Day 48 was to South Bend in MI. Another day, another state which are dropping like flies. We had to wake up at 5:15 to get ready and my day didn't start out the greatest. My jersey didn't dry and was wet and my stomach was in knots. We had breakfast served by Mr and Mrs. Butterbaugh and they served us some amazing egg omlette with sausage.
I rode with Chris today on our 67 mile ride. At the start my knee was clicking and was hurting as well but it subsided in a while. We rode at a good pace until 5 miles from our sponsored lunch when it started to rain. Bad luck I guess to start with a wet jersey and end with one too.
Lunch was sponsored by friends of Spencer and they had some amazing food for us to eat. I also took the time to teach Dan how to ride my bike as he wanted to tomorrow. He was an absolute natural at it. I was jealous at how good he was actually because he might be better than I am.
After lunch we cycled to Western Michigan State where we had our lodging in the dorms. After showering and having some free time I worked on my bike to clean it and adjust it for Dan to make sure everything would run smoothly for him. At around 5ish we headed downstairs to enjoy a dinner from the family of a rider in 2006. We enjoyed mac and cheese with cheesy potatoes and so much great food. It really brought all our spirits up high from being sick and tired.
Many of the guys went out to see a movie afterwards but I was just going to finish preparing for tomorrow as crew and being ready to get out of the dorm rooms quickly. I also spent some time cleaning up room on my phone as I've taken too many photos and was running out of space.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Day 47
Day 47 was to South Bends Indiana. We had to wake up at 4:30 as riding in the city would be near impossible so we needed to rack ourselves out to an easier area to ride. We enjoyed our breakfast a little bit outside of the Buckingham Fountain where we took our team photo and started off from. I road with Collin and Alex today.
Today was about 90 miles with a friendship visit in between. I have never been first before and today was the day. I really sprinted and worked hard to push myself way beyond my limits. We got to lunch first at 45 miles first but we had to stop 3 miles before it because the vans were held up by a broken train! We were able to pass all the semis trying to turn into the mess so we had to wait for the vans to get free and pass us to mark the next few turns.
Lunch was at Michigan lake and we enjoyed a lunch sponsored to us by a PM from 1992. I didn't jump in the lake but many others did, I was just anxious to get on the bike and get back to riding to make first.
After we enjoyed our relaxing rest we heading back out where I was aching but I would not be stopped. I made it to lodging first with 10 minutes to spare before the next paceline rolled in. We were staying at St Joseph School and it was very, intense in how beautiful and new it was. I was excited and took a victory shower before we headed to our dinner with the Knights of Columbus. They served us spaghetti and afterwards Collins mother sponsored ice cream for everyone.
After ice cream I headed back to lodging where I went to sleep as many of the team did because we were all pretty shot.
Today was about 90 miles with a friendship visit in between. I have never been first before and today was the day. I really sprinted and worked hard to push myself way beyond my limits. We got to lunch first at 45 miles first but we had to stop 3 miles before it because the vans were held up by a broken train! We were able to pass all the semis trying to turn into the mess so we had to wait for the vans to get free and pass us to mark the next few turns.
Lunch was at Michigan lake and we enjoyed a lunch sponsored to us by a PM from 1992. I didn't jump in the lake but many others did, I was just anxious to get on the bike and get back to riding to make first.
After we enjoyed our relaxing rest we heading back out where I was aching but I would not be stopped. I made it to lodging first with 10 minutes to spare before the next paceline rolled in. We were staying at St Joseph School and it was very, intense in how beautiful and new it was. I was excited and took a victory shower before we headed to our dinner with the Knights of Columbus. They served us spaghetti and afterwards Collins mother sponsored ice cream for everyone.
After ice cream I headed back to lodging where I went to sleep as many of the team did because we were all pretty shot.
Day 46
Day 46 was also in Chicago! We woke up at 7 am for our friendship visit at The Envisions of Chicago. We spent some time with clients with a range of mental disabilities and I also helped clean out a grill. Something I thought I wouldn't do for a long time. We also grilled for them which was pretty awesome. Some of the guys got to help set up and help clients through a bicycle course. They got so excited after they completed it. We also spent time rocketing an aerobics ball into the sky with a parachute thingy.
We then headed back into the city where we had more time. I took a cab to the hotel my sister was staying at and my brother had gotten me a Chicago Style hotdog which was delicious. We then headed to an architectural tour of the city by boat on the Chicago river which was interesting and allowed me to see a lot of the city in a quick manner. Afterwards we walked around until they stopped at a place to get dinner and I waited until I had to go head back to go to our sponsored dinner. I said my goodbyes and I really didn't want to leave my family but I had to. I really want to go back and spend more time with both of them when I am able to. Not to mention Paula and Katie, they are my family as well.
We walked over to Genos East for pizza and the place was really cool. The whole restaurant walls were covered with peoples names and writing! We hung out with Eric who had done the first JoH ride back in 1988, the first official one that is. He had some great stories and also I learned the company he works for owns my cites' mall! The world really is small. We headed back to lodging and learned of a super early wakeup so I prepared for the following day and quickly went to sleep.
We then headed back into the city where we had more time. I took a cab to the hotel my sister was staying at and my brother had gotten me a Chicago Style hotdog which was delicious. We then headed to an architectural tour of the city by boat on the Chicago river which was interesting and allowed me to see a lot of the city in a quick manner. Afterwards we walked around until they stopped at a place to get dinner and I waited until I had to go head back to go to our sponsored dinner. I said my goodbyes and I really didn't want to leave my family but I had to. I really want to go back and spend more time with both of them when I am able to. Not to mention Paula and Katie, they are my family as well.
