Aug 9th – 18^th, 2009  As I wrap up one chapter in my life, I know the end must be better than the middle, so I have some big shoes to fill…

Aug 9th                                                           Princeton, NJ

 I woke up to rain and asked if I could stay one more day. It was ok, so Blair and I had talked about a day at the movies, so we headed off to a  flick called “500 days of Summer “ which was a very cute story about thinking you have the one – only to realize that when trying to control love is like holding back the Mississippi River.  Over time it will tear you apart. Once again I am just set in my thinking that trying to control anything is human’s main downfall. That evening we had one last dinner and I planned to head for the coast for the Cape May ferry.

Aug 10th                                             Delaware

I left with all the family there and said goodbye. It was hard to leave them since they truly treat me like one of their own. I jokingly asked to sign the papers to become an official Lamb. I decided to use the shortest distance option on MapQuest and I was so pleased with the ride. New Jersey is highly underestimated in its beauty and I think because of its large cities people give it a bad name. Remember it is the Garden State and it lives up to that name. I went through the blueberry capital of the US and then the pine barrens which is a beach forest of endless pines. Even the coast was wonderful. By 4pm I had 107 miles under my belt and arrived at the ferry right on time. The ride was 80 minutes across the bay in to Lewis the first city in the first state of Delaware. It is just crazy how big this bay is and like the Mississippi River they let me walk on board first. The ride was a joy and I talked with many of the crew and guests. Once on the shore of a new coast I headed on waving good bye to my new friends. I made it an hour or so and camped in a new subdivision off the one heading north for Maryland. Delaware is nice because of its small size and its flatness.

Aug 11th                                              Maryland

If today was a golf tournament, mine would be over. I was just not into my game. It was not that it was a bad day – it has just been so hot. It is too bad having this type of weather at the end – like wearing a wet blanket all the time, but I say it allows me to appreciate all that I have had and I truly am having fun battling the elements. I would also say that I am eating like a girl that just got her heart broken. As I was just guessing my way into north Maryland I ate at several places. I truly think that it is just the overwhelmingness of the completion of my trip. It’s not that I am scared to be down, it is just hard to fathom the past and the future. Like my wise turtle said in “Kung Fu Panda” – yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift so that is why it’s the present. It’s so true if one stays in the past too long it’s like a warm bath that soon goes cold – you can’t stay in forever. I must just love where I am and what I do. I did finally get the idea to MapQuest again at a library in Rising Sun because I really was just guessing roads and once again it did me right with an excellent right to the 11 which went into West Virginia. I made it to a big bay bridge after battling two dogs with my “water bottle sword”. It was two on one and I was not going to lose. I slept behind a sign and had some fishermen guests that were nice. I must say ever since passing through New York City I have noticed a thread of underlying rudeness. It’s not that people have been mean, but there is just a sense of hesitancy at my approach that I never experienced in the West or Midwest. I just think people live closer together and because of that, this sense of selfishness and accepting kindness is harder for the “East Side of the U.S. The kids have been more of a nuisance too. I have yet to put my finger on the issue but I will meditate on it till I do.

Aug 12th                                             West Virginia – Virginia

I headed back into the Appalachians once again crossing over the AT in the rain. The day was beautiful climbing mountains and heading into West Virginia. Wow! It is moving so fast and I am doing my biggest push without a host. No worries just a little physical challenge in the end is good for the soul. I loved my camp spot and slept well on the border of Virginia and West Virginia.

Aug 13th

Today was a day of true laziness. I slept in till about nine thirty and then went through a small town where I got a “gas station breakfast” and set up in a laundromat where I found out I was on camera when I changed clothes which is a nice present for whomever! Look out internet! After that I went and got more food for my long push – I am on and pounded the weirdest mix of food to date. I had two pounds of yogurt, a tub of hummus, and a half gallon of apple juice. It was not more than twenty minutes before I was stopped again paying for that meal. Still all in all I made it almost 100 miles and even in my camp spot I just went off the side of the road. I was not tired. I am getting a weird feeling in my gut to know that I am so close to completing my journey. I did sleep like a baby though.

Aug 14^th

Once again I slept in and continued my slower movement to the end. I was in the Shenandoah Valley which is amazingly beautiful and I cannot stop my unnecessary food buying so I got a smoothie and found out the kid was about to do the AT also. I talked to him for about an hour giving him advice. I love seeing other kids heading off into something I know will change their lives. That evening I also ate at a Waffle House which I had been craving for some time and talked to the locals for a while. When I left there I made a quick decision to go away from the 11 to the 221 and boy was that a crazy road with cars flying by on small roads. I figured it was night traffic so I camped out in the woods and looked for a different way and saw the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby.

Aug 15th

I started out to revisit my past trip when I pedaled the whole parkway with some friends and boy was today some serious climbing. Still it was beautiful and was nice to trade the cars in for a nice date with Mother Nature. I remember why it was the Appalachians since the Parkway was climb after climb, but I loved the descents because of it. Still I was having a hard time remembering where I was on my past trip during this time until I came across the 8 and saw the motel we stayed at on our trip. I decided I had to eat there and went in. Would you believe that in about a minute I realized my waitress was the same girl as when I was there with six friends in 07?  She still had a drawing two friends and I gave to her. She said she had talked about us the day before I was there to another group of bikers. It was so crazy but since the cool experience had happened I felt memory lane was complete and decided to keep on the 8 which had a fun three mile descent up ahead. It was still a very hilly day but beautiful in the same and soon I was in Winston Salem, North Carolina. I was about to get a motel as a present for myself plus I was about a day away from Greenville, South Carolina anyway and needed some alone time. I went to a Marriott because I like their customer service. One time I left a wallet in a taxi and the hotel found it and went out of their way to find me and get it back in my hands, so please stay with them if you are ever looking. Robert, the door guy, told me the room was 90 dollars. This was way out of my price range. Still I asked nicely if I could use a computer and get directions to Greenville for my last map questing. I thanked him, headed out of town and stopped at a gas station for dinner. There was a couple there that asked what I was doing but even though they were very clean looking something was off. They asked if I wanted to stay with them but I was getting that gut feeling so I kind of blew them off. It is just weird to me if you are nicely dressed with a lot of cologne and are sweating something is up. Anyway, I found a great spot and slept well in my tarp where I am always safe.

Aug 16th                                             Greenville, SC

 I awoke to another hot day but wanted to make Greenville. I had a mission but it was about 160 miles away. I rode all day stopping in a few spots to eat and slowly made South Carolina. It was some fun back roads and I was out with the motorcyclists. As I pounded 2 pounds of yogurt and five muffins I called my aunt, Camille and they wanted to meet me in Spartanburg for dinner. By seven I was there with 140 miles behind me - I am not sure where these miles went but I was booking it. I also knew I was in SC when I saw a family in a van selling samurai swords out of the back. I would have taken a picture but storms were all around. It reminded me of this crack head I knew in Atlanta that sold fruit baskets. It was too funny! I made it and not soon enough. My butt was about to quit – I had gone a week and almost 1000 miles since Princeton, NJ and was excited to be close to the border of Georgia and know I would see the family. If there is anything this trip has taught, which is a lot, is don’t worry. It has also made me really appreciate my own family. There is something special about the ones close that I knew but never clearly saw. Camille, Frank, Caroline, and Meredith Wingate and I had dinner and shared stories. It was an early night but then I watched bad TV till like 4 in the morning- something is wrong with me!

Aug 17th                                             Greenville, SC

This was a fun day with a blast from the past in many ways. The first thing I did was go get new socks because after almost 8 months my wool socks died and I was wearing cotton which smelled so bad (my aunt Camille insisted!). I have finally solved the problem of my smelly feet – it’s smelly cotton. So I needed to get something else. We went to a triathlon store and I picked up some awesomely ugly USA socks which will do great for my last seventy miles into Gainesville, Georgia for my pop’s (Bill Galardi) birthday. The next part of the day was when the revisiting of the past began and I was so excited. “Coconut Monkey”, one of my friends from the trail, came over to the Wingate’s. It was so good to see him – he brought his wife and cute kid. I could not believe the change. Well, not in him -he looks the same but in his life. We laughed, talked, and watched the little one act just like him and then he invited me to dinner later which I said yes. Then I was off to my second ghost of Christmas past when I went to Meredith’s high  school orientation. It was crazy being back in the high school crowd and I have to say they are looking “small” – does that mean I am getting old? It was fun though and I was impressed with the school and the kids. We are entering a strange time with kids in high school – they have all the open information which I think is great, but it is making them realize that the idea of a teenager is made up causing confusion in their heads when most parents will not let them grow up – leading to rebellion and bad behavior. It’s a cycle that is getting faster and scarier. After that and a pretty clear idea I would not do that chapter again. I was off to dinner for some more fun with the “monkey”. He wants me to do the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) with him in 2012 or 13 and I must say I am into the idea. We talked some more over amazing bbq and then said good bye. I am also so amazed at the cuteness of Greenville and really like the town. I had no idea!

 Aug 18th

Today was a simple day with relaxation and calmness around every corner. I did get to go see Meredith swim and check out the town out in the daylight which was nice. The bridge that is a suspension bridge on one side is great and the whole feel of Greenville reminded me of the west and its excellent clean up of the downtown area. I am having a family spaghetti night and then it’s time to head into Georgia and finish what I set out to do. I am a little nervous about going back but who am I kidding – there is no going back in life. We are like flowers and if you stop blooming you’re dying and I am not ready for that. Plus the end of a book must be the best part – the climax scene and this is only the beginning, so my life is destined for greater things.

Worrying about what those are now will only keep me from experiencing them and like “Motormouth” said in Florida in the beginning of this trip ( he was the homeless guy) .

I, Michael Galardi, am a Doer not a Trier and I have biked all 48 states. Thank everyone for what they have done for me and much love. 

July 27th                               Buffalo, NY to Auburn, NY

So it was finally time to leave Buffalo, New York and it was not too big of a deal since I was seeing them all again in four days for Jeremy’s birthday. There was still a sense of moving out. We had all gotten along so great and I will miss Sunita’s, Tom’s and my nightly philosophizing. I followed Jeremy to my turn and then it was back off to what I know the best – the unknown. The day was great – I was pedaling along singing bad songs and thinking of ideas for whatever I would do next when – pop! I hit a rock and just knew what was next. That cheap wheel I had to buy back in Sandusky had ripped. It was not too big a deal, but a nice gentleman stopped with a pump and I noticed the last bike shop stole my adaptor for American pumps. I thanked him anyway and pumped it myself because it was good for my arms. I traveled through the state running next to the Finger Lakes. Upstate New York is one hilly place with sharp inclines everywhere, but I had missed it since I was out west so I loved the burn. In Geneva I looked to the left and saw a sign for a bike shop so I pulled in. The store said that was the second time the sign had worked for them with cyclists, so I told them they had a winner. They were great and super kind – (we even chatted about other bike shops especially the last one I left called Ricks – because they just walked away not really wanting to help). In no time they changed my tire into what I needed – the Bomber (right up my alley) and found that my chain had stretched. I found out this place is rated one of the best bike shops in the country and we chatted for awhile then I was off again. I made it all the way through Auburn and rested well. The mosquitoes were out but not too bad and I slept really well.

 

July 28th                               Auburn, NY to Esperance, NY

I awoke to slugs everywhere and moisture all over the place. I set off around 8 and had a fun task of meeting one of Jeremy’s friends for lunch. Brad was meeting me near his home in Waterville and I was off to be there as soon as possible. The hills were like the Grand Tetons and I am sure I was going well over forty mph. It was intense and I was dripping in sweat. Finally, I was there but there were no restaurants around that were open so we went to Richfield Springs only to find a Subway which works for me. We chatted forever and I was glad to watch a few of those hills pass me by. I am also excited because Brad is moving to Hawaii and you better believe I am visiting soon. After that I went in to Esperance and slept between two farmer’s properties. This night was worse than all the others with bugs. I was attacked and could not leave. I awoke like the last time at 4am.

July 29th                               Esperance, NY to  Marlboro, VT

I slept very lightly and at four a.m. could not move fast enough to get out of there. I was going mad trying to kill as many mosquitos as I could and get moving but stopped at a Stewarts gas station where they make their own ice cream and got a little breakfast and coffee to calm down. I was all smiles in no time. I was off for Vermont and soon was in a terrible city of Troy. If there is a good part I missed it and even then I must say I saw a character from ”Family Guy” with his face upside down in real life. I was going to ask someone what happened but there can’t be sunlight without rain, so maybe it was a beauty I just missed. The hills were getting bigger and soon I was in Vermont where I decided to treat myself to a second breakfast just because I love Vermont maple syrup. I am not even sure who decided that regular maple syrup tasted like Vermont’s but they were way off. I talked with all the staff and was in heaven. As I left I noticed the town had a familiar scent to it and soon realized why. I crossed the Appalachian Trail a few miles up and remember the day I was there on the trail like yesterday. It was so cool – I remember I had had this hitch back to the trail from some hippy New Yorkers and had a blast. I also had the thought that looking at the past was like climbing into a warm bath. It is good for a little while but if you stay in it too long it will go cold. I love remembering but the present is all we will ever have and it is where my life will choose to stay. As I snapped out of that thought and into the mountain and climbing it, it began to rain and then poured. I was actually loving it and just kept booing it on screaming down the descents like a mad man surfing in a hurricane. I finally came to Marlboro, Vermont (like the cigarettes) when a guy named Vincent pulled over and got out in the downpour and offered me a bed. I said sure knowing it was not going to stop raining and this was a lot better than a bridge so we were loaded and off. Vincent had done a 2800 mile ride back four years ago and had so many people help him he had to throw out a helping hand. It was great and made me smile thinking about how many I will help in the years to come. He even made me a steak dinner and taught me about Moose Fargle which is a super complex role playing game that changes based on whether you choose a good or bad path. It made me think and I have now realized that the path to good or evil is the same path to controlling things and not controlling things. In life control seems like the better path but it tricks us much like the dark side in Star Wars. It even seems easier and safer but at some point no matter what – that bubble can and will pop and that is why even though it seems hard at first we must learn to let go. Control nothing and nothing can control you. Once we look and learn what nature teaches us – our life will become easier. I am living proof of this and will talk with anyone about it. If we act like water we will get to where we need to go. My eyes were getting heavy and I was going to make Raymond, New Hampshire on time for Jeremy’s birthday. I was even going to beat them. I was excited to meet more of the family and so I slept very deeply listening to the rain and knowing I was dry and out of it.

July 30th                                           Marlboro, VT to Raymond, NH

I got up a 5am and Vincent made some breakfast. It was still raining but I was not worried  - in the rain you are focused on riding because what else is there to do. I hit the road after thanking Vincent again and soon was in New Hampshire on my way to Raymond. By 9am the rain was done and the sun rose. I ate lunch at a doughnut shop just drinking their tea which I know sounds weird but the slushy I wanted was $4 and they’re not getting that from me. Within no time I was there and I laughed a lot at the signs because they have the old man’s face on their road signs and when I was hiking the AT I was in the town where this was and it had fallen off. It was national news and I just laughed because it is a perfect example of my control point made earlier. Now this poor town and the whole state has to deal with leftover souvenirs and signs of crap for something they should of just enjoyed and not tried to exploit. By 3: 30pm I made it in and just like Jeremy; Doris and Rick are great with two kids that are wonderful too. We ate and laughed.

July 31st                                            Raymond, NH

We all awoke and it was like I never left Buffalo. It was so nice seeing everyone again and we laughed about my swift entry into New Hampshire. The day was once again very wet and all of us ate breakfast and got into the van and headed to Meredith Beach. We, of course, wanted a sunny day but you can’t yell at Mother Nature.  She has a much wiser plan and I learned what that was — we ate lunch and I won the top score of my favorite game Gallagher. That’s right – Mother Nature gives us all gifts and that was mine for the day. Skeet ball was fun too and Aunt Rosie was quite the player. We all left after Jeremy saw the beach was closed since he is such a fish – he wanted to swim even though the rain was making us all swim on our own. That night we all gathered around the table for some pizza and then got into a serious dice game called Moose Fargle. I lost but the fun made me feel like a winner anyway. That evening a few of us went for a moonlight walk and we were called “Raymond trash” – oh the silly boys that want to feel cool through their fears in life. It a shame to see but we all must learn on our own and I know that they have a very small shot of ever gathering the knowledge that we have. I was tired from all the excitement of the day and the amazing draining power of the rain earlier so I slept.

Aug 1st                                  Raymond, NH

I am seven months in and I started this day by jumping onto Jeremy for a thirtieth birthday smash. We all gathered for a huge egg and maple bacon breakfast and then got our act together for a day at Hampton Beach for a day of sun and fun. Rosie, Doris, and Sunita decided to do their own thing but Jeremy, Lisa, Stacy, Tony and I gathered in the van and jammed our way to the beach. The day was a lot of fun and the beach was quite the site with just thousands of people everywhere. We even had to turn into a full lot just to try to find a spot and we did. It was weird seeing the Atlantic Ocean again and a flood of appreciation flooded me thinking about all I have done. It was just overwhelming to think how far I have come and where I have to go, but the present is all I have got so I decided it was time for a swim. The water in the north is just as cold as the Pacific. I was in for a while and then caught one wave on the board and was done. I tanned for the rest of the day and got a little burned on the belly but it will be fine. The necklace that Jeremy gave me of the native vine from Hawaii broke and I turned it into ankle bracelets. Then I was told a great line  - you must never cry – you just need to modify and I loved it. We had to head back for there was a comedy show to attend and I do love live comedy. We made it for a quick bite and headed to the bowling alley because that is the biggest venue in Raymond. There is nothing like the energy of a live comedy show and it is amazing to see what laughter can do for the soul. We had our own table and one of the biggest jokes was where the comedians careers were going playing in Raymond but they were all really funny. The best was the fact that Rosie was asked to jump on stage and help and I think she was already up there before the guy finished asking. I am so glad this great group of people allowed me to be a part of their lives and I cannot wait to continue to see them. We came back for one more game of Fargle and then it was off to bed. It was weird how both a day of rain and sun both can put you to sleep but the rest was in the stars.

Aug. 2nd                              Raymond, NH

We awoke to the smell of blueberry pancakes! I think I am gaining weight on this trip than losing. All the young people headed up the coast and I got to see where I would be riding tomorrow. We went to Portsmith, NH and shopped and played. I bought some stones for my ankle that brought me strength and forced negativity away since I need all the help I can get. The area is full of history and even in one battle during the American Revolution the locals stole gun powder from the English to defeat them. It is also a nuclear sub refill station. We met Steve who runs a marina and a towboat company and he showed us around a multimillion dollar boat. It was so fun. We ended with some seafood from Saunders in Rye Harbor that matches the food back in Pensacola, Florida. I am ready to ride but will miss this new extended family I have gained. This is what I am out to find and these people have made my trip.  It just so happened that Brad was being too rushed and could not make the tool show in Manchester so I was very excited and got to take his ticket. The show was crazy and before it began Lisa and I made a new friend who ended up choking and head butting a kid that sat in his wife’s seat. I am not making this up and even though he should of just waited on his wife before he reacted he was in the right. They both were escorted out, but the big guy that did the fighting was booed. It just shows you how easy a group of people can be fooled by what they do not see. I knew the whole story and saw both sides but others did not and the one that was in the right was hated. It’s weird to think about how much this happens in our own lives. The show was quite the sight and all else went smoothly. We got home around 1 and found Brad sleeping in his car. Much love and peace.

 

 

July 18th                              Toledo, OH

 I was so excited for today was the day I got to venture to the Motor City- Detroit, Michigan. Peggy and I picked up a few of her friends and we were off. I must note that one friend had a beautiful home her mom left her with artifacts of her world travels. The home was stunning but at the same time very claustrophobic thinking about all that would have to be moved.  It is just this freedom one gains by not having things – it allows movement. I just think about my simplicity and how it translates into our language. The word DO is so short and sweet but holds more meaning than any other word I can think of. We think we can “do” because of our stuff and releasing that burden releases your soul. It the feeling you get when you clean out your room or car – you are just lighter.

