Ain't it great cycling in the rain? No. I finally found the one thing I hate more than hills--rain. My shoes each contained an ocean, a cold, uncomfortable mess. On top of that, drafting to reduce the wind drag caused splatter from the back wheel of the rider in front of me to cover my face and sunglasses. It was my first time riding in the rain and it wasn't pleasant. About halfway to the host I decided that I would trade the rain for some sun and hills any day. Go figure!
But rejoice, because today was only a 43 mile ride--the shortest yet. This weather could have easily occurred on a century day. And even though I got a flat I was able to fix it quickly (thanks to Meg the mechanic) and get back on my way. It was also a great day because my group was able to secure and Arby's donation; we got to choose our meals and everything!
Once at the host we were able to work on our bikes and shower. I'm glad I learned some bike maintenance basics it will definitely come in handy over the next 3,500 miles. Best of all, the Unitarian Church hosting us tonight was warm and welcoming, featuring a deliciously bountiful community dinner. It was the perfect end to a stormy day.
Tomorrow we get to head to Buffalo, where we will take a rest day and visit Niagra Falls. The team is really excited, it should be a nice few days. We're almost at the most northern part of the route!
Stay Dry,
James
---------
Today was dedicated to my grandfather, Charles Overton, a skin cancer survivor. Wear your sunblock!
Sunday, June 3
Day Seven: Save Our Souls
Don't let the title fool you, today was a good, easy day. The ride was enjoyable (despite the four consecutive flats the team experienced) and not too long or too hilly. It was a little chilly, but we had some great views of the NY hills and vineyards, along with Seneca Lake. We passed the Seneca lake front on the ride into Geneva, a gorgeous and amazing little town with a touch of charm.
Mike then drove an hour out of his way to the falls by Ithaca to meet up with us and hand deliver the cash. He saved our souls. We now know that if, for whatever reason, we fail to obtain food donations or an emergency occurs, we have cash on hand.
So why "Save Our Souls"?
After reading the last few updates that I posted I realized that I was leaving out a very crucial observation: people are more generous than this world would lead you to believe. In a time where the media portrays images of greed, financial decay, and moral collapse, the good still exists. For instance, meet Michael Bassett, a great man from the US Navy who donated 90 dollars of his own and fundraised an additional $200 from friends and family so we would be able to eat.
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| See the full Team Album here, updated often! |
And it's not just Michael Bassett--communities from along the route have been just as generous. Churches welcome us openly, even trusting us enough to leave the backdoor open and allow us to use the space without instruction! Managers and food vendors offer large amounts of food to us willingly. There have also been cases where employees have paid for the food that we were given, usually in honor of someone they know who has been affected by cancer. Strangers have let us into their homes to fill our water coolers. PEOPLE ARE GOOD.
Sure, evil exists, and there are those out there that you wouldn't want to cross paths with. Yet, there are those out there in the world who will gladly give a total stranger a helping hand and join together for a common cause. Like the amazing people who make up the team. Without them, I would not have climbed as high or rode as far as I had. They've been there to help me through everything and the world has been there to help us all along on our journey.
The universe (or God, or whatever entity/ being/ random probability that you believe greases the gears of life) has provided us with what we need through people who give just to give. There is no greater gift than the selfless sacrifices that we have experienced every day. Be grateful for something, better yet--be grateful for everything for you have more than you know and so much more than you will ever need.
I consider our souls saved; we're going to be more than fine.
Be Good, Do Good,
James
-------------------------------------------
Today's ride is dedicated to Scott, a friend of my Pedal Pal Beth, who sadly lost his battle with cancer early this year.
Friday, June 1
Day Six: Say Yes
Since I decided to embark on this 4,000 mile journey I've tried to be open to things: new foods, new places, new people...
So today I said yes and ate a worm. Yup. And it tasted like dirt. It's become a team challenge, with everyone partaking one by one. Today just happened to be my turn.
The general idea behind saying yes is simple: You probably won't ever be here again, see these people again, or get this opportunity again, so just do it. I have to say that I feel this principle seeping into every area of my life. I've learned to take opportunities as they come, riding them until they fade and enjoying the moment as it passes. The 4K is no different, calling for intense moment-by-moment immersion.
I'm so happy to be here.
Though a great many things happened today, the most rewarding and fulfilling was volunteering at the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes. Cleaning, scrubbing, weeding, demolishing and moving were all on the agenda. The center is undergoing and ambitious renovation plan for their back yard space. It was helpful to have the manpower of Team Seattle behind them. We got a lot done in a short amount of time (as my step-mom says, "many hands make light work"). Most importantly, the staff at the center were so warm and encouraging, going so far as to make sure that we were well fed--which means EVERYTHING to a 4K rider. It felt great to give back to the community and connect with others on a meaningful level.
