Get Yonder Magazine-Issue Nine

TALK MILES OR SAY NOTHING

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GET YONDER BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Nov/Dec 2017

boda boda riders of tanzania More Than

Sandwich Makers The Iron Butt Association (IBA)

2017 have iron/will travel 2017 Get Yonder Calendar Cover Winner

ride to eat

Bikers for Breast Cancer Awareness

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Stephanie Hampton

CONTENT 06

CONTENT COORDINATOR Shareef AsSadiq

CONTENT WRITERS Stephanie Hampton Shannon Lewis Various Contributors

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

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Yolanda Darnell

GRAPHICS/DESIGN Shannon Pridemore Stephanie Hampton

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Tysaun Cook Kathy Demerle Todd Lucas Yvette Cruz Dawn Phillips Anthony Simpson Nate Pridemore

Tawana Smith

CONTRIBUTORS Various Users of Get Yonder Forums CONTACT INFO: Email: support@getyonder.com Phone: (855) 347-8955 Web: www.getyonder.com

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Bikers For Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Tee Drive For Breast Cancer Recipients

Get Yonder's Featured Rider Meet Conrad "Radd" Vassell

The Iron Butt Association A Few Facts About The IBA

2017 Have Iron/Will Travel RTE

Bikers Ride To Eat At Q39 BBQ Restaurant

2017 Get Yonder Photo Contest The Winning Photos From Our Photo Contest

More Than Sandwich Makers Seven Women With Over A Half A Million Miles

Boda Boda Riders of Tanzania Boda Boda Riders Getting Yonder

Motorcycle Visit to the NIH Children's Inn

Bikers Visit The Children's Inn at NIH

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: Instagram: get.yonder Facebook: Get Yonder DISCLAIMER

Get Yonder reserves the right to limit the reproduction of any portion of this magazine via digital or printed access, without the expressed written consent from the publisher.

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Get Yonder is not responsible nor do we guarantee any advertising claims made by paid sponsors.

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PHOTO CREDITS: Yolanda Darnell Kemesha Moore Darrell Logic Turner Jennifer Brewington Devon Devoe Photography Multiple Get Yonder Contributors

28 MORE THAN SANDWICH MAKERS

Highlighting Seven Women That Ride Their Motorcycles

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2017 HAVE IRON/WILL TRAVEL RIDE TO EAT

Iron Butt Association

The 2017 Ride To Eat At Q39 BBQ Restaurant

08 FEATURED RIDER

Meet Conrad "Radd" Vassell

34 BODA BODA RIDERS OF TANZANIA

Boda Boda Riders Get Yonder While Getting Paid

A Few Facts About The IBA

40 2ND ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE VISIT TO NIH Bikers Visit The Children's Inn at NIH

22 GET YONDER PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS See The Winners Of Get Yonder's 2017 Photo Contest

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From the

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July/Aug 2017 Issue 07

There's No Us Without You........

The end of the year is approaching, and I can't begin to express how much I have enjoyed this journey. We are closing out the year in grand style, as we continually strive to bring the best in magazine content. It's our mission to provide a diverse platform of motorcycle enthusiasts from all facets of life.

With the introduction of organizations such as the Iron Butt Association, Tour of Honor, and American Ultimate Long Distance Riders, we continue our mission of dissolving the boundaries that separate us as lovers of iron.

In this issue, we feature the article, More Than Sandwich Makers, which highlights seven women, known to rip the highways. Get ready to read about the Boda Boda Riders of Tanzania, a recap of the 2017 Have Iron/Will Travel Ride To Eat, and a article on bikers visiting the Children's Inn at the National Health Institute.

As an added treat, we have the winners of our 2017 Get Yonder Photo Contest, to include, the Top 30 Photos. We thank each and everyone that submitted photos, as the proceeds from our calendar will go to the Motorcycle Relief Project, an organization that provides "relief rides" to veterans that suffer from PTSD and other injuries.

Hope you enjoy!

Ride safe! Get Yonder!

Editor-In-Chief Get Yonder Magazine shampton@getyonder.com

Stephanie Hampton

Talk Miles .or Say Nothing page 4

tour of honor

benefiting veterans

and first responders charities

50 states.

500 memorials.

