"With a Little Help from My Friends"

Thanks so much for following my bicycle adventure and living out my dream trip with me. After breakfast in New Castle, IN, I told Vikki and Ronnie about Kyle Casey’s role in my life, and they thought I should mention it in my closing blog. I think that’s a great idea.

Kyle was a friend and fellow Boy Scout with my son, Adam. A group of ten of them stuck together and all earned their Eagle rank, the highest rank in scouting. Kyle had completed all of the requirements but before his ceremony, he passed away in an auto accident. We held his Eagle ceremony posthumously in the funeral home, an event that greatly impacted everyone there. His death inspired me to take advantage of every moment of life, and served as a central inspiration for my trip. We are raising donations to fund the Kyle Casey Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is awarded to a Gaylord High School senior each year. My hope is to raise enough money to make the scholarship self-perpetuating, working from the interest, so that it can live on indefinitely in his memory.

The real lesson I learned from my bike adventure is about the goodness of people and, as the Beatles put it so well, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”

Some of the friends are ones whom I just met on my expedition through their simple acts of selfless kindness. When Phil Harnden and his family rescued me after my derailer exploded on my second day, I knew that I would make it through my trip. There are so many examples, from people providing me “experienced” directions, donating bike parts, and bringing me water, food and the occasional beer when I needed it, I cannot describe them all. The world is full of good kind people, and you should not be afraid to venture and meet them. They will enhance your life.

Some are the family and friends whom you have known through your whole life. Christa gave me the “blessing” to leave and rescued me twice when I needed her on the road. Having the opportunity to get together with many whom I haven’t seen in years reminded me that some bonds are too strong to be broken. Riding with my sister Cathy proved to be a fantastic memory, just one of many elements of family support that I won’t forget. And neither should you. What a celebration when I returned! Thanks for showing me the love! What can I say, Family and Friends must be treasured and not taken for granted.

Last, my own two hands served as my friends of last resort. They helped me resolve daily situations from eating to sleeping, routines everyone takes for granted. Many doubted my sanity and ability to finish this adventure before I began. But by using my own self confidence, I proved that with the right preparation, persistence and problem solving skills anything is possible.

I hope my adventure inspires you to fulfill your dreams. I am an “ordinary” guy, not some type of hero. Let me serve as an example instead, and tell me about the great plans you fulfill in your own lives.

NOTE: Maybe I will write a book…. You’ll be the first to know….. This blog is best viewed from the beginning (in February). Read one or two entries a day. If you can make it last 32 days, you'll know how I felt.... AWESOME!

Just Give Me the Facts

I took a few minutes today to put together some facts about my bike trip. Let me know if there's anything I missed. If you met me on my adventure or know me in person, you're aware of my scrambling for pieces of paper, such as receipts and other frivolous documentation. That makes some of these numbers estimates, if you know what I mean.


Total Miles - 2,415 Miles

Average Speed - 14.01 mph

Bike and Gear Weight - 70 lbs.

Pedaling Time - 172 1/2 hours

Sleeping Arrangements
Camping - 16
Hotels - 7
Guest - 7

Bike Issues
Bike Shops - 5
Flats - 12
Tires - 2
Spokes - 6
Derailers - 2

Daily Mileage
Most Miles in a Day - 105 (Alabama)
Highest Ave. Speed - 16.1 mph (Michigan)
Most Riding Time in a Day - 7 hours, 35 minutes (Alabama)
90-99 Mile Days - 5
80-89 Mile Days - 10
60-79 Mile Days - 10
Least Miles in a Day - 23 (Michigan)
Lowest Ave. Speed - 11.8 mph (Michigan)
Least Riding Time in a Day - 1 hour, 35 minutes
Total Pedal Strokes - 775,881

States Traveled # Days
Florida 8
Alabama 3
Mississippi 2
Tennessee 4
Kentucky 2
Illinois 1
Indiana 5
Ohio 1
Michigan 6
Most States Cycled in a Day - 3 (Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois)

Weather # Days
Rainy 2
Windy 8
Over 90 degrees 5
Over 80 degrees 14
Under 50 degrees 6

Money Spent - $1,500
(Not including the Welcome Home Celebration)

Blog Activity
Total Blog Hits - 5,486
Total Pages Viewed - 12,247
Most Hits per Day - 222
"Unique" Visitors - 1,377

Furthest Country Hits
Canada - 27 (Mostly Nana, I think)
Germany - 11
United Kingdom - 7
Spain - 6
Brazil, Romania, Italy, Portugal and Chile all had less than 5 hits.

Biggest Meals
All You Can Eat Crab Buffets - 2
Mexican Burritos - 3
Pancake Breakfasts - 23

Money Raised for the Kyle Casey Memorial Scholarship Fund - Closing in on $6,500 and still counting..... See March 26th post

Home at Last, Home at Last; Thank God Almighty, I’m Home at Last!

I think Dorothy said it best; “There’s no place like home.” It seems like I closed my eyes and clicked my pedals together three times, and I was back in Gaylord. Just like the Wizard of Oz, my world was in vivid Technicolor for the past month, but when all is said and done, there’s nothing better than the security of home and the love of family and friends. And I am home.

What a final day. I couldn’t have dreamed of anything finer. To begin with, I visited Roscommon High School and met many students and staff from my Spring student teaching experience. All semester long they heard me talking about my cycling adventure. Many students were incredulous, and said stuff like “There’s no way you can do that, Mr. Bono.” It was cool to prove them wrong and to show that small people can do big things. I hope my adventure gives them motivation to be excellent at everything they do, and to dream big dreams and live life large.

