Claire's Ride for a Reason Blog

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Gene's Thoughts and Comments from June 28th Ride (Ohio to Pittsburgh, PA):

Hey everyone just wrapping another day up sitting here eating a couple of YORK PEPPERMINT PATTIES America’s favorite snack. Just got in from an excellent sushi dinner in downtown Pittsburgh, PA. Had a great time as usual. We are doing fine today but it was a challenging day as usual.
Had to change our route it was bringing us too far south so in turn we have no idea where the heck we are going!! During Donnie’s stage I simultaneously started my stage and went 20 miles the wrong way. In turn Jason had to find and retrieve me leaving poor Donnie pedaling 60 miles with no break and then Jason got to hear the dogs barking again!!?? I managed to drive directly into the storm so I was completely soaked. No, normally I would invite the rain soaking (We know how much everyone home loves the rain right now)HA HA but when it takes you out of the way so far it made a bad situation worse. Anyway we managed to get through that rut as usual and let each other know that it wasn’t anybody’s fault. We got back on track and I went in the saddle for the next stage. Turned out to be a great day I had to stop and change my shoes OH NO!!! Yes, back to the yellow shoes…visions of flying water bottles. Where is Koenig, Buisa and Meekem.
Donnie got into a nice pace and Jason was working overtime keeping track of two riders wandering aimlessly in the hills of West Virginia and PA.
I had a lot of climbing but not too challenging. Donnie had a few climbs as well but he said had some killer down hills, NICE! Then the greatest thing happened???, I got another flat tire. This is awesome I've had 4 so far Donnie 0, what’s up with that?? I am now a certified bicycle technician and can work at Pedal Sports now as I’m becoming a pro at changing tires. During my time changing my tire I heard from John Burke. Always great to hear from you. He gave me some updates returned a few to him and just like that just hearing from him just put a little extra drive in your heart and motivation! We know you’re all pulling for and thinking about us and hearing from you all whether in e-mails, guest book, or phone always picks us up. See you Saturday John, the webmaster, look forward to hanging with you and everyone else.
We managed to out run the rain for now. Although it is raining now I don’t mind as long as I can find my way back home. Miss you all and thanks again for all the support.

Dave, from Jamis, just wanted to thank you for all your support from the bike donation at comedy night and the beautiful bike that Donnie has been riding. tires etc. What can I say we haven’t known each other long and you put together a great package from

Jamis Cycles for us and I cannot thank you enough and believe me Donnie was speechless and taken back by your efforts and generosity towards this ride Thank you!!

This has been a life changing experience for me on so many levels but most of all the amount of awareness which we will be posting is amazing. I cannot believe what I am hearing and this is what I had set out to do from the day of the dedication of Claire’s Garden. I had no Idea what SUDC was but we all do now. To all the families out there this is for you it’s been my pleasure!!
Goodnight
Gene

¶ 6:38 AM

<< Home