tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961557759256269782024-03-05T20:31:43.193-08:00Heart Across AmericaDFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-64559519957575692282017-04-11T11:25:00.004-07:002023-06-14T15:14:23.178-07:00Well it's here!<br />
<br />
...and I think Clarity Creative did a great job piecing it all together and really driving home the message of preventing Stroke and Heart failure as well as recognizing the signs of a stroke. <br />
<br />
Sean really did accomplish what he set out to do.<br />
<br />
It's also a great tribute to Don Brennen.<br />
<br />
The video footage capture along the ride is spectacular. Makes me want to do it again.<br />
<br />
Here's link to the documentary:<br /><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/590748602/e8a938c81c">https://vimeo.com/590748602/e8a938c81c</a><div><br /></div><div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br /></div>DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-54536894897095053592017-03-23T11:29:00.003-07:002023-06-14T15:09:59.778-07:00This is a short preview of a tribute to Don Brennen<br /><br /> Click on the link below!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wvDM_Y9hZAM">https://youtu.be/wvDM_Y9hZAM</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRCHZhyKeAq5uhkaGgrJmQUkPYGjMdlqPdGknXL3G-kUbYhrwvFMYiTQcE3-IlN3pH0Eep7H56XLaRTEcRUh3OP7llNJdxunsySA1i2FNvTFxLKuajaCagedPTWVF9DO7WaBHNIfGC63M/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-03-23+at+11.08.59+AM.png" width="640" /></div>
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-68673630696288219702017-02-03T09:12:00.001-08:002017-02-03T09:13:26.796-08:00Heart Across America Documentary Coming SoonClarity Creative will soon be releasing a documentary film of the Heart Across America ride!<br />
<br />
They've done a wonderful job of capturing the beautiful scenery and wonderful people we met as we travelled high and low across the country. Most importantly it drives home the message to Never Give up.<br />
<br />
I think it will appeal to stroke and heart attack survivors as well to anyone with friends or family members that have have had strokes, heart failure, or simply are struggling to recover from any hardship.<br />
<br />
Also, if you enjoy cycling and seeing panoramic views of rural America, I think you'll find the film rewarding.<br />
<br />
The film is dedicated in memory of Don Brennen. He was having the time of his life on this journey. He loved cycling, period. But cycling with a purpose took it to a new level. I think of him daily.<br />
<br />
I'll let you know when the film comes out. I'm guessing 2-3 weeks.<br />
<br />
It will be presented in various venues, including, I believe Amazon Prime.<br />
<br />
Many of you were a big part of the ride and could very well be featured in the footage...Food for thought...consider organizing a group to watch it.<br />
<br />
If logistics allow, we could possibly arrange for Sean and me to swing by and do some Q&A and reflection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1LvSrXGJOBe-72WQXEZtLTLTiJ85BNiv0qGldmNupllO-cRo8lfEPifUyvimmRMo_BtOA-pSDQw_PAYUSc6Jyd3o5kbDjAdKFwbmOHyUGoNsM2Vfy3UoAOwi-en4qWuv8M9pa_XbUPY7/s1600/Vertical+Poster1br1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1LvSrXGJOBe-72WQXEZtLTLTiJ85BNiv0qGldmNupllO-cRo8lfEPifUyvimmRMo_BtOA-pSDQw_PAYUSc6Jyd3o5kbDjAdKFwbmOHyUGoNsM2Vfy3UoAOwi-en4qWuv8M9pa_XbUPY7/s640/Vertical+Poster1br1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="421" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-77181131242844085882015-12-28T17:16:00.001-08:002015-12-28T17:23:16.010-08:00Looking back at 2015 and the Heart Across America odysseyI found myself today looking through photos on my iPhone and sure enough I was soon reliving the Heart Across America ride.<br />
<br />
I'm off work today and after 14,000+ miles of riding in 2015, am ready to sit back, relax, let my bikes rest safely in the garage, and take some time to reflect.<br />
<br />
My overwhelming sentiment is one of gratitude. Old friends, family, and the multitude of new friends, all chipped in and opened their hearts to the cause. Every day I felt surrounded by kind friends, some close by, other from afar, but all willing to share hope and compassion and the joy of living and pursuing a dream.<br />
<br />
The ride in many ways was a snapshot of life. Lots of highs and some extreme lows. There were many days where we were just excited to be alive. Experiencing pure joy. Cycling in the company of others sharing the same dreams and riding with purpose. Witnessing beautiful scenery and sharing huge smiles. I will treasure those days forever. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ozyEc1wy78GP5qpjORZmHMBzpVmZSBYutajJlpDEIRpilypfjLPRKldIRA6_DrPrd1YgAZhOo5rXvH4E_8EfUg-xsJk0nk6k6EoQMH9xCrUS1pjGVrSD3ID_BW549CXUPmvLFIJ9rhhG/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ozyEc1wy78GP5qpjORZmHMBzpVmZSBYutajJlpDEIRpilypfjLPRKldIRA6_DrPrd1YgAZhOo5rXvH4E_8EfUg-xsJk0nk6k6EoQMH9xCrUS1pjGVrSD3ID_BW549CXUPmvLFIJ9rhhG/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW90nOdWq28fG6t8b9lRChva4-nh-NM2XsexEcAzgM3iNHmzxJt-C11HR-QJD-g3_9_nNAPsWCCMITsN-i7IH90pthahJojfxruvcycHEwjO7ILvdGSbFjOzLx6G9x6RmZ_E4TthcQbr32/s1600/IMG_6733.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhXPIURgrNt2x2D2xEmjqhRmKPsseQGt0FLrzqkSYTozQvZzHIKJIfN8g4vZ1mMI5ab0ijtX3pJqn47AlBj2YnGfJ1OuQKp9WiT3iMBXZsrXOJGSiBXp3S8-7hLPvwdeSt11CA1PjxU5C/s1600/IMG_6734.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhXPIURgrNt2x2D2xEmjqhRmKPsseQGt0FLrzqkSYTozQvZzHIKJIfN8g4vZ1mMI5ab0ijtX3pJqn47AlBj2YnGfJ1OuQKp9WiT3iMBXZsrXOJGSiBXp3S8-7hLPvwdeSt11CA1PjxU5C/s320/IMG_6734.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ozyEc1wy78GP5qpjORZmHMBzpVmZSBYutajJlpDEIRpilypfjLPRKldIRA6_DrPrd1YgAZhOo5rXvH4E_8EfUg-xsJk0nk6k6EoQMH9xCrUS1pjGVrSD3ID_BW549CXUPmvLFIJ9rhhG/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">T</a>The ride is on!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW90nOdWq28fG6t8b9lRChva4-nh-NM2XsexEcAzgM3iNHmzxJt-C11HR-QJD-g3_9_nNAPsWCCMITsN-i7IH90pthahJojfxruvcycHEwjO7ILvdGSbFjOzLx6G9x6RmZ_E4TthcQbr32/s1600/IMG_6733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW90nOdWq28fG6t8b9lRChva4-nh-NM2XsexEcAzgM3iNHmzxJt-C11HR-QJD-g3_9_nNAPsWCCMITsN-i7IH90pthahJojfxruvcycHEwjO7ILvdGSbFjOzLx6G9x6RmZ_E4TthcQbr32/s320/IMG_6733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCL2vdplumcykObiEwRs7qKwFd9jnRXDTCa_3PQpMZJBifGy1kS5InAcHuLBif6_f-AVPsdPCKJ5wcCgp1bi1_WpC2UzpHvRm3t-qcfHkDF4MuEQH605BBo079YHuLwgMescUXTLh9_Yr/s1600/IMG_6743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCL2vdplumcykObiEwRs7qKwFd9jnRXDTCa_3PQpMZJBifGy1kS5InAcHuLBif6_f-AVPsdPCKJ5wcCgp1bi1_WpC2UzpHvRm3t-qcfHkDF4MuEQH605BBo079YHuLwgMescUXTLh9_Yr/s320/IMG_6743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First day down. Davenport. All smiles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKopEyV5YK0_JgZhjBoTSCOJhbB6waRfWjRn10b080Pu6AvpN3srf5kCMmMT5YsadA00-PiDEqT1JOEOL_ROua5fw83r1vu1vIT4PLedqAd4g7HiXF3fRKHBBPySNEjYIW69zqYCVUktS/s1600/IMG_6808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKopEyV5YK0_JgZhjBoTSCOJhbB6waRfWjRn10b080Pu6AvpN3srf5kCMmMT5YsadA00-PiDEqT1JOEOL_ROua5fw83r1vu1vIT4PLedqAd4g7HiXF3fRKHBBPySNEjYIW69zqYCVUktS/s320/IMG_6808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beautiful Ragged Point, CA</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaTBgRqsKf6RPljxwVa6Vb6J6aVXxomgiI9F6Qinn8PJ3mPg4lFynBimWYvHGVM-CwAYSh8qOk4VfRBFPPz4-5O2fhwhmB8xaC5Hisb-UkY7BS2eE3imVwg5Dc11T9jYUuiFaN_qaFFH-/s1600/IMG_6818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaTBgRqsKf6RPljxwVa6Vb6J6aVXxomgiI9F6Qinn8PJ3mPg4lFynBimWYvHGVM-CwAYSh8qOk4VfRBFPPz4-5O2fhwhmB8xaC5Hisb-UkY7BS2eE3imVwg5Dc11T9jYUuiFaN_qaFFH-/s320/IMG_6818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leaving Ragged Point, CA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ozyEc1wy78GP5qpjORZmHMBzpVmZSBYutajJlpDEIRpilypfjLPRKldIRA6_DrPrd1YgAZhOo5rXvH4E_8EfUg-xsJk0nk6k6EoQMH9xCrUS1pjGVrSD3ID_BW549CXUPmvLFIJ9rhhG/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ozyEc1wy78GP5qpjORZmHMBzpVmZSBYutajJlpDEIRpilypfjLPRKldIRA6_DrPrd1YgAZhOo5rXvH4E_8EfUg-xsJk0nk6k6EoQMH9xCrUS1pjGVrSD3ID_BW549CXUPmvLFIJ9rhhG/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="363" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Light moments in Buelton, CA</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiUAZ_Tin4v-6YZsb5xz94rRLZ56GcZ2T1k_bH6WRkbJTW6ZzeDzmN7wiEt51vugmgyJQy-Lx-nczq6dGwJkt42ZDa9o-EguCt3MDU2aI4mEYGo0UgBjM3bhUjwn_W-ITm7hOrUL4Wgmy/s1600/IMG_6909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiUAZ_Tin4v-6YZsb5xz94rRLZ56GcZ2T1k_bH6WRkbJTW6ZzeDzmN7wiEt51vugmgyJQy-Lx-nczq6dGwJkt42ZDa9o-EguCt3MDU2aI4mEYGo0UgBjM3bhUjwn_W-ITm7hOrUL4Wgmy/s320/IMG_6909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sean and Jason Chen in San Clemente</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiUAZ_Tin4v-6YZsb5xz94rRLZ56GcZ2T1k_bH6WRkbJTW6ZzeDzmN7wiEt51vugmgyJQy-Lx-nczq6dGwJkt42ZDa9o-EguCt3MDU2aI4mEYGo0UgBjM3bhUjwn_W-ITm7hOrUL4Wgmy/s1600/IMG_6909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3Wr9EkyiqJCDdIHeBCcgqRRJZCQ-x0PhM12PjtPnCozrEHcBN-PPGUWhYaP-CWgOeXc0UoVnToS4SViyWSlmSriuXJem7oGOSVMbAyodhiBOM-ZDHgch1Xt84RI0qXcBfzsDymwT-6dB/s1600/IMG_7011.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3Wr9EkyiqJCDdIHeBCcgqRRJZCQ-x0PhM12PjtPnCozrEHcBN-PPGUWhYaP-CWgOeXc0UoVnToS4SViyWSlmSriuXJem7oGOSVMbAyodhiBOM-ZDHgch1Xt84RI0qXcBfzsDymwT-6dB/s320/IMG_7011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dave and best friend Bruce in Phoenix<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqZ3FmBRhi85GOPX0h8fApo3Yx7oxiSOdcGdhRnkfoDoJTHflIBlzj0uCt4vEYNeUez4SNHbSFNLwP7dhLFTr1ZpANOwdJcjNDWglmG61amfjzm0d-niSyAXnU-HcMP1d-htmLyjsf6VQ/s1600/IMG_7022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqZ3FmBRhi85GOPX0h8fApo3Yx7oxiSOdcGdhRnkfoDoJTHflIBlzj0uCt4vEYNeUez4SNHbSFNLwP7dhLFTr1ZpANOwdJcjNDWglmG61amfjzm0d-niSyAXnU-HcMP1d-htmLyjsf6VQ/s640/IMG_7022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Surprisingly good food in Show Low</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiICvT9DZweCQBUJoPsNvDnTi-Ejqh4mWkw4skYeeRn5tCX5zIOUXR4r-N0ACAHJ3Btg0mkICLgCzVk96oqv9wruotgRaeJostqRctM5SIcv9pTVOfyFNEaAVLU2a5BhQM4jgCqGJa4I0H/s1600/IMG_7200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiICvT9DZweCQBUJoPsNvDnTi-Ejqh4mWkw4skYeeRn5tCX5zIOUXR4r-N0ACAHJ3Btg0mkICLgCzVk96oqv9wruotgRaeJostqRctM5SIcv9pTVOfyFNEaAVLU2a5BhQM4jgCqGJa4I0H/s640/IMG_7200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don and I crossing the border</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5oFpOjFrxPBdKxROYcWioixD5rhXNLnZ1C3K49tGPX8tOlkmB1PJfldSXpRGgjTJeG08nU4h26jGf3dwCEVm1MhrulIoPduaToEhE5Y_fa4IwUEH4Gm85B9KBwDBIUpdPr2hinwBB446/s1600/IMG_7042.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5oFpOjFrxPBdKxROYcWioixD5rhXNLnZ1C3K49tGPX8tOlkmB1PJfldSXpRGgjTJeG08nU4h26jGf3dwCEVm1MhrulIoPduaToEhE5Y_fa4IwUEH4Gm85B9KBwDBIUpdPr2hinwBB446/s640/IMG_7042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beautiful New Mexico</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xKkmEyrIChaopbczsq0uivcyATsSt0hU7yxKFQOPpTOcH80oW6KCTLXJdsUEQSMaAIhLKCcdZC3OCtx5G5tf3B45yJIkwq939Tc5zvR_yGWOvITkMpyb98Zpi4-LILUK0gmvsmNtW5sR/s1600/IMG_7095.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xKkmEyrIChaopbczsq0uivcyATsSt0hU7yxKFQOPpTOcH80oW6KCTLXJdsUEQSMaAIhLKCcdZC3OCtx5G5tf3B45yJIkwq939Tc5zvR_yGWOvITkMpyb98Zpi4-LILUK0gmvsmNtW5sR/s400/IMG_7095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New friend in Moriarty, NM</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
And there were days where it was difficult to envision a tomorrow. As I look at the shots of Sean recovering in the hospital from his fall, or relive the days following Don's passing, I'm amazed that we were able to keep the fire burning.<br />
<br />
Happy smiles without any clue of the tragedy waiting around the corner. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyfv768_b5VZwmlRevF_pceqqnCp4QKBs5jtGHIavLF8wMP-DCTEuAT2ShvWnY7UpWctPvQZQbghH0lDzwUy2IqU35r5wDSRNRpYZPf37wOwcnijKmnZnz7NDm1eRyj2rE3Gp67AIMuH_/s1600/IMG_7177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyfv768_b5VZwmlRevF_pceqqnCp4QKBs5jtGHIavLF8wMP-DCTEuAT2ShvWnY7UpWctPvQZQbghH0lDzwUy2IqU35r5wDSRNRpYZPf37wOwcnijKmnZnz7NDm1eRyj2rE3Gp67AIMuH_/s320/IMG_7177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sad day in Dallas</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MLScWHNMa3_coB_uQYZ5E-qD0J6EjmSK6mtjeR3r6zoubzXSD2TLF0LxGc153vmURqRIgy1qvKn-Ld1EgYqIiXbSuC8oOp-VUiZUER94Jye8okjvZFRTVJxqv5846duMIDpGe0ouzqWX/s1600/IMG_7183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MLScWHNMa3_coB_uQYZ5E-qD0J6EjmSK6mtjeR3r6zoubzXSD2TLF0LxGc153vmURqRIgy1qvKn-Ld1EgYqIiXbSuC8oOp-VUiZUER94Jye8okjvZFRTVJxqv5846duMIDpGe0ouzqWX/s320/IMG_7183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Comfort from best friends Ava and Chrissy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HWRlio3ND_Adz-mmAk4yhCNa4zQFhGdRzBBGudpAdeXUuwpyVN-r7YjljiK-Pq9Ulz2YNXuS1BdiC8LjJnCBYXYr-Q8YMUPUJLC37FOVPFIiEYzRywMGnlrsdwcdUymCyXKmVAut6Wxs/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HWRlio3ND_Adz-mmAk4yhCNa4zQFhGdRzBBGudpAdeXUuwpyVN-r7YjljiK-Pq9Ulz2YNXuS1BdiC8LjJnCBYXYr-Q8YMUPUJLC37FOVPFIiEYzRywMGnlrsdwcdUymCyXKmVAut6Wxs/s320/IMG_7186.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<br />
Despite the emotional turmoil, or perhaps because of it, we kept moving forward. Much like the story of all our lives.<br />
<br />
As we live, we all experience great loss.<br />
<br />
Each day still comes regardless of how the world we once knew has changed.<br />
<br />
So we ride to breathe hard, and to hear our hearts beating, trying to take in the new reality without our brother Don. There is comfort pushing through the physical and emotional pain, and there are peaceful moments spinning, where time stops and we feel alive and free of heartache. And we know that Don would have wanted us to move on.<br />
<br />
And of course, never give up....one of Sean's favorite sayings.<br />
<br />
I feel like this shot of Diana and me riding, alone captures that determination:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcqzCN0unhV3B2a3eMUsr12eYmcnydeAh7Or3PnISffRy8-al7MQbTkl-sQv3k1Hq55oCmGwMvvrnFmOEz9SKwn2DhcDbaH9lAClYyUPw5cvIKKl7LDc4tEiwuQPUUWyq3t2nzT4ylslY/s1600/IMG_7282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcqzCN0unhV3B2a3eMUsr12eYmcnydeAh7Or3PnISffRy8-al7MQbTkl-sQv3k1Hq55oCmGwMvvrnFmOEz9SKwn2DhcDbaH9lAClYyUPw5cvIKKl7LDc4tEiwuQPUUWyq3t2nzT4ylslY/s640/IMG_7282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We ride on.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And we manage to find light moments and support as we continue to spread the message of hope, and stroke and heart failure prevention.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtOYSwH2uk3C0RESULxQWB3o7Z1QvGycOr0_euBEMNqNJr0RJ7kzU9ZxaGGPnnDxOrlV4BFaDcGl3ZkLC2aRKTVYY8WwcvLqy-Gco6BTqQ8f9a6wH9zXQs6zshr-uJ6SwFp-6Jg5wvdZf/s1600/IMG_7207.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtOYSwH2uk3C0RESULxQWB3o7Z1QvGycOr0_euBEMNqNJr0RJ7kzU9ZxaGGPnnDxOrlV4BFaDcGl3ZkLC2aRKTVYY8WwcvLqy-Gco6BTqQ8f9a6wH9zXQs6zshr-uJ6SwFp-6Jg5wvdZf/s320/IMG_7207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don and Diana's aunt and uncle greet Amy, Diana and me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlKHC-wWb7EEY11IPDfEbEMrXlLCEw9XBx_zeqHzzKiWCR7nELQrB8pQdi7jz0O1tQe8Yf6qlIX9X9OtjN7XNjZOb6UnP6ug-ZGJNS0iwNmy49gkmfXXaAerYRr6dx26q9hIDxLYTtbv2/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlKHC-wWb7EEY11IPDfEbEMrXlLCEw9XBx_zeqHzzKiWCR7nELQrB8pQdi7jz0O1tQe8Yf6qlIX9X9OtjN7XNjZOb6UnP6ug-ZGJNS0iwNmy49gkmfXXaAerYRr6dx26q9hIDxLYTtbv2/s320/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sean is back in the game</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PnlyQQBr-AA-BD3rN8wzilxVbl1IOqElb-OUZ9eZYshPX9VnS2rApf78sbVqf24xeAwUR3OrMsQwAYjdnscpukvwFnnDERP14EBNYqNLio3tBJJ6Prfvg2CR3bGHOkmp6bRxZuK8zB8K/s1600/DSCN4217.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PnlyQQBr-AA-BD3rN8wzilxVbl1IOqElb-OUZ9eZYshPX9VnS2rApf78sbVqf24xeAwUR3OrMsQwAYjdnscpukvwFnnDERP14EBNYqNLio3tBJJ6Prfvg2CR3bGHOkmp6bRxZuK8zB8K/s640/DSCN4217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Celebrating life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_raIsp7LeKblIt8SEG_UsHqjgKVwtXtc_Yv0JDoKmG7Zj2rR4VMaBP73zQefxeCLL6UFQBuTBGx026iBLItI0Z4JcM6CcABePabZkNqVosh9iegrQOgEL7p8oSh65nHpkCGedYshpC9QJ/s1600/Dell0.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_raIsp7LeKblIt8SEG_UsHqjgKVwtXtc_Yv0JDoKmG7Zj2rR4VMaBP73zQefxeCLL6UFQBuTBGx026iBLItI0Z4JcM6CcABePabZkNqVosh9iegrQOgEL7p8oSh65nHpkCGedYshpC9QJ/s640/Dell0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Michael Dell and 100's of supporters greet us in Austin</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cajjuX80aVRjPBCfnYRIwzkqJ4GsngCH4Pimzu53YyEYkdq_z3pzDRervJdF4elnHDV_68lppjtzZblnrUWWpqaNZDFyV1VXkEThR0ytkcdks9j7um_ojQwh44n1s5eVF67OLJgCqkxx/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cajjuX80aVRjPBCfnYRIwzkqJ4GsngCH4Pimzu53YyEYkdq_z3pzDRervJdF4elnHDV_68lppjtzZblnrUWWpqaNZDFyV1VXkEThR0ytkcdks9j7um_ojQwh44n1s5eVF67OLJgCqkxx/s320/IMG_7108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dennis watches over a new friend<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9r6GxmFObyfsr5fmvpteSxz0WwKv0Mv4mLzLTi5rqFaweWToe46EP2XvthYS9FGkBGEoNfGnK9PUuqiamDgqmzgRMj7b5tpm36638lAYY9nMdT__f1xgzSm9bLqRH7OKUf7R8-3en0V1/s1600/blogger-image--2099721014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9r6GxmFObyfsr5fmvpteSxz0WwKv0Mv4mLzLTi5rqFaweWToe46EP2XvthYS9FGkBGEoNfGnK9PUuqiamDgqmzgRMj7b5tpm36638lAYY9nMdT__f1xgzSm9bLqRH7OKUf7R8-3en0V1/s320/blogger-image--2099721014.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Judge Kerry Anderson and friends in DeRidder, LA<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I4aoFc5EG0XVj39DnXe6KCt3iVRlJryJuaRa7RVnnGk6AmubYW5_oSvhphrTpWLpRmeBAtd5NM_zguw6l6h6FjUa-7vCwlxzWfO1ezrip1dhnAQ3Ui81zEcd0yr243kD63Kgc0AW6DEY/s1600/blogger-image--1516461414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I4aoFc5EG0XVj39DnXe6KCt3iVRlJryJuaRa7RVnnGk6AmubYW5_oSvhphrTpWLpRmeBAtd5NM_zguw6l6h6FjUa-7vCwlxzWfO1ezrip1dhnAQ3Ui81zEcd0yr243kD63Kgc0AW6DEY/s640/blogger-image--1516461414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My cousin Jimmy Montreuil meets me in Houston<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW1GZoi7BqFfBjSLmgWjZxOza3GwaLEPJdE434LYDP4LLkRMlzdKPnwTS-onqCLm_hev-7ys2oafMMEH5jsXT3BSdTjLLpX1SkT2ZMz7b8Hake-lRFTOJ1KNgRqb5wwerOpnUvPGO0HdG/s1600/DSCN4402.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW1GZoi7BqFfBjSLmgWjZxOza3GwaLEPJdE434LYDP4LLkRMlzdKPnwTS-onqCLm_hev-7ys2oafMMEH5jsXT3BSdTjLLpX1SkT2ZMz7b8Hake-lRFTOJ1KNgRqb5wwerOpnUvPGO0HdG/s640/DSCN4402.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Todd Nelson shows up in Natchez and keeps me moving forward<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kuMGOaBE4jsROcD69Y_eysJnfAnJCV3a-f3uHkkmfUgiIk4gVr19Yf4xVGeO0OJZe8_WOmAgd7_O881HCc-0Q6R9U8bAdwIvj48zKimsUC2SVlfJr4NPrn_qgfE9mWNM8AGtFkefP-r6/s1600/blogger-image-1829800740.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kuMGOaBE4jsROcD69Y_eysJnfAnJCV3a-f3uHkkmfUgiIk4gVr19Yf4xVGeO0OJZe8_WOmAgd7_O881HCc-0Q6R9U8bAdwIvj48zKimsUC2SVlfJr4NPrn_qgfE9mWNM8AGtFkefP-r6/s640/blogger-image-1829800740.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Rick Hoffman (who I last saw in 1979) pulls us all the way from Ohio to New York. Friends for life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj218hFYnhC6_uFRaDM_x7MGExcC216R_yt0vorjilIMaWlzEqK3Aob9DiTDIAw6jJsIP01daWHRV_f-aDRysOAXIa5p7qQzMhItUkUv0azFQ1QSe9d1B1vq9uf3g5hjAWDPAa6XgQriZQb/s1600/johnny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj218hFYnhC6_uFRaDM_x7MGExcC216R_yt0vorjilIMaWlzEqK3Aob9DiTDIAw6jJsIP01daWHRV_f-aDRysOAXIa5p7qQzMhItUkUv0azFQ1QSe9d1B1vq9uf3g5hjAWDPAa6XgQriZQb/s640/johnny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jonney Shih flies in for the finish line ride</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPRdj0nKCm8keF74RpIiksYWSMdwPDzzPU0a-9N5TnIEzVRQFP0R2iIjC732Erp6unvmSRCeTaru1L1j3ndSeKV_cgFTyBti_hPa7jN0LbLOQgi8Yg9sfBnjspqlTYvKxk4WO9ty5KcBj/s1600/troops.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPRdj0nKCm8keF74RpIiksYWSMdwPDzzPU0a-9N5TnIEzVRQFP0R2iIjC732Erp6unvmSRCeTaru1L1j3ndSeKV_cgFTyBti_hPa7jN0LbLOQgi8Yg9sfBnjspqlTYvKxk4WO9ty5KcBj/s640/troops.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Emotion filled Mike Elliot rides Don's bike into New York<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mQOixfLErcw06BfSsl8oQg1yY4sVYBvA3PJxx3KtWsOw6i4ZzAlHwRhHDcEpqY5Vz-gD7hP3M99xE2s70XF2VCBaYVifgtE9Og7fMDb8_ZpAAQFdHqE9CdI0wGtVJsd6yOWiUtHiYeGa/s1600/YEs.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mQOixfLErcw06BfSsl8oQg1yY4sVYBvA3PJxx3KtWsOw6i4ZzAlHwRhHDcEpqY5Vz-gD7hP3M99xE2s70XF2VCBaYVifgtE9Og7fMDb8_ZpAAQFdHqE9CdI0wGtVJsd6yOWiUtHiYeGa/s640/YEs.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Cycling Olympian George Mount at the finish line</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cxXhjN3e_S6zHQoc0DcJsfG2a4ngRt3wy0QjEqwGAL2gtuprogCKI1fV23_wv_y5GaZlJYVQFLbFXdPBEmHMWUChdrQ_oFMvHvq6sWOGgV5WLHF-MzyvBAwMcDqBeclZVx71pHcRACTk/s1600/IMG_7913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cxXhjN3e_S6zHQoc0DcJsfG2a4ngRt3wy0QjEqwGAL2gtuprogCKI1fV23_wv_y5GaZlJYVQFLbFXdPBEmHMWUChdrQ_oFMvHvq6sWOGgV5WLHF-MzyvBAwMcDqBeclZVx71pHcRACTk/s640/IMG_7913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sean's family celebrates the conclusion of the ride </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Many asked if it was difficult to go back to 'normal' life after this odyssey. It was not hard. I welcomed the transition back to home, family, and yes, work too! The last weeks of the ride had me very concerned for safety as I was only too aware of the dangers involved each day leading riders through unknown paths. The sense of relief I felt crossing the finish was overwhelming and I was brought to tears. I was ready for a bit of 'normal'.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The days back home celebrating Don's life were heart wrenching but also heartening. Seeing his family and friends coming together helped me realize how lucky we are.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9LupQyzTsIvf-TprJqOvSCy_bdzknNUzQb88-76vImiBdAGfeZ85ilvLyjJNtvjBzdBZewemPrbxI-bg7DUrsdjxXQ8gulB5uyLLzQ_5-Bo9UbG85R9qVQm3Wkctn-WGnsEWvWptb3BH/s1600/IMG_8051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9LupQyzTsIvf-TprJqOvSCy_bdzknNUzQb88-76vImiBdAGfeZ85ilvLyjJNtvjBzdBZewemPrbxI-bg7DUrsdjxXQ8gulB5uyLLzQ_5-Bo9UbG85R9qVQm3Wkctn-WGnsEWvWptb3BH/s640/IMG_8051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Handmade quilt honoring Don</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9LupQyzTsIvf-TprJqOvSCy_bdzknNUzQb88-76vImiBdAGfeZ85ilvLyjJNtvjBzdBZewemPrbxI-bg7DUrsdjxXQ8gulB5uyLLzQ_5-Bo9UbG85R9qVQm3Wkctn-WGnsEWvWptb3BH/s1600/IMG_8051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ07lb-DVIQt4b06Nt1IZmtIQQo0z9yDuHEp3BLJDaC-5BQRYyBdKRxOVPJ_7GpozZRALvdQsarDy0c34627vKLRi93QndCuzVZTGW22Vnxh77p7FyxvyM1FsZ-GI94tkkOgWD5zH6qILE/s1600/IMG_8054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ07lb-DVIQt4b06Nt1IZmtIQQo0z9yDuHEp3BLJDaC-5BQRYyBdKRxOVPJ_7GpozZRALvdQsarDy0c34627vKLRi93QndCuzVZTGW22Vnxh77p7FyxvyM1FsZ-GI94tkkOgWD5zH6qILE/s640/IMG_8054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Memorial for Don</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qeKZOnzD486jcQMYlNbNyy5REJOTF-3cbpegqxGkuKsu_mMM7o88N2FLsSIvyohzLBBpYDYMYdXZfFrC9N14Obg8zfU2oCnll6NL0uSJSM-9ZVxlYfoisQe_s0Bokf2r5WsLv76_9hms/s1600/IMG_8055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qeKZOnzD486jcQMYlNbNyy5REJOTF-3cbpegqxGkuKsu_mMM7o88N2FLsSIvyohzLBBpYDYMYdXZfFrC9N14Obg8zfU2oCnll6NL0uSJSM-9ZVxlYfoisQe_s0Bokf2r5WsLv76_9hms/s640/IMG_8055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of Don's favorite bikes</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE5t5OHGaX61VSYFwdDDjS51uIQXK1rXjJXwaI39Po4JnW2j_oWEO32i4OvmcLfMemlxsQE35TBJ1NJD89Z-cFeOvQDs0vqWlkXdw7t03W9Y0JOlF1dN-rpJA4bPf_LglSTDsA1t92ZLx/s1600/IMG_8060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE5t5OHGaX61VSYFwdDDjS51uIQXK1rXjJXwaI39Po4JnW2j_oWEO32i4OvmcLfMemlxsQE35TBJ1NJD89Z-cFeOvQDs0vqWlkXdw7t03W9Y0JOlF1dN-rpJA4bPf_LglSTDsA1t92ZLx/s640/IMG_8060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Family together honoring Don</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sean and I continue to get together and now that he is back on two wheels we have enjoyed several rides together. He is however mostly focused on rowing, a sport he threatens to introduce to me. Certainly seems like the odds of avoiding road rash and broken bones are better while rowing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shortly after my last post, Sean, I and our families met with Steve Pine and his Clarity Creative film crew. Steve interviewed all of us through tears and laughter. The experience certainly helped us appreciate what we went through and how it affected us and those around us.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Overall, through the ups and downs, I think we accomplished much more than simply raising $360,000 for the American Heart Association, though that was no small feat! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a grass-root endeavor. Inspired and driven by Sean's relentless determination and support. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We reached thousands of people along the way, many of them through one-on-one conversations and shared experiences. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We will never know the full impact of this but I have to believe it will save lives and give hope to those recovering from adversity. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We couldn't have done it without all of your support. Thank you, thank you thank you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I will close with a shortened version of a poem given to me by a friend; author unknown. It compares our life journey to riding a train. Seems to capture much of how I'm feeling.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16.08px;">..this train ride will be full of joy,</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 16.08px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">sorrow, fantasy, expectations,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">Success consists of having a good relationship</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">with all passengers</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">requiring that we give the best of ourselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">The mystery to everyone is:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">We do not know at which station</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">we ourselves will step down.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">So, we must live in the best way,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">It is important to do</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">this because when the time comes for us to step down</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">and leave our seat empty</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">we should leave behind beautiful memories</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">Reap success and give lots of love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">More importantly,give thanks for the journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>Lastly, thank you</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>for being one of the passengers on my train.</b></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-75102277799634780492015-09-20T21:39:00.004-07:002015-09-20T21:39:37.771-07:00Looking back for closureIt's hard to believe we crossed the 'finish line' in New York over 3 months ago.<br />