You, your motorcycle, And a good reason to ride.

A self-directed ride 1APR17 - 31OCT17. Visit seven memorials in any state to achieve Finisher status.

Or travel cross-country. It’s up to you.

Sign up at www.tourofhonor.com Benefiting:

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

BIKERS FOR BREAST C

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CANCER AWARENESS In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, Get Yonder Magazine sold pink Get Yonder T-shirts for the month of October. All proceeds from the sale of the pink t-shirts were presented to two ladies currently undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer. The two chosen recipients were both presented a check in the amount of $500.00. Our chosen recipients were Quasi Howell and Kim Harley, both of Atlanta, Georgia.

We would like to thank those that supported our pink t-shirt initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness!

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featuredRider Name:

Conrad “Radd” Vassell, a member of Rarebreed Motorcycle Club, has been riding motorcycles for twenty-seven years. In 1994, he purchased his first bike, a Yamaha FZR 600. As the current owner of two Harley-Davidson Road Glide Specials, Radd enjoys riding his motorcycles across the United States. He has traveled to each of the 48 continental states. However, his greatest joys come from riding with his wife on scenic back roads.

Conrad “Radd” Vassell

Club: Rarebreed MC (Atlanta) Hometown: Miami, FL Riding Experience: 27 Years Motorcycle: 2012 & 2015 HD Road Glide Special Longest Ride: United States 4 Corners

When asked of his most memorable rides, he shared his trip to the US Four Corners, a trip he took to the Grand Canyon, and a ride he shared with his

Vassell

Conrad

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wife from Georgia to North Dakota. He also mentioned other memorable places: a ride to Mt. Rushmore, the Golden Gate Bridge, the White House, the Empire State Building, Ontario, Canada and Utah State Parks.

With his years of riding experience, we asked what advice he would give to a new rider. He expressed the importance of gaining basic mechanical knowledge, and enhancing your riding skills. Knowing the basics can help alleviate time spent on the side of the highway, and get you back up and running.

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Automotive Upholstery Marine Upholstery Leather Kits Convertible & Vinyl Tops Motorcycle Upholstery LED Lighting 12 Volt Electronics

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drop ship anywhere free quotes 24+ years experience

(812) 653-0175 wetinkdesigns@att.net www.wetinkdesigns.net

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

The Iron Butt Association (IBA)

T

he Iron Butt Association, headed by current President, Michael J. Kneebone, consists of an eclectic group of long distance motorcycle riders. With over 60,000 members worldwide, the organization embraces some of the “toughest riders” known to ride iron. Members of the organization can range from extreme, seasoned riders to those that simply enjoy a good challenge occasionally.

The organization has an established list of rides that can be “certified” once completed. Each ride has official, governing rules and provide information on certification eligibility.

In addition to certifying rides, the IBA hosts the popular, Iron Butt Rally, which is held in August/September every two years (odd number years).

The Iron Butt Rally is an extremely competitive motorcycle endurance ride. The rally is an eleven-day event that covers a minimum of 9,000 miles across the United States and

Canada. Points are earned by arriving at designated checkpoints within a specified amount of time. Optional bonus points are earned by visiting locations between the required check points.

In our upcoming issues, Get Yonder Magazine will be highlighting IBA certification rides, providing indepth information for each. We will start with the more popular rides, with the most common being the Saddlesore 1000.

Iron Butt Association Most Popular Rides Saddlesore 1000- 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours Bun Burner 1500- 1,500 miles in less than 36 hours Saddlesore 1600k- 1,600 kilometers in less than 24 hours Outside of the USA Bun Burner 2500k- 2500 kilometers in less than 36 hours Outside of the USA Bun Burner 1500 Gold- 1,500 miles in less than 24 hours National Parks Tour Series- Visit at least 50 National Parks in at least 25 States Great Lake Series- US/Canada Great Lakes Series (Lake Michigan 1000, Lake Huron 1000, Lake Superior 1000 and more) In State Saddlesore Series- For rides completed in State or Province 48 States in 10 Days- Ride to 48 States in 10 Days Coast To Coast Series- Motorcycle Rides from the Atlantic Ocean To the Pacific Ocean (or reverse) Ultimate Coast To Coast- Key West, Florida to remote Prudhoe Bay Alaska