We walked over to Genos East for pizza and the place was really cool. The whole restaurant walls were covered with peoples names and writing! We hung out with Eric who had done the first JoH ride back in 1988, the first official one that is. He had some great stories and also I learned the company he works for owns my cites' mall! The world really is small. We headed back to lodging and learned of a super early wakeup so I prepared for the following day and quickly went to sleep.
Day 45
Day 45 was to Chicago! We got ready in the morning around 7 am for our breakfast to which we had yoga afterwards. This was funny as 35 guys tried to balance in ways we couldn't and you could hear grunts and sighs of relief as we stretched. Afterwards we quickly got into our jerseys and had a Kids on the Block for the children visiting the YMCA for summer camp.
We racked up and headed to our stage up at target. We waited around a bit and I was anxious to arrive and see my family. So after heading out we got in double paceline formation and arrived at the Victor C. Newmann center where we had lunch and hung out with some clients. I saw my family and they were so happy to see me and I couldn't stop smiling. I was made fun of for my tan lines but I was glad to see them. They had to leave to bring my sister-in-law Katie to work but I would see them in the city a few hours later. After our visit we headed into the city where we were dropped off at Millennium Park for a couple of hours. I met up with my family and we walked around and talked before I headed over to our sponsored dinner at Club Lago.
Our sponsor basically picked the most amazing Italian restaurant to eat pasta and soup. It was really good and afterwards we headed to lodging which was this amazing golf resort called the Eaglewood Resort and Spa and it was in Itasca. I decided to go to Dave and Busters and Reggie joined me to which we met Kyle, Jason, and Baeu there. We bought 10 dollar cards which gave us 180 minutes of free play! We played until closing and then I passed out as tomorrow was an early wakeup for an action packed day!
We racked up and headed to our stage up at target. We waited around a bit and I was anxious to arrive and see my family. So after heading out we got in double paceline formation and arrived at the Victor C. Newmann center where we had lunch and hung out with some clients. I saw my family and they were so happy to see me and I couldn't stop smiling. I was made fun of for my tan lines but I was glad to see them. They had to leave to bring my sister-in-law Katie to work but I would see them in the city a few hours later. After our visit we headed into the city where we were dropped off at Millennium Park for a couple of hours. I met up with my family and we walked around and talked before I headed over to our sponsored dinner at Club Lago.
Our sponsor basically picked the most amazing Italian restaurant to eat pasta and soup. It was really good and afterwards we headed to lodging which was this amazing golf resort called the Eaglewood Resort and Spa and it was in Itasca. I decided to go to Dave and Busters and Reggie joined me to which we met Kyle, Jason, and Baeu there. We bought 10 dollar cards which gave us 180 minutes of free play! We played until closing and then I passed out as tomorrow was an early wakeup for an action packed day!
Day 44
Day 49 was to Glenview IL, which meant we worked out way back to Illinois. We woke up at 5:30 and prepared to be racked out of the city as there were too many turns to mark.
The ride today was a quick 70 miles and was really enjoyable. The ride was quick as out legs were nice and fresh so mostly everyone averaged above 18.5 MPH and spent very little time at crew stops.
We arrived to lodging at the local YMCA which was absolutely amazing and beautiful. We set up downstairs for our lodging and showered up to which many of the guys took naps but I took time to talk to my parents, girlfriend, and my brother who I was going to be able to see tomorrow along with my sister! I was super excited to get to see them in Chicago.
After our naps we had a BBQ outside the YMCA in which we ate some delicious food and danced the night away, well except for me. There was a cool jungle gym and I was looking after a parents child Christian. We was such a sweetheart and I loved spending time watching over him!
After helping the sponsors clean up some of us went to a sponsors house where we had s'mores over a bonfire. Afterwards we went to bed and were excited for what tomorrow was going to bring to us. Obviously I was excited to see my brother and sister.
The ride today was a quick 70 miles and was really enjoyable. The ride was quick as out legs were nice and fresh so mostly everyone averaged above 18.5 MPH and spent very little time at crew stops.
We arrived to lodging at the local YMCA which was absolutely amazing and beautiful. We set up downstairs for our lodging and showered up to which many of the guys took naps but I took time to talk to my parents, girlfriend, and my brother who I was going to be able to see tomorrow along with my sister! I was super excited to get to see them in Chicago.
After our naps we had a BBQ outside the YMCA in which we ate some delicious food and danced the night away, well except for me. There was a cool jungle gym and I was looking after a parents child Christian. We was such a sweetheart and I loved spending time watching over him!
After helping the sponsors clean up some of us went to a sponsors house where we had s'mores over a bonfire. Afterwards we went to bed and were excited for what tomorrow was going to bring to us. Obviously I was excited to see my brother and sister.
Day 43
Day 43 was our eight day off and we woke up around 7ish to get ready an action packed day. We had 4 visits but first we went to the Independence First office in which Kathy works and got to use more adaptive tools. After that we headed to Gaenslen elementary school where we spent some time with children and had a Kids on the Block puppet show.
After that we went to the Holy Trinity Church where we hung out with some of the clients and played kick ball, and raced solving puzzles. It was a really good time and some of the clients were really killer in their attitude and how enthusiastic they were.