<br />
For reasons I don't fully understand, I've been unable to bring myself to read my blog and reflect on the odyssey.<br />
<br />
Today I took a first step and have read through the first few days, taking time to correct many typos and more importantly, reflecting on how I felt back then and how I feel now, looking back at the history. <br />
<br />
Hopefully I'll continue to work through the process and find some closure.<br />
<br />
One thing Diana suggested is that Sean and I, and our families should get together and share our before, during, and after reflections. Things have finally settled down a bit and I think we are all ready for this. Time to lock in a date!<br />
<br />
Cheers, Dave<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-78874505438494459372015-06-24T08:21:00.002-07:002015-06-24T08:21:47.906-07:00Mother Goose makes it home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My friend Mike E. graciously agreed to fly out to New York, join us on our grand finale ride and then hop into Mother Goose and drive her back across the country. That was Sunday, June 14.<br />
<br />
Seems like ages ago.<br />
<br />
But time flies, and on Tuesday, June 22, I received a note from Mike that "Mother Goose has Landed".<br />
<br />
He added "The Goose survived but has about 40,000 bugs impaled on her nose....All the equipment behaved nicely in the back seat the whole way home and no one asked are we there yet?" "<br />
<br />
I wrote back that I looked forward to retrieving my bike and extra luggage and hearing more about his journey.<br />
<br />
I was pleasantly surprised the next day to receive an email recap of his adventure. It was interesting for me to hear that his impressions along his route closely paralleled mine.<br />
<br />
Here's Mike's recap: <br />
<br />
Thanks Mike for letting me post this!<br />
<br />
"People in this country are generally kind, gracious, and generous. Staying at small hotels, I found proud owners and managers happy to provide not only a room and meal recommendations, but wanting to engage in conversations about my travels. Same story in the restaurants, especially at breakfast. Don’t miss breakfast. Really interesting people get up early for breakfast.<br />
<br />
Most interesting place I stayed from a bike-rider’s perspective was Togwotee Mountain Lodge in Wyoming. I had gotten there mid-afternoon and decided to ride back up to the Continental Divide I had driven across a few miles earlier. As soon as I left the driveway I caught up with a fellow rider. Turns out Clark was doing a solo cross-country ride to raise fund for Nepal earthquake relief. Riding a 33 pound touring bike equipped with steel fenders and a pannier rack on the back (not being used at the time), he struggled up the mountain as we chatted. He had to stop a couple times “to get a drink of water.” He never got to the point of gasping, but it was clear he was feeling every bit of the 9000 foot elevation. His sister was providing SAG, so when we saw her car parked on the side of the road, we knew we were getting close to the top.<br />
<br />
The next morning I found that the Lodge was an unofficial gathering place for riders crossing the country. Two Norwegians were riding the Divide from Canada to Mexico. Two other riders were participating in the Race Across America. I saw a tandem pull up, and as the stoker got off, he was assisted into the Lodge by a helper. He was blind, but that wasn’t going to stop him from riding. You can read Thomas’ story at <a href="http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/Blindride2015">www.crazyguyonabike.com/Blindride2015</a>. Check out the page <a href="https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=tS&page_id=422482&v=2W" target="_blank">Actual to Dubois</a> to see some of the scenery I enjoyed in the Goose. Yes, it was that nice!<br />
<br />
Note from Dave: here's a photo I uploaded...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2gSPwen5bx7D5Ss2BKtl3TSAaAmYQM4moat2TEhMWEZSTaK08-CImZYqioV0PiV9QdPTNnn6xcSL0FGXJBOWxfqOFsW5BfgfnlZA-PfhO8G_f7J1jww0RHx-iL_V7A29gL5PkOB4uxDh/s1600/20150620_111110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2gSPwen5bx7D5Ss2BKtl3TSAaAmYQM4moat2TEhMWEZSTaK08-CImZYqioV0PiV9QdPTNnn6xcSL0FGXJBOWxfqOFsW5BfgfnlZA-PfhO8G_f7J1jww0RHx-iL_V7A29gL5PkOB4uxDh/s640/20150620_111110.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Funkiest place I stayed was Dawson’s Lodge in Chemult, Oregon. So far out of the way that you’ll need a good map to find it. LuAnn had joined me in Boise, so we got to enjoy this experience together. As we drove up she looked at me and said, “What…..did….you…..do??” Built in 1929, it looked like a 5 room hotel out of a western. Only thing missing was the hitching post for horses. The rooms had doors that opened to a common veranda furnished with rocking chairs that were as old as the hotel, maybe older. All the rooms had a door that opened to an inside hallway as well. The innkeepers kept all the inside room doors open so you could look in the rooms as you pass through the hall, and each had a different theme. We stayed in the Cowboy Room. Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and the Lone Ranger were in old photos on the wall. Our bedframe was made up of 9-inch pine posts. Huge! A set of Texas longhorns hung above the bed, and a Stetson hat adorned one end. They did have indoor plumbing, but there was a sign telling us to take quick showers not because of the water shortage, but because they only had 100 gallons of hot water for the whole hotel. Ma innkeeper had no teeth, Pa innkeeper was rail-thin and talked a mile a minute. Ma explained that the Chalet Restaurant down the street was the place to eat dinner because they slaughter their own beef. If you eat at KJ’s across the street, you’ll get gas and won’t be able to sleep.<br />
<br />
LuAnn and I headed over to Crater Lake with the intention of riding bikes around the 33-mile Rim Drive. First of all, let me say that we were stunned at the beauty of Crater Lake. If you’ve not been there, and we hadn’t, immediately put it on your bucket list. An absolute must-do. We had gusty winds at the top, and the road was narrow. The ranger at the entrance had warned us to be careful because some of the road had no guard rail and sheer thousand-foot drops. We saw what he meant, and I’ll tell you the truth, I was terrified. On a calm day with no traffic, the ride would have been enjoyable. Gusty winds, sheer drops, traffic with drivers more interested in looking out their window at the lake than in looking at the road…..no way! We kept the bikes in the van and put on our hiking shoes. As we walked the trail, it often came within 2 or 3 feet of the edge of the crater. I stayed well away from the precipice. I’m not afraid of heights, I’m afraid of falls.<br />
<br />
Travelling across the country, I didn’t stop at all the sights along the way. I missed Orville Wright’s birthplace, I missed the Corn Palace and the John Deer Tractor Museum in Iowa, I missed Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthplace. I did stop at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and then drove across some of the most beautiful unspoiled prairie in eastern Wyoming. Speaking of South Dakota, though, my thoughts were that it was too bad that you weren’t allowed to enjoy the beauty of its prairie due to the visual assault coming from endless stands of billboards. I saw more billboards there than in all the other states combined. I don’t know what Wall Drug is, but I must have seen over 200 billboards for that alone. Ugly, ugly, ugly.<br />
<br />
Old federal highways and state highways offer a low-stress alternative to Interstate highways. Often only two-lane, very light traffic, but watch your speed as you travel through old, forgotten towns. I remember I had to drop my speed from 65 mph to 45 mph for a town which proudly posted its population as 4. I thought, “That’s not a town. That’s a house.”<br />
<br />
Sections of Ohio and Indiana roads were in pretty sad shape, but far and away, without any question, the worst roads I travelled were CALIFORNIA. There were sections that I thought were going to shake everything off the walls. More ruts, more patches, more really bad repair jobs than anywhere. Just awful. How do the other states wind up with pool-table smooth roads while we endure this crap?<br />
<br />
Surprise along the way: the nothing-ness of Wyoming, Idaho, and eastern Oregon. Wyoming was pretty, though, and I did see cowboys on horses rounding up calves. I thought it must be staged for the travelers. The Great Northern Basin in Oregon had a desert beauty of its own. Endless miles of sagebrush and wildflowers in blue, green, yellow and red. On the downside, I couldn’t get out of Idaho fast enough.<br />
<br />
Enough for now. Catch me on a ride and I can tell you about trying to figure out what all the icons represent on the Nav system in the Goose, what DEF is and how to find it, and having to choose between country/western or Praise God radio stations across much of the country.<br />
<br />
Mike"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-30190111283896836322015-06-18T07:46:00.000-07:002015-06-18T07:58:10.940-07:00HAA recap video and a little moreHere's a video summary of the ride produced by Clarity Creative. Short and sweet.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/claritycreative/review/131007982/980b05207c" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/claritycreative/review/131007982/980b05207c</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't think the full impact of this HAA ride will hit me until I go back to my old routines. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At a minimum I think it will be strange to go back to the same place more than 2 days in a row. I'm looking forward to this after 84 days on the road. And I am looking forward to some home-cooked dinners and some bland simple lunches. I'd be afraid to check my cholesterol after all of these rich meals I've enjoyed day in and out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Flying home today I looked at the plane's trajectory with a new appreciation. There's a new found familiarity with many of the cities we flew over. But crazy to see all of my riding undone in a 6 1/2 hour flight. In hindsight I should have booked a flight with 12 connecting stops. Next time... ;-)<br />
<br />
While on the journey I had some physically challenging days, but rarely felt exhausted. <br />
Now after 3 days off my bike, I'm feeling spent. Crazy.<br />
<br />
I'm realizing that I don't have any photos on this posting. Not to break tradition, here's a few shots from the AHA's Heart Ball’s 100th Anniversary celebration. This was a fitting conclusion to our adventure. It also was our 25th wedding anniversary. Like small children, we both pretended the whole event was to celebrate our anniversary. It's also fun to post some pictures where we are out of our biking attire!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
At hotel, all dressed up and somewhere to go!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh685yZ9R_92pYqUBzR0gmFO9FWRCzcWqyHxMa6QNQPG4PdS8ALx6EbU8WPfmIjUiXZyOHorcOgih3BXMqFbsbSZx2wXySaUyUp1WfhseNsmL2bHZWQH1CwQHhaaEB5iJHCrgpHLDBZW_eO/s1600/hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh685yZ9R_92pYqUBzR0gmFO9FWRCzcWqyHxMa6QNQPG4PdS8ALx6EbU8WPfmIjUiXZyOHorcOgih3BXMqFbsbSZx2wXySaUyUp1WfhseNsmL2bHZWQH1CwQHhaaEB5iJHCrgpHLDBZW_eO/s640/hotel.jpg" width="346" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Early in the evening we met with Dr. Mehmet Oz and talked with him at length about Don. He showed a lot of interest, sympathy and caring. </div>
<br />
Visiting with Dr. Oz: We were truly comforted by his empathy </div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif6tGNKq7AacI1AtCUP1lQXW5wGfylIQNqdYH_tv6Et4Lhc3n7i2rOPDXIH34lZG6gu3UqmgCylxs4MRIFODp7PkOhIX6czYx2YjHKWWV89win0gtnVXs4wIFF7oHZPEdHbEpvDhIbVR4/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif6tGNKq7AacI1AtCUP1lQXW5wGfylIQNqdYH_tv6Et4Lhc3n7i2rOPDXIH34lZG6gu3UqmgCylxs4MRIFODp7PkOhIX6czYx2YjHKWWV89win0gtnVXs4wIFF7oHZPEdHbEpvDhIbVR4/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking a minute to enjoy the skyline views</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7haaeSwOoU6PuFpvDv0BM4hfKvoot_WXvMU_lFrm4pKFlQDX3dtA_LNmwCl1UJeTwWSVrpPjG43MI2S788D7aoW9sZBQvZyVLBDIjOt4Vlh-884YupPMK_ueMOzugElOKSJQh3D1MUYC3/s1600/IMG_7987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7haaeSwOoU6PuFpvDv0BM4hfKvoot_WXvMU_lFrm4pKFlQDX3dtA_LNmwCl1UJeTwWSVrpPjG43MI2S788D7aoW9sZBQvZyVLBDIjOt4Vlh-884YupPMK_ueMOzugElOKSJQh3D1MUYC3/s320/IMG_7987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Visiting with Steve Pine and David Smith </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6YZFFKsPmc2FPQGUFEgtZWNK3Jb6cjDF5fxfV9rSij1cYHJu7OcvsAaldPuIp5OKwzcbip5fhJNm6VufIw0GpJOFrXbRrScQqJF8pt_x1j2TCeKsjd1A8fs7ncWC37hZDQDY4zUMPDMN/s1600/lookout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6YZFFKsPmc2FPQGUFEgtZWNK3Jb6cjDF5fxfV9rSij1cYHJu7OcvsAaldPuIp5OKwzcbip5fhJNm6VufIw0GpJOFrXbRrScQqJF8pt_x1j2TCeKsjd1A8fs7ncWC37hZDQDY4zUMPDMN/s640/lookout.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My favorite shot of the night</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkVGMFcVEl8kh9tnPHggoxm1jYui-YPX6z-16GDrpgD4X9m-BMTGlZ1zECN6w0blA3_XayL_F5KZAEBG20JOIZQkfDlM00RXTf5llV4p6b87zD1U40p8FdAVBEpiC4M2snNMAAkos7uI-/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkVGMFcVEl8kh9tnPHggoxm1jYui-YPX6z-16GDrpgD4X9m-BMTGlZ1zECN6w0blA3_XayL_F5KZAEBG20JOIZQkfDlM00RXTf5llV4p6b87zD1U40p8FdAVBEpiC4M2snNMAAkos7uI-/s640/three.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-30250339897100063472015-06-15T08:29:00.003-07:002015-06-15T08:29:53.444-07:00Day 84 Smooth sailing to a grand finale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Long armed "Rick the wall" taking a selfie with me as we prepare to cross the Hudson River</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9DXQdXUNfUv0e8Wt6l4Yea3sE1XY0VpeIi6MM_szFgDCMxgGxx7BRHRgSjQ2GOwR1AlG8WxiEvSrMXCjS19LVA3klkBriN98f-FZbl5_HxsEtNQrnUFYjJQFThOwcSyUFnxXF24OjnPc/s640/blogger-image-1829800740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9DXQdXUNfUv0e8Wt6l4Yea3sE1XY0VpeIi6MM_szFgDCMxgGxx7BRHRgSjQ2GOwR1AlG8WxiEvSrMXCjS19LVA3klkBriN98f-FZbl5_HxsEtNQrnUFYjJQFThOwcSyUFnxXF24OjnPc/s640/blogger-image-1829800740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was not sure what to expect as we prepared to roll out on Sunday to officially conclude the HAA odyssey. We had just modified the course to address safety concerns and George Mount and I were preparing to play sweeper and warn any riders that may have missed the updates to the route. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, Rick the Wall volunteered to join the sweeping operation and Mike Elliot who had just arrived on a red eye flight decided to do the same. David and Tiernen Regan also joined in. We were a formidable team.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I worked on Don's bike to adjust it to fit Mike's smaller build. As Mike prepared to ride Don's bike, we were both overcome with emotion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We rolled out gently. Not sure what to expect as we hit the hills, traffic, and narrow bridge passageway. We soon arrived at the old meet up point and sure enough we found a group of cyclists ready to join the fray.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Riders ready to go</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHTe-yJ1ew63L4Z2QFXgVfKTetF6f4jqOzFDZN2ScmXaVqfaKpm1D8ON9i7sREgMyJT960u7sfHbKtO5lCHLog_ANfZr-D97K1iAderz-BZhjsUYth5Ofw4-N2Rqihq21MfJ7dREuqREy/s1600/ridersjoin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHTe-yJ1ew63L4Z2QFXgVfKTetF6f4jqOzFDZN2ScmXaVqfaKpm1D8ON9i7sREgMyJT960u7sfHbKtO5lCHLog_ANfZr-D97K1iAderz-BZhjsUYth5Ofw4-N2Rqihq21MfJ7dREuqREy/s640/ridersjoin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We advised them not to ride over the bridge but our warnings went unheeded. They were determined to join, regardless of the dangers. Sue, shared she hadn't ridden a bike in 8 years. My comfort level went from concern to alarm. But there was no swaying her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sue calling the shots!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Uv9J1Qs0bu8I6g0GcbY6-Xw1IhjnHWiN5DelTbKMIfESqQWV0cJfw_FnunX7uJ_k5fCdeKXR935YiDnKyeaMGD3wqMZIVZjk3dRS5hCfGDa38NtqQifPljnjvwUViZuIVhhc5JFFel4/s1600/sue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Uv9J1Qs0bu8I6g0GcbY6-Xw1IhjnHWiN5DelTbKMIfESqQWV0cJfw_FnunX7uJ_k5fCdeKXR935YiDnKyeaMGD3wqMZIVZjk3dRS5hCfGDa38NtqQifPljnjvwUViZuIVhhc5JFFel4/s640/sue.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Initial trail riding is calm and serene</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEkwtq74JVBSu1dpPuVI3x1qHYKmqxB_JBQLw3KqvHXvjvAPGDfvWIrZJ6HJp7onTH72ioOfqxmPDrNzmFwnDo7v7CUah_d8mMadnjt38GO2rtEJ3ygVZiBtuNctrwaGLuTqU2SDn-yEV/s1600/ridgefield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEkwtq74JVBSu1dpPuVI3x1qHYKmqxB_JBQLw3KqvHXvjvAPGDfvWIrZJ6HJp7onTH72ioOfqxmPDrNzmFwnDo7v7CUah_d8mMadnjt38GO2rtEJ3ygVZiBtuNctrwaGLuTqU2SDn-yEV/s640/ridgefield.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tight squeeze in traffic</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlOlK4bgd7lORV3HWRY8TkqqlHpGpS1ozFt2mprcnFRzEPXxWh_1KmHl8vvoCCJr8chx5EPVAmN8Te98kVCQuE8dJsx7n1hCt6Yolman6a6xYzgsQ_NjqOkWe4-6ai8ee2SuXMaf66so5/s1600/squeeze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlOlK4bgd7lORV3HWRY8TkqqlHpGpS1ozFt2mprcnFRzEPXxWh_1KmHl8vvoCCJr8chx5EPVAmN8Te98kVCQuE8dJsx7n1hCt6Yolman6a6xYzgsQ_NjqOkWe4-6ai8ee2SuXMaf66so5/s640/squeeze.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then there were hills. George led us out and took us up the hills at a brisk pace. His climbing legs are back and I could hear suffering behind me. Tiernen, riding behind George seemed to welcome the challenge and I could sense that George was smiling. The joys of riding!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We reached our first stop lights and I looked back. Mostly smiles. Of course, put Mike on a bike and he always smiles...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Checking on the troops!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1GAAuf4mdUshHBJw3wl-iLODPRGVrmev5x6u9s5sl5_0nnHDiRr7AammcI6ydeUNdfYoj9A9WpSOIIbjc_NqEpyPsSTnvXEMiWYmXxxrjjhaGJXWgytrTqtzumthWw2qPK84k7xulYf7/s1600/troops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1GAAuf4mdUshHBJw3wl-iLODPRGVrmev5x6u9s5sl5_0nnHDiRr7AammcI6ydeUNdfYoj9A9WpSOIIbjc_NqEpyPsSTnvXEMiWYmXxxrjjhaGJXWgytrTqtzumthWw2qPK84k7xulYf7/s640/troops.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We arrived at the bridge and stopped at a first tier to wait for a signal from the camera crew to proceed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Approaching the bridge over the Hudson River</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbA8wmOBbvO8Tr7wMGCwjw1GS5zJX0DSAGLc7ZBbe6MDN6-JHoRq5aQPCz1sX73Yts62cvA0X9uO2Renm_LjjrT8lUAKrho-mCGgek96Qr6byUXj7x-fIWxzq4t4j76SX5UwDbBzn-dtC/s1600/flag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbA8wmOBbvO8Tr7wMGCwjw1GS5zJX0DSAGLc7ZBbe6MDN6-JHoRq5aQPCz1sX73Yts62cvA0X9uO2Renm_LjjrT8lUAKrho-mCGgek96Qr6byUXj7x-fIWxzq4t4j76SX5UwDbBzn-dtC/s640/flag2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Starwars?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMFlCqZ8o0wjMUpacWbmTKdXOWaPqcwHL5tcCVo28bRbT1US0F7fz1biNkGZXW23w0kcf2WWkpdeHuHdV779EF_a9ZehEVcIPjeVUHYXx2iF6lPzWfyv8IhOaSmbJK5FvR2NZ-wpg5pBE/s1600/starwars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMFlCqZ8o0wjMUpacWbmTKdXOWaPqcwHL5tcCVo28bRbT1US0F7fz1biNkGZXW23w0kcf2WWkpdeHuHdV779EF_a9ZehEVcIPjeVUHYXx2iF6lPzWfyv8IhOaSmbJK5FvR2NZ-wpg5pBE/s640/starwars2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ride across America verteran Max waiting for signal to move on! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECFPhSVXno1P4HGz91KCcTgiZchjXz5x9jAaSxE0YgM2N8K2bhIi4YfDQYxeY1nVzyfBWLhfpHW_Dxea6VZNxVOZOpff7kopaEgO2uQEuwhUXh9g_Aye-OsADs7-j-YleeCFGD4cW1CQH/s1600/maxwait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECFPhSVXno1P4HGz91KCcTgiZchjXz5x9jAaSxE0YgM2N8K2bhIi4YfDQYxeY1nVzyfBWLhfpHW_Dxea6VZNxVOZOpff7kopaEgO2uQEuwhUXh9g_Aye-OsADs7-j-YleeCFGD4cW1CQH/s640/maxwait.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tiernen enjoying the view</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB4qenVroqcC3UHWLfFSgjYPvZWDtM_pB6q1UDp9HNBpTxPE6mba0JUPr-Owt9H7qmaZYmDWrvBjsn1O5xw3mJTQDh7uZHALCcJ1X8TXJ6-Aib9mGznCg7PChC0kqxlK3-QjSNKbgKqaM/s1600/Tiernen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB4qenVroqcC3UHWLfFSgjYPvZWDtM_pB6q1UDp9HNBpTxPE6mba0JUPr-Owt9H7qmaZYmDWrvBjsn1O5xw3mJTQDh7uZHALCcJ1X8TXJ6-Aib9mGznCg7PChC0kqxlK3-QjSNKbgKqaM/s640/Tiernen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon we were on the way ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Narrow passage ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlcCH0H8SIkkc45goCHDsOfQFx5jzFZRoWTNKf_K4lTaAK0t4eRBgXMEQfXWGyskuXwU3kca_SFXcwvC5JUUrPE8FXQUGCcnMgVkuzJb-1vgErKtT8h7E7WFYmNcesIg__aJSY5LZuPVl/s1600/tight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlcCH0H8SIkkc45goCHDsOfQFx5jzFZRoWTNKf_K4lTaAK0t4eRBgXMEQfXWGyskuXwU3kca_SFXcwvC5JUUrPE8FXQUGCcnMgVkuzJb-1vgErKtT8h7E7WFYmNcesIg__aJSY5LZuPVl/s640/tight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HELFct00tnw6oSwI0FOJI66afqVLpABaz9m6J-slK0sZPeylDvhLuYgVhR6Fm3MTv0i1OokJNg1bgRCM55cHNPVNLLP2LYVeGxxo_rXEZBeYPE3zn_A4RMLzsGnfKi6yEns2ipdRooA_/s1600/tight2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HELFct00tnw6oSwI0FOJI66afqVLpABaz9m6J-slK0sZPeylDvhLuYgVhR6Fm3MTv0i1OokJNg1bgRCM55cHNPVNLLP2LYVeGxxo_rXEZBeYPE3zn_A4RMLzsGnfKi6yEns2ipdRooA_/s640/tight2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Overpass</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2h_vjbRtUWSXMBCBYQRRjJcsM1QhIj11h91TmdI0X9yWhZ0UJcKIcftULiRdH_-Fd4qqzkBx0Qy-9JwuEY6Sd0P3Adxz5F4MSl-6yhseGgs5ATcYyQNpvQYxWnDDXNo82VwOXLOWTMF1t/s1600/tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2h_vjbRtUWSXMBCBYQRRjJcsM1QhIj11h91TmdI0X9yWhZ0UJcKIcftULiRdH_-Fd4qqzkBx0Qy-9JwuEY6Sd0P3Adxz5F4MSl-6yhseGgs5ATcYyQNpvQYxWnDDXNo82VwOXLOWTMF1t/s640/tunnel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Busy trail</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RKPd6mn0Qwb6Kaf3IIJKELB2ZHJHcYul3lw1sDPT0QNGu0dEa9-wtw7-SCuDJ3RB5fsq0yOf58WHU2gh7wmyJC9y5FtblbTONCMihVVJgyivb81LzNzMpe4qe9mOkHzz5zna2UKACgkK/s1600/busytrail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RKPd6mn0Qwb6Kaf3IIJKELB2ZHJHcYul3lw1sDPT0QNGu0dEa9-wtw7-SCuDJ3RB5fsq0yOf58WHU2gh7wmyJC9y5FtblbTONCMihVVJgyivb81LzNzMpe4qe9mOkHzz5zna2UKACgkK/s640/busytrail2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Smiling George </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF3Ilhkm9NtKpUegsxNRzppVOFiaNLx45NKKRAHFbFpTpnnDtKJOl1bbsYg9iVTpZrmwSEl2hiyq7IVMzNxFdyxszLcCIqyJqn_436Ou7Sg97aefVFkEAuvLES1svQNCdf4Pyc9R2ll7z/s1600/smilinggeorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF3Ilhkm9NtKpUegsxNRzppVOFiaNLx45NKKRAHFbFpTpnnDtKJOl1bbsYg9iVTpZrmwSEl2hiyq7IVMzNxFdyxszLcCIqyJqn_436Ou7Sg97aefVFkEAuvLES1svQNCdf4Pyc9R2ll7z/s640/smilinggeorge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It wasn't long before we hit 56th street and rolled up the hill to 9th avenue. There we met the rest of the team, including Sean Maloney and ASUS Chairman, Jonney Shih</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jonney Shih, all smiles!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfREitEk-x7Zxlm82_eLsnij2A-Yzm2lQU2zvkCv_y4o_18Sl3Z-8mJn7kXPs3NzbqWvNzCLl_haOag8C3I8k1YZPdGB8H0T6yYaDxoVhNarUsnzciYeMDh0IQwMk7dqAgXTlyvJ5OXTqT/s1600/johnny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfREitEk-x7Zxlm82_eLsnij2A-Yzm2lQU2zvkCv_y4o_18Sl3Z-8mJn7kXPs3NzbqWvNzCLl_haOag8C3I8k1YZPdGB8H0T6yYaDxoVhNarUsnzciYeMDh0IQwMk7dqAgXTlyvJ5OXTqT/s640/johnny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sean Maloney, "Let's do it"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQdgpOIuWgotoamthwEaoMLKI442iteGS8ZwGrDd7nmVqbM98Ep0w3lCYsKnFJbNhQorM6mR05XIEmfqZpHJPTmqHSvR0qrh87qq-eTDHLJd3bV_EJ38W5-Ru7B8yAvXPA1VL3NlPh2dR/s1600/readytoroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQdgpOIuWgotoamthwEaoMLKI442iteGS8ZwGrDd7nmVqbM98Ep0w3lCYsKnFJbNhQorM6mR05XIEmfqZpHJPTmqHSvR0qrh87qq-eTDHLJd3bV_EJ38W5-Ru7B8yAvXPA1VL3NlPh2dR/s640/readytoroll.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here we go! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogOzqRP8Tr7pUc_pLhexqDeF0UrMO8i8Xx8U2y5kr6MK7j0EFP16GEpUQKV0OQhehQ4T6fAaWjPFI340PqwDSW4WL0wmx8NnJ8AiZTFNNXfH159MR2PIjMbLH4IC5Ql5NH9INN6Kdc1GH/s1600/letsroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogOzqRP8Tr7pUc_pLhexqDeF0UrMO8i8Xx8U2y5kr6MK7j0EFP16GEpUQKV0OQhehQ4T6fAaWjPFI340PqwDSW4WL0wmx8NnJ8AiZTFNNXfH159MR2PIjMbLH4IC5Ql5NH9INN6Kdc1GH/s640/letsroll.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-GEgCaDPbWAGWuPx6kSSR7RCRlQMJxkxR6nC1PQJ4zFHyZ88KgUQhT7uBziIo39YLbjDansOmuLRnPJoa3t-dyDkdfZmS4r0oMwMxObT2-uO14-Ksfj96GkiQQj0_wa2oSfTOe6UvUDu/s1600/letsroll3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-GEgCaDPbWAGWuPx6kSSR7RCRlQMJxkxR6nC1PQJ4zFHyZ88KgUQhT7uBziIo39YLbjDansOmuLRnPJoa3t-dyDkdfZmS4r0oMwMxObT2-uO14-Ksfj96GkiQQj0_wa2oSfTOe6UvUDu/s640/letsroll3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rolling out</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc2WJqX_8UCbGY3VdyV3_aoyYMQdD21lmkkaHQyQoLX5UzX1P7wdE9f6x8-UNFkjkCUjUj_1k9pUvn4j6ynH8wTh-OMbLCUlE2GlgppmISVS7um4zTMmb_0YmpnUFPIvNdupoNLxaWJ9W/s1600/closingin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc2WJqX_8UCbGY3VdyV3_aoyYMQdD21lmkkaHQyQoLX5UzX1P7wdE9f6x8-UNFkjkCUjUj_1k9pUvn4j6ynH8wTh-OMbLCUlE2GlgppmISVS7um4zTMmb_0YmpnUFPIvNdupoNLxaWJ9W/s640/closingin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55LIC7-6vHuQWDoISFsEedV5qqsZilUhRMw63HRzyvJWxfj3pJZ01LSADw0p5_GrQFwPpS4nWY-C1xLKIHBFmih6uvtfxLPwayQbWUc6X4n8NIlBYSWXECgqQS_FIjP3VxzqRiyUey5Ar/s1600/almost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55LIC7-6vHuQWDoISFsEedV5qqsZilUhRMw63HRzyvJWxfj3pJZ01LSADw0p5_GrQFwPpS4nWY-C1xLKIHBFmih6uvtfxLPwayQbWUc6X4n8NIlBYSWXECgqQS_FIjP3VxzqRiyUey5Ar/s640/almost.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
