Amazon Heart Thunder Blog
Adventures for Breast Cancer Survivors - www.amazonheart.org
Amazon Heart Thunder Blog
Day Six Photos
Thank you Bay Park Hotel, Monterey!
Beautiful ride to Santa Cruz
Lunch at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Skyline
Through the Redwoods
Bonus stop near Alice's Restaurant
Day Six - Monterey to Palo Alto
Another beautiful morning as we woke in Monterey - cool, but clear and
no fog. We loaded up the vans then stopped to take a group photo in
front of the Bay Park Hotel, who have supported us on every year of the
ride, and then filled up the bikes to head out on the road.
Fast freeway riding this morning in perfect conditions - we ride in the
fast lane for safety reasons so that we are away from the merging
traffic, but with so many bikes usually there is a lag factor and we end
up riding a little slower than the speed limit. No such issue this
morning - 24 bikes and three vans in perfect formation PASSING traffic
as we belted down the road.
We arrived in sunny and warm Santa Cruz and found our way through the
town down to the famous boardwalk - the only continuously operating
seaside amusement park left on the West Coast for almost 100 years now.
It was warm and sunny and we enjoyed a beautiful lunch on the water.
Amy and Annelie tried out their new US Harley riding skills in the
amusement arcade on the Harley riding machine. As Annelie said, "That
chick can really ride!"
Then it was back on the bikes and winding our way out of Santa Cruz and
on to Highway 9, a beautiful twisty road through the redwoods. 25
gorgeous miles later we popped out on the top of the ridge at Skyline,
Highway 35. We made a short stop to regroup, then on up Skyline for
more redwoods and spectacular views.
We overshot our turn off by a mile, which meant we got to turn around at
Alice's Restaurant (the famous one in the song) and then back to our
intended road, Old La Honda - a tiny, twisty one lane road through the
redwoods and past some very large mansions.
After a few miles we popped out down the bottom of the hill, and then on
some easy roads in to our hotels in Palo Alto - every year the Westin
and Sheraton hotels (side by side) support our group and once again put
on a great welcome with reserved parking for all of our bikes.
We have now reached the Bay Area, but will be heading north through the East
Bay to see more of this stunning state before our final run in to San
Francisco on Saturday.
no fog. We loaded up the vans then stopped to take a group photo in
front of the Bay Park Hotel, who have supported us on every year of the
ride, and then filled up the bikes to head out on the road.
Fast freeway riding this morning in perfect conditions - we ride in the
fast lane for safety reasons so that we are away from the merging
traffic, but with so many bikes usually there is a lag factor and we end
up riding a little slower than the speed limit. No such issue this
morning - 24 bikes and three vans in perfect formation PASSING traffic
as we belted down the road.
We arrived in sunny and warm Santa Cruz and found our way through the
town down to the famous boardwalk - the only continuously operating
seaside amusement park left on the West Coast for almost 100 years now.
It was warm and sunny and we enjoyed a beautiful lunch on the water.
Amy and Annelie tried out their new US Harley riding skills in the
amusement arcade on the Harley riding machine. As Annelie said, "That
chick can really ride!"
Then it was back on the bikes and winding our way out of Santa Cruz and
on to Highway 9, a beautiful twisty road through the redwoods. 25
gorgeous miles later we popped out on the top of the ridge at Skyline,
Highway 35. We made a short stop to regroup, then on up Skyline for
more redwoods and spectacular views.
We overshot our turn off by a mile, which meant we got to turn around at
Alice's Restaurant (the famous one in the song) and then back to our
intended road, Old La Honda - a tiny, twisty one lane road through the
redwoods and past some very large mansions.
After a few miles we popped out down the bottom of the hill, and then on
some easy roads in to our hotels in Palo Alto - every year the Westin
and Sheraton hotels (side by side) support our group and once again put
on a great welcome with reserved parking for all of our bikes.
We have now reached the Bay Area, but will be heading north through the East
Bay to see more of this stunning state before our final run in to San
Francisco on Saturday.
