If not for you….

The road less traveled

Winston Churchill once said, “I think that no idea is so outlandish that it should not be considered.”

An outlandish idea realized.

My role was clear from the beginning!

Crossing the country on Route 66 at age 66 did indeed sound outlandish. But it was an idea the Stache could not dismiss no matter how hard he tried. I am two years his senior and not the athlete he is, as I’ve repeatedly made clear. Voilà! A peddle assist bike under the Christmas tree! No appeal (age, LA traffic and gang violence, the Mojave Dessert, the disquiet of the world, leaving our grandson, grieving for his Mimi and Pop pop) made a difference.

The Difference makers – San Diego

Difference makers- Idaho

The thing that made the difference for me was the mission and the people we would be doing this for. We care deeply for CAF and the athletes they serve.

If not for the Stache’s outlandish idea to ride across the country for CAF, I would not have met…

Winsome Kyle

Miraculous Janie

Fireplug Tracie

Radiant Chris

Sweet Molly

Bethany, Fabricio and Whitney

Chase, Katie, Brent, Aly and Liam

Faithful Matthew

Determined Aerelle

Amazing Suzanne – singing a Russian children’s song with Sarah

Thoughtful Allison

Ebullient Danica

Athlete of the year, Grace

Each one of these amazing people are over-comers. They are winsome, creative, determined, gracious and appreciative. Almost without exception they are paying it forward in helping others. I will be forever grateful for the privilege of meeting each one.

AND , if not for The Stache’s outlandish idea, I would never have …..

Slept in an igloo on Roy Roger’s ranch!

OR

Stayed in the room Howard Hughes called his secret hideaway!

OR

Stood on the corner in Winslow, Arizona

OR

Survived a stroke watching the Stache ride on Interstate 40

OR

Stayed in a haunted mansion!

OR

Experienced Natural Bridge

OR

Visited Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace

Visited the memorial of two of my heroes, Wilbur and Orval Wright. Kitty Hawk, NC

If not for the Stache, I would have missed making new friends…

Mo and Martha

Jay and Holly

Seeing old friends , Mark and LeeAnn in St Louis

Gayle and Derek McMahon on the first leg up the coast of CA

Tom ( and Darcy) Smith on second leg up the coast.

Sherri and George Sharp – Tulsa

Sarah and Rick Fisher – our ride along buddies

And our family

Nephew, Scott and Jessica and their family in Richmond

Nephew, Sean and Lee and their sweet boys and fuzzy Bromley.

If not for you, dear Stache, I would have missed many joys, challenges, sights, experiences and the opportunity to be with some incredible people. If not for you, I (we) would have missed being the recipient(s) of many answered prayers (Thank you to all of you who have prayed for us). If not for you I would have missed experiencing the outpouring of generosity from so many people who have embraced supporting this cause which means so much to us. Thank you. I wouldn’t trade one minute of it (well maybe a few hair raising ones!) for the world.

My hero, Outer Banks, North Carolina! You made it! Congratulations! So proud of you.

It’s a strange thing to be at the end of something that has challenged, inspired and excited as much as this journey has. But this quote seems to apply well:

“ I saw that instead of being stranded somewhere at the end of the story, I was actually in the prelude to the beginning of another one.” Bob Dylan

Ezekiel

God is the author of all stories. In November we will welcome grandson number two. I will love being a part of this one!

Again, thank you to all of you for following us, praying for us, encouraging us and above all, supporting CAF. After all, they are the reason for this outlandish idea! 😊❤️

In all things, give thanks!” I Thess 5:18.

Community

We so enjoyed spending time w family in Richmond. Another very special experience here was spending time with another kind of family….the CAF family. One theme ALWAYS comes through in our contacts with the athletes. Their lives change dramatically when they are a part of a community of adaptive athletes. We truly are designed to live in fellowship with others. We are relational beings, fortified and encouraged when we are with others who understand us and also those who try to understand and appreciate our life experience. In fact, one aspect of the definition of community is ‘a feeling of fellowship with others as they share common attitudes, interests and goals.’