George Mount at the finish!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXew9QPFZb9N8j2Y40D3a591GoIENxVaY3yr0itv4lbRtaFZMIQuNOZ1CAjL1LpFn1AYIp5V9heY1SdKtq8p6rIoSXnTAOMdPAaH0yO0-nQwEhBftbvTvtf9UqYNRaBHZqjxFC6ucSOl1o/s1600/YEs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXew9QPFZb9N8j2Y40D3a591GoIENxVaY3yr0itv4lbRtaFZMIQuNOZ1CAjL1LpFn1AYIp5V9heY1SdKtq8p6rIoSXnTAOMdPAaH0yO0-nQwEhBftbvTvtf9UqYNRaBHZqjxFC6ucSOl1o/s640/YEs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The reception at B&H Photo was grand. I was overcome with emotion. Lots of wet eyes around me from both riders and those celebrating our arrival at the finish.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to Amy Brennen, Jaril Valenciano and Steve Pine for their parts in making this a superb finish.<br />
<br />
My work though was not over. We had to coordinate loading up bikes in the van, figuring out how to get to lunch, unloading at hotel etc., and sending the van on it's way to California with Mike at the helm. As things moved forward I could see Dennis relaxing more and more. Kudos to him for doing such a spectacular job getting us to New York. Dennis, the Mother Hen driving Mother Goose!<br />
<br />
This all went like clockwork, with the exception of David R. and Tiernen arriving at the hotel sans luggage and wallets and expecting the van to arrive.<br />
<br />
The van was happily parked at B&H and we were enjoying a feast of a lunch. In the end he scraped enough money to get a cab to our lunch spot, so all was well.<br />
<br />
As Mike and Rick drove off in the van, Dennis looked both relieved and sad.<br />
<br />
By evening smiles were everywhere. .<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The /Regan clan!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVH50fMAZKjqgihU4kD3WrnHbmmFaoxWeRVe74qqJ3B6KpHrPKtv7pBDqDz_ioNKby6eKcuZe78SARjgwey4U7gkyi4DRqpH-aiXoDpKyjlS0rcYn7wH6mfgMqeCdDB405gmX1CiAXEIg/s1600/IMG_7913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVH50fMAZKjqgihU4kD3WrnHbmmFaoxWeRVe74qqJ3B6KpHrPKtv7pBDqDz_ioNKby6eKcuZe78SARjgwey4U7gkyi4DRqpH-aiXoDpKyjlS0rcYn7wH6mfgMqeCdDB405gmX1CiAXEIg/s640/IMG_7913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's hard to believe the ride is over. I'm sitting at Starbucks with Diana, still processing yesterday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Too early to even think about what the last 12 weeks have meant to me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm currently feeling physically exhausted yet filled with relief and gratitude. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will probably write one last blog capturing a recap of the adventure. :-) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement. Your comments and feedback have helped keep the fire burning. And a special thanks to friends, family, and caring new friends who came out to ride, provide support, or simply cheer us along the way. I don't have the words to tell you how much this has meant to me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-19951553653211820552015-06-13T19:11:00.002-07:002015-06-13T19:19:46.592-07:00Day 83 If you can make it here, you can make it anywhereToday Diana, George Mount, and I did a reconnaissance ride going from Ridgefield Park to B&H Camera in Manhattan. What an experience.<br />
<br />
I've never seen so much chaos.<br />
<br />
The ride over the Washington bridge had all of us white knuckled.<br />
<br />
Words cannot describe it. Even George, an Olympian racer and Italian groomed rider was shaken.<br />
<br />
Based on this experience we quickly realized that tomorrow's (Sunday) grand finish route needed to be altered. At a minimum the ride over the bridge and along the river can not be a group ride. Anyone riding that portion needs to fend for him or herself.<br />
<br />
We have modified the route on our webpage accordingly and now have the ride billed as the final mile starting at 56th street and 9th avenue. This seems much safer.<br />
<br />
If you want a taste of what today's ride was like, check out this video recap (at 16X speed and slow motion for the endo I caught on tape<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ooops</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNj0iThiDwDAeUNKwRDDREmKTWMyqKy36_9cSpfvP-6nbHRDW3JTL9Am5uLHeqWpbJZCxcY4OeNwgJdd5L4-v4Ix4QRC8W_BltGuPummsztvhJ-6izClCj4mFx8CBu_Dwv-5eavRkOLFL/s1600/drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNj0iThiDwDAeUNKwRDDREmKTWMyqKy36_9cSpfvP-6nbHRDW3JTL9Am5uLHeqWpbJZCxcY4OeNwgJdd5L4-v4Ix4QRC8W_BltGuPummsztvhJ-6izClCj4mFx8CBu_Dwv-5eavRkOLFL/s400/drop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
as well as George clearing the bike lane and then later helping a woman straighten out her wheel after hitting a beam on the bridge... Total insanity..<br />
<br />
If the video makes you nauseous, well you can imagine how we felt! However, if you play it back at half speed or less, (a YouTube option) it settles down a bit..,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xmsrEHwidsQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xmsrEHwidsQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-63176149192678013942015-06-13T12:28:00.001-07:002015-06-13T12:28:15.724-07:00Day 82 New Hope to Ridgefield Park, New JerseyFriday, June 12<br />
<br />
Our morning started off with a wonderful breakfast at the Pineapple B&B. It was hard to leave this relaxing haven and face the roads, rising heat, and warnings of hazardous air quality.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Morning vista at the Pineapple Inn B&B</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQuqqaKFNCrnoxH1xWBA2DKENymiRbOAZSPR7jyDfCelm-u3DyZcbTAgPD_lzv4dw0Redg8yokuhTMyOfOr_nmG4Hkn2-NVbeJI0KzBwWdkgjw7XnHYqx3cpTENX0Gqo32Uh9Bpeog7_Z/s1600/relax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQuqqaKFNCrnoxH1xWBA2DKENymiRbOAZSPR7jyDfCelm-u3DyZcbTAgPD_lzv4dw0Redg8yokuhTMyOfOr_nmG4Hkn2-NVbeJI0KzBwWdkgjw7XnHYqx3cpTENX0Gqo32Uh9Bpeog7_Z/s640/relax.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Steve and Dave doing something</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTqIds4FBEIW_sJaWU04x1MY6sCfgVzLCleCh7CHDyruhm8w8M9l7mJ64Or0GoiGyV672GSqXyOLCRAuxLXMaf7s2FhMPFjbiNacQQMLrRTkfF1qUbEbDYNLEYwI2uW0cKa3oTCevddVw/s1600/plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTqIds4FBEIW_sJaWU04x1MY6sCfgVzLCleCh7CHDyruhm8w8M9l7mJ64Or0GoiGyV672GSqXyOLCRAuxLXMaf7s2FhMPFjbiNacQQMLrRTkfF1qUbEbDYNLEYwI2uW0cKa3oTCevddVw/s640/plan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dave S. and Diana, "you want to do what?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQYsFDKb2C4P4fw7ndjn7CYyQSZf4zhqT2hxv5VRGW9DbezX1lvGzm1iN0JrN6w_QauSUAxz0NU8o23bG39Krh-OSb2mVHtaAcrK7LcVlSA4Y1eRjc_nfjlBMUY0Pazf0pEjn69jI4A-b/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQYsFDKb2C4P4fw7ndjn7CYyQSZf4zhqT2hxv5VRGW9DbezX1lvGzm1iN0JrN6w_QauSUAxz0NU8o23bG39Krh-OSb2mVHtaAcrK7LcVlSA4Y1eRjc_nfjlBMUY0Pazf0pEjn69jI4A-b/s640/breakfast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We hit the road on target and the ride begins. The camera crew gets some good Drone shots as we cross our first bridge.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBnsluipbQVnlcyDwvSU2mBtBONnkH-4Njz3UWFUJ1QcmvASgcbWdYZbMFNiODvAxl4V-B1zPxxGNLtWK76nI4kHVlO2XLq6x_EOuLoguzOIBufp2e-1y3x7iYkzHzgfGiHYikoMq7cMk/s1600/bridg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBnsluipbQVnlcyDwvSU2mBtBONnkH-4Njz3UWFUJ1QcmvASgcbWdYZbMFNiODvAxl4V-B1zPxxGNLtWK76nI4kHVlO2XLq6x_EOuLoguzOIBufp2e-1y3x7iYkzHzgfGiHYikoMq7cMk/s640/bridg2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our second bridge crossing though is not quite so easy. Closed to traffic but fortunately they let us walk our bikes. I felt like I was walking the plank.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-QgQ1S76p810fCohI9ml-k3j9Iqhut0TXmil-SDSftEoW6fhuQGHoMzsIJjdpGf6FpHBjnbHDS5_vSlEDy_rZICq-Te-pYCm3zegpVCm2AmyM5ZtbmeJl6P1J7Ekfr9TcWkeKCeKlnjf/s1600/badbrdige.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-QgQ1S76p810fCohI9ml-k3j9Iqhut0TXmil-SDSftEoW6fhuQGHoMzsIJjdpGf6FpHBjnbHDS5_vSlEDy_rZICq-Te-pYCm3zegpVCm2AmyM5ZtbmeJl6P1J7Ekfr9TcWkeKCeKlnjf/s640/badbrdige.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Quite the challenge with slippery cleats</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmRqocHU15rbyAc3lWopQL_eSqLxHrvDrW15ibff-OaC5zBwjtGAJPEchkFObNdMhlzpB67IWvemvCL9VccyYKNNb-gvomZS1u59FlTETbPo1_E2L9RQ32KCYZDSFxCS-6_2WAwLm2snE/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmRqocHU15rbyAc3lWopQL_eSqLxHrvDrW15ibff-OaC5zBwjtGAJPEchkFObNdMhlzpB67IWvemvCL9VccyYKNNb-gvomZS1u59FlTETbPo1_E2L9RQ32KCYZDSFxCS-6_2WAwLm2snE/s640/bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's 9 am and already hot, but the roads are good</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoa-qKs_d5ocwUDxkD3R8GtM7IBC8bCkVLOar4Epdyn-51nhZyhjbHCm0bYP4GbJuF_75sGjbrwXKxi0ScgbVO75Z-aAaId5aubgQdZkxjnxMj42URBVgScl_UZmpipCs3bYZx2PAtcgr/s1600/heat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoa-qKs_d5ocwUDxkD3R8GtM7IBC8bCkVLOar4Epdyn-51nhZyhjbHCm0bYP4GbJuF_75sGjbrwXKxi0ScgbVO75Z-aAaId5aubgQdZkxjnxMj42URBVgScl_UZmpipCs3bYZx2PAtcgr/s640/heat2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We meet Phil Kramer, a neurologist. He takes our photo and intends to get a blurb on us in the local newspaper..</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivF0g7GBWxy2W8Iz7dGmsC9RqhjgVt2Sc0hqXVdSGCbUgFr2SWuJwRRp8Zk6Vr2hN4FRG-vU5JPP8MC0NwUzRC20x3VH75Z6XTTuOz5bhVUSsk2uKd8L9ao5AbuhXFg_qu9aySA-ux5zwB/s1600/Phil+Kramer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivF0g7GBWxy2W8Iz7dGmsC9RqhjgVt2Sc0hqXVdSGCbUgFr2SWuJwRRp8Zk6Vr2hN4FRG-vU5JPP8MC0NwUzRC20x3VH75Z6XTTuOz5bhVUSsk2uKd8L9ao5AbuhXFg_qu9aySA-ux5zwB/s640/Phil+Kramer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The trail riding is splendid."Lovely" to quote our Irish friends! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRQNoUfEAApc62vS57rZhT4I4MAE8Wz9dnQF7xAMPXcNo1M1-WTR2KzOfgxg9h0ZOiKzSbK76h88z4YOWCzCaFsCPtTQmhUNfsx-L_aURbP_Nqxc5BrgQRC-SiATFx6F7jo1zib4DjYk6/s1600/trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRQNoUfEAApc62vS57rZhT4I4MAE8Wz9dnQF7xAMPXcNo1M1-WTR2KzOfgxg9h0ZOiKzSbK76h88z4YOWCzCaFsCPtTQmhUNfsx-L_aURbP_Nqxc5BrgQRC-SiATFx6F7jo1zib4DjYk6/s640/trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We received a pleasant surprise greeting by Rick Hoffman's co-workers. Ten of them came out to cheer us on. Felt like 100's of cheers. I was overcome with emotion as were the rest of us. Truly amazing. We were all very thankful they came out...Their response "hey, any excuse to get off work!"brought out a round of laughter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rick's Colleagues show up to cheer us on</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL3bgTalllLc7jLB2BncXqaZiwh4GbCFUE_NvQq9K2OfBGW_W_pkmcYokQ7_r124B5kvXs0nB3lfhGfgYzAM8cWL3aRN2VXqrrj6gyvMDeRBDUjX6n9DYR2qxPkBkc9S9OtbQk2U_uPVe/s1600/warmreception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL3bgTalllLc7jLB2BncXqaZiwh4GbCFUE_NvQq9K2OfBGW_W_pkmcYokQ7_r124B5kvXs0nB3lfhGfgYzAM8cWL3aRN2VXqrrj6gyvMDeRBDUjX6n9DYR2qxPkBkc9S9OtbQk2U_uPVe/s640/warmreception.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCfZo3WZIXk4_E2TVjrq3-s-s8aHE3hh8agknf1AM88HPDraRmpT_avfBMWhEgcUIrQpioeHdsmAuV8DBagQRKxkds2gtCjswdw1VU5WMxc_V1Vo0EN2GMgrJIqljXjh0K0uaIGFCNEWM/s1600/reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCfZo3WZIXk4_E2TVjrq3-s-s8aHE3hh8agknf1AM88HPDraRmpT_avfBMWhEgcUIrQpioeHdsmAuV8DBagQRKxkds2gtCjswdw1VU5WMxc_V1Vo0EN2GMgrJIqljXjh0K0uaIGFCNEWM/s640/reception.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once we were off the trail, we faced tough roads, lights and traffic. We call these junk miles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfIdsu15LZDsxsG5uNbrEAAaz3nNPP6YjnPnIqd1ib37gldbltg2IdArBxodPWl4NbLK2hm_W-bb35xDVXWjEQp2PN9yuEQ7IEqZkvulUvzvXyTfELnQownpO-EPjBh6sUzMQfjkxjAOq/s1600/junk+miles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfIdsu15LZDsxsG5uNbrEAAaz3nNPP6YjnPnIqd1ib37gldbltg2IdArBxodPWl4NbLK2hm_W-bb35xDVXWjEQp2PN9yuEQ7IEqZkvulUvzvXyTfELnQownpO-EPjBh6sUzMQfjkxjAOq/s640/junk+miles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXh58swsXnVBz5-39e6-lrs71s0TAQOUYsla6g-rUX0LEWlFntJ91qgiuG9kDP_7t9B4ovIcKR3Ol_TZeqoIG_3oukvaeAaf5-z2JDyLXK6z8QgoYXAA6Qj5gxXj8TfokH-XHiilJP7Vw/s1600/junk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXh58swsXnVBz5-39e6-lrs71s0TAQOUYsla6g-rUX0LEWlFntJ91qgiuG9kDP_7t9B4ovIcKR3Ol_TZeqoIG_3oukvaeAaf5-z2JDyLXK6z8QgoYXAA6Qj5gxXj8TfokH-XHiilJP7Vw/s640/junk2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pulling in to Samsung at Ridgefield Park </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT9iSO0WWhP4Jngav9bYX96qRTuefCJJRVMRWIlKSioj66UoVs4Mm1k_PgCQmQAolOdIpThtkiW1VgEawPB9NtnM-M51NLaJbQFFK-B_Zw76EM0cfKo3a2HPDu4LL5xTr3hMfF3kAVoEQ/s1600/samsung1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT9iSO0WWhP4Jngav9bYX96qRTuefCJJRVMRWIlKSioj66UoVs4Mm1k_PgCQmQAolOdIpThtkiW1VgEawPB9NtnM-M51NLaJbQFFK-B_Zw76EM0cfKo3a2HPDu4LL5xTr3hMfF3kAVoEQ/s640/samsung1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Camera crews take some photos and video</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf7jdEkHnthun1EWtIYukUMDjHnZyB1ODAf6UdcTeZMt9LbllAGjDTK5_AtmdyEhWn2NjbbjqEggsjYZBdWx9kLTZnkt83fquHanuo2ndqhjCEn9Gqz-uqafv9ejbvORkgH8xzQW7B9jj/s1600/samsung2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf7jdEkHnthun1EWtIYukUMDjHnZyB1ODAf6UdcTeZMt9LbllAGjDTK5_AtmdyEhWn2NjbbjqEggsjYZBdWx9kLTZnkt83fquHanuo2ndqhjCEn9Gqz-uqafv9ejbvORkgH8xzQW7B9jj/s640/samsung2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We finally arrive at our hotel. As we unpack, we meet Cedric in the parking lot and share our story. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cedric promises to get at least his BP checked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqM2eNzXlsiU8dkiNHw5OUlsZ2azInsetiZiP15-bPfMJEJPuRhAadFDcK4nHzUHixWhAf4sURn0rygloNGd_ZHJ5bERpQu7vL12kv78WfJVHjy57LOBhssueJv42dac7KnozhkGBoSKg/s1600/IMG_7885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqM2eNzXlsiU8dkiNHw5OUlsZ2azInsetiZiP15-bPfMJEJPuRhAadFDcK4nHzUHixWhAf4sURn0rygloNGd_ZHJ5bERpQu7vL12kv78WfJVHjy57LOBhssueJv42dac7KnozhkGBoSKg/s400/IMG_7885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tracy brings us some great food at the Chart House</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvWCZZl4DI91zLC7Iv62IslgaqZbYC8jaB1ZwkvOmQhEDR5WWZZOaPcqJ8TQ6kNLRZ8vMb-oXSjYCcyhCHyYorb3kU-c_Vj_DukDaXs_NhkBczyNMgDJ2mznuFMfGRMr2dtNBis3WJABO/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvWCZZl4DI91zLC7Iv62IslgaqZbYC8jaB1ZwkvOmQhEDR5WWZZOaPcqJ8TQ6kNLRZ8vMb-oXSjYCcyhCHyYorb3kU-c_Vj_DukDaXs_NhkBczyNMgDJ2mznuFMfGRMr2dtNBis3WJABO/s640/IMG_7884.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dave and George enjoying the views</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-q7TDX7M-VHBP0gFXTwgY0e-mSfxhfnBk5SdJv8C91252NqEJ-E2wIkeSy-RdvdLS2ZC2VCukcxSrcR22j2zkzXhyITf4uifLKlgOKgoTSpgzVVGOAFdKCr8jRKW1EFXjfxxmgHouIyB/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-q7TDX7M-VHBP0gFXTwgY0e-mSfxhfnBk5SdJv8C91252NqEJ-E2wIkeSy-RdvdLS2ZC2VCukcxSrcR22j2zkzXhyITf4uifLKlgOKgoTSpgzVVGOAFdKCr8jRKW1EFXjfxxmgHouIyB/s640/IMG_1491.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dave and Dennis, planning the routes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopcD5SAmUJui62abAKQUUFmZQQ0Th_zbV07E6dBZZ6u3jD6HRFRZmKnbwCTiLqwWvGp0p6Q17EtAxn3pr3iQD7IUBkMfySJ6ZErGANWTbNC2Dl7HBnepiaMFNGFkQBpI4lgB7zBDUAHHk/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopcD5SAmUJui62abAKQUUFmZQQ0Th_zbV07E6dBZZ6u3jD6HRFRZmKnbwCTiLqwWvGp0p6Q17EtAxn3pr3iQD7IUBkMfySJ6ZErGANWTbNC2Dl7HBnepiaMFNGFkQBpI4lgB7zBDUAHHk/s640/IMG_1494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Great views</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWIFkA5T5Fj2WV1c0T4QrJEzb5ybk7yqqeZDBVCeC2BUfjczB1k9B3vl664axsEmO-SY_v6cMMwNP949p_wxAFbYA-FDeulj1yKcYani0BeP9GhCcBmBCoGW3MdYHv5lZh3LhNRugkw-b/s1600/IMG_7890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWIFkA5T5Fj2WV1c0T4QrJEzb5ybk7yqqeZDBVCeC2BUfjczB1k9B3vl664axsEmO-SY_v6cMMwNP949p_wxAFbYA-FDeulj1yKcYani0BeP9GhCcBmBCoGW3MdYHv5lZh3LhNRugkw-b/s640/IMG_7890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next on our agenda is scouting the route on Saturday...I'll post of a video of this on my next blog update......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-8994544474099193442015-06-11T19:19:00.003-07:002015-06-11T19:19:39.833-07:00Day 81 Lancaster, PA to New Hope, PA<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsNCgW2IG2B9390dfN4lst6BKjPKeO4XccqvjljOEFZRMjMKj49oNJnoiE5hvHjK2hH2jp1y5YGPusbRwYJWBhNgfEPOLJ00nx5n_rYtID0qvAokgeMv5JMaH6yCuu1kJpTwMvCgeE3xn/s1600/farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsNCgW2IG2B9390dfN4lst6BKjPKeO4XccqvjljOEFZRMjMKj49oNJnoiE5hvHjK2hH2jp1y5YGPusbRwYJWBhNgfEPOLJ00nx5n_rYtID0qvAokgeMv5JMaH6yCuu1kJpTwMvCgeE3xn/s640/farm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
How to describe today? If I had to pick one word, it would be "HOT". Temperatures climbed into the 90's and it was a hot and humid experience. And 97 miles of riding...<br />
<br />
But beyond hot, it was also a great day.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving Lovelace Manor. What a great place!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WB9VxmVb5hdDTh6bzUEgq77RqE751bKH3EDcEGoLYcYQdyGo3e9zLxQOszl8_clhXGO7_P5CUSRVYTpf-ovyqWVVgHVOlwg3sTj6ORYfC_dGM9WaKk0gWsK31YCNzW3HxX3_CJ6O_j0x/s1600/lovelace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WB9VxmVb5hdDTh6bzUEgq77RqE751bKH3EDcEGoLYcYQdyGo3e9zLxQOszl8_clhXGO7_P5CUSRVYTpf-ovyqWVVgHVOlwg3sTj6ORYfC_dGM9WaKk0gWsK31YCNzW3HxX3_CJ6O_j0x/s640/lovelace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The early portion of our ride took us through relatively quiet streets.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqT-QX12yu2y69E_2EZtnV-jOLK5PC9UV1_H5RpxT4PDNNRad3w7qKxzesSrKWLSiJbwC-uxh0AzqXF5YUss8FGFbL9ckd5Ylha9ruSBOfcZhLLIQeuEd7iTy6huMvfK5TZsSH2GGXwUe/s1600/homes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqT-QX12yu2y69E_2EZtnV-jOLK5PC9UV1_H5RpxT4PDNNRad3w7qKxzesSrKWLSiJbwC-uxh0AzqXF5YUss8FGFbL9ckd5Ylha9ruSBOfcZhLLIQeuEd7iTy6huMvfK5TZsSH2GGXwUe/s640/homes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z52XCE6hREL3Xn2LjsFXAx5lOlsxgOKyBeqVCkYfvSa3NuioTUbWTg0LdD33NB2TkVZkyFA7ySyG8fUOiaEFrn06zB0fSQB5Z05MnjFQM0SRXqsELR-egOK17xs2Xg31OcHIFkJ05lSQ/s1600/road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z52XCE6hREL3Xn2LjsFXAx5lOlsxgOKyBeqVCkYfvSa3NuioTUbWTg0LdD33NB2TkVZkyFA7ySyG8fUOiaEFrn06zB0fSQB5Z05MnjFQM0SRXqsELR-egOK17xs2Xg31OcHIFkJ05lSQ/s640/road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
and into Amish regions. Once again I was transported back in time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzmX88uI-Izh6Rk3Pl3Gt7VXXUN7uKwXcwjeWYHunBidyQAF-zvHYFultgXR3uGQeykO1IcEc7JznffBPIVrdpruOct3HY_KVdS9Xeyptb7UbiAjiHSvwmqyPkKEwoybuRTxktmMK3ibh/s1600/amish1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzmX88uI-Izh6Rk3Pl3Gt7VXXUN7uKwXcwjeWYHunBidyQAF-zvHYFultgXR3uGQeykO1IcEc7JznffBPIVrdpruOct3HY_KVdS9Xeyptb7UbiAjiHSvwmqyPkKEwoybuRTxktmMK3ibh/s640/amish1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOcq6oQxDBT5901X-iyNNsKptXaSsSSzL9ZMPrucpTCsiqH9rGx_pTIpKorQArGGxMfkIUGyvqbi_FVMXkpbtRoLum45Xp2pk5C2DgPjXyLxqelXcGDCQGtKJ1yoAQuE1mHup3k2UBf_O/s1600/farm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOcq6oQxDBT5901X-iyNNsKptXaSsSSzL9ZMPrucpTCsiqH9rGx_pTIpKorQArGGxMfkIUGyvqbi_FVMXkpbtRoLum45Xp2pk5C2DgPjXyLxqelXcGDCQGtKJ1yoAQuE1mHup3k2UBf_O/s640/farm2.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9y8ynBuj_X_Z2ry0kFZhYLmdh44Fx_ALWk2GQEbGWBA_Bx7Zpj5nygpzzR5Bp2CTIkQgVzUVivSnyiv8qw2KGIIa9ZTifqYebVKCTx9HzUnqHAwR78oMaEY_gR8Ztjgf8RDSetzsslRL1/s1600/horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9y8ynBuj_X_Z2ry0kFZhYLmdh44Fx_ALWk2GQEbGWBA_Bx7Zpj5nygpzzR5Bp2CTIkQgVzUVivSnyiv8qw2KGIIa9ZTifqYebVKCTx9HzUnqHAwR78oMaEY_gR8Ztjgf8RDSetzsslRL1/s640/horse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Tiernen pointed out to me that the large farms had no power or telephone lines running into them. No wonder they looks so clean and uncluttered..<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsNCgW2IG2B9390dfN4lst6BKjPKeO4XccqvjljOEFZRMjMKj49oNJnoiE5hvHjK2hH2jp1y5YGPusbRwYJWBhNgfEPOLJ00nx5n_rYtID0qvAokgeMv5JMaH6yCuu1kJpTwMvCgeE3xn/s1600/farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsNCgW2IG2B9390dfN4lst6BKjPKeO4XccqvjljOEFZRMjMKj49oNJnoiE5hvHjK2hH2jp1y5YGPusbRwYJWBhNgfEPOLJ00nx5n_rYtID0qvAokgeMv5JMaH6yCuu1kJpTwMvCgeE3xn/s640/farm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Some of the corn fields had corn that was already shoulder high. Rick's comment that the old saying "Knee high by 4th of July" is good news, kept ringing in my ears. ..These guys are doing well.<br />
<br />
At our first rest stop, I checked in with Tiernen to look at his rear wheel that had been giving him trouble. I noted that it was badly out of true and sure enough a spoke was broken.<br />
<br />
Fortunately the nipple was still in place, so repair did not take too long. I did have to remove his cassette which basically made it a messy job. Note to self, pack more disposable gloves. The only issue the rest of us had with this repair, is that now that Tiernen was riding without his brakes rubbing, he kept wanting to race ahead. Some may be conspiring to do some more work on his bike...<br />
<br />
Shortly after Tiernen's repair, I heard a snap on my front wheel. There it was, a snapped nipple. Number three for me on this wheel and this journey.<br />
<br />
This is not an easy repair as you have to remove the tire, tube<br />
<br />
and rim tape to repair. Fortunately the van was nearby and I was able to swap with my spare wheel. Rick, a material scientist, examined the snapped part and concluded based on grain size of the exposed alloy that the parts were likely overheated during manufacturing. Wait to my bike shop hears this! If they don't believe Rick's assessment I might just point out that Rick's signature is engraved on a heat shield on the the surface of Mars. This is a true statement, though I'm not sure it directly translates to spoke nipples...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More traffic as we rolled through cities...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueCG690XrNLidUyFxaZSG7W9-IuaBPje_F1a8f_9pSHAY2JaoivXduFlF8K-9SYJv5myc9-5YCXiyIbFWV20gb3o4fOBc5SRE-ahg28i5TTWMhl3_4Mhxn6H_iTvHvucJ0Ct5wEVKNxu-/s1600/traffic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueCG690XrNLidUyFxaZSG7W9-IuaBPje_F1a8f_9pSHAY2JaoivXduFlF8K-9SYJv5myc9-5YCXiyIbFWV20gb3o4fOBc5SRE-ahg28i5TTWMhl3_4Mhxn6H_iTvHvucJ0Ct5wEVKNxu-/s640/traffic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were not the only ones dealing with traffic</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LQdoHY63340jHIuie2AnjJm0SQLuvA9449I5PECQy9lkOXkb5NmX7mgeNV6Aqa_g2LwBYh5-afQ0Eiq-NeZBVo5TUx4hCG-ev6Wq_fhGmwLUfMkApVWcHlbm3t00QUXOZIh8tw8-VDNl/s1600/youngman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LQdoHY63340jHIuie2AnjJm0SQLuvA9449I5PECQy9lkOXkb5NmX7mgeNV6Aqa_g2LwBYh5-afQ0Eiq-NeZBVo5TUx4hCG-ev6Wq_fhGmwLUfMkApVWcHlbm3t00QUXOZIh8tw8-VDNl/s640/youngman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Roads were a mixed bag. At one point, Rick managed to bury his wheel in a deep rut. How he kept the rubber side down is beyond all of us, Rick included. </div>