I will always hold my experiences here at Ithaca within me. Ithaca has been a wonderful city to us riders and I have truly enjoyed spending the past two days here. But it's time to move on. Tomorrow we continue to venture north to Geneva, NY. I'm excited to move on!
The days are beginning to fly by now. I can't believe that it has already been a week already. WOW! One week down, nine more to go...Let's plow forward, pedal by pedal.
Just Say Yes,
James
-------------------
I dedicate today's service to the Cancer to 5K teams, "a free 12-week training program designed to introduce and/or reintroduce cancer survivors to training for and completing a 5K road race." KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK, we're pedaling beside you!
So today I said yes and ate a worm. Yup. And it tasted like dirt. It's become a team challenge, with everyone partaking one by one. Today just happened to be my turn.
Today I said yes and walked in the river, slipping and sliding (and almost falling) among the slime covered rocks. We hiked around the Taughannock Falls, which were beautiful and refreshing.
Today I said yes to exploring the Ithaca festival, helping to scrounge for food donations, and forcing myself to be outgoing and personable (not always natural for an introvert like me). The team was rewarded with a wonderful feast of a variety of food from various festival vendors.
Today I said yes to exploring the Ithaca festival, helping to scrounge for food donations, and forcing myself to be outgoing and personable (not always natural for an introvert like me). The team was rewarded with a wonderful feast of a variety of food from various festival vendors.
The general idea behind saying yes is simple: You probably won't ever be here again, see these people again, or get this opportunity again, so just do it. I have to say that I feel this principle seeping into every area of my life. I've learned to take opportunities as they come, riding them until they fade and enjoying the moment as it passes. The 4K is no different, calling for intense moment-by-moment immersion.
I'm so happy to be here.
Though a great many things happened today, the most rewarding and fulfilling was volunteering at the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes. Cleaning, scrubbing, weeding, demolishing and moving were all on the agenda. The center is undergoing and ambitious renovation plan for their back yard space. It was helpful to have the manpower of Team Seattle behind them. We got a lot done in a short amount of time (as my step-mom says, "many hands make light work"). Most importantly, the staff at the center were so warm and encouraging, going so far as to make sure that we were well fed--which means EVERYTHING to a 4K rider. It felt great to give back to the community and connect with others on a meaningful level.
I will always hold my experiences here at Ithaca within me. Ithaca has been a wonderful city to us riders and I have truly enjoyed spending the past two days here. But it's time to move on. Tomorrow we continue to venture north to Geneva, NY. I'm excited to move on!
The days are beginning to fly by now. I can't believe that it has already been a week already. WOW! One week down, nine more to go...Let's plow forward, pedal by pedal.
Just Say Yes,
James
-------------------
I dedicate today's service to the Cancer to 5K teams, "a free 12-week training program designed to introduce and/or reintroduce cancer survivors to training for and completing a 5K road race." KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK, we're pedaling beside you!
Thursday, May 31
Day Five, Fleeing PA
Today was supposed to be a simple 59 mile ride. We must have done closer to 75, and though it wasn't as hilly as our unintended century from yesterday, it wasn't flat either. Hence, my legs are sore, again.
But today was a great day nonetheless. The weather was beautiful; sunny and not too hot. The route was beautiful too. The rolling hills of PA were alive and green, dotted by farms, cows, and barns. The clouds had cast shadows over the mountains in a picturesque manner.
We rode through small towns on smooth black roads, climbed small hill and descended smoothly. The day seemed to roll along with our spokes. But confusion lead to wrong turns and realtime changes to the route added miles to an already sore group of riders. Towards the end we climbed steep hills and had to make a quick detour onto the highway before reaching our host: a local YMCA.
Tired and sore, hungry and frustrated, we made it. We always do. That's what I like best about days on the 4K: you always prove yourself wrong. The "I can'ts" and "impossibles" fade away, for everyone. We cheer each other on, we lush forward pedal by pedal--and we make it.
Murphy's Law still rules the ride (whatever can go wrong will go wrong) but I suspect that this will subside a little after we're all use to routine after these two weeks. Tomorrow is a much needed service day, which will give the whole team a much needed break from our bikes (and our saddle sores).
I'm excited to spend the next 24 hours in Ithaca and check out this city, which is a great break from rural PA (not that rural PA isn't great, I'm just a biased city boy by heart). We'll be scrounging for food donations for the next three meals. How generous will Ithaca be? Only time will tell.