I stopped in Grayling on my way home, and ate lunch at the Grayling Restaurant while talking with a Kim Shine from the Detroit Free Press. She said they will be doing an article in Sunday’s paper about my trip. Awesome – my 15 minutes of fame! I also hooked up with the fellow who sold me my bike, Bob Smith at The Bicycle Shop, and thanked him for helping me decide on the right bike and equipment for my trip.

A buddy of mine, Dan Yarsevich, showed up on his motorcycle while I was in downtown Grayling, and I knew it wouldn’t take much longer to be closing out my ride. Dan accompanied me the rest of the trip, and I think he also served as an “advance scout” for the events to follow. My kids, Adam and Andrea wanted me to call them when I reached Waters, a small town 15 miles south of Gaylord. I was getting ready to call, when I saw Trooper Ron Rabineau (who commented that he would provide a police escort into Gaylord) and my children. After some hugs and handshakes, they escorted me the rest of the trip. A few miles later, Mark Lambert (aka – Mr. Cleaning Lady) pulled a fire engine into the procession, with my bowling/euchre buddy Tim Warren following in an ambulance. Lights were flashing, horns were blowing and people were pulling off the side of the road to let us through. Oh, my gosh. You’ve got to be kidding me.

When we pulled in front of Gerta’s Draperies (my wife’s business), I couldn’t believe my eyes. About 75 people waved and cheered me on, all wearing tee shirts that Andrea designed (with a little help from Kathy at Embroidery Today.) The reception reminded me of something out of a movie, and I just couldn’t believe my eyes. Christa had been working on it frantically, and all I can say is that I was overwhelmed. It’s beautiful to think that I touched so many lives. What more can I say.

I can’t begin naming the friends and family who were there, except for my folks, whom you always need to mention. Mayor Solokis awarded me a Proclamation from the City of Gaylord, which was eloquently written by Joe Duff, the City Manager and a camping partner. Stan Dombrowski from Maier and Associates awarded a $2,400 donation to the Kyle Casey Scholarship Fund. Best of all, I shared the experience with Sue and Pat Casey, Kyle’s parents whom agreed with me that no words could describe the love we were feeling. Amen.

The whole celebration was a little humbling. What I did was pretty cool, but I don’t really want people thinking of me as “a hero” for pulling off my cycling escapade. I’d rather they look at me as an example of someone who has a dream and took the action to make it happen. Examples are meant to be followed. Follow it by making your own dream come true.

NOTE: There will be two more entries to my blog. The first will be some fast facts that might interest you and that I would like to remember but won’t, unless they are written down. The second will highlight the lessons I learned over the past month.

I will be putting a “guestbook” on the site before my final blog entries. Please let me know who you are and that you joined me for my adventure. Your “virtual participation” means so much to me that I would like to hear from you. Thanks!

PS: Thanks for the pictures, Al and Sandy.

Homeward Bound

I’ll be home this evening, back at Gaylord, sitting in my favorite Lazy Boy, watching the season finale of 24. That’s just fine. A man can only take so much adventure at one time and for me, that time has come.

Right now I am sitting in Loren Preuss’ living room, watching National Treasure and drinking home brewed beers. Loren was my “host teacher” when I student taught at Roscommon High School this spring, but I prefer to call him my mentor. A mentor has an investment in their protégé’s success, and imparts wisdom that may not always fit into the typical mold. Loren is my age, has many of the same interests, and much more experience teaching students about social studies and life. Saginaw Valley State University made a perfect match, my first since meeting Christa. And we all know that one turned out happily ever after.

This is a regular family night with Loren, his wife Wendy, Emily and Justin. It’s nice, relaxing chance to just sit and talk. Given my past month of “excitements” it’s a pleasure to enjoy such a peaceful evening. I look forward to many more with my own family.

Earlier today I met my brother-in-law Walt Leibold in at Loggers Restaurant in West Branch for a bite to eat. I had the big burrito. PERFECT. My Precious. Afterward I went to the Java Junction to post my blog; once I explained what I was doing they told me they heard I was coming through town. What? That stuff better stop when I get back home or I’ll be in some real trouble. Please don’t GPS me.

The sun started shining in West Branch and made for a beautiful trip. I almost decided to go to the Kirtland Warbler Festival instead of biking directly to Roscommon, but I came to my sense just in time. As I close in on Gaylord, the landmarks become more and more familiar. Christa and I spent our wedding night at the Est-Wood Motel in St. Helen in 1981. Back then it didn't exactly offer the typical "honeymoon suite", but I understand the new owners have worked hard to make it a pretty nice little lodge. And it’s for sale, honey.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be visiting with students and teachers at Roscommon High School, some of whom have commented on this blog. Most didn’t believe me when I told them I cycling across the country, so I have to rub it in thoroughly. I hope they have learned some lessons about planning, preparation, persistence and problem-solving from my experience.

My trip tomorrow will take me through Grayling and north on Old US27 into Gaylord. I should be arriving about 3:00pm, but as I reminded my wife, there are some things you can’t necessarily plan on when you are cycling – the biggest of which is time. I’ll be stopping at Gerta’s Draperies, where Chirsta has a shopping list of items to pick up on my way home. I will love doing her shopping. I love doing her errands. I love life. And I’ll see you tomorrow.

Phasing Into Reality… The Easy Way

Christa is all worried that I’ll be in for a big letdown when I return to “life as normal” in Gaylord. There’s a triple dose of ant-depressants waiting for me, just in case. I think I’ll be busy enough; producing the Gaylord Community Productions play “Aladdin”, looking for a teaching job, working on our yard, getting ready for Andrea’s graduation party, working as a golf ranger at the Black Forest, looking for a teaching job (did I already say that?) But Christa is right, as usual. So today I started phasing my way back into a normal lifestyle.

