coffee; a great t-shirt, candle gift set from Minstrel Cycles; some great light fixtures from Idaho Wood and much more. Just let me know and I'll tell you if it still exists. I would make my site a live auction, but I just can't afford to. This will work though - just contact me.

Hope you are all well. I'm working on my house and dreaming of the new riding season.

A Fellow Lady Rider - Long Distance and Solo

2007-01-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

I recently found out about a lady who did something like what I did this summer. We both went alone - we both went many thousands of miles - we both did it to honor our parents - we were both trying to raise money for charity - we both found our lives changed.

Here is a picture and a little from an article on D J Jones, founder of the Posey Foundation which raises money to help against heart disease. Since my Grandmother, mother and brother all died of stroke and/or heart attack - I recognize her need to help. And I certainly identify with her ride since she did 25,000 this year, with only a short couple of months off for a broken ankle. Yes she beat my 20,226 miles, but we had different goals. Her's was to hit all 50 states; mine was to do a minimum of 20,000. The point is we both followed our dreams, did what most would never try and were both successful by completing our rides.

Excerpts from an article on DJ:
Publication:Special Sections; Date:Dec 24, 2006; Section:Boomer; Page Number:13
LIFESTYLES
A LONG HAUL
Biker undeterred despite reaction to her cross-country trip on behalf of foundation
BY RICK NATHANSON Journal Staff Writer

It isn’t the America that D.J. Jones had hoped to find. She thought the public would quickly embrace someone’s solo cross-country motorcycle journey to raise awareness and money for heart disease and childhood cancers.

Instead, this 48-year-old, 6-foot-tall black woman with riding leathers, a hip-hugging hunting knife and an enormous motorcycle nicknamed “Big Bertha” was met with suspicion and subtle racism.

“It was devastating to me,” says Jones. “I felt like I was getting sand kicked in my face on a daily basis. I got such raw emotion from people because I was so different.”

A self-described “postmenopausal woman on a mission,” Jones is also a former college basketball player, rock ’n roll band singer, personal trainer and competitive body-builder.

Though her motorcycle trip was disappointing in many ways, she turned the marathon ride into a journey of personal enlightenment and got her message across to those few who were open to hearing it.

Before departing, she founded the nonprofit Posey Foundation in honor of her parents, both of whom died from heart disease. The foundation also focuses attention on pediatric cancers, Jones’ tribute to a family friend whose granddaughter survived brain cancer.
... “I wanted to at least finish the trip, and by my actions set an example that if you start something to see it through. But I also wanted to deliver the message that life doesn’t always turn out like you want it to.

“Sometimes you have to change directions, but as long as you can dream it and see it, you can achieve it.”

Check out her site: www.poseyfoundation.com and go read the entire article.

NOTE FROM ROBIN...I can understand her disappointment. We both had an idealistic approach to our rides - both thought that if we did something so incredible that we would be able to spread the word and inspire people to step up and help those she and I knew needed it. Well - we both believe in following your dreams no matter what, and neither one of us gave up no matter how hard it got.

Two ladies from different lives breaking the mold and going beyond...I love it! Thanks D J!

Over 1.6 million without power, some for over a week!

2006-12-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

The greater Seattle area had the worst storm in our history just two days before my auction. Over 1.6 million people lost power for days. Thousands - including my home - were without power for at least a week, and some longer than that. I lost several trees but none hit my home, just lots of clean up. It was hard on all.

The dealership/host was without power and closed the day before, but had it back the day of the auction. Needless to say the attendance was very minimal - only about 20 people. Now the 20 who did show up had a great time and were very generous with their purchases. I had figured if 100 people showed up and spent $100 each (not hard for such an event), it would be a huge success. It looks like the numbers could have worked relative to those who came - just had bad luck with the storm and timing.

So now I will be doing lots of E-bay and/or Craig's list... Can't give up that easy. I'll start just after the 1st. Taking a couple of days off so to speak.

Follow Your Dreams in 2007!

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-23T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hello My Friends,

I hope you are all having a very happy holiday season. No matter how you celebrate, the best to you and yours!

Make a new year's resolution to find one thing you have always wanted to d and then just do it. It doesn't have to be large, it's all about starting a chain of positive events in your life. One leads to another, leads to another and on and on.

Follow Your Dreams! Lets see what 2007 will bring - lots of adventure I bet :-)

Keep those cards and letters coming. I miss hearing from you and I know you're out there.

Harley Davidson of Seattle in Lynnwood, WA - is hosting the Robin's Ride for Women Charity Auction!

2006-12-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

Hi all - and to the people who still have power here in the greater Seattle area. Boy what a heck of a storm! I hope you are all well.

Tomorrow is the big day! H-D of Seattle in Lynnwood, WA is hosting my charity auction. I am in the middle of finishing 31 large gift baskets full of tons of wonderful goodies donated by the great companies in the coffee industry that attended Coffee Fest Seattle. They are overflowing and I still have more items that will just have to go out without baskets. The place I would get more baskets from is out of power. But hey, goodies are goodies no matter how they are packaged.

I hope to see many people - so many we run out of snacks! Don't worry - if we do I'll run to the store :-)

See you tomorrow!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

2006-11-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER 16TH, New Charity Auction date is Saturday, December 16th, 2006.

2006-11-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

I have moved the date of the Charity Auction to Saturday December 16th. This is a more convenient date for Harley Davidson of Seattle in Lynnwood, WA, and I hope it is a more convenient date for all of you. A Saturday seems like a much better date for anyone who comes from any distance at all. Here are a few of the auction items.

3-night, guided Pheasant hunt in South Dakota ($2500 value)

Set of Harley Davidson Bar Glasses

Set of DOWCO motorcycle luggage (extra pieces to bid on as well)

Man's Harley Davidson leather coat (two ladies leather coats too)

Please come if at all possible - the evening will be lots of fun and there are many wonderful items to bid on. Since so many companies gave items to auction instead of money, this is the biggest fund raising opportunity.

The holidays are here - come get someone you know and love a great gift - and that means yourself too :-)

What I saw as of August 29th, 2006 and won't forget!

2006-11-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud and happy for everyone who is supporting this ride and trying to help the people of New Orleans and the ladies who work so hard in our coffee producing countries. You can hardly imagine the living situations in both of these areas.

I couldn't see it and not do something, which is why I tried so hard to show it to others through my eyes and my ride.

November 16th, 7-10pm, come have fun while helping others!

2006-10-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Isn't Fall Beautiful!!!

November 16th, 2006 will be the Robin's Ride For Women dinner and auction. So far there are over $10,000 worth of items to bid on! Why not spend your Christmas dollars where others who need it can benefit? There will be food, beer, wine, soda and live music, all at Harley Davidson of Seattle in Lynnwood, WA - the host of the auction. Their logo and address are on my home page.

Also, I will be giving a presentation, show images of my ride and tell you of many wonderful people I met along the way. Auction tickets will be $20 each. You can charge them through Pay Pal on my site at www.robinsrideforwomen.com and then go to the contribution page. Just write into the note section that it is for tickets. Or you can mail in for the tickets to: Robin's Ride For Women, P O Box 2073, Bothell, WA 98041. I will then have your tickets waiting for you at the door, unless you would like them mailed to you.

I hope to see you there!

So hello Barry aka Barry2 aka Get Real

2006-10-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hadn't heard from you since the beginning of the ride. Needed to hear from you for a couple of times today to make sure - modern technology you know :-)
Have a good day!

