“The pains in my legs, sides, arms and head are great; but I know I must go on. Sometimes the bumps from travelling hurt my hands or arms, but I keep going. I strain to keep focused on the task at hand, but sometimes the fatigue enters my body and focus becomes more and more difficult. Thoughts race through my head about giving up. But I know that people are counting on me. They are expecting me to continue; to press on; to complete the journey. I’m not the only one making this trip and the others with me are also fighting to carry on; straining against their own pains, fatigue and exhaustion. I look forward to the finish line; excited about the prospect of normal days in which I no longer feel pain and can once again spend quality time with friends and loved ones. I keep going. I have to. There is no turning back. We’re almost there. I see the crowds cheering us as we arrive. They don’t really know how hard it’s been; it wasn’t their journey. But they are genuinely happy to see us safe and sound. They know we’ve pushed the limits and survived. We made it and the joy that comes from finishing is overwhelming!“
As you read this, knowing that it’s the “Miles for Mito” bike-ride blog, you might be thinking that I’m talking about the bike-ride from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C. Although each of these thoughts would surely apply to that event, I’m actually referring to the struggle that affected people face each day with Mitochondrial Disease. We cannot know how similar the struggles each affected person faces are, but we know that they struggle. We also know that we must help to stop their pain. We must find a cure. You may remember a time in your life of utter fatigue. You may know what’s it’s like to press on in the face of uncertainty and adversity. But these probably are not daily struggles. You can help us to make a difference toward that cure. Please, donate to help these individuals. Any amount will help. The $1 that finds the cure, may be the $1 that you give. http://www.umdf.org/milesformito
Mike
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
More pics and video to follow - donate now at www.umdf.org/milesformito
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We Made it to the END!
The end of a successful journey!
We're finished with the ride. The Indianapolis and Atlanta riders met about 30 miles outside Vienna, VA Friday afternoon and rode the final two hours together. It was a great final leg of the trip. We were able to some time with each other and swap stories of our trips. At 6 o'clock we arrived at the Sheraton to a wonderful welcome organized by the UMDF. They had us ride through the front entrance, into the main lobby. It was quite touching with cheering, clapping, flags and banners announcing our arrival. Thanks to all involved.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Days 4 & 5
Crossing the Eastern Continental Divide
(We won't tell you the elevation, so you can't compare us to the Atlanta crew)
No updates Tuesday...sorry we were bushed!
After one on my more difficult days ever on a bicycle I was too beat to blog. We finished a great ride through Ohio, rode to the Montour Trail around Pittsburgh to begin the Great Allegheny Passage Trails to Washington D.C. The Montour was a disaster, not what we had envisioned as the start to our rail-trail adventure. It was poorly marked, dumped us out on busy Pittsburgh streets at rush hour. We were hopelessly lost then by an almost-miracle found our wonderful support crew patiently waiting for us about 8:00 pm. By the time we got to the motel, cleaned-up and ate, we were mentally and physically shot, but still considered the day a success. We were all safe, healthy and one step closer to our goal.
Today was a whole new ball game. Great ride through Pennsylvania and into Maryland. The trails along the rivers, across the trestles and through the tunnels of the old railroads were just so nice, what a pleasure. 100 miles of pedaling fun. More of the same tomorrow, until we get to Cumberland, Maryland and begin the trip along the C&O Canal Tow Path. Should be fun.
Thanks for reading.
Bob
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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