In Archer's words

We are 14 days into Skip’s coast-to-coast bike ride for PD.  Seeing he western US 100 miles at a time really give you time to appreciate the beauty of mother nature.  Skip has been riding 125 miles a day and I just can’t believe how he can do it.  Ashley, my future daughter in law and me are Skips sag team.  Ashley has been driving the route 100 miles at a time, which gives me time to get to know her, and her me. Cindy is back home where she works continuously behind the scenes; this trip would be perfect if Cindy could be with us.  I am so proud of Skip for doing this, it’s hard work but he enjoys the challenge.  I don’t know how to thank all the supporters.  Thank to PATCO for helping to make it possible for me to be a part of this ride with my son.  Thank everyone for all of the PR work across the country. Pat Boyle for the generous support.  My family and friends are so special; I can always count on them. I’ve been doing ok a little slow getting out of the car, I was a bit concerned about my balance on our hikes in Yellowstone, but it worked out ok. 

Some pictures from Skip's Day off in Yellowstone

<-- 1st Bison sighting, there were many, many more to follow, we even have video off one escorting our car down the road.  One guy actually had the nerve to honk at me, like I could gently nudge the 2700 pound Bison off to the side...  L-E on the other hand, was very eager for a close encounter with a Bison or two, we all agreed the window half down was a safer alternative...

                                                             

<-- Lewis and Clark posing as tourists                             

Another mignificent sunset, no photography skills needed here

 We sadly had to leave the park with no eruption from this geyser, but we did run into Adam, who worked with Skip in Texas.  We still think back on that one in a million chance meeting in the middle of the worlds largest National Park... Have a great time on your adventures Adam, it was truly amazing to run into you! 

Aug 17th, 09, West Yellowstone

I may be skipping a day or two of our trip, but this was too amazing to wait! Yesterday afternoon, 

Arch, Skip and I, made our way into West Yellowstone. (Granted, Arch and I made it a little earlier than Skip!)

After some exploring around town, and some research at the Chamber of Commerce, Arch and I checked into

the Three Bears Lodge. We settled in, unpacked, had ice cream, and got Skip soaking in an Epsom Salt bath, and

made plans to go into the park for some preliminary exploring. WOW! There really in nothing like this.

Our plan was to make it to Old Faithful before dark, with a couple stops along the way. Our plans didn't

quite work out that way, and it was amazing! Our first stop was at the Fountain Paint Pot.

 You can see one of the geysers going off behind Skip and Arch, and the mist from the boiling water bubbling out of the earth.    All along the walkways that took us through this small part of our adventure made it very clear with signs, that should you wish to explore off the beaten path,  it may not be in your favor...

                                                     

Maybe it wasn't clear to everyone...:)

I had been informed that if you took a drive down Firehole Lake Drive, and happen to see this particular geyser, overflowing with water, you should stop and wait!  This geyser goes off very 12 hours, give or take a couple either way, but when it does, the eruption can last up to an hour, and reach heights of 100 to 200 feet... So we waited, and as the sun set behind the mountains, and was reflected off the mirror surrounding this super heated natural hot tub, we had a moment to finally contemplate our journey.   Our journey started a long time before Skip got on his bike in Astoria, OR and still has a couple thousand more miles to go.  We have been supported by some great people, and also met so many great people along the way.  We can't wait to see what will be around the next bend, or over the next hill.  

To meet so many strangers on our travels that have been touched in some way by Parkinson's Disease, has shown us the bigger picture.  These miles on the road were inspired by one man's desire to honor his father, and is now growing hope across the country.  It may only be to a few, but tomorrow, it could be one more.

Our ultimate goal, would be to raise $20 000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF).  The money donated will go into funding research for a cure for Parkinson's Disease, and hopefully many others.  If you haven't already, and would like to donate, please click on the Team Fox link at on the top left hand side of our blog.  From there you can make a donation in Archer or Skip's name that goes directly to the MJFF.  Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts, every small donation will bring us that much closer to a cure

From the Biker...

 Just wanted to comment on all the donations we received so far!! 
Thanks so much and keep them coming in!!! Please tell people about the 
trip this cause that I am riding for. My goal is $20 000! I still have 34 days on 
the road and in that time I hope to achieve that goal, if not surpass it.
 This journey so far has been unbelievable. Every turn, every accent, decent, town, diner, and all the people I have come across have been incredible. This truly is the journey of a life time. I can't believe all that this country has to offer. People say they would like to explore Europe, I say travel the US first.. 

