The End of the Begining

Skip riding in
Skip crossed the finish line of his 4,280 mile trek across the United States for Parkinson's Disease on September 18th, 2009, at 4:45 p.m. at the Victory Monument in Yorktown Virginia.  

This cycling adventure never stopped testing Skip on his endurance and strength of will, even on the last day.  Although it seemed touch and go on the weather, it held off, and seemed to brighten the closer we got to our final destination.  This final destination seemed to be eluding us ever so slightly...  We encountered two road closures, some confusing and contradicting directions, (apparently each town has different roads with the same names), and the route we came in on, wasn't the route the map suggested, although we did follow all the directions...  But in the end, Arch and I found the Victory Monument, and were there to cheer Skip in along that last stretch to the finish!  

Here are a few words from Arch on how finishing this great adventure with his son means to him:

"After completing this trip across the country it had given me a great respect for the USA and it's people.  Skip has shown perseverance that would impress anybody.  Ashley did a great job on the blog and keeping Skip and mindset.  We gained so much on a personal level being able to raise money for PD research added icing on the cake.  I want to say thank you to everyone thats donated.  This has been a great ride in every aspect the only downside of this is not being able to be with Cindy for such a long time."

This has been a life changing trip for all of us.  All of the wonderful memories of the good people we have met along the way, the places we have seen, and ultimately, the cause we have supported.  We could not have done it without all of you!  All of our family, that supported this right from the very beginning, our friends who have cheered us along the way, and the strangers that have changed our lives.  

This ending is the start of another beginning, a stepping stone in life that has shown us what a dream can become, and how far it really can go.  There was never any doubt that Skip would succeed, that every mile, every hill, every bump in the road would be conquered and make him that much stronger to conquer the next one.  

We raised $8,816.80 for Parkinson's Disease research, and even though Skip has gotten off the bike, we will still continue our fundraising efforts.  It's been a long road traveled, and there may be a few more mountains to climb before a cure is found, but it will be, we are 4,280 miles closer.

September 16th

       Still climbing  


I know this is kinda going back in time a little, but I didn't get a chance too earlier to pass on a couple more memories we will be remembering for a lifetime.

On the 16th, we left Lexington, Virginia, to make the trek up the last big hill on the road to Charlottesville.  It was a hard 3 mile climb, and Arch and I were there at the top to cheer him on!      

At the top we had the opportunity to meet Bernard, who is over here from Belgium.  He had started riding his bike in San Francisco and was also on his way to Yorktown.  It's always great to meet fellow cyclists on the road, that share the same passion and have a few of the same memories!       We wish you well on all your adventures Bernard!

Down the not-so-downhill road, Arch and I also ran into Brad, another cyclist.  He had also just climbed the big hill from Vesuvius, and was stopped to enjoy the scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  There are so many good people out there, people that we have had the honor of meeting, and will never forget.      

So today, the 17th, we find ourselves in Ashland, with one more day down, and one more day left.  Hard to believe that after 44 days on the road, we are so close to the finish.  Skip will be biking into Yorktown on the Colonial Parkway.  Skip will be trying to arrive sometime in the early afternoon, as long as the weather holds off, and we hope to head straight down to the nearest water source so Skip can touch his wheel in the Atlantic.  Well sort of...

See you all tomorrow!!!    

P.S. here is the link to Skip's Team Fox page where donations can be made directly to the Michael J. Fox Foundation

SKIP'S TEAM FOX PAGE

Hey guys, we've had some inquiries on how to donate!  Because we are getting really close to the finish, and we seem to be having more interest than ever in this great adventure, at the end of all my posts, I will attach a link that will take you directly to Skip's Team Fox page, where you can make a donation right to the Michael J. Fox Foundation(MJFF)!

All of the money we raise goes directly to the MJFF, and we are happy to say we have raised just over $8500 so far!  Our goal is to raise $20 000, and we will!  We will keep promoting this great cause long after Skip finishes his Coast to Coast bike ride, so it's never too late to donate! 

We are in Charlottesville, VA and are headed to Ashland for the evening, even though the weather isn't quite on our side, :)  It still looks like we are planning to be in Yorktown on the 18th!!  Can't wait to see who might show up!!!

LINK TO SKIP'S TEAM FOX PAGE, DONATE DIRECTLY TO MJFF!

Just a quick update!

According to a few people who have done this bike ride, Skip is a bout to climb one of the hardest climbs today!  But as he says, it's all down hill from there.  