I ate a big stack of pancakes at Wheeler’s Restaurant in Standish first thing in the morning. (I think it was called Wheeler’s – let me know if I’m wrong.) I found out that I am the sole surviving bicyclist who ever rode on M-13. Maybe it’s because I try to be invisible sometimes….. Anyway, they were a pretty lively morning crew and I told them the Bay City Times was doing an article about my trip. After breakfast, I went to post my blog at the internet café next store, and lo and behold, the owner of the breakfast place tracked me down, marching in with a couple of copies of the article. I love small towns.

Here’s where the normal routine comes in. I cycled from Standish to Dennis and Cathy’s cottage at Forest Lake (near Alger), took a shower. A few minutes later my brother John and his buddy Mike Bostic came rolling into the driveway to pick me up, so we could meet Dennis and his friends at The Dream golf course. Mike pulled off his dream last year. He’s 43 years ago and just enlisted in the Army National Guard. He was the oldest recruit in a class of 173, and now he’s a scout with the possibility of serving in Afghanistan or Iraq next year. Way to go, Bostic! “Call for Fire! Fire in the Hole! Fire for Effect!”

Saturday golfing; that’s normal, isn’t it. The weather was pretty nice for 8 ½ holes, but coming into the 9^th green it looked like the scene from Caddyshack where the priest is having the round of his life. The rain was blowing sideways, and you could almost parasail with your rain jacket if you were standing at the right angle. John, Mike and I decided to get a rain check for the second nine. The Findley foursome played on into the rainy, 55 degree evening.

Now, let me tell you something about people from Ohio. They have an inferiority complex when it comes to Michigan, I think; like they always have to prove something. I know that we were warm, dry, enjoying the cottage and putting down a few beers. They said they had a good time too, but when we met them the famous Hank’s restaurant at 9:30pm they looked pretty sad. Real sad. John and I were going to sing a little Karaoke after dinner, but we felt sorry for them and decided to just return to the cottage and take their money playing Texas Hold ‘Em.

Worked out for me and Walton. He was the first man out the first game, and he ended up dealing most of the night. But he finished second the next game and broke even. Dean Hunter and I split the first pot. I was the first man out the second game, (must be a Bono thing – big risk, big reward theory) and Jeff won the pot. Dennis played his usual conservative style, but we could never really figure out his other buddy, Gerry Slezak. My bet is that nobody ever has.

It’s Sunday morning, and I just made a big pancake and egg breakfast for the golfers, while I listened to my favorite Frank Sinatra CD. I even washed the dishes. That’s another dose of reality. Dean found some morel mushrooms right off the deck, so you could call the scrambled eggs gourmet, if you want. I did. Bono men have a hereditary thing about breakfast, and it felt mighty fine cooking and eating it.

I think I’m ready to go home. I’m pretty sure I won’t a have a mental letdown. And I’m totally sure I’ll be making breakfast there.

Good People, Good Deeds, Good Reflections

Today marked the first time I’ve really had a good chance to reflect on my adventure, which is quickly coming to a close. It was maybe the most ideal day of cycling I’ve seen; perfect temperatures, sunny, beautiful scenery. I was just about to give up on Michigan after the past few days, when lo and behold, a day like today comes by and renewed my faith.

First, I would like to thank the House of Wheels in Owosso, which had my bicycle in prime condition when Cliff and I arrived shortly after 10:00am. Not only did they waive all of their fees, including a new rear derailer, fixing the spokes and “truing” my rear wheel; they also called the Owosso newspaper to interview me and take some pictures. Hopefully this is the final bike shop I will need to visit, and it surely has very fine and gracious staff. Here’s how good they are: I couldn’t believe they were donating their time and gear, and when I mentioned they could write it off their taxes, they were not interested. Now that is unparalleled goodness.

Even though he day was quiet and peaceful, it was a little like media day at the end of spring training. Beside the Owosso News, I also did a radio interview with WHNN96 in Saginaw, my usual morning spot on the Eagle in Gaylord, and a big interview with the Bay City Times, which was arranged by Meier and Associates. This was going to be a quiet, underground trip until the bowling girls got involved, but I am happy to spread positive messages about the goodness in the world and living out your personal dreams. What a great feeling to think that I have made a positive impact on others.

On my way north from Owosso, I passed through St. Charles, where the entire St. Charles High School student body was planting flowers throughout the entire town. It was a sight to see; I talked with a group of young adults and some organizers how great it must feel to transform their town in a few hours. Once again, good news is there when you look for it.

I rode to the Maier and Associates office in Bay City to thank them for their contribution to the Kyle Casey Memorial Scholarship. Wayne Maier, the Grand Pooba, told me that he would donate a dollar a mile before the trip started. They are contributing more than the rest of the combined donations we have received, over $2,300 at this point. Wayne is a unique man with unique life experiences, and I think he holds many of the values I am espousing on this trip close to his heart. He knew completing the tour would be a challenge for me, but that made his commitment so much more meaningful. It’s too bad he could not be there, but a bunch of the Maier gang was there to greet me and I think them all.

Most of my day involved cycling on peaceful back roads, although for 10 miles I enjoyed the Saginaw Valley Rail-Trail, a dedicated bike trail between St. Charles and Saginaw. It was awesome. About noon, I realized that I was not going to make it to Dennis and Cathy’s cottage on Forest Lake. I decided to camp instead, partly because tonight will be my last opportunity, and camping has been such an integral and rewarding part of my journey. I’m in a roadside park just south of Standish, and even though it doesn’t have the lakes, views and intrigue of some other locations, it feels nice to settle in for one last evening under the stars. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity of this adventure, and doubly so because I could share it with others.

PS: Happy Birthday, Jim!

