Letters To Roadgypsy

Updated August 19, 2008.

I was at your site and seen you made it to a few ghost towns.I thought i might mention one im planning on going to this summer on the cal nevada border. heres the site addy that can give you a better idea then i can. great site ya have there...ride safe...

-Demo

"Its best to be quiet and have everyone think you are an idiot, than to open your mouth and prove them right"
"A zest for living must include a willingness to die."
"When you're dumb, you gotta be tough"
"It's not that I'm afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens"
"People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than motorcycle clubs"
"Only a Biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window"

Hey their little lady, Roadgypsy?

I dont usualy mail emails but this time I thoght I would. We met in the parking lot of the licor store I really liked your side car. I was riding the black ultra.You do a lot of riding girl. I can tell the passion is inside you, and even when we talked that day. Keep up the great job on the site, I will pass it on to my buddies who ride a lot too. One day we should ride with our group. Hope we meet again. I really liked your web page and wanted to tell you so.

Rick

 

Hello Gypsy,

I thought I would drop you an e-mail. We met at the waterfront a couple of weeks ago, near French's stand. I was on the lowrider. I checked out your site, and wow, I have to tell you you sure do get around! You'd put a lot of riders to shame. I really enjoyed your site, it is so full of stuff, and all presented real nice, not all advertising crap. You really have been through a lot - but I can see how you weathered it all, with the shining personality that you posess. Maybe one day we could take a coffee and a ride together?

Ride with care and keep smiling,

Tom

 

Forwarded message to Roadgypsy: My Dearest Larry,

Of course I remember you. We don't miss men as handsome as yourself. I am truly hoping that you can make it to the Mountainhouse this weekend and come hang out and help us support Deaf Hope. If not we will understand. Thank you so much for recommending RoadGypsy to us. I have looked at her web briefly and have already recommended that we link up. I am looking forward to reading every word when I have some down time after the event. She sounds like a fantastic gal. Some one I really want to meet someday soon.

We all need heros. I certainly put Gypsy and yourself in that catagory.

Love and Respect
Big Momma "Prez"
She Devils MC USA

Hi,
My friend bought some motorcycle pins and earrings from you at a garage sale. They are lovely.
She also told me you live near me and my husband and I ride motorcycles too. She was amazed at you and gave me your website. WOW my husband and I are so impressed. We would love to meet you sometime and maybe go for a ride together. Anyway, my best to you in all your endeavours! We are impressed with your website and wanted you to know.

Cheers!
G & P

Hi there - loved the site and thanks so much for the info on Harry Watts, I'm sending off a note to buy his book. I just wanted to let you know that his postal code is incorrect; it's listed as M2M 4N4 and should N2M 4N4…I noticed it because I have family in Kitchener and live in Toronto (where our postal codes start with "M"s). Hopefully Canada Post will sort it out on their own, but just in case!

I'm afraid I don't ride (hell, I don't even have a full "G" license, let alone an "M" version!); a good friend of mine, who is a motor cop and a member of the Toronto precision team, found a mention of Mr. Watts in a magazine of some kind and Google led him to your article.

Since I'm a war buff, he mentioned it in conversation, knowing I would want to know about that aspect. My grandfather was at Ortona, and I can't help but wonder if their paths crossed.

I'm sending off a note to Mr. Watts today to order the book - can't wait to read it! I'll check back on the RG site for sure - there's lots I haven't had a chance to look at as yet.

Shelley

We got your site from Bob, peglegbiker.com. He is a very good friend of ours. We extend the same invitation to you that we did for him when we first met this great man. If you're in the southern part of Pittsburgh, don't rent a room. If you are a friend of Bob's you are a friend of ours. We have plenty of room. You can always trust the true bikers.

