everythings more texan in texas

~Amanda Terranova

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Have love will travel

So I the trip has finally begun :) Tonight Margie and I are in Darien, GA. We rode down with a group of friends from NPRDucati for their Annual Shrimp Run. I have to admit, I am exhausted. Leaving my family and friends (and my dogs) this morning was a challenging way to start the day (so I'm sentimental, sue me). I finally got to NPRDucati at 10am, and after giving my bike one last check my favorite mechanic gave me the go ahead to move out and we were on our way :) 

 Last night was the kickoff party, and I want to thank a few people. First, thank you to everyone who came out to see me off and support The Wounded Warrior Project. Secondly, my father. He contributed significant time and resources to make the party a success. The delicious, fall off the bones ribs, were organized by him. My mother and my sister also contributed a significant amount of time and energy as well. So many of my friends and family attended (I made some new friends too!) and together we raised about a thousand dollars for The Wounded Warrior Project! To read more about the fundraiser click here. Shout out to Jordan, Joseph, Josh, Joyce, (so many J's!), Mike, Mitchell, Rick, Stacey and all the other veterans that joined us for the party. You are the reason I am doing this, to try and repay my debt to you, in some small way.

Odometer starting trip :)

 To jump back to the ride, my ass doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Luckily for me, my bike is built for longer distance, touring style riding. I like to prop my feet up on the frame, so I'm really folded up (think the opposite of the guys you see riding around stretched out like they are riding a Lazy boy on two wheels). I guess growing up on horseback really did shape the way I interact with the world, it certainly has affected the way I developed my seat on a motorcycle. 

 Okay, back to the days travels. It was cold this morning! I didn't pack the warmest clothes, other than the plug-in Gerbing jacket, because I know we will be staying close to the southern border of the US where the weather is warm. Honestly, I was in a rotten mood when I left home. I was a little too tired from staying up late, not hungover, just really tired. Finally, at our second fuel stop I grabbed a handful of almonds, and that infinitely improved my mood. I started dancing and riding to the beat in my head, and the music was grand ;)

 I began thinking about this plan of ours, the idea of not having an exact plan or route, just aiming get for the west coast :) This is what I daydreamed about for the rest of the trek to the GA coast. Who knows what kind of interesting characters I will encounter! Especially Monday when I get to New Orleans ;) and the places I can visit! I could keep going, but it's already 1am, and I want to check out the backs of my eyelids soon.

 I got to learn how to dodge objects falling off motorcycles today... it was a, erm, ...good thing to practice...? It's the only good thing I can say about that part of the trip. The guy leading the pack had trouble with his saddlebags... trouble meaning they kept falling off and turning into flying, flipping, large moving obstacles in the road. Trouble meaning fast braking and hoping the guy behind me doesn't run over me as I brake. But we arrived without further incident, I hope his saddlebags aren't ruined.

 Since I started riding three years ago, I've preferred riding solo. I suspect this is because I use my bike as a daily commuter. I just felt that it was more dangerous to ride in a group, with all the crazies doing wheelies and such. (Which can be quite impressive, I just prefer you not do it right behind me). BUT today, I started to see the merits of group riding, especially if I can ride with a group like my traveling partners from this afternoon. Our riding styles matched well, and other than my one friend throwing his saddlebags at me, the ride was downright pleasant! Perhaps it is because my riding abilities have improved, I am better able to let go and relax a little more. 

 Well, I'm going to go collapse in bed. Talk to you tomorrow!
~Amanda Terranova

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Read more about why I chose The Wounded Warrior Project

MotoChicks Coast to Coast for Wounded Warrior Project

 I have been overwhelmed by the response for The Wounded Warrior fundraiser from my friends and family. I started collecting donations at NPRDucati's Monster unveil party (Thank you Paul :). For those of you who are new to my posts, I've been planning a coast to coast trip for a while. Only recently I embraced the opportunity to raise money for veterans.

My parents, both veterans, and myself

 I was raised by two Army Military Police Officer veterans. As a result, I have a healthy respect for any family or friends that serve my country. A few months ago I was telling a friend about this trip I was planning across the country on my motorcycle. They mentioned (since I had started a blog about my adventures), that I use the opportunity to raise money and awareness about the needs of veterans. After asking around, I found out The Wounded Warrior Project helps a lot of retired military.  I don't have the space (or your attention) enough to list all that The Wounded Warrior Project offers. Overall, they provide veterans with visible, mental and emotional wounds with tools needed to transition back to civilian life. Specifically, the Project helps veterans with physical injuries resume active lifestyles, grant financial assistance, and arrange job opportunities. My box of WWP buttons, sticker and other promotional material arrived earlier this week and I am looking forward to passing some stuff out to some of those who have already donated. (So if you gave to me last weekend, then expect to see my smiling face again soon :)

 Okay, so my goal is to collect $10,000 to donate to Wounded Warrior Project this trip. I have calculated my costs for the trip to be about $2000. This includes food, fuel, and the other necessities. I am trying to do as much couch-surfing as possible to keep my costs down. (So I may be hitting you up-- if you are following me from outside of Georgia ;) I am donating $2500 of my own money, to cover all of my costs and then some. This ensures that all the money raised goes to the Project. There are several ways to contribute.

 

 Pledge to donate per mile. Upon completion of the trip I will announce my total miles. You can sign up for this option in person, or email me. I am working on finding a way to show easily my miles every day. Margie and I haven't worked out a specific route, but it is around 3,000 miles depending on how you slice it... (and Margie and I have been known to follow a wild hair or two ;) so keep that in mind.

 You can also make a flat donation. Thanks to the party at NPRDucati, I have already collected several hundred dollars- some checks, gear, gas card, and lots of emails for people interested in more information. I hope to connect with a few businesses across the country, blogging and picking up donations if you know anyone out west that wants some promotions---and for a good cause! I have set up an Paypal account (click here or follow the familiar donate button below) if you choose to support my cause, but cant attend the kickoff party. Oh yeah, there is gonna be a party... a kickoff party on May 16th (more details to come!) where a donation box and pledge sign up will be found. Also hopefully, beer, food and (I'm certain) good times and laughs among some great people as well ;)
I am looking forward to this new adventure. Thank you for taking the time to read my posts, and please consider giving.  I will readily provide access to my records if you are interested so feel free to contact me with any questions.... or suggestions.... or jokes. Because I like to laugh :)

 ~Amanda Terranova
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Facebook: FromTheRefuge
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Brookwood Equestrian Center Benefit

There is a benefit Saturday March 29th (6p-9p) to raise funds for the owners of the 18 horses killed in the tragic barn fire a few months ago. The Benefit will be held at Thomas Cotton Gin (formerly Hot Thomas'). 

The event will feature a silent auction from 6p-8p, sponsored by Covered Bridge Equine. There will be a raffle, and they will be selling BBQ plates for $10/plate (includes stew, pulled pork, slaw, baked beans, bread & tea). Live Music by Red Oak Southern String Band.  All proceeds go directly to the victims of this tragedy.

You can RSVP for the event here. If you cannot attend the event, but still want to contribute you can do so at their gofundme.com page. 

 ~Amanda Terranova

More info: 

OnlineAthens.com article about the barn fire

Benefit Site

Gofundme.com site

Brookwood Equestrian Center Site and  Facebook page

Red Oak Southern String Band Reverb site

Covered Bridge Equine

Thomas Cotton Gin

Address of benefit: 3753 Greensboro Highway, Watkinsville, GA, 30677