Believe In The Cure Cycling Tour
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Reflections.
I know this is coming more than a little late, and that everyone has probably been waiting on this post more than any of the others, but I have made it home now to a stable internet connection and an empty space to collect my thoughts. I suppose I have been putting this off simply because this confirms the end of the 2008 Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour. Nevertheless, this needs to be said.
The days leading up to the final ride passed in a blur. The excitement built with every revolution of our wheels. The hills that had been such a problem, only a minor obstacle to our goal that we had been working so hard towards for the past three weeks. We pedaled fast and it was fine because Philadelphia, our final destination, was so close.
Our last full day of riding, from Lancaster to Conshohocken, Jamaal and I both agreed to finish strong. Regardless of the heat, soreness, hills, or anything else that we've complained about thus far, nothing would keep us from finishing this day without feeling as if we had put everything of ourselves into the ride. We owed it to ourselves, to the cause, and to everyone who has ever had a dream and has striven to achieve it.
This tour has been the biggest blessing in my life because it has shown me that there is little in the way of one's dreams. It just seemed as if everything came through for the success of this ride. As if circumstance approved by having everything fall into place. I truly believe this event brought together some of the most beautiful people in the world. I don't mean beautiful in the physical sense, I mean beautiful in the emotional sense. I have met some of the most passionate, caring individuals because of this ride, and without them I would never have realized my dream. This being said, it is those who we encounter along our life's journey that will allow us to overcome the obstacles in our path. As I have mentioned before, I believe mine has allowed me to meet some of the most beautiful souls on the planet. I could never begin to repay them in thanks, but here is an attempt to thank those who have helped Jamaal and I. (Sorry if I leave anyone out.)
Our Sponsors- Without your financial support, this ride would have never been possible. Thank you for contributing to the hope of so many people with hepatitis B, and not just searching for an opportunity to increase profits. Thank you for being human beings, and not just a corporate business facade. You have done more good than you can ever know.
The Hepatitis B Foundation- I can not thank you enough. Everyone there, the researchers, the staff, thank you. You are the refuge of hope for those of us who are infected with hepatitis B. You're efforts do not go unnoticed, and you are appreciated.
Our Family- Jamaal and I couldn't have done this without our family's support. The approval and encouragement from them were greatly comforting to us on the road, and we are glad to be back home with our families. Thank you both, my family and Jamaal's.
Matt Gorman and the fellow riders- Thank you for riding with Jamaal and I into Philadelphia. You have no idea how much it meant to Jamaal and I to have other riders along with us for the final stretch. I wouldn't mind riding bikes for another three weeks if I had you all along with me. Thank you so much. It meant a lot to Jamaal and I.
The BBB girls- Suzie, Allison, and Cara. THANK YOU! It was nice to unwind at the party that you had planned for us after arriving in Philly. It's too bad though because now, when I am craving Rita's Ice, I'll have no where to turn. Thank you.
The Blocks and the Wittes- Thank you for believing in me. You very easily could have turned me away, but instead you gave me the opportunity to fight for myself and others through the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour. I am truly grateful, and I am blessed to have met you all. Thank you so very much for this opportunity you have given me.
Melanie Groft- It will be odd not talking logistics with you over the phone or via email. I have truly enjoyed working with you while planning this, and I can't help but think that this was a little more than coincidence. Coming into the new position of Director of Development at the Hepatitis B Foundation, you took me up on my idea, and look what it has become. Thank you very much, Melanie. It has been a great ride. (Pun totally intended.)
Everyone that has followed Jamaal and I along our journey, thank you. Your support through your thoughts and prayers has been tremendous in helping Jamaal and I complete our journey that has now come to a close. All in all, it has been the greatest experience of my life. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you.
In closing, thank you everyone. Without you, who knows how the world would be. We have come far and endured much, and we have persevered to accomplish our goal with the help of others. Successfully have we completed the plight of mankind embodied in a 1,287 mile journey undertaken by two teenage boys. Rest assured, however, that this is not the last of my journeys.
Pedal on everyone, and take care.