Sorry about that -back to Detroit. I was so excited to see this city just one week before the last major super market shut down. Much housing is ripped of its copper and empty — poverty is in the rise and the only time people are downtown is for a sports game or a casino visit. When we arrived this is what I saw – a city that looks like it is dying and it’s sad. I had not felt this way since I was in the Indian reservations. We even stopped through some of the worst parts of Detroit. Still a low heart pulse remains and the city lives –we went to the concerts of color which is just a small view on what Detroit could be. It was a connector of people from everywhere getting together to just hear music. It was an amazing time with music from around the globe. I even saw the man who wrote “Mustang Sally” perform his famous song. It was nice seeing a small part of a city in such need coming together in love and hope. After that long festival I was excited and ready to ride into Buffalo, New York to stay with Jeremy.

July 19th                                                         Toledo, OH to Sandusky, OH

Boy was I ready to hit the road -I left about ten and never looked back. My tire was low so I pumped it up and headed for a Kroger. After a purchase of a few dinners I noticed my wheel was flat again, so I changed the tire. All was well until I stopped in Sandusky for a water break and my tire was low again. I took a close look and my side wall of the tire was blown out. I asked Dan the attendant for a bike shop although it was Sunday. I thought about a motel but then it was only 5pm so I had plenty of sunlight to ask around for camping areas. I got some ice cream and then headed to the bike store to post up near there. Across the street was a diner called the Better HHalf Café. It was so cute being split into his side/her side. I sat and drank coffee just picking up conversations with locals wherever I could and finally talked with three people for about an hour. Luckily, they had a friend in the police department that told them I could sleep in the park. I was thrilled as they left and they told me where to get some good local fish –perch – so I headed out and ate where I was told. I finally got back to the park and it over looked Lake Erie.  The lake is stunning because of its unbelievable size. To my right was Cedar Point which is rated one of the best amusement parks in the world and I sat for hours just pondering and watching the sunset. I am amazed at my level of patience just sitting in silence. I crave silence now. My mind is at peace with all because the present is all we have. We live in this world that happens with or without us and all we have to do is participate and enjoy. The situations are there no matter what, but we get to choose how we react to them – good or bad. It was such a joy and as people left I rested and slept through the night.

July 20th                                             Sandusky, OH to North Perry, IN

I managed to sleep in the park without bother. I still left at about six in the morning as I saw walkers begin their daily exercise. I decided to take up the local’s advice and head to the Better Half Cafe for some breakfast. It was a wonderful place and Julie, my waitress, was just so bubbly that we chatted till 10:30 with locals chiming in here and there. Finally, it was time to get my tire changed and hit the road by about eleven. I went and hugged Julie and was off. The day was just like any day -my back was still stiff but I rode and rode till dusk. I also was stopped by the nicest cop who just loved my trip and talked to me till he got a call. I told him that he too should hit the road, but as usual many worry about the daily tasks and responsibilities in their lives – but this guy still gets out on the road every once and awhile for a few weeks which in my mind is great. We all should travel – it quiets the mind and cleanses the soul. From one day to a few months – it is all the same – the important thing is that we all find out who we really are through travel and I hope everyone can do it someday. I have to note though that I saw the most beautiful fox just watching me on a railroad track. I contemplated what that meant or if he was a spirit animal of mine but nothing came up other than my day was great. I camped by what I thought was a closed down dump site and slept great.

July 21st                                           North Perry, IN to Buffalo, NY

I woke up about 6:30am to rain slowly coming down. Now most the time in these situations I roll over and sleep, but today was different. Something told me to move on plus I could make Buffalo, New York today and I was excited about meeting Jeremy. As I quickly packed up in the rain, the closed down dump site was not that at all and a huge truck came out of the gates. I was like a deer in head lights but soon the driver told me “no worries and I had till nine” before the boss got there. I was on the road by seven and the rain lasted all day. I pedaled through Pennsylvania and then into New York hitting my 34th state – I was flying and I think the rained helped because what else is there to do in the rain. I had talked to Jeremy and as I was about 15 miles out of Buffalo, I suddenly saw a car that I took notice of coming over the hill. It was Jeremy yelling at me to stop which I did. We met and I have to say were friends in no time. He told me about some flooded roads and said he had to get me out of that and even skipped a meeting for me – a total stranger. We hit it off from the start with story after story. He got me some Chinese food and the next thing I knew I was watching him play indoor hockey eating a wonderful meal. I also was introduced to loganberry soda which had an amazing flavor. The game was so much fun to watch and even though they did not win, all I could think about was how one really learns best from failure. It is then important to learn how to succeed from that. That night we hung out with his two roommates, Tom and Sunita. Tom is his cousin and an amazing carpenter and Sunita is an Indian going for her doctoral degree in education. I loved the story of how she came into the house because Jeremy had met her son out one day and a friendship was born. I also was told stories of Puerto Rico and already was asked to go down and stay whenever I liked. I really think if they go down in January, I would like to go and help them rebuild a house for which he was given charge for a great kindness he gave the lady that owns the land. I was told I could stay as long as I liked, so I accepted and really wanted to get my lower back feeling better before I headed out. We retired to bed because and I was so happy to be with a couch surfer that I truly enjoyed again.

July 22nd                                                                    Buffalo, NY

I woke up and was off for my day of touring the city solo. I started off with the shipyard that housed two warships and a submarine. The self guided tour rocked because it was at my own pace and I ended up going the wrong way. These boats were crazy and much like the air museum back in Pensacola I was amazed and saddened by the advanced technology that comes with warfare. It is just so crazy to think about the fact that technology is always 30 years ahead of what the public knows about and scary to think about where it is today with things moving so fast. I finished my tour and headed to city hall where I walked in and asked if I could go to the top. The man at the desk told me to run up there and I did.  To my surprise as I entered I was closed in by a red ribbon and some scissors. To my left was a podium with about 15 mikes set up and a large group of people all dressed up. I got in the back and listened and it was the grand reopening of the city hall tower. The mayor and his whole “team” were there with the TV crews and I just watched. I guess my amazement showed because after the ceremony a gentleman name David, who was the head of economic development, introduced himself and asked how long I had lived there. I told him the funny story and next thing I know I am meeting everyone and taking pictures with the mayor of the city. I got interviewed by NPR and even got an article in the Buffalo Rising. It was wild – the next thing I know David showed me the city and told me the amazing history of Buffalo making me realize how great and highly underrated this city really is. It’s rich in history and culture and working hard to be a progressive place for future generations. The experience put a smile on my face all day.  I really just wandered the city checking out the art and culture for the rest of the day.  The day became really spectacular when we went to Niagara Falls. All I can say is “wow – they are just amazing”. It is hard to even wrap your head around the amount of water that falls every five minutes – I think it is almost a billion gallons. We then went down to the base of the falls onto hurricane deck where the water just blows you back with force. It was magical moving and a memory hard to forget. We were there so long night fell and then Canada blasted colored changing lights onto the falls making a spectacular show of colors. It is the type of place you almost get emotional about realizing the beauty in America. That night we retired home to a movie about surfing and I was so moved by this travel bug that I have I almost forgot about the boats at the beginning of this full day.

July 23rd                                             Buffalo, NY                

I went to work with Jeremy who runs what I think is “like a model agency for construction workers”. He wanted me to talk to Real, who was a ghost writer, and we hit it off from the start. It was exciting to see all these doors open in such a short time and I was amazed at a story Jeremy told me about how the day he told friends he was biking the country I had e-mailed him. It’s just great to think about how we are a product of our situations and if you put positive things out there you will get positive things back. Real asked us to come to dinner because the people he was staying with did a “sea to sea” trip and Real was writing their book. The rest of the day I took Jeremy’s car and relaxed until that night when I picked him up and met his wonderful family for some fine wings and pizza. Later that night after playing, talking, and eating, we returned home to the best political talk I have had in a while. It is a scary time in our history but much like the idea that the world was flat, a new idea can be born and in the end I know I will be ok and I hope others follow in the same mind set. It is a time where we need to know that all we have is each other and as we were a country built on “WE THE PEOPLE” , we should come back to that by being kind to others and loving ourselves. I slept well and my back pain was still there but getting a little better.

 July 24th                                            Buffalo, NY

I once again was able to use the car which was so nice of Jeremy  and I loved driving it. I have to remember though that it is against the law to talk on the cell phone, but that’s not too hard and I think a good law. I am helping Tom out by picking up a window and decided to go to this other bike store because the one I went into the other day was full of  rude people and rude people make me not want to spend money. Bert’s Bike Shop was great and in a matter of seconds the whole crew and I were chatting it up having a grand old time. I went and got the window with success and then picked up Jeremy from work. We waited onTom and loaded the kayaks into his truck. We were going to Real’s house for dinner to meet the biking Swedes. They were so kind and made a great Swedish meatball. The conversation was excellent and after dinner we loaded the kayaks and went for an hour long night ride on the Erie Canal. The water was like glass and blue herons flew everywhere. It is hard to believe this river like canal was all manmade. The paddle was very nice and to chat on such calm terrain was an experience in itself. We came back in and talked for awhile more. The day was full and fun. I cannot wait to read the story of their ride and see the differences. From our talk I already know there are a lot of differences. As we went home Jeremy and I got a second wind and decided to pick his brother up and go party. It was a fun time – telling people I was a pro surfer until I talked and could not keep the lie going. I feel secrets keep you sick but it was all in good fun. I even got kicked out of a place for not dressing right which cracked me up. We had a good old time and retired to a steak sandwich joint where some drunken kids took my picture as though I was Jesus for their face book picture. We came home about 4am and passed out.

July 25th                                             Buffalo, NY                

This will be my last full day here. We slept in then went and got some breakfast. Jeremy is an amazing drummer and his skateboard company has a great look. I even am wearing his shirt and have been asked all about it. I guess blue is my color. We are going to go swimming in the Great Lakes and then go to the race track to bet on some horses. Tom cannot wait because he thinks my newness will bring him luck. I sure hope it brings all of us some. My stay has been so amazing that I am heading to New Hampshire next to stay with Jeremy again at his aunt’s house. I have made a brother on this trip and can’t wait for our next adventure.

We ended the evening with going to Igor’s birthday party out at a local joint. We had a blast hanging out to two in the morning. The group was amazing and we had some good laughs about the current state of affairs in our government which is healthy when things get bad. It’s a way to cope especially in this day and age when we see problems that are scary. Anyway that night we ended once again at the local grease joint and then rested.

July 26th                                                         Buffalo, NY

I decided to stay one more day with the idea of strawberry pancakes with Jeremy’s aunt! We sat and talked till about  five and I came back to help clean up a bit. Jeremy has been the most amazing host and I will be heading to New Hampshire to stay with him again. Much love and peace.

 

 

 

 

June 28th                                Springfield, IL to McBride, MO

It is a beautiful day and the weather is great, but the heat is rising. I really have not minded too much though – it just reminds me of Atlanta. I was ready to go and headed off to some slightly strong wind. The wind really does not bother me anymore either – I just think of it as a way Mother Nature talks to me. The ride was great and before I knew it I was in Chester the home of Popeye and the end of Illinois. I went over the Mississippi River which always puts me in awe at it size and power. It was getting dark and right after a popcorn factory in McBride, MO I was camping under a bridge relaxed as ever.

June 29th                                McBride, MO to Wardell, MO

I slept in a little and left about nine. The weather was the same and I was excited to get through Missouri. I have to say that it was this day that I had to end the use of the mileage computer on my wheels. It is weird how you just are bound to what that computer says and how many times I look at it in a day for it to tell me what I already know. It is like looking at an elevation map for a hike in hopes that the mountain coming up will change. In no way does it change my reality ahead – it just makes me doubt my abilities to complete the upcoming task. I was through and the computer is dead to me. It was turned to the side after not working for the last time and I have to say it was the happiest move I made in awhile. Missouri was a beautiful ride. My ideas of the people was neutral, but most were really nice. I had my second mad trucker give me a hand gesture, but as I always say at the end of the day I get to go to sleep and wake up as me and him the same and I would not trade that for the world. I made it to Wardell, MO because the great American River Road 61 that I was on ended into a freeway for a while and I had to take old farm roads that had letters instead of numbers as names to get around it. I found the park with the help of the gas station attendant and set up shop for the night. I knew there were bugs, but I had no Idea to what extent. It was the worst yet. Mosquitoes were everywhere. I rolled and tossed – they were going through my clothes and making me sweat, so I had to get out of my sleeping bag. Then they would bite through the liner. It felt as if they were under my back to the floor.

June 30th                                Wardell, MO to Arkansas to Memphis, TN

I had had it at like midnight. I was going to ride out. The deet which I will never use again did nothing but make my lips numb. I had to leave for a night ride or I was going to lose it. I rode for an hour just looking at the stars. I rode in the dark because it was just so breath taking and the flatness of the land let me see cars coming for miles. I love the stars and the noise in the dark. I saw constellations and shooting stars. It was so nice and the air was cool. I finally saw some church stairs and thought that would be a good place. I stopped and waited for a mosquito to bite and there was nothing, but as I laid down this time with just my bag because I did not want to pack again I heard the buzzing in my ear like someone was drilling in my head. They were once again everywhere like they awoke as my breath filled their sleeping areas. I was through and caconded my body I n the bag -sweat or not. I awoke at 4:00 am and just left – the sun had almost broken and my lip was swollen from bites. It was crazy that they could even get through my facial hair – what kind of prehistoric monster are these guys! Still I was laughing about the whole thing. It was now behind me and I was fine and smiling. I did get into Arkansas earlier and I was going to be in Memphis sooner so that was nice. I was staying with a friend of a few friends named Sam and his girl, Kelly. I could not wait especially after that morning. I stopped at McDonald’s for breakfast and rode like the wind. I am so free without this computer I cannot believe I kept it this long. Mileage is harder now and way off but for my sanity and peace of mind it is worth it. (The internet mileage calculators will make the mileage close) So sorry to all you mileage hounds though – my trip is off the books, but very fulfilling and may I make a suggestion to not live your life through data that is often unimportant in the first place. No matter how far I go it does not make where I am going any shorter. I stopped at a gas station near Tennessee. I learned or at least reconfirmed the lesson never to judge a book by its cover. There was a man with no teeth who I bet was forty but looked sixty five who just ran up to me asking questions. Now I was very kind and answered all the questions of course, but I was putting him in categories in my head as I answered. Then out of the blue he just pulls out cash and hands me ten bucks saying you need it more than me. It was touching and sweet. My jaw dropped and it shattered all I thought I knew. I was so happy by the generous act – it moved me and made me want more than ever to make this a mission and help whoever I can. I was finally at the border of Memphis, TN with just the Mississippi River to go but there was one issue. The bridges were two of the fastest interstates I have seen since Cali on I-10. I was not risking this plus I was where both were splitting and needed the left bridge. I was going to hitch over and made a sign but before I could use it, a car stopped which was amazing. Damian Gates was a very generous man. He had that Memphis draw and said “man” at the end of everything. We only rode for like ten minutes, but we laughed so hard. He was just floored at the craziness of white people and I was just glad to be with black people again. It is refreshing to see their humor and rational side to everything plus it cracks me up how crazy he thought I was! It felt weird being in the south again – I felt so close to home. Damien dropped me off in the perfect spot and said good bye. I wished him the best in everything. I was so happy to be in Memphis and feel it is so silly some people’s view of this amazing wonderful town. All I hear from outsiders is the danger, but may I say to you that waking up each day anywhere is just as dangerous and this city is as rich in culture as the dark corners of New Orleans.

 

I went to meet Sam and locked the bike up at a house Kelly was watching. We were off to go swimming and I jumped in the shower and borrowed a suit. When we arrived though we were asked to leave which was weird, but I soon found out why. They had had friends over that had dumped the chairs into the pool and this crazy attendant (who watches her cameras all day) denied them swimming privileges for the rest of the year. I laughed for awhile on this one and tried to tell Kelly it was cool. I cannot believe the punishment was so harsh and it is sad to know there are people out there that hate themselves so much they must control others whenever they can. Let me take a moment and ask everyone that reads this to go and look in a mirror and with true conviction tell yourself you love you and mean it. If this is hard or too funny for you to do in private then please look at your life and at least find happiness. Well, after the swimming fiasco we went back to the house where they were house-sitting and had a few friends over. We watched “Amateurs” and then rested – it was great to be with friends and have 28 states down – so I slept well.

July 1st                                    Memphis, TN

It was a new day and a new month. We rested for awhile but Kelly went to work. I was excited bc that night we were going to rendezvous my fav ribs in the world and Sam new a waiter there. Before though We went to sams mom’s house and boy was she the sweetest lady in the world plus she had a key to my heart when I saw her four refrigerators. She just feed me with more and more and I ate till I was going out the door. I even had food in bags with me as I left. We got Kelly and after a few hours of chilling it was time for dinner. I was in heaven and ate like a king with a full rack and then a sandwich plus parts of two appetizers. We then met up with matt a guy that was letting us use his place for the fourth which I might stay for. We then had to go to bardogs a bar my good friend and manger Mark at smiths old bars brother in law owned. He was great and got us more food =even though my belly was going to exploded. luckily matt was with us and he helped me out. I wanted to stay but we had a poker game to attend and we were already late. I must say this did not go as well as my game in La but it was fun and everyone I met was the best. I managed to not lose all that I put in but I did not win even close. I did get some good laughs though and in the end that’s worth all the money in the world. We retired to the home and that was that.

July2nd                                   Memphis, TN

So this was a nice day to rest – I helped Sam throw out a couch that had been an eye sore in Kelly’s apartment and then got all my computer work done for the day. I need to find a new place to crash, so I got to work and luckily Gabrielle came through, who was the sweetest girl and it was funny that I had stayed with her sister, Rachel, in New Orleans. That night we were off for a fun time going to pick up her cousin, who I adored spending time with, and headed reluctantly to a country concert in the square near Beale Street. It was a guy named Todd’s birthday, but as soon as we got there it was time to go (thankfully). We moved the party to a blues club which was amazing. Kelly’s cousin had to go to work the next day, so sadly we had to drop her off as fast as we met her and headed home where we rocked out to 311 DVD concert till like 4.

July 3rd                                               Memphis, TN

I was going to Gabrielle’s but did not awake till like noon, so Kelly, who had a day off, and I decided to go check out the Imax and saw the one on the Grand Canyon. The place was packed and people were stealing parking spaces from everyone including us who were asking people and following them to their cars. Finally, we got in as the show was starting and it was a little cheesy but great – it even choked me up for a second as suddenly as there was flood of memories of my past locations and their beauty. After the show it was time for me to go and see Gabrielle. I was so happy to see her since the last time was in Atlanta at a Widespread Panic show. Her mother was so kind too and opened her doors right away. She is the spitting image of Rachel. As I got there though it was time to run out because I told Gab I wanted to do the spin class she was in to see how much harder it was than what I did. I have to say it was crazy and nothing like how I ride. The best part was the guy teaching it came around and  corrected my form. It was hilarious – I had no idea I was not biking right ( ya right) but I told you before – cyclists are a different breed and I just do not fit in I guess. Of course, I never said anything because I didn’t want it to seem like I was bragging, but it is a great story and I did wonder how many miles he rides in a day. We returned home, chatted, and then it was time to go out and Gabriella showed me the time of my life. We started off first having an amazing dinner cooked by her mom who can do anything. We then headed to the Half Shell which may have the best oysters I have had to date. We then went to the deli which was a local joint – Sam and Kelly were even there. I am starting to see that Memphis is a big city with a small town mentality. Everyone knew everyone. Sam, Kelly, Gabriella, and I then went to Wild Bills, an original jute joint place. The energy and music were powerful. They sold forties and wings and the lighting was set so all you could register was red and smoke, but the music just moved you. There was even a guy from Japan that was there that comes every year to play with them. He could not sing for his life but could whale on the guitar. I even danced once again. It may be my favorite spot in Memphis yet. After Sam and Kelly went home, Gab and I headed to Alex’s to eat a killer hamburger. This place is a bar that may never close and funny enough got crowded when you thought it would be dead at 4 in the morning as we were leaving.

July 4th                                               Memphis, TN

I awoke about ten to a puppy and Gab’s nephew who kept me busy all day. We put together three puzzles, played tons of games, and just as I thought I had him napping, he was up for more. I must say I have to appreciate these situations for it keeps me from having one of my own right now and this might have taken a year off my life! Ha!

I soon found out to that Gab’s mother was very crafty and when I asked her to sew my wrist wallet that was once again ripping we ended in a whirl wind of ideas. We came up with a new wallet made out of koozies which I wish I had my own. The thing was made out of two koozies and even has buttons. It is pretty cool and is being stretched. I was just amazed at how good she was at doing it.