<br />
Lunch was at mile 50. Subway. And a hard to find one. I've never seen a Subway so hidden from view. But we made it there and ate well. No one complained.<br />
<br />
Post lunch, David R. took a 'fail to unclip' fall that was brought about by a truck pulling out in front of him. Fortunately, he got through without even a scrape. Luck was on our side. Bottom line is that when you ride a new route every day, you just can't know what dangers lurk ahead. As much as I"m enjoying this adventure, I will be happy to get back to known territory.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The balance of our ride was on lightly traveled, bike friendly routes with a good mix of paved bike paths. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoying another pace line on a bike path</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao6YNOuLLPArJl6jzaXTJe8u1HndjfYr0hCHZ6vRkOJEImqZPkeZ47Oehqu0yHZrLA9B40ciZNDITd2019cJwX5a01bb0OjLcG7hn2QfsTxccca6drEU8A8tTmLWirvV4c2lIkvk9HYqb/s1600/Clipboard01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao6YNOuLLPArJl6jzaXTJe8u1HndjfYr0hCHZ6vRkOJEImqZPkeZ47Oehqu0yHZrLA9B40ciZNDITd2019cJwX5a01bb0OjLcG7hn2QfsTxccca6drEU8A8tTmLWirvV4c2lIkvk9HYqb/s640/Clipboard01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, the film crew was back and it was fun seeing the drone flying and buzzing around us.<br />
<br />
We stopped often to rehydrate. I was particularly worried about our Irish friends. For them, 70 degrees is getting toasty. And 93 degrees must have felt like an oven to them. Sean seemed to take great pleasure out of pouring cold water over our heads and back. His actions were well received.<br />
<br />
The best news is we made it to New Hope safely and in good spirits. We were met by cheers from Rick's family and the B&B owners. This made my day.<br />
<br />
As everyone was chatting away, I quickly went to work on my wheel and thanks to support from David and Tiernen, I was able to get my wheel back in shape in record time. This is a relief for me as on Sunday we will be using my spare wheel for new riders joining the pack.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow's route has the most uncertainty. We expect to see many junk miles with bad roads and impatient drivers. If we hit this we plan to shuttle around them. The main goal is to stay safe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-85412892880663193162015-06-10T07:09:00.003-07:002015-06-10T07:11:01.905-07:00Day 80: Hagerstown, Maryland to Lancaster PennsylvaniaIt's now actually 9:10 am on Day 81. I had a great night's rest and just enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the Lovelace Manor B&B. It's great having a rest day.<br />
<br />
Today will be filled with bike cleaning and repair, and restocking food and supplies. Plus Sean wants to check out a bike shop that specializes in recumbent bikes. I also have a college friend (Jim Pyne) coming to visit and dinner plans with a long time friend (Amy Serafin). So it will be a busy rest day. And I want to get this blog summary out before I forget what yesterday was like!<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning we were all up and about and ready to roll at 7:45. It had rained throughout the night but the sky was clear. Winds were strong but favorable. Very favorable.<br />
<br />
Rick had just finished replacing the replacement tube with too short of a valve stem he had just put on to replace the glue-patched tube from yesterday. In my book that counts as two flats, or as our Irish friends would call them, two punctures.<br />
<br />
We rolled out in good spirits though we were all bit concerned about the 104 miles ahead of us with lots of climbing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready to roll!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOkZh0QqLZRCZ18NOrLrnz45n2JwMLH9AsuCauXUpAwTb3vQoQPcVXEU8wUpi0w1NccQWDq1D7dcVSo-tG25O-uFgOED4rZpcF96sCsb-APvPfEr8Je1JuB-z8OZ9N8PCxtV19Qp_ELxm/s1600/readytoroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOkZh0QqLZRCZ18NOrLrnz45n2JwMLH9AsuCauXUpAwTb3vQoQPcVXEU8wUpi0w1NccQWDq1D7dcVSo-tG25O-uFgOED4rZpcF96sCsb-APvPfEr8Je1JuB-z8OZ9N8PCxtV19Qp_ELxm/s640/readytoroll.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Early morning riding</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFNKQSlVtHUmHOfW3UDIF5rM5U6A-_bFs1etOGs0cXMsh9oHtfE4zsHEQD1ydmkTyI9Cfbl2tnSIz5NAK1IhQtgyB1h-3tObjclhrs15pmbp86tbmBF5NJkiYrnkBIW2luaFEiYvUSEYi/s1600/start2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFNKQSlVtHUmHOfW3UDIF5rM5U6A-_bFs1etOGs0cXMsh9oHtfE4zsHEQD1ydmkTyI9Cfbl2tnSIz5NAK1IhQtgyB1h-3tObjclhrs15pmbp86tbmBF5NJkiYrnkBIW2luaFEiYvUSEYi/s640/start2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spectacular views in the morning...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7lPSXamkBLEiuXGxRW5LGvBR2hARoVPfinqbDOGeMZijdr4V9Bqr2RViNOP_7omhNuozKdu4InnxGLUEPVRsu_xq6W32n2vIfSYGrSx9kg0pRBJfRXoLw0s_GWtgoqggdAQcnSoWEvZp/s1600/views.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7lPSXamkBLEiuXGxRW5LGvBR2hARoVPfinqbDOGeMZijdr4V9Bqr2RViNOP_7omhNuozKdu4InnxGLUEPVRsu_xq6W32n2vIfSYGrSx9kg0pRBJfRXoLw0s_GWtgoqggdAQcnSoWEvZp/s640/views.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We got about 2 miles down the road when we noticed that Rick, the wall, the sweeper, the wing-man keeper, was nowhere to be seen. Sure enough, with the wet roads he had flatted shortly after leaving the hotel and no one heard his "FLAT" exclamation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I rode back to find him, we found the hole in the tube, checked the tire, found the glass hole (oh how I dislike "glass-holes") and put in a new tube. Actually it turned out to be an old vintage tube that had been resting comfortably in Rick's saddle bag for 15 years. This tube failed to inflate. Fortunately Dennis and Sean were there so no CO2 cartridges were expended. We replaced the tube with one from this millennium and were on the road. Puncture count is now: 4.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Catching up with group after flat repair #4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZmWEwAl0ip6DG7iKw9t19lkN6DXHtMj-hIwp9ZnMw-KhG_mU1VgKKMrHyPDiAvinL0Ejxf1MQmouFcKvHH5EoYli3FMRTSmne3xiuTHxiu6MLQ0YoCXkr-ChJtHMf1VJQFz5QI31fuz8/s1600/catchingup+after+flat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZmWEwAl0ip6DG7iKw9t19lkN6DXHtMj-hIwp9ZnMw-KhG_mU1VgKKMrHyPDiAvinL0Ejxf1MQmouFcKvHH5EoYli3FMRTSmne3xiuTHxiu6MLQ0YoCXkr-ChJtHMf1VJQFz5QI31fuz8/s640/catchingup+after+flat+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The ride was great. Tail winds pushed us up the hills and around the corners. This had to be the easiest century ride yet. I think we all felt like super heroes. Beautiful farm lands. Great views over rolling hills.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting warm in the sun<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp2tah66o8Tc-hrlGkzd3u2NFsnTmvXgCr9njjzVuuu1btJLYyaZGM7M92BWuvOQLpbrzI_XBxmVmGzsHt5HgYSz605S-DlpOg7u0nOn1OaEDUUs7Gl1DLjSv2RVpYcT4Sr0KPKEireeP/s1600/start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp2tah66o8Tc-hrlGkzd3u2NFsnTmvXgCr9njjzVuuu1btJLYyaZGM7M92BWuvOQLpbrzI_XBxmVmGzsHt5HgYSz605S-DlpOg7u0nOn1OaEDUUs7Gl1DLjSv2RVpYcT4Sr0KPKEireeP/s640/start.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Missing the storms and enjoying nice cloud cover </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMs57awvyGdjDgp-imQK7KCudUP7FzVKkaS4jUOfMMmdqxymrj0eZCaZKaVuVqRXJL-LS1Zn9lxUnTXg6ctRAoSqtXlKZ4fVVOJcekCvBA5TwNIRxtYiLsd_gjdUAsTP4O5MWTmFqMzbW/s1600/Clipboard17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMs57awvyGdjDgp-imQK7KCudUP7FzVKkaS4jUOfMMmdqxymrj0eZCaZKaVuVqRXJL-LS1Zn9lxUnTXg6ctRAoSqtXlKZ4fVVOJcekCvBA5TwNIRxtYiLsd_gjdUAsTP4O5MWTmFqMzbW/s640/Clipboard17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small town riding on quiet roads</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9fPmQffq0NhekowVkp-9QzA2FDV_BJO5ItNQOuKKPLUeeYlZdgR-4AwftmpBnTgJoqDVYg8DWZji-jX-SFB2I93W1bjAujamXpIva9I4xQA61VvSiNrl5XbEHhWmwiymFf-5ZmDL9LcP/s1600/contryroad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9fPmQffq0NhekowVkp-9QzA2FDV_BJO5ItNQOuKKPLUeeYlZdgR-4AwftmpBnTgJoqDVYg8DWZji-jX-SFB2I93W1bjAujamXpIva9I4xQA61VvSiNrl5XbEHhWmwiymFf-5ZmDL9LcP/s640/contryroad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fun route through neighborhoods</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqDo9cB9V0w6Dkqx4X41lA5tjKu5RhvdnHs-qQq0XkT0jocrBcFTXaqX4vQEZZnIJTGzwX9fIYEdpOStmnN51IFCsuDo3A5xKpCXaszBMWMgYUWA0MelFCL5igmSCK4YkkLYq-veADLYF/s1600/alley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqDo9cB9V0w6Dkqx4X41lA5tjKu5RhvdnHs-qQq0XkT0jocrBcFTXaqX4vQEZZnIJTGzwX9fIYEdpOStmnN51IFCsuDo3A5xKpCXaszBMWMgYUWA0MelFCL5igmSCK4YkkLYq-veADLYF/s640/alley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lunch worked out wonderfully well. We ate at the Apple Bin Grill and Bakery (Mile 51) that I had spotted while working on the route map before our ride. For once Dennis reached a place that was still in business! Lunch was waiting for us as we rolled in. It was great.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somehow Dennis's pose reminds me of Mr. T as he protects us and the van!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVAHnv1RQLtAnpXiGRfdhCpPSjzE7tG97cmRy8DAaGajHdxrtMGQrUm_LLUm1ls17d-6EXU2emxrU8HY02xv3nKbQ24m_2-Uhc4qZR9OcDk7QlKJVGMsHjv4MaiuTMFLqD0FSpCvzK1IP/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVAHnv1RQLtAnpXiGRfdhCpPSjzE7tG97cmRy8DAaGajHdxrtMGQrUm_LLUm1ls17d-6EXU2emxrU8HY02xv3nKbQ24m_2-Uhc4qZR9OcDk7QlKJVGMsHjv4MaiuTMFLqD0FSpCvzK1IP/s640/lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Diana was feeling great after lunch and the pace picked up noticeably. I heard a bit more breathing on the climbs but no one complained.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pulling in the miles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxC9rcu6pynVp5nkxe1XhSopDjel62QVEPZojViDpAT1NvzV6vUXYi4NR4rQHWaTCqjvHIIkfUg6Ud23glBEZjwwC81YqGrl0FXCKHDsvuHxe3fVXj256sEecMrUwBm3R7ncjq9qA34k52/s1600/road2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxC9rcu6pynVp5nkxe1XhSopDjel62QVEPZojViDpAT1NvzV6vUXYi4NR4rQHWaTCqjvHIIkfUg6Ud23glBEZjwwC81YqGrl0FXCKHDsvuHxe3fVXj256sEecMrUwBm3R7ncjq9qA34k52/s640/road2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Riding through York was a nightmare. I got right-hooked by a car and narrowly avoided getting taken out. The driver never saw me, despite my flashing lights. Not a surprise. Minutes later, Diana and David both almost got slapped in their necks by a large pickup truck with wide trailer mirrors. How it missed them is beyond me. All of this is a reminder to us to stay vigilant, especially when riding through areas with high traffic.<br />
<br />
Once we passed York, the route was once again very pleasant and it wasn't until we started to cross the Susquehanna River, that Rick, the wall, once again flatted. Make that count #5. This was a pinch flat. No comment! We inflated this one with a WW I era CO2 cartridge that barely got the pressure up to a pinch flat resistance level. We topped it off with my pocket pump and were back on the road.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ricks view as his tire goes flat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXLEzC80MsI8AkDwG1MaLl6eIRr_3LrMMIPT4l18ArzXMZv7SZPY0hEVxf804FJJ7ECum3tmWN5bsQp6rZGGHKnGDDWCoy3aMoLpvdGBMQT30WXftwQhY-sWqTAZ939zobak6u55OATAU/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXLEzC80MsI8AkDwG1MaLl6eIRr_3LrMMIPT4l18ArzXMZv7SZPY0hEVxf804FJJ7ECum3tmWN5bsQp6rZGGHKnGDDWCoy3aMoLpvdGBMQT30WXftwQhY-sWqTAZ939zobak6u55OATAU/s640/bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready to roll </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Rick's expression as I remind him that fixing flats is part of the game, might as well enjoy the break!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5blokaabJOdEMpLIzFqVpJBTheSuv4jpV_UnOffiKjCqfLl7qVPST5Nkj4kUWbm3C5KdO49RkLFwaVEbZvSf4az56jHaRWk3duXVBz4Akv3f-PywzGJLa7IDioYslM6MZKvxbs3bBaGTg/s1600/FLat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5blokaabJOdEMpLIzFqVpJBTheSuv4jpV_UnOffiKjCqfLl7qVPST5Nkj4kUWbm3C5KdO49RkLFwaVEbZvSf4az56jHaRWk3duXVBz4Akv3f-PywzGJLa7IDioYslM6MZKvxbs3bBaGTg/s640/FLat5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We reach our B&B in good spirits. Cheered on not just by Dennis and Sean but also by the Inn owners, Lark and Michael.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3eyhcewVOztz6yVO0ixOrsTpfqga1bi-fD0nu_fCG49mh0EP_z6-5GUKZpAhK5v226mkBknvOrBhy_OR2ig8sHvMkEQs_BlDVbiUgynAPIM78UYaHrmShutVElFek2Zvrc3nWyLXbS-d/s1600/larkandmichael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3eyhcewVOztz6yVO0ixOrsTpfqga1bi-fD0nu_fCG49mh0EP_z6-5GUKZpAhK5v226mkBknvOrBhy_OR2ig8sHvMkEQs_BlDVbiUgynAPIM78UYaHrmShutVElFek2Zvrc3nWyLXbS-d/s640/larkandmichael.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amy joined us for dinner at a great Peruvian restaurant, Serrano, and we all had a great time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9-N05XUkQA0Jh5cecFoeflqKjoI1bFuoVpKPB1n3ynNpB-y_iO9J2COwAq8hfl5Tpoutkak_QFldgS0SAXy9QbmxAIiHtM9GmxaVy1ABxCIswCXSF0F3_SqfpHB8zwSs4x4x2zeI0v1S/s1600/IMG_7855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9-N05XUkQA0Jh5cecFoeflqKjoI1bFuoVpKPB1n3ynNpB-y_iO9J2COwAq8hfl5Tpoutkak_QFldgS0SAXy9QbmxAIiHtM9GmxaVy1ABxCIswCXSF0F3_SqfpHB8zwSs4x4x2zeI0v1S/s400/IMG_7855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
So now it's time to get this blog out and start working on bikes!<br />
<br />
Cheers, Dave<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-37449006146208683392015-06-08T19:34:00.002-07:002015-06-08T19:36:48.302-07:00Day 79 Frostburg to Hagerstown, Maryland95 miles.... 85 miles of mostly rocky and at times muddy trails followed by 10 miles of rolling hills. 4 punctures. 3 new tubes one patch job as we ran out of properly sized tubes but that's another story.<br />
<br />
Although most of the ride was slightly downhill, it was still tough due to the many obstacles we had to avoid...rocks, roots, suicidal squirrels, puddles, pot holes,... you name it. Although the ride was tough, it was beautiful. We had breaks from the tree cover and saw wonderful countryside views as we left Frostburg.<br />
<br />
Here are some shots from the day...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Early morning descent</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FY7HCQgEtnS6iJn-F_tww9wN-K3TR-pcpzosR4mz3jmfjDr57pu-t9nkgMeQ7O_qm7EZEk5ifwT1tUJo7iZ-jyJqsYz9_LYZH7Wx8tLRRJQvPC5j8MoNwjhomrAjocpQM5_D0_Yo-Fu3/s1600/descent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FY7HCQgEtnS6iJn-F_tww9wN-K3TR-pcpzosR4mz3jmfjDr57pu-t9nkgMeQ7O_qm7EZEk5ifwT1tUJo7iZ-jyJqsYz9_LYZH7Wx8tLRRJQvPC5j8MoNwjhomrAjocpQM5_D0_Yo-Fu3/s640/descent.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WUHZK1pqxi6htasnk9hzLDN-gg8rQLC9h1UGMGBZ8jqIzPlqN45i_0zyKe8_68A_KGeWeE7SdsoyE3gr_3CW5UzSesXXZp3o21iaCUKFaRuiM0b5MrDb8ILnIhlFlF-8tKNMq_V3kUM_/s1600/gravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WUHZK1pqxi6htasnk9hzLDN-gg8rQLC9h1UGMGBZ8jqIzPlqN45i_0zyKe8_68A_KGeWeE7SdsoyE3gr_3CW5UzSesXXZp3o21iaCUKFaRuiM0b5MrDb8ILnIhlFlF-8tKNMq_V3kUM_/s640/gravel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nice single track...but where's my mountain bike?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh5FI8mG8Vz_OMCAcszcOOMhQPyFwhDOTBOopBGPLidoEBCmOcBzv6L84Qh4BuNvkvoyxAME791Qorv61mmvIx-SGXctwK-c8ZU_mENWjIkLUN5j367XNWZ90orNiLOONZAIMQujKLjxo/s1600/st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh5FI8mG8Vz_OMCAcszcOOMhQPyFwhDOTBOopBGPLidoEBCmOcBzv6L84Qh4BuNvkvoyxAME791Qorv61mmvIx-SGXctwK-c8ZU_mENWjIkLUN5j367XNWZ90orNiLOONZAIMQujKLjxo/s1600/st.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBqmRn089SAfVVA2GF-75Kxqx6XPKTwhUfSR7L8xExYY29zeshOfZIEtY6c1Cnn_MeIvBpCtdQ74psyjpZvO7evp6K3csq3fKgq5DoBTIQYmHLIzjtpu0FhSOhurPyPl2t7CvjhLTIDvU/s1600/singletrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBqmRn089SAfVVA2GF-75Kxqx6XPKTwhUfSR7L8xExYY29zeshOfZIEtY6c1Cnn_MeIvBpCtdQ74psyjpZvO7evp6K3csq3fKgq5DoBTIQYmHLIzjtpu0FhSOhurPyPl2t7CvjhLTIDvU/s640/singletrack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Views</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Tp2HV1p12CLg_fPnPzOhYuUXzQNgWDHcavPPQ8OEFIsYVZQ805gIHMcK7_SV2hMC1bbIJ-hU1LdOFLLftXAfloBACzKfuXFM5ORne31TO6T2NKrB1T1Lahi0JSLZeO96PFlB7Cn9nT0/s1600/views.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Tp2HV1p12CLg_fPnPzOhYuUXzQNgWDHcavPPQ8OEFIsYVZQ805gIHMcK7_SV2hMC1bbIJ-hU1LdOFLLftXAfloBACzKfuXFM5ORne31TO6T2NKrB1T1Lahi0JSLZeO96PFlB7Cn9nT0/s640/views.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surprise coffee delivery (thanks Sean and Dennis)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLw1-aLC_VCtugZ35ybotwgH6HiRxaAYybsBxDG_nrpHw8wrBockJv6Vmdl8ha75QRTy-SmGN0M7fzXF-Y250-2Zlyti-UpbqMW_k7Fz8uKPPpQFDT0drjjcyvFimwS7cOPNvOJYSOlVD/s1600/coffee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLw1-aLC_VCtugZ35ybotwgH6HiRxaAYybsBxDG_nrpHw8wrBockJv6Vmdl8ha75QRTy-SmGN0M7fzXF-Y250-2Zlyti-UpbqMW_k7Fz8uKPPpQFDT0drjjcyvFimwS7cOPNvOJYSOlVD/s640/coffee2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Riding through the Paw Paw tunnel, 3118 feet long on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Glad we had lights as it is not lit and was deceivingly long)!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4st-P1NMPlSjSMFa4o79jc4FLqLSPD1Bs6pWfrdaOpoINFmqELIxYppIc4jQAltHJrKe_5ho3xd7AnmnZTuPek9oEzQ7tQt-hIxnsxHgA7GBEXgjHVrHGkohdNiJS5yN5oK2l33rDFEzo/s1600/Scarytunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4st-P1NMPlSjSMFa4o79jc4FLqLSPD1Bs6pWfrdaOpoINFmqELIxYppIc4jQAltHJrKe_5ho3xd7AnmnZTuPek9oEzQ7tQt-hIxnsxHgA7GBEXgjHVrHGkohdNiJS5yN5oK2l33rDFEzo/s640/Scarytunnel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJczHvZ2I1MM6wp1vd-IbCPFEMcsjmIwSDkkFsVKm5LbN2HkkrcP7dkFb9In7xd4NL3MnHNC-bTz3qGi9MoHeQe0z5ePQqr-AKg-8mmCe8UDji1KsRAj4ydGploTlFaPcSTdjmim1s8hG/s1600/exit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJczHvZ2I1MM6wp1vd-IbCPFEMcsjmIwSDkkFsVKm5LbN2HkkrcP7dkFb9In7xd4NL3MnHNC-bTz3qGi9MoHeQe0z5ePQqr-AKg-8mmCe8UDji1KsRAj4ydGploTlFaPcSTdjmim1s8hG/s640/exit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Out the other side</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6WS23zTMHvX6h1xTWmjRLAitvXGFJaYNEyH7RfXOMQVEhgldySnjBo7UsSuNepIBK_Alx3sXEazFaKJgtFxnc1sV2oEn04tLiHOrWmxvDsaYK6PR1oUm5WyYc2D6lVj2rtjwLmLKavFu/s1600/success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6WS23zTMHvX6h1xTWmjRLAitvXGFJaYNEyH7RfXOMQVEhgldySnjBo7UsSuNepIBK_Alx3sXEazFaKJgtFxnc1sV2oEn04tLiHOrWmxvDsaYK6PR1oUm5WyYc2D6lVj2rtjwLmLKavFu/s640/success.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57wFsJ2OPNbXn1JiwiabzFqZneQXmqiu82MF2JnDxdqgEGnESILUb695QCBG6fvxXcGoYWpt0QyHcIkkB7t82IOlDw5zGPKO678Sr-yOeA0KAIsPEq_ZjhKJsWgC48XwEWbTjmNyDjdyM/s1600/otherisde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57wFsJ2OPNbXn1JiwiabzFqZneQXmqiu82MF2JnDxdqgEGnESILUb695QCBG6fvxXcGoYWpt0QyHcIkkB7t82IOlDw5zGPKO678Sr-yOeA0KAIsPEq_ZjhKJsWgC48XwEWbTjmNyDjdyM/s640/otherisde.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol data-ved="0CIQBEP8X" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14.6545457839966px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="_DJe mod" data-md="50" data-ved="0CJYBEJApKAIwEg" style="border: 0px; clear: none; line-height: 1.24; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 15px;"><div class="_cgc kno-fb-ctx" data-hveid="151" data-ved="0CJcBEM4gKAAwEg" style="margin: 10px 0px 13px; overflow: hidden;">
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Swampy regions</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxCT_vEZvOQcn_v6YlO-oQH_MV3HVRStNMWV-zfXAQMbdJxCM7O7OAOI_Q1pV7yE-KMP3zWyiH4_o846b-Yz3Zc70uIJ7iG3OGTIYiVPyv-Peb78t3q1uvGAM5ZMSJxIppWuRdQ-viyT5/s1600/marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxCT_vEZvOQcn_v6YlO-oQH_MV3HVRStNMWV-zfXAQMbdJxCM7O7OAOI_Q1pV7yE-KMP3zWyiH4_o846b-Yz3Zc70uIJ7iG3OGTIYiVPyv-Peb78t3q1uvGAM5ZMSJxIppWuRdQ-viyT5/s640/marsh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When we reached Hancock, Maryland, Dennis pointed out that there was a nicely paved bike path that had been running parallel to our rocky route for the last 10 miles. Ouch! We quickly switched over to that and were like kids in a candy store..or maybe more like dogs without a leash. We felt free as the wind and enjoyed the beautiful feeling you get pedaling with efficiency!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pavement!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbcgKMKC0Z8j579lBqDLDT_ZQ4T3zcXGacoFQ21bjW0LFYRDIfQ01hod8_T3OJHKRUWE26tT1XISG6qgj6npxMMvg_cJf2Xg8GnTdOA6CA5Tf78xkgDK16Qxi1P8kgD59scQttWo_bM4n/s1600/paved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbcgKMKC0Z8j579lBqDLDT_ZQ4T3zcXGacoFQ21bjW0LFYRDIfQ01hod8_T3OJHKRUWE26tT1XISG6qgj6npxMMvg_cJf2Xg8GnTdOA6CA5Tf78xkgDK16Qxi1P8kgD59scQttWo_bM4n/s640/paved.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We even got a rotating pace line in place. This is always fun. Here's a short clip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wf4ydPYxv_o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wf4ydPYxv_o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
We pulled in to our hotel just as a some thundershowers started to come down.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
David Regan being chased by storm clouds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx0tTlwTC2SgJ71FHwtWsSxTQNH42TM9L9Vffmdqx4m95Vi1ecu2g5PQDXKaFATOq8piHqYKUU55VKZOzRCLnmuUZMDBeoFjTs5h_n6178WANwFrXO9LrI0cK9l-ydmWbdy_0i-x28I6N/s1600/storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx0tTlwTC2SgJ71FHwtWsSxTQNH42TM9L9Vffmdqx4m95Vi1ecu2g5PQDXKaFATOq8piHqYKUU55VKZOzRCLnmuUZMDBeoFjTs5h_n6178WANwFrXO9LrI0cK9l-ydmWbdy_0i-x28I6N/s640/storm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
No one complained as the humid heat prior to this was oppressive. Lots of smiles...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diana is describing the effect of the wind on her riding...I think</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS99ZgOlJ7aZrPIUBSGwopwvYnQfeN7c4tEn3QqGVC8XCXOxz41p5w-tCUePYsX24mXi_nK8g-Fhpoi7dFLsvNEK6KKZAgHZq3FhGlxiTP2ZJoOoBWHekePpxGHP-W5wcj4m4cN92ql0PZ/s1600/G0025397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS99ZgOlJ7aZrPIUBSGwopwvYnQfeN7c4tEn3QqGVC8XCXOxz41p5w-tCUePYsX24mXi_nK8g-Fhpoi7dFLsvNEK6KKZAgHZq3FhGlxiTP2ZJoOoBWHekePpxGHP-W5wcj4m4cN92ql0PZ/s640/G0025397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We ate dinner at the hotel, pizza brought in from a nearby gas station pizza joint. It was not bad, though as hungry as we were, I bet we would have been content with cardboard flavored with salt and sugar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-86372350313402605552015-06-07T18:28:00.001-07:002015-06-08T18:04:13.854-07:00Day 78 Connellsville, PA to Frostburg, MarylandBig 77 mile day with a steady climb and 100% on the Great Allegheny Passage. Highlights were crossing the Eastern Continental Divide and Mason Dixon line as we entered Maryland.<br />
<br />
The troops are pretty beat and we have two tough days ahead of us. 95 miles tomorrow and 102 the next day. Weather and the next 70 miles of trail riding are also looking sketchy so wish us luck. I expect my blog reports will be shorter in the coming days as we will be pulling in to our lodging relatively late....<br />
<br />