Day Five Photos
Leaving Cambria
Meeting breast cancer supporters at the Elephant Seal Vista Point
The gang at Ragged Point
Riding Big Sur
A beautiful day for a ride up the stunning California coast
Day Five - Cambria to Monterey
This morning the wild winds from last night had died away, and for the
first time we woke to clear skies and no fog in Cambria!
As we packed the vans and readied the bikes for the day's ride, we met
two breast cancer survivors who were staying in our hotel - one a long
term survivor who also rode bikes, and the other a young woman half way
through her treatment. It was wonderful to spend a little time with
them and share our stories and our journey.
Then it was off on the day's ride - no difficult riding instructions
today - just turn left on to PCH1, and 100 miles later turn right into
our hotel! That doesn't convey the absolute magic of the day's ride
though.
A few miles along the way we made our first stop - at the famous Hearst
Castle. We didn't have time to go on a tour, but checked out the view
from the visitor centre. The day was so clear we could see the Castle
high on the ridge from the road, as well as the zebras grazing in the
grounds next to us.
Next stop was also a few miles down the road - a beach where hundreds of
elephant seals sleep during the day. We stopped for more photos, and to
chat to some of the other tourists, some of whom had family members who
had been through breast cancer. The docent on duty was wearing a pink
ribbon visor and fundraises for breast cancer and asked for a photo with
the group.
Back on the road again and half an hour up the road we went through our
first hair pins on Big Sur before stopping at a vista point at Ragged
Point for a group photo and last stop before tackling the big stretch of
twisty road ahead.
The next 50 miles of road was glorious. Perfect temperature, bright
blue sunny skies and shimmering ocean, spectacular cliff edges, twist
after twist after switchback after twist, and the group rode perfectly
at high speed - so quickly that no traffic was backed up behind us until
close to our lunch stop, and the whole group stayed together and in
sight with no traffic cutting in.
Lunch was at Ripplewood in the redwood forest and was a welcome chance
to stretch and share excitement at the road we had just travelled. We
met a group of cyclists riding south from San Francisco to LA to raise
funds for arthritis who were jealous of our Harleys!
Back on the bikes again for one of the most beautiful stretches of Big
Sur - where low shrubs of deep red and purple line the road, and the
views are gorgeous, before running in through Carmel and into Monterey
and our hotel.
Thank you again to the Bay Park Hotel in Monterey who look after us
every year with great hotel rates and love having us visit.
Today's ride takes us ever further north and into the mighty redwood
forests.
first time we woke to clear skies and no fog in Cambria!
As we packed the vans and readied the bikes for the day's ride, we met
two breast cancer survivors who were staying in our hotel - one a long
term survivor who also rode bikes, and the other a young woman half way
through her treatment. It was wonderful to spend a little time with
them and share our stories and our journey.
Then it was off on the day's ride - no difficult riding instructions
today - just turn left on to PCH1, and 100 miles later turn right into
our hotel! That doesn't convey the absolute magic of the day's ride
though.
A few miles along the way we made our first stop - at the famous Hearst
Castle. We didn't have time to go on a tour, but checked out the view
from the visitor centre. The day was so clear we could see the Castle
high on the ridge from the road, as well as the zebras grazing in the
grounds next to us.
Next stop was also a few miles down the road - a beach where hundreds of
elephant seals sleep during the day. We stopped for more photos, and to
chat to some of the other tourists, some of whom had family members who
had been through breast cancer. The docent on duty was wearing a pink
ribbon visor and fundraises for breast cancer and asked for a photo with
the group.
Back on the road again and half an hour up the road we went through our
first hair pins on Big Sur before stopping at a vista point at Ragged
Point for a group photo and last stop before tackling the big stretch of
twisty road ahead.
The next 50 miles of road was glorious. Perfect temperature, bright
blue sunny skies and shimmering ocean, spectacular cliff edges, twist
after twist after switchback after twist, and the group rode perfectly
at high speed - so quickly that no traffic was backed up behind us until
close to our lunch stop, and the whole group stayed together and in
sight with no traffic cutting in.
