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!”

   

   

A little company on the road

Yesterday was a great day.  After a couple small modifications to one of the bikes in the morning, we set off to catch up with Skip.  Skip had asked me the night before if I had wanted to do a little biking with him.  Of course I did!!  On Skips cycling maps, it pointed out a 20 mile stretch of true bike path from Silverthorne, CO, to Breckenridge, CO, that we thought would be safe to have a go on, see if I really enjoyed it. 

         Our plan was that Skip would bike to Walden, then from there onto Silverthorne, where I would wake up and head out with Skip on the bike in the morning.  I had been quite excited about this, and had made sure I had all the proper attire, no need to tell a girl twice to shop for an outfit! 

         We found him about 30 miles outside of Walden, Colorado, which was to be our destination for the evening.  Since there was no time like the present, and the road we were on had minimal traffic, I quickly donned my bike apparel and tried my hand, or legs we should say, on the last stretch into town. 

         What an amazing experience!  I felt great for many reasons, first and foremost, being able to put some muscle into our cause.  Skip had always wanted to bike across the US, and I can see why.  You can really get a feeling of a place when viewing it at an average of 15 miles an hour, and the satisfaction of conquering my first real hill was great!  (Especially on the way down the other side!)

         I hope to be able to add a few more of my own miles on the road for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, for my father-in-law to be, and for anyone else touched by this disease, or another.  We are on this journey in the hopes that finding one cure will ultimately lead to many others, so join us!  Walk, run, hike, cycle, anything you’ve ever thought you’d like to do, and maybe thought you couldn’t, you can!  We are proof that all it takes is an idea, and with a little persistence, it can go anywhere!         

On to Colorado!

We reached Rawlins, Wyoming late afternoon, yesterday.  On our way, and when we arrived, we met some great people.  Skip would like to make a quick shout out to Mario from Muddy Gap!  And I'd like to thank Lisa for the great dinner suggestion!  

I'd also like to let Jim know that I did get your message!  Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you.  But if you like to e-mail me at coasttocoastforPD@hotmail.com, I'd be able to get back to you a little sooner... :)

So today Skip got on his bike, loaded with as much water as we could attach to him, and is currently on his way to Walden, Colorado!  So if you happen to be in the area, and see Skip on his red bike, he'd really appreciate a little extra hydration!  (Just tell him Ashley sent you ;)! )

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read our blog, and make a donation!  We have reached $6195.80!  It makes us proud to be a part of this great adventure, knowing you guys are right there along with us.  

L-E would like to send out a hello to her friends she met at the Continental Divide!  Hope you guys are having a great time in Yellowstone.  As our adventure progresses, we have seen so many different kinds of landscapes, from the beautiful Pacific Ocean, through the mountains and herds of bison, and into the open, where you can see for miles and miles.  In the next couple of days, we will be reaching Hoosier Pass, at over 11,000 feet!  From there, it's all the way back down to just above sea level.  We've been traveling at around 5000 to 8000 feet since Skip climbed the Continental Divide for the first time.  

Last night, L-E and I had another National Geographic moment.  While out for an evening walk and a little exploring of our current location, we came upon a family of deer.  There were two does, with three little ones diligently trailing behind.  I'm not sure who saw who first, but we all stopped to observe each other, expect for L-E.  Only after a couple minutes of wondering why I was suddenly standing very still and starring off into the distance, did she start to question my motives.  She finally realized what was going on, when the two does decided to get a better look at me!!  They actually walked over until they were about 40 feet away.  L-E was curious about them, but stayed very quiet and just looked.  When they had confirmed we weren't a threat, they continued on.  (Another time I don't have my camera!!!)

We will be packing up and heading on now in a little bit, on to find out what's around the bend...