Where do I begin tonight? Well we started out the day with every intention of a shorter day.
I really thought 60-65 miles would be good and I had mentally prepared myself for that distance. Somehow we ended up with 90 miles yes nine, o, Let me explain why.
It all started with a phone call to Les to see if he could get us a place in Long beach,Ms. but no further than Pass Christian, 2 hours later I talk to Les and he had taken care of everything. He had put me in touch with a really nice Pastor of a church in Pass Christian, but unsuspecting to us(Jerry and I) Pastor Robert and Holly live in Waveland about another 14 miles! We made it though tired and hungry(again) and are having a wonderful time. Dinner was prepared,shepards pie(yum), salads and fruits then homemade pound cake (yum yum). We sat down and rerouted again due to the fact we have heard there is a possibility of some of our chosen routes still closed due to Katrina. better to find out know then later. We will be heading toward Hammond La which should be about 73 miles, but if there is a way I'm sure we will end up with close to 90 miles.
A super special thanks to Les, Pastor Robert and Holly for all they have done.
Till tomorrow,
Tracy and Jerry
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Richard's condition
Hi to everyone watching this site,
Richard and Andrea send their regards. They are always asking "how are the guys doing?" and are still amazed at all the love, prayers, and support they are receiving from everyone.
Richard is on another round of chemo treatments and it brings pain to his body in waves he can bearly stand. Even through this he has a smile on his face and is always concerned for others rather than himself.
He had pneumonia but says the fluid built in his lungs has nearly diminished.
We had a great time visiting together yesterday (10/21/09) and as always his humor shines through whenever we talk. It's been a long time since he has eaten food by mouth since he is on a feeding tube and he told me how he took a bite of some food and "oh, it was so good" He went on to describe in detail how much he craved a submarine sandwich and went into complete detail of how he would put EVERY vegetable he could think of on it...lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, pickles,etc. His goal for now is to get off the feeding tube. He is doing speech therapy with Andrea and working on his swallowing skills.
He is proud of how well he is speaking and it was amazing to hear how clear his words are.
Keep them in your prayers and feel free to drop a note to encourage them. The address on the website is just one way to get a message to them.
Thanks to all,
Beth
Richard and Andrea send their regards. They are always asking "how are the guys doing?" and are still amazed at all the love, prayers, and support they are receiving from everyone.
Richard is on another round of chemo treatments and it brings pain to his body in waves he can bearly stand. Even through this he has a smile on his face and is always concerned for others rather than himself.
He had pneumonia but says the fluid built in his lungs has nearly diminished.
We had a great time visiting together yesterday (10/21/09) and as always his humor shines through whenever we talk. It's been a long time since he has eaten food by mouth since he is on a feeding tube and he told me how he took a bite of some food and "oh, it was so good" He went on to describe in detail how much he craved a submarine sandwich and went into complete detail of how he would put EVERY vegetable he could think of on it...lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, pickles,etc. His goal for now is to get off the feeding tube. He is doing speech therapy with Andrea and working on his swallowing skills.
He is proud of how well he is speaking and it was amazing to hear how clear his words are.
Keep them in your prayers and feel free to drop a note to encourage them. The address on the website is just one way to get a message to them.
Thanks to all,
Beth
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Day 6 Oct 21, 2009
Ok everybody this is going to be a quick blog tonight. (We are exhausted). The day started in Gulf Breeze fl. as we got about a mile into the ride which just happened to be about a mile over a 3 mile bridge Jerry decided to let his bike pop 3 spokes (not good at all). Jerry and I walked another mile together than I went ahead in search of a bike shop for repair. called Truley Spokes of Pensacola they were so nice, he came and picked us both up and repaired the bike we were back on the road by 10am. Changed route to hwy90 I really enjoyed the hills of AL. but Jerry's knee wasn't aqs excited. Got into Mobile at 5pm and found Hotel about 6pm. Sorry to cut it short tonight I will try to catch you all up tomorrow night. Thanks for the prayers and support.
Tracy and Jerry
Tracy and Jerry
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Day 5 Oct 20, 2009
87, that is the number of miles we rode today.I knew it was going to be a good day when we only got 2 miles into the ride and we found this great little roadside handmade donut shop, they have the best chocolate honey dipped donuts I have had in a long time. ( they must use lard or something/ dont ask dont tell).
The ride was fast we were cruising 16-20 mph felt real good to move along aafter the first couple of days.Went down 98 through miramar beach into Destin (Thanks to Robin's Bike Shop for the use of a tire pump) Left Destin almost got into Ft. Walton Beach when Jerry decided to do a road side adjustment and broke the bolt that holds his seat onto the bike, well Jerry had to spend the next couple of miles standing on his pedals, that did not look fun at all. Found a surf shop in Ft. Walton that helped with the repairs (Thank you guys!) We got back into the swing of things to Navarre, we took Rte 399 that was a great little road, bike friendly and scenic. Went through a 7 mile section of sand dunes and ended up in Pensacola Beach. Our good friend Les had made arrangements with the methodist church and they got us a motel room. I want to thank Gail for her hospitality and the church for there generousity. I would like to dedicate tomorrows ride not only to Richard but to Gail for the touching story she shared with us about Craig.