There will always be a "Barry" (comments on previous blog)

2006-10-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Good morning Barry. No I'm not going to delete your comment. I hope what you had to say has relieved some tension you must be carrying. I have a question though Barry - why did what I'm trying to do anger you? Do you know me? You know who I am pretty well just from reading my blog if you read the whole thing, but I know nothing of you except that you found it necessary to send this note to me and everyone who might read it - and you have a right to do that - I just can't imagine doing it myself.

I need to understand though that if there is one Barry out there, probably more are wondering about this ride and how or why I did it. I just did it the best way I knew how. I will never apologize for affecting lives in a positive way. I had the courage to step out in the light and do something to try and help others. I would do it again if I thought it would help.

Yes, I spent a couple of hours visiting my grandkids since I hadn't seen them in several years. I stayed with friends, family and complete strangers some times to save money and rest up, do laundry and get a little boost from being alone. The pins seem to be an issue, but I only had 300 and I gave many away to people who were kind to me - I will take the hit on what ever penalty for not getting cash for them. I have receipts from all cash spent. If someone gets taken out for lunch in a business they are not penalized to my knowledge. But anything people did for me is that much less that would have to be taken out as an expense.

If I fail to raise enough money to cover expenses and still give money to the charities, the charities will get the money anyway - I will take the loss. I will not do something in a charities name and not take care of them, even though if I only raised one dollar extra, that is all I am required to give. Have you ever looked at the amount a non-profit uses to run the business and the small percent that gets to the people they are helping? I'm not going to do that. I don't have a staff to pay, I have friends who helped and gave their precious time because they believed in what I was doing.

Note: Auction items donated were shipped direct to Harley Davidson of Seattle to be held for the auction and they are still there.

My purpose for riding out across the country and getting exposure was to increase the odds of raising more for the charities. Instead of one donation from me, I wanted to make as many as possible aware of the need to help those who need it. I know that Grounds for Health was a totally unknown charity to almost all I met. As for New Orleans, it had become old news - except for the big coverage on the anniversary of the storm, where lots of hoopla was made while real people were trying to gut out their destroyed homes in conditions of no power, no facilities, no potable water and extreme heat and humidity. Who is going to explain that this is still going on unless they go to see it? And all I can tell you is that everyone I met in New Orleans said thanks to me for trying to get them help.

Then there was the part of this ride meant to encourage women to take control of their lives, fight fear and follow their dreams. I know that I touched some lives and made a difference and I will never feel guilty for that. I figured if women saw that someone my age, from an average life doing something totally out of the box, they would see that it's possible to change or expand their lives - even a little.

If this would have been just a nice ride around the country to visit people what a neat thing that would be. I don't know if you ride - but can you imagine driving 20,000 miles in anything - and in one trip without going back to your home to rest? I rode in the rain, hail, heat, cold, when sick, to places I had never been before, stayed with strangers and waited along the road at night for a tow truck to haul me and my broken bike to safety. I got on the web to update information on my site and give the people curious about me and my ride information after riding until I was so tired I just wanted to stop, take my boots off and rest. I went to trade shows and called companies trying to sell sponsorships to raise more money...and so on.

Yes sometimes dealerships were kind enough to cover working on my bike, but others I had to pay. The little bit from my parent’s estate went to pay my house payment and bills while I was gone and I charged the trip expenses. Bottles of water, an ice cream bar for lunch and snacks for dinner aren't very expensive, but yes it does add up.

What the "supporter" said about my finances is true, but if I lose my house over this I'm still ahead for the experience and all of the good people I met along the way. There were no Barry's out there, and there are usually not when it's face to face.

Sorry if I disappoint by defending myself and this ride, but I think that too often people don't stand up for what they think is right, and then bad things continue to go on.

20,226 Miles - I beat the 20,000 by 226!

2006-10-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

I did it and now I'm staying in my jammies until Monday!!! :-)
Thanks to H-D of Seattle in Lynnwood for the great return home party! Thanks for ABATE in Longview and Women on Wheels from Kitsap and the Great Northwest HOG chapter for riding me in! And thanks April - you and ABC's KOMO ch4 news have been a great source of support and help!

Now the work continues! I'll be getting more sponsorships sold and the Auction arranged. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NOVEMBER 16, 2006! It's a Black Leather Affair! Food, live music, silent auction, wine, beer, too much fun - and maybe even a brand new Harley Davidson for some lucky person!!
Watch my site and H-D of Seattle's site for information. You can get to them via my home page.

I'm not done yet... :-)

ONE MORE DAY! And I'll have OVER 20,000 miles!

2006-10-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

All I have to do is make it through Friday the 13th! I can do it :-)
Any reading this out there - if you want to keep up with what I'm doing after this - keep coming to the site or send me your e-mail.
write to robin@robinsrideforwomen.com
Thanks for helping me along this journey to help the charities!

KtDid

2006-10-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

Can you write me on my e-mail? I may be close to where you are until Tuesday am.

995 Miles To Go! I'm going to beat 20,000!

2006-10-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm in CA and only have 995 miles to go, but I'm still showing up on the 14th. Come on out and meet me - see me back home!

And those of you who are just coming to the site - this is a fund raiser so I hope you'll check out my Contribution page where you can use PayPal - or just put a dollar in an envelope and mail it to Robin's Ride For Women, P O Box 2073, Bothell, WA 98041. Give until it feel good! Help me help these peoplw who need it so much.

And those of you who have been following me on this great ride - THANK YOU! You have helped me through both good and bad. But really nothing has been that bad. It's been quite exceptional!

Don't forget, I'll be having an aucion on November 16th at Harley Davidson of Seattle in Lynnwood with all kinds of good things companies have been donating. I even have a $2500 complete guided pheasant hunt in South Dakota on the list of auction items. More to come so don't forget to check the Sponsor List page for the list of other auction items.

Hugs and love to all!!!!!!! And don't go away yet - lots more to come. See what I'll be doing in the future - it could include you :-)

Almost Home!

2006-10-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

It's over 18,000 miles now and I'll be back home in 12 days! Hope I see lots of you when I get back. If you are in the Seattle area check with Harley Davidson of Seattle and see what is planned for my return. I hope lots of you are there when I take that last leg home. And I'm getting pretty excited about the auction/dinner we will have soon after I return. So many people are working hard to make sure it's a memorable event and lots of fun too!

Boy yesterday was hot, hot, and hot! Riding through New Mexico and Arizona the last couple of days has almost dried me out. If ever you want to get into the habit of drinking lots of water, this is the place.

Keep watching - keep writing - keep helping each other!

Hi Mitzi and Anthony, I took your advice!

2006-09-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks for checking in Mitzi and Anthony. I did take your advice and stayed in Jackson, Mississippi the other night. The next day instead of heading to New Orleans I went to Lafayette and moved on from there. New Orleans would have been too crazy with the big football game - which by the way New Orleans won! Good for lifting spirits down there.

My thoughts today went towards what people ask me a lot..."why this ride". This ride is all about overcoming fear and following dreams. After all, this country was built on dreams of people looking for a better place, a better way, and a better life. My Grandmother's parents had a dream of a better place and because they conquered their fears they took their little girl across the country - from Oklahoma to Montana - in a horse drawn covered wagon. That really wasn't all that long ago when you think about it. Now I'm following a dream but I'm lucky and have a beautiful steal horse to ride all across this country. It goes a lot faster then Grandma's wagon did. My Grandmother is gone now, my Mother is gone now, and someday I will be gone but until then I want to live my life and fill it with memories for the future and help where I can along the way. I don't want to be thinking, "Man, if I had only done that?" or "Why was I afraid to try that?" I want to go out thinking that I sure did my best not to waist my life.

To that end I have dedicated this ride to all women, hoping that I can somehow show that dreams - no matter how large or small - are worth following. Life is short and I think it's meant to be lived, not feared.

