A great day at the build site for a mother and her two boys. We took out windows and replaced them. We tore up the rotted front porch and steps and replaced them. We replaced the front door. We scraped and painted. When we finished we gave the mother the "Greater Blessings" box so she could make interest free payments that she could afford.
We got back to the school, showered, and had four massage therapists waiting for us with free massages. Then a very nice dinner, relax time, and I will be ready for bed. Funny how sleeping on the floor can be referred to as "bed."
Some of the riders needed to go to a bike store for supplies, etc. Martha has been having a lot of trouble with her bike, beyond fixing well enough for her to be able to ride properly. So Jonas was able to help her buy a new bike, and the bike store folks lowered the price to get within her price range. She's outside making friends with her new bike, and probably trying to come up with a name for it. I don't know what it is about women, but they seem to need to name their bikes.
Good friends coming to go to church with us tomorrow, and to take me to lunch. :-) I have not had a chocolate malt for a couple of days so I am ready for that tomorrow also!
Peace
2016: Biking over 4,000 miles down the Natchez Trace Parkway (Again), and then from Seattle, WA to Washington D.C. (Again), for The Fuller Center for Affordable Housing. Stopping numerous times along the way to help build affordable houses.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Day 22 riding ...
Bike day 22 for me/10 to go
Lewistown, IL to Bloomington, IL 80 miles
Build days done 3/build days left 4
Temp 85 F; humidity: raining
We woke up for breakfast at 5 AM, and all went well until breakfast was almost over. Then the lightning started, and the rain soon after. Allen was on the weather watch via smartphone, and we decided to wait out the lightning. So instead of leaving at 6, it was closer to 7:30. The lightning had stopped, but the rain continued until we made our first van stop at mile 22. It was not storming, just a nice light rain, but we were all completely wet, and stayed that way until we reached Bloomington. Actually I thought it was a nice ride all day, except for all the road grime we collected because we were always wet, with no place to dry our hands.
I rode well at times today, keeping up with some of the draft lines, but not able to keep up at other times. Stopped to help with two flat tires today, and I always have trouble getting my knees going for the first mile or two after stopping. Once they warm up again, I am good to go at whatever level I am functioning.
We are staying at the Central Catholic High School until Monday morning. Another build day tomorrow, and a day off on Sunday. We only have a few reasonably short riding days coming up, in the 65 mile range. The rest are all mostly in the 80 and 90 range, and we have six riding days in a row starting August 6, one being billed as 99 miles. I'm betting it turns out to be a century ride (100 miles), which is ok because I have not done one yet this year.
We lose three riders and gain two this weekend. Always sad losing, but also exciting meeting new riders and finding out how they ride.
Peace
Lewistown, IL to Bloomington, IL 80 miles
Build days done 3/build days left 4
Temp 85 F; humidity: raining
We woke up for breakfast at 5 AM, and all went well until breakfast was almost over. Then the lightning started, and the rain soon after. Allen was on the weather watch via smartphone, and we decided to wait out the lightning. So instead of leaving at 6, it was closer to 7:30. The lightning had stopped, but the rain continued until we made our first van stop at mile 22. It was not storming, just a nice light rain, but we were all completely wet, and stayed that way until we reached Bloomington. Actually I thought it was a nice ride all day, except for all the road grime we collected because we were always wet, with no place to dry our hands.
I rode well at times today, keeping up with some of the draft lines, but not able to keep up at other times. Stopped to help with two flat tires today, and I always have trouble getting my knees going for the first mile or two after stopping. Once they warm up again, I am good to go at whatever level I am functioning.
We are staying at the Central Catholic High School until Monday morning. Another build day tomorrow, and a day off on Sunday. We only have a few reasonably short riding days coming up, in the 65 mile range. The rest are all mostly in the 80 and 90 range, and we have six riding days in a row starting August 6, one being billed as 99 miles. I'm betting it turns out to be a century ride (100 miles), which is ok because I have not done one yet this year.
We lose three riders and gain two this weekend. Always sad losing, but also exciting meeting new riders and finding out how they ride.
Peace
Day 21 riding ...
Bike day 21 for me/11 to go
Quincy, IL to Lewistown, IL 90 miles
Build days done 3/build days left 4
Temp 96 F; humidity ??
Well I guess I lost last night's blog to the Internet "lost and found." Since I don't know how to find it I'll try to do it again.
Thursday: We stopped at a Methodist church camp outside of Lewistown. It was a very nice stop: 6 to a room with our own bed, shower in our room, swimming pool, gym, paddle boat pond, and lots of great food and people to serve it.
