Sea to Shining Sea

Another Adventure

2010-08-23T18:16:00.001-07:00

I miss writing in my blog. One thing I learned while blogging about my trip across the country is it affords me a few minutes to reflect on the simple things that make life so wonderful. Knowing that *anyone can read my ramblings keeps me restrained to a point that I have to brush off the negatives and focus on the important things. It is a good practice of meditation and has a way of lifting your mood. I think this is why Bob Marley praised"Positive vibrations."
*By "anyone" I am referring to Cara, who I realize might become my only follower!

What to write about?
Since being medically separated (soon to be retired... I hope!) I have been pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. It has been a tough ride just getting accepted to a school. In fact, I have spent the last 3 years taking classes and getting work related experience in patient care just to compete for the coveted opportunity just to become a student. it has been a tricky balancing act between keeping my focus on the goal pf being a PA and sucking up the entry level work which usually involved dealing with patients bodily fluids.
I figured I would write about my experience of being a layman and tackling this monumental personal goal. Really, I feel like a guy who has no business diving head first into a graduate level science degree, especially with my background of a history degree and navigating airplanes. They are similar, right?

In the Surf!

2010-07-26T14:25:00.003-07:00

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VA Beach.jpg

2010-07-26T14:25:00.001-07:00

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I miss my blog!

2010-07-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-07-24T18:35:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-07-22T03:22:00.000-07:00

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We've been known to break a few rules.

2010-07-22T03:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-20T18:07:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

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Sea to Shining Sea wreath in Arlington National Cemetery.

2010-07-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

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DC

2010-07-20T11:29:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

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Heroes

2010-07-19T03:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-19T03:07:00.000-07:00

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Beautiful PA

2010-07-17T12:09:00.001-07:00

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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.

2010-07-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

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Beautiful Pennsylvania

2010-07-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

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.

2010-07-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-15T05:35:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-15T05:29:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

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Pittsburgh, PA

2010-07-15T05:22:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-07-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-12T06:35:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

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A wet day!

2010-07-10T15:08:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-07-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

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The Indy Motor Speedway

2010-07-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

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The Indy Motor Speedway

2010-07-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

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Indiana... Already???

2010-07-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

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Our send off at State Farm's HQ

2010-07-06T15:19:00.001-07:00

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Helping each other out!

2010-07-06T15:04:00.001-07:00

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Honest Abe Speaks

2010-07-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

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Dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln

2010-07-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

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Bloomington, Illinois

2010-07-05T12:45:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-05T12:22:00.001-07:00

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School Children thanked us with a great song!!!

2010-07-05T12:21:00.001-07:00

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Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B

2010-07-05T12:19:00.001-07:00

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George Washington (or the Mayor of Bloomington)

2010-07-05T12:18:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-05T12:16:00.001-07:00

This was our air conditioned "press box" for the fireworks in Bloomington.
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2010-07-05T12:13:00.001-07:00

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Matt and Amber

2010-07-05T12:12:00.001-07:00

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2010-07-05T12:11:00.001-07:00

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2010-07-05T12:08:00.001-07:00

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Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

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State Farm/Ft. Madison party for the riders

2010-07-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

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2010-07-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

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Community Volunteers decorating some vans

2010-07-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T10:40:00.001-07:00

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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Correction. Yesterday we were in Mount Ayr, Iowa...

2010-06-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

...and today we are in Centerville, Iowa. The ride today seemed very long although it was only 75(ish) miles. I can't believe I am saying "only 75 miles" but it has truly come to that. In fact, we've grown to consider days under 60 miles as rest and recovery days! The ride consisted of gently rolling hills, one after the other, for the duration of the ride. I actually enjoy Iowa's hills over the flatness of Nebraska. The hills have a way of breaking up the monotony and give me little goals throughout the day.
My hand is bruised nicely but healing quick and save for the pounding its receiving from the bumpy roads, tomorrow I should be close to 100%.
We ride to Fort Madison tomorrow and then receive another day off. After our eight day trek, two days off within in a seven day stretch feels like spring break. I'm not quite sure what is in Fort Madison but as i said in the past, if it has a bike shop and a cafe, we're happy!

