The riders (Albert, Gary & Steve) pulled into Juday Creek Estates on Wednesday afternoon. Of course, the anxious Blogmaster was in her driveway with the camera ready to capture their grand arrival in the "Beaver." The unloading process was relatively quick as everyone was motivated to get to their respective homes as quickly as possible.
Thanks again to Monaco Coach for the use of the RV - it was a blessing! And many thanks to UPS, Teamster's Local #710, Gordon Food Service, and so many other friends and family who have contributed to the success of this ride. Please keep your eye on the South Bend Tribune for an upcoming feature about the Coast To Coast Charity Ride, which will be covered by Jim Meenan. Also - the check presentations to the charities will be scheduled in the near future. You can visit this blog site for more information in the coming weeks.
It has been a pleasure serving as your Blogmaster this month. Take care & God Bless!
Tressa
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
June 26, 2007 - C2C Made It!!!!
WE DID IT! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, TO ALL OF YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT. We entered the nations Capitol today at approximately 10:45 AM. We stopped in at Arlington National Cemetery in recognition of all who gave us the freedoms and liberties that we have in the greatest country in the world. It was an incredible site. We took some time out to tour the sites and scenes from the White House, the Capitol building, the Vietnam Memorial Wall, the World War II Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Korean War Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Iwo Jima Memorial. What we accomplished pales in comparison to what our forefathers sacrificed.
Our tour of D.C. concluded around 3:00 PM this afternoon then we picked up and drove to Ocean City, Maryland to officially conlude the "Coast to Coast" ride. The weather and roads held out and we were able to reach our final destination.
Thank you to all of our families for the love, support, patience, and understanding of why we ventured on this journey. Thank you to all of our friends, co-workers, and individuals behind the scenes who sacrificed so much to make this happen. Lastly, thank you God for keeping us safe and providing us with the willpower to see the journey to its end and finding it in our hearts to always help those who are less fortunate.
"Act in such a way that the actions of your maxims can at the same time be a universal law of nature."-Emmanuel Kant
C2C
Our tour of D.C. concluded around 3:00 PM this afternoon then we picked up and drove to Ocean City, Maryland to officially conlude the "Coast to Coast" ride. The weather and roads held out and we were able to reach our final destination.
Thank you to all of our families for the love, support, patience, and understanding of why we ventured on this journey. Thank you to all of our friends, co-workers, and individuals behind the scenes who sacrificed so much to make this happen. Lastly, thank you God for keeping us safe and providing us with the willpower to see the journey to its end and finding it in our hearts to always help those who are less fortunate.
"Act in such a way that the actions of your maxims can at the same time be a universal law of nature."-Emmanuel Kant
C2C
June 26, 2007
The Blogmaster has finally received an update from the team!! Here you go...
Well everyone, we are almost there! We are just outside Washington D.C. in the town of Winchester which is about 47 miles just west of the Capitol. Tomorrow, weather permitting, we will enter the Capitol around 11:00 AM. This will bring closure to our trek which began 22 days ago in Oceanside, CA. It will end how it began - dipping our tires in the ocean. We will have made it from one ocean to another.
The road into D.C from West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland has actually been the roughest and most trying due to narrow roads and an unfriendly biking environment. Hopefully, this last 47 miles will go well with all of us making it in one piece. Thanks again to everyone who supported us and making this journey for a cause a reality. We will see you soon. Take care.
I would also like to add that on Saturday, Gary was bitten by something as he was riding along the West Virginia roads. It is common for bugs to hit the riders as they roll along. Usually, this is just a nuisance and not a problem. Gary thought the bug deflected off his sunglasses as usual, but it must have become lodged between the earpiece and his head, stinging him. He has been riding since Saturday with a very swollen left side of his face/head. As of last night it was still very swollen & bothersome - so please say a little prayer for him. Hang in there, Gary! And thanks to Steve & Albert for their fine medical attention.... these guys really do it all - they ride, they drive the RV, they cook, they clean, they do laundry, and they offer medical service.....what a group!
Well everyone, we are almost there! We are just outside Washington D.C. in the town of Winchester which is about 47 miles just west of the Capitol. Tomorrow, weather permitting, we will enter the Capitol around 11:00 AM. This will bring closure to our trek which began 22 days ago in Oceanside, CA. It will end how it began - dipping our tires in the ocean. We will have made it from one ocean to another.