We are still looking to arrive in Yorktown VA, on the 18th of September!  That means only three more days of biking!!!  

More memorable moments on the road to a cure (edited, sorry Jon!)

We have been so lucky to have amazing people all around us on this journey for Parkinson's disease.  Jim Pettus, who was there right at the begining, and his son Dave, who lives in Virginia, were able to join Skip and Arch for dinner last night.  Jim had traveled to Virginia from Oregon to visit his kids, and his timing couldn't be better!  He was only 40 minutes away when we rolled into Christiansburg, VA.  

We also recieved one of the most touching letters this morning from Jon Hutchins, who works at the front desk at the Quality Inn where we spent the night.  It's an unbeleivable feeling to know what your doing has inspired someone like that.  We wish you all the best in everything you do Jen, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!  Your show of support and your beautiful words are he biggest kind of support we could wish for because it came from your heart.  

It looks like we should be crossing the finish line sometime on the 18th of September!!!

Thanks to Stephanie Padgette, we will be staying at the Marl Inn Bed and Breakfast.  If you'd like to know more about becoming part of the welcoming party for Skip, please e-mail me at coasttocoastforpd@hotmail.com

This Coast to Coast Adventure across 4280 miles had been one of the most inspiration and memorable trips we have ever been and may ever be on!  I feel like there is no way to properly thank all the people that have helped us, supported us, been there every step of the way in heart and mind.  It is because of all of you that we were able to make this journey what it is, one of the many steps towards a cure for Parkinson's Disease.

The Final State

On September 11th, Skip crossed his last state line into Virginia on his way to the finish line.  After so long on this great adventure, it seems almost unreal to finally be here, so close to his goal of 4280 miles.  

He still has another 600 miles of cycling to go before his arrival in Yorktown.  It's amazing to think back on all the people and places we've seen so far, and to wonder what it will be like when Skip rolls across the long awaited finish line.  It's almost a little overwhelming, since the start we've finally gotten into a rhythm of packing and unpacking, double and triple room checks before getting in the car and heading to the next destination, picture taking and blog updates, making sure Skip has everything he needs to have a successful bike ride for the day, now what will we do!??

I'm sure we will figure it out!  The day of our last state crossing started out like many others, although we may of been slightly groggy after staying up late to catch our story on WYMT.  While finishing up the blog, and getting ready to pack up, we received a phone call from Skip.  He was stopped in Hindman, KY after spending the last 18 miles biking in the rain and needed a warm change of clothes.  After making sure Skip was warm and dry before sending him on his way, Arch and I stayed in town to enjoy the Gingerbread festival, before heading out to catch up with Skip.

Catching up with him turned out to be a little more difficult than we had anticipated.  So far, we have always found Skip pedaling furiously along to our destination, not this time!  We made it all the way into Virginia to our motel, and due to no cell reception, got a little worried when he wasn't there either.  On our way back the way we had come, Arch got a message from Skip letting us know we had passed him while he was stopped at a gas station getting rehydrated.  We were very thankful to hear from him, actually make that EXCEPTIONALLY happy!  But, everything happens for a reason, and since we had to double back to find skip, we were lucky enough to come across him at the state line between Kentucky and Virginia!  Talk about perfect timing. 

The last State Line crossing!

 

Yesterday afternoon, September 10th, 2009, was a very special afternoon for us all.  Through the help of Dave and Sue Hoeph, and Sue's brother Dennis Trease who works for a News station in Kentucky, we were interviewed for the local WYMT news in Hazard, KY.  

Dara Rees came out to the Super 8 where we were stopping for the evening to interview Arch and I about Skip's one-man-trek across the US for Parkinson's disease.    

                  

Dara Rees did an amazing job telling our story, we are all very thankful for the time and effort she put into it.  A big thanks goes out too Dave, Sue and Dennis, who were a huge part of us being able to have this opportunity.  We'd also like to thank Casey Ferguson, he was kind enough to let us have our room at the Super 8 for a minimal charge.

L-E waiting patiently for her 15 minutes of fame.  The ride into Hazard was quite pretty, along rolling hills and through beautiful farm land.  

Shortly after catching up with Skip, we had to turn around to make sure he was alright after sudden rain came pouring down.  We found him taking shelter (and a nap) under the eaves of a closed gas station...  After a well deserved 20 minute break and a wardrobe change, Skip got back on the road, with about 25 miles to go before arriving in Hazard for the evening.  