I am proof that "one" person can make a difference, but I need the help of each "one" of you out there. We can help people who just have the simple dream of going home again - just a dream to have a roof over their heads again. We can't replace family and friends, personal mementos, photos or all those personal things lost in Katrina, but we can help build some homes and give back some dignity and security.

Together we can also help save some women who have the dream of living to raise their families. We can help women who dream of not losing their lives needlessly to cancer just because they can't afford the price of getting screened - let alone the cost of care if they need it.

Before I set out on this ride, I sat in my house and thought that there wasn't anything that I could do as one person, what good would my dollar do. Well not much, so that is why I promised to ride 20,000 miles and gather everyone’s dollar or dollars - everyone that I can reach - to help these two charities create better lives. Please help me help these people. That's "why the ride".

Over 16,000 miles down and remembering some Smokie Mt Images

2006-09-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

And when I was a little girl I always sang Hang down your head Tom Duley - not knowing the real name was Dula but here it is. Who knew? :-)

When I get back to Seattle...

2006-09-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

A cup of coffee from a rainy day in Georgia - Isn't that a song?? But seriously - I was sitting in the rain on the porch of a B&B.

Hey - I just found out that I get a 10x10 booth space at Coffee Fest Seattle - which is also at the time of my auction. Well the auction is on Saturday the 28th and will be a big Halloween pary/auction thanks to H-D of Seattle, and the show starts on October 27th. Come see me! All you coffee people be sure to check my support list for all the magazines and shows and companies related to coffee. If you want to start or improve a coffee shop, all of these are great resources. And don't forget I'm raising money for Grounds for Health, a charity based in the coffee industry.
So at this point - I want to thank every company and every person who has support Robin's Ride for Women. One person can make a difference, but sometimes that difference is asking for help from others.

The dog ate my glasses!

2006-09-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

So if I type kdin of funny it's because I can;'t see :-)
I was staying in Saint Louis night vlk before last (see I can't really see what I'm doing) I visited Thomas Coffee (they do the Harley Davidson coffee) and Tom has two totally cute little girl Scotties. Well they liked me but they loved my glasses :-) I'll have them back next week, so if you see a red Harley bumping into things as it goes down the road, it's just me.

Here's a treat - it's my grand children - Race and Olivia. Aren't they adorable!!! I should have gotten these up long ago. They got to sit on Grandma's bike. Race liked it, but Olivia wasn't sure. Maybe in a few years she might change her mind.

AhHa! Today the pictures are working!

2006-09-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

So here is the two headed turtle (anyone out there know someone who needs a two headed turtle?) and me in the cotton field. And now I'm over 14,000 miles into the trip. It's coming down to the wire - will she do it---of course she will :-) So have you checked out my map lately? What a crack up! And it's going to get worse. What a great ride plan huh. Well, sometimes you just have to go where you just have to go.

Looking at a 500 mile day

2006-09-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Since I've left New Orleans about a week and a half ago, I've gone on a great day ride with a crew from New Orleans that I met up with in Lafayette (I cried when they left because I don't know when I'll see them again),

I've eaten grilled dove breasts and have been dove hunting near Alexandria, LA (no I didn't shoot anything) but look at the lady hunter - a friend of mine from college that I hadn't seen since 1988. See the gun?

I've stood in a full-bloom cotton field and I've seen a two headed turtle! (trying to get blogger to upload those images up for you but it's being a pain)

I've been on TV and had a great visit at Renegade Harley Davidson in Alexandria, I've been at a coffee trade show called the Fresh Cup RoadShow in Dallas and so today I'll set off on a 500 mile ride. I think I need something to do don't you?

I only have until October 14th to finish a about 6,800 miles. If you look at my map, when you finish cracking up at the route I've taken, I hae to say you ain't seen nothing yet. Everyone asks if I have a planned route. Well yes I had somewhat of a planned route, but plans change according to where I need to be at certain times. I thought I would be going across the southwest right now, but I am heading back up north before I do that. And as you know if you have been watching, I don't post where I am going, only where I've been. I just think it's a good idea due to the way I am traveling. So in a couple of days you will find out the location of today's 500 mile ride. I've done a couple of days that were close to 600 so I'm not too worried except that I seem to have done something to my hip last evening and it hurts a lot so I wonder how sitting on the bike all day will work.

Check out my support list page and see the new sponsors, there may be something you need. The list will be steadily growing now that I have proven that I am really doing this ride.

Katrina One Year Later

2006-08-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

Today New Orleans is going through a healing process by having many memorials, gatherings and programs showing how it was during and after the storm. I wish them all well. There is a lot of healing to be done and it will take a long time. Even so, people here want everyone to know that they are working hard to bring New Orleans back and that they hope we will keep coming back to help and to experience all that New Orleans has to offer even now.

This is Alexander Filmore and he is helping his 67 year old Aunt Elsie Mae by gutting her home and trying to get it back to where she can come back. This only one of several homes of his family members that he is working on - when he is not working at his regular job. Imagine doing this type of work in over 90-degree weather with humidity like a sauna! Even so, he's just glad that he still has his family. Thanks Alexander!

I am standing in Alexander's Aunt's house in front of a toilet that is pouring water out of the pipes. Imagine this situation in 100's of other houses and the depth of the devastation to heart and home. Please help me help these people. Billions of dollars are pouring in and out of New Orleans, but the regular people still need our help and many need homes. They are doing this work themselves and need help.

Remembering Grounds for Health Reception

2006-08-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm here in New Orleans but I want to thank August and everyone at Grounds for Health for the great reception and hospitality when I went to Waterbury, VT to meet everyone. Thanks also to Green Mountain Coffee for helping with the reception and for the tour of their plant - quite nice!

Below is a picture of some people from Green Mountain Coffee and Grounds for Health. They came in to the reception and took me out for a ride to the local Harley dealer.
From Left to Right: Jeff Sweetser, Heather Brown, Tina Rutledge, Dan Cox (founder of Grounds For Health), Terry Muzzy, Robin Mahaffey, Garry Rutledge, Gordon Garvey
Thanks Guys!

Me = the other guy = you = responsibility and action = results.

2006-08-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

I'm back in New Orleans.
I rode from Mayfield, KY to the city last night, which was around 550 miles. The last hundred miles were pretty hairy with a lot of fog, and I got in late and I was tired. I'm staying in a great hotel that I used to use when I worked for Tea & Coffee Trade Journal as a sales person. I have always been lucky to get a great discount on staying here at the Le Pavillon and I love it. They have peanut butter and jelly sandwich makings and hot cocoa at 10pm and I was so excited when I saw it out on the table in the lobby - but I got there just as it was being taken down and didn't have time to get any. I hadn't had dinner so I was feeling sorry for myself. Well - I've been watching TV all morning and looking at what the people down here are trying to do to get back to even a semblance of normalcy. My worries were pretty darned petty at this point. I'm in a nice room - lots of the people of New Orleans don't even have a house. And the people in Latin America that Ground for Health are trying to help have never had a house, or anything we would consider a house. While we eat dinner and watch TV, they are trying to survive. You know --- there are so many similarities between both of these places right now. New Orleans looks like a third world country in some places right now - and it's Our own country. How do I get to the people of our country and make them care and make them think they can help even if they are only ONE person?

I keep trying to figure out how to make the best use of my ride - how to make this "one person" get lots of "one persons" care and see that it's up to each of us to help as much as we can. It's being good neighbors.