The road into D.C from West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland has actually been the roughest and most trying due to narrow roads and an unfriendly biking environment. Hopefully, this last 47 miles will go well with all of us making it in one piece. Thanks again to everyone who supported us and making this journey for a cause a reality. We will see you soon. Take care.
I would also like to add that on Saturday, Gary was bitten by something as he was riding along the West Virginia roads. It is common for bugs to hit the riders as they roll along. Usually, this is just a nuisance and not a problem. Gary thought the bug deflected off his sunglasses as usual, but it must have become lodged between the earpiece and his head, stinging him. He has been riding since Saturday with a very swollen left side of his face/head. As of last night it was still very swollen & bothersome - so please say a little prayer for him. Hang in there, Gary! And thanks to Steve & Albert for their fine medical attention.... these guys really do it all - they ride, they drive the RV, they cook, they clean, they do laundry, and they offer medical service.....what a group!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
June 23, 2007
Hello everyone from Wheeling, West Virginia. This happens to be a historic town that is very scenic and has a lot of bridges and lakes. It was a very pleasant day for our stretch of coverage through the Appalachian highlands. The roads look like they will be very challenging due to being very narrow with no shoulder for us to ride on. We are getting anxious as we come closer to reaching the nations capitol in just a few days if the terrain and weather remain on our side.
Take care everyone and we will keep you updated.
Take care everyone and we will keep you updated.
Friday, June 22, 2007
June 22, 2007
Today's report from the team via telephone (albeit with a very choppy, weak cell signal) is that they rode a bit first thing in the morning, but thunderstorms and heavy rains forced them to pause for a couple of hours until the storms passed by. This was the first weather-related delay of the journey so far. After the rain passed, the team had a beautiful weather day with sunny skies and cooler temperatures. They made good progress, and stopped for the night only 100 miles or so from the eastern border of Ohio.
Road conditions continue to be hazardous with little or no shoulder. We all appreciate your continued prayers for their safety as they press on toward the finish.
The Blogmaster
Road conditions continue to be hazardous with little or no shoulder. We all appreciate your continued prayers for their safety as they press on toward the finish.
The Blogmaster
June 22, 2007
The blogmaster has been on the road without internet access since Wednesday, but there is much to update you on....so here you go....
1. There was a nice group of UPSers and family to greet the C2C Team as they arrived in Indiana. We all agreed that the riders look OUTSTANDING and praised their continued perseverance and strength.
2. The show of support from UPS is greatly appreciated. We realize that day-to-day operations give UPSers plenty to occupy their time, so taking a day to drive to Frankfort, stand in a hot parking lot to shake hands and say "job well done" shows a tremendous amount of corporate integrity and support. This does not go unnoticed - we are very grateful!
3. The countdown is getting closer & closer. Arrival in Washington, DC is less than 400 miles away!! Way to go C2C (Coast to Coast) riders - we continue to be impressed with your stamina and commitment.
And now.....from the riders:
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 (From the C2C Team) -
Hello Indiana! Today we crossed into Indiana and finished in Frankfort. We are so close to home, but we still have a finish line to cross in our country's great capitol. We were met with a warm UPS reception which included: North Division Manager Mike Kovatch, North Business Managers-Jed Runnells, Teresa Duncan, Jim Boor, Chris Frieden, and Jamie Stapleton. Also present from the District Office were Brenda Baker and Tiffany Lines. Thank you very much, your presence and support are truly appreciated. Families of riders Gary Decker and Steve Hosinski made the journey to visit them (thanks Anita and Tressa) as well. Also - the team wants to send out a big thanks to Dick & Chris Watkins (Gary's cousins from Edwardsburg, MI) for making the trip and for donating a case of Gatorade & a big supply of mixed nuts. WOW! We can't thank you all enough for the support and the morale boost!
The roads have been nice through Hoosierland, but they will be short lived as we plan to cross into Ohio tomorrow. Again, thank you all for your endearing support as we continue our trek to the east coast. You will hear from us soon, take care.