Caitlyn, Grace, Stache, Danica, Allison and Amy

This definition of community was on full display as we met with Danica, Allison and Grace several days ago. Danica and Grace have MS. MS does not have them. They were frank about the challenges….weakness, painful muscles, stewarding their time and activities in conjunction with their limitations and needing daily naps. Every expenditure of energy must be calculated. BUT, much more emphasis was put on what they CAN do and the fellowship of others who participate in the sports they enjoy. Both women said repeatedly how being active and engaged keeps them going and keeps them encouraging others to do the same. Both exuded joy and tremendous appreciation for CAF. Both got involved in sports through an amazing organization called Sportable. Sport Able! Sportable offers a wide range of sports for challenged athletes to try. When they find their niche, Sportable staff help them navigate the process of applying for a CAF grant for equipment. A good marriage.

Sweet Grace

Grace is involved in lots of sports. Her CAF grant was for an e-bike which she uses regularly on the trail near her home. She was named Sportable’s athlete of the year in 2022. She is a loving and encouraging woman.

Joyful Danica

Danica has written a book about living with MS. Her CAF grant was for a racing wheel chair, though she too competes in a number of different sports. Danica is a fire plug! Full of ideas about things to try and ways to help others.

Thoughtful Allison

Allison had a severe neurological reaction to Cipro as a teen. She spent the better part of a year in bed, emerging with neuropathy and PTSD. Her CAF grant was for a basketball wheelchair. When you meet Allison, you know right away that she is a thinker. She has a deep interest in working with the deaf and has learned American Sign Language. The deaf community is strong in itself. Allison would like to encourage their involvement in sports and also engage more interpreters to assist them as they do so. Allison brought a recorded message from hearing impaired, Jamon, for us to watch as she interpreted. Her efforts with others, in need, have helped her in becoming an over comer.

Two of the Sportable staff were also with us. Caitlyn and Amy. Caitlyn is a PT and uses her skills to assist the athletes in their choice of sports and how to care for themselves. She and Amy expressed great appreciation for CAF.

Independent Hannah

Amy became involved in Sportable because her daughter, Hannah, was born with spinal bifida. Hannah wanted to play wheelchair basketball. She got training through Sportable then participated in high school tournaments with grants from CAF. In the process, Hannah learned how to navigate airports and travel to games independently. There are six colleges in the states that have wheel chair basketball teams. One of them is University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. She now attends there and competes on their team. When she is not in school, she coaches Sportable youth in wheelchair basketball. She is a role model for them as they can see that independence is possible! Hannah’s mom, Amy, so appreciated Sportable’s role in Hannah’s life, as well as their mission, that she now works for them.

We left this meeting with these wonderful women with full hearts and renewed in our commitment to finish strong. Again, thank you for your encouragement and support. We wish you could meet the athletes as well. You would be deeply blessed and inspired.

We left Richmond, riding the Capital Trail which runs 57 miles from Richmond to Williamsburg. It was a beautiful, wooded trail, ablaze with fall colors. It was especially enjoyable for me to be able to ride 52 miles on such a nice trail.

Happy camper

We spent two days in Williamsburg. The Stache went to ride and I went to explore this historic city. I participated in a mock trial at the court house, observed artisans working their crafts and listened to a presentation by Martha Washington. For a history buff, a real delight! It was especially heartening to see young parents educating their kids on our nation’s history. Our history contains error, but it is also rich with what is right.

Docent at The Governor’s Palace

First Capital of Virginia

A mini concert at Williamsburg Museum

Artisan demonstrates spinning wheel

The James River

This morning we rode to Jamestown and back. Afterward, The Stache went to play golf. I took Big Red to the Trek store for an adjustment but the repair will have to wait until we are home. He’s still rideable, so good to go.

Tonight we are in Virginia Beach. Headed south tomorrow. Stache just has 100 miles to go. Seems surreal to be so close to the end.

Neptune, VA Beach

Dogs

Apparently God wants The Stache to have a better appreciation for dogs. Wherever he goes, dogs seem to be drawn to him whether it’s four little tenacious snappers, nipping at his ankles as he rides, or the big cuddly kind that think his lap is in need of filling.

Bill’s new BFF Maizy

Bill and my dad had similar attitudes toward dogs. They were fine….at a distance. On our childhood farm, we had a menagerie of animals, not the least of which were our family’s dogs. One of those dogs, Butch, would today be described as a rescue dog…..in this case, rescued from himself. Butch was not very smart. None of our dogs were fenced in but all knew better than to chase the occasional car that came down our road, except Butch. None of our scolding could keep him from it. And one day, Butch met his end chasing a car. My Dad examined the situation then solemnly asked, ‘What in the world did Butch think he was gonna do with that car if he caught it?’ If the situation hadn’t been so dire, that remark would have been very funny.

