7 days and 850 miles later...

We rode into Albuquerque New Mexico today. This was the second longest day around 140 miles. The terrain is still desert and the culture in primarily American Indian. I really miss the mid-west right now!

Today I observed something worthy of comment on the road. One of our riders, Logan, was ahead of us on the interstate. He took the time to remove an alligator (blown truck tire) from the shoulder of the interstate so all of the riders behind him would not have to go out into the fast lanes of interstate traffic to avoid it. It made me think of a scripture. I think it is in proverbs. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

I would encourage any of you reading this who complain that you don't get to eat very much or you gain weight to do this ride. We eat ALL THE TIME. I am already tired of eating but don't really have a choice but to continue. For breakfast I ate 4 eggs, a big pancake and fruit. During breaks I ate 4 granola bars, 2 bannanas, apple, fig newtons, turkey sandwhich and another sandwhich as soon as we got to town. Some of the guys wake up in the middle of the night hungry and eat some more.

I am sharing a hotel room w/ two other guys. One can imagine how crowded a room can be w/ 3 bicycles, a roll away bed and 3 grown men. So far we get along well and the only problem is the line for the toilet in the morning...hey when you eat a lot you have to...well you know the rest of the story. Last night in Winslow AZ, yes we went down to the corner but saw no girl in a flat bed Ford, the a/c was broken at the hotel. In order to get a window room we had to get a room that had only one king size bed. My Canadian roomate wasn't to thrilled about having to share a bed w/ another man but he thought that was better than sweating in a hot room all night. I didn't do any practicle joking w/ him about it because he looks like a bodybuilder and I thought he might dot my eye if I goofed around.

Well it's Sunday so I'll remind you as I remind myself each day. "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Still going,
Rob

I can see for miles and miles

Today I told myself multiple times to just "shutup and ride". I thought about how boring the Interstate travel is, who tired I was, how hot and thirsty I was. Then I remembered that I am in the middle of experiencing a dream and as Kirk wrote me in a letter last night this trip is not just about arriving in Boston but savoring, as much is possible each mile.

Today we rode 127 miles and tomorrow is over 140 miles then 130 miles the next. So far we have ridden almost 700 miles in 6 days so needless to say I am totally waxed (tired).

Interstate travel requires much more attention and so we don't get to joke as much. David a triathlete from Florida keeps all of us laughing with his impersonations of Tour de France commentator Phil Ligget.

If you are praying for me I would really appreciate prayer to be able to sleep better. I love you all. RGL

Notes From The Field

The story so far…
Last night Rob spent the night in Blythe, California, he has ridden (or is it rode… I dunno- I think it’s ridden) 244 miles in two days time. So far he’s kept the rubber on the road and has had no flats, although I’m not sure how long that will last. Usually that would be a jinx, but to go 3000+ miles without a flat is a little preposterous. Besides, flats aint so bad.
He’ been riding near the front for those two days, but reported to me that today he would stay back and save his legs. Thursday and Friday he will be doing a massive climb equal to that of the grand Tours. He will be at an elevation of 11,000 feet. In addition to the climbing itself (not sure of the category, but I’d guess it’s a 4 or 5) he also has to contend with thin air and the subsequent physiological challenges that brings. Hope he brought some extra vitamin B. He also noted that he will be changing his cogs to allow for some easier gearing; after all he’s still got a looooong way to go.
The interesting thing is the westerly weather. It’s been holding steady at ninety degrees but he hasn’t really broken a sweat. Surprising actually, I’ve ridden with Rob and trust me, this guy can sweat. He carries a little hanky with him to wipe down with and he hasn’t had to break it out yet. This of course is a result of arid climate, and when he’s done for the day he’s covered in a nifty, white film (the body’s sodium I would assume).
As far as the fuel, he’s eating a small breakfast, a few power bars early into the ride, a few lunches on the bike (he noted a turkey sandwich while in the saddle took a little getting used to), followed by a big dinner and some much needed sleep.
I found his riding partners to be interesting. Despite what we probably all thought, Rob is actually one of the younger riders. He estimates that he is about the fourth youngest. Yesterday a man in his 60’s joined up with then and kept an extremely strong pace. Good news and motivation for the rest of us huh? Also there is a professional photographer riding with them so hopefully we will all soon have some good pictures. All in all he’s making some great friends and is remembering to look up from the wheel in front of him to take in the ride.
Lastly, he noted quite candidly how much he misses his family, terribly as a matter of fact. But, he knows he has their full support and hopes that his heart will heal as the ride progresses. I’d go into greater detail about that portion of our conversation, but I’d just assume to let him do the honors. He will have internet access within the next few days and is excited about posting and letting you all in on the goings on himself. Personally, I can’t wait.
Until then- stay tuned and stay safe.
-Kirk