Thursday, June 21, 2007 (From the C2C Team) -
Today we left Indiana as quickly as we entered. Our final stop after a 115 mile excursion was Piqua, Ohio. We rode extra miles today because the latest forecast is calling for thunderstorms tomorrow in the morning. This might actually be our first weather delay if the storm front moves in. We are also planning extra miles for tomorrow because we are feeling very good physically, but more importantly, mentally!
We will continue to keep everyone updated and for those of you who might know someone who has yet to visit our blog please direct them to: coasttocoastcharityrideblogspot.com. Take care everyone.
1. There was a nice group of UPSers and family to greet the C2C Team as they arrived in Indiana. We all agreed that the riders look OUTSTANDING and praised their continued perseverance and strength.
2. The show of support from UPS is greatly appreciated. We realize that day-to-day operations give UPSers plenty to occupy their time, so taking a day to drive to Frankfort, stand in a hot parking lot to shake hands and say "job well done" shows a tremendous amount of corporate integrity and support. This does not go unnoticed - we are very grateful!
3. The countdown is getting closer & closer. Arrival in Washington, DC is less than 400 miles away!! Way to go C2C (Coast to Coast) riders - we continue to be impressed with your stamina and commitment.
And now.....from the riders:
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 (From the C2C Team) -
Hello Indiana! Today we crossed into Indiana and finished in Frankfort. We are so close to home, but we still have a finish line to cross in our country's great capitol. We were met with a warm UPS reception which included: North Division Manager Mike Kovatch, North Business Managers-Jed Runnells, Teresa Duncan, Jim Boor, Chris Frieden, and Jamie Stapleton. Also present from the District Office were Brenda Baker and Tiffany Lines. Thank you very much, your presence and support are truly appreciated. Families of riders Gary Decker and Steve Hosinski made the journey to visit them (thanks Anita and Tressa) as well. Also - the team wants to send out a big thanks to Dick & Chris Watkins (Gary's cousins from Edwardsburg, MI) for making the trip and for donating a case of Gatorade & a big supply of mixed nuts. WOW! We can't thank you all enough for the support and the morale boost!
The roads have been nice through Hoosierland, but they will be short lived as we plan to cross into Ohio tomorrow. Again, thank you all for your endearing support as we continue our trek to the east coast. You will hear from us soon, take care.
Thursday, June 21, 2007 (From the C2C Team) -
Today we left Indiana as quickly as we entered. Our final stop after a 115 mile excursion was Piqua, Ohio. We rode extra miles today because the latest forecast is calling for thunderstorms tomorrow in the morning. This might actually be our first weather delay if the storm front moves in. We are also planning extra miles for tomorrow because we are feeling very good physically, but more importantly, mentally!
We will continue to keep everyone updated and for those of you who might know someone who has yet to visit our blog please direct them to: coasttocoastcharityrideblogspot.com. Take care everyone.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
REMINDER ABOUT CHARITIES
Just a quick reminder for those still considering making a donation to the Coast To Coast Charity Ride...
The 3 charities benefiting from this ride are:
The United Way of Elkhart County (literacy programs)
Hannah's House (a home for pregnant girls that provides education, health care, and counseling)
The Family & Children's Center Campus School (funds will help establish a library for this special campus)
Each of these charities helps children - our future - in a different way. We are honored to support them through this ride. Thank you for the contributions you have already given and any donations you are still considering.
The 3 charities benefiting from this ride are:
The United Way of Elkhart County (literacy programs)
Hannah's House (a home for pregnant girls that provides education, health care, and counseling)
The Family & Children's Center Campus School (funds will help establish a library for this special campus)
Each of these charities helps children - our future - in a different way. We are honored to support them through this ride. Thank you for the contributions you have already given and any donations you are still considering.
June 19, 2007
Today we completed a nice stretch of flat farm land in the heart of Illinois from Macomb to Rantoul. Our next stop will be Frankfort, IN. Today, the weather was very kind with a northwest cool breeze, blue skies, and warm temperatures. We are pedaling away and continue focus in on our goal of reaching the east coast sometime next week. We continue to thank everyone for their support and dedication as well as all those who have commented on the blog, contacted us via e-mail, as well as the cell phone. Take care and we will see you folks who are visiting in Frankfort tomorrow.