Here are some photo highlights from today...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heading Out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uZC6W3NJ6o82woj5L5Qsxz19hcYVZ4WiLvwy1iez8e0yXbdn08NnLSMN_lFQwboopfRZbta_0GgtdwGtIONkgFmYIkEgt0guwyZAYYq2V9NjKuf9Q4G8Tdsq4bil1CpBQ0OQK3fdMWYo/s1600/start2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uZC6W3NJ6o82woj5L5Qsxz19hcYVZ4WiLvwy1iez8e0yXbdn08NnLSMN_lFQwboopfRZbta_0GgtdwGtIONkgFmYIkEgt0guwyZAYYq2V9NjKuf9Q4G8Tdsq4bil1CpBQ0OQK3fdMWYo/s640/start2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of many bridges</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyFGHbRLznB6mXz9QvxNhl4IxGEiW5ZPyAFPtecq41rxD4OpdZahAEZwtbIzQq2-KJAcyErvqNpUiE9gpR16E-2xrePPeAS5hNE8q43v5y6NVv2dWOmtwU4wdsz-7e61NgZwMd1hwmet1/s1600/brdige4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyFGHbRLznB6mXz9QvxNhl4IxGEiW5ZPyAFPtecq41rxD4OpdZahAEZwtbIzQq2-KJAcyErvqNpUiE9gpR16E-2xrePPeAS5hNE8q43v5y6NVv2dWOmtwU4wdsz-7e61NgZwMd1hwmet1/s640/brdige4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ohiopyle Waterfall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXyU8HzWT6rE9CP853JaE5zL6b14wkQHjyspqQhBGh_PfB-KihxYV1HY831MskkLYqbTO2sSksKO3J1tW1HG6MVycfrGnbr9rgJ6CSEGV36_VXGenUCVzQkR6NhDJzPdpByUrI_4m2hSI/s1600/DSCN4670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXyU8HzWT6rE9CP853JaE5zL6b14wkQHjyspqQhBGh_PfB-KihxYV1HY831MskkLYqbTO2sSksKO3J1tW1HG6MVycfrGnbr9rgJ6CSEGV36_VXGenUCVzQkR6NhDJzPdpByUrI_4m2hSI/s640/DSCN4670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lunch planning</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfPDDWLSor3xpxAUINI7qm3167kYrGRJmqpKQPSNegfMKJDX6xDHj2cKhyphenhyphen2xVOnk9CHga4l_8YH0sf5WREivqKf7KpUPTiaGGDbq87INtzDbL5wpE7S5WgM5ILpJMtY2RbScHmbrpOeKC/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfPDDWLSor3xpxAUINI7qm3167kYrGRJmqpKQPSNegfMKJDX6xDHj2cKhyphenhyphen2xVOnk9CHga4l_8YH0sf5WREivqKf7KpUPTiaGGDbq87INtzDbL5wpE7S5WgM5ILpJMtY2RbScHmbrpOeKC/s640/lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lunch faces</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1KqhDf8pimJxX665LT9fOsPT3ZQBIid6ska7jtdQVLvcMfccuhqmSDVsSsaB9UCvlmhTjdb3WpBGumbU3TDZtpfwwvKszxMvMml-oJyKujwlVt8SQlyBn0M25A7DW1WnLMfO3rL6QraP/s1600/material.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1KqhDf8pimJxX665LT9fOsPT3ZQBIid6ska7jtdQVLvcMfccuhqmSDVsSsaB9UCvlmhTjdb3WpBGumbU3TDZtpfwwvKszxMvMml-oJyKujwlVt8SQlyBn0M25A7DW1WnLMfO3rL6QraP/s640/material.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diana going through 3,294 Big Savage Tunnel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2gsmCj5LwX-Y7nLC_c_hYVKQU99ej1cpTCPjfZvKs1vysoAREM3nOD7q2W9bE78hdEwhs2wP6USur6RSosDfuhQEmnctyLe46fotlfZYyj_VgXZUkvCzkoE8u-Uf7aWWdwiGrKwJ5AOE/s1600/tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2gsmCj5LwX-Y7nLC_c_hYVKQU99ej1cpTCPjfZvKs1vysoAREM3nOD7q2W9bE78hdEwhs2wP6USur6RSosDfuhQEmnctyLe46fotlfZYyj_VgXZUkvCzkoE8u-Uf7aWWdwiGrKwJ5AOE/s640/tunnel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mason Dixon Line</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikk2U4cs5eansLhx5FbNgYbQHTN5-nOQF5S0YSuQy_W_VjxzY0dQPgjAuSn6TyxqgvOwX0OP-xkCBdWWBRX8h6kH8ahZKUpw5_F15cOHGP5nI49JaC_a_NaHBpuMfNPc3oNOrsoGvJ-AN/s1600/masondixon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikk2U4cs5eansLhx5FbNgYbQHTN5-nOQF5S0YSuQy_W_VjxzY0dQPgjAuSn6TyxqgvOwX0OP-xkCBdWWBRX8h6kH8ahZKUpw5_F15cOHGP5nI49JaC_a_NaHBpuMfNPc3oNOrsoGvJ-AN/s640/masondixon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Almost there (Dave and Diana)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ0dAHzA2TNZEZT0xd8qkWqk5k6fOER5BmdJrkjyuqU-DO0qrg-sO5z3HMd7dxA7pZP8nUjWj78RruAiCNNRUz-OSKTgUuBuv91kJL4cXrxCkZ3Ftkl6QYAX2bZuM6x_KZIqe1ZrVF9d1/s1600/almost+there.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ0dAHzA2TNZEZT0xd8qkWqk5k6fOER5BmdJrkjyuqU-DO0qrg-sO5z3HMd7dxA7pZP8nUjWj78RruAiCNNRUz-OSKTgUuBuv91kJL4cXrxCkZ3Ftkl6QYAX2bZuM6x_KZIqe1ZrVF9d1/s640/almost+there.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chec-in</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxIKS5EaWzE7hbsuvy41ia0DaJ85YYqyOPsJN6tu9B1hII7cnjeWZL9ciMxAVb4ht-kydWH3wWd3Wytk-nDfERLfY4Cp6HHGTbuRk7L0SAnCBm1MdDt5UYNb76YFfSTdSHy-eFuRgEhlo/s1600/check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxIKS5EaWzE7hbsuvy41ia0DaJ85YYqyOPsJN6tu9B1hII7cnjeWZL9ciMxAVb4ht-kydWH3wWd3Wytk-nDfERLfY4Cp6HHGTbuRk7L0SAnCBm1MdDt5UYNb76YFfSTdSHy-eFuRgEhlo/s640/check.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Big thanks today to Ole John at the Trail Inn for accommodating our bikes and arranging an early breakfast for us.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-17862704342233850172015-06-06T19:12:00.003-07:002015-06-06T19:14:44.946-07:00Day 77 Pittsburgh to ConnellsvilleCan a day be too easy? Today almost felt that way...<br />
<br />
I'm not sure Sean and Dennis would agree as they had to loop back at the midpoint to retrieve a missing cell phone and then try to chase us down and get to Connellsville before us.<br />
<br />
We started with 7 riders and 9 am...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Safety talk time</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIcrkjjoBTvRYEB-t2pPpRN8ux_58UpS_OrJqpQmU2HKvYsyKUY0CYKQdfGn4uVkNsTwvE7Qk5xFy6b-eR1-DvLB7amQzwHyltwSFvNzAC3ohIpuC3uO7aHpQ_PMvy2AcLGL3iw5EmsNj/s1600/safety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIcrkjjoBTvRYEB-t2pPpRN8ux_58UpS_OrJqpQmU2HKvYsyKUY0CYKQdfGn4uVkNsTwvE7Qk5xFy6b-eR1-DvLB7amQzwHyltwSFvNzAC3ohIpuC3uO7aHpQ_PMvy2AcLGL3iw5EmsNj/s640/safety.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
David and Tiernan Regan (Sean's cousins from Ireland), Chris Lattin from Tessera, Rich Hoffman (my college friend), Octavio Herrera Ruiz (from Netronome, one of our sponsors) and Diana and me. Octavio rode with us part way and then headed back. It was nice to have a larger group of HAA supporters and a local rider join us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chris</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjvTgIsawjAE9oeE-sNzVbM4nzWpsuGs2Wpg1wyl6nFrJN38upfZT8IapP-uME4Gi_rBA72_wtOJPDA4EAGygMY3QN7muY_7fssl0Dfi2U_E2IlRjXF4Jnr6lSGG8u0B6hnyq-NBblkQa/s1600/chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjvTgIsawjAE9oeE-sNzVbM4nzWpsuGs2Wpg1wyl6nFrJN38upfZT8IapP-uME4Gi_rBA72_wtOJPDA4EAGygMY3QN7muY_7fssl0Dfi2U_E2IlRjXF4Jnr6lSGG8u0B6hnyq-NBblkQa/s640/chris.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rick</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoptCMp1QkISUcDwInPDXHujmgD04SEjd_0_ZlDAIzxjUsirZrIBeJ4ImiEVcKA5wYP0E5yRwaj3tVpXXg0_T2SxBh3-TnP181MnXE-Sq0iGg5jychcIEGauUVSPPFfkCUZzgPWeFqAIkg/s1600/rickfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoptCMp1QkISUcDwInPDXHujmgD04SEjd_0_ZlDAIzxjUsirZrIBeJ4ImiEVcKA5wYP0E5yRwaj3tVpXXg0_T2SxBh3-TnP181MnXE-Sq0iGg5jychcIEGauUVSPPFfkCUZzgPWeFqAIkg/s640/rickfast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
David R.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi-seF1EG2pdlkAhuRCxFzIcxzWoRL6cRh9rU5VVzA8JuhQNSfuiU43StZCQW1uPUp1BZmDYerxbx1q5i0QWncXkVTYS3glUOrzTPOgvskkx0aebcJ2MM2CV_x0d5KtXQkGpNOVqGkiat/s1600/david4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi-seF1EG2pdlkAhuRCxFzIcxzWoRL6cRh9rU5VVzA8JuhQNSfuiU43StZCQW1uPUp1BZmDYerxbx1q5i0QWncXkVTYS3glUOrzTPOgvskkx0aebcJ2MM2CV_x0d5KtXQkGpNOVqGkiat/s640/david4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diana</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEveeRUaFuxoC9dsRIAuiMDn4TzXlJ28coVceuW3dXa9bUq-SkuaPU0HEJlQmmVoszwohBRJEpUzYSIDIYtzPVxBfuDLHeO51PKnlx38gJenC7KeJliU9CYhSxUtSvWm9wjxG20HicleJ/s1600/dedi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEveeRUaFuxoC9dsRIAuiMDn4TzXlJ28coVceuW3dXa9bUq-SkuaPU0HEJlQmmVoszwohBRJEpUzYSIDIYtzPVxBfuDLHeO51PKnlx38gJenC7KeJliU9CYhSxUtSvWm9wjxG20HicleJ/s640/dedi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Octavio</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_AjuUOIj7iHnzOUaRTDUv63oRRRiBligsv3fepODj0095CLJWlT1ItgJFrEuf1_TuYDMELd5IQVerKkyHr3Jzna7ndBKEV_dMr2hStGSvDztfWtd-Ky-4kvbC22x8wNJ5BHyBJvDcC6J/s1600/octavio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_AjuUOIj7iHnzOUaRTDUv63oRRRiBligsv3fepODj0095CLJWlT1ItgJFrEuf1_TuYDMELd5IQVerKkyHr3Jzna7ndBKEV_dMr2hStGSvDztfWtd-Ky-4kvbC22x8wNJ5BHyBJvDcC6J/s640/octavio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rick and Dave</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiXNJxGavVXS3uUYogVp_RqIzNbxVTPVzrOe2qLPER59rT-91FCiyydZ3xVWx3EApOGvMQ3VuTFkmT2hUj1CYuEopgRTwwmp9VhQn1ESxs84XI-OkDLP41D81nFRWJfiQWkLgWBxSdgu8/s1600/rickdave3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiXNJxGavVXS3uUYogVp_RqIzNbxVTPVzrOe2qLPER59rT-91FCiyydZ3xVWx3EApOGvMQ3VuTFkmT2hUj1CYuEopgRTwwmp9VhQn1ESxs84XI-OkDLP41D81nFRWJfiQWkLgWBxSdgu8/s640/rickdave3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tiernan </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKVCcPPvS6foOVVywCtIZi4dytxxD-Np6-9DiXxNvgvnP6EePCWlGBfx0L2l_I4Blv43SsZrBiN1DQ5I9TocGbgpSDwHwsOUQuFsAACfLhZ5rSYfXAJElXeiFYpPaljzGVh0SfUduJfU2/s1600/tiernan5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKVCcPPvS6foOVVywCtIZi4dytxxD-Np6-9DiXxNvgvnP6EePCWlGBfx0L2l_I4Blv43SsZrBiN1DQ5I9TocGbgpSDwHwsOUQuFsAACfLhZ5rSYfXAJElXeiFYpPaljzGVh0SfUduJfU2/s640/tiernan5.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The ride was primarily on trails following at first the Monongahela River and then at mile 12 the Youghiogheny River. It was shaded and a mix of asphalt and well packed dirt. The riding was easy with a good tailwind.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crossing the river</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHAFMaNavoxP879etTte_HSg94YHXc06QLB-bqJuuWvgh4CNgyl8Z7MQwbje5RaFThY0kjH-Mw5s5X1lC-OcXB5dVI-tMai4fXXBizEhJTjUMvGS2KRJpdbkqZZ1MjR59yAZhQo9t7OHD/s1600/bridge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHAFMaNavoxP879etTte_HSg94YHXc06QLB-bqJuuWvgh4CNgyl8Z7MQwbje5RaFThY0kjH-Mw5s5X1lC-OcXB5dVI-tMai4fXXBizEhJTjUMvGS2KRJpdbkqZZ1MjR59yAZhQo9t7OHD/s640/bridge2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty typical of 99% of our ride </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTN7WgyIJ9IgRyTI7Gki1SvfijQGvZyEKs8w4TuI_pK7-sdEw4vxd9kAdOJSa3V3yfmAe1wIlKA58IoJt4oXWUceCEeqk7wtoFwOzaYEspMxgYLaVkg3VvOv2hQT7M_Kr-fKjibQ1uW05/s1600/day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTN7WgyIJ9IgRyTI7Gki1SvfijQGvZyEKs8w4TuI_pK7-sdEw4vxd9kAdOJSa3V3yfmAe1wIlKA58IoJt4oXWUceCEeqk7wtoFwOzaYEspMxgYLaVkg3VvOv2hQT7M_Kr-fKjibQ1uW05/s640/day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNze0rWHgbF5rkW_ejHWzBXTd5RBYz59jjrwECNjzM41lmKZxOrB6fSJO2Dplyy8zDEnt794z_v5Qfgkafuc1lHEpPwlm_lap0wn-SVHzyft96pKC8mq6W2WJYka4bM550GXebhFYSKIl/s1600/off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNze0rWHgbF5rkW_ejHWzBXTd5RBYz59jjrwECNjzM41lmKZxOrB6fSJO2Dplyy8zDEnt794z_v5Qfgkafuc1lHEpPwlm_lap0wn-SVHzyft96pKC8mq6W2WJYka4bM550GXebhFYSKIl/s640/off.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We saw many cyclists, joggers, and hikers along the trail.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cyclists doing it the hard way!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaBAQ6gxRYGexrbdzmu-jzELK05uPfU47pRk_CJiQs7bEidyvMI_J_3G6-tOb9exzy_Rb-E6GKJ3fckm1_0-zxo7YkOob-Q1ScjLjxkQbcYfK0ngQSAfXmB2UtY9-h0Y64_pPoxy_5hIv/s1600/cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaBAQ6gxRYGexrbdzmu-jzELK05uPfU47pRk_CJiQs7bEidyvMI_J_3G6-tOb9exzy_Rb-E6GKJ3fckm1_0-zxo7YkOob-Q1ScjLjxkQbcYfK0ngQSAfXmB2UtY9-h0Y64_pPoxy_5hIv/s640/cross.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
One group of shirtless tatoo'ed riders passed us multiple times as they sped past and then stopped for breaks. They cheered us on each time we passed them at their breaks. At the last fly by they were just getting on the bicycles and hollered "We're going to smoke you in a minute." That was enough motivation for us to ramp up the pace just enough to leave them in the dust. We never saw them again...<br />
<br />
Lunch was another attempt at something different.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lunch stop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJ5n6T_A1qegNhrSzwKkdj8a4Eq-RJA86AsaLxHEpB97jHR34nd6I27DDwGrtSPZoKs-UO28syVKv-cLxAoqbtlHOztBqJfdASA9Q4AEQplZKeHQdrr_-EpbuxtCd6GVOyQAuMy5N16g_/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJ5n6T_A1qegNhrSzwKkdj8a4Eq-RJA86AsaLxHEpB97jHR34nd6I27DDwGrtSPZoKs-UO28syVKv-cLxAoqbtlHOztBqJfdASA9Q4AEQplZKeHQdrr_-EpbuxtCd6GVOyQAuMy5N16g_/s640/lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We pulled into a bike shop/restaurant combo called the trail side. We sat on the patio and ordered from a menu. The food was excellent but service a tad slow. I was just not comfortable sitting back and doing nothing while waiting for food or bill, particularly with storm clouds looming above.<br />
<br />
The good news is the food came, we ate well, and were on the road again without much delay. Word on the street though is that the whole team is looking forward to a Subway's lunch tomorrow...<br />
<br />
We spent most of the ride just calling out "Pole ahead", "Biker Up" , "Runner up", "Bump", or "On your left!". <span id="goog_2074408774"></span><span id="goog_2074408775"></span><br />
<br />
Not a ton of conversation compared to the previous days though David R. did chat a bit with all of us.Being from Ireland it took him a few minutes to get used to riding on the right side of the trail, particularly around bends. This was a bit comical at first but also scary. Glad he got it straight after a while!<br />
<br />
We arrived in Connellsville around 2:30 pm, too soon for our rooms to be ready, and about 20 minutes ahead of our van. So there was a bit of sitting around and waiting on the back porch. I enjoyed this down time.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed a nice dinner in town and I couldn't resist stopping to take a picture of one of the 10 Commandments granite monuments that seem to be everywhere in this town. The history on this: "A Pennsylvania pastor has begun a campaign to erect Ten Commandments monuments throughout his town after a lawsuit threatened to have a Ten Commandments statue removed from the local junior high school."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRwj6rODPuVym8LRZvvD3VEDB92_mzZNrVFQvG_26DnnSwMX3SppISeo3xHYyE0-onlOEQb_PkqIz2Nm4Ak7w7G1Oa7Klf6zg6h9EVZexrTwVhLy3xhvOgiItXfejusuU1ARUtdkjuGVj/s1600/IMG_7839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRwj6rODPuVym8LRZvvD3VEDB92_mzZNrVFQvG_26DnnSwMX3SppISeo3xHYyE0-onlOEQb_PkqIz2Nm4Ak7w7G1Oa7Klf6zg6h9EVZexrTwVhLy3xhvOgiItXfejusuU1ARUtdkjuGVj/s400/IMG_7839.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-30780297114324365522015-06-04T20:23:00.000-07:002015-06-04T20:23:11.200-07:00Day 75 Ravenna, Ohio to Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaWhat a day. First, it was difficult to walk away (or better said, ride away) from the Rocking Horse Inn. We had a great stay there. The amount of antique and period pieces in this B&B were impressive and I felt like I was living in the 1800's but with all of the modern amenities we've learned to enjoy in today's world.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bob, the Innkeeper, took great care of us, providing us with a healthy breakfast and sharing some of the history of the inn. The building took nearly a decade to build and was started in 1864. It features "Stick Style" architecture. Here's a photo (taken from their website..). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIARH78pBXCWTeYnTpYcy_9lMOg75cZ77fH5bVvDgJqBQiKvLZk6gHAbi-tiUiZsTSfXWugexCqfaZRB12rXv-xvR3aNwEim5iAAdjufk8Jn4otLg5Gzlpe4dl-t84mLDg0OXA1n0R86yu/s1600/DSC01259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIARH78pBXCWTeYnTpYcy_9lMOg75cZ77fH5bVvDgJqBQiKvLZk6gHAbi-tiUiZsTSfXWugexCqfaZRB12rXv-xvR3aNwEim5iAAdjufk8Jn4otLg5Gzlpe4dl-t84mLDg0OXA1n0R86yu/s1600/DSC01259.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were facing an 87 mile ride though so despite our desires to stay longer, we were on our bikes and rolling out just a bit past 8 am. The early ride was nice with a mix of rural and country roads and a few bike trails too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No complaints here</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyyBC2QAOPqydzYaRlqXsK_zKx_KWSVzs5zAAnRv2dGS0et71Fdiv0F96WWZy0WukPtFaePLE3-l8vbNo7JsFGogWsOsuj2rZjDJiC1ullx1J5VwkX3Bu0v68uKScHl7IzC3AdN3IiCRT/s1600/morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyyBC2QAOPqydzYaRlqXsK_zKx_KWSVzs5zAAnRv2dGS0et71Fdiv0F96WWZy0WukPtFaePLE3-l8vbNo7JsFGogWsOsuj2rZjDJiC1ullx1J5VwkX3Bu0v68uKScHl7IzC3AdN3IiCRT/s640/morning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or here...nice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxW9DHTsAkWbJsdoMqLn3Xlwui7hiPv4DYyxHQxH6GKezxEW7XQhQ5reIVITqZL7yanZwvIr7eWzcEh1jjF364dSbuKmkmoFOECO8mb6TdscDdRh27c9sUdJg1EO6HF-5KwXL6a70mjZD7/s1600/trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxW9DHTsAkWbJsdoMqLn3Xlwui7hiPv4DYyxHQxH6GKezxEW7XQhQ5reIVITqZL7yanZwvIr7eWzcEh1jjF364dSbuKmkmoFOECO8mb6TdscDdRh27c9sUdJg1EO6HF-5KwXL6a70mjZD7/s640/trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But it wasn't all idyllic...Road quality was mixed which meant we spent a lot of time calling out pot holes and other obstacles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mixed road conditions</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKB-CqptxJ4ESPWcdHWKSrgVcm8EHtGDcsJomHqKErO_-L7D4DLdd6_bMWITmhRaqoRjLeLKKWi2oZhyOClF7EEzUN70W1R_ST2jbPj6wBvaz_Ov5PiFiDWdsxt5JkGGiXAc4A-GGg_Nmo/s1600/road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKB-CqptxJ4ESPWcdHWKSrgVcm8EHtGDcsJomHqKErO_-L7D4DLdd6_bMWITmhRaqoRjLeLKKWi2oZhyOClF7EEzUN70W1R_ST2jbPj6wBvaz_Ov5PiFiDWdsxt5JkGGiXAc4A-GGg_Nmo/s640/road.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But we were also rewarded with river crossings which are always fun</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFWneqPZ7A33y_A-C1PPhnqj9L8EoxyZ39H_YreOznNTYfyvWAVVwHpjMPkQQwW4OTRYkiIhjvgignlJoe-lIaiSubz6ADKVaA4tJp6LldjUF7C48wjJgkrxDrx5hegGKSF6-hIQPt5SU/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFWneqPZ7A33y_A-C1PPhnqj9L8EoxyZ39H_YreOznNTYfyvWAVVwHpjMPkQQwW4OTRYkiIhjvgignlJoe-lIaiSubz6ADKVaA4tJp6LldjUF7C48wjJgkrxDrx5hegGKSF6-hIQPt5SU/s640/bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Where is everyone?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4e_xVjiJSOfUiDyUAvrYqjaWN4yXnMzH_O22yKx3SSwM7X5GMRA6p-k4jaLybHocYx8gMB_l6trSyz9eB47Az_DKWzVY4NKxQ0M55F3z-GXsjjMzvFXvV4W7zlMDiuSJuNww24ujC-oYe/s1600/stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4e_xVjiJSOfUiDyUAvrYqjaWN4yXnMzH_O22yKx3SSwM7X5GMRA6p-k4jaLybHocYx8gMB_l6trSyz9eB47Az_DKWzVY4NKxQ0M55F3z-GXsjjMzvFXvV4W7zlMDiuSJuNww24ujC-oYe/s640/stress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dave is surrounded!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH16ue5S3P6h8TVGzYTiJ5nyMFMiHW8aFvAWdqESwF2Il4J7IcUSUnK5uzyJtjVSuF1he2QJGGzCBZFKfOFl0HuG_YJVmweQ_vSFb_wlMoBl6Zgf0mjTnx5MmdBcbke7t8gmM7gQTVgL1I/s1600/trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH16ue5S3P6h8TVGzYTiJ5nyMFMiHW8aFvAWdqESwF2Il4J7IcUSUnK5uzyJtjVSuF1he2QJGGzCBZFKfOFl0HuG_YJVmweQ_vSFb_wlMoBl6Zgf0mjTnx5MmdBcbke7t8gmM7gQTVgL1I/s640/trio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then lunch...it was not at Subways! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We struck gold at Pizza Joe's and we all wolfed down two large pizzas. It was good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqg0dvpjmLnUeD0NePe4Py-Su2xBNQIQDE7R50Z7wJEGGuQ5NVrM1IAY2i3yYPnBmoNcnmvLAcUBBk8AHSz707wkEBfgYDxs_hRU_ODtjC0wtgSqYoZMnkU0THiYyT5EMeVUlkTCwEjcd/s1600/pizzajoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqg0dvpjmLnUeD0NePe4Py-Su2xBNQIQDE7R50Z7wJEGGuQ5NVrM1IAY2i3yYPnBmoNcnmvLAcUBBk8AHSz707wkEBfgYDxs_hRU_ODtjC0wtgSqYoZMnkU0THiYyT5EMeVUlkTCwEjcd/s640/pizzajoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Post lunch we struggled a bit with some bigger, longer climbs and full tummies. Not the best combination. But the hills rolled past us and we were able to enjoy some good downhills. Crossing into Pennsylvania was also a nice milestone</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving Ohio</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzJc4RSrwrsjHbcvqwG21zSidA1CAv4FzbaCCbB8uSgM7-JRk3n97EQMYctXg0R5yY_I7L_8laHeVF0PS2s0SnjA4qG0N-4UQuubjgachoMu0wi4IA8VIRjusznzW9TylRBK3s3WhnWua/s1600/DSCN4660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzJc4RSrwrsjHbcvqwG21zSidA1CAv4FzbaCCbB8uSgM7-JRk3n97EQMYctXg0R5yY_I7L_8laHeVF0PS2s0SnjA4qG0N-4UQuubjgachoMu0wi4IA8VIRjusznzW9TylRBK3s3WhnWua/s640/DSCN4660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Entering Pennsylvania</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9QWkTDhVh4jIEfZjANKsw3VnFR-QHxYIH0GJl8GnmixMNIaE5XmfTz4QCcp0h1JVv5CVn_4g9iZltNieZfXUue6fDwXAU2RFXgwNAxMHvMjp7a5J4UpHtARMwpF496w_UzlVLJQeTIpq/s1600/DSCN4664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9QWkTDhVh4jIEfZjANKsw3VnFR-QHxYIH0GJl8GnmixMNIaE5XmfTz4QCcp0h1JVv5CVn_4g9iZltNieZfXUue6fDwXAU2RFXgwNAxMHvMjp7a5J4UpHtARMwpF496w_UzlVLJQeTIpq/s640/DSCN4664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and since we never saw a welcome to Ohio sign when we rolled through on back country roads, Dennis snapped a shot facing back towards lovely Ohio</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBtULdFCPFM7elFAoTjuSDjBXxzeX-Vhws1WRO09iOU8awrN96-KUPCk7FjQis9MtRGPdR3vnX_gizlLqWZzoCUDyQwMM80BhUZe1JMag1ZzVTrApgzPQpqSSK7TP3uAEm3N4HUAx4QNT/s1600/DSCN4663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBtULdFCPFM7elFAoTjuSDjBXxzeX-Vhws1WRO09iOU8awrN96-KUPCk7FjQis9MtRGPdR3vnX_gizlLqWZzoCUDyQwMM80BhUZe1JMag1ZzVTrApgzPQpqSSK7TP3uAEm3N4HUAx4QNT/s640/DSCN4663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
The rest of the ride was a mix of heavy traffic, terrible road surfaces, and cars and trucks that whizzed by as if we were not there. It was frightening and some of the most hazardous conditions we have faced yet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I almost went down when my front wheel caught in groove between the road and the pavement as I was negotiating a downhill turn. Much like what happened to Sean. Adrenaline was pumping through my veins for the next 10 minutes. So glad I kept the rubber side down. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Occasional good spots</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNkP8fAfc1IevzFPE7QvvvDqRaZmzZeZ0IQT3GS1l8urOoWXnmes5ZuC5Fu_Lm6ff5tjIFpNgeRE00TB2E1Ax-oLBSf8f1pKjvTeREXVYSDafblUAA5AqDwQDZ6ensmWAJ9UbFoYEXhdd/s1600/DSCN4654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNkP8fAfc1IevzFPE7QvvvDqRaZmzZeZ0IQT3GS1l8urOoWXnmes5ZuC5Fu_Lm6ff5tjIFpNgeRE00TB2E1Ax-oLBSf8f1pKjvTeREXVYSDafblUAA5AqDwQDZ6ensmWAJ9UbFoYEXhdd/s640/DSCN4654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rick giving thumbs up after long climb</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1fHd3iH5MT3KVmrDmZa1piUGhaBRVNzE_vhlQEL_z2CN5uKvQzZAqx7npSD9xMaQ0BskojOyNTNmR6C3oEh9F40jRNh3l2MtUbbGEtsM35CcVaLiGgqXO7wUjaPrdHaQbPHk_YZg8Byz/s1600/rick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1fHd3iH5MT3KVmrDmZa1piUGhaBRVNzE_vhlQEL_z2CN5uKvQzZAqx7npSD9xMaQ0BskojOyNTNmR6C3oEh9F40jRNh3l2MtUbbGEtsM35CcVaLiGgqXO7wUjaPrdHaQbPHk_YZg8Byz/s640/rick.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rick playing sweeper and keeping our girls safe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AuvBopCA4RLP93tkPDehxjAxiwu5jl674CEJpNG0EEXBNPEnR6RGsGXmIRbxS_JeeVWCtsJAWTR4Gx96xNkg-gLDDEPZub2480PM71hTQE5FHvRa5wGJ9QGZXdQY8-cD73AWKDdAWciH/s1600/rumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AuvBopCA4RLP93tkPDehxjAxiwu5jl674CEJpNG0EEXBNPEnR6RGsGXmIRbxS_JeeVWCtsJAWTR4Gx96xNkg-gLDDEPZub2480PM71hTQE5FHvRa5wGJ9QGZXdQY8-cD73AWKDdAWciH/s640/rumble.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still smiling</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IxEZCtzQ4JP_Qc9gL-q4xprQ-nkgF_SCQTZdQY_yxMikinSL_u-jVwCIagRCEdyvCw2G1ksT7Tr3byBYIIMbNP2YZyAabfMTPH1RFOGG_avcJ_Kx19uhqeXGSZw8ComSmV7YVUIOWfK3/s1600/wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IxEZCtzQ4JP_Qc9gL-q4xprQ-nkgF_SCQTZdQY_yxMikinSL_u-jVwCIagRCEdyvCw2G1ksT7Tr3byBYIIMbNP2YZyAabfMTPH1RFOGG_avcJ_Kx19uhqeXGSZw8ComSmV7YVUIOWfK3/s640/wave.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tunnel to almost impassable roads </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNR8UuQ_RVAtdbSq5DSzP5KhymcSxNYmxcGI-6dpHaqoPqfEdMS1_kRnPVKR83WfMV1tBDQy234UmfZsJ2d0cAtFxUxsuI70BaXqlX_1v2nVAW91pSG620XassPYkRjWdsARPWN0h1YQY/s1600/trouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNR8UuQ_RVAtdbSq5DSzP5KhymcSxNYmxcGI-6dpHaqoPqfEdMS1_kRnPVKR83WfMV1tBDQy234UmfZsJ2d0cAtFxUxsuI70BaXqlX_1v2nVAW91pSG620XassPYkRjWdsARPWN0h1YQY/s640/trouble.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Short video of our subsequent struggle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8GghYZ29zUQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8GghYZ29zUQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Red brick road reward? (not really)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZTDMor1xvM8KzSrWbPm1afFp6SWNGF3RTsveiO-9-J3RHZKEeNzxdNzTOx4CSvHdLS7xxnqCyTpAS7MejlRzfrLV8O4T-bf3SgH2MPyZu8wuNjflHQSmiVO3HlziHYxbx2qddBWykBdZ/s1600/redbrickroad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZTDMor1xvM8KzSrWbPm1afFp6SWNGF3RTsveiO-9-J3RHZKEeNzxdNzTOx4CSvHdLS7xxnqCyTpAS7MejlRzfrLV8O4T-bf3SgH2MPyZu8wuNjflHQSmiVO3HlziHYxbx2qddBWykBdZ/s640/redbrickroad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We next negotiated tough roads with narrow bike lanes and drivers who seemed to care less about our safety. Roughly 50% of the cars came too close. This is not good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Traffic and vanishing bike lanes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvPdpSHSWyGaypAVNXEdoHzHsdtIq1K3sEM7rNnSRYTXa1aL6nuzofTNJi8RYhf9q6wOLst9l9akHyLqufSmH9VuNm0GsfPlCPAKYLwFXk3clbvvj17afDXRXeG0H_aR61P3eNTrXlQxp/s1600/traffic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvPdpSHSWyGaypAVNXEdoHzHsdtIq1K3sEM7rNnSRYTXa1aL6nuzofTNJi8RYhf9q6wOLst9l9akHyLqufSmH9VuNm0GsfPlCPAKYLwFXk3clbvvj17afDXRXeG0H_aR61P3eNTrXlQxp/s640/traffic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The good news is we all arrived safe and sound, albeit a bit jittery. Just as I was ready to relax a bit I was asked to accompany Sean and Dennis to "Bike Heaven." I am so glad I went and wish I could have stayed longer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a shot of me next to my dream bike. (and make no mistake, it's the real one)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAQcmIv7S5y_iBuqJu01bzuE24aMqsltYo8coxbMbtwMyRrO3aeDjxW2lPfn1BuE5CZjJKo19dwsl92PZhuS_QZwfZRSd_OpvnNhkHLiA9xrbDhf6ayF7j8PCGd7IdRU1pd-pqgNgANjU/s1600/IMG_7805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAQcmIv7S5y_iBuqJu01bzuE24aMqsltYo8coxbMbtwMyRrO3aeDjxW2lPfn1BuE5CZjJKo19dwsl92PZhuS_QZwfZRSd_OpvnNhkHLiA9xrbDhf6ayF7j8PCGd7IdRU1pd-pqgNgANjU/s640/IMG_7805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-88046870068526188542015-06-03T18:37:00.001-07:002015-06-03T18:42:11.413-07:00Dinner in RavennaWe all enjoyed a great dinner at Emma Marie's Italiano, a nice restaurant walking distance from the rocking Horse Inn in downtown Ravenna. <br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUICh3kUcjlWPTj-Y5Xgf6OMJc-jVRdkmnXQBFVFxP1Ltb8QIUuWrNDeuq6sIrCL-9qNDPMF6Ejdq0kbRH2p7JLDuILBvEg1Iw8aSG8rDTwdybvPaUuaBcHrdjpdCx7QU9e2CWbWSaXRZG/s640/blogger-image--963993222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUICh3kUcjlWPTj-Y5Xgf6OMJc-jVRdkmnXQBFVFxP1Ltb8QIUuWrNDeuq6sIrCL-9qNDPMF6Ejdq0kbRH2p7JLDuILBvEg1Iw8aSG8rDTwdybvPaUuaBcHrdjpdCx7QU9e2CWbWSaXRZG/s640/blogger-image--963993222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jay took good care of us, even pulling out a Petite Sirah from Livermore's <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Concannon vineyard.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ07Kja88e70vSeS-A6HMx1sWEWNjshZCUW2bZep57fBkN5r6GsT06wZ_yUt2n-cEoNMRh85cyp1tjDC3hnUxcr65k280nRE-lf5gKx72BtFp7A7REg4pbwLrfjdXJxv8By0HjcEtkT6t/s640/blogger-image--1503317859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ07Kja88e70vSeS-A6HMx1sWEWNjshZCUW2bZep57fBkN5r6GsT06wZ_yUt2n-cEoNMRh85cyp1tjDC3hnUxcr65k280nRE-lf5gKx72BtFp7A7REg4pbwLrfjdXJxv8By0HjcEtkT6t/s640/blogger-image--1503317859.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> This was one of Don's (and our) favorites and it was a treat to share it with friends and family. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-57351365872229444622015-06-03T14:39:00.001-07:002015-06-03T19:27:06.412-07:00Day 74 Oberlin, Ohio to Ravenna OhioWe had a very restful night followed by a delicious breakfast at the Ivy Tree Inn and Garden. That place is a keeper.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHi38gvQkShpmmVD7QE-8Nq3K26pCXm-DdwzM7T2YDXzoHBfjpHlUfzxvPmSDqdE2l4P0v5N0Z_Ol_79pUEpPJDv3NA8krrDAWGIkk9bgLTiaOPjtd1aelAu20ckQfvCizc_AtiFqH_IY/s1600/DSCN4628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHi38gvQkShpmmVD7QE-8Nq3K26pCXm-DdwzM7T2YDXzoHBfjpHlUfzxvPmSDqdE2l4P0v5N0Z_Ol_79pUEpPJDv3NA8krrDAWGIkk9bgLTiaOPjtd1aelAu20ckQfvCizc_AtiFqH_IY/s400/DSCN4628.JPG" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