There are millions of dollars pouring in and out of New Orleans, but look at the city - look at the people who are still in trauma and still have nowhere to go. It's obviously not enough even though to us regular people it seems so huge - millions of dollars - it must be enough but it's not. It's all a matter of perspective and the normal person will never see or work with those types of numbers. That's why I'm hoping that I can help convince everyone that there are ways for us to help each other. It may be a dollar sent to my ride and I will be the conduit to move it on to people who can help; it may be that someone can take their vacation in New Orleans and spend their tourist dollars here - it may be that you have a skill that can be used here and can show up for a short period of time - it may be that you have taken a Katrina victim in – it may be that you WILL take in a Katrina victim if they need to move from where they are now - it may be that you buy a latte from a company who is supporting the countries who get you that coffee - it may be that you send me your latte money for a day so that I can get it to the people who can make it work – the point is just to help how ever you can whether through me or not.

I'm just here watching how the people in New Orleans are trying everything they can think of to inspire those who live here to carry on, clean up, take care of themselves, take care of each other and on and on. What more can we do to help them? What do we do if it happens where we live - in your town - to your family and friends because we don't control Mother Nature? For one thing, it's not the fault of the people who live. Even if you don't think this city should have been built where it is or should be rebuilt – it’s about what happens to the real people who lived and still live here? They still need help. The children are traumatized, families of real people have been torn apart. People have died and people were born in the midst of all of this disaster but life still goes on. Can you imagine living in this kind of turmoil and trying to get on with just the everyday part of living? Wouldn’t you be hoping for help?

Those of us who are not in the middle of this have the luxury of reaching out to help. I'm trying to do what I knew how to do. Maybe it's bizarre, but I've raised some awareness and some help - not nearly enough - but I'm the other guy who everyone else is waiting to do something. But you're the other guy too. Even if you never support what I'm trying to do, remember to help wherever you are in any little way you can. Little things add up to big things. You can make a difference.

So I'm going to keep trying to figure out how to do this better and keep riding and keep talking and keep trying to help even a little bit. It's funny - it's not about me and it's all about me. I'm the only one who can make me do anything either positive or negative. Me = the other guy = you = responsibility and action = results. There must be some algebra in there but I hate math :=)

Help me out - let me know what you think - give me suggestions on how to make this ride work better. That may be your contribution and it's a valuable one if it's a positive one. Write to me here or to my e-mail: robin@robinsrideforwomen.com or to Robins Ride for Women at P O Box 2073, Bothell, WA 98041. I have my mail being picked up. I will get your words. And I would like to thank Ray, my boyfriend who is doing this for me and helping as much as he can in what ever way he knows how - and I apologize if I get short tempered as one can when you are tired, and thank you to all of you who have kept me in your homes and who have fed me or talked to me or contributed to this endeavor and these two charities we are supporting...You have made a huge difference.

And good for you that you made it to the bottom of this huge note! Sometimes it happens :-)

Over 11,000 and trying to catch up for you!

2006-08-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

I'm going to catch up with some images here today if the computer will let me. I have to admit I'm a little tired, but "There are miles to go before I rest".

Here's that dog I promised - when no one commented on the cate in an earlier blog. This was a rest stop in Connecticut. Don't know why the shirt but he was strutting like he knew he was looking good. :-)

Here is a picture of a replica of the bike OCC made for Will Smith, "I Robot" I believe. Didn't get to meet Paul Sr., Paul Jr, or Mikey - bummer.

Here I am on the ferry going to Nova Scotia.

Here I am in Nova Scotia :-)

Here's my bike with a dead battery in Vermont and getting towed in to Toronto (lost my windshield on that tow, bummer)!

Over 10,000 Miles! WooHoo

2006-08-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hi from Toronto and my friends Maryann and Joe's computer. I have reached the 10,000 mark and now I'm on the way back home so to speak. I still have a long way to go, but I'm excited, happy and proud that I have made it this far and have proved that I WILL do the 20,000.

It's been hard not being able to get phone and computer reception because I want to keep all of you updated and not have you get bored waiting for me. It will be much more regular when I hit the states again this weekend.

My bike broke down again just outside of Toronto on Tuesday night. Seems it was the same thing that happened outside of Lexington, Kentucky and there was a sensor that had to be replaced. That was quite the task since the service department called all over Canada and couldn't find the part - which would be a 2 week waite if it was ordered from Harley. So I called my guys at Harley-Davidson of Seattle (thanks Rick) and asked if they had one or could find one. They didn't have one and searched the states to find one in CA. They were willing to do what ever it took to get it to me ASAP. Meanwhile back at JACOX Harley of Mississisauga (interesting name), the guys looked through their books and parts and decided they could use the part from a different year. This worried me, but it turns out the part worked just fine! They did tons of work and didn't even charge me!!!

After all of that, I got on my bike yesterday evening to bring it back to Maryann's and part way down the freeway I realized I didn't have a windshield. I know - how do you not know you don't have a windshield... I got on and it felt different but it just didn't register until I was getting hit with all the road wind and I noticed none of the trees or grass was moving but I was still getting pelted. It seems the windshield blew off when the tow truck driver was taking it to the dealer. I had to shell out some substantial money for a new one, and the worst part is that I had my logo etched on the one I lost. I don't know how I'll get that done again - and at the price I paid at the AMA women's conference. But hey - if that's the worst of my problems I'm doing all right!

So I'm still out here riding hard and talking to people. Time to stop talking and start asking for the contributions/sponsorships. There are people who need help and I'm out here to get it. I'm the conduit to get the money to the people who need it. So if you thought I was making some noise before - watch my dust :-)

Alive and well in Canada

2006-08-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I am the webmaster for Robin's website. She hasn't been able to get internet access for over a week, so she asked me to let everyone know about her current status. The (self described) wandering biker chick is doing great! She is in the province of Ontario, thundering over the open road, a woman and her bike - meditative, contemplative, wind through the hair, confident, soundtrack playing in the background - all is good. She appreciates everyone's interest and concern.

Take care everyone, be nice, smile,
-S

I'm in Orange County, NY

2006-08-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Spectacular sunset in Kentucky on the way to Mayfield last week. All rights reserved again :-)

Hey out there - how come nobody commented about the cool cat picture. Well now I'm going to have to put up the dog picture that I got today. It's a Great Dane with a pink t-shirt - I kid you not. Need to hook up and download it tomorrow.

Thanks to Rick and Pierre for the chat tonight - they are from H-D of Seattle and Rick is handling all of the donations I am getting for the auction when I get back in October.

I just keep meeting cool people everywhere I go. I'll be having lunch/coffee with someone from OCC tomorrow - need to ask if I can use their name before I put it up - but it's not one of the guys. They happen to be on a west coast tour and heading for South Dakota - I'll miss the big run this year but probably shouldn't go by myself anyway. Well, El Toro PooPoo, I just can't make it and still get to Nova Scotia (I hope) and back down to VT for a reception with Grounds for Health on the 10th. They are really planning a great reception for me and I will get escorted by the Rolling Thunder and people from Green Mountain Coffee! How cool is that!

I met a guy tonight who is a hair dresser and a gentleman who proves chivalry is not dead. He offered to do my hair but I am chicken (he does this for a living). It is falling out on this trip. When any of you meet me I will be bald! Getting old sucks some times :-)

To everyone who has kept me at their homes while on this trip - you are truly exceptional people to offer a complete stranger such hospitality and it will come back to you three-fold!

Don't stop writing and I'll be better about updating the blog :-)

Poet - I'm truly sorry for the loss of Crazy Larry and I know you miss him, as does all of his good friends in New Orleans.
Smurf and Dayna, treasure each other, you deserve it.
Emillie, so sorry for your loss and can't wait to give you a big hug when I get back to New Orleans!
Kim - where are you???

If any of you want to know anything in particular - just let me know.

Love and hugs to all!