Paul & Kathie

A friend and fellow rider Mary who knows you sent me your web site
---enjoyed it very much--am fellow survivor as well --was not sure I was
going to see this spring but the surgery went well and no keemo
needed---just had gotten a new Ultra Classic last summer before I knew
about the cancer---the summer before that a young girl was reaching for
something in her purse and lost control of her car and hit me head on
near Slave Lake--five months in a neck brace steel plate and a bone
graft in my neck lol lol lol what a last couple of years --but raring to
hit the road again--feeling sick last summer still got over 9000 clicks
on the wheels--went to the Yukon and going back this summer to the
western H.O.G rally up there in Whitehorse---again loved the site could
feel the passion. Take care my dear and ride safe--keep the greasy side
down and the shiny side up--

Randy

Elizabeth,

Thank you for your kind comments. You have presented an aspect of recovery (going to the gym) that I had not heard about before. May I publish your comments on my feedback page? Other people might benefit from hearing what you have to say.

On another note, your e-mail made me cry. I guess they were tears of joyous frustration, if there is such a thing. Yesterday, I was having a really bad day and for the first time ever, I considered closing this business. I was cranky, frustrated and depressed and went to bed. This morning I found your e-mail. I guess it reinforces my belief that God gives us what we need when we need it. I needed some encouragement to continue and you provided that. So, now I must believe that all of my future needs will be met, I just need to continue.

Your comment about making this bad pill easier to swallow may have hit the nail on the head. My husband has been an amputee for almost 25 years now. Before SleeveArt , people seemed afraid of him. Since SleeveArt, many people have a comment about the cool design on his leg. Fred was already an amputee for 8 years when I met him. I hardly noticed that he was missing part of a leg, instead I noticed that he was a nice guy who treated me like a queen. We will be married for 15 years this year and we’re still best friends. I hope that you too, find a romantic friend for life.

OK – I need to work now. Please let me know if I may use your feedback. Thank you for writing.

Joanne Pauloz

Vice President, Fred's Legs, Inc.

www.fredslegs.com

 

Hello 'Roadgypsy',

I don't know if you'd ever remember me, but I met you at a coffee shop in Creemore, Ontario. You had just walked out as I was admiring your bike. You gave me one of your website cards, and it hadn't been online for too long. Decided to check it out again, as I found your card buried in my desk drawer, and I was shocked at how the site has changed. It looks great - I was also shocked at what happened to you this last while.

Just wanted to let you know I had the feeling when we met that you were a warm and wonderful lady, and a toughie too! So hang in there, you'll be riding long distance again soon, I'm, sure.

Here's wishing you sincerely all the success in the world,

Nathan

 

 

Greetings to the RoadGypsy

I have been trying to get to this but time has conspired against me. First of all, I don't share my birth name with the world. Scooter is all I answer to. I don't have a picture either. Other than that, I'm always open to new friendships.

My scooter is a 1994 Heritage Classic that is well on her way to being a righteous rat. She runs like a striped-ass goose, sings prettier than a coonhound in full bay, and never lets me down. She's been carbed, cammed, and has a wicked exhaust system that sets car alarms off just idling down the street. Next on the list is a six-speed tranny and bigger saddlebags. Can't seem to get to paint and chrome.

I don't own her, she owns me. But you can put the owner down as Scooter Bum-a Frisco California Native, age 56.

I'm a dog groomer that until recently packed all my equipment on my scooter and went to my dogs instead of maintaining a shop. I stopped three years ago to care for my mother who is 94 and runs me in circles. I still groom a few dogs here at the house.

I've been scooter-crazy all my life. When I was four I told my mom I was going to marry one of those, pointing out a chopper riding outlaw. She reminded me of this at my wedding - to a chopper riding outlaw - 20 years later. And here I am, 30+ years later, still married and still riding.

Keep the rubber-side down and your powder dry-

Peace,

Scooter

Hi,

Not sure if you will remember me, but I was the PM at the Post Office before you moved to Quebec. I am sorry to hear that you have had a rough time of late, but I am so proud hearing all that you have since accomplished! I check out your web site frequently to see how you are doing and appreciate the updates.

Welcome back to Ontario and take care,
Sandy


Hi,

Visited your site - you have a lot of interesting stories. Also sampled your music. You sound great. You have a very beautiful singing voice - my husband thinks so as well. I think that you are a very courageous woman and you have a beautiful soul. Keep living as free as a bird and good luck in all your adventures.