Yesterday I felt like Superman riding, today I'm back to mild mannered bike rider. I just could not get my rhythm going, everything seemed to move in slow motion. I was at least 5-7 MPH slower today, and could not keep up with any draft lines.
Since yesterday is already a day old and I can't remember it now, I'll just have to start tomorrow's blog.
Peace
Quincy, IL to Lewistown, IL 90 miles
Build days done 3/build days left 4
Temp 96 F; humidity ??
Well I guess I lost last night's blog to the Internet "lost and found." Since I don't know how to find it I'll try to do it again.
Thursday: We stopped at a Methodist church camp outside of Lewistown. It was a very nice stop: 6 to a room with our own bed, shower in our room, swimming pool, gym, paddle boat pond, and lots of great food and people to serve it.
Yesterday I felt like Superman riding, today I'm back to mild mannered bike rider. I just could not get my rhythm going, everything seemed to move in slow motion. I was at least 5-7 MPH slower today, and could not keep up with any draft lines.
Since yesterday is already a day old and I can't remember it now, I'll just have to start tomorrow's blog.
Peace
Location:Lewistown, IL
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Day 20 riding ...
Bike day 20 for me/12 to go
Moberly, MO, to Quincy, IL 82 miles
Build days done 3/build days left 4
Temp 103 F; humidity ??
This is a very supportive team, always looking out for each other and offering encouragement. Today I had a number of comments on how well I was riding, which of course made me feel good, because today for me, I was smoking it, and feeling good even with the temp and humidity. About .2 miles from our destination I saw a chalk notice on the city street, stopped and found Aaron and Chris in the ice cream store already. The good news is that Chris was not that far into his root beer float, which means that I was not that far behind him. Good stuff, the float and the ride!
The temp cooled a little as we neared the mighty Mississippi. It was fun riding over on the bridge, stopping in the construction lane and just looking at this wonderful body of water flow by. Overall a nice ride today, even with two hills that were short climbs, but had 13% and 11% grades to them. A couple of tough little climbs.
I took my bike to a local bike shop and had them replace my headset that was catching and causing some erratic steering. This might have even contributed to my little ride into the ditch yesterday.
No nap today, but I did sleep well yesterday after napping for the first time.
Peace
Moberly, MO, to Quincy, IL 82 miles
Build days done 3/build days left 4
Temp 103 F; humidity ??
This is a very supportive team, always looking out for each other and offering encouragement. Today I had a number of comments on how well I was riding, which of course made me feel good, because today for me, I was smoking it, and feeling good even with the temp and humidity. About .2 miles from our destination I saw a chalk notice on the city street, stopped and found Aaron and Chris in the ice cream store already. The good news is that Chris was not that far into his root beer float, which means that I was not that far behind him. Good stuff, the float and the ride!
The temp cooled a little as we neared the mighty Mississippi. It was fun riding over on the bridge, stopping in the construction lane and just looking at this wonderful body of water flow by. Overall a nice ride today, even with two hills that were short climbs, but had 13% and 11% grades to them. A couple of tough little climbs.
I took my bike to a local bike shop and had them replace my headset that was catching and causing some erratic steering. This might have even contributed to my little ride into the ditch yesterday.
No nap today, but I did sleep well yesterday after napping for the first time.
Peace
Location:State St,Quincy,United States
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Day 19 riding ...
Bike day 19 for me/13 to go
Carrollton, MO, to Moberly, MO 62 miles
The temperature has been kinder the last couple of days. I only registered 95 F while riding. However, the humidity has now joined us on our riding adventure. Something else to complain about, but I don't have a humidity reading on my Garmin computer to report on.
I hit a wicked hole on the way out of Carrollton this morning and my water bottle and iPhone went flying. Then I hit another hole and another water bottle went flying. Jonas and Rae were sweeping, and Jonas put me on probation because they were picking up after me. Not sure what the penalty would have been had I lost anything else, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out.
With about 8 miles to go I could not figure out why my rear end (well, my bike's) was acting so funky; I finally figured out I had had my 3rd flat tire of the trip. Alyssa was kind enough to stop and keep me company while I changed it. I found a small piece of glass that I could not even feel on the inside of the tire. Then about a mile farther I somehow managed to lose control of my bike and ended up in the ditch. I asked Alyssa who was following me, but she couldn't tell what happened any more than I could. Maybe just a groove in the concrete? I did keep the tires down, so no harm was done.
Moberly is a very small town, but Chris and Aaron had already found the ice cream place, had their shakes, and were back at the church well before I arrived. Something just not fair about that, but I can't figure out what it is. Maybe just jealously. Probably just jealously. Yeah, I, I'm sure I'm just jealous of their riding ability.
