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The Garden of the Gods, nestled up against the foothills of one of the most famous of Colorado’s mountain peaks -Pikes Peak- recently brought two ladies together. One loved the serenity of the Garden of the Gods and rode her motorcycle to the park often; the other was planning a different kind of mission.

Flo Fuhr, resides in Grand Forks, B.C. Canada and has been riding a motorcycle for over 6 years.

In 2008, Flo purchased a Harley Davidson Road ‘Queen’ from her dear friend, Donna Palladino, of Ride Like a Pro fame.  Flo trekked some 6,000 miles across the US continent after picking up the bike in Florida. She rode all the way back to B.C. with many of her internet biker friends. She never once had to ride one mile of road alone thanks to all her friends and family. And many followed in Spirit through her blog, ‘Going with the Flo.’ During ther ride, Conga For The Cause was born!!

A cool stop along the way…

The Women Who Ride (fund raising motorcycle group founded by Flo) took Flo into their homes, fed her, rode with her, and treated her like a queen. Flo decided this amazing adventure should do some good and go towards a cause. The Women Who Ride dubbed Flo the Conga Queen and decided to raise money for breast cancer research, because it directly affects all women. So the group “Conga-fied” themselves (dressed up themselves & their bikes in pink) and hit the road to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. They managed to raise $12,000 in 2009. In 2010, it was decided to meet in a central location; Wyoming. To their surprise, more and more women AND MEN participated. Together they surpassed their goal and raised over $36,000 for the fight against breast cancer!!

On approximately June 28^th, 2011, Flo saw a photo posted by Debi Holmes with the Garden of the Gods in the background, and she said; “I want to go there.”

Garden of the Gods…Colorado Springs!

Debi, an accomplished motorcyclist, responded enthusiastically with; “I will take you there and we will continue the mission of Conga For The Cause to the Garden of the Gods.”

Debi immediately began planning a scenic ride to, through, and back from The Garden of the Gods on Saturday, July 23rd. The Conga Queen extended her trust, encouragement and support when Debi suggested inviting anyone & everyone to join the ride…to Conga For The Cause while motorcycling to the Garden of the Gods!

Flo Fuhr, Debi Holmes, Donna Palladino…

Now you have two dynamic women with one mission.  Debi put this event together in 18 days. She was heard to say regularly during these days; “we will blow this all up Colorado!” With her never say die attitude and endless energy, Debi made fliers, contacted and talked with media, made presentations to motorcycle groups, contacted and invited friends, and literally put Conga For The Cause on her shoulders in Colorado for Flo and to fulfill the mission of raising awareness and dollars for breast cancer research.

Many businesses jumped on board as sponsors, including but not limited to, Sun Harley-Davidson, Rocky Mountain Asphalt Divas, Susie’s Bar and Grill, and CycleMatters.com.

On July 23^rd, Debi, Flo, Donna Palladino, Judy Fancy Snaith and Eric Hans Fuhr, along with the Colorado contingent met up in Ft. Collins and headed toward Garden of the Gods. It soon became obvious this one-day event was going to be much more than a motorcycle ride. Ladies and men decked out in themed pink, some on their pink motorcycles, were in for a daylong parade.

All for a cause…

Women Who Ride Go With Flo!

People all along the 350-mile route paused to observe the spectacle of “pink!” At planned stops, Flo was quick to throw open her stash of swag to award those curious about the mission.

Click here to donate and or purchase Conga Gear.

Crowds quickly gathered providing Flo with a forum to speak often to many about the need for breast cancer research. With a goal of $50,000 for 2011, they are halfway there. “Canada and the USA have a friendly competition going on.” According to Flo.  Some donated, some bought gifts donated for the silent auction at Susie’s, some paid to have their picture taken with Flo and her friends. Everyone who came into contact with Flo on this day, had a new sense of urgency about the importance of breast cancer research.

Donna and Flo demonstrate their riding skills…

For the 60 or so assembled at Susie’s Bar & Grill during the lunch hour, Flo joined Donna Palladino in a spontaneous demonstration of skillful maneuvers on their 850 pound Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They managed figure eights like many riders roll down a stretch of four lane interstate in the middle of Kansas – relaxed, in control, and like it was a walk in the park.

At the end of the day, the mission was accomplished…more money and more awareness!!

The First Annual Conga For The Cause – Colorado style is now history. Colorado helped the cause. Perhaps more importantly, if the Conga Queen and Debi continue to have their say, this event will continue to happen for years to come.

Click here to see and purchase photos of the Conga For The Cause to the Garden of the Gods.  All proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Research.