That night we went and met up with Gab’s friends from work, who are nurses who work on the hospital transplant floor. We then picked up Ricky, a guy I met the night before, and headed to the roof where Sam and Kelly were watching a friend’s apartment. We, of course, missed the fireworks but I must say that they were the most disappointing I had ever seen through the buildings and only 15 minutes long. It was nice to just hang though and then we were off early to bed because Gab had to be up by five for work.

July 5th                                               Memphis, TN

I am staying one more day just because it’s cloudy and why not take a slow day to finish everything up. I must say I am antsy to get on the road for some small fear I will not finish, but fears are just the locks on our doors of opportunity in life and I will not have any. I am healthy, happy, and ready to bike so bring it on. Much love and peace.

 

 

 

 

 

June 24th-27th    I think happy therefore I am happy

 

The days seem to just keep on amazing me. Expectations really do lead to disappointments and I am forever in training to let them go. I also feel strongly about letting go of my belongings at home and plan on ridding myself of as many material things as possible when I return. Maybe I can convince someone there to do it for me while I am away, but people sometimes only think I am joking until I actually do it. Anyway, that’s in the future which is not here, so let’s look at what’s been going on for it’s been a wild one.

 

June 24th                               Madison, WI to Freeport, IL

 

I set off in some intense heat. I started late from Carolyn’s because we just had so many great conversations I could not stop. I think maybe I was supposed to go into the art world and failed to see my calling because her job has an amazingly open view about what is and is not. At about ten though it was time and she had a meeting anyway. I was off and knew the way, but from the beginning my bike was really acting up – here we go again. I made it to the border of Illinois and Wisconsin and found a bike shop to call in Freeport, IL owned by a guy named Joe. I was riding into Freeport and about ten miles before I got there, a red truck just pulled over with a man waving me down. Chip was trying to point out a bike path I could take which was very kind, but it was dirt and I was not about to change my path. I told him the issue and he knew Joe so he gave me a lift into Freeport. We talked and informed me of Freeport’s amazing history with the Lincoln debates. I even got to go see the location. It made me really understand how with such limited press in those days some one could become larger than life with just a few strong stories in the biggest papers. Chip dropped me off at Joe’s and said good bye. He was so nice and Joe then got to work on my bike. He had a confidence about him that made me feel good about his work and noticed the new derailleur cable was stretched. When he finished though he found a bigger problem in my bearings where one of the cones had rubbed raw. Do not worry – I also have no idea what that means but I was told it was bad. He did not have a spare part but looked up and without even knowing it was 5pm. I was going to ride out, but after some great conversation Joe asked if I wanted to stay for a cookout and I really did. We had a blast with his brother and friends and I must say that family knows how to cook. Joe was so into it he had an outdoor kitchen that he built. We ate like kings and his friends were all great and different. From an amateur down hill skater to town clerk to a couple of old school hippies that trained horses and had great stories to tell – Joe and his brother were also renaissance men dabbling in everything. It was just too much fun and the next day was even better.

 

June 25th                              Freeport, IL to Bradford, IL

 

We both got up at 7:00 am and headed to McDonalds for breakfast – I would eat there everyday if they served that all the time. We chatted with some locals that I could have listened to forever. It is just magic the knowledge and insight you can gain from our community’s elders if you just listen. We then went to the coffee house because Shannon who was there last night wanted to say goodbye plus this was the main hang out it seemed. There I met a legend, Tyger Johnson, one of the most famous recumbent bikers in the world. He is 73 now and still kills the competition – all of this you would never now though because he is also the best example of humility I have ever seen. He and all his friends just chatted and we had a ball. As I thought it was time to go, I was told to stay because the news paper was going to do an article on me. I answered questions and then took a photo and was off. I told Joe thank you and he sent me off with some zip ties I am sure will be useful. I hit the road at about 10:30am. I rode in the hot weather for 96 miles. There was a detour and luckily I talked to a girl that knew the fastest way around that when I ended up in Bradford, IL at the Casey General gas station with Michael Collins and Kelly. I must note that I was sweating so much that I ringed my shirt out for five minutes with water just pooling at my feet. Michael and Kelly were great and fed me pizza and donuts. I had so much fun that I left and then saw a picnic table that I came back to and chilled into the night. We had a ball and I am sure the customers were very confused. I finally headed to my covered picnic table at nightfall because there were a lot of kids walking the streets and I wanted to rest not chat the night away.

 

June 26th                              Bradford, IL to Springfield, IL

 

I popped up at 5:30am ready for the day plus I was told I had a long way to go into Springfield, but I wanted to just ride so I was not too worried. I found a travel center and asked how to get to Hwy 29 and found the route over the Illinois River. To my surprise what I thought was going to be a hundred miles was only 60 miles into Springfield. I was so happy and just flew in. I got there around 2:30 and decided to go to the bike shop I had called about the wheel problem. I really did not want to have to rebuild the wheel because it is pricey, but luckily Robert may be one of the best mechanics yet. He found spare parts and even had my highest and lowest gears working which no one had been able to do since the beginning. Todd, the owner, was really cool also so R and M Cyclery is now forever a part of my trip – they are even the first sticker on the new frame. After that I was off over Lake Springfield to Janet’s who opened her home to me without even a blink of an eye. I covered 130 miles and it was only 4pm and I am jawed by that because I was at the shop for an hour and rested at the Chilly Bear outside of town for awhile. I am just so happy with my physical abilities. Andy, who is Janet’s son took me out to meet his friends and they all were too kind. They were really funny because they all wanted pictures with me. Then we went to see Transformers 2 which was amazing but super long. Funny story though is that I found out they refilled slushies for free and had four of them before the movie began. We were out at 12:30 and went to bed – I was so tired.

 

June 27th                              Springfield, IL to

 

I am taking today off but then heading out tomorrow because even though it is super hot the weather is perfect. Today is all about relaxing and I might even go to a remote control airplane show. Everyone I have met in Springfield is great and if you ever wanted to know anything about Abraham Lincoln – it’s the place to be. It has also been interesting to see the growth of the city and how it is expanding like Atlanta, Georgia. All is well and life is good. I have now stated and am sticking to “I think happy therefore I am happy”. So the model airplanes did not work out, but the day was full of many good things – one being rest which was my favorite. I even got a few cat naps in. We then went to Lincoln’s house which was pretty amazing and was the only home he owned and he even remodeled it two times. His kids were interesting in the fact that there was no discipline used on them and the stories were endless. To my surprise his bed and desk were very small. They have preserved the home well. After the history lesson we moved on to a deli in Springfield called Horseshoe. It was a heart attack waiting to happen and my stomach laughed at the challenge - it was great. It is Texas toast with meat, cheese and fries with all sorts of stuff all mixed together. I cleaned house after a nice meal and we met Andy’s sister and husband and some friends – one being crazy Zack and we did a little storm chasing. The lightning was beautiful and strong. Then we went and played pool till midnight. I was not as sharp as the last time but held my own and the fun was what really mattered. I hope the rain stops soon. We will eat breakfast and then I am off while they go to church. I look forward to the ride. Peace.

Article II.      ‘Jolly Geography’: Bicyclist makes a stop in Freeport

Article III.                    By Joe Tamborello

Article IV.                   Michael Galardi of Atlanta made a stop in Freeport Thursday during his quest to bicycle all 48 contiguous states. Having logged approximately 7,400 miles biking, Illinois is his 25th state.

Freeport, Ill. –

Like the shape of an “M,” Michael Galardi of Atlanta, Georgia, crisscrosses the lower 48 contiguous states with one mission in mind — education. Galardi made a stop in Freeport for 24-hours starting Wednesday when his bike broke down, and while his visit to the Pretzel City was brief, he has one more lesson for his “Jolly Geography” trip.
 

Galardi, 26, began his trek across America on Jan. 1. in Key West, Fla. To date he has logged 7,400 miles. Illinois is his 25th state to visit and while Freeport was not a planned trip, a bicycle break down necessitated a call to Joe Dadez, manager of Freeport Bicycle Company, to help repair a minor problem. Dadez put Galardi up for the night, and said he is impressed by Garlardi’s efforts to bicycle his way across the states.

“That’s a lot of riding this guy does — logging almost 150 miles a day, Dadez said. “He’s doing a pretty great thing and I think that’s great, but I still think he’s a little nuts. But in a good way.”

Geography Mission

Galardi sat down for a cup of coffee Thursday at 9 East Coffee in Freeport to relay his story of life on the road. He has a love for the outdoors, which helps as he spends many nights sleeping under a bridge to rest and take shelter.

This is not the first time Galardi has made a trek. In 2005, he walked from Georgia to Canada and along the way, he spent six months hiking the Appalachian Trail. He is not a vagabond, but a free spirit, with a mission — educate kids about life on the road.

“The ‘Jolly Geography’ project is an educational tool for children. It was after I started to talk to young kids, I realized they didn’t know life outside their immediate borders, so through a Web site I have, I am able to show kids the geography of their country,” Galardi said. “After I finished hiking the Appalachian Trail, I knew I wanted to do more.”

The Web site to follow Galardi and his journey is www.jollygreenicemachine.com. This Web site tells the story of his life, where he has been and a documentation of his trip. He updates it as much as he can and along the way. He had made stops to visit students in other schools in California, Texas, and Wyoming.
 

“I believe through a healthy imagination, a healthy reality is born,” he said. “I want to show kids that whatever they dream, they can accomplish.”

Mission Accomplished

Galardi logs 80 to 150 miles per day and hopes to finish his trek by Nov. 1. He said he thought the trip would take a year, but plans to speed things up. He has seen his share of snow, sleet and rain and considers rain to be a free shower.

He left Freeport Thursday on his way to Arkansas. He travels the country in the shape of an “M” and plans to hit all the states on his touring bike. He has learned to travel light and prefers to take refuge under a bridge to camp each night.

“I follow the program of education — it is like dipping fruit into chocolate, because the child needs the fruit, but loves the chocolate — only to discover they truly loved both,” Galardi said.

 

 

Halfway…. Is the glass half full or half empty? I think it’s just a glass…

7,378.00 miles   /   11873.740 kilometers

 

June 19th                                        Red Wing, MN

 

I got up early but managed to waste time till it was about eight. I was in full form the night before have eaten some delicious pheasant. I was ready to ride and did not want to wake anyone so I left a thank you note. I hope that was ok and it was nice for me because I hate goodbyes. They make no sense for you’re not dying just moving to another location where your realities do not collide. The day had a slow wind to it but nothing to frown on. It is so weird leaving host homes because their short sense of the unknown and nervousness never goes away although I must say it fuels me forward for some reason. I guess I just see no other way except to walk through the door and take what is waiting. I went south on the 71 and then changed from my original path moving to the 212 earlier than another road I was going to take one further south. I just had a hunch. It was a good choice and the ride was great. I began to make my turns moving south through the many lakes on the 101 then the 13. I even stopped at an indoor golf arena which seems to be big in the Minnesota area. It was muggy but the rain held off. I ended in Prior Lake where I seemed to have missed my next turn – I realized it so I asked for help. A guy named Donnie came to my rescue but every time he tried to help a sweet lady keep swapping adventure stories with me and I had difficulty saying no. So as we talked Donnie was ready to make a move and helping me was on his mind. He told me to throw my bike in his truck and he would take me to the road he was talking about – he even offered a shower. I am dirtier than most and said the shower was not needed, but as I always say you meet who you attracted and I could not pass up the good deed or story of this kind man. Donnie was a guy that made cement tubes for construction sites. We chatted politics and he agreed with me that in Economics 101 businesses are to rise and fall which is capitalism. These new bailouts are just part of man’s insecurities of failure. We can not save everyone and by trying we just hurt more people. He was a kind guy that I could tell works hard for everything. He told me of his younger days running to the keys for a month or two. We kept talking so much that he ended up taking me to the second road I needed to be at along the Mississippi River (which I had not seen since my Louisiana days). I ended up biking a bit more and sleeping under a bridge once again because a storm was coming into Red Wing, MN – home of the famous boot shoe company.

 

June 20th               Winona, MN – La Crosse, WI – Richland Central, WI

 

I was in for a treat – I felt exposed, so I left about 7:30am and hit the road for what was a showcase of American landscape. First I went though Winona, MN, the birth place of skiing, and one of many flood gates to the Mississippi River, whatever those are for good old humans!- then into the Mississippi River area which was full of eagles and wildlife of all kinds. Soon I was in Wisconsin, my 24th state, and went through La Crosse which I was noticing the nicest parts of town I could live without. I think breweries sometimes bring a town “down” and this was its case. I did see my friend’s bar in Atlanta called Kramer’s represented there and to my surprise I got to give it up to my boys they are betting their competition in La Crosse. I was in the groove and wanted more, so I headed into these mini mountains of forest with groundhogs running by me. Then at the top were upper farms of dairy and Amish. It was really nice and I think the Amish are backing off on strictness because their clothes were of bright greens and blues and I saw motored fans. I did not take their photos for they dislike it, but kept moving back into the forest and the up to the farms. Finally, after 158 miles I ended in Richland Central in a park under the Lion’s Club picnic area. It even had a water fountain which was nice. I also have to give a shout out to Quik Trips for their delicious dollar donut weekend. They were all so nice and full of treats – I think I even now have a belly – ha. I slept great and only had 60 miles into Madison, Wisconsin.

 

June 21st                                        Madison, Wisconsin

 

I left the earliest in a long time because this guy walking his dog gave me the strange eye and I did not want to frighten anyone. I took my time in and the wind slowed me too. I had my first curd and they are amazing and are squeaky (means they are very fresh) which cracked me up. The lady at the farmers market just thought I was crazy. After 62 miles I made it in right at noon and got a cup of joe. Madison is like a mini Austin and the University is supposed to be quite the party. There are all types, but it has a small town feel for a state’s capital. It is enclosed by two lakes and I like the feel. It is almost eastern like Boston to me. I am staying with Jen but her roommates have had to deal with couch surfers for two months now every weekend, so I may move to another home. I like Madison and will stay at least another day. Who knows what is to come but I do know I need a new pair of bike shorts (I now have an iron butt). I threw away one to make that happen ha. Well I will keep you posted and am at the university for this post – I am standing in the University of Wisconsin now writing halfway home and states just get smaller. Went and got lost in downtown Madison ending up in an Eastern African restaurant with amazing food. They also sold Ting, an amazing grapefruit soda from Jamaica. I also got to hear the wonderful group, Mana, who is an excellent band from (I believe) Mexico. Happy Fathers Day and much love peace

 

June 22nd                                        Madison, Wisconsin

 

I felt very weird from my stay with Jen. I felt I was not belonging and I needed to leave, so at around 7am I just bolted. The day had started off rainy but by the time I was out the door there was not a cloud in the sky. I asked a random kid for the best breakfast and he sent me to the Sunshine Cafe which was too perfect. I felt free from my last host and that was the perfect representation for the moment. I then went to the lake and went for a lovely swim. Next thing I knew I was tanning for over an hour but no luck with the wallet wrist tan – it may never go away. I then went to find another host and realized the states are getting shorter and I am enjoying the riding longer. I slowly made it to the bike shop after some Mediterranean food to find out my derailleur was shot. I was one shift away from breaking the cable in the shifter which is really bad. I was at the Yellow Jersey which by far has been the best shop to date and Tim the guy that fixed my bike was a cycling non-cycler like me. We saw eye to eye on everything from bike lanes creating a new era of kids that don’t know how to ride in the road which is bad to environmental issues and many more things. I would be happy to talk to anyone about them when the time is right. I liked everyone so much I stayed there till the bike was finished and got new pair of shorts. The weather felt like Atlanta and was really muggy.

 

I was off to meet my new host, Carolyn, after the new bike parts and some shorts totaling to more money than I have – oh well. I was lost trying to find her place. Tim’s dark bike area had dazed me, but I was back in business soon enough. I hugged Carolyn the second I came in and saved her from a sales woman that had walked up at the same time. We laughed and she was a brilliant change of warmth and kindness. We ran to Trader Joes and with all the spending in the last few days my hunger turned into a monster and I was buying Woopies and things I just did not need. That evening we had a dinner party with two of her friends and I learned more about textiles and the ways in rural Mexico. I also learned about the swine flu and our silly fear mongering ways to kill their economy over nothing. Less than 300 people died to almost 7 billion – that is so tiny that I joked with the lady’s that their state of fine delicious cheese kills more daily than the flu epidemic – but once again silly humans. Maybe I should go buy some gloves and start drinking antibacterial soap. Anyway, Carolyn is extremely talented and her work is amazing. The work in Mexico is also great – check out her website http://www.carolynkallenborn.com/index.html. I also had a discussion about tenure because many times their research is ranked higher than the teaching progress which is silly. If no one was to teach others, their specialties would die out but who thinks of that! I just love meeting these great people and getting my jolly “ology” education. The weather looks great so will be heading out to try new shorts tomorrow – I hope they work.

 

June 23rd                                        Madison, WI

 

I woke up to a beautiful day. I laid around and even showered. I wanted to ride because it was so nice outside, but I was so happy with my new location that I wanted to hang too. I waited for Carolyn to wake up and we had breakfast and continued chatting. It was great and almost noon. That was it – I was going to stay and asked first, of course. We then ended up in a fun filled day out at Devils Lake. We swam and chatted. I went on a walk and then napped. We ended up cooking out some dogs and people-watched into the evening. It was so much fun and the water was perfect. It was a glacier lake and so it was very shallow. Many years back the area surrounding the lake was also under water and in one area larger than a football field the land shifted which allowed one of the lakes to drain in hours. It is just amazing the power of nature and its ability to change. The day was great but I need to head out tomorrow. Peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 13th                        Sioux City, Iowa to South Dakota

 

This morning was beautiful and the sun called me onto my bike. I had no more excuses to stay other than the fact that Kevin and Mary had been great. Still, it was time to move on and I was ready. I headed out about 9am and rode up the 75 toward Sioux Falls but at Le Mars, Iowa which is the ice cream capital of the world – whatever that means – I changed paths, headed west and into South Dakota. I was happy with the day like usual and stopped in a small town called Irene, SD at a gas station. There was a group of about eight kids and I asked if I could join their group. They said “yes” probably thinking I was weird. I quietly listened to their funny stories and soon one of the kids asked what I was doing (within two minutes). I started talking to the kids like a classroom setting and hung out for about an hour. One kid made my day by saying that he learned more in that short time than he did his whole school year. Once it was time to leave this elderly lady was sitting next to my bike and boy, was she a talker. The kids also were making fun of her and it made it hard for me to keep a straight face. I finally got away to fill my water when the kids told me I was just going to have to ignore her. I am way too nice for that, so as I went back out and she began talking right where she left off. Two of the girls ran out and just started asking her questions about flowers which she just bit right into. I took the hint and just rolled off saying good bye to the lady and laughing and waving to the kids. That was a brilliant move and made the rest of my ride very humorous. I have taken to making up songs which are very bad and you would think with all the time I have I would improve but no, they are still bad. I also like singing songs I barely know in different styles which makes me smile. After 128 miles I stopped in Freeman Park which allowed camping which was amazing because I did not have to set up my tarp and slept under the picnic table area. I chatted it up with some other campers but was out for the count soon after.

 

June 14th                                        South Dakota

 

I slept till the last alarm and it felt so refreshing. It is just weird but I sleep better on cement than dirt sometimes. Finally, about 9am I was off with an idea of where I wanted to end up. I was a little annoyed because to get into North Dakota I had to go west for two days before going north just to hit it. It was a lot like Nevada but not that bad. Finally, I hit the 25 and was going north for a while. I was flying and it was amazing. I saw a funny bathroom sign that said ‘it is our aim to keep this room clean -you can help with your aim” that made me laugh. The day was full of high rolling hills and very hot. I even stopped at a lake and stuck my head in the cool water. The rain causes these huge lakes that can flood out farms – I even saw some farm covered. I still did 149 miles and was in another city with a camping area (provided by the liquor store!). There I talked with a guy from Colorado looking for carpenter work. He was friendly, but I was sleepy and went to sleep under my second picnic table.

