Credits

This is hard to write without getting tears in my eyes thinking about this wonderful experience. I started this event with a vision about riding a motorcycle across country and trying to honor my Grandmother, who died of breast cancer. I wanted to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and try in some way to honor those who have survived this deadly disease.

I know that this was accomplished by the response we got through donations and all the stories that I personally got to hear from survivors. You are unbelievable role models and heroes. You are the ones who show tremendous courage and fight. You have been a true inspiration to me. Now I know the true meaning of battle. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

A trip like this does not just happen by chance. It requires a whole lot of organization, direction, and passion. I have always been told you surround yourself with quality people, and that is exactly what happened. Please let me take this time to acknowledge the wind beneath my wings…..

To Nikki, thanks for agreeing to be my partner in this endeavor. You are a great friend with a love for life even though you are from Oak Ridge!!

To the Cruisin Committee, Renee, Sherry, Carol, Janet, Cindy, Lori, Andy, Beth, Elle and Susan, thanks for all your direction and putting in an enormous amount of hours for this event to happen.

To our traveling crew, John, Lori, Andy, Stacey, Tony, and Terri. Thank you for all the great support, getting us to our destinations, making sure our bikes were running right, and setting up for the rallies. You made our trip so much easier!

To our support crew, Traci, Beth, Kim, Janet, Renee, and Sherry, your efforts help bring back a little home on the road. And to the Smith Family, thank you for allowing us to use your RV along the way! You are a special family and I am thankful to have your friendship. Traci, I think you found a new career….No one can handle a boat on land better!

To Pat Summitt and Joan Cronan, thank you for allowing both Nikki and I to take time away from work for this cause.

To the Blue & Red Knights, especially Rick Coatney, your welcome at Cookeville was breathtaking!

To the Knoxville Sheriff and Police Departments, Bobby Hubbs (a Bearden Boy), and Bernie Lyon, thank you for giving all of us a thrill of a lifetime. The escort was awesome.

To our photographer, Erin Donovan, you took awesome shots! We’d love to have you on the road with us next year!

To all the Harley-Davidson Stores and HOG Chapters, we appreciate all your help and allowing us to be a part of your brand.

To Under Armour, for the awesome clothes. We were very stylish!!

Special thanks to Andy Preston for getting our bikes up to speed for a long journey....Corbin Pacific Seats saved me from Monkey Butt, J&M Corporation allowed us to communicate, and Cycle Xtras gear protected us from the rain. These companies donated their product to help make the trip smoother! Thanks to Overby's Two Wheel Sound and The Electrical connection for the extensive work on our bikes. We appreciate your tireless support!

To Mary Howell for all the embroidery work on a very short notice!

And to all the Tennessee Alumni and fans, you made all of us feel at home. You are true Volunteers and we will forever be grateful for all your help.

To all the media outlets….The Sports Doctor, Ashley and Brad in the morning, Andy and Allison,WATE, WVLT, and WBIR sports departments, Style, and Live at Five….You helped us get the word out and we say thanks!

And finally, to my family, thank you for putting up with my ideas and allowing me to dream! No one, and I mean no one has a better support group. I love you dearly. I know its tough taking care of two dogs with a lot of energy. I’m even proud that people say I’m just like Fran! (That’s my mom)

Our Sponsors:

To Presenting Sponsor - Fed/Ex Kinko’s, thank you for jumping on board first! You really can make things happen with a very short notice. Cindy Catlin, thanks for getting Fed/Ex Kinko’s to buy into this dream! And, you were great on the ride!

To Wayne Basler, thank you for donating the Lady Vol bike to our Champions for a Cause foundation! It always turns a lot of heads and makes a lot of pictures!

To Knoxnews.com, your help with the website and advertisement was awesome!

To Skirt Magazine, thanks for the advertisement and what you do for women!

To Pilot, you fueled us across the country! Thank you! Ever time I saw a Pilot Station it felt like home!

To Gatorade, thank you for fueling our bodies! Especially across the desert!

Our Homecoming Sponsors:

To Regal Entertainment Group, Bandit Lites, and Cherokee Distributing, you were all very generous in donating your product and services. And especially to Sound Ventures,TERI Productions, and Stage Call, as Jackson Browne says “You were the first to arrival and the last to go!” We truly appreciate your time and hard work. You are all great friends of both Nikki and me, and you are great ambassadors of Knoxville. That is why we always see your companies sponsoring events throughout the year. We are very thankful that you are a part of the Knoxville community.

Thanks to Mickey Dearstone, the City of Knoxville – Office of Special Events, Bruce Pearl, Lady Vols Staff and Managers, Famous Dave’s, and Chandlers for your presence and help.

The Chillbillies….you rock and we appreciate you taking time away from your family to help entertain us!!!!

A huge thank you to Ryan for the Viva Las Vegas Video….that was really cool. And to one of our own, Charlie Harless, a Lady Vol Manager, who produced the slide show. You always make everything look so easy!



Through this all, I will always be reminded that we need to continue our fight against breast cancer…. And that is why I want to continue this journey! Breast Cancer does not take a break, nor will Nikki and I. With your help, we can make a difference!

Coming soon……….Our next adventure!!!!

We will keep our website up and running for those people who believe in our cause!!