Random Photos...

Inspiration...

I truly hope that some of you reading will find inspiration through me taking on this challenge. Inspiration to do the things in YOUR lives that you may have always wanted to, but were maybe a little too unsure or afraid. We say all the time to our kids, "You can do whatever you set your mind to", or "You can be anything you want to be". We as adults need to put our money where our mouths are. Trust me, you CAN do whatever you want to do. So, get out there. Plant that garden, buy that ticket to Paris, start taking some classes... whatever it takes for you to get back in touch with your dreams. GET OUT THERE!

Berea, Kentucky

Today, I arrived in Berea, the folk arts and crafts capitol of Kentucky. I have been looking forward to it for a couple of weeks now. This is another city rich in history. I learned that Berea College, founded in 1855, was the first interracial and coeducational colleges in the South. It also charges no tuition and admits only academically promising students, primarily from Appalachia, who have limited economic resources. Berea’s cost of educating a student exceeds $23,000 per year. They only requirement is that the students work at least 10 hours per week on campus.

The ride here was... interesting. It was the most difficult day I have had in a while. I was under the impression that I was finished with the mountains, at least for now. I guess I was right, because what I encountered today was more hills than mountains. I don't think the 100 degree temperature helped. The hills at some points were relentless, and then the map I am using has me going over hill and dale, going north to come back south. By the time I was half-way, I was out of gas. I stopped in a little town called South Irvine, where a driver proceeded to call me the "N" word for the first time since I started my journey. I later encountered him when I finally made it to Irvine (just a few miles north of South Irvine) and he wouldn't even make eye contact. Even with that incident, 99.9 % of my experiences on this trip have been positive. I have had many warnings about the people in the Kentucky, but they have been great and many of them have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome.

I am staying at another Super 8 Motel here in Berea. They have been very supportive of my ride and are willing to do whatever they can to help.

Tomorrow, I am off again. There is a real joy in not knowing what is on the next page, not to mention the next chapter.

More Great People

These are just a few more of the people who have gone out of there way to make me feel special while I am on my journey. There are others, as well. I don't have photos, but I do have their names. I also want to thank Super 8 Motels for letting me stay for free because they believe in our cause.

My Entire Family for their Support
Super 8 Motel Whitesburg, KY
Super 8 Motel Hazard, KY
Super 8 Motel Berea, KY
Super 8 Motel Branson, MO
Motel 6 Springfield, MO
A & B Bicycle Shop, Springfield, MO
Nancy, Berea KY
Springfield Victory Mission, Springfield, MO
Jim and Marilyn Chastek, Camp Hill, PA
Harrisburg Bicycle Club, Harrisburg, PA
Danielle Sturgill, Whitesburg, KY
Kathy, Whitesburg, KY
Richard Smith, Damascus, VA
Laura Stahler, Hanover, PA
Pastor Lewis, Richmond, VA
James Martin, Fairfield, VA
Nick Boekelheide
Elizabeth Capko, Branson, MO
Bunny Medeiros, Damascus, VA
Julie Hayden, Altamont, IL
Dick and Joanne Francis, Altamont, IL
Dan, Pat and Kendra Laack, Vandalia, IL
Kristin Bergmann
The Police Departmant, Ash Grove, MO
AAA Branch Office, Springfield, MO
Scott Kirchner, Springfield, MO
Marc Golden, Middletown, PA
Dwayne Golden, Harrisburg, PA
Mari McShane, Dana Point, CA
The Police and Fire Department, Troutville, VA
The Police Department, Wytheville, VA
Damascus.org
Ray from Holmes Cycle and Fitness, Camp Hill, PA
Pedal Pusher Bike Shop, Harrisburg, PA
Kim Gray, Mechanicsburg, PA

Great People Along the Way

Just a few shots...

I'm Rolling...

I left Damascus and got lost for about 20 miles when it started to rain... it was the worst storm I have ever been caught in in my entire life. I was in the middle of nowhere and I just stood under a tree in someone's front yard. When lightning struck just a few yards away, I ran up and rang the doorbell. When no one answered I went back and stood under the tree, trying to wait it out. After about 5 minutes, I heard the garage door open up and there stood this woman, she was calling me in out of the rain. She had been in the shower and didn't hear me when I rang the bell.

