Day 4 - shut da door

Day 4 – Belfair to Elma

Today was another one for the POPs record books.  We rode almost 60 miles from 8:30am – 5:15pm.  Not record pace by any means but the details of those almost 9 hours are impressive.  We once again did a lot of climbing – 1,913 feet of elevation gain.  We arrived in Elma pretty much on time and rode through a really nice town of about 2,000.  It is really peaceful and the train whistles make it feel like home.  The temperature has gone from 91 down to a beautiful 70ish….thankfully.  Once again we are riding during record heat – in the 90’s.  This time, I have made sure to drink plenty and keep up on the salt intake.  I feel good so am hoping I stayed hydrated.

We were stopped about an hour in to the ride by a guy named Charlie who was selling an interesting seat post suspension system.  We all tried it out and ended up getting two – one for Dad and one for Carl.  The system is pretty amazing and if it helps reduce their fatigue then it is money well spent.

While we were there we had an amazing opportunity to watch nature in action.  A mother duck and her ducklings were swimming in the pond and all of sudden the mother starting quacking very loudly.  Flying overhead was an eagle.  We watched this eagle make several attempts at getting one of the ducklings and finally it was successful.  We have the saga on video and will post it once we get home. 

Then we started riding.  It was warm…ok, it was hot, but we were riding through trees and all was well.  Carl and I knocked off the last 20 miles in about 90 minutes.  He was feeling well and I was just trying not to lose him.  He lived up to his nickname of Bolt.  The man can take off on ya and you have to work to catch up. 

Tonight we are staying with Michael and Beverly Koont.  He is the pastor at the local Baptist Church….and is also a culinary school graduate.  Yep, we had an amazing meal and are all stuffed.  He started us with homemade razor clam chowder and it was incredible.  Then we moved on to fried chicken and baked steelhead trout, rice, broccoli and for dessert either lemon meringue and a chocolate carmel pie that was amazing. 

Again, hour hosts are incredible.  They are friendly and so giving.  We continue to be blessed more than we deserve by the generosity of those hosting us. 

Today – I rode in honor of Patti Meese.  She has an incredible spirit, is very talented and great personality.  We miss having her in AZ but know she is encouraging those with PD in North Carolina and making them laugh and enjoy life.  Keep it up Patti.

Day 3 - I saw tree

Day 3 – Chimacum to Belfair.  We left Chimacum expecting a 50 mile day but ended up with about 61 miles.  During those miles we climbed 2,985 feet and spent some of that time below sea level by about 15 feet.  Right now I am 4 feet above sea level.  What this means is we went up and down a lot.  I think the steepest was about 15% and it was for too long.  Its hard to explain a 15% grade other than the average interstate is built on a 6% grade.  Get out your protractor and look at 15%...then sit back and go…ouch, that is rough.

Mom and Shannon once again rode the tandem all day and she was still smiling and laughing at the end.  She also learned the joys of chamois cream. 

Dad rode all but about 45 miles today and he somehow managed to choose the hardest miles.  Just after he got back on the bike we headed up a lovely hill.  He is a trooper and just kept pedaling.  Not sure if it is endurance, stubbornness or will power but it was incredible to watch and be a part of. 

Carl rode the distance again.  He has covered every mile with us “well” people and still has the energy to make us laugh at night.  His singing and creative talents are shared throughout the day.  Carl, Tom and Phil play off each other well and kept us laughing all day long.  At times, they had Mom laughing out loud.

Today was Tom and Phil’s last day with us and we are sad to see them go.  But, we are very thankful that they would spend their vacations with us touring the country for PD.  They are a lot of fun and I look forward to our next ride together….and there will be another ride together.  Phil’s beat boxing and listing of the capitals of the western hemisphere countries to his reciting of nursery rhymes.

Our lodging for the night is on the Puget Sound and it was so encouraging to turn the corner and see a group from the Lutheran Church standing there to welcome us.  They had a banner for Dad and Carl to ride through and were blowing bubbles as the rest of us entered the parking lot.  They had prepared an awesome potluck dinner for us and even waited for us to arrive almost an hour late.  They were all so happy to see us and we were excited to hear about our adventures.  They were all so welcoming and giving.  Very encouraging as we continue one with the next set of hills.

Jer and Rachel worked through some map gaps and got us here safely.  This included creating a new route on the fly.