Since He’s Probably Not Reading The Papers

Well, some of you might find this interesting.
From yahoo news-

NEW YORK (AP) -- Lance Armstrong applauds Tour de France champion Floyd Landis' decision to publicly share his mistrust of the French lab involved in his doping investigation.
"I think it's a good tactic to share that with the public," the seven-time Tour de France winner said Wednesday. "I believe in Floyd, I believe he hasn't had a fair shake. I don't trust the lab."
During the 2006 Tour, Landis tested positive for elevated testosterone to epitestosterone levels after he won the 17th stage. Landis, who has repeatedly denied doping, faces the loss of his title and a two-year ban if an arbitration panel upholds the positive test.
On Monday, the French newspaper L'Equipe reported the follow-up tests on Landis' samples found traces of synthetic testosterone.
Landis has accused the Chatenay-Malabry lab outside Paris, which conducted the follow-up tests and did the tests for the Tour, of testing irregularities.
The lab is accredited by the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency.
Armstrong, who has withstood doping allegations throughout his career, was in New York City on Wednesday to announce his partnership with the Athletes for Hope charity and to receive the Spirit of Jimmy V award. The honor is named for the late Jim Valvano, the former North Carolina State basketball coach and commentator who died of cancer.
Though retired, Armstrong's still involved with the Discovery Channel team, for which he rode for his final Tour victory in 2005.
He said American Levi Leipheimer might move into Ivan Basso's spot on the team now that the Italian Olympic Committee has reopened its doping investigation against him.
"We said that all along, if there was another issue, then we would do that," Armstrong said of the team's decision to sideline Basso during the investigation. "So we're living up to our end of the deal and our word."

It all starts tomorrow

We just had our first pre-ride meeting. Tomorrow the ride starts w/ a baptism by fire as we will ride 131 miles with plenty of climbing and probably 50 turns and even some miles on the Interstate 10. They give cross country bicycle rides temporary permission to ride on the interstates. The only other time I have ridden on the interstate was with an old friend of mine Markie Gotway when we broke the law and rode from Marion to Gorville on I-57 when they were doing construction.

I really don't feel very verbose tonight. I'm a little, o.k. a lot nervous and I REALLY miss Jess and my kids.

They asked for a quote today when we registered. Mine was from a man named Jim Elliot who was a missionary to Equador who gave his life for his cause. "He is no fool who gives up what he can not keep to gain what he can not loose."

The Ride

The Duke boys had the General Lee, Michael Knight had K.I.T., Vanilla Ice had his neon-yellow rice burner (what, you don’t remember “Cool As Ice?), and Rob has a BMC SLC 01.
While not exactly a touring bike by any means, the SLC 01 is a full carbon piece of aggressively designed race bike. I could tell you all about it, but I think I’ll let the experts do the job for me.
To find out what Rob’s gluteus will be getting very familiar with for the next month- please click HERE.

-Kirk

Goin’ Back To Cali- Part Deux

One of the points of this blog is to make things fun for you, the reader. Well, with that being said, and seeing the title of Rob’s first post, I just couldn’t help myself (snicker, snicker)-

I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali
I'm going back to Cali.. hmm, I don't think so
I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali
I'm going back to Cali..
I don't think so
Going back to Cali, stylin, profilin
Growlin, and smilin, while in the sun
The top is down, on the black Corvette
And it's fly, cause it's sittin on Dayton's
Laurents steering wheel, plushed out, gold-leaf phantom top
and three girls waiting
VRRRROOM engine's blowin, the chrome, is shining
Passing all the cars on the way
Movement of the wind, back wheels spin
Pop in a cassette and push playI'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali
I'm going back to Cali - yea y'all, I don't think so
I'm going back to Cali, Cali, CaliI'm going back to Cali..
I'm going back to Cali, shakin 'em, bakin 'em
Takin 'em to spots they never before hung??
the place, on Sunset it's a trip
Where the A.C.'s cold, and the girls still strip
The record skip, but this girl kept dancin
Prancin, grindin, grinnin, romancin
I asked her to the barn, so we could hit the hay
I wanna do this, Brutus, but I don't wanna pay
I'm going back to Cali, Cali, CaliI'm going back to Cali
- no man I don't think so
I'm going back to Cali, Cali, CaliI'm going back to Cali....
I'm going back to Cali, rising, surprising
Advising realizing, she's sizing me up
Her bikini - small; heels - tallShe said, she liked, the ocean
She showed me a beach, gave me a peach
and pulled out the suntan lotion
Now I thought that was fast, but this girl was faster
She's lookin for a real good time
I said, "Close your eyes, I got a surprise,"
and I ran away with the bottle of wine
I'm going back to Cali, Cali, CaliI'm going back to Cali..
I don't think so
I'm going back to Cali, Cali, CaliI'm going back to Cali..
I don't think so

Back to Cali

Have you ever said goodbye to your family knowing that it is going to be a long time before you see them again? Yesterday when Jess, Libby and Payton dropped me off at the airport it was almost surreal as I watched them drive away. They say "Absence makes the heart fond" but let me tell you I had instantaneous fondness in my heart. At times I take for granted the blessing my family is to me but when I know it is going to be a while before I see them again my awareness of the blessings grows very rapidly.

