June 12, 2007

*See posting for June 13th below**

June 12 Owego, New York – Cobleskill, New York 77 miles

Before leaving the Holiday Inn, Julie and Linda join the team at the trailer to sign and show their support. It’s emotional for them as one of their coworkers, Vicki, has MS. All of the employees we come in contact with at this hotel show their enthusiasm and encourage the bikers, even the cook.

John Denvers “Ain’t it good to be back home again” comes to me out of nowhere as we peddle closer to the people we know. “It’s the sweetest thing I know of, just spending time with you” …more lyrics to sing to the bike and pass the time.

All ice cream stands serve as great lunch stops, so today it not only works out perfect for the sugar benefit, but to meet two more bikers going cross country. They are biking from Maine to California and putting on about twice as many miles as our team. Here’s the kicker, along the way, they are planting trees (saplings). The duo keeps their saplings in a small solar container and offer them to random homeowners working in their yard. These are two young men doing amazing things and all we can think is, “but it’s extra weight!” Yes, it is. They are carrying large loads on 35 year old bikes. Speaking of being inspired…

Had to wait out two lighting storms today which slowed down the days progress. We decided to drive through the second one and its’ pounding hail storm.

Today’s Low – having to van-up because of lighting

Today’s High- Just when you would think the day couldn’t get any better, Tyler Hamilton calls from Italy. I still find it amazing that one simple phone call can truly make your day. Tyler, of course, has been an inspiration to many cyclists and non-cyclists alike, and a phone call from such an influential voice, is just what the team needed for the last leg of the ride. Not even the best espresso can make up for that!
So, thank you Tyler, for calling in the midst of your crazy training. It meant the world to hear your voice. Don’t forget to have that glass of wine for us…Pinot Noir perhaps?

At the Best Western - were a very sweet Jesse and Kathy have sponsored our room. After speaking with women like Jesse, it only reassures us that we are part of something bigger than we even know. It’s easy for the riders to get caught up in the mundane aspects of the trip, become exhausted, and forget what we are really doing here. Heads down…pedal… but don’t forget to say hello to life.