A Bicycling Parable

God. You know the dude. He really tests you at times, and today was one of those times for me. He’s got a pretty good his sense of humor, too. Now, I’m a big practical joker myself, a trait I inherited from the Pfaff side of the family. I forgot that God is part Pfaff.

First, just to let you know, I am not what you would call a “regular” church go’er, and this blog is not going to be a sermon, but it is a good lesson. Have you ever heard the story of Job? He’s the guy God and Satan made a bet over, to see what it would take for him to take the Lord’s name in vain. Man, they threw everything at that guy except for the kitchen sink, and he still stuck with God. And he was rewarded. The moral of the story; stay on God’s course and everything will turn out well. When you are being tested it’s pretty hard to follow that advice.

Here’s the prologue: Last night Christa called and asked whether I could be in Saginaw by 3:30 on Thursday. I told her no problem, and I may even beat her there. But I forgot God was listening. Dang. And He said, “Ho, Ho. Confidence breeds overconfidence.” And the next day’s destiny was written.

Thursday: My phone rang at 7:00am. It was Hawkeye, and he gave me an excuse for not sticking around and getting his picture in front of the Capitol with Rufus and me (something about “going home sick”.) He asked me to have breakfast with him in the House of Representatives office building, which meant a 10 mile round trip back into downtown Lansing instead of heading north. “Could you be here at 8:30am?” What would you do? Call it delay #1.

So I got to the office building at 8:25am and we went to breakfast at a House Office Building with a big, funky pedestrian walkway. The cafeteria was right next to the entrance and it was practically empty, so I walked my bike inside and placed it in an isolated corner. We were in the breakfast line, talking with a State Representative about my bike trip, when a security guard instructed me to remove the cycle, by orders of his superior. I pleaded my case; “It’s 40 degrees and gusting, my bike is 70 pounds and it can’t fit in the bike racks with the large packs on it; all of my belongings including my computer are on it; you can hardly see it backed in behind the ATM machine.” The supervisor’s reply (in a nasal voice) “Bike’s are not allowed in the building, no exceptions.” As I struggled in freezing temperatures to lock my bicycle to a light post, thoughts of “What a weenie” ran through my mind. But I returned to have a large stack of pancakes with Hawkeye. Call it a warm up hassle. A sign of things to come.

We didn’t find out Hawkeye’s real name was Jim Stansell until we knew him for five years. He’s the last remnant of the rock and poll era; a long haired, REO Speedwagon roadie. This picture shows the new, domesticated Hawkeye. His daughter Caitlyn is graduating from Okemos and going to Purdue, and my daughter Andrea is graduating from Gaylord and going to Northern. We concluded their success must have been the result of a strong paternal influence.

A lobbyist introduced us to Kevin Elsenheimer, our State Representative, as he passed by and he promised to make a contribution to the Kyle Casey Memorial Scholarship Fund. (See May postings.) The lobbyist who introduced us took our photograph, but you know how those lobbyists are, the picture didn’t turn out.

After breakfast I plodded north directly into a 25mph wind, in 40 degree weather. If you have never experienced this before, there is NO WAY to describe it. I shook my fist and yelled in vain “STOP! PLEEEEASE STOP!” but the wind blew on. When I had a pit stop in Dewitt (don’t forget I backtracked through all the pitted streets of Lansing), one of my rear spokes was busted – AGAIN! Call it Test #1.

The convenience store dudes knew there were bicycle shops in East Lansing (10 miles backward) and I found one on the internet in Owosso (30 miles forward.) My decision, go back and make a 20 mile round trip to get back where I was, or to try and make it to Owosso on a broken spoke. Remember what I told Chirsta……… So I called the House of Wheels bike shop in Owosso and told them I’d be there about 2:00, and I called Christa and told her I still might be in time to see my niece Lauren play in the Hemlock High Soccer game.

People who know me call me an optimist, but as I forced myself against the wind, looking out for every big crack in the road and praying other spokes would hold on, it was pretty difficult to use the power of positive thinking. Then I figured it out – Ah, ha! I’m being tested! Good one, God! You caught me getting a little cocky. Fair and square. You got me.” And man, I felt a ton better after I figured that out. The wind seemed to slow down, my bike was riding pretty good, and I even got to ride on a freshly paved road in a construction area that wasn’t open for traffic yet.

Just as I entered Owosso, my bike suddenly slammed to a halt. The back derailer had blown up into a mangled mess. NOOOOOO! Test #2, wouldn’t you say. I thought I had it all figured out, but you never really do, do you? That was pretty tricky, God, kind of like something like Uncle Norm would think of doing. What could I do? I walked the 2 ½ miles to House of Wheels, whistling along the way, discovered they did not carry a replacement derailer, and the nearest store that did was in Saginaw.

God has a plan, doesn’t he? He wouldn't just mess with such a nice guy like me without coming through in the clutch, would he? No, it all worked out just fine.

Christa was in Saginaw, visiting Cliff and Julie after a Meier and Associates Advisory Board Meeting. I requested and she heartily agreed to buy the bike part in Saginaw, drive it down to Owosso, and bring me back for a nice evening at Cliff’s place. Julie and Cliff both offered to drive me to Owosso Friday morning to continue my trek. Plans looked pretty dang good again. Then a recumbent cyclist named Bob Flinn bought me a double whooper and large flurry at McDonalds waiting for Christa. He was wearing bright bicycle jersey and looked a little devilish with his mustache and goatee, kind of like mine. Hmmmmm. Does that mean something? Christa mistook him for me when she stopped in the drive through to pick me up.

The evening ended up in a plethora of joy, having a great dinner and sharing stories with Cliff and Julie, Clifford and his beau Sara, Lauren, and Christa. Christa had to return home because Gerta’s Draperies is busy, busy, busy. We watched the Red Wings playoff game, Pistons Playoff game and Tigers game all night, and I thought, this is what heaven is like. Then I thought, there must be a lesson in this day. Right, Job?