OTHER COUNTRIES THAT HAVE CERTIFIED RIDES page 12

United Kingdom | Ireland | Australia | Germany | Finland | Sweden I India | Russia | Ukraine | South Africa

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2017 Have Iron/Will Travel Ride To Eat By: Ksolo Harris The 2nd Annual Have Iron/Will Travel Ride to Eat was held on October 7, 2017 at Q39 BBQ Restaurant, in Kansas City, Missouri. More than one hundred motorcyclists from all parts of the country rode to attend the event. The event was initiated by Ksolo Harris and Shareef AsSadiq, when the two friends decided that they would meet up for lunch. Being on opposite sides of the country, they decided to meet half way at a location central to them both.

As administrators of the Have Iron/Will Travel Facebook group, and with the founder, Bingo Brown’s permission, they started the Ride to Eat under the group’s moniker, while inviting other bikers to attend.

The Have Iron/Will Travel team members are: Bingo Brown, Shareef AsSadiq (Reef), Paul Knight, Sunshine Rogers, Yolanda Robertson, Rob “Big Rob” Miles and Ksolo Harris, whom all share a passion for riding and fellowshipping among other bikers.

The team presented patches to recipients who had ridden their motorcycles to at least 24 states.

Reef and KSolo presented Delshateki “Dirty Bird” Izquierdo with a $100 award for locating their 48+1 sticker in upper British Columbia while enroute to Alaska. Reef and KSolo also presented Bebo Kount Lopez and Tone “T-Time” Handy with a commemorative Limited Edition 48+1 T-Shirt made for riders who escorted or rode with them on their trip to 49 states.

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The team also celebrated the life of Danielle Taylor “Danni” Rivera, also known as “P2” of Blaque Pearls MC. Ruby “Thunder Kat” Izquierdo gave an inspirational and motivational speech that touched all in attendance.

In addition to the Saturday event, those that arrived the day prior, though coming from places as far as Sacramento, California and New York City, took the opportunity to ride 300 miles from the host hotel to the small town of Kensly, Kansas. Kensly sits halfway between New York City and San Francisco with an equal distance of 1,561 mile to either city.

All in attendance agreed that the 2017 RTE was an enormous success and the friendships, camaraderie and memories will last forever. The 2018 Have Iron/ Will Travel RTE will be held on October 6, 2018 in Oklahoma City, OK. To learn more about the RTE, visit Ride to Eat (2017) on Facebook.

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ontest-Top 30 Photos

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calendar contest winners

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1st Place: king of the Highway winning photo: Hugh “highway smiley� smith III

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2nd Place tie: dirty bird

2nd Place tie: swiss alps

3rd Place: Love this s**t

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calendars coming soon! order yours at getyonder.com

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

More Than San While surfing on Facebook one day, I came across a post from a popular Facebook page. The post was about women in motorcycle clubs, holding positions and wearing colors. The post spoke about traditional motorcycle protocol, and seek to shed light on the “uneducated” concerning women and their role in the motorcycle community.

One comment that immediately caught my attention, was from someone of a historical, and rather traditional motorcycle perspective. He stated that women were no more than “sandwich makers” and had no place in a motorcycle club. There were also a mixture of opinions concerning them riding motorcycles and it being a “man’s world.”

After reading the hundreds of comments, I thought that some were rather demeaning, and though I applauded their effort to educate on protocol, what I thought was lacking was the pure respect that was due to women that ride their on iron. I thought it would be only right to highlight a few “sandwich makers” and to show that some can ride with the best of men.

This isn’t about protocol nor is it about holding a position or wearing a certain cut.

This is simply to show that times are changing, and women are making their marks on ground and riding their own.

Featured are seven women, collectively, with over a half a million miles on iron!

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ndwich Makers

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Minna Case • Riding for 17 years • First motorcycle was a Honda CBR • Current motorcycle is a 2008 BMW R1200GS named “Tigger” • Rode 27,000 miles from April to November • Have ridden in all the lower 48 states, Europe and Thailand.

• Has completed over 25 Iron Butt Rides • Enjoy riding in mountains and along the coast • Favorite IBA Ride is the 50cc (New York to San Francisco, CA-2,954 in 46 hours) • A member of the Yankee Beemers and the Vermont BMW Owners Tip to a new rider: Find the right bike that’s for you. Not every bike works for everyone!