After this visit we had a small amount of time until the next one so as a van (more so truck) we headed to CVS for some caffeine. After that we headed to an Olympic Training Facility where we played.... Wait for it! Wheelchair Hockey! There weren't enough chairs so I had to wait to play but when I did it was really fun and the few clients who came to play with us really enjoyed playing with us even though we were so bad. Matt and Jeremy kept checking me and knocking my stick out but every single time I couldn't help but to laugh.
After loading up the wheelchairs in some trailers we headed to Nicolet High School where we got to play wheelchair basketball after setting up and eating dinner. I played a couple of games but I ended up rolling around the school chasing Abigail and Kate, two twins we met who are un-diagnosed, around as they were on special bikes with Steven and Luke. It was really tough rolling around in the wheelchair and my arms were killing me.
We helped clean up and headed to lodging where I showered really quickly and prepared for our ride tomorrow which was to be around 70 miles but we felt like we've been off the bike for a year when it was only 2 days.
After that we went to the Holy Trinity Church where we hung out with some of the clients and played kick ball, and raced solving puzzles. It was a really good time and some of the clients were really killer in their attitude and how enthusiastic they were.
After this visit we had a small amount of time until the next one so as a van (more so truck) we headed to CVS for some caffeine. After that we headed to an Olympic Training Facility where we played.... Wait for it! Wheelchair Hockey! There weren't enough chairs so I had to wait to play but when I did it was really fun and the few clients who came to play with us really enjoyed playing with us even though we were so bad. Matt and Jeremy kept checking me and knocking my stick out but every single time I couldn't help but to laugh.
After loading up the wheelchairs in some trailers we headed to Nicolet High School where we got to play wheelchair basketball after setting up and eating dinner. I played a couple of games but I ended up rolling around the school chasing Abigail and Kate, two twins we met who are un-diagnosed, around as they were on special bikes with Steven and Luke. It was really tough rolling around in the wheelchair and my arms were killing me.
We helped clean up and headed to lodging where I showered really quickly and prepared for our ride tomorrow which was to be around 70 miles but we felt like we've been off the bike for a year when it was only 2 days.
Day 42
Day 42 was our sixth of seventh day off. Our wakeup was at 11. Most of the guys who didn't go out woke up at 8 or so. I called a couple of people and worked some things out and enjoyed relaxing before enjoyed lunch with the Moms of America (And Dad) which served us pulled pork sandwiches and also had adaptive eating utensils for us to use.
Afterwards we headed to a bowling ally where we played games with clients from the Spina Bifida Association. There weren't many clients so I played with Matt, Sam, Michael, and Josh in which we were always doing strikes in a row and having a great time.
After that we headed to a Yacht Club to hang out with the Harley Davidsons family. I sat with two friends who were breaking out the jokes and we had a great time. Sadly it was raining so they couldn't take us out on the boats they had planned to do but we still had fun. After dinner we headed back to lodging all giddy for tomorrow and what we were going to get to do.
Afterwards we headed to a bowling ally where we played games with clients from the Spina Bifida Association. There weren't many clients so I played with Matt, Sam, Michael, and Josh in which we were always doing strikes in a row and having a great time.
After that we headed to a Yacht Club to hang out with the Harley Davidsons family. I sat with two friends who were breaking out the jokes and we had a great time. Sadly it was raining so they couldn't take us out on the boats they had planned to do but we still had fun. After dinner we headed back to lodging all giddy for tomorrow and what we were going to get to do.
Day 41
Day 41 was into Milwaukee WI, and was also our last day of cycling for the next 2 days. This made us all really want to push ourselves and finish out strong. We woke up at 5:30 and enjoyed breakfast sponsored by Doug's mother. He really wanted steak and eggs so we had egg sandwiches. We set off with Doug, Kyle, and myself.
We went at a decent pace for a while until 10 miles before lodging where we were told we had to be there by 2 PM. It was already 1:53 so I sprinted like a mad man trying to get there in a good amount of time. We arrived at like 2:20 with many stop lights so I think we did a great sprint. So well that we actually passed lodging because we were so focused on going fast.
After a quick shower we met our main sponsor and the one who set up our schedule for the next two days, Kathy. She had chocolate milk for us and food so we relaxed until we headed to the mall. At the mall we spent the day as groups of 5 with a client who was a female. Our client was amazing and she wasn't a girly girl so we went into some fun stores including Yankee candle and when we hit Forever 21 the laugher ensued. One of our guys put on there short jean shorts and a kitty tank on and walked around the store. Mind you he has the worst farmers tan ever and is a male. After spending dinner with our lovely new friend we got her an Iron man tank top and said goodbyes hoping to see her within the next few days.
Back at lodging we all hung out and relaxed after some hard days. First I ran to Walmart to get a new air mattress as mine was completely broken. I don't know how I did it but I managed to put a couple of holes in it which were the size of a pin needle. Afterwards I opened up a care package from my girlfriend and it honestly made me laugh and I loved it so much. I couldn't ask for anything more than her support because it's amazing.
We went at a decent pace for a while until 10 miles before lodging where we were told we had to be there by 2 PM. It was already 1:53 so I sprinted like a mad man trying to get there in a good amount of time. We arrived at like 2:20 with many stop lights so I think we did a great sprint. So well that we actually passed lodging because we were so focused on going fast.