Gaetanne

Gypsy:

I am a recent BK amputee, May of this year. I have just within the last few weeks tried riding my V-Star 1100 Classic. I am not having too much trouble shifting gears, but I can’t put the kickstand down. I can kick it up with my heel, but cannot get it down. I purchased an extender, and that helped some, I can now get it half way down but my “leg” doesn’t extend forward enough to get it completely down. Was wondering how other amputees “get it done”.

Thanks for your time.

Shelley

Hey Gypsy,

Hang in there gal! Been a right leg above the knee amputee since '72. Just wanted to say hi.
All the BEST from the "DEN!"

C'ya,

"Bear"

P.S. Attaching a pic of myself and Heather my wife. Of course i'm the bearded scamp. Ha! It was a triple wedding that day.

 

Hello Liz (Roadgypsy),

I was just checking your website out today and was saddened to hear about your bout with cancer. I haven't checked your site out since last Oct 06, been very busy with the Military, etc..

I don't know if you remember me. We met in Aug 2005 in Ontario before Whitby, at the end of your tour to the Maritimes but the early start of my trip to New York city; I drive a 2001 V-Star classic 1100cc; you were with your daughter. It was very nice meeting you and have always been impressed with your work and free nature.

You sound like a very strong lady, and I have no doubt you will get through these hard times. I will keep you in my prayers.

Thank you for posting my pictures with the bike, the one directly below yours. You do excellent work.

Anyway, keep your head up and don't give up. Take one day at a time and with thanksgivings. You will get through this and be on the road again...two wheel or three wheels! You have a beautiful heart and attitude, I can see this from your site and your writings. If you ever need someone to chat with, drop me a line.

Your friend,

Douglas

 

Just read article in mag and just dropping line from Ontario. Hope you are doing better than before - just hang on, time is just time. When you hear the pipes we are there. If you wanna write back ok - if not, its your freedom.

Peter

 

Dear Liz,

Hope you are well. Just opened tonights Packet and Times and
saw the issue of Simcoe Life Magazine. I don't usually read this magazine but
for some reason tonight I did. I'm glad I did as you were in it. It's always
good to see the ladies riding. I have been riding for 22 years myself. I'm
on my fourth bike now, a 1979 Harley Lowrider. I see you are a musician and
songwriter. My buddy Dave, a musician and I have taken up songwriting
together. After doing the usual heartbrake songs I thought it was time to
write about something different and more upbeat. I figured bikes have been
an important part of my life and figured that would be good song material.
Anyway I won't waste anymore of your time. If your around the
Orillia area and you see an old yellow Shovelhead Low Rider wave, that
will be me. Take care.

Yours truly,

Doug

Hello,

I read your letter on the "Women Riders Now" website. I wish you strength in your recovery.

FYI - I am a right BKA and also used to ride. I haven't gotten back to it yet but would like to. I have been thinking of a trike if the two wheel option doesn't work out.

Below are some websites I found that might be of some use. The first one is the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association - Disabled Riders Resource list). At 1st glance - it looks like there are a number of resources listed.

If you have a local amputee support group - they might have some ideas as well.

I hope these help.

Good Luck.

Wendy
Brighton, Michigan

 

 

Hey Liz,
I just checked your site to see if you were still updating and we are
shocked to hear what had
happened,it made me think back to last fall before you left, you were
telling us about you foot
and the pain you were in.We know you will get through this you are a
strong person and no matter we know you will ride again.All the very
best .We will be thinking about you.

Tim&Jo

Dear Liz:

At this months fair board meeting we were informed about your move to Quebec, about your tumour on your ankle and then your operation.

I want you to know that you are in Bob's and my prayers and we wish you a speedy recovery.

You are not one to be beaten by this. We have seen how strong and determined you are and know that the love you have for life as well as from family and friends around you and the strength you carry within will get you through this rough time.

We are here in Ontario rooting for you.

Here's a big hug of love and support.

Take care.

Bob and Sheila Burk

Hello Elizabeth!

You truly impressed me when I read in MMM about your 1 month bike trip on the East coast with your daughter! I love riding and camping too, but I've never taken it out for such a long trip. You are bold, adventurous, brave, and you sure don't lack courage, determination and energy! Reading your story made me plan a longer trip than was originally thought of, for next summer. You don't know me, but you've influenced me :)

In the last issue of MMM I also read about the nightmare you've been going through recently. I don't know you Elizabeth, and I sure can't say that I know what you're going through, but I can imagine how challenging this must be, even for a person as strong as you are.