Note: I just use the pronoun "he" for God for literary purposes. I'm not trying to start a gender war.

Second note: I might not be exactly right about the story f Job, but my brother Joe verified I was on the right track. Forgive me if the details aren't totally correct....

Other note: So far, even with this little "setback", my bike trip has lasted 2,225 miles. I'm riding today but will take my first day off tomorrow to play golf at The Dream in West Branch. Oh, yeah.

State of Affairs

Maybe it was the big stack of 12 grain pancakes with strawberries. Maybe it was the new tire and another new spoke in my rear wheel. Maybe it was the nice tailwind. Maybe it was the possibility of taking with Governor Granholm about increasing education funding, specifically for teaching positions in northern Michigan. Whatever it was, I rode my fastest time of the entire trip today. I am proud as a pickle of my average speed of 16.1 miles per hour, whatever that means.

I left my bicycle at the Blue Care Network office last night, and when I returned I found that I had busted another spoke and had a deflated tire. Even though I still feel great, my bicycle may feel otherwise. It’s probably happy to see this trip ending, just like a good plow horse during tilling season. Once again, luck was on my side, because the Village Bike Shop was only five miles down the road, and right on my way to my next destination, Lansing. I disconnected the rear brakes so my wobbly tire would rotate and arrived there in no time flat. It took about an hour for Ryan, Tom, Amber and Brian to fix my spoke and inspect my bike, which also had a bald rear tire. I can’t imagine how it got that way… They put on a new heavy duty, armadillo tire (what! armadillos again!) that I imagine will last for my entire next trip through South America. Just kidding.

I had a nice lunch and relaxed chance to check my e-mail and read your blog comments (which I love, by the way) and finally got on the road at 1:30pm. My buddy and best man at my wedding, Ralph Basile (I call him Rufus), planned on meeting me in Lansing at 5:00pm, so I kicked it into high gear and flew like the wind. Who could have figured I still had the gas to fire on all cylinders? And I’m not even paying $3.50 a gallon for it.

We were also going to meet our college friend Hawkeye, who is an economist for the State of Michigan, but we didn’t hook up because he didn’t answer his phone after 4:30. This means one of two things: either the bureaucrats are now working bankers hours (actually an increase, if I’m not mistaken), or he is camped out in the Capital as the legislature and Jennifer Granholm struggle to make a last minute budget compromise, and they seek his advice. Either way, it was too bad we couldn’t hook up.

I pulled in front of the Capital Dome at 5:00 sharp, and Rufus arrived right down the street at the same time. We met in front of the Capital, which was really cool, considering both of us were Political Science majors. Check out the picture; didn’t it make an awesome photo shoot?

Rufus took me out for a few beers and dinner at the Tavern on the Square Restaurant down the street afterward. The food there was good, and good for you; the Oberon beer was even better. I kept asking our waitress Jessica to tell the chef to make my orders extra big, and she came through in the clutch. Good, good, girl.

Rufus traveled all the way from St. Clair Shores to meet me, and I really appreciated his company. It would have been a real letdown to spend one of my last evenings alone, and as usual, Rufus provided excellent entertainment. He set the dates for our next Many Man March Golf Outing, so if you want to join us write them down. August 23^rd through August 26^th. He wants to golf in Gaylord again this year, and who can blame him. E-mail me if you want to join us and stay tuned for details.

After dinner I decided to check into a hotel for the evening. There are plenty right around the Capital, but most start with names like Radisson or Hilton, and end in dollar signs. Call me cheap, call me a camper, call me what you want, but I just wanted a place to crash, so I took off north on Old US 27 and eventually found the Town and Country Motel, which was built in the 1940’s ad still has the original furniture. Now, I don’t want to say that it’s a “fleabag”, but it makes the Bates Motel look pretty inviting. The owner gave me two discounts; one for paying cash and the other for paying for the whole night instead of hourly. Needless to say, it fit my needs perfectly. Tomorrow I’m traveling to Cliff and Julie’s place in Saginaw, and I hope they give me the same deal.

Speaking of Nostalgia

I blew out of Larry’s house pretty early this morning for what promised to be a busy, nostalgic day. When all was said and done, it delivered. But there were a few kinks along the way. First thing this morning, Larry and I discussed a good short route to get to Kalamazoo College (otherwise known as “K College”, for those of you who are not familiar with the “Harvard of the Midwest.”) Christa and I fell in love there, graduated from “K”, and harbor some of our best memories from those days over 25 years ago. I wanted to visit the Jim Van Sweeden, who publishes the alumni magazine “Lux Esto”, about putting some excerpts of my blog in the next edition.

My day had a shaky beginning before I even arrived. Riding down Stadium Drive seemed like a good idea until it became clear that the last time it was repaved was in the 1960’s. My rearview mirror fell off right in the middle of the road after hitting a deep pothole. This may not seem like much of an issue to you, since it’s only a 1” by ½” mirror that hooks to your helmet, but when you’ve grown attached to it and rely on it like I have, it was a big deal. I dropped my bike at the side of the road and scrambled in the middle of one of the busiest streets in Kalamazoo, frantically searching for the little contraption. After dodging a few cars and trucks I located it, undamaged, and decided to finish my trip to “K” on the back streets.

Jim had left a message on my cell phone just a few minutes before I arrived. After briefly interrupting an old friend who works there, Lori Thompson I checked in with Jim. He’s a cyclist too, and could relate pretty well to my stories and escapades. Hopefully the “Lux Esto” can find some room to squeeze in some of my wittier writings (were there any, yet?) After taking the obligatory photo with Stetson Chapel in the background, I had a fruit slushie with BJ Cherup, one of my son’s buddies from Gaylord. Even though he looks a little worn and rough in the attached picture, he was doing pretty dang good for a guy facing imminent final exams. After that, it was time to buy a new tube and start heading for Grand Rapids.