Riding Inspiration: Experiencing and discovering new places. Participating in the Tour of Honor has brought me to many beautiful places I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

Abby Clabough Spaedt • Riding 38 years • First motorcycle was a 1970 Sportster • Current motorcycles are: 2001 Softail (bought brand new, currently 150,000 miles) and a 2017 Road Glide Special • Have ridden in all the lower 48 states except North Dakota.

• Wrote a book “Shovelhead Redemption” about riding cross-country in 2007 • MSF and H-D Riding Academy Certified Instructor • 2016 Hoka Hey Finisher. The entire trip was 13,000 miles.

Tip to a new rider: Get out there and ride. Don’t practice in neighborhoods or parking lots, it’s so unsafe! The more you get out there in traffic and ride, the more comfortable you’ll be.

Riding Inspiration: I am my best person on my bike. That’s where I belong, 100% at home, in my element. I am who I was meant to be when I’m riding. It’s hard to explain.

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Dolly Jus’tis Johnson • Riding for 40+ years • First motorcycle was a Yamaha 50 • Current motorcycles are: 2017 Road King Special and a 2018 Road Glide CVO • Rode an estimated 25,000 miles this year • Have ridden in all the lower 48 states • Member of Harley’s Angels Motorcycle Club • Longest trip was riding to 48 states in a two-week time frame • Enjoys the Blue Ridge Parkway and the beautiful mountains Tip to a new rider: Just ride your own ride!

Riding Inspiration: Being at peace and doing what I love.

Narianne Massie • Riding for 11 ½ years • First motorcycle was a 1999 Honda 750 • Current motorcycle is a 2007 Honda Goldwing • Longest trip was 8,000 miles in seven days • Traveled across country multiple times to include riding through Canada.

• Averages around 18,000 miles per year • Several Iron Butt Rides to include 3 Saddlesore 1000’s and a Bun Burner Gold (1500 miles in less than 24 hours) • Enjoyed the Smoking Chase Tour, Whispering Giants, Tour of Honor sites, and visiting National Parks Tip to a new rider: Be safe and enjoy! Live life everyday like it was your last.

Riding Inspiration: Fun, fellowship, breaking bread, heart break, sorrow, new life and death are all inspirations for me….the way you see things from the road and the interactions with people.

Kelly Kelz Valdez • Riding for 10 years • First motorcycle was a 2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 • Current motorcycle is a 2014 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 • Have ridden in all 50 states, which includes 7 cross-country trips • Have ridden in 9 Provinces of Canada • Longest trip was 11,000 miles in 38 days riding around the country • Averages around 30,000 miles per year • Member of Blaque Pearls MC Tip to a new rider: Take the motorcycle class!

Riding Inspiration: Nothing inspires me to ride anymore. People used to inspire me until I learned many years ago that some do it for all the wrong reasons. I ride because of who I am, and I was always meant to live on 2’s. It’s like breathing to me.

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Sunshine Rogers • Riding for 15 years • First motorcycle was a 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 • Current motorcycle is a 2017 Road Glide (6th Harley-Davidson motorcycle) • Averages about 40,000 miles per year • Longest trip was 9,637 miles in 21 days riding to the lower 48 states and Canada • Multiple cross-country trips to include riding to the lower 48 states [in one trip] twice • Over 100,000 miles on a 2004 Softail Fat boy • Enjoy riding through the mountains of Utah and Washington State Tip to a new rider: Learn your motorcycle and riding style before you start riding with groups and other people.

Riding Inspiration: I’m inspired to ride by God, my motorcycle is my therapist while I’m riding. Riding fills my soul with joy, peace and love.

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Tameka Kurvez Richardson • Riding for 10 years • First motorcycle was a 2007 Suzuki GXR-750 • Current Motorcycle is a 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special • Average miles a year is about 20,000 • A Property of Outcast MC • Have ridden to 43 of the lower 48 states • Longest trip was about 13,000 miles, which included the US Four Corners • Chairperson of the Bessie Stringfield All Female Ride (an annual event) Tip for a new rider: Ride your ride and figure out your comfort zone, while slowly working your way up to the level that you would like to be.