The meeting place in Frankfort will be the Super 7 Motel just west of "metro" Frankfort, IN on Hwy. 28. Can't miss it - it's the only hotel. Looking forward to seeing any & all who can make it to support the team! From the blogmaster.
The meeting place in Frankfort will be the Super 7 Motel just west of "metro" Frankfort, IN on Hwy. 28. Can't miss it - it's the only hotel. Looking forward to seeing any & all who can make it to support the team! From the blogmaster.
Monday, June 18, 2007
June 18, 2007
Hello everyone. We just completed a 90 mile leg from Memphis, MO to McComb, IL. We ran into a little rain as we crossed briefly into Keokuk, IA and then crossed the mighty Mississippi into Illinois. The rain was actually refreshing. We plan to ride through Illinois tomorrow and stop in a little town just west of the Indiana state line. If the weather holds up we will end up in Frankfurt by Wednesday around 3:00-3:30 eastern time. Take care (take a look at the dead rattlesnake we came across-yuck!).
Sunday, June 17, 2007
June 17, 2007
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY - Albert, Steve, and Gary!!! We know you are spending Father's Day away from your families, and want you to know that we're all thinking of you today! Your kids are especially proud of you! From the Blogmaster...
NOW THIS FROM THE TEAM...
We concluded today in the big town of Memphis, MO on the hot and humid State Road 136. We actually came across the intersection of "O" and did not know which way to turn (as the pictures illustrate). Tomorrow we will continue our push and with good fortune we will cross into Illinois. Hello midwest and familiar territory. Destination tomorrow will be McComb, IL. Take care everyone and with good weather and no bicycle mechanical malfunctions we will be in Frankfort, IN on Wednesday evening.
P.S. Jim Boor, thanks for the water. We are going through a full case each day.
NOW THIS FROM THE TEAM...
We concluded today in the big town of Memphis, MO on the hot and humid State Road 136. We actually came across the intersection of "O" and did not know which way to turn (as the pictures illustrate). Tomorrow we will continue our push and with good fortune we will cross into Illinois. Hello midwest and familiar territory. Destination tomorrow will be McComb, IL. Take care everyone and with good weather and no bicycle mechanical malfunctions we will be in Frankfort, IN on Wednesday evening.
P.S. Jim Boor, thanks for the water. We are going through a full case each day.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
June 16, 2007
Greeetings from Bethany, Missouri - northeast of Kansas City, MO. Today, we said goodbye to the "Captain," Bob Fox, who went home. We are now down to 3 riders, but going strong. The blogmaster (Tressa) drove 8 hrs. to visit us here in Missouri & brought us some supplies to replenish our stock. Thanks to Jim Boor at the Elkhart UPS Center for 11 cases of bottled water. With temperatures in the high 80's/low 90's, we do need that water! The flatlands of Kansas have given way to a more hilly terrain in Missouri, so we are working for each mile.
Starting tomorrow, we will ride individually in 10-12 mile shifts - 3 shifts per man. We anticipate being able to cover around 100 miles per day for the duration of our trip. For those of you who haven't heard, we have changed our final destination for this ride. After closer analysis of the roads, we determined that there was a clearer path to ride into Washington, DC rather than NYC. So, we plan to finish in our nation's capital. The riders are pleased with this decision & the chance to see America's landmarks first-hand.
Starting tomorrow, we will ride individually in 10-12 mile shifts - 3 shifts per man. We anticipate being able to cover around 100 miles per day for the duration of our trip. For those of you who haven't heard, we have changed our final destination for this ride. After closer analysis of the roads, we determined that there was a clearer path to ride into Washington, DC rather than NYC. So, we plan to finish in our nation's capital. The riders are pleased with this decision & the chance to see America's landmarks first-hand.
Friday, June 15, 2007
June 15, 2007
Day 15: The Team concluded today in a little town just south of Marysville, Kansas after a very humid excursion. We are beginning to feel what the Midwest is going through as the heat index topples over 100 degrees. Our next stretch of road will hopefully take us east of Stanbury, MO to a little town called Bethany. Can you say goodbye to Kansas and hello to Missouri? Take care and we will keep pedaling. Hopefully, the weather will cool down.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
June 14, 2007
It is almost 11:00pm EST and I just talked to the guys. They are in Lyons, KS watching sports on TV relaxing. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the great expanse of Kansas, Lyons is just east of Great Bend, KS and about 50 miles northwest of Wichita. I'm sure you can pinpoint that location in your mind, right? They report having gone around 140 miles today, again enjoying a tailwind to help push them along the FLAT stretch of land. They all seemed to appreciate the FLATNESS of today's ride after all the hills they conquered in Arizona and Colorado.