I stopped for lunch at the local diner in Martin on the way. It was right out of the 1960’s, complete with homemade raspberry and cherry sodas, barbeque sandwich, and some locals who saved my rear. The bridge a few miles north was closed for construction, and they gave me alternate directions which ran right past Gun Lake. If it wasn’t for those new directions I might still be cycling. Thanks, guys.

I used to work in Grand Rapids for Blue Care Network, and it busted my heart right open to see people I hadn’t seen for 2 ½ years. They raised over $200 for the scholarship fund, most of it in cash, and wanted to give it to me right there, as you can see in the attached picture. Of course I asked them to mail it instead, knowing my propensity for losing things. That’s why I married an organized respectable woman like Christa, and asked the Clip Joint girls to be my fundraisers. I’d say knowing your limitations is a virtue, not an admission of incompetence.

Afterward one of my ex-coworkers, Beth Mehall and her husband Ed, invited me to spend the night and put together a little hoo-haa at her house. It was great catching up with everyone, and sharing stories about my adventure, our pasts and hopes for the future. Even though it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, our feelings couldn’t be stronger. I’d like to think that once you build close ties and friendships, the bonds never break. I felt like my heart was busting open, it was so great to see everyone.

I’m watching Sports Center on ESPN this morning with Ed and his son Joey, who let me spend the night in his room. I really liked all of the Spiderman paraphernalia (too bad Thomas had to go to school already – stinks to be you). It reminds me of my room at home.

Meechigan!

I took off this morning from Kendallville thinking that Sturgis was right around the corner – but it turned out being 35 miles away. Good thing Cathy and I didn’t try to make it yesterday. We would have been riding until midnight! I did break the 2,000 mile barrier today. Booo Yah!

But early this afternoon I entered Meechigan, and the final phase of my adventure. It’s all downhill from here, figuratively speaking. After eating a banana split and two orange shakes at a little ice cream shop in Centerville, I was ready to head into my old stomping grounds of Kalamazoo. The town had grown and changed, but my memories of it have not. I received phone calls from a few co-workers who live here along the way, and it’s great to know that people remember you and continue to love you, even if you haven’t seen them for a few years. Thanks Kim, Nadine and Sandy.

I’ll go to Kalamazoo College tomorrow to visit the alumni relations office and one of Adams friends, BJ Cherup. But tonight I had the chance to spend the evening with my Uncle Larry, and his two daughters Molly and Mary. And it was a complete evening. We had hamburgers at Red Robin, a new franchise that someone should open in Gaylord. They were big and good, and of course, I ate a double. Mmmmmm. Then we played at the Putters Arcade, where Molly showed off her Dance, Dance Revolution steps and Mary whipped me in a virtual horse race. Finally, we topped off the evening with a triple frozen custard at Culvers. Molly and I are going skydiving when she turns 18 – that’s less than three years away. I am counting the days.

When we returned to Larry’s house and watched a real inspiration, Rick and Dick Hoyt. Rick was born with cerebral palsy, and in order to give him the challenge of athletic competition, his father Dick began running races with him. Team Hoyt has now completed over 50 marathons and 6 ironman triathlons together, with Dick carrying, pushing and swimming with his son in tow. Check out this link if you want to be inspired. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flRvsO8m_KI&mode=related&search=

When I lived in Kalamazoo, Larry and I golfed together every Saturday for a few years. He was my only regular golfing partner, beside my wife, so of course we stayed up late and played a round on his Wii. He beat me this time, but next time I'll be ready for his sneaky tricks. It was more fun than all get out, and I want one for Christmas next year, Christa.

Well, I am going to hit the sack now tomorrow promises to be a busy and emotional day, and I want to be prepared. I will be back in Gaylord next Monday and can’t wait. But in the meantime, my trip down memory lane this week will be something to remember.

Riding with my lil' Sister

This was the first day I had a cycling partner, and we had such a good time I may try to recruit another for the rest of the trip. My sister Cathy wanted to join me for a day, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. She has run two marathons with me, so I knew she could handle it, but I think she performed even beyond her own expectations with minimal training and on a new bicycle. We originally set our goal as reaching Michigan, but soon realized that we’d have to bike almost 100 miles to make it. We ended up cycling from Van Wert, OH to the Bixler Lake Campground in Kendallville, IN, a grand total of about 75 miles. I’m especially pleased that she experienced what an “ordinary” day on my adventure was like.

Jim and I started off the day by dropping my rear tire off with Ed Reinemeyer at the Van Wert Bicycle Shop. Ed showed us that there was no possible way we could have replaced yesterday’s broken spoke, proving once again that knowledge and the right tools trump willpower. He fixed my tire and instead of charging me, asked that I apply the money to Kyle’s Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thanks, Ed, for opening up your shop on at 8am on Mother’s Day morning just for me, and then donating your services. Jim promises to buy everyone in the family a new bicycle in gratitude.

Mike “ZZ Top” Roop cruised past the bike shop on his big bike (a nice Harley Davidson) to make sure we woke up on time and got the tire fixed, which was really cool. Then, while Ed was working his magic, I even had a chance to get my Mom and wife Mother’s Day Teddy Bears. Of course, like any good son/husband, I said I purchased them two weeks ago in Mississippi.

Cathy and I were on the road before 10:30 Mass, and when we stopped a car for directions they asked us if we were Jim’s brother. That could only happen in Van Wert, don’t you think?

