( Wanderlust
With grass starting to peak through the dry winter mat and bird songs fi lling the air it is hard not to hear the call of the open road . Spring is defi nitely here and with temperatures rising each day , it ’ s time to put a stretch of pavement between the daily grind and a new adventure . In our new series , Wanderlust Weekend Getaways , we will explore the great places and unforgettable spaces within just a few hundred miles from home . Whether you are ready for the rally of a lifetime or some peace and quite , we will help you make the most of your weekend away .
DESTINATION PINK RIDE
This month our destination of choice is not only an enjoyable ride but also really great cause ! We are headed to the Pink Ride in Texarkana , Texas … or wait , is that Arkansas ? You will have to make the trip to know for sure . This is truly a ride , rolled into a rally , rolled into concerts and so much more to benefi t those in need and you won ’ t want to miss it .
Diana Howard started Pink Ride in 2010 when a friend incurred massive fi nancial burdens with her cancer diagnosis . She saw the need and started with a one-year event for her friend that has evolved into 7 years of care and compassion for others in need . Howard and her committee formed a charitable non-profi t organization that raises money to assist cancer patients with out-of-pocket medical expenses , utilities , mortgage payments , etc . This event started with a Breast Cancer focus but has grown into so much more .
Compassion for others will beckon you to this phenomenal event but the great food , live music , and gorgeous rides through the Ozarks will truly make this a weekend to remember . Live music by Vernon Hinesley and live auction will kick things off on Friday , March 24 . If you are wondering if Louisiana Swamp Donky is on the menu , have no fear it is actually part of the fantastic live music line up on Saturday , the 24th at the Hopkins Ice House . Kickstands up at 10AM on the 25th in Downtown Texarkana , Arkansas for the main event , Pink Ride . If you have not seen a live fully choreographed Grease fl ash mob you will not want to miss this epic production . A bike show , Jeep and 4x4 show , vendors and so much more .
“ Cancer is a word that we have all been touched by , also if we fi ght it together we beat it together ,” says Diana Howard .
If that sounds like a cause that you can get behind and an adventure you are ready to take then let ’ s roll on !
ON THE OPEN ROAD- FROM OKC
Oklahoma City will kick off our adventure to Texarkana . Is a direct route your style or more enchanting by-ways ? We have several options to choose from but a good place to start is a good cup of coffee . Let ’ s skip the Seattle titan and try something local . Our insiders tell us that Elemental Roasters on Hudson Avenue is worth checking out . They believe in individuality and delivering coffee in it ’ s purest form .
Caffeine levels restored we will take to the direct route on Interstate 40 toward our Pink destination . A stop to consider on the fi rst leg of the trip would