Last night, it stormed/rained all night long. This morning, when they were ready to ride, the rain had stopped and there were just some puddles to deal with. Looks like they avoided another weather situation....our prayers must be working!
This just in from Albert (11:56pm)
Day 14: Finally done for the day and the team is exhausted. Our latest jaunt concluded in Lyons, KA. So far we are all still in good health and motivated to keep pushing on. The terrain and weather have been very kind with flat prairie lands, smooth roads, and a kind southwestern wind to push up to a 21 mph average. We actually feel for you folks in the Midwest enduring the current heatwave. The temperatures here are in the mid 80's and the thunderstorms at night have made for some cool, but humid rides.
Once again we would like to thank Monaco Coach for loaning us the Marquis Beaver. Without this castle on wheels this trip would not have been possible. Again, thank you Monaco for trusting us with one of your spacious coaches. Take care everyone and keep the faith. We are!
Last night, it stormed/rained all night long. This morning, when they were ready to ride, the rain had stopped and there were just some puddles to deal with. Looks like they avoided another weather situation....our prayers must be working!
This just in from Albert (11:56pm)
Day 14: Finally done for the day and the team is exhausted. Our latest jaunt concluded in Lyons, KA. So far we are all still in good health and motivated to keep pushing on. The terrain and weather have been very kind with flat prairie lands, smooth roads, and a kind southwestern wind to push up to a 21 mph average. We actually feel for you folks in the Midwest enduring the current heatwave. The temperatures here are in the mid 80's and the thunderstorms at night have made for some cool, but humid rides.
Once again we would like to thank Monaco Coach for loaning us the Marquis Beaver. Without this castle on wheels this trip would not have been possible. Again, thank you Monaco for trusting us with one of your spacious coaches. Take care everyone and keep the faith. We are!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
June 13, 2007
Day 13: We finally made it to Kansas earlier today and are pedaling at a consistent pace. Soreness is really starting to set in on all of us (nothing a little Advil and Ben Gay can't take of)! The land is very flat and the weather has been cooperating fairly well. A real cool incident happened today as we ran into another group of cyclists heading from Austin, TX to Anchorage, AK! They call it the Texas 4000 for cancer research. The 4000 is for the number of miles they are travelling! Talk about having legs of steel-their excursion is mostly through the Rockies (ouch). Many of their riders are UT students and alumni but there were some that hailed as far as New York. It is good to see that other people are willing to sacrifice time away from home and families to reach a goal that benefits from their labors. My hat goes off to them because they only have a couple of support vehicles to follow them as well as no place t o sleep. I spoke with one of the members and they stated they have to visit local churches to see if they will put them up for the night. Pretty much where they lay their heads is where they will sleep. Good Luck to the Texas 4000 and we know you will make it to Alaska.
We are stopping after another 100 + mile excursion in Scott City, KA for the evening and will once again continue on in the morning. Take care and we will talk to you folks tomorrow.
We are stopping after another 100 + mile excursion in Scott City, KA for the evening and will once again continue on in the morning. Take care and we will talk to you folks tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
June 12, 2007
Last night, the guys stayed in Monte Vista, Colorado. They haven't encountered any rain, but if you have been watching the Weather Channel, you see that they are moving into a "stormy" region for the next day or so. Hopefully the "scattered thunderstorms" will hold off until later in the day after they are done riding. They have enjoyed the overcast skies and cooler temperatures after "baking" in the California/Arizona sun for the past week. We will continue to pray for safety and good riding weather.
Road conditions seem to be deteriorating the further east they go. Out West, there were nice shoulders on the roads, but as they move east, the shoulders are either very narrow or non-existent. This poses new challenges with slow-downs due to wind (when a semi drives by) as well as safety. The team has been brainstorming and discussing possible solutions to these concerns.