 

June 15th                              South Dakota –North Dakota – Minnesota

 

Once again the cement made me sleep so well that I slept in again but planned on leaving a little earlier. Then a local came by and talked my ear off! People are very interested on my gun stance and according to him about 80% of women carry them. We chatted and my political answers pleased him because of my non interfering stance on things. I learned some amazing facts or I guess his opinions on how things were – I have to say SD is very friendly place as long as you’re not up to any wrong doing. I then headed out and was determined to knock out North Dakota and get into Minnesota by 3pm. I had already done 80 miles, but I knew I was about to be beaten by the wind that help me get there.  I was turning east again in North Dakota and I met a lovely couple that ran a store and a 40 million dollar dairy farm operation with 2100 cows in Veblen, South Dakota. They were so sweet and gave me some postcards, but I had to keep moving because I knew the wind was only in my favor till I turned. I have to say that ND is also full of kind people and the accents became deep with that twang of some kind (wonder what they thought of mine!). The wind was brutal but really got bad when I got into Minnesota and turned south. I hit about 120 miles and for the third time stayed in picnic area in Norcross-Herman, Minnesota. This was not a camping area, but it did say “rest area” and I needed that so I slept there anyway and was willing to talk my way out of any trouble. There was no trouble just few dogs that barked at me and then a few gun shots, but  it did not bother me. The dogs just ran off too. The wind never slowed down coming from the north and in the night I had to turn into the wind, so it would blow over me.

 

June 16th                                        Willmar, Minnesota

 

I slept great, but the wind was brutal. I talked to some train drivers/engineers getting dropped off for their shift and the train stopped to pick them up. They are shuttled in because it is against the rules to drive after their shift. They were kind even though they get a bad wrap for being rude. I left for an eighty mile plus day and boy was Mother Nature making sure I still was having fun. The day was hard and the wind just got stronger. Then as I got close, I hit a detour and then it started to rain, but hey I was going to a host’s house. It could have been a tornado and I was still going to be moving. I really focused on breathing, but I have to say the last few miles pedaling into Willmar, Minnesota were really rough. Still I made it the 86 miles and when I met Kelsey and had a warm shower within an instant the day was gone. It sometimes amazes me my ability to forget but I have to say it works in my favor a lot of the time and this was a day I needed to put past me. Kelsey and her dad are amazing and Kelsey is a world traveler like me. I love the souvenirs from her travels and her father reminds me of mine (which is nice). That night we went to the bar she works at and hung out. Willmar is a small town run by good ole boy’s mentality (like many small towns in America) so we chatted about its having a hard time changing.  When I woke up to the wind that was my future I noticed that the reflective dreads on my helmet had split. I was not really upset but the bad weather made me want to wear them for my safety. I decided to just take one half and hook it up to the middle – it was smaller than my full set but still effective. My wallet was getting worse too with the bobby pins and it needed sewing. What is with all this domestic training I am getting! Oh well, that day is far ahead but at least I will be ready for that lucky one even though I know I will be the lucky one to have a girl put up with me. ha. All is well with both things though.

 

June 17^th                                        Willmar, Minnesota

 

I bobby pinned the dreads because a sewing machine is a lot harder to use than it looks and I hand sewed the heck out of my wallet. I cannot wait to make my own line of working wrist wallets though. It will be functional and fun. I cooked an amazing breakfast and am glad to take the day off. I have to say that if anything my butt is going to have to get an award for all the great work it has been doing. The day is cloudy but it only looks like scattered storms. I am almost halfway through state number 23 which is cool and plan to keep the miles up.

 

June 18th                                        Willmar, Minnesota

 

So I awoke early having had a weird dream. I thought Kelsey told me that the storms were going to be bad so I decided to stay. Luckily, they were kind to let me and I must say all day the weather has been fine but to the east the direction I am going, the storms seem be fast and furious. It is amazing to see these storms pop up like I was in the Rockies. I did get to go to Kelsey’s softball game which was fun They lost but I got to catch a foul ball with my hands which I was glad I actually caught. I am really not doing much but I did learn a great story about Kelsey’s brother that was cool. A year ago he was out fishing and saw a propeller on his radar. Kelsey is a diver and has some great photos from the Great Barrier Reef and got her gear on to go check it out. They ended up finding a WWII plane that had been lost for years. They got recognition for it, but that is as far as it ever went which I though was wrong. Still, it was really cool to have the find and the adventure story. I have been impressed with the hunting groups or outdoor groups and all they do for the conservation of the lakes and land here. I am ready to ride but am curious about the weather. It is getting a little weird and some tornados have popped up. I will be leaving tomorrow for La Crosse, Minnesota and will head out early. I think listening to the dream of Kelsey telling me to stay was strange, but I am glad to have listened for the storms will be less severe tomorrow. I will get wet most likely but that’s the way it goes. Hopefully, it will be a good day still and after my last windy day I am ready for anything. All is good and spirits are high much love and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there and to my pops and step-dad. Peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 7th                                         Lincoln, Nebraska

 

Today was a great day into the immersion of Nebraska. Ryan was kind enough to invite me to his grandmother’s house for breakfast, so I did not have to sit around all day. We all packed up into the car and bum rushed his poor granny who got word of our arrival 10 minutes before we were there. She was so kind and cooked us a very filling and delicious meal. We laughed and ate and then I noticed that her curtains were the same print as our sofa used to be – lol. I loved that print though because it reminded me of playing hot lava when I was young and jumping from flower pillow to pillow.

 

Afterwards we went to his dad’s where we were picking up some steaks from his father’s prize cows. You have no idea how much money is in these cows – it is amazing! He sold the rights to just half a cow for over $90,000. We were also there to pick up some things in the house because they were in the process of redoing it. Chandra’s daughter was with us and wanted to catch a kitty that was running around, so I tried to help her by sitting really still in a chair until I passed out, mouth open, for like thirty minutes. I awoke with all of them staring and laughing and wiped the drool from my bad facial hair. We drove around the town and I remembered how much I love that everyone knows each other. It definitely has its drawbacks, but I think it adds a special touch to the fact you’re in the middle of nowhere (my perspective). We then got gas and I met ten storm chasers – it was really funny because right in the middle of our conversation they just ran off to go check a funnel cloud. We went to Chandra’s house to cook the “tons” of meat we had packed up and had a great time. I felt bad for Adam missing out on all the fun because of work but that happens sometime. I know – it’s a lesson I had to learn when I was younger that you can’t do everything and has led me to my belief that one must let go and not worry. The meat was amazing and Ryan did a little swimming. That night Ryan and I met back over at Adam’s who was glad to be done and a game of Risk broke out in an epic battle of peace and destruction – I was on the destruction end. I lost the game but won in the end because it was so much fun. Those guys kept me up till like four but we had a blast and finally I passed out ready to ride in the morning.

 

June 8th                                         Lincoln, Nebraska

 

I awoke pretty tired from the night before, but I felt better than Adam and Ryan. I knew my route, but when I got on the bike and headed off the wind was blasting straight out of the north. It was weird though – I had a strength about me, challenged the wind, and kept going on. My next hurdle was the fact that the route I choose ended into a dirt road. Oh, Nebraska and their roads. The people are amazing, but the roads may be some of the worst to date. They are in squares because of the extreme hot and cold so they can flex but this road just turned into dirt and rock. My other route was closed, so I ran back to the house to look for another way. Ryan was asleep and needed his rest so I looked on the computer and found no other way. I went back and took the closed road and just dealt with the section of mud. Finally by 10:30am, I was on the right route and laughed at the wind. I was really having fun. I knew because of my mistake I was not going to make it to Sioux City, so I called Kevin my next host and let them know. In the end though I made it like 15 miles shy to Homer, Nebraska which is an Indian reservation. Kevin thought it was best if I did not sleep there, so he asked to come get me and who am I to say no! Kevin and Mary are amazing. They are those few people that do what they want and try anything. He has owned many companies and is always looking to improve. They were so sweet and opened their doors to not only me but would have to anyone. We chatted and then rested. I was going to hang for a few.

 

June 9th                                         Sioux City, Iowa

 

There is not much to say about this day because I was the laziest yet. I did nothing and it was great. Gluttony is to food I was to rest. That night though Mary’s son, Riley, took me to play pool and can I say I was “Tom Cruise” in the movie “The Color of Money”! It was amazing because I had never played that well. Then I won in darts. The only loss I had all day was my fault on a scratch. I’m sure I will never repeat that, but, oh well, I will always remember.

 

June 10th                                        Sioux City, Iowa

 

I went and took my bike in just to make sure the wheels were good and to get a new tire because the front was old and beginning to crack. It was time for a rotation. The shop was busy, so I left it and was lucky Riley was near to pick me up. I also now know how to get out when it’s time to leave. That night Kevin invited all his friends over and we had a cook out. It was so much fun and they were a very colorful blend of characters and personality. They all were kind and we chatted and I had a blast. It was funny though because one of Kevin’s friends was a surfer I blew off because he forgot to tell me where he lived on a phone message. I was still glad with my choice of hosts and Brian was nice too, but “my water” led me to Kevin and Mary and I was glad that’s where it went.

 

June 11th                                        Sioux City, Iowa                                                                        

I called the shop this morning and they had yet to even get to my bike. I guess they do not believe I am really doing what I said I am doing. It is so funny the reactions I get sometimes on this ride by real cyclist, but whatever. I am now going to bug them till they get to it. The guy started working on it right away. It’s all about getting yourself somewhere in person and talking to the person. It worked out fine and they were really good guys. I think I will leave tomorrow, but tonight everyone from the cookout is getting back together so it should be fun. We all met back up and chatted the night away. We went to a good chicken hut then ended at one of Kevin and Mary’s friends, Mat, who is a carpenter with some real skills. His house was beautiful and by the way, homes in this part of the Midwest are cheap. I mean cheap like a $300,000 dollar home in Atlanta would be like $80,000 here. It is just sick I will have to remember this if I ever settle down.

 

We were celebrating another friend Bill’s birthday when the conversation went to scuba diving. The group actually knows a friend that I worked with in Atlanta at REI. They all met in Carmel, Mexico. Is that not crazy that this would end me up in Iowa with people that we both know from Atlanta? It’s a small world or just more frogs on the lily pad.

 

June 12th                                        Sioux City, Iowa

 

This morning I awoke with some sense of hesitancy. I am not sure why but something made me feel like I was not ready to ride. I looked up the weather over some breakfast and low and behold rain was coming to last all day. It was not my time. I asked if I could stay and next thing I knew my day was full with Kevin’s daughter’s wedding and then Riley’s girlfriend’s graduation party. The best part was I was not going to have to save for this one and it was outside in the rain. The wedding was a man’s dream – it was in the rain but lasted ten minutes maybe less! We were in and out. For some reason I have taken up napping as a hobby the past few days and when we arrived home I did just that. After a few hours we got ready for the reception where heaven hit me in the face. There was over 40 pounds of steaks and it was a magical site. I ate a few steaks like a barbarian with my hands and no one seemed to care. I really like these people – laid back realists with no judgments – just truth. We had to hit the road again to the graduation party which was a lot of fun too. I got to play with the little ones in some running races and then we had to hit the road to watch the Stanley Cup finals. It was a great game. Even though their team did not win, I still loved watching it.

 

I am hoping tomorrow will be the time to go, but I feel honored that I got to be a part of two special occasions in people’s lives and they welcomed me with open arms. I am just amazed at the love in this country and I hope everyone gets to experience this like I have. I will stay in touch and loving life. Much love and talk to you soon. Peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 4th- 6th               Great Bend, KS to Lincoln, NE               

 

June 4th                                              Great Bend, KS

 

It was finally time to move on. I was so ready it felt like Christmas morning and I just could not wait for the sun to rise to go see my presents. I awoke at about six am and got my last breakfast of apple sauce and packaged muffins and danishes. I did not want to wake Sam, but I did leave him a letter and wrote a note to the Great Bend Tribune to thank the hotel for all they did. I was ready by eight and was almost nervous – like it was my first day on a bike. I left with a smile and a curious nature. The day was beautiful and that energy moved me forward. I was flying with no intent of stopping till sunset. My stops to rest were even short – Kansans were still so kind – two people actually stopped to make sure I was ok. I had finally turned up the 77 and was in Junction City, KS where I thought that would be a good place to call it a night. There was a “lovely” bridge that had nice dirt. I waited for two fishermen to leave and walked down. As I planted my bike against the wall I got a quick lesson that it was now summer and the bugs were out in full force. I had eight mosquitoes on my arm before I could even think. Now I do not know why I was blessed with such sweet blood but bugs think I was placed here for their primary food source! I fight this purpose and have a hard time accepting my delicious blood, but for mental sanity I had to move on to a place that was not near a water source. Lakes and rivers are the worst – they are just breeding grounds for bugs and it reminds me of the social scenes in Wal-Marts in all small towns where everyone is there. I stopped in a gas station still thinking the bugs may be following me, but pulled it together and went another 3 miles till I saw the bridge of true rest. The best bridges are those with cement slopes to the top and a nice flat spot under the top with no water source with the drains on the lower slope. I was in heaven and the best part was not even a fly was around. I watched a beautiful sunset and watched those in cars fly by so fast they could not even see me and ate my dinner. I have to say I even slept like a little baby – it was wonderful as I closed my eyes under the cement. I smiled at a tic tac toe board drawn by what I would like to think of another traveler on another day.

 

June 5th                                              Lincoln, NE

 

I was so happy with my 150 mile day before, I wanted a repeat- plus I wanted to cross into another state. The day was fresh and bright and I felt good again. In a nice surprise north Kansas was hilly and I even got to see my favorite sign with a truck going down a hill meaning steep descent. I thought those were over once I was out of the Rockies. I ended up eating lunch in Marysville which was alive with history. It was the first stop where the Pony Express Riders would change horses. I also crossed the Oregon Trail again which still amazes me in the fact that in some part you can still see the marks left by the wagons. After lunch at the Chamber of Commerce I found out that I was not far from Nebraska and only 70 miles from Lincoln, NE. I was going for it. I called my first host and she could not take me in. I felt so good though I called Adam with two hours to go. He was so nice that he said come on down and I was headed in. He had planned to go to the movies, so I just met him at the theater where we watched “The Hangover”. It was a great movie which reminded me of some of my wilder times. I was really just pumped that I had done 300 miles in two days – it just sounded so far. Adam was nice enough to let me stay another day and that night we hung out playing rock band.

 

June 6th

 

I rested today watching the “Matrix 2” and “Matrix 3”. I love all those movies based on the philosophy behind them. Most just like the first, but the message behind two and three move me more than the action of the first one. I have set up my next stay to be in Sioux City, Iowa and think I may get a little wet, but with some luck I will make it in one day and look forward to some more riding. I feel like new and am having as much if not more fun than when I began.

 

To all of you in Atlanta, I do think of you often and miss everyone. I hope all is well and tonight I think we may even go out and mingle with some locals. Adam is a bartender about to head to law school. He worked with Obama during the campaign – even meeting him and driving the barricade which was cool. Much love and till next time peace

May 31st-June 3rd

 

May 31st                                                        Great Bend, KS                                

 

I settled into my new home for after Sam had signed me up at the America Best Value Inn. Sam was amazing. He was a young guy that was just kind hearted and loved to be a part of his community. This has actually been a pretty common thing here in Kansas. It may smell weird (not here in Great Bend but on the open roads) but the people are just so kind. I would also have to say that even though the negative news on TV and radio still highly out weighs the positive news – Kansas has its own news station that has had the most positive community news yet! I decided to go for a walk and look around town. I walked about six miles to their local water park for the kids and a free zoo. Now, I hate zoos because I think they promote negative habits among humans thinking that they are in some way controlling nature. Of course, Mother Nature time and time again disproves this idea. I did like the effort that the people in this small town were doing for the community and the kids. The town was a ghost town though – not one thing was open except the Wal-Mart and some fast food joints, but hey I got some exercise and also scouted out where I was going to hang flyers for my talk that Tuesday night coming up. I retired to my room and just hung out for the night.

 

June 1st                                                          Great Bend, KS

 

I got breakfast like always and had a lovely conversation with the desk lady that was ex- military and had like six girls. It is so great see all the different ideas about education that all these people have had and I am just amazed that our government has yet to ever invest the same interest instead of buying failing companies for the public to own like GM. I took a shower and cleaned my room for I felt it was my duty since Sam was being so kind to let me stay there. I then went out and rewalked the town. I hit up coffee shops and visitor centers – even the adult GED building putting up flyers. The library had made smaller flyers and had signs everywhere – it was really exciting. I checked the computer and even saw that some followers had donated to my cause which you have no idea how much helps – if everyone that followed just gave one dollar I would have enough to donate to a child’s cause at the end. It was moving to see that someone had believed in me that much and it just warmed my heart knowing that my life was going to be spent helping children find their full potential for the rest of my life. It is nice to find your destination in life and I can not wait to see what roads it takes me on to get there. It was a lot like turning 26 – the pressure is off and now my life is devoted to helping which helps me grow as well. After that news I went back to my room and could not wait for the next day’s talk.

 

June 2nd                                             Great Bend, KS

 

I got breakfast this morning, but hung around the room until the afternoon when my phone rang. It was REI  -the warehouse had noticed that no one set my order out. I know these things happen, but I had wished that Jen was there for she is still to date the nicest attitude they have there. They apologized and I told them if you act like water you will get to where you need to go and they sent me a coupon which was nice but did nothing for my situation. I then went and talked to Sam who once again was just so kind and let me stay one more day. The mistake also let Doug at Golden Belt Bike Co. have more time to take apart my bike and get it ready. I hung out at the bike shop for awhile and the weather started to turn. I then went to the coffee shop and read the paper and when I opened the first page I was in it looking at the computer. The library had put me in the event section with a photo and everything. It was so exciting – I do not know why but being in the Kansas paper cracked me up and was an honor. That night I got ready for the talk and even set up the room with a fun rug they had with all the states on it. Terry was sweet and got refreshments, but an hour before it was time it started to pour. It was really sad – by the time it was to go on only 4 people were there and I think 3 of them worked at the library. It was great practice though because unlike the kids who have tons of questions and lead me to where I need to go, I was left to just talk making it over an hour with only two questions. It was fun and with that few I was able to be a little more loose with my tongue and open. I also got to take the food home which was a plus – thank you Terry. She drove me home and I was not at all disappointed beside the fact I wish there had been more for Terry and Sam’s sake.

 

June 3rd                                              Great Bend, KS

 

I slept in until about 2pm after I got breakfast and called REI. I got another nice girl after the first one that was not so nice. I never understood that. If you work in customer service or over the phone I do not care if your ten year relationship ended that morning, you cannot bring that to your shift and if it’s that bad – stay home. It might be hard, but it is not the stranger’s fault. That also goes for the customers that call or come in. Your problem is yours, not the person trying to help. I always tell operators when I have been wronged that it is not the operator I am about to yell at – it is the company that has wronged me that I am yelling about. We are humans with feelings and sometime your feelings need to be kept to yourself. Anyway, Doug had the bike ready and I went in to pick it up. It was beautiful and I was so excited, but when I road it was still feeling weird. I had to also get a new chain and crank set and then that baby was like new. All in all I once again thank REI for their help and raise my hands to the excellent customer service. Jennifer was great and so was the rest of the team. I am mailing the old bike frame home to turn into a lamp or something and look forward to getting back on the road. I will let you know where I land next and take care out there – much love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 24th-30^th  Sometimes when you act like water you’re in a puddle waiting to evaporate.

 

May 24^th                                             Fort Collins, CO

What a fun day – the storm danced around us all day, so John and I decided to head to Home Depot and work on his garden. I love to get my hands dirty and the little plot he had set up looked great. We moved some hay around after stacking some protective layering down then added a stone walkway. We built a step and then hung out and rested like tired old men through a cloudy and peaceful day. Once again we passed out on the two couches watching the NBA tournament and I felt like a piece of home.

 

May 25th                                            Last Chance, CO

I left around 9:30am in the morning after getting some coffee and breakfast plus I wanted to say goodbye. The weather was calling for two more days of rain, but I needed to keep moving and I believe it is your heart and gut one needs to follow and that was telling me it was time even though I wanted to hang some more. John was an amazing host and his dogs were great too! It was so nice seeing each other after such a long time. The clouds were looming around but the wind was to my side and I was now in the grass lands. With thunder in the distance, I stopped under a super nice bridge after about 115 miles and it started pouring soon after. I have to say with a smile that bridges are such nice shelters and this one even had planks to set up a nice bed.

