June 7, 2007

June 7 Defiance, Ohio - Clyde, Ohio 92 miles

A very hot and muggy 94 degrees. Outside of Defiance, the team cycles along the Maumee river and through some great little town along it's path. There are finally some turns in the road and the landscape is shades by trees. Dick took this photo of his new friend, the tree, and was thankful for it's refuge from the sun.

On a short bike path, Dick met a genuine man on his bicycle. Marve is keeping his diabetes under control by biking and he seems quite content doing so. He is fond of his community and the bike trails along the river. We would all have to agree. He is kind enough to invite us for lunch and as much as we wanted to hear stories of himself and the area, we had to get back on the road. See photo of Marve! Keep up the biking!

There are just too many wonderful people we have met along the way to mention them all on our website...a man and his dog giving directions was another good hearted one of the bunch- he was excited for us and dreams of biking across country himself when he retires. Everybody has a story. These stories are heart what turns a trip into a journey - really listening to the people you meet in life.

I must mention Kathy McNeilly, at the Red Roof Inns. She was most helful, sweet, caring of our sick rider, and was thrilled to sign our trailer. Once again, so many great people in the world that we are fortunate to meet. So Kathy, thank you for everything!!

June 6, 2007

June 6 Wabash, Indiana - Defiance, Ohio 112 miles

Long day-great weather

At one point on the back road ride today, Dick saw a camo truck when his mind began playing tricks on him. At first, he envisioned a squadron of militia practicing in the woods. Just as soon as he got himself all worked up about these scary thoughts, the sounds of machine gun went off -or so he thought...it was actually the noise of a jackhammer from a nearby home. Enough to replace the pacemaker for sure!

We are staying with Mark Schwab's Mom tonight - Mark and Dick had riddern together last year in MS Global in Italy. Thanks for being a part of another MS ride this year Mark!

May 25, 2007

May 25, 2007 Pierre – Chamberlain

Today we can have the right to complain about headwinds and just be sure we don’t compare our complaints to those of the Expedition. In this same area, the Corps was fighting off mosquitos the size of black flies, Indians, black bear, and fierce storms.

A few rain drops and a breeze (30 mph headwind) feels good. I was honored to ride in the headwind today for the first 20 miles to stretch my legs before getting back to driving. The guys battle it out for most of the day as we follow the Missouri.

Thank you to the Best Western in Chamberlain for a sponsored evening and for the warm beer at the local cafe.

May 24, 2007

May 24 Mobridge – Pierre 117

‘Two hundred years ago Lewis and Clark were just beginning the process by which the US would establish proprietorship over this new territory. It would double the size of the US.’ -The Sage of Lewis & Clark

Another windy day outside Mobridge today but to the bikers’ advantage this time. Heading South, we continue on 1804, they pound it out on the gravel for a few miles keeping their balance in check…right on into Akaska, ND.

What’s a person gotta do to get some espresso around here?

Akaska is a small and very tidy town resting in a valley. Beautiful, but still no good coffee for miles.

If you ignore the screaming in your legs for just a second, you can hear the barley crops tapping eachother in the wind. It’s a peaceful sound until the 18 wheeler zips on by and sucks you in from the draft.

“Good wishes from many of our friends come true... the wind is at our backs” -Dick