Sunday, August 31, 2014

Journey's End




”Only those who will risk going too far can possibly 
find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot







We've had two days to reflect on our journey from Seattle to San Francisco and 
as the hours pass, the details of the ride become fuzzy, the aches and pains disappear
but the pride in the accomplishment remains a constant.   Glenn and Jim are still talking
about the long hills they climbed, the invigorating downhills that they experienced
and the treacherous roads that they encountered.  We all marvel at our incredible luck with
the weather in an area known for rain and gray. We admit to being tired - the men from riding 
and the ladies from the tedious days in the SAG vehicle and all of us from the early mornings 
and strange beds each night.   When one asks if we got along for the whole trip, we are proud 
to say that we all still like each other....perhaps even more than we did before :) 

This most certainly was "an excellent adventure" for all and we were so very
happy to share it with you.   We welcome ideas for the next 
I Care I Cure I Cycle journey.  Where would YOU like to see us ride or, 
better yet, ride with us?  We can't give up as long as
gentler cure for childhood cancer are not available for all kids!





We have a winner! 
Lucie Milosz Haskins, Glenn's high school classmate,
was the first person with the correct answers.
Lucie, Glenn says you were always a Math whiz!
Your shirt will be on its way when we get home!


The total number of miles pedaled by Jim is 706.96

The total number of miles pedaled by Glenn is 951.97

Way to go, Glenn and Jim!



We hope to have a current tally on donations this week.
We'll have one last wrap-up blog soon!





Friday, August 29, 2014

A Golden Finish



Day 13 - San Rafael, California to San Francisco, California




The Two Amigos are ready for the last ride!
Click below to see how they prepare!!



























Our first glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge from Sausalito!








Bridgeway in Sausalito








San Francisco as seen from Sausalito



Our meeting in Sausalito before heading to THE bridge!








Laurie and Lynn headed up to a scenic overlook to capture these photos before
Glenn and Jim headed across the bridge.  Fog moved in to obstruct the view
but we were still thrilled to have made it to this glorious bridge!































 Glenn and Jim made it to the Bridge and we trekked across from the 
other side via a tunnel to share these Kodak moments!















  1. The Bridge is actually named for the Golden Gate Strait, the narrow entrance between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. The strait was named by explorer and U.S. Army officer John C. Frémont, who marveled at its beauty in 1846—two years before the discovery of gold in California.




The I Care I Cure I Cycle Team!












A GLIMPSE FROM GLENN

Sometimes the end of a ride is bittersweet.  On the one hand, it marks the conclusion of an event
that I have been looking forward to for a long time that now is completed and in the books.  On the other hand, there is a sense of accomplishment for a job well done especially considering the physical demands involved.   This particular venture was different than the last ride up the East Coast.  Not only was the scenery more impressive to me, but I think Lynn and I truly enjoyed having Laurie and Jim along for this journey for it was great to share in this experience with them as it unfolded.

It is a bit strange though....since we began our journey from Key West in November 2009, this is the first time that there are no specific plans for the next chapter in our quest to help in raising funds for I Care I Cure.  To Be Continued...............



















On the bridge!







On the south side of the bridge in SF!


''









Five minutes after riding across the bridge, Glenn had safely
secured his bike in its case.....No more riding on this trip!











Here rests the GIANT....bike, that is!






Sausalito and San Francisco are so very bike friendly!





















On the BART train







Our quick tour through the Presidio before heading to lunch!








Celebratory Lunch in SF!







Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill, SF





Pier 39, SF



GEMS FROM JIM



At Thanksgiving dinner last, I committed to join Glenn on this journey.  He'd brought it up from time to time prior, and it was a fuzzy consideration.  But now I'd written it on a card and handed it to him.  Glenn produced the 9 month old pledge at dinner tonight in Fisherman's wharf, the ride now completed.  It feels really good, that sense of accomplishment.  A number of people had voiced their doubt, suggesting that I should not (meaning could not) attempt the ride.  When I doubted myself is when I signed that card.  I had something to prove to myself, and to no one else. 

I want to thank Glenn for never doubting me and for being my biggest cheerleader.  He patiently waited for me at the top of long inclines and encouraged me to push personal boundaries.  I learned a lot from Glenn... and not just about bicycling.  If you've read my other blog posts, you can tell that this 13 day bike ride has had real life parallels. 

Laurie and Lynn have been particularly wonderful.  For two weeks, doing the heavy lifting.  Early mornings, late evenings, all the driving, making lunches, arranging accommodations, and pretty selflessly giving up two weeks of their own to be there for us.  

We are so grateful to everyone who has supported our ride by following the blog posts, sending encouraging emails and texts and Facebook comments.  I have been overwhelmed by the magnitude and consistency of your attention.  It feels like you all have been winding down the coastline with us. 

And thank you for supporting the I Care I Cure Foundation.  It is enabling valuable research into gentler care for childhood cancer, and your contributions are making a real difference in children's lives.








Lines from Lynn

I, too, want to thank our loyal blog followers.  Each night when I write, edit and post photos I feel a sense of responsibility to provide a blog that is concise, humorous,  informative and interesting.   We hope that you feel like you have been on our journey with us.   I was very excited to hear from a friend, who is a teacher, that she used the
blog as a learning tool in her classroom.  I was thrilled!  Thanks, Barb!

"I used your blog at school today. We are reading There's an Owl in the Shower, which takes place in a logging town in an old growth forest.  It was great for the kids to see your pictures. They loved the connection too. A few kids were more interested in the bike ride than the forest. They love the pic where you were standing inside tree roots." 






Harbor Seals lounging on the docks on Pier 39







An incredible sunset to end a perfect journey!









Stats from lucky Day 13:

Glenn and Jim rode 21.29 miles in 2 hours and 16 minutes
Expending 1056 calories and climbing 953 feet!









Since no one correctly answered the mileage question earlier this week, today's 
challenge is to provide answers to these two questions:

1.  What is the total number of miles pedaled by Jim
2.  What is the total number of miles pedaled by Glenn

Winner gets a t-shirt!







We will have another blog in a day or two to wind things up....Until then,
Enjoy the holiday weekend!




 Our journey has taken us from Seattle



TO





SAN FRANCISCO






We do this to raise funds and awareness for targeted therapies for
childhood cancer.    Ian is our inspiration and we are thrilled to be able
to help I Care I Cure in this way.  To date, the total raised on this ride is
$5500 but it is not too late to donate....any amount is appreciated!



CLICK HERE IF YOU WISH TO DONATE NOW!