To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

CHARLOTTE -- A Charlotte woman embarked on day one of a 40-day motorcycle ride across the country Saturday. Tamela Rich is headed for Oregon, and with support from other riders spread out across the country, her mission is to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

"Looks like it'll be 8,000 miles and 18 states," Rich said.

It’s a long trip but she’ll be motivated. Her mother-in-law passed away last October from breast cancer and her bike is decorated with pink ribbons"

Three months ago, Rich wouldn't have been ready for thousands of miles on a motorcycle. She had no idea how to ride one. When BMW got wind of her cause to raise money for breast cancer research, they gave her riding lessons.

"I learned how to ride in gravel and across ruts," she said.

Her goal, other than reaching her destination, is to raise $2,000. She hopes to do that the same way she gathered her gang of fellow riders.

"Through social media, through Twitter, through Facebook," she said.

Rich will be blogging while on her journey. Visit her page to read about her journey and to donate to her cause.