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...

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!