'till tomorrow,
James
-------
Today is dedicated to the Toth family, who we learned about in Mansfield,PA. Their 18 year-old son and 12 year-old daughter are both battling cancer. Stay strong!
But today was a great day nonetheless. The weather was beautiful; sunny and not too hot. The route was beautiful too. The rolling hills of PA were alive and green, dotted by farms, cows, and barns. The clouds had cast shadows over the mountains in a picturesque manner.
We rode through small towns on smooth black roads, climbed small hill and descended smoothly. The day seemed to roll along with our spokes. But confusion lead to wrong turns and realtime changes to the route added miles to an already sore group of riders. Towards the end we climbed steep hills and had to make a quick detour onto the highway before reaching our host: a local YMCA.
Tired and sore, hungry and frustrated, we made it. We always do. That's what I like best about days on the 4K: you always prove yourself wrong. The "I can'ts" and "impossibles" fade away, for everyone. We cheer each other on, we lush forward pedal by pedal--and we make it.
Murphy's Law still rules the ride (whatever can go wrong will go wrong) but I suspect that this will subside a little after we're all use to routine after these two weeks. Tomorrow is a much needed service day, which will give the whole team a much needed break from our bikes (and our saddle sores).
I'm excited to spend the next 24 hours in Ithaca and check out this city, which is a great break from rural PA (not that rural PA isn't great, I'm just a biased city boy by heart). We'll be scrounging for food donations for the next three meals. How generous will Ithaca be? Only time will tell.
'till tomorrow,
James
-------
Today is dedicated to the Toth family, who we learned about in Mansfield,PA. Their 18 year-old son and 12 year-old daughter are both battling cancer. Stay strong!
Wednesday, May 30
A Ferocious Day Four
Getting up at 4am was a shock to my system. I didn't actually feel right until we got moving on the bikes early this morning (which was later than we had wanted). On top of that, the ride to Mansfield turned out to be full of long, rolling hills. There were a good 15 or so miles that were flat where the path followed along the river, but the rest of the ride was mountainous. The original 87 mile route gained a difficult, hilly extra 8 miles due to a bridge detour. If you add in my group's mistake of getting lost (which cost us about another 10 miles), I rode my first century. Also, one of my team members calculated our ascent and descent: 7,000 and 6,000 feet, respectively.
That explains why I can barely feel my legs right about now. Everything is sore, my whole body is tired, but I did it, I completed the day. This wouldn't have happened without the amazing support of the team. I am impressed with them more and more every day. We ALL struggled, but we all finished the day, met the host, and enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment that comes with cycling 100 miles.
The day was not without its usual incidences. Besides getting lost, I knocked the chain off my bike while shifting about 3 times, and had to walk up (along with most of the team) a few hills that were either too steep, too long, or just too grand for my weary self to handle. Abe and Callie helped me to quickly regain miles as we sought to make up for the gap that had been created by us getting lost. We drafted, with me riding between them, covering a lot of (hilly) ground quickly, eventually catching up to the others.
Looking back on the day, it was fun and worthwhile, but also a challenge that may have come too soon for a team still in their first week riding. I'm glad that I got to have a taste of some mountainous terrain (the Rockies will be MUCH worse) and completing my first century. and I learned a very important cycling rule: All hills that go up must go down, and descending on a hill is awesome. For instance, we descended today toward Mansfield on a 3 mile stretch. It was fantastic and gave me the strength I needed to plow through the last 10 or so miles to the host location.
Tomorrow's ride to Ithaca is nearly half of what we rode today (59ish) and less hilly. The general consensus is that tomorrow will be an easier, more enjoyable ride for our sore quads and calves. As a plus, we don't have to get up until 7:15 tomorrow so I have some much needed extra sleeping hours.
I will never forget today, the challenges it posed, and the fact that with support we saw it through safely and successfully. You have more strength than you know.
Stay Safe,
James
-------------------
Today, the most difficult one thus far, is dedicated to my grandmother, Kay Schwabacher.
P.S. I apologize in advance for any mistypes, I can barely keep my eyes focused at this point in time.
That explains why I can barely feel my legs right about now. Everything is sore, my whole body is tired, but I did it, I completed the day. This wouldn't have happened without the amazing support of the team. I am impressed with them more and more every day. We ALL struggled, but we all finished the day, met the host, and enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment that comes with cycling 100 miles.