We were all pretty much ready to roll at 8:10 am when I discovered my rear tire was down to 40 psi. I pumped it up to 95 psi, but minutes later it had lost some pressure. Maybe it would last the day I thought, but then knowing it's easier to fix a flat at 'home' than on the road, I decided to fix it right then and now. Success and we were rolling at 8:20. Not bad.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RL7OUY9uBx7f1qvIxH-CDxGGSwRjPm5xeRRROIUIzYBz7gZfEc54qcf3hIwA8JejQUmGTYq7KumR_03yzuiYjciYFHPaTmx2TqZEktmeID3CJ2lp9p17VjrGJmu_-hZLlFl8LMGaTf7O/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RL7OUY9uBx7f1qvIxH-CDxGGSwRjPm5xeRRROIUIzYBz7gZfEc54qcf3hIwA8JejQUmGTYq7KumR_03yzuiYjciYFHPaTmx2TqZEktmeID3CJ2lp9p17VjrGJmu_-hZLlFl8LMGaTf7O/s640/4.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
We rode off at a gentle conversational pace. Traffic was light and at least early on, the roads were good. No trains either. Well just this one...<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHINohYgkUvQhJE2kgXzZLvJ8CuVj6Y3GcolKNBX7YPTjIVJfBzbMm_i91v5Qg5wFDV3RgzrIhqcn26c3Zpata8lkA70GPil_ZmCzf9cdn7xt0Z1s6OtQX86qjY2_xbdM4dIlMKCej8zM7/s1600/DSCN4630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHINohYgkUvQhJE2kgXzZLvJ8CuVj6Y3GcolKNBX7YPTjIVJfBzbMm_i91v5Qg5wFDV3RgzrIhqcn26c3Zpata8lkA70GPil_ZmCzf9cdn7xt0Z1s6OtQX86qjY2_xbdM4dIlMKCej8zM7/s640/DSCN4630.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
As we approached Brunswick we were rolling on concrete roads with huge chunks missing all over the place. It was truly treacherous and to really point out every hazard left and right you would have to ride with no hands.<br>
<br>
At mile 25 we were greeted by my cousin Mary and her husband Dean standing outside Subway poised to take pictures of us as we rode by. We stopped and chatted for a bit and agreed to meet at our lunch spot down the road.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6eVZIS4zOCI7fVTLmzthnCIMITp2DfIpXMhwu5Vn4TBqtBwP1_1RCfK-KC83ZZBlN0YsU5vJRO7u8PrwXUvlWkBQghg7MZSnH57xM4HqpxVH5wSsXwwEkmeidIMywdnz-eI1fAo0UDWG/s1600/DSCN4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6eVZIS4zOCI7fVTLmzthnCIMITp2DfIpXMhwu5Vn4TBqtBwP1_1RCfK-KC83ZZBlN0YsU5vJRO7u8PrwXUvlWkBQghg7MZSnH57xM4HqpxVH5wSsXwwEkmeidIMywdnz-eI1fAo0UDWG/s400/DSCN4647.JPG" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
And yes, I was right. Dennis ended up going to Subway's to pick up our lunch. This is number 65 for me and I'm still not tired of it. The rest of the team though gave some silent groans..... :-)<br>
<br>
Our lunch stop was at mile 38, near a covered bridge. Beautiful and just in time. We had lots of rolling hills and we were all hungry.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<br>
<br>
We met some cyclists there including Steve, who needed a pump to repair a flat. I gave them HAA cards and hope they check out our web page.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2eJvGxaSeLGH9PuEJ7jkHMDheYjdajnMF2z_O7-Y_IoLjjbpR9_tCsIltXABdWAalMqefmNYaVE-yMukSBHSrC3IuXnxHQpMWSl4loFhIy5aFX05Zs2CRfkOqYWTpRt-aNMoS9dp7y7G/s1600/DSCN4645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2eJvGxaSeLGH9PuEJ7jkHMDheYjdajnMF2z_O7-Y_IoLjjbpR9_tCsIltXABdWAalMqefmNYaVE-yMukSBHSrC3IuXnxHQpMWSl4loFhIy5aFX05Zs2CRfkOqYWTpRt-aNMoS9dp7y7G/s400/DSCN4645.JPG" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
Mary and Dean showed up as well and we enjoyed a nice visit with them. The only issue was a collection of aggressive flies. I guess you can't have everything. The covered bridge was a classic.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmm6cwbWCRbRoqIGtcmD9YbB8zDUikQVPrWkZN-LhYYgil9hd5WZKEbceVacmEB2UMxhfHFjWoO0FXMOiRHfaRQLGp1Zl2eUbypBWaxTaahG9qbJXbZGLTyzb56eB8eDwmJe5SWO6Q6-t/s640/blogger-image-732457327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmm6cwbWCRbRoqIGtcmD9YbB8zDUikQVPrWkZN-LhYYgil9hd5WZKEbceVacmEB2UMxhfHFjWoO0FXMOiRHfaRQLGp1Zl2eUbypBWaxTaahG9qbJXbZGLTyzb56eB8eDwmJe5SWO6Q6-t/s640/blogger-image-732457327.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme7S_9qZTvaz4abMlURmLwx4wihx81Kjy936edOqCjUo0P4L3OU1L3sVTeKMx0auogC4G0q6Tc_QZZog-qKmYV8M-vLXNQLoktshyuRYI2tbgt-UEqJCqxtZZ-J8bE_kNmvy17XA30UKG/s1600/bridge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme7S_9qZTvaz4abMlURmLwx4wihx81Kjy936edOqCjUo0P4L3OU1L3sVTeKMx0auogC4G0q6Tc_QZZog-qKmYV8M-vLXNQLoktshyuRYI2tbgt-UEqJCqxtZZ-J8bE_kNmvy17XA30UKG/s640/bridge2.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
The rest of our ride was a mix of bike trails and low traffic roads. Really a beautiful day.<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rick enjoying bike trail</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtOuSkgSBZmU_XBtoafCMTWikuJ2Tv2uRwxrqwDaEylwzkCZ91mBuEikKYuutLKEhygUKBJnhePRG_JTipdEaRe5Mu_-dbllWAXs37av9d3tde4_Qim77QdYymvzuCK34fUsqVadwzPSV/s1600/Rick1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtOuSkgSBZmU_XBtoafCMTWikuJ2Tv2uRwxrqwDaEylwzkCZ91mBuEikKYuutLKEhygUKBJnhePRG_JTipdEaRe5Mu_-dbllWAXs37av9d3tde4_Qim77QdYymvzuCK34fUsqVadwzPSV/s640/Rick1.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where did this swirl come from?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Cpl_pvN-Ux89y9y2rWhI69Frdj-NAe0QwN_LbVq6KAUVLeRi2e2B8ypzpG0Hsr1wfpjwWG7CALNJJU0XLQjQk87borHEmxEyjQJ6a2k4TwpkiiyjpGHBL4FYA8v3B73nris8o0TjNZi/s1600/swirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Cpl_pvN-Ux89y9y2rWhI69Frdj-NAe0QwN_LbVq6KAUVLeRi2e2B8ypzpG0Hsr1wfpjwWG7CALNJJU0XLQjQk87borHEmxEyjQJ6a2k4TwpkiiyjpGHBL4FYA8v3B73nris8o0TjNZi/s640/swirl.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_jeuM657WcxdPRMxFIQLZ2KujAz0zPEtnwzXOAr6um6-hjVwVUzu-32owDpZDnDr7tLkVbpy_Jecwio8u6l_H-kJjaeuYa5HjQmSfbQ8LlA7a9yiS_hrCVTWKtmman8GfEDXBzRmtYzo/s1600/andrea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="585" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_jeuM657WcxdPRMxFIQLZ2KujAz0zPEtnwzXOAr6um6-hjVwVUzu-32owDpZDnDr7tLkVbpy_Jecwio8u6l_H-kJjaeuYa5HjQmSfbQ8LlA7a9yiS_hrCVTWKtmman8GfEDXBzRmtYzo/s640/andrea.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJg9ONFiuJ4aSUb-R9LRJ0ueWqSG6nl4U-FY4pbymlKdrTwPnpDI9wzv8WkSTd4T8tN2T6yMAsKmk4Asvs26VqLVhrbQwDNqeS1H3KZSVXJ-bKLd6q_TeFxJf5LS_GXo4d3CWgePwDRnO/s1600/andrea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJg9ONFiuJ4aSUb-R9LRJ0ueWqSG6nl4U-FY4pbymlKdrTwPnpDI9wzv8WkSTd4T8tN2T6yMAsKmk4Asvs26VqLVhrbQwDNqeS1H3KZSVXJ-bKLd6q_TeFxJf5LS_GXo4d3CWgePwDRnO/s640/andrea2.jpg" width="460"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZQ6AXVHLp0bbZCUiQvRPvXK5B4nMwL_oQ713rJkn6wqvZbbXZxIPuDLSAwad_TGEGjOgzFGcKktIeLPaQdWAoGB2wcYEoEA1iDnJAHw6zLsiw9Qv1koFoN68lm5fxwk78gBfMybA2psA/s1600/road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZQ6AXVHLp0bbZCUiQvRPvXK5B4nMwL_oQ713rJkn6wqvZbbXZxIPuDLSAwad_TGEGjOgzFGcKktIeLPaQdWAoGB2wcYEoEA1iDnJAHw6zLsiw9Qv1koFoN68lm5fxwk78gBfMybA2psA/s640/road.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXuk82OErdtn527nLNnbaS3a-XrwdGBJGxxgyoy3wS-eB9Ye10AQd83id57sRgcmKDzwUaUmLZbNEo6O3WwyDy0QENztV7qU30vI7BBVBNmaCSjuxoPENo0tqaRG04j6OS9ima8H4ZWPR/s1600/Dave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXuk82OErdtn527nLNnbaS3a-XrwdGBJGxxgyoy3wS-eB9Ye10AQd83id57sRgcmKDzwUaUmLZbNEo6O3WwyDy0QENztV7qU30vI7BBVBNmaCSjuxoPENo0tqaRG04j6OS9ima8H4ZWPR/s640/Dave.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
As we approached our B&B in Ravenna we met two young cyclists who intend to ride from New Jersey to Los Angeles. They were carrying their supplies and doing a mix of camping and staying with friends. We wished them luck. In my opinion their payload looked a bit to light for a cross country trip, but heck, they're young. Maybe they'll make it fine.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br></div>DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-53116290464351940932015-06-02T19:25:00.002-07:002015-06-03T03:35:08.260-07:00Day 73 Perrysburg to Oberlin, Ohio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe9IoK8f_HNNI8aHylDGB8KO0kSOQz74E9mZv7z_n14C8sX7M5Z2YrORL4MTAv3Wa_9R0GcWaMViBjJi70HPTKH0FuqQTDEozCSqa51a5wgStfWLgrBVa45JynUJAFHOeQCUOFX64_Hua/s1600/DSCN4627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe9IoK8f_HNNI8aHylDGB8KO0kSOQz74E9mZv7z_n14C8sX7M5Z2YrORL4MTAv3Wa_9R0GcWaMViBjJi70HPTKH0FuqQTDEozCSqa51a5wgStfWLgrBVa45JynUJAFHOeQCUOFX64_Hua/s640/DSCN4627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Oh how nice it is to ride 4 riders strong with a SAG wagon driven by cheerful Dennis and bell ringing Sean.<br />
<br />
It was a busy day with lots of miles. The day started early for Sean as he had a 6 am live interview with NBC in Toledo. This meant catching a lift at 5 am from the hotel. Despite the early morning,he rocked! I think Sean is an early morning person.<br />
<br />
Sean had a 2nd interview at 7:45 at the hotel with all of us in the background getting ready to roll. This on top of an interview with ABC on Monday that aired on their 'good news' section at 5:50 pm. It's great to be given this coverage and recognition. Thank you Steve Coyle for arranging this. Steve is a stroke survivor and very active in getting the F.A.S.T. message out to the public. He calls his stroke, "My 'STROKE' of Luck". Steve, you are a real superstar!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sean and Steve in lobby on Monday</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETM0HU_NcEA927fSfvKizOlM7jUrlRHSzPgx_PJSNZ0D0PpCxfrLmh5kAzLQq6dRQ2IleLSqpfNWxJ1nU9t7lSBwgl01ecCmoxJlBtZWHwzG7ZXYW-_QM8dW_2TdBPpP6FTGFrKMkT4RN/s1600/IMG_7785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETM0HU_NcEA927fSfvKizOlM7jUrlRHSzPgx_PJSNZ0D0PpCxfrLmh5kAzLQq6dRQ2IleLSqpfNWxJ1nU9t7lSBwgl01ecCmoxJlBtZWHwzG7ZXYW-_QM8dW_2TdBPpP6FTGFrKMkT4RN/s400/IMG_7785.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Are ride started with NBC filming our exit and the van guiding us to our route. Traffic was light, roads were good but the wind was kicking up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We eventually landed on a bike trail called the the North Coast Inland trail which took us on a protected bike path that ran a South-East diagonal across the country side. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nice bike trail: North Coast Inland Trail</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7u1sM2gyzEt14KTR0RlBk3wiPNnACgmCx21NJvffjYSsxi8JSTqCF6c5P6qFL9oMBIawVj84SlaFifh-YXQwKV8GradnakuFgjSCiIt3R441q2UXyqtIkzexMmXJJhMfQ0l_eISrcNwQ/s1600/G0010026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7u1sM2gyzEt14KTR0RlBk3wiPNnACgmCx21NJvffjYSsxi8JSTqCF6c5P6qFL9oMBIawVj84SlaFifh-YXQwKV8GradnakuFgjSCiIt3R441q2UXyqtIkzexMmXJJhMfQ0l_eISrcNwQ/s640/G0010026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This bike path apparently caused some frustration for Dennis and co-pilot/navigator Sean as they attempted to keep track of us while driving on highways that ran either East-West or North South. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The going was slow due to big head wind, multiple stop signs along the route, and a train....The train came upon us from behind and at first I liked it. It provided a welcome nostalgic feel to our riding. Plus it helped block the cross wind. But the train was long and as we rode along it we noticed it was slowing. Finally it stopped with it's middle firmly blocking our cross road. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are blocked by train: What do we do..?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQRW3gB1ujQXI37H1yMQj-uyRBXnn7TvbMT_4dlVrHwfsYRDY67zk2UI7WN3_fH-hDouNz53ZotykZZlnQGRHOgHApcMJXOo7WTufyNz7QqXJEsRa5NK3GUU9UkwwX9rIVhSJX_P9jVF1/s1600/train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQRW3gB1ujQXI37H1yMQj-uyRBXnn7TvbMT_4dlVrHwfsYRDY67zk2UI7WN3_fH-hDouNz53ZotykZZlnQGRHOgHApcMJXOo7WTufyNz7QqXJEsRa5NK3GUU9UkwwX9rIVhSJX_P9jVF1/s640/train.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
: I estimated it ran at least 2 1/2 miles in either direction so we were pretty stuck. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a 20 minute wait we decided to ride back the way we came to go around the backside of the train. But as we did that the train started moving again, this time, backwards </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We stopped and reflected. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The train did the same. Well it stopped. Not sure it reflected. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I felt like we were in a rock scissors, paper game. Unbelievable. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The train finally started up again, this time moving forward. We rode back to our original point and finally were able to cross the tracks and make our way towards lunch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was Subway's once again. I like it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rest of the team is already tired of it. Funny.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sean greets us for lunch ringing cowbells!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv2oHexznTeMn-bzwz7vcUg4mkQD_Rhdn1FWDR28amkaOpHFMugNTXn4qOqBrO0Kt9jzbhEjsbPrcCB67W7RryImtOlyVqwre0qlpAtlkQcWCB95bYu7cAeKm74LRRxU3A_uKXRvRvQTu/s1600/seanlunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv2oHexznTeMn-bzwz7vcUg4mkQD_Rhdn1FWDR28amkaOpHFMugNTXn4qOqBrO0Kt9jzbhEjsbPrcCB67W7RryImtOlyVqwre0qlpAtlkQcWCB95bYu7cAeKm74LRRxU3A_uKXRvRvQTu/s640/seanlunch.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diana laughs explaining the train delay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDHGDCvQ96y487SdE6Ti_qNN87JvHLKOU3EXmLadZAvkmmTH3gbosrF0eAe5MVi4Tinmagq51ecpLGKpQbnJY-0YC2PcGSPVZ-A0aOOFTzlBzNCyd2CyNKsMMzrW5mXs4aySWEQGdlUmp/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDHGDCvQ96y487SdE6Ti_qNN87JvHLKOU3EXmLadZAvkmmTH3gbosrF0eAe5MVi4Tinmagq51ecpLGKpQbnJY-0YC2PcGSPVZ-A0aOOFTzlBzNCyd2CyNKsMMzrW5mXs4aySWEQGdlUmp/s640/lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Post lunch we were back on the trails and this time facing dirt and gravel. Rick, "The Wall" did his best to protect Andrea, "The Kite", from the wind. Kudos to Andrea for putting up the good fight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Andrea, like a kite in the wind</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpML7q9OuREovYfdgcZ-3Jz7UXOwb97Ln2iCLhAyCLNNIfoQNegr4y-y40-TMVf7cEXaKT9GZKPgQBeR8vtLDqCRf33w6awttrWhX7YdMDEY6936biDidWVLN76B8JSt6g3C-eigmrnRd/s1600/andrea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpML7q9OuREovYfdgcZ-3Jz7UXOwb97Ln2iCLhAyCLNNIfoQNegr4y-y40-TMVf7cEXaKT9GZKPgQBeR8vtLDqCRf33w6awttrWhX7YdMDEY6936biDidWVLN76B8JSt6g3C-eigmrnRd/s640/andrea.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The wall: 6'3" Rick, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxk-aUtvQ8feaylKjcAhbb7dfrhV0-8lBOdJxU5lrdPMfHjMGWiKCLEHJP9q1yOSUhaSW9SX97J2vnudsOPQrfBqOLvaIng0L6DJmsiMxqX_MgiJ3sjyutkkfoQ9RMMQvyiY3br2EJlG-/s1600/rick2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxk-aUtvQ8feaylKjcAhbb7dfrhV0-8lBOdJxU5lrdPMfHjMGWiKCLEHJP9q1yOSUhaSW9SX97J2vnudsOPQrfBqOLvaIng0L6DJmsiMxqX_MgiJ3sjyutkkfoQ9RMMQvyiY3br2EJlG-/s640/rick2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on a beautiful 1992 custom bike</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB5TArsLscBr9H_7rUJcoriLw6JypouXkkgxaBFhVxhblZIecrMfbNfosjOlKKCYALmqdyCvhBD07WezriyxGw5Xe6CQbQv1eMTPp3kKvcJAfcZBUK9D2cRdSrbfg-ozLlo0tEE3h6A8h/s1600/rick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB5TArsLscBr9H_7rUJcoriLw6JypouXkkgxaBFhVxhblZIecrMfbNfosjOlKKCYALmqdyCvhBD07WezriyxGw5Xe6CQbQv1eMTPp3kKvcJAfcZBUK9D2cRdSrbfg-ozLlo0tEE3h6A8h/s640/rick.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With time running short and wanting tomorrow to be a good day, Diana and Andrea packed up their bikes with about 20 miles to go, and Rick and I slugged it out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On one of Rick's pulls we both hit some deep ruts in the dirt trail and my water bottle cage cracked sending my water bottle flying. No problem, had I noticed this event. But I didn't.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was 3 miles later after battling strong headwinds that I reached for my bottle and came up empty. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do we go back? My first bottle was almost empty so if we didn't go back, we'd need to find somewhere to refill. And would it be right to litter such a beautiful trail with half a bottle cage and a water bottle? We decided we wouldn't be litter-bugs so we turned back and enjoyed a 3 mile tail wind back to the place of impact. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Needless to say, we then faced a repeat of a 3 mile slugfest with the wind. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We arrived a bit late but in good spirits and with all our parts and pieces. 95 miles today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oberlin is a beautiful town and we enjoyed a nice walk downtown where we all enjoyed a good dinner. As a college town it has many eateries and business seemed to be doing well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT1YD9wOmeW8ZvFOgCYoOHB2eMF0Kd5ihTH5UFBZYpEstlhcYY1P2OkUhfGo4MNNFjw9F3tvu7LJpmKwY6ztihAEpOZzw8lWpTfySHtEUiZjmuvH_IVN14u6u6SjGtO_Je0WFRB_S23jN/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT1YD9wOmeW8ZvFOgCYoOHB2eMF0Kd5ihTH5UFBZYpEstlhcYY1P2OkUhfGo4MNNFjw9F3tvu7LJpmKwY6ztihAEpOZzw8lWpTfySHtEUiZjmuvH_IVN14u6u6SjGtO_Je0WFRB_S23jN/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicikxfLWoA8qEBI2tepvflJBHLOYZ-EaRrXQJIyxAQ2KIlabjjuxiWRy7jRikFZaDbi9lrylaZ6TM7Yz27KBE6GzXdcbFsOgrKYm2ngyhomQxhJ8cUIJnK55jHHdg2nU0pqAqXoxwZM3ZK/s1600/FullSizeRender2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicikxfLWoA8qEBI2tepvflJBHLOYZ-EaRrXQJIyxAQ2KIlabjjuxiWRy7jRikFZaDbi9lrylaZ6TM7Yz27KBE6GzXdcbFsOgrKYm2ngyhomQxhJ8cUIJnK55jHHdg2nU0pqAqXoxwZM3ZK/s640/FullSizeRender2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They even have a bike shop with a Schwinn String Ray in the window. Brought back memories of my first bike!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQ2yEvXclA86NJwvgg3hCGqDxcTVM6V2LFkZhxkZbVh1VC3Y99cHCPTd2Q45pc7C_fW34n89VLSmKHeMmtO0SBLtlbaZxaXO9zhgXotfpf2piokrxL8o0v_-YOEXH9LLPy8mtsiMSWQ6T/s1600/stingray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQ2yEvXclA86NJwvgg3hCGqDxcTVM6V2LFkZhxkZbVh1VC3Y99cHCPTd2Q45pc7C_fW34n89VLSmKHeMmtO0SBLtlbaZxaXO9zhgXotfpf2piokrxL8o0v_-YOEXH9LLPy8mtsiMSWQ6T/s320/stingray.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tomorrow is a relatively easy day, 64 miles to Ravenna, but the winds are going to be a factor once again...I tried to find a lunch option that spared the team of another Subway sandwich, but my first choice "The Grille" doesn't open until 3pm. Dennis is going to try and improvise. We shall see. My bet is it will be Subway once again. :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-60929389053619281812015-05-31T13:36:00.005-07:002015-05-31T13:40:32.076-07:00Day 71: Hamilton Indiana to Montpelier, Ohio<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyQcveYKv_1l_Cck-QUfPjZnlIAVqJhhSf_ZuGceUPuC3VBCQhiXCC9I3zzPgbyWcJil120fsMLslVqv93nKwKdb3LiyUJhJ7omm7Ja0UMMlYbay-eiprTJJ6whMZw34m5OxEUZQcp7nR/s1600/IMG_7766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyQcveYKv_1l_Cck-QUfPjZnlIAVqJhhSf_ZuGceUPuC3VBCQhiXCC9I3zzPgbyWcJil120fsMLslVqv93nKwKdb3LiyUJhJ7omm7Ja0UMMlYbay-eiprTJJ6whMZw34m5OxEUZQcp7nR/s640/IMG_7766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's 8 am and raining outside. It's a cold rain and we are busy loading the van as we prepare to drive to downtown Hamilton and get breakfast.<br />
<br />
We eat well and drive back towards the hotel. Dennis pulls over in a safe spot and I proceed to get dressed for the rain. I'm planning to put on my full Tyvek suit. I take off my jersey, arm warmers, and leg warmers knowing they will just get cold and wet under the suit.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting ready to face the rain</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDmHiLtPr7lQM-_3Nz1fl6SDOnxATt6tlXzf44Wy1t_gXyR1JV8gP66QxKFm3E5XccUITaKTzmL8HpH92e4piWxwzpbdShWIGoKpNglt2znzO2wiIUqQ7bzYlUL3NO7bQ203USF95e9QJ/s1600/IMG_7763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDmHiLtPr7lQM-_3Nz1fl6SDOnxATt6tlXzf44Wy1t_gXyR1JV8gP66QxKFm3E5XccUITaKTzmL8HpH92e4piWxwzpbdShWIGoKpNglt2znzO2wiIUqQ7bzYlUL3NO7bQ203USF95e9QJ/s320/IMG_7763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon I'm out in the elements and hoping for the best. I have to stop to put on warmer gloves. It's a cold rain. Worse, I'm facing a strong 20 mph North Eastern wind. I feel like I'm moving backwards.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTxv7lTeT2EyKzOwvQ4qqLL_2TyR4G126PhPh-mX2F1R4AlLSMP_gQpS7n8bf_JZo6FCe7pvuh9N1GGGHLUYVdlcE5VcafZoVkfH917NHT3ujqE5WtniWzGz7WXtrW3o9ZWl4FqDepbwy/s1600/IMG_7757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTxv7lTeT2EyKzOwvQ4qqLL_2TyR4G126PhPh-mX2F1R4AlLSMP_gQpS7n8bf_JZo6FCe7pvuh9N1GGGHLUYVdlcE5VcafZoVkfH917NHT3ujqE5WtniWzGz7WXtrW3o9ZWl4FqDepbwy/s640/IMG_7757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The rain comes down harder and the wind is stronger</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBuPt3uP9bIj3bqw-GV08rlrqwGFZFvLeBO7nTUAh_bLo2HObIax_lc2rVOwX3gIgw1wGOfAxGv9TZiTCDEO1ay3q_ggbjQ42PhcIZ9Mco3hfEC8zRTKtjlm-8gZofQbl1rxbMrS0JSdb/s1600/IMG_7765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBuPt3uP9bIj3bqw-GV08rlrqwGFZFvLeBO7nTUAh_bLo2HObIax_lc2rVOwX3gIgw1wGOfAxGv9TZiTCDEO1ay3q_ggbjQ42PhcIZ9Mco3hfEC8zRTKtjlm-8gZofQbl1rxbMrS0JSdb/s640/IMG_7765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Geting wetter and wetter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's add some mud to the game </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB48lUI64hGsiIwGHuTphJwYG8ZdhQtR7QRdW7xebiUbgiOHq87AfjZ1Qhrw03n3Sw6FWQHraecXFCUIf5c5tyb1XQoWWzkLXIu1httCBwWh4zI6KFd6V5ZUzcJnHFBUEM9WVujxa_dh2J/s1600/IMG_7768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB48lUI64hGsiIwGHuTphJwYG8ZdhQtR7QRdW7xebiUbgiOHq87AfjZ1Qhrw03n3Sw6FWQHraecXFCUIf5c5tyb1XQoWWzkLXIu1httCBwWh4zI6KFd6V5ZUzcJnHFBUEM9WVujxa_dh2J/s640/IMG_7768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back on the road, but the wind and rain is worse</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyQcveYKv_1l_Cck-QUfPjZnlIAVqJhhSf_ZuGceUPuC3VBCQhiXCC9I3zzPgbyWcJil120fsMLslVqv93nKwKdb3LiyUJhJ7omm7Ja0UMMlYbay-eiprTJJ6whMZw34m5OxEUZQcp7nR/s1600/IMG_7766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyQcveYKv_1l_Cck-QUfPjZnlIAVqJhhSf_ZuGceUPuC3VBCQhiXCC9I3zzPgbyWcJil120fsMLslVqv93nKwKdb3LiyUJhJ7omm7Ja0UMMlYbay-eiprTJJ6whMZw34m5OxEUZQcp7nR/s640/IMG_7766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Garmin display is giving me my route on a nice map but with gloves on I can't change the touch screen to see my speed. I'm concerned that today's ride is going to take much too long.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Tyvek suit is designed for single use and it's already been worn three times. It is no longer waterproof. I feel water puddling in shoes, my legs and arms are getting chilled, and the rain is burning my eyes. I plop through a few flooded sections of the road and realize that it doesn't make sense to keep going. I decide that I'll ride to Ohio and find a good place to call it a day. Ohio though shows up a bit too soon for me, so I press on a bit more. About an hour into the ride I see a school in Montpelier and decide that's the spot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWgaU5uyXVXW0wLIcwZi7DAc_hJyemVVz6Aix3U_aPa4GwwzCqQQDIeyhcN59B5nFGNtGjRslKh8E3RtW4gwSGUw-QjeRx4nNrAz0xYczdjfivMf05BEu-c5b6ONf1w0y1_55quHq1Bra/s1600/Clipboard33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWgaU5uyXVXW0wLIcwZi7DAc_hJyemVVz6Aix3U_aPa4GwwzCqQQDIeyhcN59B5nFGNtGjRslKh8E3RtW4gwSGUw-QjeRx4nNrAz0xYczdjfivMf05BEu-c5b6ONf1w0y1_55quHq1Bra/s640/Clipboard33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I pull over, turn off the electronics. Score: Mother Nature 1, Dave 0. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm a bit disappointed but know I made the right call. Diana is pleased that I have a semblance of common sense left in me. She says she is proud of me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we get on the interstate and drive into Perrysburg, Dennis struggles to keep the van in its lane. The wind and rain is fierce, visibility is poor. Dennis tells me that I was moving at a good pace despite the wind. For a second I wonder if I should have pressed on a bit more. But that thought fades quickly I'm glad I'm on the inside. Safe and dry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5H9yoNPRTBiZu851_ho_H2CrGirWBm_LIV9fj6Wp67bnahnItnlhGH2alPyivCLAlvYm-5Gh8YZykOlCFB9al_D6WKCFOMwPyrxfnpM1cqa0LuhmXHA6MD_d1MCMO4luy65CNSWXSp4T/s1600/Clipboard34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5H9yoNPRTBiZu851_ho_H2CrGirWBm_LIV9fj6Wp67bnahnItnlhGH2alPyivCLAlvYm-5Gh8YZykOlCFB9al_D6WKCFOMwPyrxfnpM1cqa0LuhmXHA6MD_d1MCMO4luy65CNSWXSp4T/s400/Clipboard34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-367891071657775342015-05-31T13:01:00.001-07:002015-05-31T13:42:46.768-07:00Day 70 La Porte, Indiana to Hamilton Indiana108 miles. Big day. Lots of rain in the forecast. Looks like country roads ahead and I'm hoping they are paved.<br />
