Saturday 9/23/06

What a day. After all the preparation and anticipation, D-Day finally came. We headed out of LA onto the Pacific Coast Highway and through Malibu – then some white knuckle driving through Topanga Canyon. I’d forgotten about California highway drop offs. Miss a turn and it is a long way down with no guard rails in lots of places! But it was all worth it. We stopped at the Rock Store. I’d never heard of it and was wondering why we were stopping off to look at minerals. Turns out it is a famous biker stop. One young biker approached us and started talking about his experience with colon cancer while in college and how it had recurred just a few years ago. He was the big strong macho type and I got the impression he didn’t share his story much. But when he saw our group and heard we were all cancer survivors he felt compelled to share. So this isn’t just about breast cancer – it’s about finding the commonality and humanity in every stranger you meet. What an amazing day.

Mercedes

Wow! Yesterday was gorgeous. S turn after S turn up and around Topang Pass. I was fortunate to have a cautious and slow rider before me to set the pace for me. I really wanted to take those curves FAST. As a newbie, it is so great to have such awesome and experienced riders showing me the ropes. What a great group. Honey, I miss those hang gliding days of camping out beneath the stars and having no agenda. I’m seeing the West from a new point of view and loving every minute of it. David – I miss you a ton. I love you to pieces.

Ride on.

Natalie

Sunday 9/24/06

I made it to church today Dad! I want a Dyna Super Glide for Christmas. Please tell Santa I’ve been good! : )

Joan

Sunny Queensland now has new competition for “Beautiful on day! Perfect the next!” I love California. My Amazon Heart sisters gave me my biker nick name last night…”Squirt”. I believe I have made some life long friends within this group. I hope all the girls going on the Australian ride are keeping up to date with what we are up to. I am truly enjoying myself and every day just keep getting better. There are a few special people at home I am truly missing…you know who you are “KH”. To my lil nephew, Aunty Karen is riding a very loud bike. Keeping the sunny side up!

Squirt AKA Karen