Country roads with lots of dogs to contend with.

Some days I wonder what the dogs who chase the Stache intend to do with him if they catch him. I don’t think either side would be happy with the outcome.

We have gone on cycling websites to inquire about what the experts have to say. They do not recommend pepper spray due to the possibility of injuring the dogs eyes, not to mention that this could backfire if there is wind or in one’s haste it is fired in the wrong direction. Using one’s water bottles was also discouraged as it’s basically ineffective AND the rider would then have no water. The strongest advice was to recognize that it’s instinctive for a dog to pursue something in motion and to come to a halt and speak kindly to it. Raise your hand if you think for a minute The Stache thought this was a good idea. He just continues to try and outrun them. Fortunately none of the dogs who have pursued him have caught him.

State penitentiary

Today Siri thought it would be amusing to send us into the heart of a state penitentiary as we pursued a trail. We drove through barracks, barbed wire and across a very scary bridge before The Stache was convinced this was not the right way. I imagine the security cameras showing two white haired people, wide eyed and scrambling to get the Tin Can turned around at an intimidating gate and the guards having a good chuckle. In any case there is clear footage of my attempt to get The Stache incarcerated….just for a few days to get rested up.

One lane bridge to penitentiary.

The Stache finished his 60 mile ride at our nephew, Scott’s, home in Midlothian, VA, just outside of Richmond. Staying with this wonderful family (Scott, Jessica, Tate, Cooper, Spencer, Parker and Rosie) has been a carrot out in front of us both and were so happy to arrive here and get our arms around them. Will be here for two days before heading to the North Carolina coast.

Purpose

River walk in Radford

As a rule the Stache and I do not like to be away from home for more than ten days at a time. It’s great to get away, but we’ve determined that the missing element in extended time away is ‘purpose’. As difficult as it is for me, personally, to be away from home and family for these six weeks, it’s the purpose of our mission that makes the difference.

Having written about Suzanne and her connection with Radford, I was reminded that our niece, Kelsey, and friend, Julie Meier Wright, attended there. So, Sarah and I decided to double back and visit Radford University. Fun to imagine our special people there. We took a hike along the river, had lunch in town then realized the Stache and Rick might be wondering about us.

I must say, it’s been nice for BG to have a friend to ride with. I do not worry about him as much. AND I am able to explore a bit. Sarah is a great buddy to do that with. Very easy to be with. Our friend’s presence adds purpose as well.

Sarah and Rick on board the Tin Can.

We caught up with the guys just in time. They were done with their ride for the day so we headed up to Shirley’s B&B , in Lexington,VA. We were not sure what to expect with a name like Shirley’s, but we couldn’t have been happier.

Sign from grandfather, Shirley’s, original motel.

Cheryl and Jeff have carved out a life for themselves, building this house for their family. When their sons left home, they decided to turn the home into a B&B. And it is very special.

Shirley’s

October 6, 2022. On this day 43 years ago, my mother woke me, made breakfast for me and prepared a bubble bath for me! (I wish you could have known her!) It was our wedding day. My parents so loved Bill. He’s a great deal like my dad….charming, gregarious, fills the room. My mother said, ‘You’ll never be bored!’ To say she was right is an understatement! Very grateful for this man, aka, The Stache. Forty three years have passed all too quickly.

43 and holding strong

Ok, enough sentiment, there was riding to do! The guys took off on bikes and we took off for Buchanan, VA….a tiny, but charming town. In an antique shop, we chatted with the owner. Shared CAF mission. In turn she educated us on a few antiques, town history and the ice cream shop called, The Drip, with ice cream made with cream from a local creamery. Yum.

New friends living with purpose

Further down the street we spotted two delightful Englishmen who are riding in America to raise funds and awareness to address human trafficking in football (soccer). Apparently there are an enormous amount of young people who are trafficked under the guise of having an opportunity to play soccer. Their organization, (RideForFreedom.org.uk) seeks out, rescues and helps young people heal. Another reminder that there are a lot of people out there living for the purpose of helping others. Very heartening.

Of course our guys came along for a photo bomb! 😊

Next stop, Natural Bridge, apparently one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It was excavated by George Washington and visited by Jefferson. Rick, Sarah and I hiked down while the Stache continued riding. Pictures do not do this justice. It is majestic and made us feel quite small.