Riding Inspiration: I am inspired through the legacy of Ms. Bessie Stringfield. I am also inspired by my sisters on iron, especially when I see them growing and improving their riding skills.

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Introducing SpotWalla: Data Location Manager

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SpotWalla is a tracking mechanism, that supports several satellite-based tracking devices. It provides users the flexibility to control their location data.

J

ason Jonas, founder of SpotWalla, has been riding motorcycles for over 20 years. In 2000, he decided on taking some time off to travel and ride his motorcycle across country.

During this time, GPS technology or tracking mechanisms, weren’t as prevalent as they are today. As a result, he got lost on the road, and was unable to keep his family updated on where he was.

In 2008, as a promise to his sister, he created SpotWalla. It was initially introduced to his friends within the motorcycle community, however, over the years as its technology progressed, it is used by a number of communities.

What is SpotWalla?

SpotWalla is a tracking mechanism, that supports several satellite-based tracking devices. It provides users the flexibility to control their location data. The SpotWalla allows complete control of the information being exposed, all in a secured and private environment.

What are some of its benefits?

With SpotWalla, you’re able to share your travels and rides with your family and friends by creating “trips.” This will allow them to follow your travels, as the app updates with location data. In addition, once a “trip” is created, it will allow you to send text messaged updates, delivering up to date information. It allows you to track stops, such as restaurants, gas stations, and hotels. It saves the data from your entire trip for you to retrieve and review at any time. The user can limit the location data as needed, and provide an external link for tracking.

What devices does it support?

SpotWalla supports the following devices: • APRS Device • GibbyTrip for iOS • Bubbler GPS for Android • INMARSAT Communications Device • DeLorme inReach • SPOT Personal Tracker • Email • SWConnect for iOS • Generic Device with GPX Support • The Wirie pro Device

To find additional information on SpotWalla, visit the website at www.spotwalla.com

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

by Linda Darelius

with Bod

I just returned from another trip to northern Tanzania where I help run a medical clinic. One of the first things you notice about Tanzania is how beautiful it is and the second thing you notice is the amazing number of motorcycles. They are abundant in the cities and the rural areas alike. The traffic in the cities is horrendous and occasionally bikes will come up on either side of your car at the same time, even on a two lane road. These bikers take lane splitting to a whole new level!

According to government statistics, in 2008 there were 45,000 registered motorcycles in Tanzania and by 2014 this number increased to 148,000. One recent study showed that 90% of all motorized vehicles in rural Tanzania are motorcycles. Three things have helped spur this rapid increase: the availability of cheap bikes from China and India, the very poor condition of most of the roads and the rise of the Bodaboda Taxi industry.

Bodaboda taxis are everywhere and carry everything from people to goods. I have seen them carry people (sometimes 4 or 5 on one bike), large bags of beans or rice, goats, mattresses, lumber and even a couch. If it can be balanced they can carry it! These riders don’t Get Yonder in a long distance way, but they put on a lot of miles in a day.

This would be a good place for some definitions: Piki Piki - A privately owned motorcycle, not used as a taxi.

Bodaboda Taxi - Has two wheels and is usually a Toyo 125cc or 150cc (China), a Boxer - 125cc or 150cc (India) a Kinglin 150cc (India) or a Honda 125cc.

Bajaji - An enclosed three wheel vehicle mainly from the Baja Auto in India. Mostly used in the cities or on paved roads as it is more of a scooter type vehicle.

Toyo Hybrid - Has the front of a motorcycle and a back end that is more like a trailer or pickup box. These carry page 34

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daboda Riders in

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very large loads and are found in the cities and on paved roads.

Outside of the bigger cities, Tanzania has few paved roads.

Most of the roads are so bad that cars and trucks have a difficult time navigating them, especially in the rainy season, so motorcycles are the preferred method of travel. Our clinic is on a dirt road in the village of Sakila. Sakila is located in the mountains not far from Mt. Kilimanjaro. There is a paved two lane highway at the bottom of the mountain.

