Tonight I am staying at the J. J. Audubon State Park in Lexington, KY. It’s a night for big decisions. At some point I have to start heading north again, the question is, should I do it now? I bought a road map, checked it out, made some uneducated guesses, and decided that tomorrow I’m moving on through Indiana. Hoosierville. Home of the Boilermaker. Boo Yah.
There is a couple camping next to me who have an interesting occupation. Chris Fenderson and Kristen Ellis work for Living Lands and Waters as “River Clean-up Rats.” That’s not their official job title, but what they do is travel on a river barge, cleaning up major rivers throughout the eastern United States. They’ve been on every dang river you can think of, including the Mississippi, Missouri, Potomac and now the Ohio. They even spent some time in New Orleans after the hurricane. Check out their web site: www.livinglandandwaters.org if you are interested; I am. I asked them for advice on my route, which they were hesitant to give, (not being from the area) but they have seen maps with campsites in the Hoosier National Forest. SOLD. That’s the way I am going tomorrow. Life is full of uneducated guesses and risks, and I thank them for giving me assistance.
Dinner tonight was pretty funny. I ordered the biggest burrito at the local Mexican restaurant along with a couple of Coronas. Then I ordered extra refried beans and rice. Then I ordered desert and a cup of coffee. When the waiter came to clear my plate, I ordered a second desert. You could see it in his eyes: where is this skinny little dude packing all of this food? We had a little laugh over it. No discount, though.
Christa and Terry Murphy are tentatively meeting me in Muncie, IN on Friday. If I make it there. Jim and Denise, if you are reading this, please note that I’ll probably be pulling in on Saturday evening if everything goes as planned. It’s the first time I am planning ANYTHING on this trip, so keep that in mind. As you are aware, planning is not my best suit. I’m much better at just doing. My sister Cathy wants to cycle with me after spending the night at Jim and Denise’s place in Van Wert, OH. It will be nice to have company to draft behind. Ride like the wind!
Addendum: It’s 10:30am EST on Tuesday. After a hectic ride over the Evansville Bridge (I was going to stop and take a picture, but I would have ended up getting a ride on the front grill of a semi truck) what should I run across but Bicycle World! Hooray! The owner, Robert Sullivan let me in early to buy some tubes and oil. Man, did he save my rear! Something cool about him: he has gone to China to set up an import business for nitro powered cars. They are big in Europe, and he’ll be the first U.S. distributor. He didn’t ask me to put in this plug, but I know Rich is into this sort of thing. Robert’s e-mail is lrj3810@aol.com. Time to roll again!
14 comments:
Indiana is lovely this time of year! Glad to hear you're getting enough to eat....keep peddeling and good luck with getting to Van Wert by Saturday.
Hoping the hills are behind ya......
What will we do when we get up and can't read your blog? Very glad to hear you got new tires.Glad your going to see some old good friends since you now have so many new ones.I still can't believe you are doing this but you have a great support group in this town.Tell Adam he must come see me.
Thinking of you and hoping the hills will be gone soon.
Sue
I am so glad you found a bike shop. If all goes well, Dad and I might make it to Van Werton Sat or Sun whatever - to cheer you. Everywhere I go I give out you blog, hope people are tuning in. Dad and I love your blogs and I really think we should make a movie, maybe next summer and you can do it again. O well, maybe just the book. What do you think Christa? Stay Safe, Love MOM & Dad
Hi Charlie,
I look forward to reading your blog everyday. I guess because your humor puts a smile on my face as I read, but mostly because I admire what you're doing and why. Every time I read about one of the many obstacles you've encountered, and the way in which you react, I'm so impressed. We all encounter challenges daily, but we don't all handle them with the wisdom and grace that you've demonstrated on this journey.
I remember when we worked together at BCN that you were always a people person, and it's sure evident by the description of your encounters with the people you are meeting that you haven't lost your touch.
Anyway, I guess what I want you to know is that you are having a profound impact on me. As I read your blogs, I can’t help but do some self-reflection and assessment of how I handle obstacles and how I treat those around me. You are a very good person to know and a very good person to model (John said that and I copied his words, but it's true).
Stay safe and have fun!
P.S. While you're attending your daughter's graduation ceremony, I'll be tying the knot! Thereafter, you'll need to refer to me as BaBa Walters.
Hugs,
barb
Dang it charlie-man: Now I am getting dang tears in my eyes when I read the dang comments to your dang blog! Why are we all being so affected by your trip? Cuz we love you and think you are the coolest. Looking forward to Muncie or wherever. terry
Hey Chaz!
I'm making plans so keep me posted on your Van Wert arrival. I'm doing a crash course in cycle training. I only moderately trained for the T.C. marathon and I made that work so I think I can make this work too! My goal is to bike 1 day and then a 2nd one if I can muster it. It'll be FUN!
See you soon-
Cathy
Charlie, We just received your note in the mail and we are so proud of you and all your sibs. But a note like yours makes us realize that I couldn't ask for a better bunch of kids. Sometimes we worry that we were not very good parents, but then some things happen like your bike ride or Joe's cancer and we all gather in our family group and hold on to one another and know that we will make it as long as we are together.We pray and hope that the angels are with you. And again, thank for the wonderful card, it made our day. Love, MOM & DAD
Keep on truckin' Spaz. Hope you make it to your goal on time. Although then I'd have nothing to read. :Þ
Hey Charlie!
I hope your wednesday bike adventure goes well, and that you dont have to make to many bathroom breaks seeing you had to order EXTRA RE-FRIED BEANS.It looks like you went out on the town, all dressed up, looking good.It sure does seem like your meeting some interesting people though,thats kool.Keep up the good work cuz, talk to you soon.Your cousin
Phyllis
Hey Charlie! We love reading your blog. This is better than the TRAVEL CHANNEL!!! I think your next ride should be from California to Michigan, then you could stop in and see us in Fountain Hills, Arizona! I think Abby already notified you that we stopped in for a visit with them in St. Louis on the way to Arizona....kinda like a mini K college reunion. Love ya!!!!
Jennifer Ramm
Good to know you are still going.
Dunno if you remember, but it's Zach from World Geo. :)
I hope everything goes alright in your future endeavors on this trip.
Hey Charlie
Just catching up on your blog. You go brother! And Andrea you are lookin' good! Hope you have the wind at your back. Keep up the pace and stay safe. Love you lots. Claire
Hey Charlie, way to go dude!! Heard ya on the Eagle this morning. Glad to know your doing well. Still can't believe the adventure that your on but it's awesome that your doing it in memory of Kyle Casey. Keep on peddlin. Maybe I can get you a MSP "blue goose" escort when you get back to town. Keep us posted on an arrival date.
Take Care, Ron and Carol
Just wondered if all the refried beans gave you any extra "tail wind" on your ride?
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