 Every time I have ridden with Donna, she is an inspiration. She is such a great rider, a lot of fun, and has conquorered so much in her life.
She always has that great smile. How many times has she completed Vision Quest? A fond memory for me was the Idyllwild trip Donna organized last spring. It was a great trip, neat trails, with super friends for whom she opened her house (and her honnie's house). Below are some pictures from that trip. She is a joy to be around.
- Chris Taylor
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 Donna, what do I remember about Donna? Well a few years ago one of my friends suggested that I go with her to a Leah Donovan jumping clinic (thanks Jacke) because it would be "fun". I went at the last minute because I can never pass up fun". Everyone there had the proper equipment (ie - downhill gear, bikes, helmets, etc.). I just took my HUSBAND'S bike because mine was in the shop. I don't own a downhill bike, nor does my husband.
Jacke and Donna dressed me up in Jacke's sons motorcycle gear and prononced me safe and protected. Right. Needless to say, the clinic was fun until I crashed on my shoulder and ended up in the hospital. Leah drove me to the hospital after she and her husband fixed me up with a makeshift sling and frozen peas. Sometime later, Jacke and Donna (whom I drove with, Ms. Toads Wild Ride - YIKES!) were driving to the hospital to get me. They were delayed because the Starbucks was on the way, and they stopped there first. For a very long time. For a very very long time. For eternity; while I waited at the hospital. They eventually showed up, handed me a coffee (um, I never asked for one prior to this but scored one anyway, I guess coffee fixes everything), packed me into the car and then we were off on another "Ms. Toads Wild Ride" back. Me in the backseat, sliding around with every corner on the way back down Ortega Highway at like 200 miles an hour (aren't you supposed to drive slower with an injured passenger?) Me with my icepack and a sling around my shoulder. After a few miles Donna says, while taking a few big sniffs first: "Hey, whats that smell? Karen, why do you smell like peas?" I guess the bag of peas had melted on me (smelly!), permeating me with such a sublime fragrance! Poor girls! Needless to say, Donna's laughter and driving go hand in hand. Both should be experienced at least once. Thanks Gal for the memory! Its a day I will never forget!
Karen Paliska
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Donna Vargas….
Firecracker!!! Sparkling eyes and smile, contagious laugh, hot stuff, explosive energy on her bike and in life, and a warm friend to have. Love you Donna!
Susie B
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 Congratulations Donna!!!! Remembering meeting Donna for the first time was at Whiting Ranch 7 years ago. Riding with her was always a challenge! She was funny on the flats with the greatest conversations. But when it was time for the up hills she pushed you to ride a little harder without you knowing it until you caught on with what she was doing. I have to tell you from my own personal experience she was like a Drill Sergeant YELLING at you to get your fingers off the brakes on the down hills. Talk about NO FEAR is our TA of the Month Downhill Doll Donna! She never gets tired of riding and if she could she would ride everyday all day long with a smile!
My friendship with Donna grew from being riding buddies, to becoming silly friends, to eventually being roommates and helping each other out emotionally when we were both battling our own life challenges. We became each other’s support and thanks to the many TA’s that became her support and her extended family as well.
 I think there are so many great qualities about Donna…She has the passion to live and enjoy life no matter what struggles she has encountered, she is very passionate about helping others. Her smile is absolutely stunning not to mention she even sleeps with a smile and her laugh well as we all know catches everyone’s attention. Everyone loves Donna and how could you not!
Tons of Love,
Little Minnie “D”
XOXO
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Large Congrats to you Donna for earning the TA of the Quarter! Not only can you blow me away on your bike, make me eat all your dust, and not show any signs of physical exertion while doing so, your talents go beyond biking in helping an older TA clean up the little messes she makes on herself….(or were you just really hungry and helping yourself to the storage place on my chest??) Regardless, I am so glad to know you, and look forward to many more rides, party’s, pool table dances, and your help in keeping me clean for the future!!! You are a true Trail Angel buddy! Luv YA!!!
Carbon Carrie
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From Jacke, text to follow....
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DONNA???
You mean "no brakes Donna"? (Do not get in the car with her. She drives like she rides!)
I remember coming down Meadows on my fully rigid 1986 KHS and complaining that my arms were tickling and my hands were sore from braking. And Donna said......... "Just don't use your brakes." Hmmm. I thought she was kidding. And then I learned that, no, she was dead serious and actually believes that braking is for "WIMPS". OHMYGOSH! No wonder I have NEVER seen her go downhill. She's a magical mystery of a downhill biker. I could have sworn she was behind me and then she ends up in front of me. And I never even saw her go by. Hmmm. How DOES she do it? I dunno.
I HAVE seen Donna off of the trail, though, in places like parties, hospital rooms, Big Bear or ITALY and I can't get over her fun and sweet spirit. Together we are learning that girlfriends are ok and might even be wonderful.
Finally, I have often dreamed (she doesn't know this) about us driving golf carts off into the sunset together handing out endless amounts of ROOT beer to whoever might be around. We could carve a 4 foot wide trail around the world laughing all the way!
Who loves ya baby!
- JODY
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What sticks in my mind about Donna is some years ago we were at Aliso and my skills as a rider was novice. Donna talked me into going down Canyon Acres (the single track part, not the fireroad) No one else wanted to go-this should have been my clue to say NO. "Its not a hard trail, you'll do fine, just follow me." I learned a few things that day. 1. Donna's perception of not a hard trail and mine are completely different. 2. Man, can she downhill or what. 3. She's an AWESOME rider and I want to be like her some day.
Donna- You are so gracious and beautiful. You overcame cancer, tumors, surgeries, your strength amazes me, your laughter is contagious, your smile is to die for. You have no fear downhill and WOW can you climb. Is there anything you can't do...well.. Hmmm
I seem to remember you trying to cook garlic bread in your ovens broiler.. It didn't seem to be cooking...I wonder why??? (HA HA ) and I will leave it at that. You did cook up a delicious pasta dinner. I am honored to call you my friend.
Love ya,
Paula
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I met Donna when crazy Jacke took Donna and myself on our first ever mountain bike ride. I thought for sure it would be a slow easy ride; however we ended up riding Modjeska Canyon . As you can see, that was the beginning of Donnas Mountain biking adventure and she has never stopped since.
Donna has a special beauty inside and out. Her contagious laughter, her beautiful smile and her outgoing spirit is why we love her. I have had the pleasure of actually vacationing with Donna a few times and let me tell you, she is “CRAZY”! We went on a Caribbean cruise, were we saw breath taking scenery, we ate gourmet food and desserts, we drank under the beautiful sunsets, but I would have to say that the highlight of the trip was listening to Donna sing “Like a Virgin” on karaoke night. Of course she picked the longest song EVER! How about Jamaica ? Ha Ha.Ha
I just want to take this time, to let her know what a blessing she has been to me. I always look forward to seeing Donna because I know we will definitely be in for a great time!
Love you girl,
Laura England
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Couldn't be a sweeter, hotter, daring angel than my Donna bella:)
Miss ya clear up in Utah, the rides aren't the same without you. Heck can't ride anyhow with 4' of snow but come Spring you better get up here cause the riding is incredible. DH is epic but I don't think I have any more body parts to do surgery on :(
So i'll drop it down a bit for 08 season:) Ha-ha.
 
 
 
You've conquered more than most women & I love the spirit in you babe!
kpbikin :) debi
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