After a quick shower we met our main sponsor and the one who set up our schedule for the next two days, Kathy. She had chocolate milk for us and food so we relaxed until we headed to the mall. At the mall we spent the day as groups of 5 with a client who was a female. Our client was amazing and she wasn't a girly girl so we went into some fun stores including Yankee candle and when we hit Forever 21 the laugher ensued. One of our guys put on there short jean shorts and a kitty tank on and walked around the store. Mind you he has the worst farmers tan ever and is a male. After spending dinner with our lovely new friend we got her an Iron man tank top and said goodbyes hoping to see her within the next few days.
Back at lodging we all hung out and relaxed after some hard days. First I ran to Walmart to get a new air mattress as mine was completely broken. I don't know how I did it but I managed to put a couple of holes in it which were the size of a pin needle. Afterwards I opened up a care package from my girlfriend and it honestly made me laugh and I loved it so much. I couldn't ask for anything more than her support because it's amazing.
Day 40
Day 40 was to Rockford, Illinois which happens to be the home of our very own Doug. We woke up at 5:30 and were greeted with eggs and ham which was sponsored by the camp we stayed at. We got ready and headed off for a 110 mile ride where I road with Brookes and Steven as sweeps.
We had to really push the pace to make rack points today but it was hilly and very difficult to do so. By the time we got to lunch with traffic and hills it was unsafe and impossible to make it to lodging so we had to get racked. I road 7 more miles before getting racked with Doug and we talked about his home town and his trip so far. He had a positive spirit even though he was going to get racked.
We headed to an Indoor Sports Center for our friendship visit in which we hung out with some campers. They turned me and a couple of the guys into mummies and we played UNO with some. One of the campers knew everyone's college or universities mascot. It was crazy that he even knew that Iona was the Gaels. After enjoying our visit we showered there and got ready to head to lodging and dinner.
Our lodging was at the Union hall which we had a vote prior to the day on what we wanted to eat. Chinese was the winner and we were granted with Chinese. It was amazing and I spent time talking to Doug's parents who were interesting. His father was really into physics and his mother is a Physician.
After dinner we had a projector and speakers so we watched Borat as a team and enjoyed laughing our butts off before we went to sleep.
We had to really push the pace to make rack points today but it was hilly and very difficult to do so. By the time we got to lunch with traffic and hills it was unsafe and impossible to make it to lodging so we had to get racked. I road 7 more miles before getting racked with Doug and we talked about his home town and his trip so far. He had a positive spirit even though he was going to get racked.
We headed to an Indoor Sports Center for our friendship visit in which we hung out with some campers. They turned me and a couple of the guys into mummies and we played UNO with some. One of the campers knew everyone's college or universities mascot. It was crazy that he even knew that Iona was the Gaels. After enjoying our visit we showered there and got ready to head to lodging and dinner.
Our lodging was at the Union hall which we had a vote prior to the day on what we wanted to eat. Chinese was the winner and we were granted with Chinese. It was amazing and I spent time talking to Doug's parents who were interesting. His father was really into physics and his mother is a Physician.
After dinner we had a projector and speakers so we watched Borat as a team and enjoyed laughing our butts off before we went to sleep.
Day 39
Day 39 was to Dubuque Iowa. Today we woken up around 5:45 to get ready but it was confusing as things had changed while I was asleep and I didn't have our messaging program on to get team alerts and it was being used for chit chat.
Today was supposed 85 miles and sadly it wasn't by any means. There were complications among the route and the re-route added 25 more miles. It was also 100 degrees outside was 100% humidity. I road with Baeu again and he really helped me the last 10 miles as the heat really hit me and we were slammed with some killer hills. I lost my composure on the bike for a little and I felt bad when it happened. We all were on edge from the heat and the fact we did not mentally prepare for over 100 miles.
We arrived to Albeit Acres which was a summer camp for those with disabilities. We enjoyed our quick showers before heading out to the Field of Dreams movie site. I didn't care for it much but I had a blast with jokes from my team. We headed back to the camp for a lovely dinner hosted by them and it really fueled us for a sweet dance. We learned a few dances as well as had fun with the clients.
Afterwards many of the camp counselors invited us out and many went except for me and a few other who wished to write our blogs and hydrate for the next day,
Day 38
Day 38 was to Davenport Iowa and our wakeup was at 5:45. We had to quickly clear our of the rec center as it was opening soon and people wanted to use the gym. Our breakfast was crew chief and we had some entertainment as a couple of our cyclists chugged syrup this morning. The boredom is clearly starting to set in during the mornings.
We headed off for our 57 mile ride into Davenport. It was flat today so me Baeu, and Jason really pushed the pace. we went so fast we finished before 12 at lodging which was a hotel. Luckily we only had two to a room this time and I was rooming with Kevin. I had gotten my message from one of the workers at the ARC we visited yesterday with a picture of Eli holding up his comic books with a smile from ear to ear! It really made me smile to get the message and I am going to miss the little guy.
We rested for a bit and then went out to happy joes which is a pizza place and it was sponsored by a Pi Alpha. His name escapes me but I spoke to him and he was an amazing guy. We really enjoyed the cinnamon icing pizza a lot and it soon became a game of waiting for it to come out.
At 6 we went to our friendship visit at a water park and we all had a great time. The clients were fun and really excited to be in the water. I spoke to an older women and she loved talking about everything! After we ate a lovely dinner there the park had started to close so we headed back to lodging which I called my girlfriend to confess my undying admiration for how amazing she was. Then I slayed a dragon and went to sleep. Only one of those statements is true.