<br />
We are up at 6 am for breakfast and shooting for a 7 am departure. It's 7:28 and we're rolling. The rain has stopped but the roads are wet and there is but a slight drizzle in the air. Feeling lucky and hope it holds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMJpZd-kSMpijV8UMRMtcBgefS1ZNkgonX0q2pxgFiHFC1WSI3PwXjtMtVMFHOQNnZD6RavcJwgPqM_7lqRjn9JMNgGvScXRsGSias6ElTF21KScg2N7rqvb9SSMAwODW06w087pDhpsf/s1600/Clipboard01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMJpZd-kSMpijV8UMRMtcBgefS1ZNkgonX0q2pxgFiHFC1WSI3PwXjtMtVMFHOQNnZD6RavcJwgPqM_7lqRjn9JMNgGvScXRsGSias6ElTF21KScg2N7rqvb9SSMAwODW06w087pDhpsf/s320/Clipboard01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's Saturday and there's a big speed boat race today. Lots of people partying the night before so as Diana and I snake through La Porte, we are wary of possible DUI drivers. It all looks good. The few cars we encounter give us plenty of room.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oJ4PdgvsshJ0PQiXyaU-JdMBPW51kZnXzLVtFt0zW_IVk80Hff53K7huVXa3Uh8K1XexAnFCejfA0DyneRHtiPokd7NTQBUcRidxnJY5bAWD5eAkarXozzonfEPwARqyyDR7xuukj5GA/s1600/Clipboard05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oJ4PdgvsshJ0PQiXyaU-JdMBPW51kZnXzLVtFt0zW_IVk80Hff53K7huVXa3Uh8K1XexAnFCejfA0DyneRHtiPokd7NTQBUcRidxnJY5bAWD5eAkarXozzonfEPwARqyyDR7xuukj5GA/s320/Clipboard05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Soon we are on country roads.We see evidence of the strong winds from last night..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nq0CzqS1xJVCMqkMKdUAF0C9rwkCK0WbWiIAROnBgJXJ1h5I6jw8_lxWuc28T5EmU9nVWBo3bhwkDPxjHPCCty9AX_nNewqWqsy-7e42qhjX3fbFB5uEAbcjlPOm-cI9eDT0Se7ZqcuC/s1600/Clipboard09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nq0CzqS1xJVCMqkMKdUAF0C9rwkCK0WbWiIAROnBgJXJ1h5I6jw8_lxWuc28T5EmU9nVWBo3bhwkDPxjHPCCty9AX_nNewqWqsy-7e42qhjX3fbFB5uEAbcjlPOm-cI9eDT0Se7ZqcuC/s640/Clipboard09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It must be the seasonal changes in temperature at it seems like the roads are in poor shape. Lots of expansion cracks. It makes the going slow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
But we're not complaining, yet.<br />
<br />
It's nice to be traffic free. The wind is also a bit helpful and cruising at 16 mph feels good.<br />
<br />
The scenery is nice. Everything is so green. Diana and I talk a lot but we also have long intervals of silence where we're just lost in our own thoughts. This trip has taken turns we never expected and it's a lot to take in.<br />
<br />
I can't help but remember the day before we left, smiling for pictures, all excited about the upcoming journey. At the time I remember thinking that at the end of this trip we would look back and realize how little did we know. That sure has proven true.<br />
<br />
<br />
The bumpy paved roads now turn to dirt and gravel.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Some of the gravel is so deep it's hard to keep the bikes upright.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAJbSuVAQ_c5TCovg1PE0bqA1tT0KERNMKPoN1nW7pklO9jMc17SVJ6ykVLDbK9IiMz0RgLPzEUE2XmEehrrB7kWMl7Eu3hmhdg9Psy0IMDJeQeEQzQhyphenhyphennWmxGSIIPBMd3VJBjuzO1wcP/s1600/Clipboard29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAJbSuVAQ_c5TCovg1PE0bqA1tT0KERNMKPoN1nW7pklO9jMc17SVJ6ykVLDbK9IiMz0RgLPzEUE2XmEehrrB7kWMl7Eu3hmhdg9Psy0IMDJeQeEQzQhyphenhyphennWmxGSIIPBMd3VJBjuzO1wcP/s640/Clipboard29.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Mother Goose (our SAG wagon) has now passed us in search for lunch. Diana and I ride on. Lunch is somewhere around mile 58, I think. I tell myself I really should make a mental note of these things. Now we are riding on a real bike path. Right through a cemetery. I'm uncomfortable. Diana though finds it calming. We ride on through.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOL0644f63xdrOuyTK5t9OLY0p2z7D7V3tQ6LfcRlhusjzdex7cBUTvSBrLU3kGho4Znp2v7T7nAG-hoQt-qeA6gJfEel6_Z3_nICdue6x-S_l44lT5fCsD-z6nFPHjhbNtoC3zR4XSLh/s1600/Clipboard19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOL0644f63xdrOuyTK5t9OLY0p2z7D7V3tQ6LfcRlhusjzdex7cBUTvSBrLU3kGho4Znp2v7T7nAG-hoQt-qeA6gJfEel6_Z3_nICdue6x-S_l44lT5fCsD-z6nFPHjhbNtoC3zR4XSLh/s640/Clipboard19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We're now at mile 60 and I'm pretty sure we blew past the lunch spot somehow. I see a missed call from Dennis so we stop and call him back. He tells me that nothing was open at the lunch spot (mile 52!) so he has been standing in front of a Deli further down the road waiting for us. I remember seeing that deli about 5 miles ago! Yikes.We're ahead of them. So we agree to keep moving forward as Dennis picks up lunch and chases us down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We're now at mile 70 and Diana is starting to bonk. She needs some real food. We call Dennis and he's just now leaving the deli. So we keep going albeit at a slower pace and stop a few times in the shade to rest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5kUePMYdgars0IU8B9mLk_zwUx9CAsRmH5Lqx3nZUdS0z0SvI6UBksk-HgOBw89V33tD1wjQohwZxKkKwt4P2g_ncjv7Y7R6CAbv-6JNVBK4RGDuKty3QEtJTnBfzT9WN7OB4nm1iuS7/s1600/IMG_3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5kUePMYdgars0IU8B9mLk_zwUx9CAsRmH5Lqx3nZUdS0z0SvI6UBksk-HgOBw89V33tD1wjQohwZxKkKwt4P2g_ncjv7Y7R6CAbv-6JNVBK4RGDuKty3QEtJTnBfzT9WN7OB4nm1iuS7/s640/IMG_3612.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We see many Amish buggies and children playing together outside. It's nice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7eGZNaONPtO5a9jxWE0g7skMI1tCK3tQUVrSThPSGxXk5t1UoraUGNi-QVl3jchQQ1s_uRKWTAgkc0-z-9IfOnIEvlFOzhkgaCKPTn_eX2VEfUlEjI4AB23omZiw_us_zQtgT5GZmAif/s1600/Clipboard25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7eGZNaONPtO5a9jxWE0g7skMI1tCK3tQUVrSThPSGxXk5t1UoraUGNi-QVl3jchQQ1s_uRKWTAgkc0-z-9IfOnIEvlFOzhkgaCKPTn_eX2VEfUlEjI4AB23omZiw_us_zQtgT5GZmAif/s640/Clipboard25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Diana had hoped to see some of these and we were rewarded many times over.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We stop in the shade to cool off a bit...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out our friendly visitor...He's a real beauty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VmKzvxYhZvevfAdptmJRzKqrJYwmjr4HTouDr2H300RWP6R5sclqaBwWYwQQ_ldCzhYkzGJPNWk6nfEEGXi4QNB2LrShwFFAmV2DgYO_6vNqzL6bVLqyCPlDJjO_9mpFKLmb-JHPtLy6/s1600/IMG_7761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VmKzvxYhZvevfAdptmJRzKqrJYwmjr4HTouDr2H300RWP6R5sclqaBwWYwQQ_ldCzhYkzGJPNWk6nfEEGXi4QNB2LrShwFFAmV2DgYO_6vNqzL6bVLqyCPlDJjO_9mpFKLmb-JHPtLy6/s640/IMG_7761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It seems like all the dogs we've seen today have been friendly. I imagine Tigger is protecting us.<br />
<br />
I stop a bit further down to admire a young foal running around a field. Too far for the GoPro to capture, but I do get a visit from some of horses. I pet one and am rewarded with soulful look. I know nothing of horses but sure do like them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kb1MKVlb0ozYdTyymYWS8wjMug9L7-DSBqY0g47m528yif-l4ollfU4lqIBNzNipOTcva42DZa9PHKka2mYVsmfyb-OIoCP6_-J2wgQ-o4ab44fF_ARrxmSbOA8HbZ0JsYv9JrUzKbya/s1600/Clipboard28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kb1MKVlb0ozYdTyymYWS8wjMug9L7-DSBqY0g47m528yif-l4ollfU4lqIBNzNipOTcva42DZa9PHKka2mYVsmfyb-OIoCP6_-J2wgQ-o4ab44fF_ARrxmSbOA8HbZ0JsYv9JrUzKbya/s640/Clipboard28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We finally see Mother Goose coming up on us. Mile 77 I believe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh4YBIl9-CNpsgMQpqWaBIDnRG36CnjtrIyu4DY3HbeXHC2XNWMb75Mr4Y54spDLe3hrlD0d2czL6qFuAx-J1z6Mdf_TXSnZfVeVkOAssw2hiAtVe2x_oQct_oaN7yAnX2c7k8iSWXoXy/s1600/IMG_7762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh4YBIl9-CNpsgMQpqWaBIDnRG36CnjtrIyu4DY3HbeXHC2XNWMb75Mr4Y54spDLe3hrlD0d2czL6qFuAx-J1z6Mdf_TXSnZfVeVkOAssw2hiAtVe2x_oQct_oaN7yAnX2c7k8iSWXoXy/s640/IMG_7762.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The deli sandwiches were well worth the wait. We eat well.<br />
<br />
Soon we are visited by an Amish farmer. He offers us water but we tell him we have plenty. So he goes back and brings us back a beautiful Kohlrabi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiAuKm5LnRg3OinFA8BkvWj2U7IOJWBkReZSNexTbQ3i7n5T-LDDkOjEznn3kGCZoz5sEsyFEB4yAHroaL1XIffaKr8SAtdfNceJB6pWpf8npSqoxhwyCBfOKWMVTLkXgEbEqJoRsw_O2/s1600/garden-kohlrabi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiAuKm5LnRg3OinFA8BkvWj2U7IOJWBkReZSNexTbQ3i7n5T-LDDkOjEznn3kGCZoz5sEsyFEB4yAHroaL1XIffaKr8SAtdfNceJB6pWpf8npSqoxhwyCBfOKWMVTLkXgEbEqJoRsw_O2/s1600/garden-kohlrabi.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He tells us to peel it like an apple and slice it like an onion and eat it raw. "Even better if you add salt" he says with a mischievous smile, "but don't add salt if you have high blood pressure!". I reach in the truck and pull out some pecans that my friend Bruce Caris gave to us for the ride. He tells me I've given him too much and that he should bring me 3 more kohlrabis. I tell him we have plenty and that he could certainly share with his neighbors if it's too much. He's very appreciative. We all shake hands multiple times and we're back on our way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYVFGbGva-bEIDe7NsK8zbGPV_g0LMDuFHps3hZbOJJOerUIw4DvgmL8Prn_IWYhRGzNfxI2eXALvpAzpCOvzXfHujKEFIoaoH3oKELvugCt4rlzujsRRI_DZH5MyF47dIJl1WPpIRaZT/s1600/Clipboard22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYVFGbGva-bEIDe7NsK8zbGPV_g0LMDuFHps3hZbOJJOerUIw4DvgmL8Prn_IWYhRGzNfxI2eXALvpAzpCOvzXfHujKEFIoaoH3oKELvugCt4rlzujsRRI_DZH5MyF47dIJl1WPpIRaZT/s400/Clipboard22.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWfU4SB240pvsSyu001-qqy5-XLaQfE0O6o3rks0_9sHbwpuOnYW-Opy6NdcDN7ca0i5MysD_mo41oDSP-p5QCHwVzDR05KkEuNlEF9Wb3I2rn-LVXlxAs4xSkWuK79mHZ3U1zw7vjpzb/s1600/PARTING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWfU4SB240pvsSyu001-qqy5-XLaQfE0O6o3rks0_9sHbwpuOnYW-Opy6NdcDN7ca0i5MysD_mo41oDSP-p5QCHwVzDR05KkEuNlEF9Wb3I2rn-LVXlxAs4xSkWuK79mHZ3U1zw7vjpzb/s640/PARTING.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Diana continued on for another 10 miles or so and is ready to call it a day. Bumpy dirt roads, rain and now a humid heat have taken their toll. She rode strong and we are all proud of her. I take off solo. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon it's only about 10 miles to go and I come across a 'road closed' sign. I check it out. They are working on a bridge. Is it safe to cross? I see some heavy equipment on it, no activity, and no evidence of fresh cement. So I take my chance and carry my bike over with. Mother Goose has to turn around and take a detour. It turns out to be a long one as I'm pretty close to the hotel when they wiz on by. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I pull in close to 5pm. 108 miles down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lost an hour with the time change. I'm drenched and tired. I think I rode too hard and am concerned I'll pay the price tomorrow. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The hotel is billed as a resort. It was probably quite the resort 40 years ago but time has taken its toll</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Still the views are excellent, the price was right, and the food not bad.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We sleep well, listening to the rain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_XLfu1LQMZOsLtMwWZvtH46B5GXFcXCg-at7xhvSWEInpRAxo3n4yibgLxKRj1xUXTAsafPlcVWukthFg3O9cXaYer1Wq2H26oFwiczIGNtf82NfX4-jLwXFV5erHNsHSXdEzbbq54lP/s1600/Clipboard30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_XLfu1LQMZOsLtMwWZvtH46B5GXFcXCg-at7xhvSWEInpRAxo3n4yibgLxKRj1xUXTAsafPlcVWukthFg3O9cXaYer1Wq2H26oFwiczIGNtf82NfX4-jLwXFV5erHNsHSXdEzbbq54lP/s640/Clipboard30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-5292159830982953832015-05-29T19:00:00.002-07:002015-05-29T19:00:52.453-07:00Day 69 Chicago to La Porte, IndianaToday we rode from Tinley park (Chicago) to La Porte Indiana. It was great to have Sean with us again. Sean's support and encouragement makes a huge difference. Plus, having the company of my lovely wife, Diana who will be riding with me all the way to New York is a real treat.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Rde2IIjqrrxV9ViM8dDN1xQRoN42ocSaZmXwYq37Ks5ogi8TJTmMO6Eh9l1CL4uNWKF5vCVTbjY04XcqMj3kDYg06geL0TDTcl0OT9Bnm-E_B-qYqVL_n0AWv4CdMsdwstYTm9JRZxdR/s1600/DSCN4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Rde2IIjqrrxV9ViM8dDN1xQRoN42ocSaZmXwYq37Ks5ogi8TJTmMO6Eh9l1CL4uNWKF5vCVTbjY04XcqMj3kDYg06geL0TDTcl0OT9Bnm-E_B-qYqVL_n0AWv4CdMsdwstYTm9JRZxdR/s640/DSCN4601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtaBis1T-DbZMvAa4l5LM399orH3UO9QSWqxJjuDrmooKeFtBoWNpoh__jQ_PqFu-zsGhgCGsvYXVXGurEueJGdUzw6Nnn8lmTCmum00EXmBvkBZraToSR31fXE7TgDUSwuNldnL7oKaV/s1600/DSCN4600b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtaBis1T-DbZMvAa4l5LM399orH3UO9QSWqxJjuDrmooKeFtBoWNpoh__jQ_PqFu-zsGhgCGsvYXVXGurEueJGdUzw6Nnn8lmTCmum00EXmBvkBZraToSR31fXE7TgDUSwuNldnL7oKaV/s640/DSCN4600b.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj943sA_T8hUGOjLsMWEttx42Hn-1o3rDJqnKCiFLsa7JxP2mpQ_sC3_HU993SxLTvbvE647QjKLgRy0ha9WjG4DvxZyjYvbsTgpDm_QgD30OzIajXFPgtkM2v2DWDpEziOtp_seko3z84f/s1600/Clipboard03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj943sA_T8hUGOjLsMWEttx42Hn-1o3rDJqnKCiFLsa7JxP2mpQ_sC3_HU993SxLTvbvE647QjKLgRy0ha9WjG4DvxZyjYvbsTgpDm_QgD30OzIajXFPgtkM2v2DWDpEziOtp_seko3z84f/s640/Clipboard03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today though was a tough day of riding. Emotionally Diana and I were exhausted. We received an emotional call from our daughter last night informing us that our lovely dog, Tigger had passed away. Tigger's been part of our family for 16 years and was a wonderfully mischievous and loving dog to the very end. We will miss her greatly. Thank you John Becker and Andrea Brennen for stepping up and helping during this very difficult time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxbCAA1Wlrz2bv7q7bflPqxobHIMccAIJbtiwXe6FvwH99OMau0DFF_RQ3CsZtFVDO69031GyXJ1FPrgT2o0Vex6MrV-STYpmlfNmP4qJVKI9oNsROk6ho5Mwf9_rFw6wvnbK4tT4TiqV/s1600/tigger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxbCAA1Wlrz2bv7q7bflPqxobHIMccAIJbtiwXe6FvwH99OMau0DFF_RQ3CsZtFVDO69031GyXJ1FPrgT2o0Vex6MrV-STYpmlfNmP4qJVKI9oNsROk6ho5Mwf9_rFw6wvnbK4tT4TiqV/s640/tigger.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So our day started off with heavy hearts. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It helped though having our new friend David Barnes come up to us at breakfast. He thanked us for saving his life and that of his friends and family. After talking with Sean and me yesterday, he did some research on stroke and heart attack prevention. He got the message and spread the word to his siblings and co-workers and plans to get his carotid arteries scanned. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So he thanked us and we thanked him. His feedback fuels our drive to keep on moving. Thank you David.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The ride to La Porte was difficult. It was not a long day and it had minimal climbing. But the first 20 miles gave us traffic light after traffic light. Stop go stop go. It wears on you. Then we faced horrific road conditions. Pot holes, cracks, bumps, you name it. We also had our share of drivers telling us to get off the road and to ride on to the sidewalk. A bit disheartening. The concept of sharing the road shouldn't be so difficult to understand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some of the better riding conditions before lunch...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO5pl8IA4QMIaUFc5IbvyAdlP9zpEurgjwB5BmZSiiDp8lo6kIUJNLtnmUqs0Z6zBWn0kz__CVuXG61BGrtVuj7lOXNUzbbP8B1uKX3H4AnBikhNeWpGbG0uxZiz9sfA65CQ4UxW2zLaI/s1600/DSCN4603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO5pl8IA4QMIaUFc5IbvyAdlP9zpEurgjwB5BmZSiiDp8lo6kIUJNLtnmUqs0Z6zBWn0kz__CVuXG61BGrtVuj7lOXNUzbbP8B1uKX3H4AnBikhNeWpGbG0uxZiz9sfA65CQ4UxW2zLaI/s640/DSCN4603.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We stopped for lunch at mile 32 and it was a nice break. Clouds were looming and a few sprinkles hinted we might be getting drenched...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Those are my legs hanging out as I eat lunch in my favorite spot</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3iA1SZkYyxgBnyB_R2ZkC6T_GQ7lZzUrybiYmbVB8z0EVeELK5-8Gmyg390xwOXU7Mrs_qok1WZ9GD2yyor-jeln5Io7lVOBFVEKOvViUd7XARsez0E7-WcFK7fAI6uMxk1haKQ30hyphenhyphen7/s1600/DSCN4604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3iA1SZkYyxgBnyB_R2ZkC6T_GQ7lZzUrybiYmbVB8z0EVeELK5-8Gmyg390xwOXU7Mrs_qok1WZ9GD2yyor-jeln5Io7lVOBFVEKOvViUd7XARsez0E7-WcFK7fAI6uMxk1haKQ30hyphenhyphen7/s640/DSCN4604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Post lunch, the ride got much better. Bike trails (still very bumpy) led to country roads. We moved pretty well, though the early miles took their toll. We got some sprinkles, but in general the skies held tight and what little moisture came down gave us a most welcome break from the humid heat. We rode pretty much straight through with just one stop to help a wayward turtle and another stop where Diana changed shoes to try and address some hot foot issues...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally a bike trail!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHOONshxqzp_N9R4kzTGHm_O6LIjDyMRhTydPmIsjpzn4mIB-0TxOPRmOfOb4oFcdUFRy5oiITJfwGMFiTx8vb6_p8kNII0n6wFsRimpahXcf4WFPkHCPArSpwPmy5VsrFUYPgFASzzrw/s1600/betterroad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHOONshxqzp_N9R4kzTGHm_O6LIjDyMRhTydPmIsjpzn4mIB-0TxOPRmOfOb4oFcdUFRy5oiITJfwGMFiTx8vb6_p8kNII0n6wFsRimpahXcf4WFPkHCPArSpwPmy5VsrFUYPgFASzzrw/s640/betterroad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyDgyJFk5l7eYhZGqFmWMJZT-h7yfXmBY0cXleaDzsdf2sqRQY9wUdJhSqdg1MEke74A4XCFErOnSWVyxrzDhDmiuwNoxSZaqAZ3GLTVkF3TRASN2uyfqaK8m6mf9wn40JIUTsrogAPDD/s1600/Clipboard07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyDgyJFk5l7eYhZGqFmWMJZT-h7yfXmBY0cXleaDzsdf2sqRQY9wUdJhSqdg1MEke74A4XCFErOnSWVyxrzDhDmiuwNoxSZaqAZ3GLTVkF3TRASN2uyfqaK8m6mf9wn40JIUTsrogAPDD/s640/Clipboard07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We arrived in La Porte around 2:30 pm, pretty tired. Sean headed out to a local gym to do some leg work therapy, and around 6 pm we all headed out to dinner. Parking was tight in this little town as today they were parading all of this weekend;s race boats down the main strip. This is a big deal apparently. Lot's of drinking, bar-b-ques, and concession stands. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
La Porte is an interesting little town. Seems to be doing well. Howevever, I was amazed at how many tattoos I saw. Having seen my share of them along this journey, it would take a lot to stand out enough to catch my eye. La Porte takes the cake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tomorrow's forecast for both La Porte and our destination of Hamilton is rain and more rain. I hope it's not 108 miles of this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySSSRgnHJ611oqDISO1mZbC-X3W-dnaQifYZ4EhYZNR_Nx5N8PtaX7fOME61bGGJUyT4mx-mnlEEohdb02YiOP-mUEO7wqj_7XGSN8-Ef4ud06B97X5-D3LaiO-jdgqqUJhqkHt5tMHNd/s1600/weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySSSRgnHJ611oqDISO1mZbC-X3W-dnaQifYZ4EhYZNR_Nx5N8PtaX7fOME61bGGJUyT4mx-mnlEEohdb02YiOP-mUEO7wqj_7XGSN8-Ef4ud06B97X5-D3LaiO-jdgqqUJhqkHt5tMHNd/s320/weather.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's an interesting bit about La Porte's history taken from Wikipedia:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"La Porte is also well known for the area of which Belle Gunness serial murders took place. Belle moved to the United States in 1881 in search of wealth. Belle had posted many notices in lovelorn columns in hopes to attracted wealthy men. She would attract these men to her farmland, and mysteriously they would all disappear. Not only did she murder the wealthy men she attracted, but also her adopted daughter, and her foster children. The remains of over forty men and children were found on her property. Belle eventually burned her own house down, and made it look as if she died inside, although the body found was not hers. Belle withdrew most of her money from her bank accounts, then skipped town. She was never tracked down, and her death has never actually been confirmed."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-72793407366824096962015-05-28T15:55:00.001-07:002015-05-28T15:58:43.332-07:00Days 67-68 ChicagoChicago sure seems frightening based on the news and the statistics but so far it's been a great visit.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've walked twice to a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Dos Riccos.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Great food at Dos Riccos</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo6IOkJjBd2UKnjG1h0wXT5dlv-4q-Spd-VBAfleHJe4iEFrFAvuKDkmp4A9kB55r3lA7R6gqDp7rqy4c8SC-ee8Pjdp4e7ET0ZA7JyPLJgCRVTnpn0Tl-zr6Dy-Mz-Zg6xrb4xdcYh7_/s1600/IMG_7721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo6IOkJjBd2UKnjG1h0wXT5dlv-4q-Spd-VBAfleHJe4iEFrFAvuKDkmp4A9kB55r3lA7R6gqDp7rqy4c8SC-ee8Pjdp4e7ET0ZA7JyPLJgCRVTnpn0Tl-zr6Dy-Mz-Zg6xrb4xdcYh7_/s320/IMG_7721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It's a short walk and supposedly this area is not the best neighborhood, but at least during daylight it seems quiet and safe. In any case, the restaurant advertises Mexican-Asian fusion and it is outstanding. On my second visit I went with Sean, Dennis and Amy. I knew Amy would enjoy it but wasn't so sure about Sean. It turns out they both enjoyed it immensely. </div>
<div>
As we are sitting outside waiting for our meal, I see the cloud cover and am concerned that we might get wet. Seating is limited inside so I suggest maybe we should go in now while there's space. Here's Sean assuring me that we will be fine..Amy is a bit more non-committal once I start recording:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Famous Last Words</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MAunWubJOCo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MAunWubJOCo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5 minutes later</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWeGS7ZPJnb_vEvGBCKOzDZf8KU7dcAqu5hL_8wngBZddaGyMJSVAFT3_HGhVtMIigx0JHu9ggtf6ibwIvTwu5IInT98Z18ULWOO8qlAAIGzrTe1Q5mxT9u4fbCrQL8T21cYnQ8aYJYh3/s1600/IMG_7719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWeGS7ZPJnb_vEvGBCKOzDZf8KU7dcAqu5hL_8wngBZddaGyMJSVAFT3_HGhVtMIigx0JHu9ggtf6ibwIvTwu5IInT98Z18ULWOO8qlAAIGzrTe1Q5mxT9u4fbCrQL8T21cYnQ8aYJYh3/s640/IMG_7719.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Notice we are no longer sitting outside. We are inside, waiting for a table!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It was a long wait but worth it. The chef, Guillermo, took good care of us and we had a chance to talk about our ride and stroke and heart attack prevention. His first question was, "How can I help?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amy is comfortable eating standing up. That comes from living in Japan for so long..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.The rest of us wait!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehr7Mbzg4Hbaf-QxLnyBmWH9u2Tmml_VSbsR4APzfrDspfHOfNC5uCWWUpmk24pTPgdyhQvSKVYjFjEc-MNUVn2ceYXmoX5MJcob8ekeOof-3oJTmkihnqqLnQarTlQbwZV5RG7lSeErS/s1600/IMG_7718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehr7Mbzg4Hbaf-QxLnyBmWH9u2Tmml_VSbsR4APzfrDspfHOfNC5uCWWUpmk24pTPgdyhQvSKVYjFjEc-MNUVn2ceYXmoX5MJcob8ekeOof-3oJTmkihnqqLnQarTlQbwZV5RG7lSeErS/s320/IMG_7718.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today began with a health fair event at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Sean gave a presentation and we set up a booth, talking about what we are doing and selling jerseys and vests. There was no line for the free carotid artery ultrasound checks so I went in for a follow- up to see if 68 days of restaurant food had changed anything, All was still good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This afternoon I gave my bike a good cleaning and then worked on Diana's. She will be riding the rest of the way to New York. Both bikes are sparkling clean. This feels good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the process of working on the bikes I met several Mexican painters that were working a the hotel. They gave me a fresh supply of cleaning rags and filled my bucket with water. They were taken back by the story behind the ride. I gave them all HAA cards and encouraged them to get their BP checked. Speaking Spanish has come in handy on this trip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I was packing things up, I met David Barnes, a cyclist and pilot. He chatted for quite some time, you would think we were old friends. It was a treat. He was very aware of cardiac health and keeps a close check on his health.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So now it's time to seek out dinner and put the finishing touches on tomorrow's route to La Porte, Indiana. It will be nice to start heading East again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-12060817201300459502015-05-27T07:38:00.003-07:002015-05-27T07:40:56.113-07:00Day 66 Attica, Indiana to Chicago, IllinoisIt's 7:15 am, van is loaded with all our luggage, Kenny, John Langlois, Dennis, and me. We have left our bikes behind in the Attica hotel and we are off to McDonald's for a hearty breakfast.<br />