Physically, the team is feeling strong - a bit homesick, but feeling strong. Today, the goal is to reach LaJunta, Colorado. Please feel free to click on COMMENTS to leave the guys a word of encouragement. It really makes a difference!
THIS JUST IN FROM ALBERT: (11:35PM)
Day 10: We concluded our latest excursion today in LaJunta, Colorado. The road has started to flatten out as we enter the prairie lands of America. This is a far cry from the 13,000 to 15,000 feet of the famous Colorado Rockies which took its toll on all of us physically. Tomorrow we should cross the Kansas state line early and Colorado will be in the books. Take care everybody and you will hear from us soon as we move closer to our goal.
Road conditions seem to be deteriorating the further east they go. Out West, there were nice shoulders on the roads, but as they move east, the shoulders are either very narrow or non-existent. This poses new challenges with slow-downs due to wind (when a semi drives by) as well as safety. The team has been brainstorming and discussing possible solutions to these concerns.
Physically, the team is feeling strong - a bit homesick, but feeling strong. Today, the goal is to reach LaJunta, Colorado. Please feel free to click on COMMENTS to leave the guys a word of encouragement. It really makes a difference!
THIS JUST IN FROM ALBERT: (11:35PM)
Day 10: We concluded our latest excursion today in LaJunta, Colorado. The road has started to flatten out as we enter the prairie lands of America. This is a far cry from the 13,000 to 15,000 feet of the famous Colorado Rockies which took its toll on all of us physically. Tomorrow we should cross the Kansas state line early and Colorado will be in the books. Take care everybody and you will hear from us soon as we move closer to our goal.
June 11, 2007
Today, the guys logged about 130 miles as they trekked into southern Colorado. Although "hilly" at times, they still had a bit of a tailwind, so that helped. The monotony of ride-eat-sleep-ride-eat-sleep has settled in, and it is fair to say that the "honeymoon" is over. Now it is time for the riders to bite the bullet, press on, and really see what it means to persevere, self-motivate, and push oneself towards a goal. There are many, many people who are praying for you guys - and standing behind you 100%. Ride strong!
Happy 19th Anniversary, Gary! It's our first one to spend apart - but I'm so proud of you for taking on this challenge. You're amazing! From, your wife, the Blogmaster.
Happy 19th Anniversary, Gary! It's our first one to spend apart - but I'm so proud of you for taking on this challenge. You're amazing! From, your wife, the Blogmaster.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
June 10, 2007
Although they haven't had good cell phone signals out in the middle of nowhere, the Coast to Coast riders have logged about 240 miles this weekend. Gary reports that on Saturday, June 9th they rode just past Mexican Waters, AZ (approx. 115-120 miles for the day). Today, they expect to make it to Durango, Colorado (another 115-120 miles). They stopped at 4-Corners and took some pictures, which will be shared on the blog as soon as they send them. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, they are making outstanding progress! Way to go, team! We continue to keep you in our prayers and have confidence that you will reach New York City "on time" (just like UPS would want it) and in great form. God speed!
This just in from Albert....(10:00pm EST)....
Days 7 & 8: Here are some pictures from Saturday and Sunday's ride which covered nearly 240 miles. We started in Tuba City, AZ and rode through the Four Corners monument, and then concluded in scenic Durango, CO. Everyone is still in good health and pedaling at a steady pace. The sun continues to cook us even with sunscreen. Some of you are probably wondering that there is no communication between towns. There are no cell phone towers and wireless internet is extremely weak. Hopefully you all will get this and a second e-mail with more pictures. Take care and you will here from us soon.
This just in from Albert....(10:00pm EST)....
Days 7 & 8: Here are some pictures from Saturday and Sunday's ride which covered nearly 240 miles. We started in Tuba City, AZ and rode through the Four Corners monument, and then concluded in scenic Durango, CO. Everyone is still in good health and pedaling at a steady pace. The sun continues to cook us even with sunscreen. Some of you are probably wondering that there is no communication between towns. There are no cell phone towers and wireless internet is extremely weak. Hopefully you all will get this and a second e-mail with more pictures. Take care and you will here from us soon.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
June 9, 2007
The guys are in a remote area and have no cell service at this time. We should be able to reconnect with them on Sunday.