About the TSA and airport security: On the way up to the airport I argued w/ Jess and Libby about the screening process at the airport. I believe they should profile the individuals who are flying and only screen completely those individuals who fit a profile likely to commit an act of crime. How many times has a person from the mid-west blown up an airliner? I am not willing to quietly give up personal freedoms simply for a perception of increased security. We have created a brand new federal agency, the TSA, that by it's nature is inefficient, will exist long after it is needed and is doing a job that the local airport authority could perform.

To those who would give up some liberties, consider Ben Franklin's pre-Revolutionary War quote: "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

OK so enough meddling, I flew in from STL last night arriving in California at 2 a.m. Before the flight Jess gave me one of the coolest presents I have ever received. A journal full of notes from you , my friends and family. I have a letter for each day of the ride. I have already opened one from my cycling friend Ken Norton in Springfield, MO. It was very light hearted and made me laugh w/ some inside jokes. Mary my friend at the Veterans Hospital (VA) sent a letter that I opened today and it had a Rocky quote in it! Mary can't stand Rocky quotes and only allowed me one a day when I worked w/ her at the VA. It is so good I want to share it w/ you.
"It's ain't how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep on moving forward."

I will get to experience the truth of that quote when I start on the cross country ride on Monday but for now I am going to sign off and head to the Coronado beach w/ Michael and Holly Schoenecke.

From the land of the free,
Rob

Just In Case You Were Wondering

Just a little update on the page- I recently changed the profile photo (to the right of the page) from an x-ray of someone’s chest to a picture of Rob (that of course I had to find, instead of Rob supplying one to me. Apparently he’s “busy”).
I suppose that a pic of the man himself was more fitting, but just so I can answer the question about the x-ray, well here goes-
The x-ray is that of the chest of former Tour De France winner Greg Lemond. Greg is an amazing athlete with an even more amazing story that deals with perseverance and dedication. I won’t recite the entire tale to you, but you can read all about it by clicking HERE.
I will give you this little sneak peak however, those little dots- they’re shotgun pellets.
-Kirk

In The Beginning…

If you’re on this page, then chances are the below message contains not much more than you probably already know- but it’s a good read so, carry on.
You see, most people have a dream. Some dream of riches, some dream of world peace, or some (well, me) dream of a world where it is perfectly safe and nutritious to eat ice cream sandwiches for every meal, every day.
Then there’s Rob.
Rob had a dream to ride his bike across these here United States. Yup, a challenging goal to say the least, but in true Rob fashion, one that is obtainable, and is about to be obtained.
As long as I’ve known Rob, he’s rarely if ever done anything blatantly selfish. Always the giver, he will often be seen doing something for someone else. But now, for what might just be the first time in his life, he’s doing something that HE wants to do. However, again in true Rob fashion, he’s found a way to live his dream while still doing something for someone else.
As you all know, Rob will be raising money for the Tyler Hamilton Foundation to combat Multiple Sclerosis- all the while honoring his loving mother Mary. As of this post he has raised well over $7000.

Now to the point of the blog.
As Rob travels he will be away from the ones close to him. During that time this page will be updated so his friends, family, anyone around the world actually, can track his progress and read updates from the field.
Sometimes it may be his wife Jess checking in. Sometimes it might be lil’ ol’ me re-capping a phone-in. Sometimes it might be someone completely different. Then sometimes, when we’re lucky and he has internet access, it will be the man himself letting us all in on the ride. He may speak of the logistics of what it takes to go on from day to day (food intake, mechanics), he may speak of the physical challenges(aching back, sore hamstring), he may speak of the bond between riders, how he misses his family, or his journey with God. Really, it’s HIS page and he will speak of anything he wants to. But, please keep in mind that he likes to embellish the truth, so when you tells you all about outracing a rouge, post-apocalyptic motorcycle gang to save a gaggle of baby geese- well, take it with a few grains of salt.
In the meantime, check out the links on the right of the page to learn more about the subject at hand, and- make sure to check out the 'comments' on the bottom of each post, feeling free to comment as you see fit (I think he'd get a kick out of that).
So with that I thank you for checking in and giving him all your support. For now, once more into the breach dear friends… tune in, sit tight, and enjoy the ride.

-Kirk "got dropped by Rob within 25 miles" Maroscher