<br />
The oatmeal is good. The egg McMuffin sans meat hits the spot, but the coffee latte is syrupy sweet. At the counter I'm told it's just coffee and steamed milk, but I know that can't be the case, so I just ask for a black coffee. Two out of three is not bad. The coffee is too hot to drink and we're ready to head back so I just put on the cap and climb in the van.<br />
<br />
Minutes later I'm back at the hotel and working to get all the electronics on my bike running. The routes are loaded and now all I have to do is start live track. Since I have no cell service (thanks T-mobile) I need to launch this while under the wi-fi umbrella at the hotel. By the way, the hotel was built in the 1853 and has some of the fastest internet we've seen on this trip. Just seemed strange...<br />
<br />
In any case, I can't get my Garmin to pair with my iPhone and I'm struggling. I finally tell my phone to forget the Garmin, I reconnect, and voila, it's back. We can leave!<br />
<br />
Birtie, the hotel owner is outside taking pictures of us as we leave. She was a great hostess and really made us feel at home. We also meet a young man that considers Birtie is 2nd mom. He is very curious about our ride and asks us our ages. He is shocked and says something to the effect that as young as he is, he couldn't do what we are doing. We encourage him to get a bike and stop smoking. He laughs. But who knows, maybe he will change...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birtie taking our photo as we leave</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdASZsdV6VmuTdTGMO9UJC3bcp0iM_ywmBZ-qceyQHjU6s9ftj74JATzzpjo9ft4sgPYa1h0_bSOEdrvU-BXouB5Ril7MTqQiwY52_49WsMEM8DMXqKFns_4lSJtFk4xzBXEp9a7-NbuM/s1600/birdie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdASZsdV6VmuTdTGMO9UJC3bcp0iM_ywmBZ-qceyQHjU6s9ftj74JATzzpjo9ft4sgPYa1h0_bSOEdrvU-BXouB5Ril7MTqQiwY52_49WsMEM8DMXqKFns_4lSJtFk4xzBXEp9a7-NbuM/s640/birdie.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We are riding now. I look at the sky. Dark clouds. Thunderstorms forecast for all morning. But not rain yet and the road is dry.<br />
<br />
We cross a bridge and start heading north. Oh, such a tail wind. This is going to be good. John looks at his cue sheet and says we missed a right turn. My Garmin indicates the next turn is 47 miles down the road. Drats, I loaded the wrong file. The file I loaded has us on 41 pretty much the whole way, and John had noted on his drive down to Attica that the shoulder was non existent and lined with a spoke breaking rumble strip.<br />
<br />
So we stop and I find the right file on my iPhone and use it for navigation. I hope the iPhone battery + the external one I brought will last the 103 miles we have ahead of us.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We ride a bit and the road is traffic free and smooth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7J2A91znXj8B6dWyux7AdbMI-2ctb9YY3CyjNdXRQVPwxaPVobmd8YypAP6QSy7OmEzbgxpYldKOmzc8bVVu1JCLbOB4zaliBQquuxYMcLc2ei9d9UtSFgg2q9-H3h3RchN8S-ccQWEx/s1600/Clipboard01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7J2A91znXj8B6dWyux7AdbMI-2ctb9YY3CyjNdXRQVPwxaPVobmd8YypAP6QSy7OmEzbgxpYldKOmzc8bVVu1JCLbOB4zaliBQquuxYMcLc2ei9d9UtSFgg2q9-H3h3RchN8S-ccQWEx/s320/Clipboard01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We the turn left. It's dirt and gravel. Can this be right? Kenny looks at me. I tell him, "don't blame me, John picked this route!" We all laugh. John looks at his cue sheet and says, it's only 3/4 of mile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dirt and gravel surprise</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aNbRXDP4MJ0WR1foGoyrTdwtPerc0-BrRhZuugQDqHaEchDc9JiwKR2HNBkvsA7WXOuZGoCyzwMk2q484QZ8d9Wc89dTbzbDoKWiieoxluFsEDfuXk3_ePJGmBtuTEjkcoLJQ7ICy0vu/s1600/Clipboard08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aNbRXDP4MJ0WR1foGoyrTdwtPerc0-BrRhZuugQDqHaEchDc9JiwKR2HNBkvsA7WXOuZGoCyzwMk2q484QZ8d9Wc89dTbzbDoKWiieoxluFsEDfuXk3_ePJGmBtuTEjkcoLJQ7ICy0vu/s640/Clipboard08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MpzKxVOfhOOxwck-I4OTHm-xEctCuvIhWEY9QBibtcQMzuoN_JLgmyyC95IXcc3njN-KMTHSFkzcjXr63c9MIhoOPjNWPf2grvC9XSEOd3AwsEJtycfGAJzayr-QP10uAAvxjbdEihS8/s1600/Clipboard11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MpzKxVOfhOOxwck-I4OTHm-xEctCuvIhWEY9QBibtcQMzuoN_JLgmyyC95IXcc3njN-KMTHSFkzcjXr63c9MIhoOPjNWPf2grvC9XSEOd3AwsEJtycfGAJzayr-QP10uAAvxjbdEihS8/s640/Clipboard11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All smiles...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHo_ZUjuCcuy0HD0V7hwgneY2mKn1WkzRrDf7yhPu9rUt7zjoWvPu1w5Boo6tKTPppR4NhwGrakddIq1vuj6uiilY6i0_dtnfah3Kyzsuw-qeYHq41eq0mw1MmZ-2OD1yTuKzqur8U2aG/s1600/John.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHo_ZUjuCcuy0HD0V7hwgneY2mKn1WkzRrDf7yhPu9rUt7zjoWvPu1w5Boo6tKTPppR4NhwGrakddIq1vuj6uiilY6i0_dtnfah3Kyzsuw-qeYHq41eq0mw1MmZ-2OD1yTuKzqur8U2aG/s400/John.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3/4 of mile turns into about 3 or 4 miles but none of us are complaining. The surface is not bad and we're enjoying the views. I'm thinking of how much this is like the Natchez Trace, just without the road! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kenny, master videographer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FMLag1dt7sJNdQlDTOD83Id5S3DVr6buN5YWHTAMzwYW-oGChZbaAXtUrvVRxImwfiTEi4fmW10M-TFR0pCCAqQaAov-ANUDXmbq3DbNXArTVx812baC7MgYo0UerBwjbFUuCw95jYl0/s1600/kenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FMLag1dt7sJNdQlDTOD83Id5S3DVr6buN5YWHTAMzwYW-oGChZbaAXtUrvVRxImwfiTEi4fmW10M-TFR0pCCAqQaAov-ANUDXmbq3DbNXArTVx812baC7MgYo0UerBwjbFUuCw95jYl0/s400/kenny.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Screen shot from Kenny's video...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jZqQ3Fa3tfgKvk8PRb0vu8_9HLd8oOTXz_5jVndTsFU4THP83JY_6BlsQPqkYF0-yyF-Aej34MKPIccPbIykhbJm8WqgvC_qCguEgNHefZ3kxmheRal08IRqhjv5PH1TN3qj4PAszvWm/s1600/side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jZqQ3Fa3tfgKvk8PRb0vu8_9HLd8oOTXz_5jVndTsFU4THP83JY_6BlsQPqkYF0-yyF-Aej34MKPIccPbIykhbJm8WqgvC_qCguEgNHefZ3kxmheRal08IRqhjv5PH1TN3qj4PAszvWm/s640/side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon we are back on pavement and navigating right and left turns as we navigate along farm lands. The wind is strong. We feel like super heroes when it's at our back. Human when we turn right and hit the crosswinds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're on a good road and John indicates that we're on it for another 20 miles or so. I confirm with my cue sheet. Perfect. I turn of my iPhone display to save battery life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's not 2-3 or minutes when I hear the RidewithGPS thump thump that we are off course. Yikes. I turn on the display and sure enough we missed a short left right jog at an intersection. We now turn around and head into the wind. We feel like slugs. Hard to move 10 mph. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More laughter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We find the course and once again we have the mighty tailwind. We are flying 25 mph. My watt meter shows 100 watts. John comments, "Does this count as a ride?" More smiles. Yes it counts!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lunch shows up at mile 58 and it;s barely 11 am. But we're hungry. Sandwiches get mixed up and I end up biting into a pepperoni one. And no guacamole. I swap with John who had my sandwich. He must have been hungry. Doesn't like guacamole but my 6" subway sandwich seems half gone. I supplement it with a cliffbar. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we head out the sun is shining, Nice but I can't read my iPhone display. Can't even see the brightness control. We pull over, John and Kenny help me shade the phone, and I get the brightness set to 100%. We're back in business.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The miles fly by. This is going to be one of the easiest century rides I've done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're at mile 91 and it's starting to sprinkle. Feels good. At mile 92 the skies open up. It is pouring rain. The roads are not only wet, it feels like we are riding along a stream. The rain is cool almost cold. Get too close to the bike in front of you and you get sprayed with the rooster tail.. The road spray is surprisingly warm. Almost like taking a shower. I look back at Kenny. He's taken the brunt of the road spray and is looking pretty grimy. But he's smiling and singing, "I'm singing in the rain..."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At mile 98, I suggest we pack it up. I'm not serious, but knowing that Kenny really wanted to complete a century. I am being an instigator. I get clear 'negativos' from both Kenny and John and we continue to press on. Kenny is still singing. This time it's "The weather outside is frightful..."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzLWvZSs4Q_p2brEBG5-pKUJoCgnhCLHOnXAMc5-O9Vc_PDh9ENtvtQ4nnt0CA2DAvuitReEoK9Mp86WbJV7pDK4U4Nd2fooHw-LxV96JjxA1fJTzpzeAaR8H_o48iR6iN_xtAmgS28Ku/s1600/paythepiper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzLWvZSs4Q_p2brEBG5-pKUJoCgnhCLHOnXAMc5-O9Vc_PDh9ENtvtQ4nnt0CA2DAvuitReEoK9Mp86WbJV7pDK4U4Nd2fooHw-LxV96JjxA1fJTzpzeAaR8H_o48iR6iN_xtAmgS28Ku/s640/paythepiper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon we are at mile 103 and are greeted by John's wife Nancy who had driven with John to Attica, spent the night at the hotel and then drove ahead to pick him up in Merrillville. We are all soaked. I ask Nancy if she would believe me if I told her we rode the whole way in these conditions. She smiles and says "No,..." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kenny heads to the van to change into dry clothing. There's a nice clean towel in the van that my sister donated to the cause. I warn Kenny that the towel is mine and I'm not too keen on sharing it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He assures me he won't use it... More laughter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm waiting outside, talking with John, Dennis and Nancy. Starting to feel chilled. The wind is still howling and I'm dripping wet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally I see some legs hanging out the side door of the van. Kenny pops out and I jump in. I pull out some dry clothes, put the my wet gear in my dirty laundry bag, dry off with my towel, and get dressed. Love this van.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We say our goodbyes. Nancy gives us big hugs and thanks us for what we're doing. John, who is a IIT alumnus says he will see us at Thursday's event. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm feeling great. Somehow getting to Chicago seems like a huge milestone. There are still many miles to go, but the end is in sight. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shortly I will see Sean and Amy. Sean will be joining us for the rest of the journey and tomorrow I'm joined by Diana who will ride all the way to New York with me! Yay! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In Perrysburg we pick up Andrea and my friend Rick Hoffman. I haven't seen Rick in 35 years. Can't wait. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In Pittsburgh, my colleague Chris Lattin, joins in. And somewhere before New York, Tom Lacey might join. So as we approach the finish, the number are growing. This is good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Short video highlight the fun of cruising with huge tail winds (we rolled at speeds up to 37 mph) and the small price we paid when the skies opened up...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/P8l6W37gSXw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P8l6W37gSXw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Route summary...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aPF0u-UKtB2SwEPmHhtYY0lO9LItpwipVoxUxCS0NALsy2YXhuOsM3lN9HjH_YYYW4cmmT9mWX5JKubU_kUbvVCm1Srf27yEFEMKT535omBWDQCD8_uc4gNjxoI7QcN5kUiV14cXxqz5/s1600/Clipboard24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aPF0u-UKtB2SwEPmHhtYY0lO9LItpwipVoxUxCS0NALsy2YXhuOsM3lN9HjH_YYYW4cmmT9mWX5JKubU_kUbvVCm1Srf27yEFEMKT535omBWDQCD8_uc4gNjxoI7QcN5kUiV14cXxqz5/s640/Clipboard24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIDBYZy1umJ82ucy6oxpPXQ14wTsx1JzFVsT-s3GnKBpHtWFlkWj_mpNtQeiQmSi6vl1J7UfhjLxu5z8-iMopAIV7uEgVv_LfbhUvCggmhQn3ifRIx4LChnNazD7XCJuAuKXaBUMr7K1W/s1600/route.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIDBYZy1umJ82ucy6oxpPXQ14wTsx1JzFVsT-s3GnKBpHtWFlkWj_mpNtQeiQmSi6vl1J7UfhjLxu5z8-iMopAIV7uEgVv_LfbhUvCggmhQn3ifRIx4LChnNazD7XCJuAuKXaBUMr7K1W/s640/route.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296155775925626978.post-50209266116623070112015-05-25T13:39:00.001-07:002015-05-25T13:43:22.221-07:00Day 65: Brazil to Attica, Indiana<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MS-DsNaRGBfnUlUGb-6Go8znDb5J7nI5ckopDTPOMR0adFFDtVw3Tykyc8Ho2H_BTLPb_zqDRdn7Pg1Ye5av2xhRu1lon-MiLS2dkU6cgAPXan_H9uG6WNIHro0Erw4xyvxVcjhNDiQT/s1600/IMG_5427.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MS-DsNaRGBfnUlUGb-6Go8znDb5J7nI5ckopDTPOMR0adFFDtVw3Tykyc8Ho2H_BTLPb_zqDRdn7Pg1Ye5av2xhRu1lon-MiLS2dkU6cgAPXan_H9uG6WNIHro0Erw4xyvxVcjhNDiQT/s640/IMG_5427.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The weather forecast for today was grim with thunderstorms predicted for most of the morning.<br />
<br />
I was down for breakfast at 7 am and it was pouring outside. It's always hard to start riding in the rain so mentally I was getting into the the right mindset to muscle through it.<br />
<br />
I looked around the breakfast area, and no Kenny or Dennis. Usually they are on time. Hmmm...Then I remembered we had agreed to meet at 8 am! So I ate alone and headed back up to my room to finish packing.<br />
<br />
At 8:05 I was back downstairs and met Dennis and Kenny..... They were concerned. Normally I'm not late and as I sat down with them, I received the delayed text from Dennis "are you ok?" .<br />
<br />
We chatted a bit with a family next to us. The mother has a history of stroke in her family (including her sister) and I asked her if she had been screened. She had not. We explained what we were doing and she agreed to go get a carotid artery ultrasound. I hope she does.<br />
<br />
By 8:30 the rain had stopped and we decided to get out as soon as possible to at least start with dry weather.<br />
<br />
We were lucky. Huge tail winds and no rain. This lasted until we started heading west towards Bridgeton. Yikes. Strong crosswinds, cold rain. Not exactly ideal biking weather but we pressed on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCNG_GoRHoYy7pX13_1ToevHKz4SA3M9A65jZEiyCg9EmjXckBxuLy8JOiLduQtuGED8-iYh_5AzzLp3zt7KvpxEdTHsyWvmMypBkIi8e3CTjmCspasBzY_Nqq1fharR9EIwwyfKrKl_6/s1600/Clipboard01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCNG_GoRHoYy7pX13_1ToevHKz4SA3M9A65jZEiyCg9EmjXckBxuLy8JOiLduQtuGED8-iYh_5AzzLp3zt7KvpxEdTHsyWvmMypBkIi8e3CTjmCspasBzY_Nqq1fharR9EIwwyfKrKl_6/s320/Clipboard01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaOTxpQp2n2S9bCoDuUQvoXFxNu68vJZlPdcpOAEaWGdrXC7GYPlHc09yISNABf6hVaafCceMRDyfSNkA77dcnHIFdrU30JUL6LPcucX3m7nfstFI-J6R_Q3PPa7uXZ6S8-6wqbXw1_C4/s1600/Clipboard04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaOTxpQp2n2S9bCoDuUQvoXFxNu68vJZlPdcpOAEaWGdrXC7GYPlHc09yISNABf6hVaafCceMRDyfSNkA77dcnHIFdrU30JUL6LPcucX3m7nfstFI-J6R_Q3PPa7uXZ6S8-6wqbXw1_C4/s320/Clipboard04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were rewarded with a beautiful covered bridge crossing:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0PHmPQ1b8ioKd8aQTw4R0Pa2eq_r5DTUS-rEn7K6dfBZVy_pChXYIGvDNGiooqEp2k11RLu8jB6Lz9tO4CxUp_dBPCa_2uWCyee4ETrt9EarpQLcsAE_mZ8EVykNdAd_qtyDg0uZ74Nn/s1600/Clipboard01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0PHmPQ1b8ioKd8aQTw4R0Pa2eq_r5DTUS-rEn7K6dfBZVy_pChXYIGvDNGiooqEp2k11RLu8jB6Lz9tO4CxUp_dBPCa_2uWCyee4ETrt9EarpQLcsAE_mZ8EVykNdAd_qtyDg0uZ74Nn/s320/Clipboard01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXZFbTCy9XhImQSOlq5eOArUVNcMKy7ETSumBnsbhdVjTp3LF3BnNUhYrlALeHfkQxGrvhAjdRqxmL0Ejk0eJrAgsFzWLmteb-KaSrTMXzhXuL-IBVOf9xiddRVDKM7axTwuQasnccdie/s1600/DSCN4554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXZFbTCy9XhImQSOlq5eOArUVNcMKy7ETSumBnsbhdVjTp3LF3BnNUhYrlALeHfkQxGrvhAjdRqxmL0Ejk0eJrAgsFzWLmteb-KaSrTMXzhXuL-IBVOf9xiddRVDKM7axTwuQasnccdie/s640/DSCN4554.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPmPwYpKoq27aoeDXRvBvN6oKofxz66EVaiHcjDMkXQ0hzmRD8-n1P3vx_sygq1ZjIsPO3jfllMe_ezBQTu6K4Ctg7OdtCPdT-B5mD-EwBtsBVtC3c-AW0NdWFj5OyjbINn7JRcbGtUkw/s1600/DSCN4555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPmPwYpKoq27aoeDXRvBvN6oKofxz66EVaiHcjDMkXQ0hzmRD8-n1P3vx_sygq1ZjIsPO3jfllMe_ezBQTu6K4Ctg7OdtCPdT-B5mD-EwBtsBVtC3c-AW0NdWFj5OyjbINn7JRcbGtUkw/s640/DSCN4555.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnXyWNtIaGxv44fK1Rr4BmPRP8GGitm0rkgp7HW2vtZzXVTzxRz8JCMmxcC2fMwd_6QY4Kq8_-rrcuiMQnhge5acPcAnLLDr62z8aoHBedRxAmfzoI1ih2Tf1SiDAp7NfVLL6TF4Zr44e/s1600/tunnel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnXyWNtIaGxv44fK1Rr4BmPRP8GGitm0rkgp7HW2vtZzXVTzxRz8JCMmxcC2fMwd_6QY4Kq8_-rrcuiMQnhge5acPcAnLLDr62z8aoHBedRxAmfzoI1ih2Tf1SiDAp7NfVLL6TF4Zr44e/s640/tunnel2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Next we were heading north again and I could tell Kenny was happy. He sings when he is having fun. Fortunately he has a great voice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kenny singing away!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKmazJu7tNbADaR3eDt787jTEtr-0GFPuJizyr6fUlsdoEzLs3yOXqmdO7JMk7_MmupYVKG7w7gy9aagOpSI8bFiMMzPm3qOdVAnhkKn4u_2S4b7ei-Tv3dC4bsjBFJhHB1wp6-goDhzC/s1600/sing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKmazJu7tNbADaR3eDt787jTEtr-0GFPuJizyr6fUlsdoEzLs3yOXqmdO7JMk7_MmupYVKG7w7gy9aagOpSI8bFiMMzPm3qOdVAnhkKn4u_2S4b7ei-Tv3dC4bsjBFJhHB1wp6-goDhzC/s640/sing.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAihyqxyKpiQHRyUcroe5lr874n97iQRvK6d__J9BPU3aPACCi1E-zOj5KStMK1gpedDWnft59oYMU_rViICc-y2OoeGGXfZM1a-dqJc5d2xifwYB3TP7bWXOOLus8mJ9f9aXOwh6-xE4j/s1600/kenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAihyqxyKpiQHRyUcroe5lr874n97iQRvK6d__J9BPU3aPACCi1E-zOj5KStMK1gpedDWnft59oYMU_rViICc-y2OoeGGXfZM1a-dqJc5d2xifwYB3TP7bWXOOLus8mJ9f9aXOwh6-xE4j/s320/kenny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The roads were still wet, but the rain stopped and the tail wind was splendid. We were both having a great time. Then we came across a series of horse buggies. My camera lens was unfortunately wet so the screen captures are a bit blurry...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Young man, tips his hat at me. Nice!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVLYIuj8r8Xtqg7J5U8hC2FmhFSm55a3UT17hP4d1FvT9SFkT63hDHcYoa6TGrHjA9Jg9UyqDRheUDUXXx3ywprsBAYihLp9wwNmgvXztfczMhBzb7h5oCTkIxA5fLyaSv-mInN-rXuig/s1600/buggy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVLYIuj8r8Xtqg7J5U8hC2FmhFSm55a3UT17hP4d1FvT9SFkT63hDHcYoa6TGrHjA9Jg9UyqDRheUDUXXx3ywprsBAYihLp9wwNmgvXztfczMhBzb7h5oCTkIxA5fLyaSv-mInN-rXuig/s640/buggy1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Friendly couple gave us a big wave</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-AgVr9qgPm5ctqpNNyXCJ9iODUusUPmaXviLN88cVL7yNDfAx-rewiZg8gEXcGAZ69DCIuVR4GSlSBB-LzqtNs9PinYS8RBpJln1huWeAUfHef-qa7g5v1KvUKs8eoNTpYEpOG_y4-ig/s1600/buggy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-AgVr9qgPm5ctqpNNyXCJ9iODUusUPmaXviLN88cVL7yNDfAx-rewiZg8gEXcGAZ69DCIuVR4GSlSBB-LzqtNs9PinYS8RBpJln1huWeAUfHef-qa7g5v1KvUKs8eoNTpYEpOG_y4-ig/s640/buggy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two small children in the back of this one. They boy waved. The girl just stared me down expressionless</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5KToimikQKDzYIhs0iXcISKDssGaNDFLzfSRadnCb3UAV8vY30RxFDEUs09EjmUKrH6Qpvsd2yLLbroMtc2lxPAWYmwFkq6-uvuOA1Y2g5k83pjqn6z_Q4DIStIGLn5GKVXdH9uWvIB_/s1600/buggy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5KToimikQKDzYIhs0iXcISKDssGaNDFLzfSRadnCb3UAV8vY30RxFDEUs09EjmUKrH6Qpvsd2yLLbroMtc2lxPAWYmwFkq6-uvuOA1Y2g5k83pjqn6z_Q4DIStIGLn5GKVXdH9uWvIB_/s640/buggy3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4KKxReDtuiTPOL0d_Oj3_sik2p8fMOcCqjBhTGVF2fY18QpONbuXkrtPYfDGllN-Qc7xlcicibTRQPRQNbR-vIKv-ndZtb9b7LW_6QEYJKRy3ncBjqgsJ8Llg-_A63udYif5nh7EaIPO/s1600/IMG_5426.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4KKxReDtuiTPOL0d_Oj3_sik2p8fMOcCqjBhTGVF2fY18QpONbuXkrtPYfDGllN-Qc7xlcicibTRQPRQNbR-vIKv-ndZtb9b7LW_6QEYJKRy3ncBjqgsJ8Llg-_A63udYif5nh7EaIPO/s640/IMG_5426.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MS-DsNaRGBfnUlUGb-6Go8znDb5J7nI5ckopDTPOMR0adFFDtVw3Tykyc8Ho2H_BTLPb_zqDRdn7Pg1Ye5av2xhRu1lon-MiLS2dkU6cgAPXan_H9uG6WNIHro0Erw4xyvxVcjhNDiQT/s1600/IMG_5427.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MS-DsNaRGBfnUlUGb-6Go8znDb5J7nI5ckopDTPOMR0adFFDtVw3Tykyc8Ho2H_BTLPb_zqDRdn7Pg1Ye5av2xhRu1lon-MiLS2dkU6cgAPXan_H9uG6WNIHro0Erw4xyvxVcjhNDiQT/s640/IMG_5427.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dave meets horse</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKFfC0f2QumFo4yxjgA-Pf62r5giQ0E-2bXoZItGii0abZFAOqbHXv5yG2bXUb0BLqJly2ywbhf00aUW6HbUzq1xa75G7dlkLbna1jFM7AbgfpwoBgoYjJ0jnY3HOMjr8KgEtyOWpz1Yb/s1600/horseview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKFfC0f2QumFo4yxjgA-Pf62r5giQ0E-2bXoZItGii0abZFAOqbHXv5yG2bXUb0BLqJly2ywbhf00aUW6HbUzq1xa75G7dlkLbna1jFM7AbgfpwoBgoYjJ0jnY3HOMjr8KgEtyOWpz1Yb/s640/horseview.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The horse wasn't too pleased with rider number 2</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3V5TAhyphenhyphenOgxjEmi6EDCWvrWerc3LRn5GWpAtN7fY4OM6BWTOrY4-wt24QfU4f_iIdVIEPrWNNxUvoSWaD_nJvLAjkOceF-HIxAM5cHM-Zfb7OQzMLN-VcIXAhb66GlVbyhSGQZOCPREkr/s1600/horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3V5TAhyphenhyphenOgxjEmi6EDCWvrWerc3LRn5GWpAtN7fY4OM6BWTOrY4-wt24QfU4f_iIdVIEPrWNNxUvoSWaD_nJvLAjkOceF-HIxAM5cHM-Zfb7OQzMLN-VcIXAhb66GlVbyhSGQZOCPREkr/s640/horse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We stopped for lunch near mile 38 and ate left over pizza. Leftovers never tasted so good.<br />
<br />
The rest of the ride was uneventful. Small sprinkling rain that felt good. Strong winds pushing us forward. The effect on the tall grass was mesmerizing. Pictures don't do it justice so I won't bother...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clouds were threatening, but we got lucky...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfFxoNC1Cec4xqrlShDkh7XNbX1oaBw9Rf2frFbo_0GUJXd-PMA2TQNCAUmUB6EDBJ-0j4ZXpRVu0Jl3KGrjVt-oWEVAzQQn1tLiI6wCVv7chShbTVDcklqMFgNPCH4lox71Uv88AyB2Q/s1600/Clipboard07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfFxoNC1Cec4xqrlShDkh7XNbX1oaBw9Rf2frFbo_0GUJXd-PMA2TQNCAUmUB6EDBJ-0j4ZXpRVu0Jl3KGrjVt-oWEVAzQQn1tLiI6wCVv7chShbTVDcklqMFgNPCH4lox71Uv88AyB2Q/s640/Clipboard07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pulling in to our historic hotel, Hotel Attica; Blue skies and dry weather!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_v35Tmb-uoFL_-7MINBZXZT8xD-cwfStyx6OJGqJNlgovNlv1Igay01rL0o-rVWut47vVGWqeceSVe3d_O5Wv4e6w2mRuGAcvEmAByQu5cV3ODKeWFMF8j3Xue_6TmmeaIh-V8RKsX7R/s1600/hotelattica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_v35Tmb-uoFL_-7MINBZXZT8xD-cwfStyx6OJGqJNlgovNlv1Igay01rL0o-rVWut47vVGWqeceSVe3d_O5Wv4e6w2mRuGAcvEmAByQu5cV3ODKeWFMF8j3Xue_6TmmeaIh-V8RKsX7R/s640/hotelattica.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Tonight we will be joined by John Langlois from Intel and a friend of his. . They will be dropped off here tonight and will ride with us tomorrow to Chicago. I'm looking forward to meeting them.<br />
<br />
Last but not least, here's a map of today's route...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2LMGMt4Ys2awLlChbFRNEtOUGyD8ZJtivYzE8w8wCesWMN-j3XSwTJWpHNc9Hnzizm74mX4Fd91rN1v24ZHfciisYxGMspAE8k6fGP_6c5qMhwb2z8Gw1EFaRTQJppDRVzsfTXDfutuR/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2LMGMt4Ys2awLlChbFRNEtOUGyD8ZJtivYzE8w8wCesWMN-j3XSwTJWpHNc9Hnzizm74mX4Fd91rN1v24ZHfciisYxGMspAE8k6fGP_6c5qMhwb2z8Gw1EFaRTQJppDRVzsfTXDfutuR/s640/map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />DFischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064122704188574799noreply@blogger.com6