My traveling partner

 While talking to a family friend about my upcoming trip he asked that I consider riding for a charity. (The idea being that I convince people to donate a certain amount per mile or a flat amount upon the completion of my trip.) Needless to say, I love this idea. I have a specific charity in mind, but they said I needed to wait for their approval from them for my event before I announce.

My traveling buddy, Margie

Two things while we wait to hear from them... First, I bought a HUGE folding map to take on our trip. Sadly, it probably wont work for navigating because it just doesn't have enough detail. They left out the old forgotten highways that are great for motorcycles :/  Rather than giving this map as a loss, we started using it to catalog couches (or spare bedrooms if we're lucky) of people we know across the country. I'm sure we will be camping some, but it will be nice to visit old friends with whom can share laughs, and spare bedrooms. Also, who knows what kind of trouble two motorcycle chicks will get into, and it always helps to have people nearby to lend a helping hand. I will let ya'll know when I find a good map (or maps). So far I like http://www.motorcycleroads.us/index.html, but I would really prefer something we can hold , spill coffee on, cross out the out bad roads, and tear accidentally, you get the idea... I love maps, I will probably keep it as the memento of my trip.

Taking a break on a recent trip

Secondly, I finally get to introduce Margie, the extraordinary woman who will be my partner-in-crime for this trip.  I love Margie because she is open minded and tough, She is one of the strongest women I know, second only to my mother (ily Mom!). I'm learning how to be a badass with a feminine touch from Margie.

Margie on the racetrack, yes...
the racetrack.... ON HER DUCATI
RACE BIKE. 

I barely had my license when she introduced me to the Tail of the Dragon. There's nothing like 318 turns in 11 miles to encourage bonding ;) I find Margie to be generous, giving, generally in good spirits, and she makes me feel at home with her dry sense of humor.  Most importantly, she has invested a lot of time in me and I am grateful for her friendship. She races a 2006 Ducati Super sport SS1100ie and her daily traveller is a 2010 Ducati Hypermotard EvoSP (like I said-- she's a badass). 

Margie and I (and a few others) at
2012 Women's Sportbike Rally, Tail of the Dragon.

 We had lunch the other day to discuss logistics. Looks like we will be heading south on May 17th with NPRDucati  on their Annual Shrimp and Grits Run so we can Start and End on opposite coasts.  A few of the places we plan to hit: the Devils Highway, the Grand Canyon; I want to see those giant trees in California (some of the sequoias are 3000 years old!!!), and drink some local wine. Margie and I may split up on the west coast while she visits some family and I go off on my own for a day or two, but we haven't figured any of that out yet.

Hopefully, I information to share on the charity by the end of the week! As always, if you have a suggestion to help me with maps (or want to share a road we need to ride on our trek) please leave a comment below!

~Amanda Terranova