How Far I've Come So Far

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If anyone wants to join me for the next leg, I'll be in Pueblo, CO in a few days!

This is for you, Joanne!

OK Joanne, what do you think now. This is for you and all of your cookies, support and prayer! Also for the pillowcase that I use every night.
Thanks!

Kansas

Wow! In the last few days I have covered over 200 miles. There have been several stretches where there are no services for almost 60 miles. After you throw some +90 degree temperatures, a headwind or two and some never-ending grades, you have the ingredients for some tough days. At least tough for me. I have met up with a few other riders and its good to ride together for awhile.

I am still meeting awesome people, though. In Larned, Kansas and not long after I arrived in town I was getting ready to setup my tent for the night in a city park. As I pulled up to the restroom there were two girls coming from a church across the street. They were excited to see cyclists and invited us to the church for cake. After meeting the pastor, he offered to put us up for the night in a hotel.

The next day we are off again, heading to Kinsley. Kinsley is the halfway point between New York and San Francisco. Along the way we are treated to old cars and tractors, trains and a lot of silos. Kansas is a long state with a lot of wind and we are steadily climbing up, getting ready for Colorado.

We met up with a group from Boston today. Matt is the leader and he is traveling by wheelchair. They are an exceptional group and you can learn more about them at: http://www.officialmattsplace.org/

Thats all for now as I have to get back on the road.

My Visit to Dinosaur National Park

Riding With The Wind in Kansas

I am in Kansas and it hasn't been as flat as I thought it would be. Maybe the reason I remember it being so flat is usually I am in a car. Riding a bicycle is an entirely different experience. Hills take on a totally different meaning. Today I did about 80 miles, just trying to get on to Colorado, but I still have a way to go.

Kansas is a long state, but it's also beautiful and diverse. A lot of farmland, oil and really nice people. Tonight, in Newton I am staying with an extremely nice couple who have opened up their house to me, Simon and Clive (a new friend from England). They had dinner prepared for us when we arrived, they have beds for us as well. This is the sort of thing that you never hear about, but I have experienced it time and time again.

I will try to catch up with this blog in a day or two, but right now it's late and I am very tired.

KY3 News in Springfield, MO

This is a story they did on me when I was in Springfield, MO.I was just about to leave
town when the reporter came and we had a good conversation off camera.

So far this trip has been GREAT. I have run into a few "knuckleheads", but like I said earlier, most of the people I have met go out of their way to be helpful.

It may be a few days before I have the opportunity to write again... I am going deep into Kansas and I may not have the chance to get back online. In the meantime, please send me email and continue to comment on the blog. Thanks again to all of you who support me in what I am doing!

I will be in touch!

Super 8 Has Been Super... GREAT!

Once again, I am staying at a Super 8 Motel. In every state, they have gone out of their way to assist me. So, once again, my hat goes off to the kind folks at Super 8 Motel!

Pittsburg, KS

Well, here I am, Pittsburg, Kansas. I have been here for a few days and have already been adopted again by a nice couple. I have worked in their pawn shop (Easy Money Pawn Shop) and have really gotten some good rest. I have been staying at the Super 8 here in town (Super 8 has been great in supporting my ride). The Internet connection is really slow right now, so I am not able to load any photos. I will try again later. I am well and looking forward to getting back on the road tomorrow. I am right on the eastern edge of the state and I have to start preparing myself for the 400 mile ride across the state.

Words to Live By Helen Keller

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.

-Helen Keller

Marilyn and Katie

This is Marilyn. My new friend who came up to me in her Hoveround motorized wheelchair just as I was getting ready to start packing up to leave Ash Grove. She started talking to me and asking questions about what I was doing. Later, she took me on a tour of the area and took me to meet Father Moses at his church. She also gave me a ride to the Nathan Boone house. It was nice to have met her and her dog, Katie.

Historic Ash Grove, MO

OK, so after I leave Springfield I head northwest to a historic little town called, Ash Grove. Ash Grove is only about 25 miles from Springfield and is famous for being the home of Nathan Boone, the youngest son of Daniel Boone. I was only planning on being in town one night, but after meeting a few o f the residents, I decide to stay on another day. By now, I have heard at least 10 times, "you have to meet Father Moses". I don't know who Father Moses is, but I am looking forward to meeting him. I hear that he is the smartest man in town, that he is a descendant of Nathan Boone, that he established the African American Museum in Ash Grove and that he built his church almost with his bare hands. Later that evening, another resident drops by my tent and tells me pretty much the same thing, then she asks me if I would like a drive out to Father Moses' church. Of course I agree and in few minutes, I am face to face with... Father Moses.

Father Moses is indeed a smart man and all of the other things that I've heard about him. His church is small, but immaculate. He offers to let me stay overnight so that I can go and visit the Museum that he is going to open up just for me. I would take him up on the offer, but the town of Ash Grove has already agreed to let me stay in the "Barnum House", one of the oldest houses in town that is listed with the historical society. After I go back to the Barnum House, I prepare for tomorrow, a day with Father Moses.

Early the next day, I meet Keith. Keith is the brother of Father Moses. He also describes himself as being ANGRY. I have a good talk with him while I am waiting for my tour of the museum with Father Moses. Keith talks about being one of only a few black people in a predominately white town. I tell him I can relate. I also tell him of my experiences since I left Pennsylvania. I tell him about all the wonderful people I've met along the way. "Most people are good and they don't mean you any harm", I tell him, I don't think he's buying it. Just then, Father Moses comes out and calls me over to the museum. Keith doesn't come with me.

