I couldn’t post from the road on day 2 because my phone did not get service in Dewitt, MI! I’m guessing AT&T doesn’t run the ads “More bars in more places” in Dewitt, MI! Anyway, our day 2 was an awesome 112 miles! We were scheduled to do more than the 100 so that the third day could be just 88 miles and we could all finish early for the reception event in Chelsea. Our day 2 was highlighted by the grueling distance, thundershowers with hail for about two hours, and then a slightly breezy, partly sunny, mid 70’s beautiful Michigan day!
Day 3 was tough. Everything hurt. We got up at 4:45 AM to catch the shuttle from our hotel back to the bikes, then a quick breakfast, filled up the tires and water bottles, and were clipped in to our pedals before 6:30. It was dark, cloudy, and drizzling at the start, but not for long. It turned into two or three hours of a cold, drenching rain in the morning, making the road a bit hazardous. We were not part of the many slips and falls of the morning. We got through okay. Then the day broke out into another partly sunny but majorly windy day, I’d guess about 15 to 20 MPH winds from the way the flags were blowing. It was coming out of the west, so it was mainly a crosswind for most of our north-to-south ride, with occasional turns into the wind which would slow us way down to about 12 MPH, and occasional joyful bits with the wind at our backs. The last thirty miles were pretty hilly, but by then we were energized for the impending finish.
We were greeted by our “Wish Child” and his family. Make-A-Wish hooks us up with a specific child that we ride for. Michael C had leukemia and got his wish to go to Disney World two years ago. He is in a remission now and feels well. Seeing the kids takes all our own pain away, and makes it all worthwhile!
I am grateful for my health and vigor. I am EVER so grateful for the opportunity to do the ride this year with my son, Kevin! He is a joy to be with, and I couldn’t be prouder! I want to express a special gratitude for the dear family and friends that supported my ride this year! Thank you! With your help, Make-A-Wish will be able to provide 250 more wishes this year! That’s what it was all about!
Here is a part of our team. We are all ready to do it again next year!
Congrats Ferd! Way to go to you and everyone on the team. Sounds like you made it through just fine, despite the challenges. Hey, at least day 2 ended on a high note. Thanks for sharing some pics. It's great you got to meet your wish child.
Tell me, did you have to ice up any joints when you got home? Cripes, I hurt my knee just walking in heels at BlogHer. I imagine you were at the very least sore when your trip was over.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..The Summer of a Thousand Legs =-.
How cool Ferd. What a wonderful thing to do as well. I'm so happy for all the folks that participated.
Get some rest and have a terrific day. 🙂
.-= Comedy Plus´s last blog ..Awww…Mondays #23 =-.
Ferdi .. nice feel good story we all need to make our day! Reminds us that heathiness is the gift I always remember when I'm feeling down … 12mph into the wind? That must have been down hill right? hehe … Now what's next, a marathon? Pd
Kathy~
I didn't ice anything, mainly because I would have frozen to death icing my whole body! Everything hurt! The hills on the first day always beat us up badly. Just getting up the next morning is interesting. But no complaints! It is tough, it hurts, but it is so worth it on several levels. I look forward to this every year!
Can't wait to hear about BlogHer!
Sandee~
It was a blast!!
Am resting up today, like you said, and having a terrific day!
You, too!! 🙂
"Pablo"~
Yeah, I try not to take it for granted. I see sick people most of the days of my life. I agree, our health is the best "gift" we are given!
The downhills are great fun, but they go so fast, then you have to pay for them with slow, uphill climbs!
I've done a marathon, and will not do another. No fun for me. Have done them in teams of 5 people, and that's way more fun! Did triathlons for many years. I think you've done similar such stuff in California, yes?
Hey, and once again, thanks a lot for your support! It was an awesome surprise!
I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts throughout the weekend. Saturday in MI was nasty in some parts of the state, I was thinking of you! Where I live we got a few rain drops and nothing else. What a great gift to see the faces on those children! Kudos to you, your son and the rest of the team.
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..Obesity costs US health system $147 billion =-.
Hi, Elaine!
I thought about you, too, being in Michigan and all. Two of our team riders are from Troy. And the Howe's, of course, have DEEP Michigan ties. Yeah, the Saturday weather was nasty in some parts of the state, and we rode through them! We got some drenching rain on all three days, but gratefully only for a couple of hours each day. That is part of the experience. We have to deal with the weather and whatever other challenge comes our way during the ride. And you know, the temperature was in the mid 70's. Perfect. A few years ago we did it with 105 degrees on the pavement!
The faces on the children can literally make you cry. At this event, they are joyful, but they are not all "doing well." Many of them have terminal diseases. Our challenges riding are nothing compared to what these kids and their families go through. The kids and families that show up to this event are very grateful for what Make-A-Wish has given them. For us, it's a joy to be part of it. The WAM event is a heartwarming experience all the way around!
Sorry I haven't been around. Congratulations on your great adventure. Northern Michigan –Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs are among my favorite places. You look like you have health and vigor –truly blessed!
I've been writing about the changes in my life on a new mil blog called The Kitchen Dispatch as well as my regular blog. I've now written my fourth post on health care, and the plan that I don't think will work! It's here on Easy-Writer.
Kanani~
It's nice to "see" you again! I caught up a bit with your blogs last night. I love The Kitchen Dispatch! It is all too easy for me to forget that we have soldiers overseas putting their lives at risk for us every day. I'll make this blog a regular read!
That is just precious! What a wonderful opportunity to give back and be grateful.
I love happy endings, happy beginnings and just happy stories all around! How wonderful that you got to spend time with Kevin, and that Michael C is in remission! Marvelous!
Isn't it a great feeling to have the wind at your back? It makes me feel like anything is possible. Your post proved that it is.
PS Have I already mentioned to you how much I appreciate your taking the time to visit and leave your thoughtful comments on my blog? I do and if I have said it before, forgive me for repeating myself. Thank you, Ferd!
.-= Keli´s last blog ..Stupidity Holds Us Up =-.