I did not want to believe it when I initially saw this in my newsfeed this morning. This amazing woman was riding across America in honor of Martin Luther King Jrs 50 year anniversary of his I Have a Dream speech - and I had the privilege of meeting her. This June near Lolo, MT while filming Inspired to Ride we drove by Joanna and her heavily loaded bike. We were stopping to interview folks touring the Trans Am Route as contrasting stories to the racers we were covering for the film. Joanna agreed to be interviewed and I was instantly overtaken by her spirit and enthusiasm for the adventure she was undertaking. Joanna was Australian and told us of her amazement with how generous and supportive Americans had been to her during her journey. Giving her a place to stay, feeding her a hot meal and sending her on her way with cash. I too felt compelled to give her a big bear hug and hand her a $20 bill as we said our goodbyes. No doubt, Joanna has positively touched many people along her adventure, I know she had an enormous impact on me. God bless her family and may her essence of living her dream live on in us.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 22:54:59 +0000