The bus stops in the village of Kikatiti on this road. If people are heading up the mountain to Sakila, they walk or take a Bodaboda Taxi. According to one of our interpreters, there are approximately 30 Bodaboda taxi riders that service the 6 mile Kikatiti to Sakila run. It is not unusual to see 6 or 7 Bodaboda taxis on the clinic grounds waiting for their next fare. Cell phones are cheap in Tanzania, so most of the fares are booked on the phone.

It costs about 1000 TZS (Tanzanian shillings) to ride one way to our clinic; about 50 cents in US currency. This has also fueled the explosion in motorcycles. Working steady all day the Bodaboda riders can make more money than the average person. The median yearly income in Tanzania is less than $600 (US) per year and in rural areas this figure is closer to $300. A Bodaboda driver who works steadily can make over $2000 per year. An article in a recent issue of the Arusha Times told about a large bank who gave 20 motorcycles to homeless men in Arusha to help get them out of poverty. There are private motorcycles, but the majority of the bikes on the road are Bodabodas. Most of the Bodabodas are ridden by their owners, however, there are a good number of people who have worked up to owning several bikes which they rent out to other riders for approximately $3.50 per day.

In recent years the number of motorcycle deaths and injuries has skyrocketed. In 2008 there were 309 motorcycle related deaths and in 2014 this number jumped to 1098.

Two of our interpreters said this is because of helmets not being used, riders with no experience taking passengers and poor quality of the bikes. The government is respond-

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

ing to the increase in deaths and injury by: requiring that helmets be used, allowing Bodabodas to carry no more than one passenger and requiring all drivers to have a license. It appears that this is enforced more in the cities than in the rural areas, as many times I watch Bodabodas leave the clinic with no helmets and two or three passengers. The government is also pushing for the Bodaboda riders to form associations and help each other with safety and training.

My interpreter of many years, Samuel Mbise, showed me his bike. He currently rides a Toyo Power King 150cc. He has been riding since 1987 and started out on a Honda 90. Samuel is married and the father of 2 girls and 2 boys.

He said that sometimes he wished he also had a car, but because of the roads it is better to ride a motorcycle.

Samuel is an accountant for a humanitarian aid organization and is also going to school in Arusha to be a CPA. It is a 120 mile round trip to school every day. He has been involved in two accidents, but always wears a helmet.

He wears a winter coat for protection, but a motorcycle jacket is beyond his means at this time. (A leather jacket or jacket with armor is about $50.)

Christine M. is one of the more unusual motorcyclists in Sakila. She is from Nuremberg, Germany and has been teaching at the Hebron Secondary School in Sakila for three years. Chris rides a Honda 125cc. I remarked that she’s the only female biker I have seen in Tanzania and she told me that women here only ride as passengers.

One reason is that nobody would ever ride with a female Bodaboda taxi driver. Women own shops and have other rights, so it is more of a cultural thing. One of the men told her it is okay if she is female and rides because she is a foreigner. Christine had an interesting story for me; One day during the rainy season she was on her way back from Kikatiti. During the rainy season the mud here is like cement and builds up on shoes and tires. The tires and wheels on her Honda got caked with mud and quit turning. She was unable to chip it off and because it was getting dark she called a friend for help. Her friend brought another friend and they loaded her bike onto his larger bike. Then the three of them and her bike rode his bike up the mountain to Sakila.

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If you ever have the opportunity to ride in this beautiful country take it. Ride safely and wave to our fellow bikers on the Bodabodas.

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

BiketoberFest 2017- D

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OCTOBER 19-22 | 2017

BIK

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Daytona Beach, Florida

KETOBERFEST 2017- DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

The 2nd Annual Motorcycle Visit to

the NIH Children’s Inn Bethesda, Maryland ------ BY: DAWN “WHITE CHOCOLATE” PHILLIPS ------

T

here’s just something about motorcycles and children. About 4 years ago, I was one of 5 people chosen to ride my motorcycle to the NIH Children’s Inn to visit with the children and their families. My heart was overwhelmed with joy when the kids and their families took time to come outside and visit with us. I instantly found myself eagerly looking forward to the next visit. Much to my surprise, while inquiring the following year, I was informed that the person who handled the coordination of the visit was no longer an employee.

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It fell to the waste side. Last year, while I was still an employee with NIH, I decided to reach out to the volunteer coordinator at the Inn to see if there was an opportunity to schedule another visit. She was very enthusiastic about it and proceeded with scheduling a date and time.