While in the museum, Father Moses tells me about his connection to Nathan Boone and the affair he had with one of his slaves. That slave turns out to be Father Moses' great, great grandmother. He shows me his artifacts and gives me the slave collar and shackles to try on. This small museum has things that I'm sure the Smithsonian would love to have. After the museum, I go out to the cemetery for slaves, Indians and paupers. The cemetery is on the "Berry" property and right near the house and church. I meet some ladies out there and before you know it, I have a ride to Springfield and lunch. I go go Springfield and Branson as a full fledged tourist and on the way back to Ash Grove I have an appointment with John Kelly of KY3 TV of Springfield. KY3 is the Number 1 news channel in Springfield.

The next morning, KY3 is there for the interview. In addition to KY3 News, I am also treated to racial slurs from to young men who seem to be in town just to harass me. I have to ride around town for some of the shots for the news (its a really small town), and everywhere I go these guys are there. I must have heard at least 15 times, "N__ger go home!". Hearing this over and over again threatened to "mess up" my day, but it doesn't. I have to remember the hundreds of interactions I have had with so many awesome people. That's what I have to remember... and that these two represent such a small minority. At first I was a little angry, but now I just feel sorry for them.

After all that, I am off to Pittsburg... Kansas.

My Journey Thus Far...

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Take a look at how far I've come so far!

Greetings from Ash Grove, MO

A & B Bicycles, Springfield, MO

I stopped at the best bike shop in the US today. I was just there to replace my pedals, but I ended up with new pedals, a new freewheel, a water bottle, a new chain, a new stem for my handlebars and a few other things. I have to say that everyone there went out of their way to help me out. I have to mention Scott by name. He did a lot of work for me and didn't charge me a penny. He didn't want me to leave until my bike was good to go and ready for the upcoming "Rockies". I have to give a great big THANKS to all the folks at A & B Cycles! I would also like to thank the ladies at AAA of Springfild. You are absolutely AWESOME! Laura, Theresa and Sarah... Thanks so much!

I Have To Show You The Peaches!

These were the best peaches ever, thanks Dale!

Dale Gross

Today as I cycled on down the road. It was hot and I was tired. I didn't really have a good night's sleep and that's exactly how I felt. After a few hours of not feeling so great about the ride, I took a break at a Peach Stand. The proprietor's name was Dale Gross and he knew everything there was to know about peaches. I offered to buy one, but he was only selling them buy the bushel. So he gave me one. I sat and talked to him for what seemed like a couple of hours... just talking. When it was time to leave he gave me more peaches than I could carry, but I took them anyway. They were the best peaches I've ever had in my life. Thanks, Dale. Spending time with him made me forget all about feeling miserable.

The Laacks

While I was in Illinois, the Laack family took me in and made me feel like family... right away. Pastor Dan is excited about serving God and he is happy to share the love that comes Him. Dan, Pat and Kendra thanks for making me feel like family. You guys are the best.

May I Introduce... Mia

This is Mia ladies and gentlemen. Disney's next star. You can watch her and Danielle first video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WS8fjAVYjY

Dick and Joanne Francis

Today I met two very special people, Dick and Joanne Francis. They live in Altamont, IL and I will be staying with them for a few days. Julie lives there with her daughter, Mia. Dick showed me around town and gave me a tour of his farm.

After one of my tours of the area, I was introduced to a fire breathing dragon.

Welcome to Illinois

What a great state this is, "Land of Lincoln" and all that. I have much to look forward to. Going to a rodeo, visit a farm and meet some more wonderful people. I can hardly wait. Eye in the Sky, here I come.

So much corn here.

Richmond, KY

After a goodnight's sleep in Berea, courtesy Super 8 Motel, I look outside to see that its raining. Before I leave town, I head over to Wal-Mart to get a few things and to wait out the rain. The one thing I have discovered on this journey is that I don't like to ride in the rain.

Just before I go into the store, I meet two young men from the LDS Church. I have a very good conversation with them for well over an hour. Not a debate, but a conversation about God and what He means to them and their mission. These two young men are truly remarkable. They just want to help people, cook for them, shop for them... do whatever they need. I was impressed by what they had to say and they helped me pass the time.

After speaking with the missionaries, I decided to go to Hong Kong Chinese Buffet for lunch. I went over with Simon and our idea was to "load up" before we got back on the road. One thing I have realized is that you never know when you will have the chance for a warm meal. A complete meal with veggies, rice, meat, fruit... I don't think you can go wrong with a buffet. It was only $5.00, so it was a "no brainer".

Just before we left the restaurant, I met Robin and Rachel, a mother and daughter from Berea. Even though we should have been on the road by then, we ended up staying and talking with them for well over an hour. By now I am not surprised to meet so many nice people. After some good advice from these two ladies, we decided to get on the road and head to Richmond. I needed a bike shop and it seems the best one for what I needed was in there.

When I get to Richmond, Motel 6 there has a room ready for me. Rick and Alicia had it all set up and they were happy to help. It was after 7 when we got there so we would have to wait until the next day to go to the bike shop.

I guess that's it for today.