The day was not without its usual incidences. Besides getting lost, I knocked the chain off my bike while shifting about 3 times, and had to walk up (along with most of the team) a few hills that were either too steep, too long, or just too grand for my weary self to handle. Abe and Callie helped me to quickly regain miles as we sought to make up for the gap that had been created by us getting lost. We drafted, with me riding between them, covering a lot of (hilly) ground quickly, eventually catching up to the others.
Looking back on the day, it was fun and worthwhile, but also a challenge that may have come too soon for a team still in their first week riding. I'm glad that I got to have a taste of some mountainous terrain (the Rockies will be MUCH worse) and completing my first century. and I learned a very important cycling rule: All hills that go up must go down, and descending on a hill is awesome. For instance, we descended today toward Mansfield on a 3 mile stretch. It was fantastic and gave me the strength I needed to plow through the last 10 or so miles to the host location.
Tomorrow's ride to Ithaca is nearly half of what we rode today (59ish) and less hilly. The general consensus is that tomorrow will be an easier, more enjoyable ride for our sore quads and calves. As a plus, we don't have to get up until 7:15 tomorrow so I have some much needed extra sleeping hours.
I will never forget today, the challenges it posed, and the fact that with support we saw it through safely and successfully. You have more strength than you know.
Stay Safe,
James
-------------------
Today, the most difficult one thus far, is dedicated to my grandmother, Kay Schwabacher.
P.S. I apologize in advance for any mistypes, I can barely keep my eyes focused at this point in time.
Tuesday, May 29
The Law of Three (Day Three)
After getting 4 hours of sleep last night I was exhausted. I woke up hard, feeling stiff like I had been hit by a truck. Luckily, it was my designated day to run the van, and integral part of the team. Vans provide water and technical support, secure food donations, and mark paths. The van drivers must keep track of each group, their whereabouts, and the whereabouts of the other van,
Today I was passenger in the food van with Dave. After checking to make sure that we left our previous--and wonderful--host location clean and tidy, we drove off. We first stopped at Walmart, where we were turned down and redirected to an online grant application. Our goal was to secure food donations for lunch and some necessary items, like chalk for marking paths and an additional water cooler.
Defeated at Walmart, we continued out of Lykens, eventually pulling into a Subway not far off the rider's route. The woman was kind and offered us four free 6" subs, which we thank fully accepted. However, this wasn't enough food to feed 30 hungry cyclists.
So on we continued, until we reached a Dollar General store. The young woman working the front register said that the corporation restricted her from offering donations. I implored if she knew of any places int he area where we might be successful. She gladly suggested a Giant located just up the road. We thanked her and headed on that way.
Giant turned out to be successful, offering us $20 worth of items, which we spent on chalk, trial mix, and nutella (at the team's frequent request). Next to the Giant was a Rite-Aid, which we entered not expecting much. Yet we were proved wrong when the store manager willing offered up two cases of water and 10 large bottle of Powerade. We were on a roll!
Attempting another Subway located next to the Rite-Aid, I left my number and name to await for the manager to arrive. It was still before 10! Across the lot we entered McDonalds, where a very friendly manager told us to return at 10:30 AM. Stolked, we drove ahead to drop off some of our goods to the water van and thirsty riders.
Before the end of the day, we had acquired 30 subs from an awesome Sheetz stop and $20 worth of dollar menu items from the McDonalds that told us to return later. It was a very successful, happy day, and the riders did fantastic, making great speed. We arrived to the host early and safe.
But the host is the best part. Here at Susquehanna University, we have beds, showers, a pool, and LAUNDRY. It's the little things that matter. And to top it all off, we had an amazing community dinner and food for breakfast.
So I'm tired, and that's why I'm cutting this blog post short, and that's why there's probably a million typos. I apologize. Tomorrow I will be riding the toughest day yet--87 miles with a total of 8 climbs.
Up, Up to Mansfield, PA
James
------------------------------------------------
Today was dedicated to my grandfather, Charles O. a cancer survivor.
Today I was passenger in the food van with Dave. After checking to make sure that we left our previous--and wonderful--host location clean and tidy, we drove off. We first stopped at Walmart, where we were turned down and redirected to an online grant application. Our goal was to secure food donations for lunch and some necessary items, like chalk for marking paths and an additional water cooler.
Defeated at Walmart, we continued out of Lykens, eventually pulling into a Subway not far off the rider's route. The woman was kind and offered us four free 6" subs, which we thank fully accepted. However, this wasn't enough food to feed 30 hungry cyclists.
So on we continued, until we reached a Dollar General store. The young woman working the front register said that the corporation restricted her from offering donations. I implored if she knew of any places int he area where we might be successful. She gladly suggested a Giant located just up the road. We thanked her and headed on that way.