Cindy was able to send be there to help us send Skip off, and is now on her way to Scotland with her sister!  We will miss her at the finish line, but hope she has an incredible time.  Can't wait to see all the pictures when you get home!

You can check out Dara Rees broadcast on Skip's Coast to Coast for Parkinson's at the link below;

LINK TO OUR WYMT NEWS SPOT

Thank you again to everyone who has donated, or helped pass along our message!  We never dreamed at how far this would take us, and now it seems like the posibilties are endless, so keep up the good work!  If you or someone you know has been touched by Parkinson's Disease and would like to tell your story here, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at coasttocoastforpd@hotmail.com  

We would be honored to help pass the word along 

On another exciting note, we only have another 700 miles to go before we reached our destination in Yorktown Virginia!  Today we will be crossing our last state line from Kentucky into Virginia, so let everyone know!  Our tentative arrival could be as early as the 17th of September, so stay tuned... ;)

Friends and Family along the way

Our arrival in Berea was yesterday was met with quite the greeting party!  It made the arduous and confusing trip into town worth all the circles Arch and I drove around in, trying to follow the route Skip took.  Skip beat us into Berea and even had time to bike into town for some ice cream before we finally found our way out of the woods.  

It was exceptionally exciting when we arrived because, not only were we going to see Cindy, Skip's mom soon, but Dave and Sue were there to greet us.  Dave is one of Arch's old friends, and a PATCO brother.  After we all got settled in our hotel rooms, and cleaned up, Dave and Sue kind enough to treat us all to dinner in downtown Berea.  We had a great time, good food, good friends, what an amazing way to end a day.  

This has made me reminisce on all the other friends that have taken the time out of there busy lives' to make it out to see on on our adventure.  I must admit, it has been hard to keep everyone abreast of where we will be, and when we will be there!  But through internet, constantly checking how many bars we have along the way we've had success!  Jim Pettus was there to pick Arch up at the train station in Astoria.  Rudy Verner came out to bike up the Hoosier pass with Skip, Stephanie and her daughter Elizabeth came out to see us in Missouri, where we had another great dinner with them. 

Thanks again to everyone, you guys have all been such tremendous support, we couldn't do it without it! 

A fellow Trans-Amer

While cycling along the SR140 from Marion, KY on his way to Falls of Rough, KY, Skip stopped in at a small dairy bar for one of his favorites, a chocolate malt.  While enjoying his well deserved snack, Skip had the chance to meet Dick Nehrine.  Dick is a fellow cyclist who is also traveling from coast to coast.

Dick started in Astoria, OR and is also headed to Yorktown, VI.  After enjoying they're snack break, Dick and Skip cycled on together.  Skip really enjoyed his time with Dick, and hopes to keep in touch with him since they both enjoy cycling quite a bit!  Skip also sends his best to Dick's grandson, Nick Reed, who just joined the Seattle Seahawks!  We will be looking forward to watching him play.

This afternoon, Skip arrived in Bardstown, Kentucky this afternoon, he actually made it there minutes before Arch and I did!  Quite the feat considering he covered the 100 miles on a bicycle.  

We are crossing through real rolling hill landscape, blanketed in trees, flowers, fields and livestock of all different kinds.  Bardstown is nestled in history with that beautiful landscape as a backdrop.  We've had the opportunity to travel the back roads of the US, the see the towns and people outside of the big cities, and travel on anything but a highway.  It's hard to describe the experience other than something amazing, something you wish all your friends and family could be a with you along the the way.  

Tomorrow we ill be headed onto Berea, KY.  Cindy, Skips mom has been able to organize a a little trip down from Ohio to meet up with us.  Since she will not be able to be with us at the finish line, we are very excited to spend some time together, and have her along for a part of this great adventure. 

Popeye the Sailor Man

I wasn’t sure how to start; it’s been an eventful couple of days!  (And I was worried I wouldn’t have anything to write about…) I guess chronological order is the way it’s going to have to be!

We left you guys in Farmington, Missouri, and since then, we’ve made it over the Mississippi River into Illinois, and by the end of today will be in Marion, Kentucky, now you can see where things can sometimes get a little confusing. 

         We crossed the bridge over the Mississippi River where we also crossed the state line into Illinois. The first town in Illinois we came too happen to be Popeye the Sailor Man’s hometown!  I was wondering why I suddenly had the incredible urge for a spinach salad...