 

May 26th                                            Limon, CO

I woke up to so much rain this morning – I remembered a day back on the AT where my friend, Coconut Monkey, and I had a day like this one and I slept almost 24 hours in a loft above a picnic table. He woke me and forced me to eat and drink because I was out for so long.  I was just drained. This was one of those days. I was so warm and comfortable that I just rolled over and saw no need to change in such weather and passed out. At about 11am I awoke for my normal roll to the other side and noticed that it had stopped raining, so I knew it was time to move on even though I had planned to stay. Plans are for those that need to control and I no longer have that as an option in my life. I put on my wet clothes and went about 47 miles into Limon, CO. I knew it was the last day of bad rain and I followed the storm in the wind. My mind and body were still so tired. I just froze – it was like my legs locked and I hit a wall. I was done for the day and something told me to stop, recoup, and rest. I stopped in at a cheap motel and did just that. It is important to stop and recoup when needed. I would never quit. Quitting is forever but resting is for a day. Much like this biking trip – taking one day at a time.

 

May 27th                                            Springfield, CO

And the sun shines – I was back and rebooted. I left about 9:45am like a child on Christmas morning that runs downstairs to see his new bike and jumps on, ready to test the machine to the fullest. I was mentally, physically, and, most importantly, emotionally reborn and I loved it. My first stop was not until 80 miles in EADS, CO. It was a small town, but a coffee shop was there and I had lunch. The girl there was so nice. She even gave me a turkey sandwich that was left over. I was still on fire fueled by the sun. Even the wind had called it truce for a day. In LAMAR, CO I went into the visitor center remembering how nice the people were in Dinosaur and hung with the sweet ladies for over an hour. It was so nice feeling the warmth of the sun with the warmth of the human soul. I even had a construction worker chat with me for awhile through one lane – 15 plus mile site. Then to top the day – I had wind farms that filled the landscape with donkeys, deer, and cows running along side me into the sunset. It all ended under another good bridge outside SPRINGFIELD, CO. I had done 150 miles and felt like I had never even left. Even the stars seemed to shine brighter.

 

May 28th                                   CO through OK to KS – in some tall grass

I awoke to coyotes howling and cows grassing right next to me. I still felt light as a feather and ready for more. I left about 8am and wanted to get into Kansas by the end of the day even though I remember my own thoughts about expectations. It is weird to think of these sayings and ways I want to live and how easy it is to forget to use them or better said how hard it is to practice them. Oh, how it is so much easier to talk than walk but how much further you get in life when you walk. I just want to always be a walker – even though I talk too much too! Ha. I entered Boise City, Idaho and I have to say that Oklahoma must have been mad that I was not staying long because the wind really kicked in. I was still feeling good so I pushed on into Kansas. After 125 miles I stopped to rest in some tall grass and was happy with the miles I had pedaled in that type of wind. The tall grass made for some bugs, but the ground was soft so it was really nice in the end. I also got to see a jack rabbit for the first time and they are just a little smaller the key deer! They are huge and fast and I smiled watching them for awhile. I am now 18 states in and so happy with my progress. I got one more surprise this night -Bailey from San Angelo, TX called me to tell me she had graduated from high school! Out of all things this warmed my heart more than she will ever know. I felt so special and called to congratulate her success. I was so glad she did because I saw a lot of my self in her as far as the complexity of the American education system. It puts all its eggs in one basket and has difficulty acknowledging and teaching to multiple intelligences. We would be so much more productive society if we would end our selfish  ways and put more resources into education to help foster individual talents and gifts. Many adults are like big spoiled children fighting over the big red fire truck when there is a world of toys all around us.

 

May 29th                                            Great Bend, KS

Oh, was this the day of all days! This my friends is a turning point or something because all that I have thought, learned, and need to learn flooded in on me only to put me into a metaphorical lake that I must stay in till I am released. I awoke to yet another warm beautiful day. My shirt was stiff with sweat, but I was ready to book it again. The day was strange and the wind was still, so I felt like things were weird. I rolled along focused on forward motion when I ran over a dead animal spilling yellow bile over my leg and bike. I was afraid to stop though because the air was too still and I needed to take advantage of it. I thought if I stopped Mother Nature would never let me start again. I ended up getting water at a bar because I am determined to never dehydrate again. Things were still good even though I felt something was off. I even had a group of guys slow their car down and give me a bottle of melted ice water which was super nice. The people in Kansas are so great, but I have to say the smells are something to get use to and the terrain is like doing the Silver Comet Trail for hundreds of miles. For those of you that don’t know, the Silver Comet Trail is an old railroad track just outside the city of Atlanta transformed into a biking and walking trail. It is straight and flat for miles and miles. On a really clear day you could probably see your back riding along. I was in a thinking mood though and came up with a funny cartoon of me riding through the set of a bug’s life too because of all the bugs I was eating along the way and my skin was full of more bugs than my teeth. I also thought of a new twist to my theory on how to live life – statistically speaking, if one starts from a positive place mentally, physically, or emotionally the odds are in the favor that it will end in a positive light. I had 110 miles behind me by 3pm in Dodge City, KS and decided to plan my route into Nebraska. I want an outline, not a plan, so that I can call my next couch surfer. I had an amazing breakfast at Flying J’s and was off with that weird feeling still there. Then I felt a vibration. For about three miles I looked, pedaled, and looked again – then I saw it. I had cracked my steel frame bike. I did not panic because I have really have gotten good at remaining calm-I just started working it out. I took all my bags off and called REI ATLANTA where I formerly worked. As times change so does the staff, so I did not know the manager but she gave me direct sales phone number. I loved working customer service at REI for the fact that you would take people’s bad day and help turn it around into a good one. The return policy there is an amazing one and I would like to go into it for a second – this was the time it truly helped me and I will always stand by the company and back their policies. REI has a 100% satisfaction of the life of the PRODUCT. This means that if the product does not live up to the standards and value of which it was made, REI will fix that problem. Know that does not mean that for the rest off your life or of the product’s life! In this case since the crack just occurred without a crash of any kind or without notice, the frame did not live up to what a steel frame should live up to and REI fixed this. Jennifer helped me in Seattle and was great. It made me miss my job there fixing these problems and she was ready to overnight me a new frame – where to send it was the problem AND it could not be shipped until Monday. I was still on the side of the road when Jo Ann stopped. Great Bend, KS had a bike shop and I was going there anyway. Jo Ann had her son come get me in a truck and she tried to find her friend who happened to be a welder. This my friends is what America truly is – a land of happy, helpful people that care. When we could not find her friend, she and her husband jumped in their truck and drove me the 86 miles to Great Bend, KS that night. I am just amazed and this type of kindness inspires me to always be kind to others. I will never forget anybody on this trip and will be paying it forward for the rest of the time I have here. That night I left a message at the shop and thanked Jennifer for sending the new frame to the Golden Belt Bicycle Company in Great Bend on Tuesday and had Jo Ann and her husband, Pat, drop me at a motel yet again. The lady at the motel was even sweet and gave me a three bedroom place for a single just because it was on the first floor. People I swear to you  -whatever your thoughts are on the world, kindness is winning and I am a solider for it. I say join the war because it’s an amazing world and we need to keep it that way. By giving and receiving kindness we only strengthen the cause.

 

May 30^th                                                         Great Bend, KS

I awoke and the lady at the motel let me stay overtime till one, but I left at noon. Doug at the Golden Belt Bike Company called right as they opened and I headed in. He is super nice and took my bike in and started to take it apart for Monday. I asked if there was anywhere to stay since no couch surfing hosts were around and he sent me to the library to ask around. I am here at the library now and Terry helped me more the she will ever know. She has now set me up with a program on Tuesday at 7pm that will be on the radio and in the newspaper to talk about my journey and ideas. I also had nowhere to stay and she called her friend at a hotel and he is sponsoring the talk and also letting me stay at his hotel till Tuesday. Once again I am amazed and a further advocate of this world. I will now be staying at AMERICAS BEST VALUE INN thanks to Sam. I am going to meet today and flyers are already made with my picture and story. I just cannot believe this and cannot wait to speak to the community group. Great Bend is a beautiful town and Kansas has kind and generous people. Our next battle is to prove America’s goodness to the media (who always sensationalizes and sells the negative over the positive). The pond I am in is warm so no worries. I love you all and may your days be full of as much love as I have received. Remember “Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, and today is a gift – that is why it is the present”

 

Here is the website to the library in Great Bend, KS - http://www.ckls.org/~gbpl/publicinternet.html

 

 

 

May 20 – 23, 2009       Steamboat Springs, CO – Ft. Collins, CO

 

May 20th                                         Steamboat Springs, CO

Today was a very productive day with a lemon slither of sadness. I was leaving a new favorite town and I was planning to finish the Rockies for the last time with two climbs and then a fifty mile downhill I had heard so much about. The first climb was long but tame and then after so much beauty I failed to realize that the second pass was much

shorter. I ended the day chasing a rain storm and completing about 130 miles only to know that I would never see my favorite sign of a truck flying down a steep hill. The Rocky Mountain range had been tamed. I was happy but knew not to be too excited for the flatlands will have many problems and will in no means be easy but I was through a tough section of the trip. I camped by a farm and had a short lived rain shower. The night was calm and I slept well.

 

May 21st                                         Fort Collins, CO                                                       

I had done so much the day before, I only had 44 miles to go into Fort Collins, Colorado. I was moved out of my bed early for I saw the most beautiful yellow bird ever. It must have been a sign to move and as a storm set in, it made me glad to be heading into town. I was in by 10:30am and found a breakfast spot. John was working but he brought me into where he lived because out west the doors remain unlocked which I love and I chilled out till he returned. That evening it was so good to see John again – it had been awhile and the last time we had seen each other it was at a party and destruction overload that you will have to ask me about personally. John looked great and much like Portland with their team in the NBA playoffs awhile back, the Denver Nuggets were still in and we went out to watch the game with his friends. It was a blast and that night we topped off with a funny movie Role Models.

 

May 22nd                                         Fort Collins, CO

I got to catch up with my travels and plan for the flats. I put a lot of surfs out there and  rain looks like it is going to come then go. I had my first food freak out where I was just stuck on the idea of ice cream. I had three different spots of mixtures and kind of wanted more. It was so nice of John to let me use his car. It was almost lethargic riding around that fast and now I am in the flats again. It is a lot of grids and straight roads – it almost felt like being hypnotized. That night though we had a cook out and watched Lebron James hit a game winning three over some cooked trout that was perfect. I am looking forward to the next challenge of the trip through the grasslands. I feel the wind has treated me well so far and I have yet to fall. I must keep my wits sharp and trust my gut feeling, however. I appreciate the advice I have been given, but it fails to help in my doings.

 

May 23rd                                         Fort Collins, CO                                        

I am going to hang one more day to let this storm weaken then head out. I also know that there will be some gaps in communication because of the sparse population in some areas of the Midwest, so I will be playing catch up when I talk to you next. I have a great route planned and my spirits are high. I am warm, full, and happy and that just may be all one needs. I hope all is well and much love peace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 13 – 19, 2009            Jackson, WY – Steamboat Springs, CO

 

May 13th                                   Jackson, Wyoming

Today started off as a beautiful day. Dan’s mother wanted to take me through Teton Park at sunrise to see the light hit the majestic mountain. Dan also surprised us all with a delicious breakfast that lured me out of bed at like six o’clock. The food was awakening and the park was stunning, but I needed to get ready to ride and the wind was for once my friend. At 8am I was off with spring blowing in my hair. It’s cool to be able to see the pollen at work and the flowers growing day after day and the rivers were literally humming with power as I pedaled down the road. I stopped for a moment and talked with a man just sitting in his truck. He gave me the advice to live my dreams even harder – then I plan and I promise to him and inside myself to double my efforts to live and really mean it. Then I head up a hill to get just one of the many climbs I had out of the way. It was sunny but cold and I think about another layer when I begin the descent. I was rocking about 30mph when out of my left eye a dog comes at an upward angle toward my bike. I’m just guessing it will be like all the others, but low and behold expectations once again lead to a disappointment. This “suicide bomber dog” goes right for my back tire and I almost fly over the handlebars just in time to fall over allowing my bags to take most the damage. I look up from the dust and I see that I did not feel hurt and most important I had won – the dog was sitting on the other side of the road with no bark left. I was fine but my wheel was bent and my clothes bag was broken and I needed a ride for I could not underarm a twenty pound bag for 15 miles. I began to hitch with little success but I was glad the dog was fine and by the way just barking at me now afraid to come near. I would later find out that hitching in Wyoming is illegal and would call for imminent arrest, but I still think I had a valid reason. A guy named Matt picked me up in a rental car and was kind enough to take me to the next town of Pinedale, Wyoming that had a bike shop in the hardware store. He dropped me off and I was now stuck in a town with little knowledge of my next move. I first went into the store where the guy talked me into a steel binding cream that was known to work on some plastics. I agreed but more importantly met Steven who said if all failed I could hang with him in the tattoo shop and his place, so I was taken care of to deal with the next problem. I just did not see a steel adhesive working on my bag so I called the company of Ortlieb and got the number of a touring parts company in Fort Collins, Colorado by a guy named Wayne. Another funny angle to this story was that I was eating spaghetti when Ortlieb called me back and said do not use the glue for it would eventually dissolve the molecular structure of my bags. I laughed now – this was too late to change and wire was brought up which was brilliant. I thanked Chris and I finished my meal that was pretty good I must say. I wired that bag like no tomorrow and had the piece delivered to Vernal, Utah at John’s in two days so I was off to the tattoo store where Steve and friends were chilling watching some movies. We hung out, got dinner, and then I crashed on his friends couch in a nice double wide. They were great guys that had just been laid off but their spirits were alive. I rested in my clothes that I biked in just because the day was so weird and I was up by six that morning and off to Vernal, Utah.

 

 

May 14

The day was rough and Mother Nature tossed wind in my face in stages, but I was going to get in the hundred mile range of Vernal, Utah if it killed me and you are what you dream. My stomach hurt all day, but I was lucky at the end of the day. I think my hard work was rewarded because a guy named Curtis I had met the night before was hauling cars to Denver and he knew Rock Springs, my next town to cross, was a bear and confusing. He picked me up about ten miles out, we ate at McDonald’s and he dropped me off on the side of town I needed to head for the gorge and I was off again. My stomach worsened and so I stopped a few miles into the mountains on some nice sand. When I turned the phone on it was only five pm, but I had started so early I was in too much pain that I remembered that pain is just a lesson and once you learn it, it goes away so I set up shop and was out. Well, three guys pulled up out of nowhere looking for arrowheads. We found none but they were great company and I retired for the night. It rained but the dry air dried it out before morning and I was off by nine am.

 

May15th                                          Vernal, Utah

Today was fun but brutal out of the whole trip to date. I battled false peaks all day going up a lot and down a little only to go up a little more. It was a humbling day, but for my reward I was in town in a decent hour after one last small climb and I found out my host was also an oilier and was stuck out on a rig in the desert. I was floored, but oh well it was not the first time a host had bailed and he was not even bailing just postponing it for a day. I need to add that he did sound super nice and sorry, so I was not mad at all. I decided to just get a room and talked it down ten bucks and rested till the next day.

 

May 16                                           Vernal, Utah

I awoke in time to get my free breakfast at the motel and I must say the room was so nice and warm. I talked to the cleaning staff and waited till 5 seconds before eleven and was off for some coffee to wait on John. I soon wasted the time in conversation and Wal-Mart and was off to John’s house for a day on the boat. I soon found my self in a flood of great friends and a borrowed bathing suit and we were all jumping into the chilly water of Utah. It was such a nice fast change that by letting the waves fall I was having a blast and soon on a tube behind a boat flying through the wake. I was laughing so hard and then the tube flipped and I just acted till I had flipped all the way over and was still on. I had just landed a 360 barrel roll and was so stunned that I let go and asked to go again with the sense of youth I love to feel. I was off again when I ran into the same spot which I knew was coming, but this time I not only landed the roll I recovered and rode on. It was a blast and I was happy because the air in the tube was getting thin. We hung in the sun and laughed about life planning a grill out when we were done. As the sun set the plans were confirmed and we were off to the store, then the grill with more meat than a cut up cow would produce. The fire and grill set up a great mood and we even heard a few songs from the musicians in the group. Finally, after a long, late starting day it was time for sleep and I was leaving the next day.

 

 

 

 

May 17

I had such a full day I had almost forgotten that the piece for my bike had even come in and I decided that I would just ride with the wires till Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Plus it was about ten and I was just finishing getting dressed for the day and needed to get going before I stayed. I said good-bye to Utah and was off into Colorado – just one more state down. I came into Dinosaur and stopped in the gas station. The lady was not very nice and made me try to buy the water. I was stunned and just had lunch outside finding out the red paint was also wet putting a bull’s-eye on my butt. I was done and headed to the visitor center where I should have started. The ladies there were sweet and filled my water till I was flooded. There were free maps, a computer, coffee and table to eat. I stayed there even longer than my first location then left around two. It was weird seeing that I was even higher than before, but snow was gone and the temperature high. I was going up but the cold was finally gone and that renewed my energy. I went 120 miles starting at 9am and after a little trouble of finding a spot without ants and sharp objects I rested up more than I remember to date. I also was thirstier though and needed to remind myself of that, but the good news was I was just a little over 40 miles away from Steamboat Springs with Matt waiting.

 

May 18                                           Steamboat Springs, Colorado

I awoke with it hard to move and didn’t know if I was just being lazy or maybe fate was holding me down because when I did move my bike had a flat and I was forced to change it. I am getting good at that, but as I wrapped up, a truck stopped and Dan asked if he could take me to the shop. It was time for a new wheel, so I said yes only to find out the store was closed. It was only forty miles into Steamboat Springs and Matt said there were a few places there so I headed in. I got there a little sunburned because it was about 85 degrees and clear. I got my bike to the shop and the new tire was bought. They even fixed the wheel and tuned the bike to perfection. We chilled and had a blast eating pot roast till late.

 

May 19

I got my bike and made the shops blog which was cool! I am so glad the bike is tuned up because I have the flatlands after the next two passes. The thunderstorms pop up but are short and I’ve got a place to stay in Fort Collins. I am off tomorrow and have eaten all my food because I wanted a change in the next buying trip. All is well and I learned to tune some skis – a good thing to know. I must say I think Steamboat Springs is my favorite small town to date and I just might have to try one or two seasonal jobs here. I am off tomorrow and everything is great. My bike looks bigger now with the upgrade making my spirits bigger too. Much love and till next time peace.

 

Key West, FL to Vernal, UT 

January 1, 2009 – May 15, 2009

5,173.53 miles – 3,325.99 km

9th-12th of May – Life is like a mountain and I love climbing it

 

May 9th                                     Rexburg, ID

So after having a wonderful time with Jourdan and her family I had to ask if I could stay one more day. I also overheard them talking about seeing Star Wars and wanted in because the show used to spark my imagination when I was younger and I wanted to see what they had done with it. Anything to keep those neurons firing and blending together seems to be a good idea in my book. They were happy to have me once again which I was thankful for and I knew that they were planting a garden in front of the house so I offered my help with loading up the dirt because even though I may not be good at many things, moving heavy stuff is a forte of mine. Plus after all my leg work with riding all day it was nice to use the upper body for once and to get outside on a farm – landscaping is always fun too. Bridgette and I hauled about 17 loads of dirt and worked throughout the day. It was so much fun and we had a lot of time to talk about how being yourself and loving yourself opens doors for ways to help others and be a positive presence in their lives. I was going to help with the planting once we were done with the dirt but then I asked how the movie Mama Mia was and ended up being told to watch it. I really loved it. IT WAS FUN FROM BEGINNING TO END AND I TRULY WONDER WHY GUYS CAN’T LOOK PAST THE MACHO-NISE AND APPRECIATE A HAPPY STORY ABOUT A SINGLE MOTHER AND HER DAUGHTERS SEARCHING FOR HER FATHER. Plus the music is a dance party in itself. After the movie it was time to get ready for Star Trek and I was gitty with joy plus I was full of 80′s songs from Mama Mia. The movie was hands down one of the best in years. It was smart, funny, and truly edgy. The writers and actors came together into a film I could start right over and do it again. After we had dinner and I watched a third movie being the Count of Monte Cristo so once again three excellent movies. I rested well and knew I had a full day tomorrow.

