Madeleine Missrider Velázquez
Breast cancer survivor rides motorcycle around Africa
Breast cancer survivor rides motorcycle around Africa
My name is Madeleine Velázquez, also known as Missrider. I am a Motorcycle Adventuress. I created this site to share some of my long distance riding adventures with You. Thank you for visiting my site.
I've completed my North America tour on my beloved Triumph Bonneville, however, the thirst for riding extreme distances has not been quenched. My "Cancer survivor world tour" scheduled to start 2018 is an attempt to quench it. I purchased a Yamaha XT250 and customizing it to my needs for the world tour. My Journal shares how and what I am doing to the bike in preparation for the bigger ride.
I've completed my North America tour on my beloved Triumph Bonneville, however, the thirst for riding extreme distances has not been quenched. My "Cancer survivor world tour" scheduled to start 2018 is an attempt to quench it. I purchased a Yamaha XT250 and customizing it to my needs for the world tour. My Journal shares how and what I am doing to the bike in preparation for the bigger ride.
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August 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2. I decided to take the cures and spent 6 months with chemo therapy. The therapy was grueling and as of July 2017 I am still very sick from the side effects of the chemo and must undergo breast reconstruction. My plan is to recover during the next upcoming autumn and winter and start riding in South Africa. Please read my journal post http://www.missrider.com/journal/my-cancer.html to gain an understanding of what has occurred this past year.
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Cancer has defined my goal of riding around the world. Unfortunately, medical bills while fighting cancer has dipped into my world tour budget. I even lost my job as a teacher, but my heart is still with my students. As a result, I am still planning on the world tour somehow by starting in South Africa. The best way for me to accomplish my personal goal is to ride one continent at a time. I will start riding in South Africa by shipping my bike from Massachusetts (USA) as that is where I live. I will spend around 6 months navigating Africa then coming home to rest and see my family. After riding Africa, will decide which continent to ride next, please stay tuned for that.
What path will I take? The road always defines our destiny when we are on two wheels. Things will change once I start riding, thus, the lack of specific route plans. I have no time limit...... only the strong desire to become "the first 60 year old Latina Woman to circumvent the globe on a motorcycle as a cancer survivor". Together we can move mountains. I hope you are there to support me while I ride my motorcycle alone on this incredible journey. I am terrified, but know that with your support, we will accomplish this goal. Thank you.
What path will I take? The road always defines our destiny when we are on two wheels. Things will change once I start riding, thus, the lack of specific route plans. I have no time limit...... only the strong desire to become "the first 60 year old Latina Woman to circumvent the globe on a motorcycle as a cancer survivor". Together we can move mountains. I hope you are there to support me while I ride my motorcycle alone on this incredible journey. I am terrified, but know that with your support, we will accomplish this goal. Thank you.
One of my riding stories was shared by Ewan McGregor on the Jimmy Fallon show. I have included the link to the video towards the end of my story. Check it out here:
http://www.missrider.com/blog/an-act-of-kindness
http://www.missrider.com/blog/an-act-of-kindness
When I went to NYC to see Ewan McGregor's play "The Real Thing", October 2014, Ewan introduced me to Scott Fifer the Founder and CEO of GoCampaign. This past spring during my visit to Los Angeles I had the opportunity to meet with Scott Fifer, Morgyn-Britney Hall and Estefanny Aybar to discuss a possibility of helping the campaign during my world tour. We had a wonderful meeting and the GoCampaign is now my charity of choice for all my riding adventures. I have been a teacher in the public school system for the past 17 years, it is now time to give to other children in the world who are less fortunate. I am delighted to have Scott as my new boss before, during and after the ride. Thank you Scott for the opportunity, let's help the children.
This image was designed by Casey, a very talented student at Abby Kelley Charter School. She is incredible with a strong appetite to gain new technology skills.
All of my rides are self funded. I am an unemployed teacher on a tight budget. If you enjoy and follow my rides, a contribution would help pay for a night at a campsite or a tank of fuel. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity. Clicking on the fuel button will point you to my Paypal account, OR you can send me an email at: missrider26@gmail.com