Giant turned out to be successful, offering us $20 worth of items, which we spent on chalk, trial mix, and nutella (at the team's frequent request). Next to the Giant was a Rite-Aid, which we entered not expecting much. Yet we were proved wrong when the store manager willing offered up two cases of water and 10 large bottle of Powerade. We were on a roll!
Attempting another Subway located next to the Rite-Aid, I left my number and name to await for the manager to arrive. It was still before 10! Across the lot we entered McDonalds, where a very friendly manager told us to return at 10:30 AM. Stolked, we drove ahead to drop off some of our goods to the water van and thirsty riders.
Before the end of the day, we had acquired 30 subs from an awesome Sheetz stop and $20 worth of dollar menu items from the McDonalds that told us to return later. It was a very successful, happy day, and the riders did fantastic, making great speed. We arrived to the host early and safe.
But the host is the best part. Here at Susquehanna University, we have beds, showers, a pool, and LAUNDRY. It's the little things that matter. And to top it all off, we had an amazing community dinner and food for breakfast.
So I'm tired, and that's why I'm cutting this blog post short, and that's why there's probably a million typos. I apologize. Tomorrow I will be riding the toughest day yet--87 miles with a total of 8 climbs.
Up, Up to Mansfield, PA
James
------------------------------------------------
Today was dedicated to my grandfather, Charles O. a cancer survivor.
Monday, May 28
A Tumultuous Day Two
My legs are throbbing right now. But Tiger Balm is a life saver.
Today turned out to be much tougher than I had expected. First off, the actual route turned out to be much longer than originally noted, a total of 71 miles. Now factor in the rolling hills of PA, and it feels much longer. Throw in a few wrong turns, a flat tire, and a high of 91 degrees, and you have a very tough ride ahead of you. In the end, my group went the distance--too far. We went over 13 miles in the wrong direction, leading to us getting picked up by the support van at about 6:30- so we wouldn't meed dinner and showers. We were, unfortunately, too far out and too tired to retrace our tracks.
It was a really rough day for everyone, but looking back it's clear to see that it was also a great day. With every sweaty-thigh busting up hill pedal came a beautifully refreshing downhill descent. It saw some beautiful country side, refreshed in a brook, and learned that I can push myself farther than I ever thought I could.
I'm proud of my team and how they supported one another today. The more time I spend with Team Seattle the more I realize how great and impressive they are--as individuals and as a whole.
I'm also learning a lot about the generosity and goodness of others. I've seen people give away showers, cook us great food, offer us their showers and their space. Cycling through PA today we came across a parade. While it was frustrating that the parade blocked our path, some wonderful firemen offered us ice-cold water, just what we needed to lift our spirits. We've been cheered on the streets and told to carry on. People stop us, congratulate us, encourage us, and share their own stories. I am not only seeing the country, I'm meeting its people.
I'm truly humbled by the path before me and the people riding beside me.
------------------------------------------------
Today was dedicated to my Pedal Pal, Beth, a cancer survivor.
On Wards & Westward,
James
Today turned out to be much tougher than I had expected. First off, the actual route turned out to be much longer than originally noted, a total of 71 miles. Now factor in the rolling hills of PA, and it feels much longer. Throw in a few wrong turns, a flat tire, and a high of 91 degrees, and you have a very tough ride ahead of you. In the end, my group went the distance--too far. We went over 13 miles in the wrong direction, leading to us getting picked up by the support van at about 6:30- so we wouldn't meed dinner and showers. We were, unfortunately, too far out and too tired to retrace our tracks.
It was a really rough day for everyone, but looking back it's clear to see that it was also a great day. With every sweaty-thigh busting up hill pedal came a beautifully refreshing downhill descent. It saw some beautiful country side, refreshed in a brook, and learned that I can push myself farther than I ever thought I could.
I'm proud of my team and how they supported one another today. The more time I spend with Team Seattle the more I realize how great and impressive they are--as individuals and as a whole.
I'm also learning a lot about the generosity and goodness of others. I've seen people give away showers, cook us great food, offer us their showers and their space. Cycling through PA today we came across a parade. While it was frustrating that the parade blocked our path, some wonderful firemen offered us ice-cold water, just what we needed to lift our spirits. We've been cheered on the streets and told to carry on. People stop us, congratulate us, encourage us, and share their own stories. I am not only seeing the country, I'm meeting its people.
I'm truly humbled by the path before me and the people riding beside me.
------------------------------------------------
Today was dedicated to my Pedal Pal, Beth, a cancer survivor.
On Wards & Westward,
James
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