Our plans for tomorrow have changed, we were suppose to ride down to Dauphne Island and take the ft. morgan ferry ( we were both looking forward to this). But the ferry is closed for 3 days for maintenance. Bummer, but I am sure God has something else in mind.
Jerry is resting comfortably with his bright red farmers tan. He says hi and keep up the comments, if you haven't commented yet you better soon.
My lovely bride, whom I could not being doing this without her love and support, will be posting a blog on Richard's condition.
Thanks for all your support.
Tracy
The ride was fast we were cruising 16-20 mph felt real good to move along aafter the first couple of days.Went down 98 through miramar beach into Destin (Thanks to Robin's Bike Shop for the use of a tire pump) Left Destin almost got into Ft. Walton Beach when Jerry decided to do a road side adjustment and broke the bolt that holds his seat onto the bike, well Jerry had to spend the next couple of miles standing on his pedals, that did not look fun at all. Found a surf shop in Ft. Walton that helped with the repairs (Thank you guys!) We got back into the swing of things to Navarre, we took Rte 399 that was a great little road, bike friendly and scenic. Went through a 7 mile section of sand dunes and ended up in Pensacola Beach. Our good friend Les had made arrangements with the methodist church and they got us a motel room. I want to thank Gail for her hospitality and the church for there generousity. I would like to dedicate tomorrows ride not only to Richard but to Gail for the touching story she shared with us about Craig.
Our plans for tomorrow have changed, we were suppose to ride down to Dauphne Island and take the ft. morgan ferry ( we were both looking forward to this). But the ferry is closed for 3 days for maintenance. Bummer, but I am sure God has something else in mind.
Jerry is resting comfortably with his bright red farmers tan. He says hi and keep up the comments, if you haven't commented yet you better soon.
My lovely bride, whom I could not being doing this without her love and support, will be posting a blog on Richard's condition.
Thanks for all your support.
Tracy
Monday, October 19, 2009
Day 4 Oct. 19, 2009
Wow what a day! It all started when we were in the doorway of our hotel room this morning.
I had just finished praying that we would meet people today to share our story with and the next thing I know Bill and Pat were standing in our doorway. We started talking about our adventure and the reason for it than Bill shared with us about a friend of his who has cancer. We also found out that Bill has gone cross country on his bicycle, Him and Pat are both bicyclist who enjoy riding.
We left Apilachicola and headed west on 98 for 23 miles without seeing anything but forest on both sides, got to Port St. Joe which I believe is one of the prettiest little towns we have rode through, beautiful plantation style homes on large lots, gorgeous views of the gulf. If anyone is contemplating moving to the coast check this little town out.
We headed for mexico beach that was loaded with condos and houses for sale and rent, pretty place probably one of the nicest places to vacation ( not very touristy). We headed west and north toward Panama City, there was a stretch of road that seem to be about 200 miles(actually it was about 10 miles) we were getting tired and hungry when out of nowhere we see a cyclist coming the other way, she pulled into our lane and we stopped and talked. Her name was Linda and she was on day 74 of her cross country ride. To read about her journey go to www.crazyguyonabike.com/globetrotter (Linda's Epic Journey) She will be posting on her site about Richard's Ride. It was extremely encouraging to meet a fellow rider.Ride on Linda!!
I have to be truthful about Panama City, the roads sucked! No bike lane and traffic everywhere
Hwy 98 in Panama City Beach was even worse, although they had a bike lane people were travelling 70mph right next to you.
Next amazing story: we got a room just east of Laguna Beach at the Palmetto, while we were sitting in the hot tub we met a real nice guy named Stacey , we shared with him what we were doing and he said he would donate to the website, now heres the amazing part as we were leaving to go back to our room I heard Stacey call our names and ran over and put some folded bills in my hand and told Jerry and I to eat very well . What a blessing, Thanks Stacey, by the way he handed me the same amount that the hotel room had cost us!!!
Well I'm signing off for the night we are both pretty tired rode about 77 miles with never ending wind (at least not a straight on headwind). Thanks for the comments, we look forward to reading them so keep them coming. Jerry says Hi and thanks you all for being there for us.
Tracy
I had just finished praying that we would meet people today to share our story with and the next thing I know Bill and Pat were standing in our doorway. We started talking about our adventure and the reason for it than Bill shared with us about a friend of his who has cancer. We also found out that Bill has gone cross country on his bicycle, Him and Pat are both bicyclist who enjoy riding.
We left Apilachicola and headed west on 98 for 23 miles without seeing anything but forest on both sides, got to Port St. Joe which I believe is one of the prettiest little towns we have rode through, beautiful plantation style homes on large lots, gorgeous views of the gulf. If anyone is contemplating moving to the coast check this little town out.