Day 37
Day 37 was to Iowa City. We woke up a little bit later yet again at 6:15. Breakfast was crew chief and we had our circle up and we were off.
Today was only 27 miles and it was a lot of fun. Because it was short and we all basically sprinted the way we arrived to our stage up at Iowa City park really quickly. After some laughs and attempts to stay out of the sun we headed off for our arrival at the ARC of southeast Iowa. It was a great arrival and after a while we headed off for lunch.
Lunch was at the resident hall of The University of Iowa. If I learned anything from David and Kevin, it is "the" University, not just University. We had our choice of food from a Hugh buffet and it was only half open! There were bets on my table if I'd finish all my food and boy did I finish it all. I was starving,
After our lunch we cycled over to the public recreation center where we were staying the night. At the arrival I met a child name Eli who wouldn't tell me his real name. All he would say is that he was batman! So we passed by a local comicbook shop and I thought why not read some comic and see if I can get him one.
We had dinner and a friendship visit at thew ARC of Southeast Iowa and it was pizza. It was real fun and I learned a lot but Eli wasn't there. I left his present and left my information so I could get a responds from him. After the visit we returned to lodging and many of the guys went out because it was a college town. If you're like me, you finish up some work and passed out with your phone on your face.
Day 36
Day 36 was to Cedar Rapids also in Iowa. We woke up a little bit later at 6 and had a lovely breakfast from the hotel we stayed at. Today was around 85 miles with some nice rolling hills.
We were rushed for time today so we pushed the pace today even though we've been really killing it through Iowa so far. After arriving we showered at the local YMCA and hung out for an while before the ARC of eastern Iowa was ready for us to dance with their clients.
Our visit was fun but it was really hot. Many of the guys dancing had sweat so hard their whole shirt was wet. Our dinner was also sponsored by the arc and it was delicious. At the table I started the idea of casting our team in movies which sparked a great conversation full of laughs. After our LPI we all got ready for bed to prepare for our next ride which was going to be relatively easy.
Day 35
Day 35 was to Marshaltown Iowa and we had a later wakeup of 5:45 today. Dave and his wife also provided breakfast for us. Due to construction there was a need to rack us out of the city, but from there on out we were excited to have our red bull rage day.
So at the first crew stop about 12 of us shotgunned red bulls. The ride was very quick and we had our lunch outside a water park where we were going to enjoy an afternoon of relaxation. It was supposed to be a friendship visit but it was difficult for the clients to come out. We had a massive amount of fun on the slides though.
We headed to our lodging afterwards and we had a proclamation waiting for us when we arrived. We then left to go bowling with clients from the ARC of Marshaltown.
We helped served diner and afterward we had a blast bowling. I bowled with Rando and he was really good. We ended up playing 3 games at once. I also won two stuffed animals from the crane game and I gave both to some of the clients one being Rose who was a sweetheart. Afterwards we headed to lodging and enjoyed our night of rest.
Day 34
Day 34 was to Des Moines with a 5 am wakeup. As our lodging was atop a gravel road, it took a while to rack the bikes down to the actual road. After breakfast we prepared for quite the ride.
Today was 95 miles and the first 40 or so were pretty tough. I'm not sure if I got more used to it and I coughed up enough phlegm to make it easier to breath but the second half was easier than the first. I was sweeping with Steven today was he volunteered with me.
He really did push me though with all the hills and the intense climbing in the beginning. There was some rain half way through which was more fun yo ride in than an annoyance. Except the fact that some towns didn't dry yet so riding behind someone meant a face full of muddy water.
After finished and arriving to lodging we all enjoyed some lovely taco salads and a nice shower. There was some free time so I ran to the bike shop got some supplies. Dave Adickes is a pi alpha who sponsored our dinner which was so good! A lot of other pi alphas came out to meet us which was great and I got to hear a lot of stories. After dinner we stopped by a gas station and we all got red bulls for tomorrow. After that we went to sleep and prepared for a short day, but a race pace day.
Day 33
Day 33 was to Griswold NE. We had a 5:30 wakeup and I was feeling so so. After breakfast I found it really hard to breath and I decided to take Stevens advice and I sat out for today. It really irritated me, but it was for the best. I rode with Mark and I actually learned a lot from him which was great.
We crosses into Iowa and the rolling hills stopped for a while for the team. The rackpoints were hard again with lots of loose gravel roads and construction. After a awesome team effort riding we arrived at our lodging and got to enjoy an amazing lunch sponsored by David William and his wife and mother.
After a short nap there was a team event to a stone quary for a swim. It was really deep so I didn't swim much and I attempted to not drown. I did rope swing into the lake though. Saurabh's parents surprised him on his birthday with cupcakes and some chips and salsa for us. Afterwards we had dinner at Mrs. Williams house and it was beyond amazing.
After dinner we headed back to lodging as always and we he had a small team event and we attempted to build a bond fire but we couldn't find the pit.
Day 32
Day 32 was from Lincoln to Omaha NE. We were able to sleep in today as we woke up at 6:30. Today was a shorter day and after a nice breakfast I was ready to ride with Steven.
There was some city to start and some city to the end but all in between our ride was country and a whole lot of corn. I've never seen so much corn that I couldn't eat. Its making me crave sweet corn. We were heading to our stage up which was of course after some intense city and hills riding.