Who else can say they have physical evidence of there father-in-law to be posing like Popeye, it’s really too bad I didn’t have a pipe on hand as a prop…  We can only hope there are many more photo opportunities such as this one. Oh wait... Here's another!  (P.S. if you look back to some of the previous post of us in Yellowstone, I do believe there is a photo of Arch and Skip pretending to be Lewis and Clark!) L-E and I got in on the action too!

Although it was difficult to get L-E to pose as well as Arch did!

Early this morning, very early this morning, Mother Nature gave us quite the wake up call.  At 5:15 AM Skip and I were startled awake by one of the biggest thunderclaps I have heard in a long time.  I believe Mother Nature had something in mind for us because it wasn’t long before we were both up and on our way to find our coffee fix.  Skip needs quite a bit of caffeine to bike 100 miles a day. At a local Kroger's Doria was there to help us!

  Well it turns out that Doria is also a teacher at Head Start, a not-for-profit membership organization that is dedicated to helping low-income families and their children off to the best start possible.  Doria has been with the Head Start program for 21 years, her daughter also teaches, and her son is in finishing up his education.  Doria is a single mom, and a great person; she even made sure we didn’t go back to the hotel empty handed since Arch and L-E were still in bed. 

I have attached a link to the Head Start website for anyone who is interested in finding out more about this great program.

This will be a short stay in Illinois, since today we will be taking the ferry over to Kentucky! Our next stop for the night will be in Marion, and hopefully our directions today will be much clearer than the ones that tried to navigate us into the ever elusive Canondale.  

Arrival in Farmington Missouri

We arrived in Farmington this afternoon after quite a few ups and downs.  By ups and downs I mean hills of course!  It's still a surprise to Skip at how much more challenging this roller coaster is to crossing the Continental Divide 8 times...  So when skip pulled in, it was a fast shower and quickly over to the closest restaurant for some sustenance.  

Skip burns an average of 7000 calories  day, so you can imagine how much he needs to eat, or at least tries too!  Sometimes, you just can't sit down and consume that many at one time, so he stops at least twice a day in small towns along the way.  We also make sure we always have fruit or some other type of snack Skip can grab when we catch up to him during the day.  Arch and I also have a cooler of ice and drinks available.  We also use the ice on Skip, trying to keep him in working order all the way to the finish line.

The finish line is creeping up on us, we are still thinking we will be arriving close around the 18th of September in Yorktown Virginia.  That's two weeks!  We will keep you all posted on how we are doing, and should plans change, (in which they constantly seem to be doing), you guys will be the first to know!  So if you or someone you know is still thinking about getting involved in the fight to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, pleas do.  It's never too late to make a donation, or spread the word of Skip's great journey across the country!  If you'd like to become a part of the welcoming party in Yorktown, please e-mail me at coasttocoastforpd@hotmail.com, or if you have any other questions!  Hope to hear from you soon! 

Change of Plans

The plan was to make it to Ellington, MO from Marshfield,  about a 130 mile trek.  Skip has been able to cover 160 miles in a day, so setting this goal didn't seem out of reach.  Unfortunately the terrain made it seem impossible!  We have entered a landscape I would like to refer to as Rollercoaster Roads, where it seemed that the ups lasted a lot longer than the downs. 

 Skip has had so much fun biking here, the mountains were a great challenge, and the scenery was amazing, but the beauty of the rolling hills and constant challenge of making that big 11% climb, only to find another right around the bend, gives him a new sense of satisfation at the end of the day.  So when plans were made the night before, no one really knew what the challenge would be.  Arch and I caught up with Skip in Summersville.  I decided to hop on the spare bike and join Skip, knowing it would be quite the ride, but liking the idea of finding out how strong I really was!  20 miles, and three or four of the biggest hills I had ever climbed, we arrived in Eminence, MO.  Wow, and Skip had been doing this all day!  I have to admit, it was a great feeling getting to the top, realizing you mad it,and then having the reward of being able to sometime reach 40 miles an hour on a bike, on the way back down the other side.  

After a stop at the local grocery store to refuel and rehydrate, we pressed on... Arch had come back with the car to check on us after he had scouted out our original destination.  He came bearing some bad news.  The one hotel in town didn't take dogs!  We were only about 4 miles outside of Eminence, and had about 20 more to go, into a town where L-E would be sleeping in the car.  It was getting late, by Skip's calculation, if he continued on his own, he still wouldn't make it in till about 7PM, and his knee was acting up on him, which might slow him down even more.  We decided to make the 4 mile journey back to Eminence where L-E was welcome and we would be able to have a good meal before the restaurants closed.  