I stayed there and talked to her for about 20 minutes and I wasn't sure whether I would turn around and go back to Damascus, or continue on towards Kentucky. The rain didn't stop, but it did lighten up so I decided to continue on towards Rosedale. I thanked the woman, I never even got her name, and I took off.

I rode for about 25 miles when I met up with 2 other cyclists (Keith and Larry). I was going up the mountain and they were going down. They went all the way to the bottom and caught up with me before I reached the top. We all rode to the top together and I told them all about my ride. They were really nice guys and offered to take me to dinner. I accepted and we had a great time.

After dinner, Keith helped me with my bike and we said goodbye. We both said we'd stay in touch. I would be sleeping at the Elk Garden Methodist Church Hostel, so when I got inside I just threw down my sleeping back and knocked myself out for the night.

Tomorrow... the Breaks

On the Road to Damascus

Today I find myself in Damascus, VA. One of the last stops before I get into KY. I have ridden quite a few miles to get here... almost 600 and I have decided to take a rest day here. Damascus is a town that is right aong the Appalachian Trail, so there are a lot of hikers in this town. I have decided to stay at a world famous hostel known to bikers and hikers all over the world. It's called, "The Place". In town, I have access to the Internet, but no signal for my phone.

On the way here, I followed the AT trail for some time and think to myself that I would like to hike it someday... maybe next year.

Along the way I finally caught up with Simon, I have heard about him since I was at the Cookie Lady's house. We have decided to ride together for at least a little while.

Thad and Sarah

Wait Until I tell you about these two wonderful people. They took me in, they fed me, I stayed for 2 days and I really felt like we were family. I'll write more about it tomorrow, but once again, I can say that meeting them has been the best part of my trip, so far. O.K., I'm back, so let me tell you about the Lee’s. I got their number from Boris when we were at the Cookie Lady’s House. They live in a town called Radford, which is right on the route heading west. They invite ALL cyclists to come and stay with them as long as they like. Thad Lee is a local physician and his wife, Sarah is a nurse in Radford. They are two of the most awesome people I have ever met. They live in a nice big farmhouse on a hill and have three cats and two dogs. When I called Thad and told him that I would like to take advantage of his hospitality, he gave me directions and said that he would be waiting for me. When I arrived, Thad and Sarah were outside waiting (as promised) and right away Thad went to work on me. He told me that I could stay, but I would have to stay another day as a rest day. Then he told me that I had to get something to eat. I told him that I don’t eat after 7:30, but he wasn’t interested. While they were deciding on where to go for dinner, Thad and I talked. We talked about where we come from, family, religion, politics, everything.

After a while, we were finally ready to go to dinner. We all jumped into his car and went out to dinner. We went to a nice Italian restaurant and we talked and talked. After dinner we went back to their house and I went straight to sleep.

The next day, I awoke at around 10:30 and I went down for breakfast. When I got downstairs, I met "Tucker" and "Olive"... the Lee's dogs. Tucker wanted to play with me and I so I did. I would throw the ball and he would fetch it. Again, I'd throw it and he would fetch it again. If I didn't stop it would have gone on for hours... we both enjoyed it, though.

For lunch we went to Wendy's and then off to Wal-Mart for supplies. When we got back "home", I worked on my bike for a couple of hours and began prepping my mind for tomorrows departure.

When dinner came around, Sarah made the most amazing meal. A nice southern, inspired dinner with beans, cornbread, veggies from the garden and homemade iced tea. After dinner I played a little more with Tucker and before I knew it, it was bedtime.

The next day as interesting. Thad and I blew a tube before I left and that gave us more time to talk and put off the inevitable... my departure.

Eventually I did leave, I was a little sad and hesitant to say goodbye. The Lee's are great people.

Next

I left Troutville Park at around 7:30 and rode to the nearest McDonalds. I had breakfast and filled my bottles with their version of Gatorade. They had a television on there, so I watched a little ESPN. After about 20 minutes, I got back on down the road. Since I am still in VA, I am still going up and down these hills. The fact that there is so much history, nature and wildlife here makes it a lot easier. Earlier today I saw two unusual squirrels, one black and the other was brown with a black underbelly and feet. When I stopped at the local store, I was told that they were actually quite common.