Today I really wasn't feeling well at all and I was having coughing fits during the ride, Steven convinced me that tomorrow would be better to rest than to push myself and completely crash. During our wait for the police escort a sponsor arrived with her children who were playing duck duck goose with our team and she borough some snacks. Our arrival was at Willis of NE and it was very hilly all the way to it. Nia who we meet before was there to introduce the Spina Bifida of Nebraska.
We enjoyed a lunch and had a showing off Kids on The Block for the children. After the presentation we had a carnival and so many fun games to play. My favorite was a dancing roulette game. Afterwards we showered and prepared for dinner and a huge dance. It was really a lot of fun for everyone and even though it was super hot we went crazy.
At lodging I took time to rest up and prepare myself for tomorrow. I was really hopping I'd sleep well enough to ride tomorrow. Tomorrow was a ride to Griswold.
Day 31
Day 31 was to Lincoln NE, with an early wakeup of around 4:30ish. We were proved breakfast from the grand island ladies and it was fantastic. We were prepared for an 100 mile ride today with an tough rackpoint.
So I road with Jeff and Luke today on this tough ride but we only got 60 miles in before we hit a long stretch of construction which required us to rack to get safely across, I really wasn't feeling well this day and it was a tough struggle but we bike as much as we could all the way to Raising Caine's.
We enjoyed a lovely lunch that was honestly do die for after a hard ride. After we finished eating we rode all the way to lodging a couple of blocks away and had some spare time before heading to our dinner at the Sertoma Club.
They served us amazing potluck food and we had some great conversations with them. Afterwards we headed to the ARC of Lincoln to dance the night away with many of their clients. After dancing the night away we headed back to lodging where some of us hit the hay. Tomorrow is to Omaha.
Day 30
Day 30 was to Grand Island NE. We had a little extra time to sleep as well as a short ride. After breakfast we got rolling for a day with little to no hills. It seemed very flat for the most part and there was loads of corn.
We had an arrival and we were staged up at a john deer dealership and we had a blast relaxing. I road with Reggie today and we killed it. We road to our arrival at the holiday inn and enjoyed some press photos. We put our stuff away and had lunch with people from the ARC of Nebraska and it was amazing. KFC, DQ, and sonic all donated food for us!
We had free time afterwards which I used to take a nap and a long shower. For dinner we went to the Elks lodge where we enjoyed some good burgers and danced the night away. Everyone was really high on energy even though it was really hot.
Afterwards we were dismissed for the night and one of the ARC clients invited us to sonic and a couple of guys and myself went for some smoothies. We had some laughs and then said goodbye as we headed back to go to sleep.
Day 29
Day 29 was to Minden NE. After our 5:30 wakeup the ladies who fed us dinner came back to make breakfast for us and it was just as amazing as dinner was. We prepared and set off for a Kong 95+ mile ride.
The ride had some rolling hills in the beginning but it was nothing we couldn't climb. The tour de France was getting to me and I kept climbing the hills really fast due to my wish to climb at 16mph like they do.
We arrived to lodging and unpacked and relaxed for a bit before dinner. Dinner was sponsored by pizza hut and there was so much food! After dinner we headed back yo lodging and enjoyed our night.
Day 28
Day 28 was to McCook and it was around 96 miles. We started with an amazing breakfast from the boy scouts and there was so much good food. We headed out for McCook a seemingly easy ride. I road with Saab for the first time today and it was very interesting to talk about school and life goals.
The ride started out fantastic for about half of the way but then we hit these massive rolling hills about 5 miles from lunch. Lunch was aside a lake and some of the guys decided to jump in. I did not myself but many of the guys were joking about there being dead fish and the water being green.
Because my paceline left lunch quickly we arrived to arrived to lodging early which was a church with a wedding going on! We were shuttled to showers and then set up in the basement of the church after the wedding. The lovely ladies of the Memorial United Methodist Church.
Afterwards I enjoyed joking with the team before we left to watch Despicable Me 2 which was sponsored by Steven's mother. It was a great movie and we all went to sleep as soon as we got back to lodging as it was late. Tomorrow we ride into Nebraska and touch Kentucky for a small stretch.
Day 27
Day 27 to Wray Colorado. We woke up today which a pleasant surprise of delicious food from the Elk's Club. After our circle up we proceed to head of to Wray. During circle up we were warned about seeing 10,000 cows. We all laughed thinking it was a joke. Here's a bit of forshadow, it wasn't,
Today was only an 86 mile day and we enjoyed for the most part flat land riding and lots of corn. About a quarter way through we passes a ton of cows and then again we passed even more cows. It never gets old screaming hey cows! We finished pretty early on and we enjoyed a bit of rest after an amazing crew chief lunch.
Many of the guys and myself enjoyed going to the water park near lodging and we had a blasting going down the slides and watching people just off the diving board. Afterwards we enjoyed a small bit of rest before our friendship visit.
The Cub scouts made dinner for us and they were adorable. There was so much good food and we also enjoyed getting to talk to them before we did a kids on the block presentation. Afterwards we played with the kids for a while before saying our goodbyes.
The facility we were staying in had a hot tub, sauna, and a steam room. I spent some time in each with Reggie before sleeping the night away as I was seriously pooped. Tomorrow is a ride to McCook.
Day 26
Day 26 was to Fort Morgan. We left the hotel around 6:30ish after a great breakfast and circle up. Today was 96 miles that honestly didn't feel that long. Leaving Denver was not as bad as we thought it would be.