Natural Bridge, VA

As we were leaving the area, a woman in a wheelchair came zipping by, calling out, ‘I like your shirt!’ She had noticed Rick’s CAF jersey and told us she enjoys competitive kayaking and that CAF had helped her get her first kayak. She is now teaching other disabled people the craft. Purpose.

Meet Terri, finding purpose in paying it forward for others.

All in all, I’d say this was a very memorable and purpose filled day (anniversary).

The Stache reminds me that I rescued him when he had a flat today. Purpose?

An Amazing Lady

Into Virginia

Radford College, Radford, VA. Radford great asset, Suzanne Ament. We met Suzanne and her husband, Jim tonight for dinner. We also met her service dog, Beacon, a sleek black lab with a fine temperament.

Suzanne has a PhD in Russian history and speaks Russian fluently. She is a professor at Radford College. She has lived in Russia and traveled there a number of times. She sings. She is warm, engaging, articulate and has a breadth of knowledge in a number of subjects. She is blind. I would like to be one of her students.

She is also an equestrian, practicing para dressage. Enter CAF. Suzanne has enjoyed horseback riding since she was a child. But with her vision diminishing, she decided to focus on dressage. CAF has helped with lessons specializing in para dressage. In a competition, there are letters posted in the arena. When the rider arrives at a particular letter, there are requirements the horse and rider must meet. With a visually impaired rider, nine people must be on hand to speak the letters, making the rider aware of direction they need to go in. There are efforts to computerize verbal or sound cues, but they are not widely used at this time.

A delightful evening with Suzanne, Jim and great friends, Sarah and Rick

Suzanne wants to help other visually impaired people learn the art of dressage. She considers this a ‘fringe sport’ for challenged athletes and would like to see a community of riders develop.

When we rode across America five years ago, our friends, Rick and Sarah Fisher joined us for a few days. They’ve witnessed this crazy effort close up and they STILL wanted to join us again. We met them in Blacksburg today. Good to see them. Interestingly both Rick had Sarah have worked as research scientists for the NIH, specializing in vision research and were familiar with ACL, the genetic disorder that has caused Suzanne’s blindness.

Last night my sanguine husband realized there would be SIX people at dinner tonight! He was elated. This is also the man who wanted to invite delivery guys to dinner during Covid. The more the merrier!

Onward and upward!

Notables

There are a number of notable people from Kentucky (widest state in America- not really). Muhammad Ali, Loretta Lynn, Diane Sawyer, George Clooney, Steven Curtis Chapman, Johnny Depp and of course, Abraham Lincoln…. all hail from Kentucky. But the one individual who made the greatest contribution, to my thinking, is Daniel Boone.

In 1775 Daniel Boone and 30 woodsmen began clearing 200 miles of trail from North Carolina, through the Cumberland Gap, into Kentucky. The trail became known as the Wilderness Road, upon which an estimated 200,000 settlers journeyed west. Among those settlers was Abraham Lincoln’s grandfather!

We stayed in the Boone Tavern and Inn, in Berea, several days ago and last night we camped in Daniel Boone National Forrest. It’s beautiful. One can see why Boone would spend much of his life here. Daniel has been quoted as saying, “I’ve never been lost, but I was mighty turned around for three days once.”

Such was the case with the Stache today. He was about to ride the Red River Gorge Trail, but got out of the Tin Can and headed in the wrong direction. I didn’t observe this and drove off in the other direction. Thanks to the increasingly essential ‘Where’s My Husband’ app, I was able to see that he was ‘mighty turned around’ but thankfully not for three days!

We enjoyed a day off in Lexington and had the privilege of meeting two more Kentucky notables , CAF athletes, Aerelle and Mathew.

Mathew at Peddle Power

See that smile? That smile says a lot about this man. He works at Peddle Power Bike shop in Lexington and when he realized he would not be able to meet us for dinner, suggested we come by the shop and he would service the Stache’s bike instead. He was true to his word and we were also able to have lunch together.

Mathew is a very busy man. He’s married, with five kids. He works full time and works with kids, teaching mountain biking and is raising funds to help other challenged athletes. He is a man of faith. And, oh, he was born without his right foot. His grant from CAF went toward the purchase of a bike with special peddles that are magnetized to hold his bike shoes snug. He is cheerful and excited about the future and helping others. He was kind enough to put new bike tape on the Stache’s bike. That duck tape just wasn’t cutting it!