Inside Looking Out Looking In!

2006-07-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Is this cool or what. I was outside taking a picture of Smokey the cat as he looked outside, and the outside reflected in the window and looked like he was outside looking in! All rights to this image are reserved for R A Mahaffey Promotions TM and may not be reproduced without permission. (sorry, had to say that)

I left VA and went to KY and stayed with some great people, Janet and Rodney (their cat Smokey). They made me feel right at home and kept me an extra day when my bike had some trouble. I broke down outside of Lexington and had to be towed to Louisville. Turned out to be an easy fix by resetting codes somehow. Bluegrass Harley Davidson fixed it and donated two nice shirts for the auction when I get back to Seattle.

Speaking of the auction, I had an idea that maybe we could do a run for Robin's Ride and have it end up at the auction. More ways to raise money for the charities! You are all invited!!!

The Surprise Place: Milwaukee Iron in Lynchburg, VA!

2006-07-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

The surprise place I visited was Milwaukee Iron. Randy and his wife Rhonda were very gracious hosts. They let the two newspapers and the TV station come to their business to interview me and they also gave me a tour of the facility. Pretty cool. They also took me out for dinner and Big Al and Tucker hung with me for a couple of drinks. And while I was there a couple showed up out of no where on a vacation and they let them come in and see the business too! Great people for sure! They also contributed to the cause before I even asked, because I have to be honest and admit that I would have asked :-)

Notice the picture of the fish and the guy delivering it to my hotel room - freshly cooked for my breakfast - is Randy's brother Rick. (If I got any names wrong - I so apologize and let me know) He said he would do it, but I didn't think he really would. Al said he was a man of his word and that I better be ready in the morning.

They had great memorial pieces around the shop for Gary. If you didn't know, he passed away in September of 2005 at the age of only 52. That's his picture up in the top left and those are his work clothes in the picture beside him. In the lower left is Big Al. Under Gary is me and Randy.

To all of you there at Milwaukee Iron, thank you very much for your hospitality. I had a great time!

Back in West Virginia

2006-07-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hi there biker fans :-) I'm back in West Virginia and will be heading out again tomorrow to visit a surprise place. I'll tell you about it after I have been there. Aaaawwww I know that's now fair but it's fun.

I have some awesome video of me and some new friends riding our bikes. Really good film that would be great if I ever get to make a documentary or use all of these recordings and pictures for anything. Oh and yesterday I met some people who just had a good friend pass away and they actually gave me a part of his bike to put on mine - a visor for my headlamp. I was blown away and honored - of course I cried - but just couldn't believe they would share something like that with me. They had only just met me. And to top it off, this man's daughter had just been told Sunday that she was going to get a house from Habitat! How cool is that! I'll share more later like I said when I get settled in with my computer.

I'm on Throttle's computer so I can't add any pictures but I will next blog after I settle at my next stop - the secret stop - hehehehe.

In New York Today

2006-07-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

I arrived in New Jersey Friday night, and just as I got to the toll booth and pulled over to see where I was, I noticed my foot pad for the gear shift was missing! Don't know when it fell off or how I could not notice.

Got it fixed today and headed in to New York to meet up with an old friend from the coffee industry - Scott Rogers - who used to be the east coast rep to my west coast for Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. He's a good guy for sure. Thanks for dinner Scott and for your help. Since all of your pictures are in video I don't have one here for you. :=(

We also ate with Richard and Bernice - owners of Ceylon Treasures Tea company. I will be helping them tomorrow at their booth in the Everything 4 Coffee and Tea trade show in NYC. I should have been in helping them today but for the bike trauma. Also great people!

Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Skyline Drive, and visiting Throttle

2006-07-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Want to see my Bear Butt? :-)

He was pretty close and he kept stopping and turning around and looking at me like "I dare you to come over here". I filmed for a while until I decided I better get a picture of him before he hit the woods. So this is the shot I have to share - and I think in this case it's his best side!

This is from left to right: Me, Spinner, Fox and Throttle. I stayed at Throttle's house in Virginia and she arranged for me to go be on this radio show, Classic Rock 101.5in Chambersburg, PA - which was a blast! Spinner and Fox made me feel right at home. Spinner's show is on from the wee hours of the morning until after Throttle and I left at around 11am. Spinner talked to me on air many times over several hours and helped me explain what I am doing in hopes of raising some pledges. Throttle had been on the show before for her book "The Biker Babe's Bible; A guide to Being a Good Ole Lady". She signed and gave me a copy which I read today and it had lots of interesting and helpful information for anyone who rides. She will be coming out with a couple new books and I can't wait for the recipe book after seeing the dishes she has in the back of this one. This book relates to how a woman (ole lady) should know her place (don't scream - it's ok) in the biker world - the MC club world. I swear that if I changed a few terms, it would relate to how a woman is expected to act in the corporate world - supporting her man on the way up the ladder. This is a peak into the world of the one percenters (see her book at www.bikerbabesbible.com) and I can only tell you that Throttle, Tex, and Papa Smurf were great hosts! She makes a mean Margaritta! Throttle rode with me on the way to Baltimore - to show me the back roads - and we had a blast. This lady can ride and has had her own bike since she was 11! I took some film of us riding (don't ask) and it's great.

Healing the Heart and New Friends!

2006-07-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Tara, KT did, Jennifer, Petra, Kim, Gar, Race, RJ, Harley Girl, Tara...all who check in on me. I started this ride to heal my heart form my parents (mostly my mom's death) and to help someone on the way. Thanks to you who have written and those I have met - I am on the way to figuring out what this great adventure is really going to mean to me and to others who watch me. I am not afraid of this ride - I am learing a lot about myself and others as I go along. I am forever grateful for those of you who have written me and find what I am doing of use. I am afraid sometimes that I will fall short of helping the charities and people I hoped to help, but I will keep making noise and hoping I can make a difference. I wish all of you out there could do something like this ride - something that has meaning for you - to help get your life on the road it is meant to follow.
I stopped at a very cool bed and breakfast in Georgia last night, and as it happens, the women who owns it had done something like I am doing before women were really excepted as "riders". She had great courage and got on her bike and went out across this country when women were not doing anything close to this. She worked and did things I don't have to do as I travel this land. She had to find ferself and she did. I spent this morning having breakfast (home made form their own grist mill) crying as I tried to eat. The setting was incredible - water fall outside of screened in porch, flowers like an English country setting, people I met who included me in their games of dominoes - all in all a really intuitive experience. I wish I could have spent a couple of more days sharing and learning from this lady. She has gone above what I am doing, and she welcomed me into her (their) home knowing that I was on a quest like she did so many years ago. What I hope from all of this is that a few more people will strike out how ever they see fit and find out what their life means to them and to the world as they can effect it.
Sorry to be so deep, but this trip is much more of a journey into self and others than I thought it would be. And I am so excited when someone like Jennifer writes and says that anything I have done caused her to fight her fears and follow a dream. We are here for a short time and I think we should make every minute count - and count for what we do and not what someone says we will be forgiven for doing or should do - or were forced to do because of someone else - but to take responsibility every day for what we do and who and what we effect by what we do... it's really up to us. Even if you are a very devout religious person - you are responsible to do the right thing with the information you are given at all times - no excuses .
I have seen a movie that spoke to me - and it's a very bizarre movie for most I'm sure - but if you get a chance to open your mind and experience something different try watching "What the Bleep do We Know". A friend had me watch this movie - and being interested in science as I am - the movie spoke to me. Hope I don't lose some of you on this but always keep an open mind.
The lady who checked me into a room in Oak Ridge, Tennessee tonight (with a discount due to what I am doing) said that God was watching me because of what I am doing - I don't know about God - but I do know that you are watching me and I want to do right by you.
Ok - going to go to bed and shut up now. Hope to hear from all of you about what makes you strive for more. You know what I am doing.
Hey - I rode the Tail of the Dragon today (you can find it online) :-) People kept saying things that should have scared me away - but I knew if I was sensible I would be ok - and I was :-)
resting and reaching out in Oak Ridge Tennessee.
You all mean so much to me - Thanks - and Happy Birthday Race (my baby boy) and thank you Gar (my EX) for being there with him.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

2006-07-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone - Happy 4th and I hope it was wonderful and fun. I am leaving Athens, GA tomorrow to continue the ride. Let me know what you did for the holiday.