We headed for mexico beach that was loaded with condos and houses for sale and rent, pretty place probably one of the nicest places to vacation ( not very touristy). We headed west and north toward Panama City, there was a stretch of road that seem to be about 200 miles(actually it was about 10 miles) we were getting tired and hungry when out of nowhere we see a cyclist coming the other way, she pulled into our lane and we stopped and talked. Her name was Linda and she was on day 74 of her cross country ride. To read about her journey go to www.crazyguyonabike.com/globetrotter (Linda's Epic Journey) She will be posting on her site about Richard's Ride. It was extremely encouraging to meet a fellow rider.Ride on Linda!!
I have to be truthful about Panama City, the roads sucked! No bike lane and traffic everywhere
Hwy 98 in Panama City Beach was even worse, although they had a bike lane people were travelling 70mph right next to you.
Next amazing story: we got a room just east of Laguna Beach at the Palmetto, while we were sitting in the hot tub we met a real nice guy named Stacey , we shared with him what we were doing and he said he would donate to the website, now heres the amazing part as we were leaving to go back to our room I heard Stacey call our names and ran over and put some folded bills in my hand and told Jerry and I to eat very well . What a blessing, Thanks Stacey, by the way he handed me the same amount that the hotel room had cost us!!!
Well I'm signing off for the night we are both pretty tired rode about 77 miles with never ending wind (at least not a straight on headwind). Thanks for the comments, we look forward to reading them so keep them coming. Jerry says Hi and thanks you all for being there for us.
Tracy
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Day 3 Oct. 18, 2009
Well what a difference a day makes! First thing I need to thank Brian and Patty for there hospitality,they went way beyond just giving us a place to stay. They brought us a TV, DVDs,
popcorn, hot chocolate and a few other goodies. If anyone is ever in Perry look them up.
We started in very cold weather ( Im guessing about 40) with a pretty hefty wind from behind this time. I will try to get some pics of us on this site, but we looked like 2 armed bandits with our faces covered with bandanas to protect our faces. It certainly helped! The scenery was a nice chang today from the long,long,flat roads we have been on for the last couple days. We had some nice downhills and following the contour of the coast right next to the Gulf of Mexico most of the day. We ended the day in Apalachicola, haven't had any time to check anything out but it looks like a real neat place to come and visit. We were supposed to camp out tonight but with temps. dipping back down in the low 40s we opted for the Best Westen(thank's to Wendy for the great deal she gave us). We were both desiring chinese food so we opted to walk the mile to get some (It was worth it). Jerry and I are both feeling good, a little tired at the end of the day, but not bad for 2 middle aged guys on their version of a "Wild Hog's" tour. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I haven't heard anything new about Richard but will keep you updated as when I learn anything. Jerry says and please keep the comments coming, they really do encourage us.
Tracy
popcorn, hot chocolate and a few other goodies. If anyone is ever in Perry look them up.
We started in very cold weather ( Im guessing about 40) with a pretty hefty wind from behind this time. I will try to get some pics of us on this site, but we looked like 2 armed bandits with our faces covered with bandanas to protect our faces. It certainly helped! The scenery was a nice chang today from the long,long,flat roads we have been on for the last couple days. We had some nice downhills and following the contour of the coast right next to the Gulf of Mexico most of the day. We ended the day in Apalachicola, haven't had any time to check anything out but it looks like a real neat place to come and visit. We were supposed to camp out tonight but with temps. dipping back down in the low 40s we opted for the Best Westen(thank's to Wendy for the great deal she gave us). We were both desiring chinese food so we opted to walk the mile to get some (It was worth it). Jerry and I are both feeling good, a little tired at the end of the day, but not bad for 2 middle aged guys on their version of a "Wild Hog's" tour. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I haven't heard anything new about Richard but will keep you updated as when I learn anything. Jerry says and please keep the comments coming, they really do encourage us.
Tracy
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday October 17th Day 2
Left Cross City Fl. at 7:30 am. It was cloudy and very cool with about 10 mph headwinds. Went 18 miles and stopped in Tennile. After a short rest we traveled 26 more miles north to Perry. The wind picked up drastically with headwinds being between 15-20 mph. Jerry and I had to switch the lead every mile to catch a break. It got very cold and took us about three hours to make it to Perry city limits. Rode four more miles to find something to eat. We ate at Subway and had a decision to make. Should we head west to St. Marks for about fifty miles in this wind with no stops or should we call it a day in Perry. We made a few phone calls and talked to the Perry Seventh-day Adventist Church. They were wonderful! They let us stay at their church all day and fed us a bountiful feast of pastas and salad. They allowed us to set up camp in their church for the night. My life lesson for today is to persevere. Trust that God will take care of you and everything will be all right. Romans 5:1-5
Thanks for all your prayers and support,
Tracy and Jerry
p.s. I discovered rain gear works much better as a wind breaker!
Thanks for all your prayers and support,
Tracy and Jerry
p.s. I discovered rain gear works much better as a wind breaker!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
