The Ultimate Road Warriors

Lou & Regina Conway

If there is one thing Louis (Lou) and Regina Conway know how to do, it’s travel. Long before they joined any clubs, the Conways spent an incredible 27 years exploring every corner of the United States. They are true road warriors.

Their RV journey began back in the 1990s when they were in their 40s. One day, while driving home, a massive, luxurious motorhome passed them on the highway. Regina looked at Lou and said, "When we retire, I want to do exactly that." Lou smiled and replied, "We can do that."

True to their adventurous spirits, they didn't wait for retirement. They went to an RV lot just to "goof off and look"—and drove home with their very first gas coach. No kids, just the two of them and their two dogs, ripping and running across the country. Over the next two decades, they upgraded, putting a staggering 88,000 miles on a beloved Fleetwood Revolution that they kept meticulously maintained and drove for 21 years. For the Conways, RVing wasn't just a hobby; it was the best investment they ever made.

Creating Storms That Weren't There

Despite being seasoned pros who regularly organized month-long, six-week caravans with Lou’s siblings back east (traveling through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons), Lou and Regina had always traveled independently when they were out West. In all their years on the road, they rarely saw other Black RVers, and when they did, people often kept to themselves.

Through their friends Larry and Angela Clayton, the Conways heard about the CA Cruisers. Intrigued but hesitant, they started attending campouts as guests, tagging along to places like Emerald Desert and Las Vegas.

While Lou was instantly relaxed—happy to sit outside, swap jokes, test out people's cooking, and share a drink—Regina was highly skeptical. With a background of valuing structure and order, she worried a club might be too rigid or demanding.

"I was creating storms that weren't there," Regina laughs now, reflecting on her initial hesitation. "I wasn't sure because I didn't want it to be overly structured. If I wanted to participate, I wanted it to be on my terms."

But Larry, Angela, and the other Cruisers kept telling her: "It’s not like that. Just keep coming out."

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

The turning point came during a visit to a campout at Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas. As Regina was walking with Angela toward the main tent, a woman in a car pulled up, smiled warmly, and asked, "You guys want a ride?"

Regina hopped in, assuming Angela must know her. When they got out, Regina asked, "How do you know her?" Angela replied, "I don't! I just recognize her husband from playing dominoes!" Regina was stunned by the pure, unsolicited kindness of a complete stranger.

That warmth completely broke the ice. Regina looked around at the laughing, vibrant crowd and realized, "People here are genuinely friendly. I can do this."

By the time they rolled into a massive campout in Las Vegas, Regina looked at Lou and said, "Honey, we’ve been hanging out with them for four campouts now. We can't just keep riding on their coattails. We need to make a decision."

A Perfect Fit for a New Chapter

Lou and Regina officially joined the CA Cruisers, and it has brought a beautiful new dimension to their lives. The club gives them a joyful, consistent sense of purpose every single month.

They also recently upgraded to their third coach, a gorgeous American Eagle. To test it out, they immediately took it on a grueling four-week cross-country maiden voyage all the way to Georgia and back. Despite battling the notoriously rough stretches of Interstate 40—which Regina jokes was rough enough to shake loose your dentures—the rig handled perfectly.

For Lou and Regina, the CA Cruisers has provided the one thing they didn't realize they were missing during their 27 years on the road: a true, local community. Today, Regina is happily learning everyone’s names and building deep connections with the women of the club, while Lou is right in his element, bringing his trademark humor and easygoing spirit to every gathering. After decades of exploring the country by themselves, the Conways have finally found a home base on wheels, surrounded by a family of friends who love the open road just as much as they do.