-The beauty of mankind lies not in his greatness, but in his limitations.-
John Ellis
P.S. I am really going to miss the slurpees from 7 Eleven. Just saying.
The days leading up to the final ride passed in a blur. The excitement built with every revolution of our wheels. The hills that had been such a problem, only a minor obstacle to our goal that we had been working so hard towards for the past three weeks. We pedaled fast and it was fine because Philadelphia, our final destination, was so close.
Our last full day of riding, from Lancaster to Conshohocken, Jamaal and I both agreed to finish strong. Regardless of the heat, soreness, hills, or anything else that we've complained about thus far, nothing would keep us from finishing this day without feeling as if we had put everything of ourselves into the ride. We owed it to ourselves, to the cause, and to everyone who has ever had a dream and has striven to achieve it.
This tour has been the biggest blessing in my life because it has shown me that there is little in the way of one's dreams. It just seemed as if everything came through for the success of this ride. As if circumstance approved by having everything fall into place. I truly believe this event brought together some of the most beautiful people in the world. I don't mean beautiful in the physical sense, I mean beautiful in the emotional sense. I have met some of the most passionate, caring individuals because of this ride, and without them I would never have realized my dream. This being said, it is those who we encounter along our life's journey that will allow us to overcome the obstacles in our path. As I have mentioned before, I believe mine has allowed me to meet some of the most beautiful souls on the planet. I could never begin to repay them in thanks, but here is an attempt to thank those who have helped Jamaal and I. (Sorry if I leave anyone out.)
Our Sponsors- Without your financial support, this ride would have never been possible. Thank you for contributing to the hope of so many people with hepatitis B, and not just searching for an opportunity to increase profits. Thank you for being human beings, and not just a corporate business facade. You have done more good than you can ever know.
The Hepatitis B Foundation- I can not thank you enough. Everyone there, the researchers, the staff, thank you. You are the refuge of hope for those of us who are infected with hepatitis B. You're efforts do not go unnoticed, and you are appreciated.
Our Family- Jamaal and I couldn't have done this without our family's support. The approval and encouragement from them were greatly comforting to us on the road, and we are glad to be back home with our families. Thank you both, my family and Jamaal's.
Matt Gorman and the fellow riders- Thank you for riding with Jamaal and I into Philadelphia. You have no idea how much it meant to Jamaal and I to have other riders along with us for the final stretch. I wouldn't mind riding bikes for another three weeks if I had you all along with me. Thank you so much. It meant a lot to Jamaal and I.
The BBB girls- Suzie, Allison, and Cara. THANK YOU! It was nice to unwind at the party that you had planned for us after arriving in Philly. It's too bad though because now, when I am craving Rita's Ice, I'll have no where to turn. Thank you.
The Blocks and the Wittes- Thank you for believing in me. You very easily could have turned me away, but instead you gave me the opportunity to fight for myself and others through the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour. I am truly grateful, and I am blessed to have met you all. Thank you so very much for this opportunity you have given me.
Melanie Groft- It will be odd not talking logistics with you over the phone or via email. I have truly enjoyed working with you while planning this, and I can't help but think that this was a little more than coincidence. Coming into the new position of Director of Development at the Hepatitis B Foundation, you took me up on my idea, and look what it has become. Thank you very much, Melanie. It has been a great ride. (Pun totally intended.)
Everyone that has followed Jamaal and I along our journey, thank you. Your support through your thoughts and prayers has been tremendous in helping Jamaal and I complete our journey that has now come to a close. All in all, it has been the greatest experience of my life. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you.
In closing, thank you everyone. Without you, who knows how the world would be. We have come far and endured much, and we have persevered to accomplish our goal with the help of others. Successfully have we completed the plight of mankind embodied in a 1,287 mile journey undertaken by two teenage boys. Rest assured, however, that this is not the last of my journeys.
Pedal on everyone, and take care.