Lunch was at Ripplewood in the redwood forest and was a welcome chance
to stretch and share excitement at the road we had just travelled. We
met a group of cyclists riding south from San Francisco to LA to raise
funds for arthritis who were jealous of our Harleys!
Back on the bikes again for one of the most beautiful stretches of Big
Sur - where low shrubs of deep red and purple line the road, and the
views are gorgeous, before running in through Carmel and into Monterey
and our hotel.
Thank you again to the Bay Park Hotel in Monterey who look after us
every year with great hotel rates and love having us visit.
Today's ride takes us ever further north and into the mighty redwood
forests.
Participant Comments
October 2nd
Hi everyone, can you believe this, I am in LA driving on the wrong side
of the road, what a challenge, something I am up for, something about
these rides, helps me face each new challenge in my life with a smile
and a "Bring it on."
Love, Lynday, Melbourne, Australia
Hi Babe (Irene) arrived safe, hope you got my texts, having an awesome
time, weather is hot, hope all is well at home, missing you, love you
heaps.
Shaz xxx
There is a girl sitting next to us with real cool shoes - they are a
sexy stiletto. They are not as cool as my boots. My boots are black
with flames. They are worn out, scuffed up and muddy. They are
perfectly worn in. They have been lived in. My new "normal" life is
all about living. The ocean is so loud here. But so are my wonderful
Amazon Sisters. We are loud and living.
Pippi
To all my friends, can u believe that I am actually here in LA, it is
unbelievable. This is the best experience of my life and it is only day
two, all the girls are fantastic and make me feel so welcomed. Time for
my cleansing Ale I raise my glass to Bad Aussie and hi to all my sistas.
Love, Shaz xx
October 3rd
Hi to everyone in Wagga Wagga and those who know where Wagga Wagga is.
Here I am, on a Harley-Davidson, 3 times bigger than my 250cc and the
smallest bike here. Riding on the wrong side of the road, through LA
traffic, winding through the mountain passes and along the great coastal
highway with the greatest bunch of biker women. Left Ventura HD after
some retail therapy, lunch in Santa Barbara and tonight in Buellton.
Thank you for your support that has allowed me to be on this great
adventure. Hugs to all.
Love, Denise.
In Buellton, drinking a cold beer after an amazing 175 mile ride this
morning with FABULOUS GIRLS! Love it! Love the US and the Harleys. As
Lillian Dube back home in Johanesburg says: "Without breast cancer I
would've never had so many incredible journeys." Lucky me!
Love, Annelie
Our 1st Official Ride day of the AHT US Oct 2009. Today during my
helmet time once again realized what an incredible turn my life has
taken since being diagnosed 5 years ago! Riding a bike has changed a
very negative situation to an awesome journey! AHT is the best thing
that has ever happened to me, seeing new places and meeting wonderful
new people. Riding a HD in USA, truly awesome!
See you soon, Amy xxx
Beautiful day of riding twisties and the "101". A couple of times I
think I knew how Dorothy and Toto felt when the tornado took them to
"Oz". Just a wee bit windy today! I still feel like pinching myself to
see if I am really here, and doing this ride. Everyone is so helpful
and cares about how you are doing. I can tell the group is already
starting to mold together. Go AHT 2009. Oh yeah, finished the day with
Pea Soup (Elvira said she saw the place on the Travel Channel).
Love, Lori
October 4th
Today's word for the day is WINDY! We had to ride in single file at
times because of being blown around the lane. Many people go to worship
services on Sunday. Today we attended the Church of Harley and gave
thanks for our lives, the beauty of creation, the Pacific Ocean and a
wine and cheese welcome at our destination. Another fabulous day with
fabulous women!
We're all sitting together enjoying wine and each other. This is such
an amazing group of women and we all shared a great...but windy...day
today! I can only say...how lucky to be me! I missed the Breast Cancer
Awareness Conference but everyone is here with me. I love life!!! Safe
riding!