 

May 10                                      Rexburg, ID to Jackson, WY

I awoke early to make breakfast and knew I needed to hit the road before long for the family was getting ready for church. Zack, one of the sons, put his suit on in what could have been a record and I filled my belly and said my goodbyes. I knew I only had 86 miles to go but two mountain passes to overcome, so I focused on examining my life into comparison to the climbs I had ahead. As I started a lady ran me down with some pecans and told me she thought I was a good person and I thanked her. I then rode through Swan Alley along the Snake River in awe of the beauty. The day was fresh and I was in true focus of myself and nature. I stopped in a famous gas station that served square ice cream- a camp I loved in my past (Athens Y Camp in Tallulah Falls, GA) used to have this and I examined the visitors while my feet rested. I love watching kids in places like this because they are so full of joy and wonderment. Some do not even care about where they are – they are so pure and raw it’s refreshing compared to the games adults choose to play. My first climb led me over a pass of 6000 feet plus and snow was once again everywhere. It was nothing – I was ready for the 8000 foot pass over the Tetons to really see what I was made of. It finally came and the grade was 10 percent. I was determined not to stop till I was at the top and boy was that a challenge! Much like life the good thing about tough challenges is they are over quicker and because of the grade I climbed faster. I focused only on my breath and once again like life one only has the moment there in so breathing and pedaling was all I needed to worry about. It was magical and with a smile on my face right now I can tell you I killed the challenge. It was over before it began I can say that I am good at traveling because I forget the bad moments quickly and hold on to the good ones. Some do the opposite but when it’s your choice what to remember I just do not seem to understand holding on to the bad. It is the good I love therefore it is the good I shall caress and this trip has had so much of that. I stopped at the top to find people backcountry skiing and it was cold. The snow spray was over two feet high and one guy was putting his skis on wearing a tie on straight from the office. I laughed then held on tight because the other side of the mountain was 10 percent grade downhill and I was about to fly. Once again like life one works hard for a very short thrill down the other side, so it is just one more reason to love the climb – because although the downside is a ball it is short lived. I flew though – topping over 49 mph. The slightest wind blew me everywhere and my arms flexed to stay straight. I screamed with the largest smile on my face the whole way down – it was great! I was in Jackson, Wyoming in no time and even had a few hours to kill so I got some coffee and people-watched till I met up with Dan my next host. Finally he called and was cooking bison spaghetti which is a super lean meat. Dan was so nice but being 6’6 had bumped his head, split it open and so needed rest. Luckily, he had another couch surfer there who was training to be a river guide so we talked while he rested.

 

May 11^th                                    Jackson, WY

I was told that there was a Teton Science School in town that used multi-learning methods to connect people, nature, places, and education as a way to teach kids on mixed levels called the journey school. I walked five miles to the school and asked for a tour after I told them what I was doing. I was lucky that they said yes and boy was I blown aWAY. THE SCHOOL USES THE IDEA OF PLACES AS A TEACHING TOOL IN THE FACT THAT AT A YOUNG AGE ONE’S PLACE IS NOT VERY BIG. For example, when you play peek a boo with a baby they laugh because you are literally disappearing to them. So at the lower grades your area/community does not need to be that large but small and comfortable. As you grow older your place does too, so you need family and friends as you enter high school so you can grasp world issues and so on. The school is private so they have seminars and housing for visitors, camps and then k-12 grade school. The building is called a high performance building in that it is green and simplistic plus all look the same to keep the kids from being overwhelmed. One amazing thing is they clean the building, training the kids that if everyone cleans up after themselves there is not be a mess in the first place – the school does not contract out for janitors. This is brilliant and reminded me of my last roommate that left dishes overnight to the point that I broke all the plates and glasses until there were only two, so we had to clean up or not eat. What a concept to clean after ourselves! I love it! After my tour I was asked to go talk with the social science teacher and after a short interview to make sure I was not crazy, I think, I was asked to come back the next day and talk to three 30 minute classes which I accepted with a smile on my face. I walked home to the surprise that we were going back over the Teton Pass that evening to Dan brother’s Thai restaurant and got ready for some good eating. The restaurant was amazing and I even found out they cater for Harrison Ford. His brother is an amazing artist along with Dan. We went by his home after dinner and checked out his art work then headed home.

 

May 12                                      Jackson, WY                                            

I awoke early to grab some breakfast with the group at Bubba’s and got the working man’s meal which was amazing. I then headed to the visitor center for some things to mail to the kids at E. Rivers Elementary in Atlanta. After a visit to the post office, I headed to the school. I was early but excited and went to recess then listened to them sing the state song. All three groups were amazing – they asked the best questions and like I have said before, the older kids mentored the younger ones leading them into the future. Unlike the silliness of hazing or rights of passage, so many groups choose to follow aka fraternities and gangs. These kids nurture each other and grow together working toward making smart and intelligent young adults. They also told me about their journey coming up tomorrow – for three days in Yellowstone National Park they will further mix nature with education and learn life lessons along with academic ones. I always wonder why we do not teach the youth survival skills along with education – they are both very important. Also the creativity of these kids is amazing. Every Friday the staff cooks for the school and they mix up into families of all ages where they work on projects also. They even choose things locally that interest them and research learning about what they want and the community around them. There truly is a change in the air and during my talk I let them know that they will shape the future and I hope they keep their dreams alive. I remembered a 60 Minute Special on TV – the elderly saying they deserved their Medicare no matter what the cost even it hurts our youth and I hope this selfishness dies with them. It is time we stop being “me” monsters and focus on the youth giving them everything they need and then see what comes of it. It is like in Portland, Oregon where people start off with polite greetings then see where the conversation goes. It is just harder for it to go bad and we need to take this approach to stop doing what’s easy and selfish for our own self gain and put that energy towards our real future – your child. Much love and may your days be full of joy.

May 4th-8^th: I thought it was spring-someone forgot the memo

 

First look at this http://www.greentortoise.com/

 

May 4th                    Lewiston, ID to some campsite

It was time to head off into the heart of the Pacific Northwest and see what these mountains are really all about. It was hard to leave Dani and Damien behind, but Dani were so nice and wrapped up my hummus she made from scratch and I lazily left around 9:30am. I like how there is so much light into the evening because I can leave later and that’s good. I was heading on the 12 which when I stopped at my first store and met a guy who gave me a lot of insight into Idaho. The first thing I thought was really funny was how many people from Idaho find Californians a little different and also how the 12 is not only one of the most beautiful rides in the country through the valley but the third most dangerous rides. I was not to concur though, because I truly don’t find any road dangerous as long as I am not dangerously riding my bike. There are always two people involved in a situation or conflict and well, I just do not allow my half to ever start – for most dangerous situations seem to miss me. One has the right to deny conversation and if done the other must respect that. It’s those that have to have the last words that find themselves in bad situations. This trip is about humility and I have no room for that type of ego – plus I am a minimalist and the ego is really heavy. SO the clerk sent me off with some valuable info and I even got to see some crazy photos. I was off through the valley which was a nice surprise because I thought it was going to be lots of climbing. Even the wind seems to be an ease. The road followed the river which was rich in power because of the spring melt and the temperature was dropping. I was even seeing snow in shaded spots and finished the day at 107 miles across from a closed camp spot. Rain began to fall which I knew was coming and the weather reminded me of Texas in the winter.

 

May 5th                     -from some campsite through Lolo Pass into Lolo, MT

This was the day of test – I awoke to rain which finally stopped around 9am and I packed up, running into construction on the road, but everyone was real nice. I am amazed though that they said I was the first kind of cyclist they had run into stopped with the worker stop sign, etc. They told me most would just ignore the signs and fly by them which gets the employees in trouble. I am amazed to think that so many out there fail to realize that with cars being the dominate source of travel on the road a cyclist has no room to feel it is their right or they deserve more space –  it is best to work together and share the road with others and also to obey all the road rules out there. It is for our safety that these rules are out there and much like wearing a helmet or seat belt – why not do it? Anyway, after our conversation I rode off knowing that I can only be the best me and to keep improving because if you stop growing or learning you are dying.  As I bent around the curve the sky opened to hail beating down on my face and luckily helmet. It was so amazing I started to just laugh. I was told about all these hot springs, but because of this hail, then rain and dropping temperatures I could not stop for I would freeze. I almost even used the golden rule that if you are too cold, stop and set up camp and get warm because it is not worth freezing. Instead I gathered my thoughts, put some more layers on and headed off. I am glad I did this because it was only noon. I finally got to the Lolo Pass heading into Montana which went up to about 6,000 plus feet. Snow covered the whole top and it was truly beautiful. As I flew down the back side, the rain and wind really got me so cold- I swear Montana was even colder, so I decided I was getting a motel room. One thing that was cool was the elk, deer, and a moose I saw and a land of beautiful wilderness. I finally got to Lolo, Montana and stopped in at a truck stop where a trucker was playing the guitar, so I warmed my body and bit my tongue because I hate spending the cash for a motel room, but it saved me. I instantly flooded the space with clothes, sleeping bags, and a tarp to dry them out. Even my waterproof bags had water in them. I went to the store to resupply then lay around. I saw a $2.99 deal on a half gallon of frozen yogurt and killed it watching bad TV and relaxing in the heat.  I had cranked it to the top dial because I needed to dry everything and wanted to sweat because of the coldness I felt earlier.

 

May 6^th                    Lolo, Montana –back into Idaho to a campsite

Of course I was going to get ever last penny out of the room, so I slowly got ready and left around 11:30am into more rain. As I was getting my legs warmed up the unthinkable happened and my Austin, Texas bought tire that was “unbreakable” popped and was shot. I was amazed though at the calmness and speed I changed it, but still being in Montana where people are so nice, but seem to keep to themselves a super nice guy named Paul stop to help. He insisted that he take me into the bike shop and as I have said – I am not out there looking for help but if one offers I must accept for there was a reason for our paths to cross. I said “Ok” and was off on a ride to remember. Paul took me into Stevensville which was the first town in Montana and showed me buffalo and sheep farms. Funny enough, most sheep farms now in Montana have Llama too because they will fight off wolves and coyotes. He took me then to his father in-law’s who was a simpler man with simple taste and for some reason would not much care for me because of my hair. Now I know he would have liked me but luckily for both our sakes and my energy he was not there. I did though see a license plate that said GOD IS… and I wanted to write “black” but held back. Once we left we shared more stories and I was dropped off where the bike shop took the tire off and I put the newest front tire to the back and the new one I was already carrying to the front because I did not want to pay for a new one. After that long detour I was off again or really the start of the day and it began to rain again. My bag also broke a strap so I can not hold two extra water bottles which is ok because one will do for this part of the country. I started to book it finally and even made it over the pass back into Idaho again and because of the cold was glad to get in my sleeping bag. I also had to remove my socks because I did not realize, but a pair of socks I had on were cotton and as you may know cotton kills in the woods because they do not hold heat, so they were sucking the warmth out of my body so I wrapped my feet in a dry shirt and was fine.

 

May 7th                    A campsite in Idaho to Lone Pine to Rexburg, ID

After a night of cold and rain I was determined to have a big day pedaling and it turned out great. For once I had the wind on my side and was truly out running the storm. In these past few days I have been on the Nez Perce trail and was heading into Salmon, Idaho where Sacajawea was born (Of course, she was the interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition). I was also riding along the Continental Divide part of the way into Rexburg, Idaho. It amazes me how much history there is in this part of the country and Mother Nature’s voice is very loud as I have been learning in the past few tiring days. Salmon was fun and I saw some car that had passed me earlier. Luckily, they loved my “reflector dreads” and thanked me for waving which just proves how it is best to begin with kindness then move forward. They also had a son that held the record for 8 years of going over the Jackson Pass in 28 minutes which is over 8,000 feet. Wow! I then headed off and really began to fly plus it was snowing which was crazy. I was on an old railroad bed that was turned into a road after mining died out. I stopped at small store in Lemhi where I met a real live angel. Know I believe in life and that’s all but I do believe in the power of the law of attraction because much like the law of gravity- it is real. Some people out there have a true ability to control energy like Tiger Woods in golf or Tai Chi Masters. This woman, whoever she was, had learned true kindness. I was asking her about where I was going and for the first time it was all positive. She even claimed I could easily be in Rexburg by 8:30pm and I was just thinking, like whatever, but from that moment on, looking at her smile, I swear the clouds parted and with snow falling on both sides of me I then flew over the 7,000 foot pass with ease and got caught in a brief snow storm, but then it cleared again. Once over the mountain I flew into Lone Pine which was basically just a store and stopped in where some really nice people were. A guy named Tom who saw me in the snow, asked if he could take me the rest of the way into Rexburg, Idaho because serious snow was coming and it was to be 28 degrees that night with 50 mph winds. I swear that woman was Mother Nature herself – it was weird and I will remember that forever. I wish I had asked her name. After all those tests, I had passed and made it, (as I am sure there will be more), I felt better than ever knowing what I had been through. Tom was so nice too and was glad I was riding with him for he had driven over 480 miles that day and was tired. He had moved from New York, came out west and never left. He dropped me off at Jourdan’s, my new host, and we quickly went off to go climbing. Jourdan is a great girl and her very large family is so warm and close it warmed my heart.

 

May8th                                           Rexburg, Idaho

I did 128 miles this day and I am finally doing laundry, which was much needed. As I am writing this, I am rejuvenated and cannot believe there is sun shining for the first time in days. I am also moved by the kindness of my host and her family. Her mother and I have been laughing and having a ball all day. I can not wait for the next bend in the road. Loving life, much love, and till next time – peace.   

 

April 30th-May 3rd                         

 

April 30th                                       Walla Walla, WA

This was a special day. I woke up early because I wanted to see Eli and Sam off to school. I was just amazed that two kids their age were responsible enough to get up and do all that they do on a regular basis - plus I was excited to find out if I could speak to Eli’s 5^th grade class that day. Sure enough the teacher was happy to have me and once again to my amazement, I was allowed to go share my love of talking to people about living their dreams. I was reading a great book about the irrational decisions we make everyday as consumers across this country – like research explaining why we buy things. At noon I stopped reading and headed for the school. I think that my long hair and bad facial hair scared the secretary just a little (or at least she was not sure what to do with me) and then I was once again in a classroom of smart smiling kids not sure what to do with me either. I find it best to go over briefly who I am to get them warmed up and to let them know what I am doing. Then I opened the floor to their questions because that encourages the flow of conversation into where it needs to go. I love the questions the kids ask – they are so pure and simplistic and always lead me into realizations about who I am and new ways to open their minds into staying creative. Hopefully, they are reassured that their dreams are as possible as mine. Before long an hour had passed and I could not believe that I had held their attention for that amount of time. We all gathered for a photo and a few even gave me a hug which was so sweet. I hope the teacher stays in touch and I can once again get to classrooms across the country to see the differences and similarities all kids have in this “small world”. After school we went home and the day was pretty tame. When the boys came home we ate at Iceberg which was an excellent hamburger and played some basketball. They beat me really bad!  

 

May 1st                                          Lewiston, ID

Here we go – it was time for the two months of serious cycling to begin. As I have been telling others, May and June plan to be big months in my world. I feel they will be prime weather. I began the day around 9am with the sun shining and a hundred mile ride through a beautiful valley. Washington is gorgeous and the air is so fresh. It was sad to leave Walla Walla so soon, but I had told myself Portland was my last super long stop for awhile and I have a wedding to try to catch in Wisconsin in June, so pedaling is what I need to do right now. I was flying in the morning and almost did not want to stop, but water is a must so I headed into a gas station where I had a great short conversation with the attendant. As I walked out once again all my knowledge of wind failed and it hit me from the east like a smack in the face. I truly now believe that this must be my superpower and I have still not learned to use it for good. I tried to pretend it was my energy source, but for a second almost flipped out of the cool breeze. Do not worry it will not be my downfall I promise because even if it truly gets under my skin I just wish I could know what it wants to tell me. The hundred miles were hard, but luckily after seeing some really weird black and white goats that looked like small cows I climbed a mountain and although the wind still blew in my face I broke through and picked up speed making it into Lewiston, Idaho around 6pm. It was so nice being in Lewiston and for that much – the state of Idaho. Aside from the wind in my face all day, it was cool following the Lewis and Clark’ expedition. Make time to read about those guys because they were crazy guys! I bow down to their abilities to do what they did and my trip truly is humbled by what they accomplished with the resources they had – further keep me heading forward because I am on a red carpet compared to their famous journey. Dani and Damian are great people – they are smart, funny, and made for great conversation. They are true spirited hippies that have taught me a lot about life and the person I would love to be and am becoming. Dani is a theater major and had to run to a play, but when she returned we were off to their friend’s place for a birthday party and dessert galore. Their friends were so kind and we had a blast. I must say that sadly Dani’s program is slowly getting cut which just further proves the absurdity of our country’s need to destroy arts and creativity for sports and silly academia absurdities. I will stand right now toe to toe with whomever and argue with people who feel sports are more important than the arts. Damian and I were even talking about how we could combine math and science with physical implications to see why they are important. There is room to evenly distribute them and if you are in one you need to be in the other. It’s like taking a shower – you don’t just turn the hot water on- you need the cold one on too and it’s just sad to see the arts fall. Plus if you ask my opinion many athletes are emotionally crippled because they have depended on a coach for so long telling them what to do. Sometimes it stops them from developing the skills needed to become their own personal coach in the real world.

 

May 2nd                                          Lewiston, ID

I slept in till about 9am and awoke to a fun field trip into Moscow, Idaho which is home to the University of Idaho. It was an amazing town and driving there let me see the beauty that Idaho truly is. I swear these guys keep it a secret but the state is breath taking and once again this town had an amazing square full of fun places. I even got a mood ring that did not turn my finger green in the toy store. We were in Moscow because weekly Dani and Damian make a run to get fresh raw milk which is some of the tastiest stuff ever. Forget 2 percent and lower – raw is the best. In town we went into an art exhibit that was just amazing by Goran Fazil who is from Bosnia. In his work he made frames out of Burt Ward toy army figures and painted fiery scenery about his view of the troubled past. It was moving and the exhibit was very lively and emotional which true art does to me. We then went into a great book store and found that there was a physics demonstration going on with a homemade Tesla coil. We went to Mickies for some amazing Greek food then headed into the university for an amazing “so what science is really all about”. The physics club at the university is great and so existed to share their love. They showed how to Hake fire dance and mixed starch and water together to make a goop that reacts to sound. You can even put an egg in the bag of stuff and beat it, drop it, or really whatever and the egg stays fine. I highly suggest doing this with the kids because they get a real kick out of that stuff. The homemade Tesla coil was amazing and can even light a bulb when put near it. I love science and it, like so many other subjects, like the arts is falling behind. I really think Damian has something going with blending programs together. After the show we headed back because I was going to the play Dani was in and could not wait. It was a show of short plays that were just killer and hers was amazing. I really liked one called “The Philadelphia” which was a comedy about a guy whose life was in a “Philadelphia state of mind” (it is a cosmic mental state where you can’t get anything you want, you can’t do anything you want to do, it just does not happen, etc.) because what crazy place would put cheese on a steak. The other player had just been fired from his job, but was in a “Los Angeles state of mind” and he was relaxed and happy! It was a look at how we are our own reality and if you just put positive energy out there you get good back, and if you put negativity out there that’s what you gets back. Its like drawing with crayons if you pick up a blue one the color will be blue on the paper, but so many just think it will be red. After the play I was asked to stay and play their wrap up game which included “Duck Duck Goose”, “Twister”, and the “Best Guy Ever Sushi tag”. Now this last game is a gem – everyone pairs up and sits in a circle on the ground while one stands in the middle. The pairs sit one in front and one in the back and the middle person points out two different pairs. When this happens it is the job of the two front people to be the first to tag their foot while their back partner holds them back at all cost. It is fun and dangerous and teaches the actors to achieve objectives. I had a blast because at one point this tiny girl was in front of me and just let her get a few inches away then held her foot so she could not touch the person’s foot – it was so funny! The actors and directors were great and it was fun to be silly for the night. After we watched some Venture Brothers which is a cartoon, we slept till 10am.