To end the day, we took a dip in the Puget Sound and had an outdoor shower at the Parson-egg – an egg shaped travel trailer the Pastor lives in while she is in town. 

Today, I rode for Carl.  Haven’t told him that.  He amazes me….as do most with PD.  It is one thing to see Dad and all he does to ride those miles with his sons.  It is something completely different to watch a friend (or adopted brother) want to also put in those challenging miles.  It is an honor to have him along on this trip and to be trusted by his wife and family to make sure he comes home safely.  Keep it up Carl, you inspire everyone who meets ya. 

Well, it is time for bed.  

Day 2 - tie my shoe

Day 2 we rode from Bellingham to Port Adlock.  Well, really it was from south of Bellingham to a small town called Chimacum.  See pics of the fun we had with the cows on FB.  

The problem is I didn’t write this on the night after the ride so I am already forgetting all that happened.  We had an incredible breakfast made for us by Bud and Joyce Shiffler.  We can’t thank them enough for their generosity.  Bud and I share the same Great Grandfather.  We met at a breakfast in of family in Phoenix a few months back and they offered to provide both food and lodging for us.  We had a great time getting to know them and enjoyed the view from their living room.

In Chimacum we stayed at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Again, friendly people showing us great support.  We dined at the local café and had some great pie for dessert.  Calories mean nothing to cyclists….except that we need them!

Today we all wore a Davis Phinney Foundation jersey – as it is how we all know each other.  At this point, I have more different DPF jersey’s than I do POPs jerseys.  So, today we rode for Victory and for all those who have experienced the encouragement of a DPF Victory Summit.

Then it was time for bed – but not before Phil made our Day 3 sign.

Day 1.

What a way to begin!  The weather was perfect - a little cool in the morning and a slight breeze but a beautiful day for riding!  Riders included Pops, Mom, Shannon, Tom Casey, Phillip Casey and Carl Ames.  Dad and Carl did awesome.  Mom completed her longest ride yet on the tandem with Shannon.

I don't have any pictures for ya because I was taking video and didn't see anything that really caught my eye.  The scenery is incredible - everything is green.  A color this AZ guy isn't real use to.

About 11 miles in we crossed the Alex Frazer bridge - it was sweet.  I took, what I hope is good, video of us riding across it.

Thanks to Allison for helping guides us through Canada and all her work on setting up the start of our Ride.  Thanks to Kelly for providing us the route from YVR to the border.

The border crossing went smooth.  They didn't make anyone unpack the vehicles.  Ok, the bikes did get separated from the SAGs but the craziest thing happened.  The bikers found a nice place to chill and all of a sudden Rachel drives by.  Then, about 30 minutes later, while we are eating pizza, Jer H drives by.  We finished are pizza, Thanks Tom!, and headed to Bellingham.

Oh yeah, we had another passerby stop and donate to the cause.  He passed us while we were stopped for a snack in Canada.  He turned around, rolled down his window, handed Rachel some money and said "Thanks for what you are doing.  My Dad had PD."  It is moments like this that encourage me to keep going.  Not that Dad isn't enough of a reason, but when a stranger approaches you and says Thanks for what you are doing because my relative has/had PD, the encouragement is humbling and empowering.

Today - I rode for Dad.  The man is incredible.  He has a bum knee, damaged ribs and PD and still road well beyond exhaustion.  Thanks Dad for being a role model of perseverance.  Kudos to you for an amazing day of riding.

Road Trip!

Well, once again Mr Jerry Hogg and I are on the open road with a bunch of bikes and supplies.  This time is different.  First, Dad and Carl are with us which is awesome.  They keep us jumping.  Second, we are in separate trucks as their is no Mother Ship and we do miss her.  But we also realize there is a reason we are driving two smaller vehicles.  We aren't sure why yet, but we know there is a good reason.

On Thursday we drove from Phoenix to the metropolis of Jackpot,  Nevada.  We made it all the way to Wikieup, AZ before we had our first "encounter".  Mom had made cinnamon rolls for us to have for breakfast.  We stopped at the Shell station and were sitting around the table enjoying the rolls when a lady walks up and asks if we are the guys from POPs Ride.  We are like, "Yes we are"  She tells us they had been following us for a few miles, saw our signs, looked us up online to learn more about us.  You see, her Dad has PD.  She made a donation, liked us on Facebook and shared it will her friends and family.  WOW.  How cool!