Ayr, Iowa

2010-06-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Words can describe the hospitality, patriotism, and over all kindness of the folks from the midwest. The people of Ayr invited us to a wonderful dinner at the American Legion. They went out of their way to ensure that we were well fed and taken care of. Every few miles we were greeted by supporters waving flags and cheering us on. It seems the word has gotten out that we are coming!
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What a day!!!

2010-06-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Here are the damages: bruised glute, strained back, and sprained right hand. That is great news considering there are no breaks! My bike seat took the brunt as the bike flipped with my feet attached.
Shenandoah, Iowa is yet another town which has utterly surprised me with the level of patriotism, gratitude, and support for our team. The town folks bought every room in the local hotel for us (The Shenandoah Inn), cooked us a great meal, and even invited us to a free movie in the town theater.
This trip will never cease to amaze me. Now, time for bed to recover from my injuries.
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Xrays

2010-06-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Xrays of wrist and spine... Might have busted my hand! Let's hope not because I still have 2,000 miles to go!
Oh, my bike seems fine!
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Woops!

2010-06-27T09:38:00.001-07:00

Well... I wiped out... Hard! At ER... Will update!
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Day off in Lincoln with my sweetie!

2010-06-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

We had a great day in Lincoln! Lots of good food, good coffee, good ice cream, and good company! We ate breakfast with Sen. Ben Nelson and that was fun.
We head out tomorrow to Iowa and will hopefully be accompanied by some winds out of the west. I can't believe there is only 4 weeks left. This trip has been amazing and I can't believe we're more than 1/2 way there.
I'll report from Iowa tomorrow.
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Fat Tire Bicycle

2010-06-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Cara and I were wandering the streets of Lincoln, NE and checking out the town when we saw The Mill coffee shop which was recommended to us by a State Farm agent. We went in and had some coffee when I noticed a 'for sale' flier and a picture of a Fat Tire bicycle... THE Fat Tire bike made famous by the popular micro-brew beer of the same name. At first I shrugged it off, then I found out through some cell-phone-googling that the only way to get your hands on one of these gems is to work for the company or win it during one of Fat Tire's raffles. Well... after a few moments of consideration, I contacted the seller, saw the bike in person, and bought it!
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I actually ate ice cream made in this... I'd rather just enjoy and not think of it's origins!

2010-06-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

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Corn... Corn... Everywhere Corn!!!

2010-06-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

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Arrived in Aurora, NE

2010-06-24T11:44:00.001-07:00

We are staying at a FFA (future farmers of America) leadership center. It is like a hotel but has a bunch of conference rooms for group meetings and stuff. Tomorrow we get into Lincoln and I get to see Cara! We're getting a rental car and checking out the town. It will be a nice reward after an eight day push!
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Wray, CO to McCook, NE to Holdrege, NE

2010-06-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot to update my blog yesterday! I did add the photo of the old WWII T-6 Texan that kept us company on the long and boring stretch of midwest roads.
The wind seems to be our number one nemesis! Every push with our legs seems to be matched with an equally and somewhat morally crushing counter-active burst of momentum destroying wind. I have found nothing seems to defeat it; not screaming, cursing, or crouching into the smallest possible profile to streamline your body into an aerodynamic form... not unlike a standing fetal position (which has a sort of ironic match to our mental state at this time).
8 days was a BAD idea. Although we are motivated to press on, our bodies are greeting us in the morning with adamant protest! Every point of contact with the bike is sore and my bike is groaning with pleas of ''oil me!"
Press on! I'll update when we reach Holdrege!
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We had a visitor on our ride today!!!

2010-06-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

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Wray, CO

2010-06-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

We had a hard day of riding and we are all beat. We rode 88 miles with a head wind and that can take a lot out of you. We are due for a major tail wind at some point!
We are 3 days into our 8 day marathon push. Just 5 more days and we arrive in Lincoln, Nebraska for a day off and a visit by Cara!
I didn't have any good pictures today so I took one of my new beard!
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We are definitely out of the Rockies!

