In the Surf!

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VA Beach.jpg

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I miss my blog!

I feel like I left everyone hanging. The end of the ride was amazing! It was HOT and humid and the day was a bit of a whirlwind! We rode into VA Beach to an overwhelming show of support. I was truly humbled. After a brief program, we rode down a specially made ramp and into the Atlantic. It was so emotional, I can barely remember the details. The image of the group of us, arm in arm, amongst a crowd of thousands being swallowed by the Atlantic surf will be with me forever. It's one of those moments you wish you could freeze and experience longer. I guess it's these fleeting moments that seem to mean the most because they go so fast. I guess it's a bitter sweet reminder that life is about experiences that touch you. The beauty of it... there will always be more.
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Where do I begin... Where do I end?

I have no idea how to put the last 64 days into words. I have no idea how to take an idea... a collective effort... a great cause... and put it into words to wrap it all up. It just can't be done. Words, no matter how descript, are finite, and limit our efforts... punctuate our story.
So be warned my trusty followers, this is is just the beginning!
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Ron and Nate some how got themselves, their bikes and overnight stuff on a Miata!

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We've been known to break a few rules.

We had a hot day of gently (and not so gently) rolling hills. The heat and humidity were killer and we were beat by the end of the ride. Some of us rode straight to the hotel because a ceremony in a park, in the sun after that ride would have been unhealthy.
My friends Ron and Nate showed up for the ride today. I think they'll be pleasantly surprised about the support we have been receiving!
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THE Iwo Jima Flag... Amazing!

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I left this Sea to Shining Sea button on the headstone.

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Charlie Owens, my former navigator school classmate and proud member of the Nav Show.

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Sea to Shining Sea wreath in Arlington National Cemetery.

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DC

So far it has been a restful day in DC. I was originally going to head to lunch at the Capital with a NC representative but when I heard we were getting Subway sandwiches rather than being allowed to eat lunch in the congressional dining room, I opted out of the political photo op.
Besides, I really needed a day to rest up!
We have only a few riding days left and we reach VA Beach. Cara, my parents, and sister's family will all be there at the finish line. I just wish my dog could attend but he had prior arrangements.
I got word that we fed 297 service members at Walter Reed a steak and lobster dinner! Only a few made it to the dining hall so I was hoping the rest got a good dinner(better than Subway at least ;).
It was impressive to ride to the hospital with former patients and amazing to realize some were patients mere months ago! That's what this ride is all about.
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Long anticipated arrival at Walter Reed

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Heroes

Jeff Thomas, Mike Claver, and Wayne (last name escapes me right now) lay a wreath at the National Fire Academy's memorial. We asked these men to lay the wreath because they are all firefighters. It was very emotional for them to say the least.
We had a long day in the hot sun climbing and riding. It was nice to get to the hotel, jump in the pool and get some sleep!
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At the summit of our last major climb!

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Beautiful PA

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Wreath placed near Flight 93 memorial. The impact site is in the background, just to the left of the tip of the flag on the fence.

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Beautiful Pennsylvania

This morning we visited the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93. It was a moving memorial and a quiet place to contemplate the sacrifices made by those during and since 9/11. It was a fitting visit by the team because of the impact the terror attacks had on our lives and the story of our military careers.
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Wow... What a day!

I'm not sure if I speak for the other riders but today was rough! It was warm and humid with some pretty good climbs. I left a lot on the road today and hope I can recover tonight and start tomorrow fresh. We are currently on Somerset, PA and tomorrow morning we are heading to the Flight 93 crash site. From what I've heard, it's a very moving memorial to some brave Americans.

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Nicolette talking to Dr. Allen Russell, Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

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The high tech segway and man's best friend (Harley) assist disabled vets in mobility and independence.

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Clay's hard working partner Harley Davidson Reagan. He's a VA service dog and a sweetheart!

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Frank and Jerry listen intently as the doctor from the McGowan Institute talks about tissue regeneration.

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Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh has thrown us one heck of a welcoming. The mayor greeted us in the park, declared a Sea to Shining Sea day, and unofficially gave us the key to the city. We had a fantastic dinner at the ball park's Lexus Club and were joined by Tom Ridge.
Today we're heading to a tour of the McGowan Institute where they are researching and implementing tissue regeneration. Fascinating stuff!
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So long Ohio and hello West Virginia!

We are officially on the East Coast and out of the mid-west (strictly by my definition). I can't believe we've come this far! We are already getting in the final arrangements for our visit to Washington, D.C and our grand finale at Virginia Beach.
Today was a TOUGH day of climbing. We were gently lulled into the belief that by passing the Rockies we were done climbing. But wait... there is yet another mountain range to pass and let's hope our climbing muscles come back soon!
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Weather!

We're in Gratiot, OH, waiting for weather to pass. On a positive note, we're in a nice fire station with a comfy set of recliners.
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Columbus, OH

We were joined today be the GE riders and had a great day of riding! The weather was great as was the company.
We have a few more days through Ohio and then to Pennsylvania for a day off and a visit from my father-in-law Frank.
We have some hills coming up and I think that the weeks in the flats may have affected our climbing abilities. We'll see I guess.
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Sunrise on our way to Columbus

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A wet day!