Big hugs to all! :-)

E-mail I Can't Answer from Jennifer

2006-07-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

I hope you read my blog Jennifer - who wants to go to Montana. I tried to answer your e-mail and it bounced back to me as denied to your edu address. I would love to send you my response if I can - do you have a different address? Here are some pictures from MT for you :-)

Jennifer is in her 20s and is finding her courage early - compared to women my age. She has a great story. It's about a dream of going to Montana - where I was born and raised - and she is going to finally go there! I hope I can reach her. Wouldn't want her to think I didn't care to answer. I would love to share more - but I don't have her permission - and won't have if I can't reach her. Bummer, but her note came just when I needed it. She is thanking me for encouraging her by my story and she did the same for me!

Hi Kt did - I met Petra from VTwin Mama, but not the Petra who has been writing me from NC. VTwin Mama Petra was cool though. We talked some and are looking at each others sites for helpful input. She just had her 5th anniversary for the site. Have you been there anyone? And thanks for the suggestion about pictures - I just accidentally figured out that the pop up blocker was stopping them! Go figure!

I have images of New Orleans up on the site now, but I need to go in and add captions. With two people in different parts of the world working on the same site - it takes a little juggling sometimes.

Tonight's the closing dinner for AMA and tomorrow morning is the start of the Women on Wheels ride-in. I'll go check that out too. It's 100 out - and that is just too darned hot! Even riding the bike doesn't cool you off!

Athens Georgia AMA Women's Motorcycle Conference

2006-07-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hey there :-)
I'm in my booth at the conference, selling my little pins and talking to lots of women riders. It's been good to see so many ladies riding in from all over the country - and some have come from different countries to be here, I think 10 in all.
I'm sorry there are no pictures yet - the darned blog won't upload them. However, I am adding an image page to my site for all of those extra pictures - like lots from New Orleans. That should be functional by tomorrow I think, maybe even later today.
I'm going to check with tech support and get this image thing fixed so I can keep putting pics up with my comments. I'm working on that right now - so I better get back to it!
Oh - and did you see my new map on the site? Check it out.

New Orleans

2006-06-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I'm still here in New Orleans. I just talked to Song - the very talented web designer - and he is going to add a page to my site for images. I have lots from driving around town and seeing what is happening. We don't see much on the news, but here it's on all the time. People are still trying to figure out what to do - rebuild - tear down - come back - sell... Read the note I put on my home page - I hope that makes sense and helps the effort.

Really - it only takes one dollar from lots and lots of people to make that dollar a powerful tool. One person sending New Orleans a dollar can't do much, but if a million people send a dollar to me to give to them, houses can be built and lives can be saved here and through Grounds for Health. Everyone can spare a dollar - well maybe not everyone - but lots!

The ABATE chapter here in New Orleans has totally taken care of me! I haven't had to do anything - they are 3 steps ahead of me at all times. (Thanks Kim – for contacting them for me) They got my room comped at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans, they've fed me (some pretty great New Orleans food!), they've taken me around to see the devastation, (even their own homes), took me to Harley Davidson of New Orleans to get my bike worked on (and HD of N.O. didn't make me pay for anything!!!). It's just incredible! Thank you Grant, Emilie, Poet... All who came out and rode in with me - all who had dinner with me - and everyone! I will get a proper list and thank all of you (of course with Emilie's help – you have gone above and beyond in helping me!).

I walked through Emilie’s house and it is gutted. The water line is about 6’ up and it was higher than that for a while. Upstairs there are still piles of things she hasn’t been able to get out. People have been living there while it’s empty and hopefully will not do any more damage. All she can do is drive by and check it every now and then. The things left behind are heirlooms - but she is just so happy to have her family that she is willing to forfeit the “things”. Too many stories! Too much to be done!

I'll work on the picture thing again this afternoon. Catching up again :0)

Way to Go Kim and Thanks Smokey! No pictures yet :-(

2006-06-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Of course you did it Kim - you got back on that horse and rode like the wind! Ok - so maybe not like the wind - but you did it! (Kim had a bad accident and just got back on her bike) I knew you could do it :-)

Hi Kiddo - that is what I call my soon to be 35 year old son. Hey - they are always your babies. Glad you checked into the Blog - pretty cool about my friends and your dad huh. Hugs! And give Little Guy, Little Girl and Lucky big hugs from me too (my cats).

And Smokey - you are a very generous and kind person! I would have been looking for a room for hours and would definitely have ridden too long.

I met Smokey at a Popeye’s Chicken place - nothing but the best on the road :-) He saw my motorcycle and also my gear (kind of stand out) and asked me where I was riding. Well - that was the million-dollar question. The poor guy had to hear all about Robin's Ride. He took out his laptop and started looking for a good route with hotels for me. It was getting late in the evening and I wasn't sure how far to go, or where to find a room. He happened to be going to a town about 50 miles down the road, and called to see if they had another room. They did - he showed me the way - and I am cozy in my room. He was also so generous he paid for the room, which is more money that doesn't have to come out of the ride fund for the charities! YeeHaw. Still weird to take things from people, but I'll do it - yes I will - because it's has to be done.

Oh -I was interviewed by the CBS affiliate in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was on their 10pm news and is supposed to be on their site, but I can't find it yet. www.todaysthv.com Let them know if you can't find it either.

Something seems to be wrong with the bike - not enough to stop it - but I hope it makes it to New Orleans where I have people waiting for me.

It's been a while since I have been in the south. I graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville when my Ex and I lived near Oak Ridge, TN from 1982-1988. It's like all of those gothic romance novel covers - very sultry and sweet smelling - but kind of like a sauna outside. I remember I was so excited to see fireflies! But all of that's another story...:-)

Everyone's Ex Should be so Great!

2006-06-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks Ex of Robin, Father of Race, Husband of Judy, Step Father of Jill, Friend of Ray and most of all Friend of Robin :-) Chivalry is not dead!

Some People are Just Small

2006-06-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

I know of only one, maybe 2 people who could be this mean - actually one and SHE isn't worth the bother. I know who I am - and from the sounds of it Ktdid, Road Captain and Harley Girl - you do to. Thanks.

Today was long - left at about 8:30 am and just checked in at about 11:30pm. Went back in to Kansas City today on the suggestion of Ron - the gentleman from the hail storm - who arranged for me to be at Reno's Yamaha while they had a special promo going on and got me some air time. Thank you Ron - you worked very hard to spread the word and I appreciate it very much. These are the real and selfless people who are out there.

Actually - I wondered how long before something like this would happen. There's always someone who can't see others do well.

A Very Small World!