Spring is just around the corner, and in my own humble way, I just wanted to give my Hog riding sister a warm hug and send her positive vibrations.

Dan

Elizabeth:

I just received an email from Don Norris in which he told me about your recent bout with cancer. I am so sorry to hear this. I've been trying to envision what you look like since I first met you by email a year or two ago. Don Norris sent a photo of you and him at the motorcycle show so now I don't have to use my minds eye anymore. You are a very lovely person. Some day we will meet I'm sure.

In the meantime, don't give up on your motorcycling passion. There are lots of ways around this. After riding and racing motorcycles from 1965 to the present I finally had a rather violent crash last summer. I think I told you about that already. I'll probably walk with a limp for the rest of my life but I won't be giving up on my passion either.

Some of the options you may have thought of are a sidecar, or a trike. Bombardier has just returned to the motorcycling scene and has introduced the Can-Am Spyder a motorcycle that has two wheels on the front and one on the rear. I just received the latest April edition of Cycle Canada and there is a complete road test of the Spyder along with lots of pictures. The price will be around $18,000.00. You should have a look at it. It looks really fantastic.

Keep up the good work with your web site and I hope to meet you some day and maybe go for a ride with you.

Your motorcycling friend

Ron Keys

 

HI LIZ...
I CAN'T BEGIN TO EXPRESS HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS, BEEN AWARE OF IT FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT I DID'T WANT TO WRITE YOU TILL NOW BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO INFRINGE ON YOUR PRIVACY.
JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE FOR YOU, AND I HAVE NO DOUBT SOMEONE AS STRONG AS YOU WILL SOAR AGAIN SOON.
BE WELL...YOUR FRIEND KEVIN

HI Liz :

I went on your website yesterday I was shocked to read your account of what has happened to you . I remember when you last cut my hair you said your ankle was bothering you that day but I never expected this . Our deepest sympathy is with you and hopefully a speedy recoverey before the riding season starts .

I don't have any up to-date pictures right now but as soon as this weather breaks I will get some of the bike and trailer and will do an up-date at that time .

I have made a couple of enquiries regarding a sidecar and when I get something back I will forward it to yuo . I was also talking to Ray , owner of R C Trike in Quebec and explained your situation to him and he said he has used trikes and he would take your bike in on a trade and use you right and help you as much as possible . If you have any interest , go to www.rctrike.com and talk to Raymond Chase . Tell him you are the one I talked to him about . I will see him at the bike show this month . I will give him one of your cards and he can go on line and get your background history .

I will close for now but will be in touch before to long .

Helen and I will keep you in our thoughts and wish you all the best for a speedy recovery .

Helen and Bernie .

Hi Liz. Sorry to read about your leg in Jan- Feb mojo . We enjoyed reading you and your daughters trip to Newfoundland. Wish had the fortitude to do it myselph. In 85 we did the west coast of NFLD. FLEW IN rented a car stayed mostly bed and breckfast. Could not catch an atlantic salmon but lots of brookies landed and released. Years ago, many years, i enjoyed riding motorcycles. In May 2005 got back into riding again, my first new bike not a hog but a v star 1100 yamaha silverado that i enjoy very much often riding with a group on wk. ends. We live near London Ontario. Get well soon PS three wheels or two go for it !!!!!!

Jim

 

Hi LizLiz
You may remember me. Met you once in Midland with
Tim Shamess. I was writing for RideON with Tim
when it was publishing.
Heard about your battle with C. from Tim. Hope
you are hanging in. Wish you the best.Hope you
are back in the wind soon. Your site rocks and
has some great photos. Read some of your stuff in
Mojo btw.Understand you are now in Quebec no
longer in Simcoe County. Hope things go better
for you Gypsy.
Take care
mike g.
750 Honda Shadow ACE

Hi Liz:

I just heard about your unfortunate situation written by Gwen Roberts in
the Mar/Apr '07 Mojo Magazine.