As we were riding we all to a second to see the mountains we would never see again. It was weird to only have flats and rolling hills out of Denver. Yet towards the end the road got terrible and many people had issues. Bad roads wreak havoc on bikes and specifically the wheels.
When we finished we had to take the vans to shower and afterwards had dinner at the Elk's club. I really loved hearing about all their community service projects and the fact that they were hosting a concert with the Blue Oyster Cult. After our dinner half the group went to see fireworks yet some of us enjoyed just resting before our ride tomorrow to Wray.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Day 25
Day 25 was our day off in Denver. We woke up early in the morning for a breakfast at KRG headquarters and we were in awe in how beautiful and awesome it was. Bruce's office had a mini Push America wall which was awesome and I spoke with their IT guys for a while. We also watched the tour de France during breakfast and man it makes me want to buy a brand new bike to ride.
Afterwards we had free time as in a whole 6 hours and I went to get some supplies and after went to watch World War Z with some of the guys. I then got new shoes before we were off to an event called pedal for pennies. This annual fundraiser was at Feril lake and participants road their bikes around the lake for laps and donations. I road with one of the rides and I took a spill by mistake. Whoops! We played some games and threw water balloons around until an awesome BBQ dinner.
After dinner we had a huge dance and you guessed it, we did our dance and everyone loved it. We then dance the night away which was really awesome. We said goodbye to Bruce and his family as this was the last time before DC we would get to see them and we headed back to lodging.
I was really beat and my room felt the same way so we got ready for tomorrow and hit the hay. Now starts a huge stretch of distance for us. 95, 85, 95, 95, and then 55 miles. I feel like I'm in the tour now.
Day 23
Today was day 23 and we woke up at 7:15 for breakfast with the campers at the Rocky Mountain Village. After we enjoyed a lovely breakfast we were split up to work with the campers. I got to go enjoy horse back riding. I helped the campers on and off the horse and walked beside the horse just in case. All the campers had developmental disabilities and they were all so interesting and full of joy to meet us.
Before lunch we got prompted to dress up like zombies as we were going to invade the camp. The camp has been hyping this us as a zombie invasion and this was the theme of the day. Build America was working as we were running around during lunch and enjoying lunch with the campers as zombies. One camper Emily was chasing us not the other way around!
We had a free break after lunch and a couple of guys and myself went on a hike and got to see the whole camp from a ledge on top of the mountain. It was a good break but it started to rain. After the hike the campers finished their break and I was assigned to fishing but it started to pour outside.
I had volunteered in the kitchen and helped cook the dinner for that night. Many of the guys had become zombies again during dinner and while I was cleaning up the kitchen the campers had a zombie defence event and I got to see a small bit of the battle against the zombies with water guns. Afterwards we had our circle up goodnight and goodbye. I really loved this camp, there was just something magical about it. I ended up buying a beanie from the camp as a memento from a camp that touched my heart. Tomorrow is a ride to Denver and also a major arrival for us. We also get to meet the Transamerica team which is awesome! I truly miss the Build America team already.
Day 21
Day 21 was hyped up due to rabbit ears pass. This pass leads to the continental divide and starts our climb to Loveland pass which is the highest point you can archive by highway. Today Dustin joined us who works for KRG and is the south teams coach. Bruce was also riding and his son was working with crew for the day. After a wonderful breakfast we were off.
Today was a 105 miles ride and the rabbit ears pass was about 11 miles long with a steady medium grade. The divide was awesome to reach yet I only hit 60 miles until I was racked due to an error in my pace line. I roads with Jesus who was teamed up with Layton. We had a fun time joking and I got to learn more about Layton and what it is like to live in Colorado.
It started to rain but many of the guys pushed it to our shower area at a recreation center. We waited a while for lodging and later headed to a nice restaurant for a lovely dinner, which cost me a trip yo the hospital. There were pine nuts in the salad and I didn't notice until after I ate a quarter of it. I never had a serve reaction to pine nuts but this time was different. After a couple hours in the ER I was fine and sent home. Quite the experience.
After my scare, we headed back to lodging to rest for the next days climb of Loveland pass which his 11,990 feet high. We are also heading to Empire tomorrow.
Day 24
Day 24, Denver and our bug arrival was today. We had crew chief breakfast as we were up very early in the morning. Today was a short ride but a very important one that we needed to hurry. I was upset to leave the camp and I wanted to stay with the campers and Build America, yet there was very little I could do to change that.
I road with Kyle and Reggie today and we rocked it. We had a small climb to lockout mountain which looked over Denver which was beautiful but it had some scary descents with hairpin turns. For the past 3 years someone has gotten seriously hurt going down. Safe to say we took it very slow. We road hard and fast through Denver and actually met a pace line from Transamerica half way through.
We finished at the Denver Broncos stadium for a tour! We waked onto the field and took many photos and I got one with Bruce which was sweet. We then had chipotle for lunch and it was good but I wasn't a huge fan of it. We the hopped on the bikes and road to an arrival that was quite large. We enjoyed ice cream in front of the capital and then road to our hotel.
We had some free time and then we headed to the Rockies stadium to watch a baseball game. I'm not a huge baseball fan but I enjoyed watching the game even though they had lost. Afterwards we waked back to lodging and I had a great conversation with my lovely better half and I went to sleep. Tomorrow is breakfast at KRG!!!