2006-06-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Can't get my images to upload - I'll keep trying!! SORRY

So I'm in Carthage Missouri, and I'm unloading my bike in front of the Precious Moments Best Western Hotel - no kidding - there really is one and it's big and pink! So anyway - back to unloading and 2 couples ride in on their bikes - two up - and one guy comes walking over and said he knew me and that I was doing some charity ride thing. I said I don't think you know who I am, and it turns out they saw me on the KOMO TV news cast donewhen I left Seattle and he recognized me and my red hair. What a small world!!! They live in the Seattle area and had just shipped their bikes to Chicago and were riding back to Seattle via Route 66 - how cool. John and Jan Marie - Jeff and Debbie - thank you so much for the best pick me up! I needed your smiling faces - and thank you so very much for your generous contribution!!! Rubber Down and Have the most fun possible on your adventure! Keep in touch.

Hi Ktdid - Glad you are still checking in. Don't be jealous - Share my new friends, and you don't have to share my sore tired butt :-)

I was caught in a sever thunder and hail storm yesterday, and it turned out to be a great thing. I met a gentleman named Ron who was caught in the same storm and bougth me soup at a truck stop. He left me a message this evening that he had talked to Reno's Yamaha near Kansas City and that they said I could come over to their dealership tomorrow and be on the radio talking about Robin's Ride! That is great and so unexpected! Thanks Ron and I look forward to meeting or talking to the other people you mentioned. Didn't get to meet Gail of Gail's Harley Davidson, but maybe tomorrow at their outdoor BBQ lunch. Ron tried to talk to her too. I am over 100 miles south of Kansas City - but I am going to go right back up there. Can't miss out on that publicity to spread the word and get some pledges of sponsors! Will be a killer day tomorrow because I need to get within striking distance of New Orleans to be there on Sunday night.

I tried to get to the Harley plant where they make Dynas and got there just when they closed. A nice lady let me in to the gift shop and I got a pin. Then I talked to security to see if there was anyone I could talk to and there wasn't, but they were very nice. Then outside I asked one of the employees where Gail's Harley was and this is his picture. I hope his name was Mike - and if not - you have to let me know and I'll change it. Thanks!

Rubber Down to all my new traveling friends!

What a Day - Hail - Ouch!

2006-06-22T23:10:00.000-07:00

Boy today was some rough riding. I left the Denver area and the weather was great, not to hot, not too cold and I thought I had it made. Last night I saw the most incredible lightning show, which was great because I was safe in my room. Today when I saw the lightening I thought about the guy they said got hit by lightening yesterday, killing him and putting a 4' hole in the road! Hummmmmm, helmet, metal bike, lightening, rain, hail...did slow me down a little.

My gloves were soaked and weighed about 5lbs each so I stopped at a gas station and bought a pair of those classy black rubber working gloves and then a pair of the soft brown fabric working gloves to wear inside to keep warm. The only problem with the rubber gloves is that they tend to stick to the handgrips. Could be a problem don't you think?

So now I'm warm and safe in a room for the night. The adventure continues tomorrow :-)

Fluffy - how do I write you?

2006-06-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hi there Fluffy - I'm in Loveland Colorado at this moment - where are you? Maybe we can meet up before Georgia - that would be fun. E-mail me at robin@robinsrideforwomen.com

Thanks for keeping me at your house Lisa (Kim's friend in Laramie, WY)!! Steve was great fun (that's a cat people), wish I would have taken a picture of him. Thanks for pointing out the CO, WY mistake. I was making changes while you were reading it. Wow - Nice to know you were on the blog :-) And for those of you who didn't see, I had Loveland in WY instead of CO originally

Here's another picture for all.

This is between Cheyenne and Laramie, WY. Good day of travel, lots of wind and my motorcycle engine light came on a couple of times - which worried me.

This is one of the guys at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson in Loveland, CO (Bo I think - I'll fix it tomorrow if it's not). I stopped to see if they could figure out why the light came on. Seems there isn't a problem, and I had a chance to meet Dana, their marketing person who is trying to help me get some air time on 107.9 The Bear radio station. I have to call the morning guy at 6am - arghhhh - to see if they can fit me in. Hope so.

You know I need to make noise out there to get more pledges! Haven't gotten any for a week on my web site! What's up with that? Am I not asking right? Send me input and suggestions on the pledge page please.

Chick's Ride, Good Job Kim and Amy!

2006-06-19T00:48:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Casper, WY late Friday night so that I could get up and go on the Chick's Run Saturday morning. We all got together and rode from Casper to Sheridan. What a ride. The speed limit is 75, and I'm used to 60! That's my bike in the left corner.

The lady with the horn is Amy trying to round us all up for the ride. The lady to the far right is Kim. This is their 5th run, and they have worked very hard to make it a success. I was the winner of the longest ride to reach the ride, which is going to look pretty short at the end of Robin's Ride. They were also very generous and let me announce my ride to their riders. And just when you think it can't get any better, I was saying goodbye to all at breakfast and when I turned to leave, Kim called me back and gave me a contribution from her, Amy and the band from the night before. I have been in a band and have learned from watching RJ in a band, that the talented musicians we see are only paid to move their equipment around, not for their talent. Thanks to "Jester's Court" for the music and your heart felt contribution! And Thanks to Kim and Amy for contacting me and letting me know about your ride!

The blue bike is owned by Nash Montana - that's her nickname - and the detail on this bike was like none I've seen. It was too cool. Thanks for letting me take the picture Nash.

I am behind the green bike with its owner Joy - and she really is - a joy. She is selling this bike so her husband can build her another. You remember you are worth it all Joy!!!

Good Eats in Polson MT

2006-06-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

Quick note. If you are ever going to Flathead Lake, Mt- which you should - you must stop by Papa Don's for some of the best BBQ I have ever had. Just look at these ribs! The beans were like none I have ever had and quite good. Had to share :-)

And shouldn't a girl have some good BBQ after helmet hair like this!!! My friend Sally thought it quite amusing. We have been friends since High School in Missoula, MT. She still lives there and we hook up from time to time. Once we lost touch for 15 years. Shouldn't let that happen with friends.

Yellowstone Adventure!

2006-06-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

After leaving Emigrant, Mt and my stay with Genevieve, I headed through Yellowstone Park on the way to Wyoming. This is somewhere everyone should visit. It's amazing to see the scenery and animals without any development. I was able to get up close and personal with bear, bison, mountain goats, a wolf, waterfalls, steam vents...and the list goes on.

I miss judged my time hopping on and off my bike taking pictures, and I got held up on the mountain at the east exit due to construction on the road so I got into Casper, WY at about 12:30 at night. Not the best time to ride a bike. I was frozen and slightly tense after driving in the dark, watching for animals crossing the road. Only a couple of rabbits and a fox ran across, but lots of deer and antelope were beside the road all along the way. Just glad they didn't hop out!

I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Casper and they were kind enough to give me a discount due to my ride's purpose. Thank you Hampton Inn!

Meeting Genevieve from www.WomenRidersNow.com

2006-06-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hi All - I'm back!

I've been riding through Montana and I just arrived in Emigrant, Mt and am sitting across from Genevieve Schmitt, the publisher of the online magazine for women riders (and anyone really). She was the very first person that I contacted to ask for support and to get some exposure. She wasted no time at all in publishing my story and updated it just yesterday to reflect that I have started this great adventure.

You know - I really think we should stop believing all of that negative stuff we read and see in the news because I'm meeting the best people!! Oh, and she offered me a bed tonight and I gratefully accepted. Now that's what I'm talking about - Montana hospitality at it's best.

If you have never gone to her site, you must go!

Cruiser's Bar at Stateline, WA Where Motorcycles Drive Through!