My husband and I gathered 9 bikers (including ourselves) and headed to the Inn last October. We purchased bandanas and washable tattoo sleeves for the children. As the children and their families began to come out, their faces instantly began to light up. One little boy was in a wheelchair and could not speak. He began kicking his legs up and down, which was his way of showing his happiness. When the children found out that they could sit on the motorcycles and even start them up, they could not contain their excitement. Parents walked up to us with tears in their eyes, thanking us for taking the time to do this, sharing their appreciation for what our time meant to them.

We decided to make this an annual event. On November 5, 2017, we

made our second visit to the Inn. The weather was a little chilly which prevented some of the kids from coming outside, due to the risk of compromising their immune systems. This year, we decided to purchase bandanas, rubber spike bracelets, and dog tags, which were superhero themed. After all, they are the true superheroes who fight every day. Each child was also given a biker name which they thought was the coolest thing ever! We also had the honor of having two teenage riders in our presence, who are doing wonderful things in the racing community.

Our hope is that this event continues to grow and evolve into something much bigger.

It takes very little effort to hop on your motorcycle and ride to put a smile on a child’s face

Dedicated to those that love to ride!

supportive residence where families could stay without enduring the hardships and expense of living in a hotel. His vision was to build a convenient place with a home-like environment where families could stay together, for free, while their children were undergoing treatment at the National Institutes of Health.

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The NIH donated two acres of land and Merck & Co., Inc. provided $3.7 million to build this “place like home.”

A dedicated group of congressional spouses formed The Friends of The Children’s Inn and raised $2 million to furnish the residence. Dr. Pizzo, the congressional spouses, and several key individuals and organizations worked together to make this dream a reality and The Children’s Inn at NIH opened its doors in June of 1990 with 37 sleeping rooms.

that has been diagnosed with a serious (and sometimes terminal) illness. The stress and heartache these families go through daily is unimaginable, and it’s the least we can do. As bikers, we often get stereotyped. Giving back to the community is what it is all about and there are many ways to give back. Sometimes just a little of your time goes a long way.

HISTORY OF THE INN In the early 1980s, Dr. Philip Pizzo, then Chief of Pediatrics at the National Cancer Institute, noticed that families often congregated in the waiting room of the NIH Clinical Center after treatment instead of returning to the isolation of the hotel rooms where they were staying. He envisioned a

With the establishment of The Children’s Inn at NIH as a private, tax-exempt nonprofit corporation, a public-private partnership was born. While the Inn is located on the campus of the federally funded National Institutes of Health, it relies on contributions from many organizations and individuals to meet its annual operating budget.

Between 1999 and 2003, the NIH experienced an increase in funding

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Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

for pediatric research, which led to more children enrolled in these groundbreaking studies. The result was a higher demand for rooms at The Inn. The number of nights when families had to be turned away from The Inn tripled during this period.

NIH clinicians, Inn staff and the Board of Directors soon realized they needed more room. In May of 2004, The Inn opened a new wing that doubled the overall square footage and added more amenities and common spaces to create an even more comfortable “place like home” for 22 additional families. The Merck Foundation provided the lead capital gift with other generous donors supporting the expansion.

In 2010, The Inn renewed the promise of its mission by opening The Woodmont House, a home adjacent to the NIH campus designed to help up to five families at a time transition into the community. These families have children who are no longer in the acute phase of their illnesses, yet still require regular treatment at the NIH. Families stay for free at The Woodmont House and may participate in all The Inn’s activities.

Since the Children’s Inn opened, nearly 13,000 seriously ill children and their families have made 60,000 visits to this “place like home.”

The Inn has been in continuous operation—24 hours a day, seven days a week.

HOW THEY FULFILL THEIR MISSION All the programs and activities at The Children’s Inn are designed to assist families as they manage the stress of having a child with a serious illness. The Inn strives to maintain the highest level of performance and transparency while making a positive impact on every family that comes through our doors. It’s a place for kids to be kids. page 42

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Dedicated to those that love to ride!

Dedicated to those that love to ride!

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GY Nov/Dec 2017 Issue 09

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GetYonder

Dedicated to those that love to ride!