Aerelle the cheerful young lady.

Aerelle, the fierce racer!

We met Aerelle for dinner and immediately knew we were in the presence of a very special individual. Aerelle is the oldest of five, home schooled kids. What a great example she must be to her siblings. She has a condition called Klippelfiel. (Named after two German men. Her dad says they are probably two German manicurists! 😊) She is essentially missing spinal material from C2 down. She is mobile with the use of crutches which she wields with strength and expertise. She tells us that her parents wanted her to be as independent as possible, from the beginning. It was challenging at times, but she’s grateful. She has a job as a preschool teacher for foster kids. She’s articulate and smart as a whip. Her family is a family of faith as well. She says they are all in for one another.

Ten years ago she decided she wanted to be a wheel chair racer. Her parents were surprised, but embraced the idea and went to work helping her in any way they could. They attend her races faithfully. When asked what her father does during a race, she said, ‘ He jumps up and down and yells a lot!’

What a joy to meet this wonderful young woman.

Tonight we are in Hazard, KY, having passed miles of devastation from the floods that went through here this year. There were a number of Samaritan’s Purse trucks here, to assist people. Several of the places we’ve inquired about staying are still hosting victims of the flood many months later. Clearly there are a lot of unnamed notables in Kentucky.

A glimpse of where the river came through.

Lincoln Country

For my Aunt Ida Jean’s 80th birthday, we took a trip to Washington, DC. That spirited little lady traipsed up and down the National Mall, visiting various memorials and museums…teaching me a great deal of history as we went. When we arrived at the Lincoln Memorial, she stood beneath his seated, august presence and quoted the Gettysburg Address, word for word! I was, of course, awed by her ability, but also by the education she had clearly received. As a child I recall learning about Lincoln, but never required to memorize his wise words.

We are in Lincoln country. Hodgenville, KY is the place of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The Stache rode his bike the 17 miles from Elizabethtown this morning and I drove out to the sight of the first Lincoln Memorial. Harry Truman dedicated the cornerstone and President Taft dedicated the building two years later (1922). It is essentially a small version of its counterpart in Washington. Encased within it is a log cabin, made of wood from Lincoln’s era. ‘Born in a log cabin…’ always makes one think of Lincoln. Yet, one wonders if there would indeed be an America if not for his wisdom, faith and courage. He knew, as Christ did, that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mathew 12:25)

Lincoln’s parents, Thomas and Nancy. One can see Abraham in his mothers face.

There is so much history in this part of the country. I would like to linger and explore. A good excuse to come back!

We had a tough time finding roads that were relatively safe today, but The Stache was able to get his miles in before the Chargers game. At the end of each day we ‘relax’ while watching football on television and listening to Padres games on the phone. Hey, he who rides 60 miles gets to watch his sports! 😊

In this area we have observed a number of huge Orwellian looking structures….monolithic with many floors and windows. To our surprise, we discovered they are called Rick Houses, used to store bourbon! We are on what is known as ‘The Bourbon Trail.’ We learned this evening that ALL of the corn in the fields around us is used for bourbon! And there is approximately one barrel (aging from at least 2 years to many) per person in the state of Kentucky.

Rick House. There are hundreds.

We arrived in Springfield, just in time for the Chargers game. But alas, no where to watch it or to stay. The Stache discovered a B&B w promise, in Danfield, about 17 miles away.

We had no idea of the treat we were in for. From the start, Holly and Jay welcomed us as old friends would. Holly gave us a tour of this historical house, complete with antiques that each tell a story. Oh if one could blink briefly back in time! (No long dresses and corsets for this girl). Our hosts are both retired Methodist ministers and their joy and faith is reflected in their countenances. They are knowledgeable in history, music and of course, the Bible.

Jay and Holly ….hosts extraordinaire!

Holly is a wonderful cook and has a great sense of humor. She kept her maiden name because it’s Holly Wood! Her dad proposed the name, Dag, for her brother but her mother refused, telling him he had had his fun!

There is a Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, where Holly worked as an historian and a music consultant. After tracking the Stache for 40 miles, I went there and took a whirlwind tour. The Shakers left England in order to worship as they pleased. They sought a utopian lifestyle, working together, equally in community. Their industrious creativity and intelligence is reflected in their masterfully built community. The community is very small, but still exists.

