Half way home

Needless to say, the blogging has not worked out as anticipated. Every attempt to write has been thwarted by either lack of internet access, remote locations, or just long days spent in the saddle with free time spent finding food and shelter for the evening. With this in mind, I have established a routine of using good old fashioned pen and paper to chronicle memories. Combining this with pictures, I look forward to piecing together the trip to the blog in a couple of weeks.

With limited time to write before we, once again, hit the road, I can say this trip, thus far, has been both exceptional and extraordinary. I am in the midst of an adventure of a lifetime! This awareness enhances the experience allowing me to further appreciate ever changing surroundings.

I currently write from Kansas. We have ridden though Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, (including Yellowstone and the Tetons), Montana, and Colorado. Heat, snow, rain, sleet and wind are all part of the day. Elements of the outdoors have proven to enhance the experience as the environment is ever changing and never controlled. Within this environment I have ridden past buffalo close enough to feel their stare. I have awakened at night to a growling pack of wolves, 75 yards away, attacking something weak or establishing command. I have been sore, tired hungry, and elated. Magnified emotions are par for the course. I have never, however, let go of the thought that a short while ago this might have never been. It goes without saying cancer is a nasty thing. The opportunity to ride across our breathtaking country is in stark contrast to the sterile and confining walls of a hospital. Although the contrast in experiences is, at times, overwhelming, I am thankful to see what this country is all about. I am learning that I am proud of my country! We are, indeed, a good people. I look forward to sharing.

We finished Day 5 in Mitchell, OR. Day 6 we rode 81 miles to Prairie City and on Day 7 we rode 83 miles to Baker City. Day 7, Friday, we rode 56 miles to Oxbow. The views are spectacular and we have experienced every season under the sun! We have been rained on, sleeted on, experienced icy cold conditions and, when in the sun, some extreme heat. There are times when we are going from sun to shade that we experience about a 10 degree drop in temperature!! The wildlife, especially the elk, are fun to watch.

I have some awesome videos and pictures but no way to post them yet. So stay tuned because when I am able, I want to share them with you all!!

Today is Saturday, June 12, our first real day of rest since our journey began. I am doing very well and feel very confident! Tomorrow we will be in Idaho as the journey continues!

The Journey Has Begun!

We started our trip across the United States by dipping our tires in the Pacific Ocean at Pacific City, Oregon. Day 1 we rode 78 miles to Salem. It felt good to have the first day under my belt and I did surprisingly well! Day 2 was a 73 mile ride to Coburg, OR. Day 3 we rode to the base of McKenzie pass--about a 60 mile ride. Day 4 was supposed to be a trip over this pass but it was snowed in so our alternate route took us over Suntaim pass--a very beautiful and scenic ride, but all uphill!! We rode a total of 80 miles on Day 4, stopping in Redmond. Day 5 will take us through Pineville and will include about a 70 mile ride with a 2000 ft climb! I have discovered that riding in Texas just can't prepare you for the kinds of elevation changes we are experiencing in the Casscade Mountains of Oregon--but I am learning to cope and do just fine!! I'm learning that the important virtues of patience, passion and persistence will give me the strength each day to make the journey! These are the same virtues that gave me the strength to fight my cancer! I am truly blessed!!

(Posted 6/9/2010)

A balanced life

A thought I try to abide by:

A balanced life involves living simply, pursuing passion, doing good, and loving much.

I leave for the airport in a couple of hours. I ride the 4th. I anticipate two months of living simply, pursuing passion, doing good, and loving much.

Great Day Houston

It was a cool thing to be on TV, even if it was only for a minute or so. Initially, we were told, I would have a chance to talk about the bike ride. But, when time is running short on live TV, they need to pick and choose what is on the air. Getting the message out about Cancare rightfully took priority. At last count, there were 10 callers that were placed with volunteers before the show even ended! Mission accomplished.

Here's the link:

http://www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_051210_seg6-93593314.html

I never thought my mug would be on TV!

A couple of days ago, I sat down and began to write. It turned into a rambling mess about the traffic in Houston and the challenges of riding during the week. The more I wrote the angrier I got. In effect, I caught myself wallowing in frustration about a situation that will not change. So I set aside the laptop, put the leash on the dog, and headed to the park for what turned out to be one of the most relaxing tempo runs I have had in some time. No, it wasn't saddle time, but at least I got in some training without having to bob and weave my way through the evening traffic.

After returning home, I cleaned up, and decided to check my email before I, once again, began to write. I was amazed at what I found. There was a message from Cancare asking me if I would be interested in appearing on Great Day Houston with Debra Duncan. I mean, how cool is that! The subject matter is young cancer survivors, my bike ride across America, and Cancare. Who would have ever thought that a short time ago I was struggling to regain my health while trying to come to terms with a terribly uncertain future. Now, I'm back teaching school, I will be riding my bike across the U.S., was highlighted in a Cancare newsletter, and will appear on TV in the morning.

I'm blessed. That's all I can say. I get to go on TV, if for only a few minutes, and talk about riding a bike for an organization that I feel so strongly about. Wow! I suppose it's a good thing to think to reach for what is possible rather than spending time dwelling on what will never change.

The show will appear May 12th on channel 11, from 9-10am. I have no idea what to expect, so I hope it goes well. Either way, it's a cool thing to let people know that Cancare does good for those currently not at their best. Wish me luck!

Morning Silence

There are occasions when I ride, when the sun is coming up, the streets are empty, and silence is broken only by the hum of tire and pavement. The world, it seems, is waking from rest.