-The beauty of mankind lies not in his greatness, but in his limitations.-
John Ellis
P.S. I am really going to miss the slurpees from 7 Eleven. Just saying.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Day 21- Final Day
I apologize for the lack of updates, but do not worry, I will catch up tonight with one final post. I did not mean to leave everyone in suspense, it was just that there was quite a few things that came up to prohibit me from updating. (I'll tell you all about it tonight. It is rather amusing.)
Today is the day. The ride to Philadelphia. We are leaving the hotel here in Conshohocken in a little over an hour to ride into the city. I can't believe that this day is already here. I feel happily nervously excitedly elated. Basically, I don't know what or how to feel. I am now eighteen years old and I am completing one of my dreams. I had an idea and I have just witnessed its fruition. I just would like to everyone who followed Jamaal and I through our journey, and all those who kept us in their thoughts and prayers. This is something that I will never forget and has given me a lifetime of memories. I am truly grateful for that.
We have reached and surpassed our goal of $10,000, and in turn, received the matching donation of an additional $10,000, bringing our total to $20,000. Our new goal is now $25,000, so if you haven't already, every little bit will help. Thanks again for everyone's support. I PROMISE WE WILL POST MULTIPLE VIDEOS AND I WILL CATCH YOU UP ON EVERYTHING.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
P.S. I am sorry if none of this is coherent. This is probably just one of the greatest days of my life, so thoughts are fleeting.
Today is the day. The ride to Philadelphia. We are leaving the hotel here in Conshohocken in a little over an hour to ride into the city. I can't believe that this day is already here. I feel happily nervously excitedly elated. Basically, I don't know what or how to feel. I am now eighteen years old and I am completing one of my dreams. I had an idea and I have just witnessed its fruition. I just would like to everyone who followed Jamaal and I through our journey, and all those who kept us in their thoughts and prayers. This is something that I will never forget and has given me a lifetime of memories. I am truly grateful for that.
We have reached and surpassed our goal of $10,000, and in turn, received the matching donation of an additional $10,000, bringing our total to $20,000. Our new goal is now $25,000, so if you haven't already, every little bit will help. Thanks again for everyone's support. I PROMISE WE WILL POST MULTIPLE VIDEOS AND I WILL CATCH YOU UP ON EVERYTHING.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
P.S. I am sorry if none of this is coherent. This is probably just one of the greatest days of my life, so thoughts are fleeting.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
June 23rd - Finish Line Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
The last day of the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour is dedicated to the following individuals...
June 23 (Final Day): Conshohocken, PA – Philadelphia, PA (12 miles)
Dedicated to:
Lili Chambers
Mr. Patrick Clancy
Francine Cohen
Cary and Deloris Ellis
John Ellis
Cyrus Feeser and Charles Groft
The Horan Family
Claire Morris
Phill Powell
Johanna Rall
Jamaal Warren
Special Loved One S
pecial Loved One
A Close Friend
The Research Scientists who are making a difference
June 23 (Final Day): Conshohocken, PA – Philadelphia, PA (12 miles)
Dedicated to:
Lili Chambers
Mr. Patrick Clancy
Francine Cohen
Cary and Deloris Ellis
John Ellis
Cyrus Feeser and Charles Groft
The Horan Family
Claire Morris
Phill Powell
Johanna Rall
Jamaal Warren
Special Loved One S
pecial Loved One
A Close Friend
The Research Scientists who are making a difference
June 21st - Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
The second to last day of riding for the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour is dedicated to the following person...
June 21 (Day 20): Lancaster, PA to Conshohocken, PA (56 miles)
Dedicated to: Claire Morris – 40 miles
June 21 (Day 20): Lancaster, PA to Conshohocken, PA (56 miles)
Dedicated to: Claire Morris – 40 miles
June 20th - Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
The ride from Maryland crossing over into Pennsylvania is dedicated to the following individuals...
June 20 (Day 19): Hunt Valley, MD to Lancaster, PA (61 miles)
Dedicated to: Cyrus Feeser and Charles Groft – 20 milesThe Horan Family; 40 miles
June 20 (Day 19): Hunt Valley, MD to Lancaster, PA (61 miles)
Dedicated to: Cyrus Feeser and Charles Groft – 20 milesThe Horan Family; 40 miles
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Day 18- Lost in the Capital.