Well, our luck with good weather ran out. Yesterday morning started out fantastic, overcast and relatively cool, but soon the skies opened up and dumped 6 weeks worth of rain on us in about 4 hours! My biking sandals worked out great and although my feet got wet, they dried when the rain stopped.
Today we paid a visit to the Air Force museum at Wright-Patterson AFB. It was an amazing place which paid homage to airmen. Fantastic!
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We tried to race but we had already biked 40 miles... my legs died after the first mile at 20+ mph!

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The Indy Motor Speedway

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The Indy Motor Speedway

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Indiana... Already???

I feel like we flew through Illinois... and just when I was getting used to the silent "s"!
Indiana greeted us with high temperatures, high humidity, and flat terrain. The heat was very difficult to overcome and the moisture in the air made cooling off difficult. Luckily, Jeff, Wayne, Howard and the rest of the State Farm crew kept us hydrated and motivated to push forward. There is a blurry line between pushing through discomfort and seriously damaging your body in this weather. It becomes important to listen to your body, be cognizant of your teammates condition, and force yourself to drink, drink, drink! Then, when we get to the hotel, drink some more!
Tomorrow, we head to Indy and take a lap on the speedway on our way to our next stop! That should be fun!
Till tomorrow.

Jerry, me, and Marc in front of a barn with an AWSOME paint job!

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Our send off at State Farm's HQ

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Helping each other out!

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Honest Abe Speaks

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Dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln

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Bloomington, Illinois

What words can I conjure up from my vocabulary to describe the amazing experience that was the 4th of July in Bloomington? I feel that my words alone wouldn't (couldn't) be adequate to communicate how the people of this wonderful town welcomed us with the warm embrace of their community.
We were treated to a delicious cook out style lunch in Danvers, we were greeted by droves of flag waving patriots along the roadways of Normal, and we were given a heroes welcome on the steps of the court house in Bloomington. After a dinner grilled by the men and women of the Illinois headquarters of the American Legion, we were the guests of honor at the Celebrate America show. As the sun set and the crowds gathered with blankets and sparklers on the lawn, we were escorted to an air conditioned "press box" to watch the fireworks. And what an impressive show it was!
I updated this blog with plenty of pictures, so be sure to go back a few pages to see them all.
Thank you Bloomington! Thank you State Farm! Thank you!
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Front Row Seats for the Celebration of America

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School Children thanked us with a great song!!!

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Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B

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George Washington (or the Mayor of Bloomington)

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Brian, Jeff, Van, Scott, Wayne, and Amanda

This was our air conditioned "press box" for the fireworks in Bloomington.
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Matt and Amber

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Happy 4th of July

Greetings from the outskirts of Bloomington, Il and a happy 4th to all. We are anticipating a warm day of riding and an equally warm welcome from our gracious hosts at State Farm's headquarters.
We headed to Chicago yesterday for an interview with Fox News Channel and from what I was told, it went well. I hope it did because the point of this ride is to tell our story. Although the stories are as varied as the individuals, the common story is that of healing and not just moving forward with our lives but moving forward in extraordinary ways! You're only limited by the obstacles you choose not to conquer.
Have a safe and wonderful summer holiday. Till Bloomington.
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We crossed the Mighty Miss, headed to Canton, Illinois and onto Pekin

Crossing over the Mississippi was a momentous milestone for this trip. We have finally peddled our way through the midwest and are making our final push for the East Coast. I've always wanted to see the Miss and feel that only the Rockies and perhaps Mount Rushmore match such an iconic example of Americana. Fort Madison's dinner on the banks of the Miss was a perfect way to say goodbye to friendly Iowa and greet Illinois.
We weren't sure if Illinois could possibly match Iowa's hospitality and so far they have. If you want to raise an all American family or just experience something as beautifully American as apple pie and baseball, come to the midwest!
We are currently with Melissa from State Farm as we prepare for our national interview (Fox news today 4:35 central, 5:35 EST). We are heading to Chicago to be pumped in live to NY.
More to come soon!
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Regrouping prior to our invasion of Canton!

Marc and I met an American Legion member who had restored this 1950's era jeep. Once we saw the helmets, we had to strike our best Patton pose!
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Honor Guard for Ft. Madison ceremony

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State Farm/Ft. Madison party for the riders

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Coree, Nicolette, Marc, and Devin loaded in the van heading to the parade.

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Community Volunteers decorating some vans

Community volunteers, consisting of Vietnam Veterans, VFW members, and local businesses, decorate vans for a parade in our honor just outside Ft. Madison.
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Elenore Denning

Mrs. Denning is a veteran of WWII and by far one of our more interesting supporters. She turns 101 in a few weeks! In this photo, she is telling Mark about buying her first vehicle in 1932 which she learned to drive during her test ride... a ride that included an unintended detour on some railroad tracks!
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Fort Madison, Iowa

I love Iowa! This state has been so great and the people are proud of their home and wonderful to vets. Local folks and businesses set up water and rest stops along our route of travel. Additionally, the farms, gently rolling hills, and gorgeous country side has made riding a pleasure. (they just need to repave Rt. 2!!!)
The folks of Fort Madison are no exception to Iowa's hospitality. A volunteer with the VFW auxiliary took Coree, Scott and me through town to see the sites and bought us lunch. We then returned to the hotel for more lunch, hair cuts and massages! I never considered that I would gain weight cycling across the country.
Tomorrow we cross the mighty Mississippi and head to Illinois. As for now, more rest.
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