I think we were all thankful for the change of plans.  It was awesome to able to bike down a couple of the hills I had biked up, and find myself amazed that I had actually done that!  I have always had an unmeasurable amount of respect for what Skip is doing, and it grows everyday.  

A day off in Marshfield, Missourri

Skip icing his knee

After a few thousand miles on a bike there are bound to be a few bumps and bruises.  All in all, Skip has been in good shape, knock on wood!!  All the prayer's and well wishes must be getting through.  We make sure Skip gets ice on his knee as soon as he gets in off the bike.  He also takes arnicare orally, and we also apply a topical arnicare cream on his sore muscles.  

Since we were taking a day off, we took a drive down to Springfield, Missouri so Skip could get his bike in for a little tune up.  Not just Skip taking a little beating!  

 We were lucky to find Alan, who took the time to make sure everything was in working order.  We'd like to thank you all again for your professional and expert advice.  

P.S we looked up SAG Team, click HERE to find out too!

 A&B Cycle

Traveling with a four legged mascot

Meet Bob and Naren from the Holiday Lodge on 2701 North Broadway in Pittsburg, KS.  Two good people, who made an exception.  Anyone who has traveled with a beloved pet will know that sometimes it can be hard to find lodging that will accommodate them.  So far, other than having to pay the non-refundable pet fee, we've had reasonably good luck in finding places, for the most part! 

 We realize not all places will take in a "60" pound Golden Retriever, no matter how well behaved, and if you know L-E, she knows her manners!  L-E has learned and diligently practices these manners daily.  Her current repertoire includes sit, down, stay, heel and off, she also won't jump up onto the bed or couch without looking at you with those big brown eyes as if to say, "pretty please, I'll be good, I promise"! She is always good, always loving!  We learned from Opera how to sit patiently and wait until it's okay before wolfing down super.  So patiently, that there have been times when either Skip or I have forgotten to give her the a-okay, gone to finish up an errand and returned to find her still patiently waiting.  Skip has also taught her to chase her tail... one thing I thought she didn't really need to know, but he also taught her to High 5!  She is so good at it now, you really just have to put your hand up, and L-E is more than happy to oblige you.  L-E is a great dog, and we don't know what we would do without her.  

 I must admit though, there were a couple oddities in trying to find a place to stay... One place, which I won't name, although I doubt I will try again  if I come across it, rudely told me it would be a $100, non-refundable dog fee... per night!  Another place let me know that they had a no-pet policy, but that it didn't look like it would be getting too cold that night, and that the dog should be alright to stay in the car... Interesting. 

Arch arrived in Pittsburg, KS and began the search for a room.  He got lucky when he found the Holiday lodge.  Bob had a no pet policy, but when he heard our story, and got our promise that L-E would be on her best behavior, he let us stay!  We are very thankful, they had great rooms, clean, and they were very interested in our journey, so thank you Bob and Naren!  Especially from L-E, who felt very welcome!

With Love, Ashley and L-E

I would just like to personally thank all my family and friends out there that have supported us, and helped us out in anyway they could.  It's hard to describe the feeling you get when you look back onto all the people we've met on this journey.  Not only the people here, but the people back home who are working behind the scenes, or the friends that have help us along the way.  We never knew exactly where this could take us, and there were times when we doubted we would be able to make it happen... but because of the collaboration of many, the support and belief you've all had in us, we are on an amazing adventure.  

To go across the United States, in the hopes of shortening the road to a cure for Parkinson's Disease, all started with an idea, with Skip's desire to challenge himself in the extreme, and a hope that we can make a difference.   The help and support we have received has shown us just that!  Anyone can make a difference, and no matter how small you may think your part in it is, it's not.  Without all the little things people have done to help us along in this cause, it wouldn't be as big as it is. 