2010-06-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

Take a look at these two pictures and you will have an idea of our view for the next few weeks! At least it is relatively flat and our trend is down hill. Yesterday was great, save for the head-wind. The police and local State Farm group treated us like kings!!!! Thanks to all!!!
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ABC News 7

2010-06-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

I was live on ABC 7 in Denver this morning. As always I had a great time! I actually said "batmobile" at some point! WHAT?
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We're being introduced at the Rockies game!

2010-06-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

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8 Day Marathon!

2010-06-18T06:14:00.001-07:00

Today we begin our eight straight days of riding. The reward at the end is a visit from my wife and a day off in Lincoln Nebraska. Nebraska marks part II of our trip, the midwest and a new time zone. Geographically, we'll be making real progress.
Off we go to the Air Force Academy, then to Denver!
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Team USA wrestling room! I sneaked in... Shhh!

2010-06-17T19:05:00.001-07:00

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These guys hooked us up! Visit them if you ever get to Moab, UT.

2010-06-17T19:02:00.001-07:00

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Brian's sweet tattoo!

2010-06-17T18:59:00.001-07:00

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Rest, whenever we get the chance!

2010-06-17T18:57:00.001-07:00

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Close... It was the thought that counts!

2010-06-17T18:56:00.001-07:00

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My roommate Scott

2010-06-17T18:53:00.002-07:00

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Which one is Chad and which is the wooden statue? Look close!

2010-06-17T18:53:00.001-07:00

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Chief making his documentary

2010-06-17T18:51:00.001-07:00

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Flag Day/Army B-Day Ceremony. What a crowd!!!

2010-06-17T18:49:00.001-07:00

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Olympic Training Facility

2010-06-17T18:43:00.001-07:00

The OTC was an amazing visit! What a place! It is truly motivating to visit the facility which trains the best athletes in the world!
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USA... USA... USA!!!

2010-06-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

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Riding behind Stu

2010-06-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Colorado Springs this afternoon around 4:00 pm local time. We were greeted at Fort Carson by (what seemed like) thousands of troops! We were hosed down by an arch of icy water complements of the base fire department. Not a bad touch considering the 90+ temps.
We have a day off tomorrow and I can't wait to sleep in, although we're pretty much programmed to wake at 5:00 am. We're heading to the Olympic Training Center for a tour of the facilities. I can't wait to check it out and hope I can get a chance to take some shots on the heavy bag.
Friday night we're being introduced onto the field at the Colorado Rockies game! Are you kidding?! Being on a major league field during a game has to be every American kid's dream. I'll be sure to post pictures.
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Our highest climb!

2010-06-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today's ride was a challenge. The temperature this morning was around 35 degrees and the chill made it hard to warm the muscles. We climbed around 11,500 feet today over the continental divide. The funny thing is, I'm not sure what the divide is! I think it has something to do with the flow of rivers. The toughest part of the climb was the lack of oxygen at the high altitudes. I was gulping for air with every push of my legs, looking like a fish out of water!
The ride was about 40 miles up hill, followed by 25 miles down hill. The down hill was well worth the climb! We also figured out that since this was the highest point of our trip... the rest is down hill to Virginia!
The Elks club of Salida hosted a lasagna dinner for us at the hotel. They were so friendly and hospitable. I am blown away by the reception some of these towns are giving us. It makes us realize how much they support us!!!
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Gunnison to Salida

2010-06-15T05:05:00.001-07:00

We rode into Gunnison yesterday to a town celebration of Flag Day and the Army's birthday. We were all a bit tired but appreciated the hospitality. I was so tired when we arrived at the hotel, I fell asleep before I could update the blog.
Today we head out to Salida, CO. Our trip today will take us to our highest elevation (around 12,000 I think) and across the continental divide. I am currently trying to summon the will to get me over today's climb. I woke up this morning sore from the waist down. My calf muscles are burning and feel as tight as piano wire! I keep telling myself that after 60 or so miles today and 100 or so tomorrow, we arrive in Colorado Springs, a day of rest, and sports massages!
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Montrose, CO