Thanks to Spectrum Graphics for the signs!  If you need some sweet vinyl decals, a vehicle wrap or some HD Signs - give Jared a call at Spectrum and tell them you are friends of POPs.  Tell them thanks for supporting us.

We ended the day in beautiful Jackpot where the restaurants close at 9pm.  We had driven for 12 hours, lost an hour because we moved to MDT and then ended up eating at Pizza Hut.  Yes - we violated one of my travel rules - No Chains.  But we had no options and we were hungry.

Today, we had another good travel day.  We drove from Jackpot to Yakima, WA.  We met some friends of Carl's in Twin Falls, ID for breakfast and got to see their 5 week old baby girl Grace.  Good times.  The day's drive was shorter than expected so we drove down to see the Twin Falls on the Snake River.  As we were heading to the interstate and driving across the Snake, we saw about six people getting ready to parachute off the bridge.  Jer H and I were on the same page and we pulled over quick to watch.  I have a video on my phone and will load it when possible.  These guys are truly crazy.

Then we drove.  We finally decided to grab lunch in Ontario, OR.  I was looking through the GPS for a non-chain restaurant and found one called Hog Rock Cafe.  Since Jer's last name is Hogg, I thought this would be a nice surprise for him.  But, we couldn't find the place.  Gertrude said we had arrived but Dad and I couldn't see the cafe.  We turned around and pulled into Matsy's.  I figured this was a safe bet as there were a lot of local cars.  We sat down and ordered.  We had real hamburgers - real meaning real beef that was handmade into a patty.  As we were eating, our waitress stopped by and asked if the truck with the bikes was ours.  We said yes, she said cool.  After we were done eating, she brought us our check and told us two of the meals were on them because the Owner's Mom had PD.  WOW - another PD connection because of the signs.  I wonder how many more connections will be made because of the signs?  As we were heading to the trucks, the cafe staff was outside and thanked us again for what we are doing.  They thanked us!

Most don't know the struggles we have faced planning this ride.  This has challenged me in many ways and forced me to be patient and have faith.  Many "random" people have reassured me (us) that "it will all work out."  When you are a planner, "winging it" is a bit of a challenge.  Just about two weeks ago I was looking for one last driver.  We are still working on lodging for about four nights but we have faith something will happen.  Even if it is a clear night sleeping on the beach. :O

Once again, I am being shown how many good people are still out there.  No matter what you read or hear about - there are a lot of good people out there - in the U.S. AND in Canada!

Thanks again to everyone who is following and praying for us.  We will do our best to be good ambassadors for the Parkinson's Community.

Tomorrow - POPs goes International as we head into Canada.

To sum up the last two days - Random Acts of Kindness Do Exist.  Be prepared for them and be amazed.

Good Night All.
Shane

Just Checkin'

Just checkin' to make sure this links to everything.

One week from today, I will be in Phoenix and we will be finalizing the packing.  Then, Thursday morning at 6am - Dad, aka POPs, Carl, Jerry H and I head out for Jackpot, NV.  It will be a long day but I'm sure it will be filled with laughs and fun.

So far, the journey of planning for this ride has been so different from the 2011 Ride I'm not sure they can even be compared.  I'm excited to see what will unfold in the next few weeks.  Yes - and also a little nervous.

Well, I should sign off and finish a few other tasks before heading to bed.

Can't believe we are about ready to head out on another ride…another adventure.  Excited to be doing this with Dad, Mom and Shannon.

Good Night All.

Shane

86

The number of days until we ride again.

The number is small if you are planning the ride.

The number is large if you are ready to start making an impact.

What this number means depends on your perspective.

I am learning that perspective is huge in life.

Your perspective on an event impacts
               your reactions
                                    your thoughts
                                                         your feelings
                                                                             your future.

In the almost three years since we finished our first Ride, I have seen the impact perception has on those diagnosed with Parkinson's.  Some are angry - why me, why now.  But, most are positive - they almost taunt the disease.  I'm sure they have all had their bad days and went through the anger stage but they have moved on - accepted what has been dealt them - and are living life.

If you are a numerology person - is it significant that 8+6 = 14, the year POPs will ride again and here I am, writing to let everyone know it is 86 days until we ride?  I don't know, maybe just another random thought which either made you laugh at me or wonder if I fell off my bike again.  Guess it depends on your perspective of me. :)

Stay tuned as we will once again Blog after the ride each day and let you know what we saw, felt and experienced.

Shane