Love, Jacqui, MN
To Linz and Brandon - New Zealand. I know you are watching our progress
on the website so Hi from Sunny California - Roads are fabulous - hardly
any traffic - weather great and the girls are too!
Pat
Hello, all! I got to ride on the back of a Harley for a few minutes
along PCH1. The Toyota Rav 4 is fun to drive and there is lots of
laughter with lovely ladies.
Jane
For my 3 wonderful kids, family and friends: I have just started this
ride and I already feel so confident and strong. I feel like I can fly
today. I ride all day, party in the evening and crash in my bed at
night. I wake up ready to start over in the morning. I will remember
this forever. Thank you to everybody who's helped to get me here.
Linda A.
MILA MONIKA, POZDRAVUJEME TA 2 KALIFORNIE A PRAJE - ME CO NAJRYCHLEJSIE
U2 DRAVENIE!
ELVIE AND THE AMAZONS
(Translation: Dear Monika, sending you warm greetings from California
and wishing you speedy recovery! Elvie and the Amazons)
OMG it was Findy today! Thank you BUB enterprises for lending me the
Kick Ass Sporty! Hugs to all my family and friends. We are all having
a great time - Sorry Arch no photos from the pillow fight or nude
surfing.
Pippi
Wonderful riding, awesome company. What a privilege to be in the USA
with our Amazon Sistas.
Love to all, Amy
Hi everyone, can you believe this, I am in LA driving on the wrong side
of the road, what a challenge, something I am up for, something about
these rides, helps me face each new challenge in my life with a smile
and a "Bring it on."
Love, Lynday, Melbourne, Australia
Hi Babe (Irene) arrived safe, hope you got my texts, having an awesome
time, weather is hot, hope all is well at home, missing you, love you
heaps.
Shaz xxx
There is a girl sitting next to us with real cool shoes - they are a
sexy stiletto. They are not as cool as my boots. My boots are black
with flames. They are worn out, scuffed up and muddy. They are
perfectly worn in. They have been lived in. My new "normal" life is
all about living. The ocean is so loud here. But so are my wonderful
Amazon Sisters. We are loud and living.
Pippi
To all my friends, can u believe that I am actually here in LA, it is
unbelievable. This is the best experience of my life and it is only day
two, all the girls are fantastic and make me feel so welcomed. Time for
my cleansing Ale I raise my glass to Bad Aussie and hi to all my sistas.
Love, Shaz xx
October 3rd
Hi to everyone in Wagga Wagga and those who know where Wagga Wagga is.
Here I am, on a Harley-Davidson, 3 times bigger than my 250cc and the
smallest bike here. Riding on the wrong side of the road, through LA
traffic, winding through the mountain passes and along the great coastal
highway with the greatest bunch of biker women. Left Ventura HD after
some retail therapy, lunch in Santa Barbara and tonight in Buellton.
Thank you for your support that has allowed me to be on this great
adventure. Hugs to all.
Love, Denise.
In Buellton, drinking a cold beer after an amazing 175 mile ride this
morning with FABULOUS GIRLS! Love it! Love the US and the Harleys. As
Lillian Dube back home in Johanesburg says: "Without breast cancer I
would've never had so many incredible journeys." Lucky me!
Love, Annelie
Our 1st Official Ride day of the AHT US Oct 2009. Today during my
helmet time once again realized what an incredible turn my life has
taken since being diagnosed 5 years ago! Riding a bike has changed a
very negative situation to an awesome journey! AHT is the best thing
that has ever happened to me, seeing new places and meeting wonderful
new people. Riding a HD in USA, truly awesome!
See you soon, Amy xxx
Beautiful day of riding twisties and the "101". A couple of times I
think I knew how Dorothy and Toto felt when the tornado took them to
"Oz". Just a wee bit windy today! I still feel like pinching myself to
see if I am really here, and doing this ride. Everyone is so helpful
and cares about how you are doing. I can tell the group is already
starting to mold together. Go AHT 2009. Oh yeah, finished the day with
Pea Soup (Elvira said she saw the place on the Travel Channel).