2010-06-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Our first taste of the Rockies was great! We managed to stay away from rain and arrived at the hotel before any thunderstorms could ruin our day. The climbs were pretty easy so far but I don't know if that is because we are becoming better conditioned or if the good conversation I was having during the climb distracted me enough.
I have seen more wildlife in the last few days than we have in the first 2 weeks. Today along the foothills of the rockies we were greeted by prarie dogs, elk, cows in the road, and (the highlight) a brown bear!
Tomorrow we head out again, bright an early. It is nice to have a change of scenery and the Rockie Mountain backdrop has the power to ease the pain of a hard climb.
I was interviewed a few days ago for the Montrose Daily Post and here is the link if you want to read it:
http://www.montrosepress.com/articles/2010/06/13/news/doc4c13f72a7a24b592684411.txt

Lunch in the trailer in the shadow of the Rockies

2010-06-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

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Starting the Rockies... This one's for Todd

2010-06-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

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A Long Day

2010-06-12T18:01:00.001-07:00

Hmmm... How can describe today without sounding too negative? Have you ever had one of those dreams where you can only move in slow motion? You might be running away from something or trying to reach something but the harder you try to move, the slower you seem to move! That is exactly how today went. We left Moab bright and early in a cold drizzle. That drizzle turned to rain and as we approached the 36 mile climb out of town we were greeted with a stiff head wind! Although, the wind didn't just feel like a nuisance, it felt more like a personal attack against our 3000 foot climb. It seemed the harder we pushed, the harder the wind would push back! The higher we climbed, the colder the wind felt. If you turned your head and leaned to the right, it would try and knock you over but changing directions and blowing from the left. After lunch, the flat tire fairy came and visited many of us (a few got more than one visit). And we even sent a rider to the hospital for some stitches. (Don't panic... He's fine, I wrapped his finger myself!)
Finally, in the end, most of us arrived in Naturita, CO in one piece... just a little hypothermic, hungry, tired, and cranky. I for one, will be hitting the hay early and will sleep well knowing tomorrow couldn't possibly be worse!
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Uranium Bicycles Moab, UT

2010-06-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

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Todd Brunkhorst

2010-06-11T15:28:00.001-07:00

I am dedicating my upcoming climb over the Rockies to my friend and former squadron-mate Captain Todd Brunkhorst. He passed away earlier this year after a hard fought battle with cancer and is missed very much by those who knew him. After talking to his wife, Maryanna, also a former squadron-mate, I decided to take on this leg of the ride in his memory. Once a Blackcat, Always a Blackcat!
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Moab

2010-06-10T19:23:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the land of outdoor sports. It seems this town was built around mountain biking and rock climbing. I'll be happy if I can find a good coffee shop!
Today was a day of eating, biking, eating, napping, eating a lot more, then blogging! I can't believe how much I want to sleep on my days off. I guess the constant abuse our bodies are taking on these long rides is not normal! My toes are constantly numb but my legs feel stronger than ever.
Cara has been great through this whole thing! She has been my number one supporter. When I get up early and my legs feel like jello, I know the day's ride will bring me a few more miles closer to home.
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Double Century; 100 miles/100 degrees!

2010-06-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

The miles today weren't as bad as the temperature! We had a nice tail wind and cruised an average of 18-20 mph. A few times my body and my will to finish were in disagreement. Luckily, my will prevailed. I haven't seen some of the hand cyclists and recumbent bikers yet. I can only imagine how hard they worked today.
The photos below are of an old school house in the middle of a canyon. It couldn't have been more than 15x20 feet, held 26 kids and served as the Saturday night meeting hall.
Tomorrow we head into Moab. I've heard a lot about the town and can't wait to visit. As for now, rest, eat, sleep...
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Taking a break

2010-06-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

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Inside (shot through a window)

2010-06-09T13:53:00.001-07:00

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An old school house from the 1800's

2010-06-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

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