2006-06-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

I met this group of riders on Day 2, just after Waterville. They were kind enough to change their schedule to take RJ and myself to the Cruiser's Bar at the Stateline, WA. It's a great place where you literally drive your motorcycle through the bar and then go park. Great Place! The owner Sheri Herberholz had a fundraiser a little while back that raised over 38,000 for an 8-year-0ld victim of kidnapping, that will be place in trust for her when she is older. This is also in support of a stricter penalty for 1st time offences so this kind of thing will have a better chance of not happening again. Good Job Sheri! She really is a great person and very active in support of charity. If you are near Spokane or Post Falls, WA, you must go there and say hi to Shari or Bear the bartender for me :-)
Thanks to the group of riders: Mike (Papa Lardo) and Vickie, Robbie, Phillip, Dana (Calamity Red) and Bill (Sweet William), Butcher Mike, Janice with me on the bike. Hope to ride with you again soon.

2006-06-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Sorry so long posting.

Check out this town I went through in eastern Washington called Waterville - quintessential small-town-America! I went camera crazy! Just put a few pictures of cool things I saw together to give you a taste for the place. I would love to stay in the old hotel some day.

And MemphisGirl, I will be going through Knoxville at least because I'll ride the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Not sure about Memphis but keep checking :-)

Storm Ahead

2006-06-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

Here's a picture of Stevens Pass. That's the first pass I went through Saturday - enjoy.

This is just a quick note because I need to leave Spokane soon. They are expecting a storm with 50 miles an hour winds and 3/4" hail!!! Don't want to be in that. So I'll check back in when I get settled in Montana.

Day 1 - KOMO TV ABC ch4 filmed and keeps showing!

2006-06-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

WooHoo - Day 1 and it was great! The morning started frenzied with final packing and getting to send off at Harley-Davidson or Seattle in Lynnwood, WA (guys - you did a great job!).

First stop was at a little log restaurant and motel called The Squirrel at Coals Corner, just west of Leavenworth, WA. I ran in and saw that they had a TV and RJ and I were trying to find a place by 5pm to see my broadcast on KOMO TV ch 4 ABC (wonder if it goes across the country?). They turned the channel and there I was!!! What a kick. Everyone there, including the guys from the kitchen came out and watched. And everyone bought my Robin's Ride pin!! My first pin! My first stop! My first TV news broadcast! My first new friends on the road: Kerry, Kent, Roger, Debbie, Walt, Mars, Tim, Dave, Travis, Crystal and Dale who will be married next weekend - congratulations!, Lacey who bought pins for herself and three to take home to her daughters Sydney, Morgan and Kady!!!! Thanks guys - you were the best.

Next on to Wenatchee to spend the night, and as I got off my bike I met a lady named Diedra - I hope I spelled that right - and she is actively involved in rescuing golden retriever. Her dog could be related to the one my friend Lynn rescued from a horrible puppy factory a few years ago. She is going to help raise some sponsorship dollars! Thank you Diedra!!!

First bike trauma, I almost lost my saddlebag. It was hanging on by a thread when we stopped. Lucky it didn't fall off. My boyfriend RJ was following me and it could have caused trouble for him. He will be with me through today and then go on back home. Then on I go!

People are really very kind and helpful. All you really have to do is talk to them and smile :-)

New Friends

2006-06-08T09:40:00.001-07:00

Hi Kim, KT and Petra! I love coming here and finding notes!!!

Kim - you are incredible! I want everyone to know that she didn't know me from Adam, and she took it upon herself to contact every ABATE group in the universe - well at least the entire US - and that's some task. Watch for her in the future - she knows how to make things happen and she will be doing good things for all of us women riders...Kim - you know that you will :-)

KT and Petra, I am going to make sure we hook up on the ride. I will be by both of you this summer so we just have to keep in touch.

Hugs to all of you!

Getting Pretty Excited and Getting Lots of Help!

2006-06-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

I just have to tell you that I'm impressed with people offering help! Check out a great blog: http://www.ktdidshort.blogspot.com/ Kathy put a link and explanation of my ride on her blog page and I got a comment from it right away. Also, there is a great lady in Longview WA who is a member of ABATE, and who is contacting chapters all across the country to get me support. Her name if Kim and she is very funny as well as kind.

Hopefully Kim and some friends will come up to see me off at the HD of Seattle. And anyone within riding range of Lynnwood, WA - please come on down. There is a link on the HD Seattle site for directions: www.harley-davidsonofseattle.com and then go into my page there and the link is "here at the store".

There will be a women's clinic at 11am on safety checks and packing your bike for a long trip, and another one at 1pm that I am not sure of yet. And I apologize in advance if I get too emotional when I leave. My heart will be on my shoulder.

Keep those cards and letters coming :-) Oh, and I just have to tell all - you can't even imagine the excitement and gratitude when I receive a pledge. It amazes me that people who don't even know me are supporting this event. There's a lot of wonderful people out there and women sharing incredible stories. I thank you all - New Orleans thanks you and women who may have picked the beans in your coffee this morning thank you!!!!!

Web designer will kill me

2006-06-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

This is just one of those days. I went in and updated some things on the web and I seem to have lost the Pledge page. Not a good thing! Let me know if you try before it's back up and can't get in.
But hey - Breaking News! The Harley-Davidson of Seattle is going all out and planning an incredible send off for me on Saturday the 10th. Just goes to show you how much your local Harley dealer cares. I am so grateful for their support and their way over the top help.

I'll be stopping at the Harley in Kalispell on the 13th, and Missoula (Montana both) on the 14th. I hope to hit as many dealerships on the way so people can find me and come say hi. Your comments and support are very uplifting. I have heard from some pretty wonderful and courageous women!

When you start something - don't be afraid to ask for help - you'll find that most people are great and will do what they can for you. Good lesson!

Lets help those with less than us always.

Virgin Blogger

2006-06-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Help - I just got the best comments from Kt Did and bar bar a and I don't know how to answer. What a putz! I even sent one off to one of you and don't know where it went. This is so embarrasing. I need Blogger 101, can you help?

Old Snohomish Motorcycle Show

2006-05-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well I just got back from doing my first motorcycle show in Snohomish, WA. It was great and I met lots of good people. I had a lot of positive response and I am very grateful to those who pledged or donated at this event. Just heard the new hurricane season starts June 1st and there is so much to do. My booth has the red table cloth - of course. Had to match the bike.

I had the priviledge to meet Mike Dalgaard, Publisher of Quick Throttle Magazine, He was very kind and helpful. Thank you Mike! If you have never picked up a copy, you should. They are regional from the west coast to the central and southern states - soon to be everywhere. And that's good for all of us riders who want to keep a handle on what is happeing in your area. There is always a great list of events and shows. Mike - if you see this and I said it wrong let me know because I can't blame the editor :-)

I came home in a heavy rain storm, and I ended up with some very interesting helmet hair. These strands were hard as a rock and sticking straight out. Still working on overcoming that fear!

Cossacks in stacks - say that three times really fast :-)

And one can never be too young for a chopper! This bike actually ran, in a very safe toy type way, and he was a very happy boy.

Robin's Ride For Women, Overcoming the Fear of Life and Helmet Hair

2006-05-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

Robin's Ride For Women, Overcoming the Fear of Life and Helmet Hair
If you are checking in on my site and have any questions at all, please let me know. Thanks

Getting ready for that long ride

2006-05-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

How many of you reading this are women, and how many of you either ride a motorcycle with another person or have one of your own? Please share in this blog, or e-mail me at robin@robinsrideforwomen.com. Let's share what it's like to ride as a woman, or like a woman. That can mean a lot different things for each of you and that's the beauty of it all. What does riding as a woman mean to you? 'After all, there are over 4 million of us out there - so lets talk.
And by the way, what do you men out there think about women riders? Do you share your ride because it's more economical, or do you just feel comfortable with your lady next to you on the bike? And what do you think about women riding their own bikes?

My First Blog

2006-05-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hello World! Testing my blog.