 

May 3^rd                                          Lewiston, ID

It was rainy and my great plan of flying through May was overheard by Mother Nature herself and it seems this did not fit into her schedule. It looks like rain for ten days and I can not believe it. So as I always say, “Do not have expectations for they only lead to disappointment”. I was glad to hang though because my hosts are great and they have the best stories from Europe giving me that itch to keep traveling. I can not wait to run away overseas one day for a similar trip. We had Thai food for lunch and then went and saw “Taken” at the dollar theater. The movie was great and should scare more Americans from traveling abroad which will keep the flights open for me, but seriously it was a pretty real movie without the ridiculous guns and stuff. After we headed home, Dani, who is an amazing cook, decided to make hummus and Chicken Alfredo which were both amazing! Damian is a brewer who although the beer was not done I could tell through his notes he is a secret pro. These guys go together so well and now hearing about their 8 months of travel in Europe I know they are doing something right. I can not even stay with someone in my own country for that long. Then Dani even surprised me with my own hummus for the road. We finished some more conversation and Venture Brothers and I am heading out tomorrow for a long stretch to Rexburg, Idaho after passing through Lolo, Montana. I will miss these guys and wish them the best. It is so hard to meet and leave all these amazing people and hope they know I will be coming through one day again to see them all. It’s an amazing country we have full of amazing people and I will never for get any of them. I also will never forget that baking soda is a great deodorant to use. It so nice to see such naturalists out there and I look forward to meeting some more. I hope all is well in everyone’s world and much love till next time – peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 25^th – 29^th, 2009

 

April 25^th                                       Portland, OR

I stayed another day in Portland and decided to continue my self tour of the city while Susan got some things done. I had remembered a park called Overlook but found out it had nothing to Washington Park. It was just a field with an ok view of the port and a small playground. I fled back down to the city where I checked out the Chinese Garden which was just as spectacular through the Asian windows as I imagined it would be if I paid to go in. I then walked by the Shanghai tunnels which was a slave depot back in the day when travelers or whomever got too drunk in the bars. Then they would drop into tunnels and ship off to Shanghai in boats full of glass and bare feet so they had to behave. The history here is amazing as the present and my heart grows fonder, but as I tell everyone that asks if I have a favorite spot I would stop – so no fear I will be leaving soon. On my way back I saw Travis and soon was off to the video store for some video games. Now I do not play video games, but I can push the hell out of some buttons so I did pretty well after awhile. I totally lost track of time and thought it was hilarious that I had already made friends, so I ran back to Susan’s because I was supposed to let her in and was over an hour late. She, of course, managed without me but I think her parents who were on the phone thought it was strange that I was no where to be found. That night we just hung around but took it pretty easy.

 

April 26th                                       Portland, OR

I awoke just tired and most likely just feeling comfortable so I decided to hang and leave on Monday. I really did not do much but hang and do laundry again, but had already befriended Val one of Susan’s friends on Face book. I told her I would be over for the second pot luck dinner that I had been to the last Sunday. After a few errands we both headed over early and had the best pulled pork ever. I had been here so long my appetite was back to normal, so for once I ate almost like a normal person and we watched the fourth game of the playoffs. I was hanging by myself losing time when I remembered my wonderful wrist wallet was ripping apart, so I used Susan’s sewing kit to patch it up. I  used green thread and sealed that thing tighter than a 12 year old in Taiwan could have ever done. Then with my new found pride for sewing I decided to add a smiley face to the front. Now this did not go as well seeing that it looks more like a scarecrow, but may I say I am proud of both jobs and hope the wallet makes it to the end. It’s hard to leave a soldier behind and I still miss my Zippo I lost in Santa Cruz, but hey now I have a friend to talk to on a lonely cold night. Ha

 

April 27th

I awoke at seven because the sun rises so early here because we are above the 45th parallel which is half way between the equator and the North Pole. It is really nice I think because I thrive in light but I was pumped to hit the road even though the clouds were brewing. Luckily from my earlier days I had a map of where to go and as usual I said a horrible good bye (I just do not like good byes and do not believe in them) and headed off for the Columbia River Gorge were some of the best wind and kite surfing in the world is preformed. It is also the home to the final stretch of Lewis and Clark during their expedition. The river is massive and the winds are normally in about twenties and above, but today was mild because the clouds were holding them in and to get to the gorge you have to ride in the middle of the interstate to Washington State. The second I went into the gorge the scenery changed – it was breathtakingly green. Spring was in full blossom and there were waterfalls shooting off the sides of both banks of the river in the distance. The railroad also followed my path and I flew even though there was a slight wind. The landscape was full of rocky hills and high plateaus but then there were wineries and forests and as I said waterfalls every where… I then passed the Pacific Trail, who my friend Frank had completed along with the Continental Divide and the AT and was the first to give me the confidence to do the AT awhile back. The Bridge of the Gods was ok, but just a large scale toy that was a toll so I moved on. By three I had 75 miles done and stopped for lunch- these guys were great and told me they were going to do an online article about me. As I passed through some farm land I saw a goat that was stuck in the fence and when I rode by he nearly ripped his head off, so I turned around and helped it out because in the past me and a buddy had bought a goat and I never knew what happened to it, so in my life I am square one with karma and plan to keep it that way. As the rain came in I found the perfect tree and even though I had two more hours of light I thought it best to take this high ground next to the cows. I set up shop after 120 miles and felt really good. The rain came right as night fell and I passed out. As soon as I thought I was in for the night I awoke to what I thought may be the gods of whatever ripping the universe to shreds and this was my test of who I was to be because all I saw were glimpses of the sky with brief moments of grey. Once I prepared for whatever this may be, I realized that the sounds and vision was my tent completely pulled from the soft ground flapping in really high winds. I snapped into action and began to pitch the tarp again. My arms were flexed pulling this tarp down and after three attempts and over five rocks, a stake finally was secure and  I was good.

 

April 28th

Wow! That was a weird awakening, but I love the test of life. It is so important to stay present and focused because you never know what may happen like that. I slept for ever after that and awoke around eight the next day to more clouds and more eastward wind. This is actually really lucky although I think most may disagree – but think about it. Eastward wind happens like only 10 percent of the time and I was getting two days worth. I stopped at a market that was in the middle of nowhere and met this great guy that looked like Santa at his seasonal job. He told me about the wind and I swear it got worse once I left. It was 120 miles to Walla Walla, Washington, but the wind just beat me down. I finally finished the gorge – drained  - ending into an interstate. The funny thing is this was the first time I thought to use caution across this tiny bridge. They said I could cross, so I tried to hitch across- which for the first time in my life there were no pick ups. I was cold so I said whatever and let fate deal me the next card. Now I do not know if I would have been fine if I would have just gone for it but I picked the perfect time to cross when I did. The bridge was too small but I made it with no trucks and fast and by the time I entered I was done with much relief. After a quick hot dog I called Julie my next host and told her I would be close, but most likely not make it because of the rain and wind tiring me. Sure enough after 100 miles I was done and it looked like the sky was going to break, so I slept outside one more night using a telephone pole as my base of the tarp not even caring about the traffic.

 

April 29^th                                       Walla Walla, WA

I slept great through the rain, but awoke feeling impatient because I only had about thirty miles into Walla Walla. Now this was weird behavior for me and will not happen again because my knot was stuck and instead of just cutting it like I first thought I tried to rip it off with a knife which is so stupid. Like all impatience, I was awarded a lesson of splitting my knuckle wide open. After that sobering cut, I remembered pain is just a lesson and if you learn – it will go away, so I put my gloves on, cut the rope, and moved on. Now I moved on and looked forward because that’s all you can do in the end. I came over the hill into a green valley of wineries and old sweet onion farms. Now the origin of the name, Walla Walla, is between two schools of thought. The first being that “walla” is the Indian word for water and after these past two days I know it has no shortage of water. The second is that the French guide that was with Lewis and Clark said “walla” after scouting out the valley to show them which they took for what it is today. The town is so cute with an award winning downtown which refreshingly was so popular that it shut the mall down because the community wanted its rich old history back. Now the sweet onion farms were dying because a once thriving onion market that rivaled the Vidalia sweet onion (in my home state of Georgia) could only grow here and had come to a stand still because of a soil fungus that wiped it out. Sadly, the coop that made it so wealthy was the reason for its downfall. Humans had unknowingly spread the fungus everywhere through the shared vehicles the coop provided. It just shows you how silly it is we think we hold the brush that paints the picture and how quickly mother nature paints the opposite making it look like more than we could have ever dreamed. Still, as the onion farming market died, certain wineries realized the land of the sweet onion would be a great home for a sweet grape and now Walla Walla is home to over 125 wineries that rival Napa Valley in many taste tests. It just further instills that “if you act like water you will get to where you need to go” and “there is no real recession – just change and if you flow with it, adapt, and change, you will get through stronger than ever”. Julie and her boys are amazing and a refreshing view on a solid family. They are strong smart boys with a balance in sports and music that is a rare breath of fresh air. She has opened her home and I will stay one more day. The past few days were bumpy, but that just makes it more fun on a straight road. I miss everyone and still love the trip and am amazed at all the doors that open once you take the lock of fear away.

 

April 29th                                       Walla Walla, WA

As I was answering Julie’s boys’ questions, we were watching a show called Nitro Circus, which is a look into my crazy soul, – there they were! The cliffs of Rick’s Café in Negril, Jamaica on the “local side” where I had jumped at my brother’s wedding. (I had stayed with a Rasta named Natty in Negril for a week after the wedding). At the end of the jumps, there sat a guy I had hung with for a day when I biked the town on this flat tired dirt bike. It warmed my heart and made me itch for more. I even checked on a girl from Lithuania that I had sent to stay with Natty months ago – as I hoped, she had a blast like me. I will dive into that story one day but it was so cool seeing where I had once treaded and may I say even though I did not have a huge ramp to jump off – I did jump into much rougher waters. Ha Remember that life is not a dress rehearsal and to live it up and never stop growing. Till next time much love, Michael  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Julie Anne Jones <julie@julieannejones.com>

Date: Sat, May 2, 2009 at 12:28 AM

Subject: Sam, Eli & Julie had a cool week…

To: Julie Anne Jones <julie@julieannejones.com>

 

Happy May, everyone!

 

I just had to write and share an amazing experience the boys and I had this past week. We had a young man by the name of Michael Galardi stay with us for two days. He found us through a website community I joined last fall called Couch Surfing (www.couchsurfing.com) and contacted me in early April through that site.

 

He said he was biking through the lower 48 and was hoping to crash at our house for a few days at the end of April on his way through Washington State. I checked out his website and told him we’d be glad to have him. He arrived on Wednesday and left Friday morning.

 

This is a truly amazing young man. He’s 26 years old and one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. Prior to this undertaking, he hiked the Appalachian trail 2800 miles from Georgia to Canada. His motto is “Control nothing and nothing controls you” and “If there is always a positive and negative side to any situation, then why would one not focus on the positive?” He spent countless hours visiting with my boys, answering their questions and just being present and respectful of who they were and what they had to say. He spent an hour mesmerizing Eli’s 5th grade class, and just generally won the hearts of everyone he met here in town. And being from the south, he was totally polite and charming and just very easy to have around. We were all three sad to see him ride away on Friday morning but we know we’ll keep in touch. We all agreed this was a truly special experience and one we’ll never forget.

 

If you have kids (and even if you don’t), you owe it to them (and yourself) to sit down with them and go to http://www.jollygreenicemachine.com. It’s Michael’s website and has not only lots of information about him, but also photos and a blog about his ride so far as well as an educational section for teachers to incorporate his experience into the daily learning in their classrooms. They can actually follow his progress through his blog posts and study the geography, weather, etc. His message to and about young people is really inspiring. Make sure you check out the “about” page on his site. It’s very well written and interesting.

 

Just wanted share this amazing experience with all of you.

 

Julie

 

P.S. Michael has no sponsorship but he does have a donation tab on his website if you’re interested in supporting him.

 

Make it a great day!

 

Julie Anne Jones

Direct sales/party plan language & relationship-building specialist!

Phone: 509-526-3837

Direct Sales Success Made Easy Blog http://julieannejones.com/blog

Check us out on the Web! http://www.julieannejones.com

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/julieannejones

Join my Facebook group http://groups.to/directsalessuccessmadeeasy

Join my LinkedIn Network http://www.linkedin.com/in/julieannejones

 

Provocative vlogging

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Monday, April 27, 2009 at 10:33am

The following originally appeared in The Sunday Paper on 4/26/09 www.sundaypaper.com

 

When it comes to video blogging, or vlogging, everyone has something to say. But where’s the love, man?

 

Take the case of Dana White, the 39-year-old president of Ultimate Fighting Championship, the Las Vegas-based concern recognized as the largest mixed martial arts organization in the world. From near obscurity in 2005, the UFC has been on a meteoric rise, with its programming now shown in 36 countries worldwide. White has been described as a volatile egomaniac and has long howled about how the UFC deserves mainstream media coverage. And now that he’s going to get it, he may not like it.

 

Can you imagine what the repercussions would be if NBA Commissioner David Stern or NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell posted an obscenity-filled video blog rant that slurred women, homosexuals and the mentally disabled? Of course they’d be immediately relieved of their duties. But when White did precisely that earlier this month on YouTube, hardly anyone outside of those who follow MMA uttered a peep. Initially.

 

It was a story by Sherdog.com MMA reporter Loretta Hunt about UFC’s credentialing policy for fighters’ agents and managers that drew White’s ire. He swears an estimated 35 times in the three-minute diatribe, calling Hunt an “[expletive] dumb bitch,” among other insults, referring to the article as “an absolutely [expletive] retarded story,” and knocking an anonymous source she quoted by using an anti-gay slur as well as a slang term for female genitalia. He concludes his tirade by lobbing one final F-bomb at Hunt—and giving her the finger.

 

For her part, Hunt stood by her story 100 percent, but it took a few days for White to be called upon to apologize publicly. When he finally did so, he specifically did not include Hunt in the apology. But maybe she’ll get hers, as ESPN’s investigative program “E:60” recently interviewed White for a piece that will air May 12. Stay tuned.

 

Tuning into any news or entertainment program last week, it was hard not to notice the Perez Hilton-Miss California controversy centering on the Miss USA pageant contestant’s answer to his question about gay marriage—and of course his attack vlog and Twitter rantings, in which he called her a “dumb bitch.” The point here is not whether one agreed with Carrie Prejean, but the fact that she answered the question honestly, which is more than a lot of politicians do these days.

 

Prejean didn’t say she hated gay people; she simply said she didn’t agree with gay marriage. Hilton spouts a lot of hate every day on his vlogs, ridiculing people for what they wear, their daily decisions and even how they look. He spreads rumors and ruins reputations. And yet when someone doesn’t follow his agenda, he goes off on a vlog tirade, portraying this woman as just short of the spawn of Satan himself.

 

Sure, this country was built on the notion of freedom of speech. But where is the respect and compassion in recognizing other beliefs might not be your own?

 

Last fall, during the election, two former athletic stars were on opposite sides California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in the state. On one side, there was recently retired Major Leaguer Jeff Kent, baseball’s all-time home run leader for second basemen, who donated $15,000 to back the proposition. On the other side, there was Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Steve Young, a direct descendant of Brigham Young himself, contributing $37,000 to help defeat the amendment. Two superstars with conflicting opinions on a lightning-rod topic, speaking their minds.

 

But not vlogging hate like White and Hilton. Or Anthony Powell, the Dearborn, Mich., man who posted a series of hateful videos on YouTube in which he railed against black women, among other targets. When 20-year-old student Asia McGowan responded tastefully and tactfully in her own posted videos, it only angered Powell, who earlier this month found and killed McGowan in a college classroom before turning the gun on himself. So much hate.

 

But there’s a lot of vlogging love to be taken in, as well, such as the snippets posted by 26-year-old Atlantan Michael Galardi. He’s hiked the Appalachian Trail, completed marathons and triathlons and is an all-around outdoor enthusiast, so no one was surprised when he announced last year that he was leaving from south Florida on Jan. 1 to bike across the lower 48 states.

 

Galardi’s Web site, www.jollygreenicemachine.com, features blogs and vlogs filled with thoughts and visuals from his “jolly” journey through the bayou state, across Texas and the Southwest, and up the California coast to the Pacific Northwest, which is where he was last week when we exchanged online pleasantries.

 

“Control nothing and nothing controls you,” Galardi wrote. “If there is always a positive and negative side to any situation, then why would one not focus on the positive?”

 

Words of wisdom from a jolly fella with 4,300 miles pedaled at his back, and an endless road of open-mindedness ahead. If only all vloggers could communicate in a similar manner.

 

Happy times … and Godspeed oh jolly green one.

 

 

 

April 4th- 17^th San Francisco, CA to Newport, OR

Thanks to everyone generously supporting me along the journey!

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I would like to first start off with a realization that I have that has helped me out a lot. Fighting with Mother Nature is like fighting with a wife or girlfriend. The more you go at it, the worst it gets and Mother Nature still wins, so it is best to just shut up and go with it from the start.

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April 4th thru 7th San Francisco, CA

I had to blend these together because my trip to San Fran was a blur. I came in on the weekend, so it was very overwhelming from the start. San Fran is very small city with a lot of people and on the weekends a lot more tourists. It is about 7miles by 7 miles and when I pedaled in, I was struck by the masses of people from the start. It was full of beggars, youth and tourists – it just really took me by surprise. It was hard coming from beautiful greenery to people on top of people. It was like a petri dish of bacteria that just would not grow outside the dish. On the 4th it was a nice ride, but about 7 miles before I was in the city, I broke another spoke and decided if there was ever a time to rebuild my wheel San Fran would be the place with all the commuters and hills. A funny thing happened in the morning though – coming into San Fran I saw Becky’s sister Rye randomly on the road about to have lunch. She waved me down and was so kind. I must say because of San Fran size it does have an amazing alternative transportation system. I was staying with one of E. Rivers Elementary school’s French teacher, Catherine Lanter, so after some explaining of where I was she brought me in. It is funny and tiring to have two people try to describe where one another is when people have such a difference in perception of what a place looks like or what type of direction. It is a great exercise in patience and if there is anything I need to exercise on this trip it is my patience. Catherine lived in the center of town which was a lot of fun and great location. Her place was about the size of ten of my bikes, so we were a little on top of each other, but she was so kind to even let me stay. We had a blast!

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April 5th San Francisco, CA

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We woke up late and took my wheel in to be rebuilt by the best shop we could find. As I dropped it off I felt confident in their abilities – which made me feel good and left it to them. Catherine and I toured the city by bus and ended in Golden Gate Park which is a mixture of drifters and beauty. I loved their bus system for the fact that you pay once and get like six hours for the fee with a ticket so you can really get around if you want for a minimum price. That night Catherine’s landlord asks us over for dinner and ended up being a great guy that was quite the character and cooked a mean chicken. He also cracked me up telling me how he was once a Wall Street broker in a past life at the beginning of the Great Depression and was flung off a roof. He was vibrant and fun and I enjoyed our stay!

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April 6th San Francisco, CA

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Today was also a great and full day in the city and my overwhelming first response to San Fran was easing away. We once again slept in which is always nice and then headed to the Jewish Community Center for two hours of yoga. I am not sure my stance on organized religion and I will not really go into it right now, so feel free to chase me down and we will talk it out! I loved this idea of allowing anyone in for a safe, fun and super nice gym that just promoted a healthy nationhood and a fantastic fitness building. I think that we have become so self sufficient in our busy lives that sometimes we have a hard time accepting kindness from others, like for example; when you go to a store and someone asks you if they can help- it was cool to see this community open their doors to all for the common good. Yoga was so nice and really relaxed me. Right after that I got a nice surprise that my wheel was done and that Christine was in town from Santa Cruz for a meeting and dinner. I left Catherine for my fist solo tour of San Fran which was great. I picked up my bike that just looked reborn and then met Christine at a fabulous French restaurant. The food was amazing! Christine was with her friends too, which was another lawyer and two beautiful lesbians celebrating a birthday. Well, of course, after such a rich meal our energy was high and because of the birthday, dinner could not be the end, so I ended up somehow dancing once again at a hot spot among the lesbian culture. It’s a good thing I have long hair. After that we went back to their place where Christine pulled my favorite trick and did a Houdini back to Santa Cruz. So now I was with all new people getting in a cab to go to the Cliff Hotel for some more fun. Now if you are ever ready to party on a weeknight go to a hotel club – it is the place to be. It had some of the best dance music ever. The walls were full of beautiful people- eyes followed you around the room. I hung out for a while, then Emma, the lawyer, and I took a cab and I passed out.