Love, Lori
October 4th
Today's word for the day is WINDY! We had to ride in single file at
times because of being blown around the lane. Many people go to worship
services on Sunday. Today we attended the Church of Harley and gave
thanks for our lives, the beauty of creation, the Pacific Ocean and a
wine and cheese welcome at our destination. Another fabulous day with
fabulous women!
We're all sitting together enjoying wine and each other. This is such
an amazing group of women and we all shared a great...but windy...day
today! I can only say...how lucky to be me! I missed the Breast Cancer
Awareness Conference but everyone is here with me. I love life!!! Safe
riding!
Love, Jacqui, MN
To Linz and Brandon - New Zealand. I know you are watching our progress
on the website so Hi from Sunny California - Roads are fabulous - hardly
any traffic - weather great and the girls are too!
Pat
Hello, all! I got to ride on the back of a Harley for a few minutes
along PCH1. The Toyota Rav 4 is fun to drive and there is lots of
laughter with lovely ladies.
Jane
For my 3 wonderful kids, family and friends: I have just started this
ride and I already feel so confident and strong. I feel like I can fly
today. I ride all day, party in the evening and crash in my bed at
night. I wake up ready to start over in the morning. I will remember
this forever. Thank you to everybody who's helped to get me here.
Linda A.
MILA MONIKA, POZDRAVUJEME TA 2 KALIFORNIE A PRAJE - ME CO NAJRYCHLEJSIE
U2 DRAVENIE!
ELVIE AND THE AMAZONS
(Translation: Dear Monika, sending you warm greetings from California
and wishing you speedy recovery! Elvie and the Amazons)
OMG it was Findy today! Thank you BUB enterprises for lending me the
Kick Ass Sporty! Hugs to all my family and friends. We are all having
a great time - Sorry Arch no photos from the pillow fight or nude
surfing.
Pippi
Wonderful riding, awesome company. What a privilege to be in the USA
with our Amazon Sistas.
Love to all, Amy
Day Four Photos
Sharon turns into a shop-aholic!
Dancing at Madonna Inn
Sunset at Cambria
The fun begins!
Day Four - Buellton to Cambria
Today was a different side of California riding - big freeways, and high
speeds. Our hotel last night in Buellton was featured in the classic
California road trip move Sideways, and our group enjoyed another local
tradition for dinner - sampling Anderson's famous pea soup.
We left the hotel and headed north on Highway 101 - fast, highway
formation riding. The group looked fantastic lined up in our lane, and
effortlessly changing lanes as needed to move further down the road.
Our first stop was Santa Maria Harley-Davidson, who put on a terrific
pizza lunch for us as well as some great specials! Then back on the
freeway to our next stop, the historic Madonna Inn. Really no way to
describe the Madonna Inn - you have to be there! www.madonnainn.com .
Our support vans have messages written on the sides explaining our
journey and we had plenty of encouraging waves and smiles down the road.
At the Madonna Inn we met a breast cancer surgeon from Brazil on
holiday with his wife and daughter and he had never seen anything like
it!
Back on the freeway again for one last big ride up to Atascadero and
Gary Bang Harley-Davidson, where we made a quick stop for a break and
some water....oh, and a little shopping, and then it was off the freeway
and on to a beautiful twisty country road down to Morro Bay.
Back on the ocean front, we rode in formation along Highway 1, where our
two sweep vans demonstrated their prowess in blocking lanes to protect
the group when lanes ended.
At the end of a beautiful ride was our wonderful hotel in Cambria, the
Best Western Fireside Inn, right on the waterfront at Moonstone Beach.
The day was clear with no fog, but a strong cold wind was blowing.
The hotel welcomed us with a reception of local wine and cheese. The
wind was so strong we decided against our traditional barbeque on the
beach, and had food delivered for a group dinner in the breakfast room
at the hotel.
Tomorrow - Big Sur!
speeds. Our hotel last night in Buellton was featured in the classic
California road trip move Sideways, and our group enjoyed another local
tradition for dinner - sampling Anderson's famous pea soup.