A picture from long ago of a Shaker woman feeding the chickens.

Men and women slept separately. Celibacy is part of their faith.

The meeting houses. Worship services could last from 20 minutes to 23 hours. The Baptist’s have nothing on these folks!

Off to Berea. The Stache rode 60 miles of backroads today. I told him I need a leather strap to chew on. Feeling very thankful for another day of safety.

Kentucky Backroads- A curse and a blessing.

The beauty of fall has come to Kentucky

The day started peacefully with The Stache getting in an early round of golf. I enjoyed some quiet time and by the time I picked him up, we had both had some ‘personal therapy’ and were ready for what would become a relatively frustrating day, with an extraordinary ending.

Pennyrile golf course

Our first mission was to find a grocery store, diesel fuel and propane for the Tin Can’s refrigerator. We quickly discovered that the people who live in these areas ‘go into town’, on average, once a month. Understandable since ‘town’ is usually about 15 miles away. We found ‘town’ and replenished our groceries and diesel.

Next goal was to find the designated roads for cyclists. These roads have no shoulders and run for miles through farm lands. There isn’t a lot of traffic, but for that same reason, the cars drive fast. The Stache seemed happily oblivious to the dangers. I tried following him with the emergency flashers on, but the cars began to pile up behind us. Can you say, ‘lock jaw’?

Eventually I passed him along with all my new friends trailing in their cars. Next came the challenge of finding a place to pull over and wait for him. I saw a driveway ahead and whipped in. A lady pulled in beside me. ‘Honey are you alright?’ ‘Yes, but now that I’m in your driveway I can’t get out!’ ‘Oh yes you can! Do you see my husbands big rig up there? There will be plenty of room for you to turn around. Come on up!’ She was right. I did a two point turn in front of the big rig, as she smiled and waved.

Bike and Stache on board, the next order of the day was to find a place to stay. No towns. No RV parks in sight. I sent up a prayer and asked God for help in finding something. Now for the extraordinary answer!

The Mansion built by Lafayette in 1823

We spotted a sign for Lafayette Golf Course and decided to go in and ask about local options. Going up the long drive, we noticed an old mansion on the right. At the course, there were several people gathered outside laughing and talking. Pulling up, we told them our dilemma. The jovial manager/cook and all round nice guy, said, ‘You’ve come to the right place! We can take care of you. We have a room available at the mansion and you’re welcome to stay there.’

Seriously.

The entrance.

This must be Lafayette….there’s Mardi Gras beads dangling from his lantern.

The parlor

A tree carved with animal figures in the backyard.

We are the only people staying here, if you don’t count the ghosts that reportedly live here as well. Over two hundred years old. Oh the stories this house could tell! And for a fraction of what we’ve paid for Holiday Inn Express.

Our Good Samaritan suggested we take the keys and get settled while he cooked our dinner. Pinching myself.

Happy man!

There is a verse in the Bible that says God is able to do exceedingly and above anything we could ask for or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20) I shouldn’t be amazed by His loving care, but I always am.

You’ve heard of a full English breakfast? Well, a full Kentucky breakfast consists of two biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, two eggs fried in bacon fat and topped with the aforementioned bacon. I’m going to have to do a little research on death by gravy in Kentucky!

Full Kentucky breakfast

Off we go to parts unknown. This was exceedingly and above anything we could have asked for or imagined.

The Best Part

Getting together with the St Louis Athletes

One of the great joys of this ‘adventure’ is meeting the athletes that CAF supports through various grants the athletes apply for. There is great appreciation for CAF and the breadth of grants given. The needs are also of great breadth and CAF recognizes this and responds accordingly. The application process is thorough but not daunting. This is appreciated by the athletes as well.

This evening we met, at The Foundry (a downtown spot with a variety of food items), with Liam, Aly, Brent and Chase, along with Brent’s lovely spouse and Chase’s sweet mom.

Aly, Katie and Amy

Over some delicious pizzas and a good bit of teasing Aly for ordering pizza w pineapple on it, we heard their stories. Each one, in turn, painted personal pictures of creativity, determination, gratitude and a desire to be engaged in living fully.

Aly was born with severely impaired vision. She is a weight lifter (those arms!) and is actively engaged in teaching yoga online! Covid made it difficult to teach in person, so she began to teach virtually. This opened an avenue for reaching many more people, and especially visually impaired people. She exudes a natural joy and enthusiasm that’s contagious.