This particular store I stopped at is right on the Trans America Bike trail, so the people here are used to seeing bikers come in. They told me that I was welcome to into the back room, eat something and then take a nap. I was considering doing just that when I see to other cyclists come in. They appear to be heading west (like me) so we start talking. The two cyclists are Nick and Kristin and are actually a newly married couple from Maryland. They are actually moving out to the Bay Area, so they figured they would ship their stuff out and ride their bikes. They are calling it, their “Honeymoon”. They are very nice and we hit it off immediately. We decide to ride together and get a campsite in Christiansburg, which is about 28 miles away. We are still in the hills, so it’s going to be a little challenging to make it before nightfall. Nick and Kristin are riding Trek touring bikes and they have a good pace going. I don’t have as many gears and I am really loaded, so I try to act like its no big deal, but I have to work to keep up with them. I tell them at a rest stop, “Don’t wait for me if I fall behind, I’ll just see you at the campground”. Not too much longer, I have a mishap with my bike and I have to stop to kind of put her back together. I don’t see Nick and Kristin again until about 8:30 PM at the campsite.

Only after I ride all over town looking for this campground, I decide to stop and ask someone. I see a pawn shop and I look inside, I always look inside pawn shops. I hear someone tell me to come inside so I do. I meet the owner, Dave Strathy. Dave is a nice guy who upgrades my camera for me and then gives me directions to the campground. He tells me I am going in the wrong direction and that it is about 4.6 miles in the other direction. After talking to Dave for a while, I decide to start heading for camp. It’s all uphill, of course. After a little while, I arrive and find Nick and Kristin in their tent trying to stay away from the mosquitoes. When I show up they come and we talk for some time, exchange information, and I tell them that I won’t be leaving with them in the morning.

So far...

So far I have slept in 3 motels, 3 campsites, 2 houses, 1 city park, 1 state park. I have inhaled approximately 2 flies, umpteen mosquitoes, a bunch of gnats and aphids. I have gotten rained on a total of 4 days (at least 3 hours each day). I have met some really awesome people, here are a few of them... Juanita - Willis Church, Pastor Lewis - Richmond, Mary and Laura - Radford, James Martin aka "The Computer Doctor" - Fairfield, June Curry aka "The Cookie Lady" - Afton, Frances Ramann - Charlottesville, Boris Grogg - Oakland, Thad and Sarah - Radford, Nick and Kristin - Maryland, Rafu Patel - Radford, Dave Strathy - Christiansburg, and all the wonderful people of VA. It has been truly amazing. So far, 99% of my interactions with the people here have been positive ones.

The Reason for the Ride

Just wanted to thank all of you out there for reading and following along. I just want to say for the record, this trip has been great so far and I have met some truly interesting and great people. However, this trip is all about homeless teens and families. With your help, we can make a difference together. Go to the website: www.gowestusa.org and make a donation. I'll ride the bike, you just keep coming with your prayers, email, calls and blog comments. I am not trying to sound like a presidential candidate, but together we can make a difference.

Puttin' My Time in the Saddle

I did my laundry last night at the Cookie Lady’s house and I have to wait for it to dry before I can leave. I anxiously wait for the sun to come up and while I am waiting, I perform some much-needed maintenance on my bike. I meet some really nice cyclists while working outside and we talk for almost ½ hour. I am still hearing stories about what I have waiting for me as I enter what could be my most difficult day thus far. The road from the Cookie Lady’s house seems to go straight up and up and up, then there is a turn and I cross my fingers hoping that it will level off, but no such luck. I continue this climb as I enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful, and has been well worth the grueling climb getting up here… at least that is what I think until about 3:45. That’s when it starts to rain. After it starts it doesn’t stop until about 7:30 the next day. I continue riding and stop at a visitor’s center – trying to wait out the storm. After I see the the rain has no intention on moving on, I take off towards my next camp site. A place called "Sherando Lake" is going to be my home for the night. The problem is, its still raining and I still have to go up. Up and up before I can come down to Lake Sherando. I finally get there right before dark, I am wet, tired and hungry. I meet a couple of really nice Rangers who did me a nice favor and made a $20 donation. I talk with them for awhile and get directions for the next day and then I head to my camp site. Too tired to make a meal, I eat Dorito's, a honey bun, some potato chips and have a gatorade as my beverage. Its still raining and I am so tired so I just set up my tent, crawl inside and go to sleep.