We met a number of interesting people along the route, but none more interesting than Denise and Lindsey Helmer, who were working in a hometown café called Jitterz in Auburn, IN. Denise open it on September 11^th last year with two friends. It had always been their dream to open a café with homemade ice cream. And you have to live out your dreams, don’t you. Lindsey was helping her mom out for Mother;s Day – what a great daughter! They told us about the Bixler Lake Campground and we were off and running (so to speak.) Denise also gave us her address since we would be riding by her house, so I could moon her husband, but we never found it. Thank goodness.

Dennis (Cathy’s husband) arrived with submarine sandwiches about 9:30pm and we sat around the campfire talking until they had to leave. Some people have to work tomorrow.

Here is my rough schedule for the rest of my adventure. It will not be much like to previous three weeks; instead of meeting strangers and sleeping in remote cemeteries, I will be traveling through Michigan visiting friends and relatives. Once again, these plans are tentative. If you want to talk call me on my cell phone (989-350-9286) or send me an e-mail at charliebono@hotmail.com.

Monday, May 14: I will be visiting Kalamazoo College (to see if they will print excerpts of my blog in the quarterly alumni magazine Lux Esto) and spending the eving with my Uncle Larry.

Tuesday May 15: I plan to cycle to Grand Rapids and visit my friends at Blue Care Network, whom I hear are taking up a collection for Kyle’s Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Wednesday, May 16: I will be traveling to Okemos through the state capital to spend the night with my college buddy Hawkeye.

Thursday, May 17^th: On to Saginaw to spend the night with Cliff and Julie Leibold. My brother-in-law and his family.

Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19^th: To Dennis and Cathy Keppers’ cottage in Alger, just to chill out and play a round of golf at the Dream. Call me if you want to join us!

Sunday, May 20^th: Spend the night in Roscommon

Monday, May 21^st: Go to Roscommon High School in the morning to visit with “my” students, then finally, after a long venture, return to Gaylord.

Addendum from my sister, Cathy Keppers, about our day together:

This was a great day – very fun and very exhausting! (But, definitely memorable). Amateur cyclist note: We went 55 miles before I realized I was shifting wrong – doh! Once Charlie showed me how to shift, the last 20 miles went a lot smoother! How in the world has Charlie been doing this for 24 days??!! I am so happy that everything came together so I could experience 1 day in the life of Charlie’s bike adventure. Stopping in small towns, meeting a lot of really nice people – it was a really great life experience. But I wouldn’t want to get up and do it again tomorrow! I did decide that it would be really cool to bike through some of the National Parks on my list, though.

Thought for the Day: Life is about the journey, not the destination!

(I put that in there because I couldn’t make my Sturgis, MI goal!)

The Real Meaning of "Freinds and Family"

Oh, my gosh. Where do I begin? It’s 11:30pm on Saturday, May 12^th and I’m just getting the chance to write this blog entry. If it appears I am not quite lucid, that’s because I’m not. What a day!

After breakfast at Ralph’s Diner we brought my bicycle to TJ’s Bike Shop in Portland, IN for an emergency double spokectomy. It’s a touchy procedure, primarily because it’s on the gear side of the rear tire, and only an experienced bike surgeon should attempt the procedure. Luckily the owner, Mike Miller, was us for the task as soon as they opened. Not only did he fix my spokes and “true” my tire (make t straight again), he replaced my chain which had practically grown a full link longer from the extreme stress I’ve been putting on it. Before I left, he “forced” me to take two additional replacement spokes. (Their picture is on top, and trust me, I really had to twist their arms to take it. They were afraid of damaging the camera lens with their good looks.)

In the meantime, Christa and Terry drove to my brother Jim’s house, where a bunch of my family was waiting. My trip was pretty uneventful, except for the 24 mile per hour winds blasting into my face. All of the American Flags were standing taut and at attention along the way, boosting my patriotism but not my spirits. I can see now how the “dust bowl” occurred in the 1930’s, and I can picture it happening in northern Indiana in the near future.

Just before I reached Van Wert, I heard another spoke “pop” on my the rear tire of my bike. No way, Uncle Charlie! But I had my handy replacement spokes and felt for sure that once I arrived at Jim’s we could fix them and I’d be ready to roll in the morning. As I entered town I realized that I didn’t know how to find Jim and Denise’s house but I wasn’t worried; Christa left me directions on my voice mail. I’m sure they were excellent, but unfortunately I couldn’t catch a cell phone signal to retrieve them. As I stood at the corner of Washington and Euclid, I asked the familiar question that all of us have to ask at the most inopportune times – “What do I do now?” If you haven’t noticed, since the advent of cell phones there are very few pay phones to use in situations like this. Therefore, I walked up to the first house I saw, knocked on the door, and told my sob story to Nicole (the mayor’s granddaughter). I didn’t quite have to turn on the tears before she let me call Jim on the phone. I LOVE small towns! Jim rode his bike out to the main street to meet me, and officially became my first bike escort. Hooray!

When we pulled into Jim and Denise’s driveway, we were greeted by a grand welcoming committee. They included my Mom and Dad, Christa and Terry, Jim and Denise and their daughters Katie and Melissa, and my sister Cathy Keppers and her kids Noah, Austin and Julie. Man, it was awesome to spend the afternoon with them and brought a smile to all of our faces. The kids performed an impromptu piano rectal, We had an all-you-can-eat dinner, complete with baked beans (oh, yeah - more gas power!) and talked and gabbed until into the evening. It was awesome. I must be getting close to home!