Chase and Liam

Chase, age 12, was born with CP. He has an easy smile and a great sense of humor. He loves sports and tried hard to engage with able bodied kids before finding a group of challenged athletes to compete with. This was a game changer. He enjoys a number of sports and is focused on triathlons. He aspires to participate in the Australian para Olympics. What a great goal! His mom tells us that CAF has made it possible for him to travel to competitions and that this has opened a whole new world for him.

Liam is a big baseball fan (The Cardinal’s!) and has always wanted to play the game. He educated us on the various sports available to the visually impaired. The one I found most amazing is Beep Ball. The players all wear blindfolds because they often have different visual capabilities. This puts them on even par. The baseball has a sensor in it that beeps. The batter must listen closely for the sound of the ball to hit it, as must the players in the outfield to catch it. The two bases are also sound equipped and are made of styrofoam. You can find these interesting games on UTube. Liam also plays hockey and is working to establish a local Goal Ball team. A very engaging young man. We have no doubt he will succeed!

The Stache and Brent

Brent has been a sports enthusiast his entire life, engaging in a wide range of sports. One and a half years ago he developed a condition (a looong name I should have written down!) which attacks the tissue between nerves and muscles resulting in a lack of communication between the two. He too, has an amazing attitude and a determination to stay engaged and as fit as possible. CAF awarded him a grant for a recumbent bike. He is busily learning to use it and so appreciating this avenue for exercise and staying engaged.

We so enjoyed our time with these inspiring folks and appreciated their making the effort to meet with us. As we parted, Katie was offering Aly and Liam a lift home. They also agreed to be friends on FB. Forging new friendships is also part of the journey,

Cardinals ballpark

The famous arch!

This morning I rode 20 miles along a nearby trail while the Stache played a round of golf. Some of us have to keep riding!😊

We had a nice day of rest here and were also able to have dinner with longtime friends, Mark and Leeann Norman. Haven’t seen them in many years, but picked right up with them as if no time had passed. Very special indeed.

We part with Route 66 here. I am not sad to see it in the rear view mirror! Heading south to pick up the transcontinental trail this afternoon. Yep, the athletes are The Best Part and they make every ounce of effort worth it!

Personal Rules

Tulsa- Starting line!

There are several personal rules I try to live by. Always tell the truth (and try to be kind with it). ‘So far as it depends upon you, be at peace with everyone.’ Love God with all of your heart, mind and soul. Give the tasks before you your best effort. And never go grocery shopping with your husband, especially if it’s a Walmart Super Store.

Last night, as we were leaving a seafood restaurant in Tulsa, the Stache casually suggested we might stop and stock up for the trip. I knew the rule. I have successfully lived by it for almost 43 years. Oh what could it hurt to break it just this once?

Walmart, as you know, is an experience in itself, but Bill with a buggy is quite another. Do you recall those television shows where people raced through the grocery store quickly adding items (and probably not knowing what they were purchasing)? You have the picture. Plantains instead of bananas was just the beginning. ‘They’re really just big bananas, right?’

At one point I was in dairy and he apparently didn’t realize I was no longer with him. He called me on the phone… from ten feet away. We were facing one another, on our phones with one another. That one eased some of the shopping tension with a laugh.

And of course it made perfect sense to self check out. To his credit, assistance was only needed once. It’s fair to say The Stache will never be hired as a checker.

We made it to the parking lot with our marriage in tact, but the grocery store rule will not be broken again anytime soon.

We arrived in Tulsa Monday evening and spent most of yesterday trying to get some items fixed on the Tin Can, along with some new tires. Today we were both able to ride along some of Tulsa’s nice trails. The Stache finished his miles by resuming Route 66. I must say, Oklahoma has taken much better care of ‘Americas Main Street.’ The road is well maintained and has beautiful shoulders to ride on.

We also had a very nice visit with friends, Sheri and George Sharp. Sheri, unfortunately, had to have surgery for a detached retina. The recovery requires keeping one’s head down for ten days! So, we visited and laughed with her from the floor.

Sheri is a very good sport and George is a very caring husband.

Last night we were in Claremore, OK. After riding, I dropped BG at the hotel and slipped off to a local grocery store for some peaceful, careful shopping. Living by one’s personal rules really makes life simpler….but I missed his antics. 😊