The next day, I ride and ride trying to make it to Buchanan (pronounced Buck-Ann-An). Its about 70 miles away and it doesn't look like I am going to make it as I stop at a Chinese Buffet and stuff myself in a small town called Stuart' Draft. I don't really feel like getting back on the bike afer that meal, but I do it anyhow. I continue my roller coaster ride through Virginia and after about 4 hours I stop in a town called Fairfield and meet the "Computer Doctor", James Martin. James lets me set up my computer, get on his network and... blog. He has a very nice shop, the nicest one I have ever seen. It is setup kind of like a coffee shop, he has a big conference area and table there if you want to hold a meeting and they have drinks and the best chocolate. I stay for an hour or two and get back on the road.

After a few more hours, I reach Buchanan and then continue on to Troutville. Once in Troutville, I set up my tent in the famous, Troutville Park. I meet the sheriff and the Park Supervisor and the fire department. It seems like a very nice town and they let me use the showers in the Fire House. All in all, this was a very good day!

The Cookie Lady

I had a late start this morning. I was “dragging my feet” knowing that I had this “Mountain” to deal with. Leaving Charlottesville, I could see the mountains in the distance and I thought to myself, “How am I going to do this”? I am not a cyclist and before the riding in the “Tour de Belt” I had never ridden more than 20 miles in a day, let alone riding up mountains in 95-degree weather. One hill after another, up and down… after a few miles of this I decided to rest in the shade of a tree in a parking lot of the “Christian Aid Mission”. As soon as I pulled to a stop, a woman came outside and asked me if I was lost. I told her no, I was just taking a break in the shade and wanted to make sure I was still on the right track (these maps are not 100% and sometimes they sent me the long way). I think she took pity on me because I was soaked in sweat, so after speaking with her for a few minutes, she invited me inside for a cool drink and something to eat. She was a wonderful woman and after a few minutes of conversation I didn’t want to leave. I walked in on a birthday party for “Grandpa” (an 87 year old man who tried to break my hand when he shook it) and his very nice family of about 20 people from all over the United States and the world. I think I consumed about a gallon of Minute Maid Orange Juice while I was there. I told them what I was doing and why I was doing it and they were very supportive. As a matter of fact, Frances Ramann, the lady who invited me inside, she reached into her purse and gave me all the money she had in there. I went outside to take my picture with her before I left and just as I was about to get back on my bike, she asked me if I wanted anything else before I left so I had another glass of O.J. and took some apples and cake for the trip. I said goodbye and that I would keep in touch and then I was on my way again. About a mile down the road, I find a twenty-dollar bill just sitting there waiting for me to pick it up.

Back on the road I was faced with a little problem. This was a very “upscale” part of VA and I had to use the bathroom… urgently. I was riding past all of these estates with walls, gates and fences… no forests, no trees, no stores, no nothing. I had to ride on for miles before I could actually go. I finally find a suitable wooded area about 5 miles away. This was at the very bottom of the “mountain”. After a short walk in the woods, I get back on my back and begin my ascent. Once again, I am soaked in sweat. I make a few phone calls for moral support and then take off again. After about 2 miles, I stop at a restaurant called “Otto’s”. It’s a very nice place and it looks like it might be the last opportunity to get something cold to drink for quite awhile. I buy some chicken tenders and lemonade for lunch and then I am off again. I am now at the part of the trip that I have been dreading. I have read books and online journals from accomplished cyclists from all over the United States and they all agree that this is the most difficult part of the entire journey. I ‘m thinking that I am going to have to get off my bike and start pushing (something I have never had to do in my life) all the way to the top. The first part of the climb is lined with trees, so I had shade and that was nice because it is a very hot day. I also take time to reflect on what I am doing and how important it is and that gives me extra energy. I have also learned by now how to focus on other things as I am riding and I think about the kids that I am cycling for. I think about how awesome it would be if they could be here and see that the world is so much bigger than their present circumstances.
Well, before I know it, I am almost at the top of Afton. I did have to stop three times before I reach my destination. One of the stops was under a tree in someone’s yard and she came out and gave me a bottle of Aquafina.