Streets leading in every direction, navigating somehow got placed in my hands. "John, which way ?" "Which way are we going, John ?" These questions thrown at me when I was just as lost as everyone else. "Straight." This was the only response that made sense to me. We saw the Washington Monument, the Washington Harbor, the Pentagon, the Department of the Treasury, (My grandmother joked about asking them to print us off some money. I don't think it works that way though.) and much more. Sadly, though, this was all from the car. I think we were just overwhelmed with the history of the city. We couldn't decide where to go or what to do, and when we did, we would get lost. D.C. definitely won the battle today, but I have a feeling this won't be my last run in with the city. I will be back.
I have noticed that I have been eating a lot lately. I mean obviously I need more calories than I would need normally, but there is no way I am going to be able to eat this well when I get back home. It'll be back to PB&J and grandma's dinner special then. That's nothing to complain about though. I don't think Jamaal's diet has really changed much on this trip though. He's always managed to find something to his liking at any restaurant we've visited.
Tomorrow we ride to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I have been told that we are guaranteed to see Amish people tomorrow so that should be interesting. I find their culture to be very interesting and I believe this will be a great experience for both me and Jamaal. If nothing else, it'll be something new to experience. Anyways, I hope everyone had a wonderful day wherever you happened to spend it. Take care, and tune back in tomorrow. We will have a big post tomorrow.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
I have noticed that I have been eating a lot lately. I mean obviously I need more calories than I would need normally, but there is no way I am going to be able to eat this well when I get back home. It'll be back to PB&J and grandma's dinner special then. That's nothing to complain about though. I don't think Jamaal's diet has really changed much on this trip though. He's always managed to find something to his liking at any restaurant we've visited.
Tomorrow we ride to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I have been told that we are guaranteed to see Amish people tomorrow so that should be interesting. I find their culture to be very interesting and I believe this will be a great experience for both me and Jamaal. If nothing else, it'll be something new to experience. Anyways, I hope everyone had a wonderful day wherever you happened to spend it. Take care, and tune back in tomorrow. We will have a big post tomorrow.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
June 19th - Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
Today's is a big day. John and Jamaal will be heading out of Virginia into Washington, D.C. and then north to the Baltimore, MD area. Their ride today is dedicated to the following individuals...
June 19 (Day 18): Alexandria, VA through Washington, DC to Hunt Valley, MD
Dedicated to:
Claire Morris – 50 miles
John Ellis and Jamaal Warren from Mrs. Maness - 20 miles
Mr. Clancy
June 19 (Day 18): Alexandria, VA through Washington, DC to Hunt Valley, MD
Dedicated to:
Claire Morris – 50 miles
John Ellis and Jamaal Warren from Mrs. Maness - 20 miles
Mr. Clancy
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Day 17- Sunshine Skies with Raincloud Eyes.
Nothing felt real today. As if I witnessed everything from outside of my skin. I heard the news early this morning. Far before anyone is mentally prepared for anything, let alone the news that I received. I didn't believe it at first. I didn't want to believe it. My best friend's father passed away and I still can't believe it.
Mr. Patrick Clancy was one of the only father figures I have ever had. He was always well dressed and had some bit of wisdom to spread every time he saw me. His bow tie and suspenders made me feel like I could relate to him because of his quirky sense of style. When I spoke with him, he was one of the only adults that actually made me feel like he was listening. Just before I left for the ride, I talked with him in length about the tour. He asked questions of concern, and spoke to me as if I were his own son. I will miss him as I am sure many others will. I would like to dedicate tonight's blog post to Mr. Clancy and the entire Clancy family. I am incredibly sorry for your loss.