Well I joined the ranks of the wimps this afternoon. I took a nap. Actually fell asleep, and I was not at a ballgame or a movie. I just laid down and napped. I do feel better. But, will I be able to sleep tonight? That is the question.
An 83 mile ride tomorrow, then 89 miles, then 75 miles into Bloomington, IL. I'm riding well, and I am ready!
Food has arrived, and I am really ready!
Peace
Carrollton, MO, to Moberly, MO 62 miles
The temperature has been kinder the last couple of days. I only registered 95 F while riding. However, the humidity has now joined us on our riding adventure. Something else to complain about, but I don't have a humidity reading on my Garmin computer to report on.
I hit a wicked hole on the way out of Carrollton this morning and my water bottle and iPhone went flying. Then I hit another hole and another water bottle went flying. Jonas and Rae were sweeping, and Jonas put me on probation because they were picking up after me. Not sure what the penalty would have been had I lost anything else, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out.
With about 8 miles to go I could not figure out why my rear end (well, my bike's) was acting so funky; I finally figured out I had had my 3rd flat tire of the trip. Alyssa was kind enough to stop and keep me company while I changed it. I found a small piece of glass that I could not even feel on the inside of the tire. Then about a mile farther I somehow managed to lose control of my bike and ended up in the ditch. I asked Alyssa who was following me, but she couldn't tell what happened any more than I could. Maybe just a groove in the concrete? I did keep the tires down, so no harm was done.
Moberly is a very small town, but Chris and Aaron had already found the ice cream place, had their shakes, and were back at the church well before I arrived. Something just not fair about that, but I can't figure out what it is. Maybe just jealously. Probably just jealously. Yeah, I, I'm sure I'm just jealous of their riding ability.
Well I joined the ranks of the wimps this afternoon. I took a nap. Actually fell asleep, and I was not at a ballgame or a movie. I just laid down and napped. I do feel better. But, will I be able to sleep tonight? That is the question.
An 83 mile ride tomorrow, then 89 miles, then 75 miles into Bloomington, IL. I'm riding well, and I am ready!
Food has arrived, and I am really ready!
Peace
Location:Franklin St,Moberly,United States
Monday, July 25, 2011
Day 18 riding ...
Bike day 18 for me/14 to go
Kansas City, MO to Carrollton, MO 73 miles
Two days without riding! Nice!
Not because of MY ability, but because I managed to get off to a good start, Chris did not ride today, and I did not to have mark the route; but I was second into the first van stop, about fourth into the second van stop, and then I was actually leading the bike adventure from about mile 45 to mile 55. Again not because of my ability, but because this time Sarah and Olivia were talking too much to bother passing me. Another way to look at it would be that they let me lead so they could draft. Lazy kids, making an old man do all the work. I think I was still about 5th to the church.
Krystal told me that I was now an official veteran rider because I was doing a good job of finding the good spots to sleep, and letting her and Michael know where the sofas were to sleep on. Didn't have the heart to tell her that Chris was the one to tell me, so I could tell them. I think I have finally mastered the art of staying organized in one duffle bag.
This bike ride is all about the people. In Kansas City Graham took some of us that needed bike work to the bike shop that he uses. It is: Biscari Brothers Bicycles, 291 Highway and Withers Rd, Liberty, MO. Dave Biscari opened his shop for us on very short notice, fixed our bikes, and only charged us for parts. Big thank you to the Biscari Brothers and their three shops in the Kansas City, MO area. We have a wonderful bike mechanic, Jonas, but he is limited in shop equipment that is sometimes needed.
Carrollton is a very neat little town. Another warm greeting at the town square, a proclamation read and given to Allen by the mayor, trolley ride to the showers, and free ice cream after. Then naps for these poor tired kids, and a wonderful meal at the host church. Again, it's about the people.
Sunday:
Church services were terrific. Mike and I were picked up by Wayne and taken to a contemporary service where my new friend and fellow geezer Wendel worships. An extremely warm welcome by the entire congregation, with music you just don't find in a Lutheran church. After worship, Wayne asked if we wanted breakfast, and of course we both said yes, so Wayne treated us to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Eggs over easy, bacon, pancakes, juice; this breakfast is the only meal I've missed. We have had lots of great breakfast meals, but this is my favorite, and my favorite meal of the day.
Wendel invited us to go fishing with him, and Mike accepted. Mike picked up Megan and Jason and they had a good time catching panfish on Wendell's private lake. Another 13 of us went to the baseball game with tickets provided by various members of the congregation. Not sure what the others did. (For Anne's parents: Anne, being too lazy to keep up, went to the ballgame. And she is one great bike rider. She's a terrific person. Someone has done a great job raising this incredible young lady.)