Day 22
Day 22 was to Empire and due to the hospital visit I was racked due to P&P. Bruce and a couple of the KRG family was riding with us today. Breakfast was fantastic as always and the cyclists headed off. I road with Sam as crew needed him to help mark 2 turns in one. Today and tomorrow are going to be tough days due to road blocks and construction.
After the first turn we marked we headed straight to Loveland pass and it was beautiful. At the very peak of some mountains we were able to great cellphone service but it was a beautiful sight. We also met a hiker who has accidentally lock himself out of his car and Jesus gave him his jacket to wear while he waited.
Twenty minutes later we were confused as we saw a couple of silver vans like ours climbing the hill. Upon closer inspection it was the Build America Team! Being up there early waiting for the cyclists allowed me to really speak to the other team and get to know them a whole lot better. I really admire what they do with their construction work and I highly suggest you look them up when you have the chance.
We cheered on the pace lines as they climbed up the finally few feet up the pass and we all took a team photo at the top. After the pace lines finished we arrived at Rocky Mountain Village which was an easter seals camp. We hung out with Build America for a while waiting for our lodging area to become ready. After we moved in we had dinner with the campers and they were so awesome with their songs and chants.
Afterwards there was a small talent show and we brought the business with our dance. They even had a costume room and some guys pulled out some great costume ideas. After watching everyone's skit we had a big circle up to say goodnight to everyone and then we had ours and you never saw anyone so excited to be told wakeup was at 7:15. We also went to McDonalds to get some ice cream and I ended up getting some postcards from the shop next door.
We all went to sleep afterwards and enjoyed a nice quiet evening. Oh wait, half the team is snoring for some reason and its never happened before.
Day 20
Day 20 the awesome city of steam boat. Today was a 6am wakeup and we enjoyed a lovely crew chief breakfast and we got to meet the one and only Bruce Rodgers. He is the father of the Journey of Hope. 27 years ago he cycled across the United States in 40 days to help raise awareness of Push America. Now he also is one of the three creators of KRG capital which is an equity firm that is the capital sponsor of our trip. Without this man and his family, none of this would be possible.
Today's ride was short, so short we were confused as to what to do with our free time as we finished in about 2 hours and a half. Many of us went to get food at a local restaurant. We had an absolute blast and I had a really spicy burger. We went out with Layton who happens to be Bruce's son.
After I showered I went around the town and finally got a haircut. For dinner we had another visit with a different horizons group. We first met Debbie and Bruce and they both had amazing characters. Bruce was playing jams for us to dance to and Debbie loved to hear our stories.
Afterwards Bruce Rodgers bought us all candy and ice cream which was awesome. A couple of the guys went to a shop called F.M & Sons which had advertisements on the highway 100 miles back. After the fun we headed to bed for another ride.
Day 19
Day 19 was to Craig Colorado. We woke up and ate breakfast for a tough day ahead of us. I road with Mike Jones and Micheal Brooks for one of the most annoying rolling hills of all time. I didn't rack myself which was a achievement for me and not to mention it was a super tight day and rack point was not far off the whole day. We rested at a gas stop before cycling together for an arrival at a girls and boys club. We enjoyed eating ice cream and playing with the kids until we had a kids on the block presentation.
For dinner we met with a horizons group which serves those with disabilities as well as their clients. We had some amazing food and had a huge water fight with water balloons and using water bottles as squirt guns. Some guys were even soaked with coolers full of water.
Back at lodging we had our team meeting as the next few days are going to be very demanding as well as rewarding. Tomorrow is going
Day 18
Day 18 to Dinosaur Colorado. Our first day our of ten in Colorado. We woke up an hour later than normal for a double pace line ride out of town to safely navigate out of the town. The ride was a tough one and I road with Reggie. Around 50 miles I really bonked out and eventually came to a screeching halt. Many of the guys had issues today because it was a super brutal day.
We enjoyed a dinner made at our lodging and many of us went to get milkshakes and we passed out. Nothing much here in the town of
Day 17
Day 17, Park City to Duchene Utah! We were back to our 5:30 wakeup and I made a mistake clipping in and I was racked due to a safety control measure.
I road with Jesus and helped support the team during a long and hilly day. After the ride we were told to put on our bathing suit as we were going to the lake. At the lake we were greeted with locals who had snacks and water for us. The lake was freezing and some wonderful guys had volunteered to take us tubing! Benny Reggie and I wanted to do it together but we ran out of time. The water was absolutely freezing so maybe we lucked out.
Afterwards we headed back and enjoyed dinner in the park sponsored by locals in the area. The food was amazing as they made these fried dough cakes with honey butter. Afterwards the team had some well deserved rest and I had a fire going in me to ride.
Day 16
Day 16 our day off in Park City that required biking. So we awoke to suit up for a police escort to whole foods. We road 4 miles down hill for an amazing breakfast. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I was so excited for breakfast. Maybe it was the briskets and gravy.
We headed back to the hotel and changed for a trip to the Utah Olympic Training Park! My van was so excited to be there and we enjoyed the alpine slide. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch provided by Barb at a deli on Main street in Park City. She also gave us a wonderful serving of ice cream. After lunch we had free time until our Friendship Visit.
We went to the national abilities center and road bikes with some clients. Doug and I road hand cycles up a dirt trail and it was scary going down it. I really enjoyed helping teach a young child how to ride a bike as well. We had pizza at the hotel and prepared for tomorrows
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