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April 7th San Francisco, CA

I got up at a decent time for once because Becky from San Angelo had her friend meet me so I could pick up some Isogonics packs for my electrolytes. It is just so amazing – the kindness Becky has for all and I thank her for going out of her way to get me this stuff so I never dehydrate again. I got to take the BART, which is the underground train, to Berkeley which was so nice to met Callie. She picked me up right away and my dream was answered when I heard we were going to a raw restaurant for lunch. This place was amazing called Cafe Gratitude were all the food was raw. It may sound scary, but the food really floods your body with energy and tastes great too. The whole scene was very progressive and I liked everyone there. We had such a nice lunch but she had to go so I headed back downtown. A second storm was coming through so I had to stay one more day.

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April 8th San Francisco, CA
I hung out but I was ready to ride. California was becoming like my virgin on the AT which was 500 miles of hiking. Mentally you just want a change of location and you start to feel stagnant. So we did very little and I prepared to ride out the next day.

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April 9th San Francisco, CA

Well Mother Nature felt like one more day was in my favor, so I was there again. I must be honest I was getting a little cabin fever, but Catherine was great and so was her landlord so it wasn’t so bad.

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April 10th

Ok, so I finally headed out like a bullet from a gun. It was really neat because I got to ride the Golden Gate Bridge which was amazing and almost like crossing back into the hills of Italy with green hills rising for miles. The rain made things steamy and like the southern part of Cali the path was like a slow roller coaster where I was on pathways, then small towns, then lost. I started asking other cyclists how to get to Hwy One. The group I ended up with told me a flat way but they were pushing for the direct hillier way and their enthusiasm brought me with them. Boy I nailed it with 35 or so extra pounds and kept up with them the whole way. The climb was great and beautiful and as they took a right I was to go straight through this beautiful valley of redwoods that almost made me stop breathing. Finally, I hit the coast. The hill and my long stay in San Fran really wore me out mentally and for some reason my legs were just tight. I was supposed to stay in Point Reyes, but I wanted to get as far from San Fran as possible and fifty miles would not do, so I pushed on to Jenni. Here I had lunch and talk with a local named Bill. It was about 80 plus miles into the day still stiff but good when out of nowhere Bill told me about this cool bus project Cali has for coastal towns. The wind was getting bad and there were lanes out up ahead, so I took his advice because my gut told me too and road the bus to Point Arena. The ride was beautiful and the rode was small so I was glad to follow my instincts once again. It was a twenty 16ish passenger bus with two bike holders and the people were great. It was a taxpayer’s service so the fee was 4 bucks. The driver told me where a campsite was, but I just nodded and biked to a secret spot.

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April 11^th Fort Bragg, CA

The next day I decided that this bus was a cool environmentally sane way to get through this insane pass of hills and cliffs and I finished it into Fort Bragg because the second I got to the post office in Manchester it pulled up behind me and honked its horn like it was calling to me. Once I got off it was time for some real riding and I needed to build back my mental confidence from the drain that had occurred in San Fran. I was determined to finish Hwy One for good. It was a great day and the mountains from the coast were amazing and some serious climbs. I was entering into Redwood National Park and passed through trees that were thousands of years old. Plus I was now in Humboldt County where reggae music thrives for reasons that I hope you see voiced for Cali legalization of a green crop that flourishes in the sunny wet climate. I passed by the town that has the tree you can drive through that is up to 2400 years old. The town was funny because I was told and tried their spring water which is some of the best in the state, but the towns tap water was undrinkable because a septic tank had leaked into it and shut the town down. It is so weird to see humans impact on the planet. It really was nice finishing Hwy One and the 101 was great from here on out. I also got to see a house in a redwood tree, a real log cabin that was in one log, and the home to the Reggae River Festival which I will visit with my bus. That night I retired under a bridge because of some clouds coming in and amazingly cops never saw me. Bridges are great shelters as long as you stay away from the water drainage and they are kind of a hard surface.

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April 12^th Trinidad, CA

I made it and was headed for Eureka but Anna my host was not answering. When I got there I had a long lunch eating a whole chicken and waited for Anne to call back, but there was nothing so I decided that was it for Cali and pushed on. This is a great time to reiterate why expectations can lead to disappointments, but luckily I had known – so moving on was easy. I made it to Trinidad, Cali a little early for a normal stop but it was the perfect second bridge and rain was coming so I camped under another one. Out of all the things I thought I would see or stop and talk to me a man on a horse walked by as I lay down. I was a little nervous, but he just smiled and waved so I passed out. That night I had fog and clouds but the bridge was nice and I made it to the morning.

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April 13th Brookings, OR to Gold Beach, OR
I busted out 93 miles out of Cali and did a super dance for finally finishing the last state that was super long. It is so nice to know that I will never be in a place that long again. Cali is truly a mini America and the diversity is endless but I turned and waved goodbye never to look back again till next time I arrive on my bus. Now Oregon is wet and cold this is not a lie. I made it to Brookings and nearly lost it when I saw like seven dudes that all looked like that fisherman on the fried fish stick boxes. Oregon feels like Maine with a sense of true country but mixed with a gentle artist population that makes it lively. There are a lot of artists and outdoor-types everywhere. That night I hid behind a motel and the trees really protected me from the rain.

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April 14th Gold Beach, OR

I must say that this day was tough. It was super cold and wet and I just could not warm up. I am a little embarrassed to say it, but the wind was so bad and my mind so cloudy that I even tried to pee and my glove flew into it – I know it is gross. I went 20 or so miles and came to Gold Beach where I knew I needed to regroup so I got a motel room for little money and washed my clothes and now pee glove – ha-ha! This was one of the best decisions yet and I found the secret to rebooting the body. I went to the store and bought 10 yogurts, a gallon of milk because it was only $1.99 and a box of Honey and Oats only to have to get a second box because of all the milk they got me. Still the next day with a mixture of peace and quiet with bad TV – I felt amazing.

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April 15^th Reedsport. OR

I left about 9:30 but just felt reborn – the wetness was behind me and I was at peace with the rain. I was just happy with a mind that was once again silent. It was also great because I had touch base with Julie in Newport and had a place to stay so I rode and rode to Reedsport, Oregon doing like 110 miles. I was back and it felt good. I slept in the rocks but it worked out to fit my body perfectly and had the rain even slow down. It is amazing but since I have crossed the Oregon border it has rained more than my whole trip combined.

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April 16th Reedsport, OR to Newport, OR

I happily rode into Newport, Oregon stopping in Yachats for lunch. It was the first day in awhile that I was killing like 17 mph and the hills were slowly disappearing. The coastline is like Cali, but really rocky and the seals are so funny and playful. I got into Newport around 2pm and met Julie who is so great. She took me to town and I had an eating feast while she ran and talked to some locals. One guy thought I was a fiddle player that lived there. I had clam chowder which was as good as New England’s and then that night we went to a lecture by Ram Papish about penguins in the Falkner Islands. This place has more types of penguins then anywhere and you just can’t help but love those funny guys. I never knew how many there were on Earth!

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April 17^th Newport, OR

I am giving it one more day here in Newport and Julie is a biologist, so she is going to let me visit the aquarium. Cool! I am really feeling good and am super close to Portland, so Oregon will be behind me soon too. I feel great mentally and physically and the bike is great, so I hope that means everyone out there is great too. I can’t wait to see what comes next but love every moment I am in. Much love and take care.

March 23-28th The gateway back to the east‏

 

March 23, 2009 Los Angeles, CA

 

Well, hello everyone! I do apologize for the lack of details through my LA trip. It was kind of my reboot into the ride and boy did I refuel. Monday topped the cake when Taylor and I went up to Big Bear and skied all day! It is just jaw dropping to see the difference in terrain and weather in just a short while here in Cali. The weather and conditions were perfect at Big Bear. It was cold enough to keep the snow there, but warm enough to slush it up and not even really need a jacket. Once again I met all types while I was visiting – from Arizonians to business men and women – just a great melting pot of caricatures. I must say – for not getting to ski much I was proud of my runs and I had a blast. The ride up there really rallied my spirit to get back on the bike and keep moving. There is a certain passion and itch I get now driving through the mountains and moving forward overwhelmed me. I must say that a day on the skis is quite the exercise and I had no idea how good a snow boarder my brother was. It was just a blast and on the ride back I knocked out like a sleeping baby. Alex, Taylor and I had our last meal and I knew it was time the next day to move on. I also had another happiness that night before I left - knowing that I was to become an uncle and godfather to a kid that is a mix of two of the greatest people I know, so I slept well that night.

 

March 24, 2009 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

 

I awoke ready for some action – it was time for me to truly experience this great state on a bike, and even though it was so good to see all my brother’s friends again and to have finally seen the wonderful life my brother was laying out for himself in LA, the itch was on. My brother was kind enough to take me to the Santa Monica pier and wish me luck!

I started off with a laugh because my brother told me to hit up this path that he thought went on for quite awhile and it actually ended in half a mile! I was rusty from taking some time off and I have to say skiing the day before was not helping. Still I slowed my breath and moved forward. It was nice knowing I was staying with my first warm shower host which is another website like couch surfing but with cyclists. I can’t remember his name, but the guy was French who started it, so I think it got lost in translation. I must say riding north along the coast of Cali is like taking slow roller coaster ride- it is beautiful, but hard to follow. I was on the Coastal Hwy, and somehow ended up on the 101 Freeway, which is a no-no in the southern part of Cali. I even had a motorcycle cop ride up next to me and tell me the correct directions and asked me to leave the 101 Freeway, which of course, I obeyed. I was still so unsure of the way I stopped into a bike shop for directions and got a new Specialized Armadillo tire for the front which was a 32 width. After I got my bearings I stopped into the 99 cent market which just further proved that things never fail – they just must adapt or move out of the way. See my point is that our economy is a wreck from some people’s perspective, yet only part of it is. Here is a store that is thriving. It has taken a weakness and turned it into a strength. Humans are like this too – there is no such thing as the end of the world just the end of the humans that can’t change and even if we were to disappear, it would not mean the end of other animals or plants or bacteria and other simple organisms. Even the people that are having a hard time finding a job – it is the field they are in – not the job part. Plus with our culture – there are ideas that where we live is the only place to be, but if there is overcrowding then moving might be the best option. Plus during this slowing down time maybe we should look at it as a blessing in disguise to lose those jobs that we hate and restore who we are on the inside and do something we love. It is not our economy that is hurting – it’s our souls and our unhappiness that is killing us. We need to bring fun back into life and spice things up. It’s like waking up to a buzzer alarm instead of allowing the sweet heat of the sun wake us in a calm state. Remember pain is just a lesson – once we learn the source we must stop it and the pain will go away.

After the 99 cent store the roads still confused me but I just kept my wits about me and moved on. I watched for signs that would lead me and sure enough a cyclist came into view and I asked him for directions. Kevin was going to Santa Barbara to pick up his girl friend and then ride with her home. How cool is that - a thing I have never seen in Atlanta (a guy using something other than a car to have some slower calmer time with the woman he loves on a bike back home). Not to mention we were still about 30 miles away. This is a common practice among some in Cali and I really dug it. Kevin was a diving instructor and I hope that is me when I get to his age. He hated his life and hit that breaking point and realized that life is a one shot thing. “This is not a test run folks, so let’s make the best of it!” he said. After some hard times which I can relate to, he revisited who he was and changed everything. Now he lives on a solar panel sail boat, seasonally teaches divers, then he is off to explore. I did not tell him this but much like my promise to take dance lessons, sailing has been added to the list. The world is in a secret war of those that do not want to change and those that thrive off of it and in desperation like a cornered cat those that don’t want to change will do stupid things – sailing away from the fight might be my best option. No worries though I have never backed down from a challenge or if I have, it will not happen again and I will finish what this trip is about then do what I have too, but sailing is now added to my list. Kevin and I laughed about how much we saw things similarly and passed back and forth sayings. He took me all the way into San Barbara and then we said our goodbyes.

I was staying with Clay and gave him a call which sent me to his place-then to head back out to a bike co-op that he volunteered at and was leading that evening. Clay is a model of what we should be – just a guy that others look up to. He took me in and was such a pleasure to speak with. He helps those in need and asks for nothing. He works with run away kids to teach them that there are options out there. It is so great to know these peaceful warriors exist, and I had so much fun seeing him at work in the co-op. Everyone there was great. I even met a kid that has lived on his bike for a few years and we chatted about the lesson one can learn through listening to nature. I can not say it enough, but everything except humans live by a predictable pattern and it is just us rippling the water. It is like playing that game “telephone” where one statement is whispered into another’s ear and by the end of the line it has been changed so many times that the original statement know longer even exists. I also must take a side route here and bring up some food for thought. If the brain can rationalize anything, which it can, we have all made excuses to do something we know we should not. Why is it so much easier to rationalize those things that are bad and so hard to change them into good. I spend every night now thinking about things I could do better and do them. It is always better to do at least one push up than to just say forget it – so remember one step can turn into many steps, but no steps keeps you on the couch always. Well, I wish I could have stayed longer with Clay but the next day I was to start pedaling again and see Taylor and Simon (one of his best friends) one more time for some good old camping.

March 25, 2009 Santa Barbara, CA to Rancho campgrounds!

 

It was a short day and I left around 11am because I only had 30 or so miles to go. Once again the Cali roller coaster was hard to follow and I ended up somehow moving south through a neighborhood of old money. A very nice grounds man showed me my mistake and I was put back on course. It is just crazy the strong feelings I get when I know something is not right and the instincts I have tapped into to set it straight. I also am amazed at the whirlpool of classes here in Cali. Rich areas are splattered with poor ones and just a mix of people is such a random sampling of all that is America. Cali surely is a major melting pot and seeing the swirl of colors is a delight.

 

I ended up on this bike path where I heard that familiar pop sound – that’s right! Another spoke had popped, but at least this time it was on the inside. I think soon I might rebuild my wheel but I am waiting for the moment to present itself. Luckily, another biker from Italy pulled up and took me into the University of Santa Barbara to show me a bike shop. He was an astronomer and super nice we chatted into the school and he even sent some photos he took of me to my email. The shop was so close and the school and town were so beautiful. Cali is like what Italy reminded me of and now the green and wild flowers of spring are breath taking. The bike shop was great too because not only did I get my bike fixed – the guys informed me of a better camping area because our friend said the wind was really acting up. I must say though that for some reason I have calmed my issues with the wind – I see it as my guide to where I need to be – not as a preventor of where I am going. Of course, my brother was also running late much like me, so I beat him to the first camp spot and it was up to me to find the site. This was the very first campground I have slept in this entire trip and was weird going in. I missed the first grounds and ended up at Rancho campgrounds. It was packed, but the beach was amazing and I really liked the feel of those around me. My brother came in with a new six man tent and everything else you could imagine. It was too funny, but I must say really nice. We had steaks and beds and the works. The tent was huge but when we tried to put it up it was used and broken. Our inner monkeys came out and we had to put the tent polls back together because the inner lining was broken. We messed this up three plus times and still in the end forced that last piece in to finish the puzzle. The tent still went up and we contained our wonderful evening laughing and watching the tide come in and laughing till I knocked off to sleep like the rock the waves were crashing in on.

 

March 26, 2009 Campgrounds to Pismo Beach, CA

 

The next day I was once again to slowly leave, but Taylor made a great breakfast plus Simon opened my eyes to a new banana cutting technique that was amazing and kept the banana off the table and in the peel. Still I had to leave what I knew behind, so with a short goodbye because I have never been good at it I just left. I was once again on my own and I had to start acting like it. I had already lost my glasses and water bottle in the last two days so I tightened up my thoughts and cleared my mind. The wind was still making me smile and cyclists were everywhere. I even met one that shoots missiles and asked him to email me which I hope he does for the kids because it was too cool. I made it to Pismo Beach and slept by the train tracks in town. I am being more careful after this night for I was right in the pathway of workers and heard many around me throughout the night, but of course no problems. I have overheard some in the bars though that talk about beating up the homeless and harassing those that they find in the woods, so let’s hope our paths do not cross – for I would hate to test my bite.

 

March 27, 2009 Pismo Beach, CA to Morro Bay, CA

 

I had a shorter day into Morro Bay where I was staying with Monika and I could not wait to meet her because of her fun energy on the phone. I made it in by 11am and took a shower and headed right back out to hang with her friends. What a piece of home this night was! It was like all my fun friends from home – we went house jumping to bars to other town bars back to houses. They were all partying and it just was a blast. I even met a guy who gave me twenty bucks just to help the cause. We chatted and I mostly listened. All the locals treated me well even those I was warned might give me trouble. Still remember life is a game of cat and mouse – just either be the cat or be a fast mouse. Still everyone was great. Monika earlier that day showed me around with the speed I enjoy- FAST and I saw beautiful secret surf spots and Morro Bay rock that is a capped volcano. I even was treated to a cool naturally made hoody that Monika treated me to. We went so many places and was still in before midnight. Her friends made me miss mine, but they also were a treat because they reminded me of my friends and in a place unknown what more could you ask for.

 

March 28,2009 Morro Bay, CA

I decided to stay today and write this and explore this unknown place without loved ones. I really like it here as I am sure all of Cali. I spent the entire morning in the coffee shop just chatting with locals and maybe even will try and go surfing – we will see. I might spend one more day or head out, but either way I am more than happy. I just love it that the more and more I put out this vibe the more people I meet like me and can’t wait to see more. I hope everyone out there is finding their own happiness within and much love to all. Talk to you all soon and take care, Michael

 

“JOLLY GEOGRAPHY” has turned into much more than simply geography – PLEASE JOIN IN AND COMMENT WITH SOME OTHER IDEAS!

The “Jolly Geography” project has become so integrated with all concept areas that there is no one lesson plan – everything in bold letters is tied to the Georgia Performance Standards. Aside from the maps, our class has a foam core board with the title: “Where’s Michael?” and we pin up pictures, articles we find on the computer, and artifacts Michael has sent.

 

The first item of business each morning is:

1. Track Michael’s mileage and tape string along his route on a GIANT U.S. road/political map and a separate U.S. elevation map.

(types of maps, measuring miles, map scale – social studies and math)

2. The “leader” goes to www.weather.com to find out the weather in the city and tries to forecast tomorrow’s weather

(weather/climate – reasons for differences and how the physical geography impacts human systems and natural resources – social studies and science)

3. We google places of interest Michael reports and print out the articles and state trivia – the students really like this! We discuss people he has met and some of his great experiences.

( places and people of interest, locations of states and regions, and history – social studies) (Georgia fourth graders learn Early American History – it is easy to integrate historical information and cultural differences in each state)

4. Our class started a unit on force, motion, and simple machines, so of course,

we drew Michael’s bicycle on a large poster board and labeled the simple machines that make up this compound machine. We included a discussion of force, motion, acceleration, velocity, friction, and inertia. The bicycle made it more interesting – physical science is not a strength of mine!

(simple machines – wheel and axle, gear, lever, screw plus force and motion -science)

5. We will begin average his miles per day – per week – per month, etc.

(averaging – math)

ARTICLE IN THE NORTHSIDE NEIGHBOR E-NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPER IN ATLANTA, GA

“Jolly Geography – bicycling the lower 48 states!”

Michael Galardi, a 25 year old Northside Atlanta resident, left Key West, FL on January 1, 2009 on his bicycle to bike through the lower 48 states ending his trek in Atlanta. The journey is officially named “The Hunt for the Jolly Green Ice Machine”.

During a presentation to my fourth grade class at E. Rivers Elementary, a student asked him, “Why are you doing this?”. Michael replied “It is an expedition into the heart of America. It is a journey to break the fears and inspire others to live their dreams. It is a journey to prove that the American dream is still alive and that love and compassion is what truly fuels this country. Through a healthy imagination a healthy reality is born.”

Our class decided to create a project, “Jolly Geography!”, and is one where we follow Michael’s progress on a giant U.S. map using map skills integrating social studies, science, reading, and math. He, in turn, mails us shells, pictures, brochures, and other educational information from places (ex. a Dolphin Research Center, Sea Turtle hospital in the Florida keys, pictures of his tour of the state capitol in Tallahassee, the Naval air museum in Pensacola). We check out his website, www.jollygreenicemachine.com for more personal journal entries about the weather, changes in physical features, and his occasional flat tires! The students are learning so much and this is a way for Michael to give back to the community.

When he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2006, our fourth graders at E. Rivers also followed his hike as a project. What a connection for education to relate to real life!

Michael attended E. Rivers Elementary, the Schenck School, Sutton Middle School, North Atlanta High School, and Ole Miss.

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