I read your article in last month's Mojo and loved it. I have 2 small sons,
aged 7 and 5 and would love one day to take them on a road trip as you did
with your daughter. While your current situation is a much greater
challenge then bad weather and flat tires, from your roadtrip experience
with your daughter, you've proved to yourself that you can handle whatever
life throws your way.

BTW-I rode my first Harley (Softtail Deuce) in Palm Springs with some free
time while at a company conference. It was awesome.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Best regards

Stuart Segal
New bike rider
1999 Yamaha 650 V-Star Classic

Hi Liz,

My name is Frankie and I just heard about your story from Tim Shamess a good friend of mine. Timmy and I will be forever bonded in metal as you two will as well.

I am so sorry for your loss ( as you must be) and since you are a special person I can see you handling things ok. How is it going?

When I was in the Rehab hospital after my bike accident, I met a woman named Donna. She was an amazing girl. She was a fast talking, very attractive blonde who had just had her second leg amputated. The first leg didn’t stop her or slow her down apparently. She was on top of a big ladder when she fell and lost the second one.

Elizabeth, we all get challenges to face as I am sure you already know. Some of us more than others. I am convinced that they are related to our life purpose and what we came here to learn or to teach others. I am a Life Coach, and I specialize in self esteem building, as well as pain & trauma. I can because I HAVE been there.

I hear you are looking into Trikes now. .Good for you. I am too. Let me know if you see anything good and not TOO expensive. I have been toying with the T REX, but I understand you really can’t ride it in Ontario. Plus 50G’s is a lot of money for a toy…smile. But you never know . 3 years ago I had to stop riding when a car ran a stop sign and t boned me. I broke everything below my waist ( something’s twice) and a few others above. I swear they put my bike back inside of me…Her name was Mercury and she was a total write off. 5 months were spent in the hospital ( can you relate to rehab?) and then the next 3.5 enduring more surgeries, fighting doctors, lawyers and insurance co.’s. To this date, although I was just deemed Catastrophic, I still haven’t settled.

I remember Tim sending me your postings and feeling so jealous. You were young and beautiful and so FREE!!!! My bike had been my freedom but a passion I didn’t even start until mid forties. But a passion it was. I had already chosen 6 woman and a videographer to film us riding down Route 66.

I did get back on a bike, .twice, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t afraid. It was a mix of fear and exhilaration but mostly god awful pain, but also it was on the back of a Katana, not the most comfortable ride at 180 km down the Gardner.. it was crazy, but there was no way I could straddle and support it. . What was I going to do if I couldn’t’ ride? It had become my life.. my friends, my passion? I realized right away why my accident happened to me. It wasn’t just me trying to rationalize a bad thing but rather me recognizing that the Universe had been calling to me and I was going too fast to slow down and hear the message.

If you ever feel like talking or writing, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will be starting my own radio show soon and hope to reach a few more folks out there who need a ‘leg’up so to speak. I know that it is more than losing a limb. There is awful the fear of Cancer coming back. My sister lives with that fear and I have seen what it does to her. I guess what will be, will be when it comes to that stuff, but as far as your life goes, I sure hope you design on worth living. Don’t live in default.

You are the Queen of the Road girl and still are…..Frankie

Hi Lizzy

My name is Satch, I and a friend from Bolton Ontario started a biker club
called Hurtin Old Guys,we hang out at a coffee shop in Bolton called coffee
time,that is were we know Don from.I have read all of your web site and find
your story and life verry cool.I heard about your fight for cancer and I
know that you will be strong and work through anything that GOD puts before
you.If your in the area look for the coffee shop and ask for me.......coffee
is on me.....and the rest of the hurtin old guys........REMEMBER......LIVE
......TO............RIDE....................SATCH.

Liz:

We were unaware of your health problems and were totally shocked to read about you in MOJO magazine. I hope all is going better for you but I expect you will have a long journey what with chemo, radiation, prothesis etc. Our prayers go out to you. Your determination, inner strength, positive attitude etc. will keep you going.

We really enjoyed your piece in MOJO about your trip east. It was quite interesting to read. You are a very good writer!

If you get a minute, drop us a line and bring us up-to-date. We will forward the information from the magazine to Denise, as she always asked us if we'd seen/heard from you.

Take special care of yourself. Hope to hear from you soon.

Dianne & Wayne Andrews