And finally... an album with most all of the pics I took on my journey.
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Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Final One.
What more can I write? My ride may have ended, but my sister's battle continues. In just two days, she will begin radiation that runs every day for 7 weeks, and restart the weekly chemo as well. I rode and we all did our part - we raised $9,000 for Susan G.Komen. Since all of the money raised was through the Passionately Pink for the Cure program, the money raised will stay in the area where the donation originated. That being said, we have helped raise money for many Georgia and southeastern grants and programs supported by Komen dollars.
As for the ride, it was thought up, planned, and executed all in one summer. Right when my sister and my family needed it most, we all had positive thoughts and and something to focus on during Kris's treatment. It was a way for all of us to support her and the lives of folks we don't even know at the same time.
Before I left, many of my reasons for doing this ride were a sort of cross bond for my sister and me. Through a series of challenging and mentally draining events, we shared this summer together a bond to carry on through the tough times. She did it and so did I, with the support of so many people. I want to thank all of the people and the sponsors for their support and their roles in making this trip a successful and positive one.
We are going to have a get together on the 25th of Sept -- that's in two weeks. We are planning on 5:00 PM until about 7:00 PM at Zuffy's off Buford Highway - the same spot we had the original fundraiser. You can find directions here. My sister and I want to invite anyone that wants to come down that evening and say hi and hang out for a bit. It's going to be a very casual and relaxed. I hope that some of you have time that day to swing by and catch up and check out my nearly 1000 pics that didn't get posted.
As for the ride, it was thought up, planned, and executed all in one summer. Right when my sister and my family needed it most, we all had positive thoughts and and something to focus on during Kris's treatment. It was a way for all of us to support her and the lives of folks we don't even know at the same time.
Before I left, many of my reasons for doing this ride were a sort of cross bond for my sister and me. Through a series of challenging and mentally draining events, we shared this summer together a bond to carry on through the tough times. She did it and so did I, with the support of so many people. I want to thank all of the people and the sponsors for their support and their roles in making this trip a successful and positive one.
We are going to have a get together on the 25th of Sept -- that's in two weeks. We are planning on 5:00 PM until about 7:00 PM at Zuffy's off Buford Highway - the same spot we had the original fundraiser. You can find directions here. My sister and I want to invite anyone that wants to come down that evening and say hi and hang out for a bit. It's going to be a very casual and relaxed. I hope that some of you have time that day to swing by and catch up and check out my nearly 1000 pics that didn't get posted.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
One Week
I have been home one week. After spending so much time in remote areas and riding alone for the last 5 weeks, Atlanta seems very overwhelming. I look back at the photos and they seem ancient!! It wasn't that long ago that I was on the road, but it sure seems like it. I guess we can get sucked into the easy city life so very easy and fast. The one big thing is having a CAR! Not having to ride the bike to get to every single place I want to go. Not having to pack the bike so the weight is right and it rides ok, then suit up, and helmet up, and lastly, put on my gloves.
Or better yet, putting my gloves on, then my helmet, only to take my gloves right back off to get the chin strap done on the helmet, only to realize I have to take the helmet back off to put my ear plugs in, then put my helmet back on, then put my gloves on, then actually be ready to ride. It was always an event to get ready.
Packing the bike was a big deal as well. If I put too much weight on the back of the bike, it would "unload" the front wheel and the bike wouldn't handle well. I f I got the weight right on, it was like a dream and the bike would be fine. Just getting that balance right had me constantly trying different ideas, and after a few days, I found what worked in making the ride comfy and not terrifying at all times. I eventually got all my packing and suiting up down pretty well and I was very comfortable with the bike by the end of it all.
When I arrived in GA, I rode right to my sisters house to visit. She was SOOOO happy to see me and I her. It was great to catch up with her and the family. I busted out the computer and began showing her the nearly 1,000 photos I had, explaining what was what and how things were. I told her the whole big story about turning around in the Arctic, only to turn back around again and head north alone. I told her about getting a flat my first day in Alaska, and how I tried so very hard to stay interesting in my blogging. To write and post so she was able to read along and keep her mind busy. She told me just how great the trip was and that it really did mean alot to her. I was glad to hear that.
I spent the night that evening at her house then I was off to ride into Atlanta. It was BKs birthday and I wasn't about to miss it. I told her I'd be back in time, and sure enough I arrived on the day of... not a moment too late. It was great to see her and of course Broccoli Dog, and show her all of my pics and videos and tell her the stories, too.
I'm glad to be home. I fell back into my ATL life easily and I am happy for that. I opened an automotive shop just before I left and while I was gone my business partner did great. I arrived home to a shop full of cars!! He and I have been busy all week bringing some really great antique cars back to life, as well as helping a few vintage racers see another lap around the track. It's been great and I'm happy to do it.
As for the party, it's in the works and tentative for Saturday, September 18th. So mark your calenders and when I can confirm, I will post up and let you know.
Or better yet, putting my gloves on, then my helmet, only to take my gloves right back off to get the chin strap done on the helmet, only to realize I have to take the helmet back off to put my ear plugs in, then put my helmet back on, then put my gloves on, then actually be ready to ride. It was always an event to get ready.
Packing the bike was a big deal as well. If I put too much weight on the back of the bike, it would "unload" the front wheel and the bike wouldn't handle well. I f I got the weight right on, it was like a dream and the bike would be fine. Just getting that balance right had me constantly trying different ideas, and after a few days, I found what worked in making the ride comfy and not terrifying at all times. I eventually got all my packing and suiting up down pretty well and I was very comfortable with the bike by the end of it all.
When I arrived in GA, I rode right to my sisters house to visit. She was SOOOO happy to see me and I her. It was great to catch up with her and the family. I busted out the computer and began showing her the nearly 1,000 photos I had, explaining what was what and how things were. I told her the whole big story about turning around in the Arctic, only to turn back around again and head north alone. I told her about getting a flat my first day in Alaska, and how I tried so very hard to stay interesting in my blogging. To write and post so she was able to read along and keep her mind busy. She told me just how great the trip was and that it really did mean alot to her. I was glad to hear that.
I spent the night that evening at her house then I was off to ride into Atlanta. It was BKs birthday and I wasn't about to miss it. I told her I'd be back in time, and sure enough I arrived on the day of... not a moment too late. It was great to see her and of course Broccoli Dog, and show her all of my pics and videos and tell her the stories, too.
I'm glad to be home. I fell back into my ATL life easily and I am happy for that. I opened an automotive shop just before I left and while I was gone my business partner did great. I arrived home to a shop full of cars!! He and I have been busy all week bringing some really great antique cars back to life, as well as helping a few vintage racers see another lap around the track. It's been great and I'm happy to do it.
As for the party, it's in the works and tentative for Saturday, September 18th. So mark your calenders and when I can confirm, I will post up and let you know.
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