I find it odd how something as grievous as this can occur, but yet the sun can shine brighter than any other day. Maybe this is an attempt to console us. That when we are feeling our lowest, the sun shines bright to keep our spirits from falling any lower. We rode today from Tappahannock to Fredricksburg on more of the most beautiful roads we have been on the entire trip. In Fredricksburg, the traffic into D.C. began getting heavy so we hopped in the van to pick up Jamaal's mother from the Reagan National Airport. Afterwards, we headed to our hotel in Mount Vernon, Virginia where we met with Melanie Groft. She was in the city and stopped by to discuss the final days of the tour with us.
Tomorrow we will be staying just outside Baltimore, so I believe Jamaal and I are going to do some riding in downtown D.C. to see the sights. Tonight we got a taste as we drove through the downtown area, and I absolutely fell in love. There is so much to see and so much going on that just the sight of it all makes me happy to say that this is the capital of my country. Taken with the good and the bad, I am looking forward to being in D.C. tomorrow. Well, take care folks. I ask that you might pray for the Clancy family, if you would.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
May you be happy soon and forever, Mr. Clancy.
Mr. Patrick Clancy was one of the only father figures I have ever had. He was always well dressed and had some bit of wisdom to spread every time he saw me. His bow tie and suspenders made me feel like I could relate to him because of his quirky sense of style. When I spoke with him, he was one of the only adults that actually made me feel like he was listening. Just before I left for the ride, I talked with him in length about the tour. He asked questions of concern, and spoke to me as if I were his own son. I will miss him as I am sure many others will. I would like to dedicate tonight's blog post to Mr. Clancy and the entire Clancy family. I am incredibly sorry for your loss.
I find it odd how something as grievous as this can occur, but yet the sun can shine brighter than any other day. Maybe this is an attempt to console us. That when we are feeling our lowest, the sun shines bright to keep our spirits from falling any lower. We rode today from Tappahannock to Fredricksburg on more of the most beautiful roads we have been on the entire trip. In Fredricksburg, the traffic into D.C. began getting heavy so we hopped in the van to pick up Jamaal's mother from the Reagan National Airport. Afterwards, we headed to our hotel in Mount Vernon, Virginia where we met with Melanie Groft. She was in the city and stopped by to discuss the final days of the tour with us.
Tomorrow we will be staying just outside Baltimore, so I believe Jamaal and I are going to do some riding in downtown D.C. to see the sights. Tonight we got a taste as we drove through the downtown area, and I absolutely fell in love. There is so much to see and so much going on that just the sight of it all makes me happy to say that this is the capital of my country. Taken with the good and the bad, I am looking forward to being in D.C. tomorrow. Well, take care folks. I ask that you might pray for the Clancy family, if you would.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
May you be happy soon and forever, Mr. Clancy.
June 18th - Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
John and Jamaal's ride today is dedicated to the following people. Enjoy the ride to the Washington D.C. area!
June 18 (Day 17): Tappahannock, VA to Fredericksburg, VA to Lorton, VA(90 miles)
Dedicated to:
Cary and Deloris Ellis – 24 miles
Lili Chambers – 22 miles
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Day 16- Happy Birthday Hills !
After two days of little riding at all, we woke up itching to get on the bikes. Jamaal sported his new jersey and his new gloves that my mother and I bought for his birthday. I am not going to lie, I was kind of jealous. He looked very comfortable riding in it and has yet to take it off all day. Before this trip is over, I WILL get a cycling jersey. Anyways...
Today was the most beautiful ride of the trip. I thought South Carolina was beautiful, but Virginia has topped that. We've passed some of the most beautiful farms, and in between, there are large forests that rise up into high ridges and dip into low gullies. The trees don't even stop for ponds, as they grow out of the water like spindly fingers. We had quite a few hills to climb, but our focus was drawn towards our surroundings so we didn't mind the climbs much at all. The shoulder was so large that it was almost like we had an entire lane reserved for us. Jamaal should have had a birthday long before because it seemed like everything went in our favor today.
Jamaal promises me that he has a couple of videos in the works so maybe tomorrow when we make it to D.C., he will get a chance to upload them. Also, Jamaal's mother is flying in to meet us tomorrow, and she will be riding with us the rest of the way. Sorry that there isn't much to say tonight, but I think that could be a good thing. It means things went pretty smoothly. Alright, well, Happy Birthday Jamaal. Hope you had a good day, and I hope everyone else had a wonderful day as well.