When I did reach the top, I was so happy to see the “Cookie Lady” house. For me, this is the most exciting part of the journey so far. This lady has opened up her house for cyclists for over 30 years. She has turned the house into a museum. I love it. I will stay here for the night, do some laundry and get something to eat. When I knock on the door, a young man opens up and introduces himself as “Boris”. Boris is cool. He just graduated from Berkeley and is cycling to Washington D.C. We talk about politics, California, snowboarding and then I go up and meet the “Cookie Lady”. Her name is June Curry and she is 87 years old. She doesn’t get around good anymore, but she is awesome. I talk to her for about 1 hour and then go back to the bike house to take a shower (which is just a garden hose poked through a hole) and do some laundry. Before I shower, I eat some of Boris’ pasta surprise. It’s a mix of macaroni, spaghetti sauce and tuna. For desert, its Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Crème Pies. It’s very good and afterwards its more conversation and dishes. There’s a guitar here, so I strum on that for a while and after talking to my "Eye in the Sky", I call it a night and fall asleep.

A Long, Long Day

After leaving the campground near Lake Anna, I literally biked over hill and dale getting to my next stop. I was planning on stopping for lunch at a town called “Kent’s Store”, about 25 miles away. It was a hot day and it was the first day with a lot of hills so I was really tired when I arrived. To my surprise, Kent’s Store was actually just that. It was a store called… that’s right, Kent’s Store. There was also a post office across the street, but that was it. No restaurants, no traffic light, no houses, no school… nothing. To make matters worse, the store was closed and had a sign that read, “Just Had A Baby – Will Be Back Some Time After Labor Day”. I was so disappointed; I was hot, tired, hungry and thirsty and today for me there would be no cold drink or a hot lunch. Today is another, “beef jerky, crackers, warm water and warm Gatorade for lunch” day for me. After lunch I got bike on my bike (which has now been affectionately named “Sally”) and rode until evening and landed on the west side of Charlottesville sometime after nine. Ride around Monticello, I met a nice family who was very helpful in getting me to where I needed to be in Charlottesville and informing me on what I needed to do the next day to get up the mountain. The “Mountain”, something I have not been looking forward to since I started this trip. From everything that I’ve read, it is supposed to be the hardest part of the entire journey… and tomorrow morning I will have to face it. I thought briefly about taking some time to go around Charlottesville and check it out, but then I though I should maybe save my energy for the steepest climb on the entire TransAmerica trail that I will have to face tomorrow. So after washing my clothes again in the sink, I go to bed.

Lake Anna

I got a late start on Thursday when I left Richmond. It was well after 1:00 PM and I rode the 40 plus miles to Lake Anna almost non-stop. It was dark when I arrived and I was so tired I that I didn't feel like doing anything but sleep. I set up my tent and knocked myself out. The campsite was actually Christopher Run Campground and it was very nice. In the morning I turned around and headed back the way I came in via a small town called Mineral. After I arrived, I decided to hang some of my laundry on the fence at the local baseball field to let it dry. I met some nice people there in Mineral, as a matter of fact, most of the people here have been really nice.

Say Hello to My Little Friend...

I have a new best friend. Since I started this trip, I have discovered that a lot of people in Virginia have dogs that are running free. They charge, I spray... that seems to be the game they enjoy most. Seriously though, I know its not the fault of these animals and I don't get any joy out of spraying them with pepper spray. If the owners would be more responsible I would be writing about something else. Pet owners/ guardians/ parents take note. I don't want to spray your dog!

What About B.O.B.?

