“Tin Man”
Sung by America
Oh, Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn’t, didn’t already have
I can’t believe that the day actually has arrived where I’m starting the journey of a lifetime. I can remember the days where Russ and I were dreaming and scheming ideas and places to go on our adventure when we retire.
Here I am, my entire life is now sitting in a 10 x 10 storage unit and l am living the life of a vagabond for the next year without him. If you have asked me several years ago if I could do this on my own, I would have said no way. Apparently, Russ has alway known that I could do it. He had more faith in me than I did myself.
The other day, I got a very special message from my sister-in-law.
“I am so proud of you for seeing this through… (have to admit to my tiny bit of jealousy that you are doing what I can only dream of doing)
I know what Russ wanted for you (he spoke incessantly about it) I know how important it was for him to know that you would one day venture out and more importantly that you would trust and believe that you could do anything you put your mind too. He knew how amazing you were… but somehow he didn’t think you knew how amazing you were. I think I was assigned the task of making sure you understood exactly how amazing you were when he was gone. I know how hard it has been this year. I have been in your shoes. You are an amazing woman. He knew it. I know it. You have to be to get through it and do what you are doing!”
Russ was right, I did not give myself enough credit or had enough faith in myself that I could do it. Especially about writing, all my life it has been a difficult challenge for me to write due to my hearing impairment. He has been pushing me for a long time to start blogging about our little bikes and I just always shrug at him. It wasn’t until last year where Carla King who gave me the final nudge to just do it. At first, it felt awkward and I was over thinking the process. Then after talking to several of my friends, they told me just write from the heart and ignore what others think of my writing skills. Next month will be a year since my first blog post and I have had 15,000 views since then.
Then came the final preparation for the trip itself, all of the planning and logistic are starting to come together. I talked and wrote incessantly about it. I think a lot of people just listened to me ramble about it but did not really believed that I truly was going to do it. I actually overheard a conversation between two guys where one of them said that I wasn’t going to last more than a month. I may and I may not but I have sneaky feelings that I will prove them wrong big time.
As the departure date came closer, I decided to apply to become a Jupiter’s Traveller thinking that I have nothing to lose in trying. I never considered myself to be qualified to be in such elite group of adventure travelers. Suddenly, I got an email from the Executive Director stating that he was delighted to see my application come through. He also stated that they have a lot of applications to review and will let me know in a couple of months. However, he was pretty confident that I will make the list. I was pretty stoked, I couldn’t believe that they thought my story would be worthy enough to be in the same class of those other adventure travelers. The official announcement came a day after my last day of work. What perfect timing.
Here I am, on the road starting the next chapter of my life. Just like the song, I guess the OZ never gave me anything that I didn’t already had in me. I just needed to believe in myself that all.
A Widow's Ride 
From the day I first met you I never had any doubt you were going to do this. Your an exceptionally strong willed woman, and I am proud of you for how far you’ve come …
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Hey Genamaire! I think it is amazing what you are doing!!! I wanted to let you know that we ride with CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) and they have chapters all over the US (and world). If you ever are in need of help, you can call their main number 870-389-6396 and they can give you the information of the local chapter and they will be able to help you.
Safe travels!!
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Thank you Amy for the contact information…I will keep it handy just in case!
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Thank you Russ for being a huge supporter!
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Just make sure you let us know{on the TW Forum or via e-mail} when you get close to Northern Indiana and Ohio, and I round up Borneo and perhaps the Weasel and ride out to break some bread and have a chat/photos with you…
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I’ll definitely let you guys know when I’m in your neck of the woods!
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I’m with Russ….always knew you would & could do this. And you know I am a bit jealous but so happy for you. You are an amazing women & an inspiration to many of us!! Love & hugs girl!!
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Thank you Kim…hugs and kisses.
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It was never in any doubt. Safe and amazing travels Genamaire! – Take lots of photos, journal or blog lots and enjoy every moment. You have come such a long way to this point – and yet this particular part of your journey is only beginning. Safe travels.
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Thank you…I shall be taking a lot of pictures and journalling a lot. Pretty soon it will be hard to decided what to write about!
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Go, Woman, Go!
Safe travels,
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Thank you David!
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Ginamarie – Congratulations on making this happen; have an incredible journey. I’m always looking forward to the next post.
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Thank you Russ!
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Travel safe- my friend!!
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Thank you Sally!
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Go girl. Enjoy the words in both your head and inside your heart.
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Thank you Bernard…so looking forward to all of the experiences on this journey.
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Yeah, Russ was right, you are amazing, and you are right, you’ll prove those guys wrong. Roll on, the adventure of a lifetime awaits you.
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Thank you Dan!
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Best wishes to you on your journey.
As for the guy that said you wouldn’t last a month, likely he’s just jealous that you’re infinitely more courageous than he’ll ever be.
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Thank you Ry for believing in me!
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Ginamarie, Scott, Susan and Bentley are all so proud of you! You will have the adventure of a lifetime, one that you will never forget. I am so excited for you. Bigs hugs to you and a big wet kiss from Bentley.
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Thank you Scott, Susan and Bentley. You guys were my hero and inspiration at the HU Cambria. Give Bentley a big hug and scratches from me!
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I am so proud of you my friend I am glad you wrote from your heart and believed in yourself. There will be times in your journey where you will have emotions ranging from doubt in your plan to tears of joy.
Never forget to pinch yourself because this is real it’s go time.
The women I saw sitting in her tent writing is a much changed women than the one I meant last year at OX.
Godspeed with your journey and always remember you are love by many and your honest writing helps others to overcome there own questions.
“It is better to try great feats and fail than to never try and wonder” FDR
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Thank you Randy for the love, support and guidance since we first met.
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