Here we come Philly!
John and Jamaal.
Today was the most beautiful ride of the trip. I thought South Carolina was beautiful, but Virginia has topped that. We've passed some of the most beautiful farms, and in between, there are large forests that rise up into high ridges and dip into low gullies. The trees don't even stop for ponds, as they grow out of the water like spindly fingers. We had quite a few hills to climb, but our focus was drawn towards our surroundings so we didn't mind the climbs much at all. The shoulder was so large that it was almost like we had an entire lane reserved for us. Jamaal should have had a birthday long before because it seemed like everything went in our favor today.
Jamaal promises me that he has a couple of videos in the works so maybe tomorrow when we make it to D.C., he will get a chance to upload them. Also, Jamaal's mother is flying in to meet us tomorrow, and she will be riding with us the rest of the way. Sorry that there isn't much to say tonight, but I think that could be a good thing. It means things went pretty smoothly. Alright, well, Happy Birthday Jamaal. Hope you had a good day, and I hope everyone else had a wonderful day as well.
Here we come Philly!
John and Jamaal.
June 17th - Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
John and Jamaal's ride through rural Virginia today are dedicated to the following person...
June 17 (Day 16): Yorktown, VA to Tappahannock, VA (52 miles)
Dedicated to:
Claire Morris – 50 miles
Monday, June 16, 2008
Day 15- Smoked.
Acres of open fields, fields of never ending, sun-kissed plains surrounded us as we rode out of North Carolina into Virginia today. Riding was smooth and easy going. The weather was cooler than it has been and Jamaal and I felt so comfortable that we rode without our normal shorts over our cycling shorts.
We reached a bridge, probably a mile or so long, with decent elevation. The elevation reminded us of the hills we encountered in the first week of riding and allowed us to approach the speeds we topped in the first week too.(I topped out at nearly 28MPH going down this bridge.) After the descent though, as with every hill, I began to slow and I attempted to coast on the speed I reached as far as I could. Jamaal, however, pedaled through and tried to reach the highest speed he could. A well disguised pot hole thwarted this attempt, though, causing Jamaal to slide baseball style while still attached to his bike. His fall looked pretty gnarly to say the least and I was actually genuinely worried, but he was on his feet as quickly as he fell and managed to come out with only a couple scrapes. He brushed himself off and we were on our way again.
After reaching Virginia we encountered what appeared to be fog, but after breathing some of it, we discovered it was smoke. Yeah, no kidding. Smoke. I assume this is smoke blowing from North Carolina into Virginia, but it ruined the rest of today's ride. It was so bad that we saw a few, unfortunate pedestrians walking with bandannas over their faces to keep from breathing the smoke into their lungs.
Tomorrow we ride from Yorktown to Tappahannock. I have been informed that there isn't much there so tomorrow should be interesting. However, the day after we will be riding through D.C. and Baltimore. How we will go from nowhere to the U.S. capital from one day to the next, I will never know.
Tomorrow is Jamaal's birthday, so I am sure he would appreciate it a lot if you could leave him a message for after tomorrow's ride. Thanks everyone. Take care and be safe.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
We reached a bridge, probably a mile or so long, with decent elevation. The elevation reminded us of the hills we encountered in the first week of riding and allowed us to approach the speeds we topped in the first week too.(I topped out at nearly 28MPH going down this bridge.) After the descent though, as with every hill, I began to slow and I attempted to coast on the speed I reached as far as I could. Jamaal, however, pedaled through and tried to reach the highest speed he could. A well disguised pot hole thwarted this attempt, though, causing Jamaal to slide baseball style while still attached to his bike. His fall looked pretty gnarly to say the least and I was actually genuinely worried, but he was on his feet as quickly as he fell and managed to come out with only a couple scrapes. He brushed himself off and we were on our way again.
