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!”