Cathy is cycling with me tomorrow to Sturgis, Michigan. She bought a new road bike and is psyched up; so am I! It will be great having her company, but first I had to fix my bike. Once again, the broken spoke was on the dreaded gear side of the rear tire. This time, I felt prepared to fix it. Mike at T.J.’s explained how to repair spokes, and with the extra spokes on hand, nothing could stop me. Until I unscrewed the rear axle and ball bearing started pouring out of it! Dag nab it, I lost that feeling of invincibility quicker than you can eat a “Big Juan.”

The Van Wert Bicycle Shop is closed until Tuesday, and I started to think I was in for a long delay, until Denise mentioned that the owner went to her church. HOLY COW! Call up Herr Reinemeyer! We have a bicycle emergency here! Denise called his sister’s until she got Herr Reinemeyer’s top secret phone number. Even though tomorrow is Mothers Day, he agreed to meet us at his shop at 8am tomorrow morning to fix my spokes. With the assistance of family and their good friends, it looked like I could be on the road again tomorrow. If I could get those ball bearing repacked into my axle…….

This is where my brother Jim came in. He called up his buddy Mike Roop, who earlier in the day tried unsuccessfully to locate me while riding his Harley. Ah, but we were destined to meet, weren’t we? His expertise is packing ball bearings, and his price was steep – I had to tell him the gory details about when I made the front page by blowing up a gas station in Lake Orion. It was worth it, Jim and I had no idea what we were doing. Here is a picture of Mike and his son Isaac, with my brother Jim. He has an uncanny resemblance to ZZ Top, wouldn’t you say?

I’m wasted now, and even though Christa is snoring next to me, I’ll be out like a light in no time. Cathy and I have a big day tomorrow, so I’d better get my beauty sleep. As you can tell, I really need it.

Charlie's Angels Come to the Rescue!

Some people call it God’s will, others call it Karma, others fate and others call it luck. Whatever you call it though, it was working for me yesterday and I am thankful. Let me explain that not everything about the day went perfect; as a matter of fact my second worst bicycle breakdown occurred. (The broken derailer in Port Charlotte, FL qualifies as my worst.) But in the most basic sense, it was almost as if every piece fit in its place perfectly, just like it was “meant to be”. The Bono Motto was at work: Something bad, something good.

First, I am thankful to report the beginning of a new phase in my trip: re-entry. It will include meeting family and friends, seeing familiar sights and traveling familiar roads. And it started out with the best experience of all: a visit from Christa and Terry Murphy in Albany, IN. After leaving Castle Rock, I took the Muncie bypass and started moving my way towards our meeting spot in Portland, IN. Since I was making pretty good time I stopped for a Hawaiian Ice at the Dairy Dip in Albany. There was a message 10 minutes ago from Christa, stating they were five miles down the road. They were rolling into the parking lot before I had a chance to finish my Hawaiian Ice.

They had to be angels; they brought me the only two items I wished for: my favorite Frank Sinatra CD and a Michigan Map from the Clare rest area. We had lunch at the pub next door, and even though I wasn’t hungry I ate a full rib dinner. And Christa paid! Yee Ha! I love you, baby! She looked great, and so did Terry. I think all of us couldn’t believe our eyes. Here’s a picture of us having a celebration beer. Afterward Christa and Terry almost made a video of me riding down the street, as they made their way to Portland to secure us a room at the Super 8. But not quite. Ask them to show it to you.

The ride to Portland was a bit rough, both heading into a strong wind and pretty rough road conditions. Some old timers in a little gas station/ diner told me that wind farms are being developed in this region because of the strong winds enhanced by expansive open fields. Good lesson for World Geography class. Bad lesson for me as a cyclist. Maybe I’d feel differently if it was at my back. I was having difficulty with more than the wind; two spokes in my rear wheel broke causing a wobbly wheel that rubbed against my rear brakes. I figured this out 5 miles before I reached Portland, so I disconnected my rear brakes and limped to the hotel. Something Bad.

With the help of Christa’s trusty toolbox, always ready in the “Gerta Mobile,” we began to conduct repairs, performing a tricky surgery and removing a useless (or so I’ve been told) plastic guard from the rear gears. Unfortunately we were unable to restore the bike to health. But what do you know. After checking the phone book, what should appear but a bicycle shop, 2 miles down the road, that was open at 9:00am on Saturday mornings! And you know the difficulty I’ve had locating bicycle shops. Something Good!

No longer worried about bicycle repairs late into the evening, we happily went to dinner at Banditos, voted Fort Wayne area’s best Mexican restaurant. Now I’ve told you how much I have been eating, but this time I have witnesses. Christa and Terry ordered, then I ordered Banditos’ biggest burrito, called the “Big Juan.” Then I asked the waitress if she would give me a free tee shirt if I ate two of them. She got the manager, and in the attached picture you can see that I enjoyed both of them. Afterward we went to Dairy Queen for desert. Something Good.

Then, commiserating that we did not get a chance to see Survivor this week, Terry showed us how to watch yesterday’s episode on my laptop. My laptop has a pretty big screen, and it was just like watching it on TV. Something good. And I got to spend the night with my wife, after camping and slumming for three weeks. SOMETHING REALLY GOOD!

Tomorrow morning after eating breakfast, we are taking my bike to TJ’s Bike Shop and hopefully I’ll be rolling into my brother Jim’s driveway in Van Wert, Ohio by mid afternoon. That’s the plan, but everyone knows, “the best laid plans of mice and men…..”

I’ll include the map more often now, and will try to get a “Michigan version” with an anticipated route. I have basically been planning spur of the moment routes until now, so please understand any deviations once I get rolling. Here are some statistics:

* Total of 1818 miles in 22 days

* 132 total hours pedaling

* Most miles in a day – 105

* Web visits between April 18^th and May 11^th - 3,368

* Bugs flying into my mouth while I'm riding – one too many

* 20 miles to the sub sandwich