After reaching Virginia we encountered what appeared to be fog, but after breathing some of it, we discovered it was smoke. Yeah, no kidding. Smoke. I assume this is smoke blowing from North Carolina into Virginia, but it ruined the rest of today's ride. It was so bad that we saw a few, unfortunate pedestrians walking with bandannas over their faces to keep from breathing the smoke into their lungs.
Tomorrow we ride from Yorktown to Tappahannock. I have been informed that there isn't much there so tomorrow should be interesting. However, the day after we will be riding through D.C. and Baltimore. How we will go from nowhere to the U.S. capital from one day to the next, I will never know.
Tomorrow is Jamaal's birthday, so I am sure he would appreciate it a lot if you could leave him a message for after tomorrow's ride. Thanks everyone. Take care and be safe.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
June 16th - Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
Today's trip crossing into Virginia is dedicated to the following individuals...
June 16 (Day 15): Edenton, NC to Yorktown, VA (103 miles)
Dedicated to:
Claire Morris – 50 miles
The Research Scientists who are making a difference – 40 miles
Francine Cohne – 13 miles
June 14th and 15th - Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
June 14 (Day 13): Jacksonville, NC to Washington, NC (70 miles)
Dedicated to:
The Research Scientists who are making a difference – 50 miles
Cyrus Feeser and Charles Groft – 20 miles
June 15 (Day 14): Washington, DC to Edenton, NC (56 miles)
Dedicated to:
John Ellis and Jamaal Warren (Way to go guys!) – 40 miles
Cary and Deloris Ellis – 16 miles
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Day 13/14 - Little Washington, Ex-Capital Edenton, and Everything In Between.
Early morning we awoke and left a note, thanking the Ammons family for taking care of us and headed for Washington, North Carolina on Saturday. It began as a typical day of riding. This day, though, we encountered road construction, just before reaching Washington, that we haven't quite experienced before. Traffic was cut to one lane for both north and south-bound lanes. A dreadful sight for cyclists, but in our favor, there was a detour that we gladly took. This proved to be a bad move on our part, simply because we assumed a detour would take you back to the road that you were...detouring from, but apparently, this is not always the case. After getting lost and backtracking and getting lost again, we finally swallowed our man pride and asked for help. So this minor incident only set us back forty-five minutes, and we continued on to Washington on the less than comfortable roads.
Upon arriving in Washington, we had a run in with a drawbridge. You see, the portion of the bridge that raises up to allow boats through is actually a mesh weaving of metal that is a poor surface for bike tires to ride over.(DEATHTRAP) We had no choice though but to ride across since there was no shoulder on this bridge or any other way to cross. Jamaal likened this riding experience to drifting in a car. (I seriously doubt he knows first-hand. He probably just saw it on a video game or movie.) Nonetheless, we made it safely to our hotel.
Today, we had our first rain of the entire trip. Two weeks of sunshine before we had any rain at all. Before we began this journey, Jamaal and I considered riding in the rain, barring lightning and tremendous down pours, but after testing the conditions of the roads for ourselves first hand, we decided that the roads were too slick. It would be selfish and stupid to endanger ourselves just so we could ride in the rain. Sunday always serves as a good day to rest and recollect ourselves anyways, so we appreciated the first true break from riding we have had the entire trip.
For dinner, we ate at a buffet that reminded me of the scene from Vegas Vacation. You know that scene I am talking about. The scene with the blue stuff and the yellow stuff ? Let's just say I played it safe, and ate only what I could recognize.
Tomorrow we will be in Virginia, only a week from our final destination- Philadelphi ! Now that Jamaal and I have rested up we will be riding strong for the last stretch. I can't believe that the ride is almost completed. I won't know what to do with myself after this is over and done with. I'll feel like I should get up every morning and ride for 60 miles or so before I can do anything else. I definitely feel changed for the better by doing this. Well, sorry for the late update folks, but we will have more video coming soon. Take it easy.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
Upon arriving in Washington, we had a run in with a drawbridge. You see, the portion of the bridge that raises up to allow boats through is actually a mesh weaving of metal that is a poor surface for bike tires to ride over.(DEATHTRAP) We had no choice though but to ride across since there was no shoulder on this bridge or any other way to cross. Jamaal likened this riding experience to drifting in a car. (I seriously doubt he knows first-hand. He probably just saw it on a video game or movie.) Nonetheless, we made it safely to our hotel.