Friday, June 8, 2007
June 8, 2007
The team rode all the way to Cow Springs, Arizona today - about 110 miles - almost to the 4 Corners. They had to backtrack to Tuba City, AZ which is the closest "big town" that has a hotel. They are traveling through a Navajo Reservation, and report that there is really not too much to see - no Navajos on horseback with feathers or bows & arrows. The blogmaster thinks it is safe to say that they are "out there in the middle of nowhere." Temperatures are more comfortable (85-90 degrees) but the tailwind is gone.
The Strep Throat patients are continuing to ride, confident that the antibiotics are kicking in and doing their job. Please keep them in your prayers for a quick and total recovery - and that the other guys don't catch the bug.
The home office also want to express our appreciation to Chef Bob (Bob Fox) who has been doing an outstanding job cooking for the team each day of their trip. For those of you who know Bob, you know they are eating well. From what I hear, they have been enjoying several nights of pasta, along with one night of steaks on the grill and salad. Smart thinking to pack a grill, guys. And Bob, thanks for your willingness to man the grill - even after a long day of riding. You're terrific!
We all miss you & continue to be impressed with the progress you are making. Keep up the fantastic job....and may the wind be at your back. Safe travels!
The Strep Throat patients are continuing to ride, confident that the antibiotics are kicking in and doing their job. Please keep them in your prayers for a quick and total recovery - and that the other guys don't catch the bug.
The home office also want to express our appreciation to Chef Bob (Bob Fox) who has been doing an outstanding job cooking for the team each day of their trip. For those of you who know Bob, you know they are eating well. From what I hear, they have been enjoying several nights of pasta, along with one night of steaks on the grill and salad. Smart thinking to pack a grill, guys. And Bob, thanks for your willingness to man the grill - even after a long day of riding. You're terrific!
We all miss you & continue to be impressed with the progress you are making. Keep up the fantastic job....and may the wind be at your back. Safe travels!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
June 7, 2007
The team rode around 90 miles today and made it to Flagstaff, Arizona. Today's main event was a trip to a "MedPoint" facility somewhere in Arizona. Gary hasn't felt well since last week (he left home with a sore throat) and finally decided it was time to check it out. Good thing he did - it's STREP THROAT. Yuck. Since Albert has been his roommate, and his throat was starting to hurt, the doctor gave him antibiotics, too.
Back at the home office, we are amazed that the guys could ride 390 miles in the past 3 days with Strep Throat - what studs! Perhaps they will top 200 miles a day when they are in good health? (haha) At any rate, the team is resting in Flagstaff, AZ tonight and will head northeast towards Tuba City, AZ tomorrow. We wish them safety, smooth roads, and good health! Until tomorrow - God speed.
Back at the home office, we are amazed that the guys could ride 390 miles in the past 3 days with Strep Throat - what studs! Perhaps they will top 200 miles a day when they are in good health? (haha) At any rate, the team is resting in Flagstaff, AZ tonight and will head northeast towards Tuba City, AZ tomorrow. We wish them safety, smooth roads, and good health! Until tomorrow - God speed.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
June 6, 2007
Today's post was submitted mostly by the guys themselves (Blogmaster gets a break)...
(June 6, 2007) Today we concluded a very long ride from Blythe, CA to Peach Springs, AZ (approximately 150 miles) We conquered the mountainous dry state of California and have crossed into Arizona. We plan to ride from Peach Springs to Flagstaff on Thursday, which will put us almost halfway through Arizona. Albert, once again had mechanical problems and had to use a replacement bike which was generously donated by The House of Bicycles in Osceola (thank you tremendously!). We rode some peaks and valleys leaving California averaging at times 27.5 mph. Spirits and confidence still remain high to reach our final destination.
After reading the comment posted by "Elkhart UPS Driver" tonight - I just wanted to add how very proud the families of the riders are. People are asking us all the time how things are going on the ride - and we are extremely proud to say that the team is being VERY successful - even ahead of schedule at this point. So riders, your employers and coworkers are behind you. Your families are behind you. And obviously, God is behind you (with a tailwind).... Ride safely!