 I am now 1/4 through my journey, I have burned 64,000 calories, traveled 1130 miles climbed 8 passes, and crossed the Divide. I still have Jackson Hole, (one of my personal favorites), to see, as well as Yellowstone. 
I then get to go over the Continental Divide 4 more times and reach 
11 500 ft at Hoosier Pass in Colorado.. I then go through Kansas, 
Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky Tennessee, and finally Virginia. I hope to see 
your donations and thank you so very much to all of you that took the 
time and heart to help out with the research and funding for this 
wonderful cause. Well...  take care everyone! Talk to you soon.. and for those of you that have any crazy ideas that you want to do... DO THEM!! They will change you forever!!

Out of connection

Since I was last able to update you guys, I believe we were in Council, Idaho.  Since then, we stopped in Kooskia, Montana.  We stayed at an Inn that had a reindeer on the roof, and met some very nice people.  After that it was onto Lolo Hot Springs, Mt.  Which after a long day of biking in the rain, and showing up mighty cold from a 100 mile steady climb, and then the inevitable descent, Skip couldn't get warm fast enough!  We were unfortunately one day early for the Grateful Dead impersonators concert, but we did take a dip in the mineral hot spring they had, which got Skip's blood flowing again.  After a good nights sleep, the next stop was supposed to bring us to the base of Chief Joseph Pass, an over 7100 ft climb, where Skip would take a half days rest before beginning the ascent.  Unfortunately, planning wasn't in our favor!  So, due to some inter-mitten thunderstorms, Skip decided it would be good to go to Missoula, Mt, where he could visit the Adventure Cyclist Association, where we get all our maps from.  What we didn't realize, is that Missoula isn't exactly on our route... They take you about 20 miles off course.  Oh well, next time we will know!  Having only done 35.37 miles, Skip took the rest of the day off, so we all could get reorganized.  

 Skip is currently back on the road!  He is on his way to Chief Joseph Pass!! Arch and I are are getting ready to meet him at the base, and then again at the top.  So wish us luck, Team Fox is headed to the top! 

On another note, we've done some math, and Skip has raised approximately 75 cent to the mile that he has been on the bike!  We would like to thank everyone who has become a part of this event towards a cure for Parkinson's Disease.  It's been great to have Arch, Skip's father along, who fights daily with this currently incurable disease.  If you like to show your support for Arch and Skip, please feel free to visit our Team Fox link at the top left of our Blog.  Let's all get together to shorten the road to a cure!!

If you'd like more information on how to donate, or get involved, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at coasttocoastforpd@hotmail.com 

Thank you all again, your support is priceless

A little Thank you!

We'd just like to send out a thank you to all the people who have taken the time to listen to our story, housed us, fed us, equiped us, and in the end, are just great people!

To Pat at the Starlite Motel, alone highway 95 in Council, Idaho.  Your rooms were great, and you we appreciate the interest you showed in our journey.

To Dave and Archie, at the Hilltop cafe, along with the great staff who let us eat even though they were closing up!

And to Brady and Chad, who just opened up the Four Season's Bike shop in Grangeville, Idaho.  They were both so welcoming and helpful!  We can't wait to see you guys on the Map!!!

To the great reception at the Western Inn, in Kooskia, Idaho, and all the great advice! The Chatterbox was great, and the food better!

Because of all the amazing people we've met on this journey towards hopefully being one step closer to a cure for Parkinson's Disease, even though we are miles and miles away from home, we feel a certain comfort on the road.  So Thank you!

If you've checked in on us on our blog, and we haven't mentioned you, please don't hesitate to remind me!!!

From Baker City, Oregon all the way to Council, Idaho

  Today, a mix of heat, altitude and a big climb, almost sapped all the pedaling out of Skip!  But he never quit, although there was a quick ice cream break at the bottom of the 4131 ft pass ;).  So 136.8 miles after leaving Baker City, OR, we have found ourselves in Council, Idaho.  

Arch and I took a detour into Hell's Canyon, which was amazing!  So amazing, Arch ran out the camera battery taking pictures!!  Don't worry, you guys will be the first to see them when the camera gets all charged up!  

In between our detour, and Skip's ice cream, there was also a little bit of herding going on when Skip biked himself into a group of cattle roaming highway 86.  Skip channeled his inner cowboy, threw out some loud and commanding "YEEAWWW"'s, and managed to successfully not cause a stampede...   

In and exciting developement, seems like L-E has really become the for-front of our journey across the US to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's Disesease.  L-E and Skip were featured on the official Team Fox blog, clicl below to read!

  Team Fox Official Blog