Today, we had our first rain of the entire trip. Two weeks of sunshine before we had any rain at all. Before we began this journey, Jamaal and I considered riding in the rain, barring lightning and tremendous down pours, but after testing the conditions of the roads for ourselves first hand, we decided that the roads were too slick. It would be selfish and stupid to endanger ourselves just so we could ride in the rain. Sunday always serves as a good day to rest and recollect ourselves anyways, so we appreciated the first true break from riding we have had the entire trip.
For dinner, we ate at a buffet that reminded me of the scene from Vegas Vacation. You know that scene I am talking about. The scene with the blue stuff and the yellow stuff ? Let's just say I played it safe, and ate only what I could recognize.
Tomorrow we will be in Virginia, only a week from our final destination- Philadelphi ! Now that Jamaal and I have rested up we will be riding strong for the last stretch. I can't believe that the ride is almost completed. I won't know what to do with myself after this is over and done with. I'll feel like I should get up every morning and ride for 60 miles or so before I can do anything else. I definitely feel changed for the better by doing this. Well, sorry for the late update folks, but we will have more video coming soon. Take it easy.
Love,
John and Jamaal.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Day 12- Friday the 13th.
I am usually not too superstitious, at least when it comes to Friday the 13th, but today proved to be unique. Whether or not this is because of Friday the 13th, I guess Jamaal and I will never be sure, but consider the following circumstances.
- Jamaal and I met a fellow tourer early this morning during our ride. He was touring fully loaded with nearly forty pounds of gear by my eyes' estimate. We rode along with him and chatted with him a bit, discovering he was riding from Miami to Canada because he felt it was "a good way to spend the summer." Now you might say that this isn't odd, it's just absurd, but there is more to the story. Riding behind him, we clocked our speed at around 12-13MPH, slightly slower than the 16-18MPH that Jamaal and I typically cruise at, but we didn't mind the slower pace and the conversation and company he gave. We stopped at a red light, and he informed us that he was going to part ways with us. It was kind of sad, but to each his own, I suppose. Here's the unnerving part. An hour later, after stepping our pace back up, we were rehydrating at the van when we spotted the man on his bike again as he passed by us. Trust me, there is no mistaking this guy. Honestly, how many people are touring at this moment in time, in the same area that we are traveling in ? Weird.
- Jamaal fell off his bike. Obviously, it wasn't a poltergeist or specter or ghost or anything. He wasn't paying attention and he ran into the back of my tire causing him to fall into the road. Luckily for us, there were no cars coming at the time, but it was the first fall of the trip, and it just so happens that this occurs on Friday the 13th.
- We almost got hit by a car today. The closest we've come to this scary situation in all of our riding adventures. We rode up to a red light at an intersection and right as we pulled up to the light it turned green, so we pedalled through, but as we were, a truck adjacent to us slowly, but deliberately began shifting over to the shoulder. Luckily, Jamaal and I had enough space to stop and avoid an accident as we watched this car drive over numerous cones on the shoulder and then drive away.
- To top this all off, our hotel had rooms donated to us in Jacksonville, NC, but for tomorrow night and they had no available rooms for us tonight.
Today was interesting to say the least. It was a fun, short ride, and we were able to meet up with some friends here in Jacksonville. We will be bunking with them tonight, so thank you Ammons family. Tomorrow we ride to Washington, NC, a 70 mile ride.
Sleep well, folks, and take it easy,
John and Jamaal.
Friday, June 13, 2008
June 13th - Virtual Mile Marker Dedication
Miles of todays ride have been dedicated to the following people today...
June 13 (Day 12): Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville, NC (58 miles)
Dedicated to:
Claire Morris – 50 miles
John and Jamaal – 8 miles
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