So here is a little thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone along the way;

(it's in no order other than how good my memory is, and if I forget anyone, don't think you are any less important!!! )  Arch and Cindy, all of the Bailey clan, My mom, Deb Jones, Shirley, Wendy and Cody Jones, Rudy Verner and his family, Josh, Bobbi Shay and her Inn, Pat and Nicole Boyle, Showplace Productions,Jon, Hannah, Michael, Puffer, Dereck, Maria, Vanessa, and everyone from Chicago, Ron Taylor and Jim Pettus, and all of PATCO, Team Fox, Adam, Dale Peterson, Peter Pletcher, Dorothy Cox, The Rodeway Inn, Lauren Fisher, Cheryl, Denis and Cody, Jenny Underwood and Gordon, Stephanie and Barbera Goila, Glenn, Sara, Alanna, Pat Duncan, Val, Elisa and Steven, Angele, my Homo-wner, and I wish I had written everyones names down!

I hope you all know how much this means to us! 

My biggest thanks goes out to my Husband to be, Skip.  It all started with his ideas and determination.  He is my rock star, and I am so proud to be a part of this along side him.  Thank you my love, you are amazing

Larned, Kansas

   We reached Larned in the early afternoon yesterday to find that Arch had already found us a great deal in a room.  We’ve come to realize that Arch has a great way with people, and good people seem to gravitate towards him.  So after a hot day fighting against the wind, it was wonderful to find Arch lounging in the Presidential Suite at the Rodeway Inn.  While talking to Brenda who happened to be working at the front desk, about Skip, who would be arriving a little later due to the fact that he was on a bike, and about journey across the US for Parkinson’s disease, she gave upgraded us to the Presidential suite for the price of a regular room.  She was so thoughtful; feeling that after such a long ride, Skip would be in need of the whirlpool that was came with the room.  So if you happen to be traveling out this way, and are looking for a great place to stay, please stop into The Rodeway Inn in Larned.  

Where are we now???

Since some days we get a little confused as to whether we are coming or going from one place to another, I thought it would be nice to take a look at where we are headed next.  We just arrived in Dighton, KS and the next stop will be a town called Larned, KS approximately 100 miles away.

DIGHTON, KS,  ALEXANDER, KS,  GREAT BEND, KS,  HUTCHISON, KS, TORONTO, KS,  GIRARD, KS,  

WALNUT GROVE, MO,  CENTERVILLE, MO,  

MURPHYSBORO, IL,  

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY,  MCDANIELS, KY,  MAMMOTH CAVE, KY,  BEREA, KY,  ELKHORN, KY,  

DAMASCUS, VI,  CHRISTIANSBURG, VI,  LEXINGTON, VI,  CHARLOTTESVILLE, VI,  RICHMOND, VI, YORKTOWN, VI

This is Josh, shaking hands with Arch.  After hearing about Skip's bike ride across the US to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's disease, Josh let us stay at The Roadside Lodge in Eads, Colorado, for free.  He asked us to consider it a donation to the cause.  All of us were extremely thankful for Josh's act of kindness, it really showed us that you can find amazing people anywhere.  This is something we will all remember for a very long time.  So thank you again Josh!  

After a great nights sleep, Skip is well rested and now on his way to Dighton, Kansas!  We've had the great honor of being surrounded by good people all along this journey, it's like a steady wind at our back, helping us along the way, so THANK YOU, to all the people who listened, donated, and help in anyway they could. 

A Road Reunion

Earlier this week, Skip came in contact with an old friend from high school, Rudy Verner.  Rudy had heard about Skip’s trip from an article his mother had sent him.  After a little research we figured out that Rudy lived not too far off our path with his wife, Lisa Getches, and they’re 15-month-old son, Owen.  Rudy is an avid cyclist and was hoping to set up a little reunion on the road.

 Skip was getting ready to climb The Hoosier Pass, the tallest pass he will climb at 11,539 feet, on his journey across the US for Parkinson’s disease.  So on August 24^th, Skip and Rudy decided to meet up in Breckenridge where they would continue up the pass together. They made it in really good time, and although Skip has about 2200 miles under his belt, Rudy’s fresh legs gave Skip a run for his money!  We unfortunately had to say our goodbyes at the top, since Rudy had to head back into Breckenridge, and then back home to his family.

Skip continued down the other side and biked his way into Canon City, CO. 

 

A little word from the Biker,

 

“I would like to dedicate yesterdays ride to Mr. Rudy Anton Verner, my old friend Rudy’s, father.  It has come o my attention that two years ago Mr. Verner was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.  He is currently in good health, and I would like to wish him the very best and that he will be in my thoughts throughout my ride.  I would also like to thank Rudy for taking the time to come out to ride with me up the pass.  It was incredible to be with an old friend and relive old times, and I look forward to getting together again one day for a few ski lessons or maybe some yard sales in my case!”