(June 6, 2007) Today we concluded a very long ride from Blythe, CA to Peach Springs, AZ (approximately 150 miles) We conquered the mountainous dry state of California and have crossed into Arizona. We plan to ride from Peach Springs to Flagstaff on Thursday, which will put us almost halfway through Arizona. Albert, once again had mechanical problems and had to use a replacement bike which was generously donated by The House of Bicycles in Osceola (thank you tremendously!). We rode some peaks and valleys leaving California averaging at times 27.5 mph. Spirits and confidence still remain high to reach our final destination.
After reading the comment posted by "Elkhart UPS Driver" tonight - I just wanted to add how very proud the families of the riders are. People are asking us all the time how things are going on the ride - and we are extremely proud to say that the team is being VERY successful - even ahead of schedule at this point. So riders, your employers and coworkers are behind you. Your families are behind you. And obviously, God is behind you (with a tailwind).... Ride safely!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
June 5, 2007
Today is day 3 of the ride and the weather is very hot, not at all humid. We will log approximately 120 miles and end up in a small town named Vidal. Nothing but sand, tumbleweeds, and more sand. We had our first mechanical breakdowns on one of the bikes-a blown rear tire. Bob Fox was on it quick and got me running again. We are averaging over 22 mph whch is awesome. (This post was from Albert - thanks a lot for writing, Albert!)
Well, at the end of the day (Tuesday) the guys report that they have gone 150 miles due to a supportive tail wind. They felt good, so they just kept going and going! They rode past Blythe, CA, but ended up driving back to Blythe because it was the closest town with a hotel. So, they are resting & will wake up early to beat the heat and be on the road at 5am.
I must tell you, this blogmaster is one proud wife! I think the guys are doing remarkably well on this "ride of a lifetime." Keep up the great performance - we are ALL proud of you!
Well, at the end of the day (Tuesday) the guys report that they have gone 150 miles due to a supportive tail wind. They felt good, so they just kept going and going! They rode past Blythe, CA, but ended up driving back to Blythe because it was the closest town with a hotel. So, they are resting & will wake up early to beat the heat and be on the road at 5am.
I must tell you, this blogmaster is one proud wife! I think the guys are doing remarkably well on this "ride of a lifetime." Keep up the great performance - we are ALL proud of you!
Monday, June 4, 2007
June 4, 2007
The team is on their way! Today they are heading east from Ramona, California. For those of you interested in leaving comments for the riders - please click on "comments" - you can send anonymously or set up a free google account by simply giving a name & password. Any comments you post will go to the blogmaster for approval before appearing on the blog itself - so if you don't see your comments appear right away, don't worry. The blogmaster is trying to update all postings and comments daily. I'm sure the guys would appreciate hearing from friends & family - so put those comments up! Thanks!
Monday, June 4th, the guys have gone just over 100 miles today - a lot of uphill miles in the 110 degree heat. At any rate, they are spending the night in Brawley, California and will venture out into the hot desert again tomorrow. Thanks for tuning in!
Monday, June 4th, the guys have gone just over 100 miles today - a lot of uphill miles in the 110 degree heat. At any rate, they are spending the night in Brawley, California and will venture out into the hot desert again tomorrow. Thanks for tuning in!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
June 3, 2007
The team met last night in Oceanside, California. After a good night's sleep, they returned the cargo van & are ready to begin the ride. Gary reports that it is overcast, but the weather will cooperate as they begin. For those of you in Elkhart, Indiana - please look at the Saturday Elkhart Truth newspaper. There is a nice article and color picture of the Coast To Coast team. Any extra copies would be appreciated for our archives. You can send to Tressa - thanks!
Friday, June 1, 2007
June 1st - Update
Today begins the journey of a lifetime for our team of riders. Friday, June 1st was primarily a travel day. Gary & Bob arrived safely in Oregon and picked up the chase vehicle. There were no glitches or lost luggage. Way to go, United Airlines! They are currently heading down Interstate 5 towards San Diego. The others left this morning with the big van full of bikes & equipment. I haven't heard from them, but hopefully they are making good time as they head west. Gary says that the motor home is deluxe! It is a 40-foot Monaco - has a washer/dryer, stocked refrigerator (thanks Monaco!) and will be a very comfortable haven for them over the next month. We are very grateful that they will have nice accomodations along the route. Please check the blog for daily updates - and thanks for your good wishes, words of support, and your prayers for the safety & success of the riders.
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