BOB has got to go! I have spent the day riding around Richmond looking for ways to "unload" BOB my trailer. I even listed it on Craigslist. My brother has a friend who he thinks will hold it for me. I can do without the extra weight... so, BOB must go. As I am figuring out what I am going to do, down comes the rain. I mean RAIN in buckets. That means an extra day in Richmond. I pass some of the time with an old man who sells produce from bank drive thru lane (the bank has long since been closed). I buy a cantaloupe from him and we talk about everything from sports to politics. After a couple of hours, I decide to call it a night and head to the closest motel. Tomorrow, I am off to Lake Anna

Riding through History

Today I spent the day riding past so many historical sites from the civil war. One site in particular was Cold Harbor. It was one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War. Grant lost over 6000 men in less than 30 minutes there. The trenches that the Conferate Army dug is still there... over 7 miles long! I listened to a presentation from a very informed Ranger, named Barry and then I walked around the battlefield. It is amazing to be riding through so much history, Civil War and Revolutionary War era. I rode on and stopped at a Panera Bread for a lemonade and their "free" Internet. While I was inside, the pigeons used my bike for target practice and then the rain came. After about 20 minutes of waiting, I put on my rain suit and got back on my bike and rode to my destination for the night. Americamps - North Richmond. By the time I arrived, the rain had stopped and the sky was clear. There I met a man and his son who were also doing a portion of the Trans America Trail. They had been on the road for a little over two weeks and they were very happy to have made the decision to do it. After setting up my tent and taking a shower, I slept like a baby and I was looking forward to the next day's adventure.

Willis United Methodist Church

Last night, I arrived at the Willis United Methodist Church where I met a sweet lady named Juanita. She let me into the church (where they allow cyclists to stay overnight (free of charge) and use the kitchen and bathrooms). No shower, no bed, so I had to sleep on the floor, which is not really a problem for me. I don't mind that. I do mind the nightmares that I had, though. It was not a very good night for me. Waking from my nightmares several times and before I knew it, it was time to get up and get back on the road. I realized that I lost my chain (lock) somewhere between Williamsburg and Glendale, so I have to be extra careful until I get another one. Anyway, I am back on the road now, so stay tuned.

Almost as soon as I got underway, I stopped to save a snapping turtle who appeared to be taking a nap in the middle of the road.

I stopped around lunchtime at the sight of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The Battle of Cold Harbor was a very interesting one indeed. I made several stops along Cold Harbor Road, where much of the fighting took place.

That's all for now.

Thank Goodness for Roaches...

After a long ride to Yorktown, VA (thanks Dr. Laura) I setup my bike an trailer and realized that I still had too much weight on the trailer, so I had to take some things out of the bag and send them back. After doing this about 4 or 5 times, I hopped onto my bike and rode to the Victory Monument in Historic Yorktown. At first I thought I would send my laptop back home as well, but nooo way!

After saying goodbye to Doc, I took the Colonial Parkway to Jamestown. It was a very nice ride. But just as it was getting dark I arrived in Jamestown I found out that the campgrounds had been sold and that they are no longer campgrounds. So I had to turn around and ride for about 6 or 7 more miles back to Williamsburg to find a hotel. I found Motel 6 and that is where I am right now, just about to go to sleep... after I make a few calls.

Tomorrow I am off to Glendale and beyond.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I said, "thank goodness for roaches", because there was a roach in my room and after I told the front desk, they gave me a room for free.

Wow II

Blogging from my Blackberry. Something tells me I had.better get used to this.

Wow!

I spent the entire day getting ready for this RIDE! I moved everything out of my office and into storage. I loaded and unloaded my bike and trailer several thousand times (it seems) to lose some of the weight, but now I am actually ready to go. I will be leaving for Yorktown in about 10 minutes and then tomorrow... off I go!

tot ziens

Independence Day...

Happy 4th of July to everyone out there!

Random Numbers...

61YHB-Q9BSS-YEXJG-CDB2E-BW72U

'Just got back...

I just got back from my last training ride before D-Day! I am still working on leaving some of this stuff behind. I am down to about 70 pounds of "stuff" now. If I can cut that down to 1/2 I will be good to go. I mean, do I really need 3 towels? No. So there goes another pound. I still have a few days before I take-off, so if you have any suggestions... please send them to me at: robbie@gowestusa.org