We left the hotel and headed north on Highway 101 - fast, highway
formation riding. The group looked fantastic lined up in our lane, and
effortlessly changing lanes as needed to move further down the road.
Our first stop was Santa Maria Harley-Davidson, who put on a terrific
pizza lunch for us as well as some great specials! Then back on the
freeway to our next stop, the historic Madonna Inn. Really no way to
describe the Madonna Inn - you have to be there! www.madonnainn.com .
Our support vans have messages written on the sides explaining our
journey and we had plenty of encouraging waves and smiles down the road.
At the Madonna Inn we met a breast cancer surgeon from Brazil on
holiday with his wife and daughter and he had never seen anything like
it!
Back on the freeway again for one last big ride up to Atascadero and
Gary Bang Harley-Davidson, where we made a quick stop for a break and
some water....oh, and a little shopping, and then it was off the freeway
and on to a beautiful twisty country road down to Morro Bay.
Back on the ocean front, we rode in formation along Highway 1, where our
two sweep vans demonstrated their prowess in blocking lanes to protect
the group when lanes ended.
At the end of a beautiful ride was our wonderful hotel in Cambria, the
Best Western Fireside Inn, right on the waterfront at Moonstone Beach.
The day was clear with no fog, but a strong cold wind was blowing.
The hotel welcomed us with a reception of local wine and cheese. The
wind was so strong we decided against our traditional barbeque on the
beach, and had food delivered for a group dinner in the breakfast room
at the hotel.
Tomorrow - Big Sur!
Day Three Photos
The group at Ventura Harley-Davidson
Fantastic breakfast at Ventura Harley-Davidson
Norma declares her Freedom!!
Lunch stop in Santa Barbara
Day Three - Ventura to Buellton
Today our ride officially started with a fantastic breakfast and send off from Ventura Harley-Davidson. Two of our past riders, Diana and Jan came out to see us, along with the local HOG group.
Tracey from Ventura Harley-Davidson put on a fantastic breakfast, with raffles and gifts for all of the riders. The local HOG group gave us a wonderful reception before heading out on their own ride.
Then we filled up with gas and hit the road - a beautiful ride in the sunshine through the countryside, and Ojai, winding along twisty roads up and down the hills. Jenni and Elvie took a turn out of the van on the back of Megan and Meredith's bikes and loved every minute!
Along the road we encountered many cyclists taking part in a fundraising ride from MS and appreciated the fact we had an easier ride up hill as well as down.
We called in to Carpenteria for another gas stop, and skirted the huge crowds and road closures for the Avocado Festival, before heading off to Santa Barbara for lunch. The skies were a beautiful blue as we rode along the palm lined shorefront, and parked right at the pier.
A quick lunch and then on our final stretch, back up into the hills and twisties, before riding as a group through historic Solvang, a historic Danish town in the middle of California, and to our overnight stop at Buellton.
Dinner was at the famous Andersen's Pea Soup restaurant just across the road!
Tracey from Ventura Harley-Davidson put on a fantastic breakfast, with raffles and gifts for all of the riders. The local HOG group gave us a wonderful reception before heading out on their own ride.
Then we filled up with gas and hit the road - a beautiful ride in the sunshine through the countryside, and Ojai, winding along twisty roads up and down the hills. Jenni and Elvie took a turn out of the van on the back of Megan and Meredith's bikes and loved every minute!
Along the road we encountered many cyclists taking part in a fundraising ride from MS and appreciated the fact we had an easier ride up hill as well as down.
We called in to Carpenteria for another gas stop, and skirted the huge crowds and road closures for the Avocado Festival, before heading off to Santa Barbara for lunch. The skies were a beautiful blue as we rode along the palm lined shorefront, and parked right at the pier.
A quick lunch and then on our final stretch, back up into the hills and twisties, before riding as a group through historic Solvang, a historic Danish town in the middle of California, and to our overnight stop at Buellton.
Dinner was at the famous Andersen's Pea Soup restaurant just across the road!
Day Two Photos
The whole gang
Famous biker stop - Neptune's Net