Peace
Kansas City, MO to Carrollton, MO 73 miles
Two days without riding! Nice!
Not because of MY ability, but because I managed to get off to a good start, Chris did not ride today, and I did not to have mark the route; but I was second into the first van stop, about fourth into the second van stop, and then I was actually leading the bike adventure from about mile 45 to mile 55. Again not because of my ability, but because this time Sarah and Olivia were talking too much to bother passing me. Another way to look at it would be that they let me lead so they could draft. Lazy kids, making an old man do all the work. I think I was still about 5th to the church.
Krystal told me that I was now an official veteran rider because I was doing a good job of finding the good spots to sleep, and letting her and Michael know where the sofas were to sleep on. Didn't have the heart to tell her that Chris was the one to tell me, so I could tell them. I think I have finally mastered the art of staying organized in one duffle bag.
This bike ride is all about the people. In Kansas City Graham took some of us that needed bike work to the bike shop that he uses. It is: Biscari Brothers Bicycles, 291 Highway and Withers Rd, Liberty, MO. Dave Biscari opened his shop for us on very short notice, fixed our bikes, and only charged us for parts. Big thank you to the Biscari Brothers and their three shops in the Kansas City, MO area. We have a wonderful bike mechanic, Jonas, but he is limited in shop equipment that is sometimes needed.
Carrollton is a very neat little town. Another warm greeting at the town square, a proclamation read and given to Allen by the mayor, trolley ride to the showers, and free ice cream after. Then naps for these poor tired kids, and a wonderful meal at the host church. Again, it's about the people.
Sunday:
Church services were terrific. Mike and I were picked up by Wayne and taken to a contemporary service where my new friend and fellow geezer Wendel worships. An extremely warm welcome by the entire congregation, with music you just don't find in a Lutheran church. After worship, Wayne asked if we wanted breakfast, and of course we both said yes, so Wayne treated us to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Eggs over easy, bacon, pancakes, juice; this breakfast is the only meal I've missed. We have had lots of great breakfast meals, but this is my favorite, and my favorite meal of the day.
Wendel invited us to go fishing with him, and Mike accepted. Mike picked up Megan and Jason and they had a good time catching panfish on Wendell's private lake. Another 13 of us went to the baseball game with tickets provided by various members of the congregation. Not sure what the others did. (For Anne's parents: Anne, being too lazy to keep up, went to the ballgame. And she is one great bike rider. She's a terrific person. Someone has done a great job raising this incredible young lady.)
Peace
Location:Carrolton, MO
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Build day three ...
This is build day 2 for me, and build day 3 for the group. We are completely rehabbing a small house for a single mother of 2 who just gained custody of her niece, to make 3 children to care for. We had too many workers today for this size project, but we got a lot done. A group was in the house tearing out some of the floor joists, and replacing or moving others to get them up to 16 inch centers so they would be up to code. We had Leonard Pope of the Kansas City Chiefs (our honorary chairman) and two of his fellow players on the work site making a significant contribution to the efforts today. All three were dirty and sweaty from the hard work they put in. Another example of the fine young people we have in this country. In addition to the work inside, we moved a lot of dirt in the front and back yards to build up next to the house to drain water away from the house rather than into the foundation and crawl space. We also had significant TV and news coverage come to the work site. Celebrity football players sure help in getting the coverage.
In rough estimates I have now ridden about 1,266 miles and I have about 1,164 miles to go. That will give me total mileage for this adventure of 2,430 miles, but 1,200 miles short of the full 3,600 mile trip. Still not too bad for an old guy who doesn't know any better than to hang out with a bunch of young adults. We are also down to only three weeks left until we are in D.C.
There is some talk of cooler weather starting Monday, and I will try hard to not cry if it actually happens.
Tonight we had a very nice dinner, program, and Christian music band. A nice fund raising evening. This Kansas City group is just great.
Peace
In rough estimates I have now ridden about 1,266 miles and I have about 1,164 miles to go. That will give me total mileage for this adventure of 2,430 miles, but 1,200 miles short of the full 3,600 mile trip. Still not too bad for an old guy who doesn't know any better than to hang out with a bunch of young adults. We are also down to only three weeks left until we are in D.C.
There is some talk of cooler weather starting Monday, and I will try hard to not cry if it actually happens.
Tonight we had a very nice dinner, program, and Christian music band. A nice fund raising evening. This Kansas City group is just great.
Peace
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