“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
Monday, June 22, 2009
Day three...home free (not really)
Early day three photos of the Indiana / Ohio crew...ready & rollin'
Thanks for riding Matt, it was a blast!
No late-day photos 'cuz we were a mess. Hard, hot, hilly day. We'll be finished with Ohio and into PA tomorrow...half way there.
Bob
Fwd:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John G <john.goerges@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jun 20, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Subject:
To: mh451.milesformito@blogger.com
From: John G <john.goerges@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jun 20, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Subject:
To: mh451.milesformito@blogger.com
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Day two...we're still ok
How do you know this photo was taken first thing in the morning?.....Because everybody's smiling!
Day two was another success. We got a little taste of some hills in and around Bellefountaine, OH. We had lunch there and got to visit with the firemen. Unfortunately we didn't plan a meeting Jim Holycross, former fire chief who took such good care of us four years ago on our way to Pittsburgh, so we left a Miles for Mito "Treat Bag" there with him. Continued through some beautiful rolling countryside the rest of the day.
We ended the day by switching SAG crews and a great pasta dinner at Bravo Restaurant here in Columbus. Another early start and 100 mile ride to New Philadelphia, OH tomorrow.
Better get prepared...Zzzzz.
Thanks for reading the Miles for Mito Blog.
Bob
Unfortunately, Father's Day has brought us rain and lightening in Cherokee, NC. Riding in rain is one thing, but riding in lightening when you are sitting on a lightening rod is another! The weather should clear up by about 9 a.m. so we have delayed our start a few hours. We hope to be on the Blue Ridge Parkway by 9:30. The weather looks good for the rest of the day and the rest of the week so a short delay today should not be a problem. Talk to you tonight!
Rich
Richard Sheinis, Esq.
Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover, P.C
1180 West Peachtree Street, NW, Atlantic Center Plaza
Suite 900, Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3479
Direct Dial: (404) 954-6954
Fax: (404) 954-5020
E-Mail: rsheinis@hbss.net
Website: www.hbss.net
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail communication, including any attached files was sent by or on behalf of the firm and may contain material that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. This Communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering this Communication to the intended recipient, you are prohibited from retaining, using, disseminating, forwarding, printing, or copying this Communication. If you have received this Communication in error, please immediately notify the sender via return e-mail or telephone.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Ride Report
Indiana riders day 1 ride report:
Left Indianapolis, 7:20 AM
Breaks at; Knightstown, IN 25 miles...Cambridge City, IN 50 miles...Fountain City, IN 75 miles, then the "high point" of the day, we passed the highest point in Indiana...all 1,257 ft. of it! (Eat your hearts out Atlanta Riders) We passed it, we just weren't sure where it was, one hill in the middle of a corn field pretty much looks like another. Last break was just outside of New Paris, OH then arrived at our motel on the other side of New Paris about 3:45.
Total of 94 miles at an average riding speed if about 17 mph (wind assisted).
We ate our fill at a local buffett...time to rest.
Thanks for reading.
Until Later,
Bob
Day 1 Blog
Day One....Done!
It was a good start for the trip to Washington D.C.
Mother Nature was kind to us, the rain stopped and we had a wonderful wind from the west that pushed us all the way to Ohio.
We started with 11 riders at 7:00 this morning. Some did 50 miles out and back to Indianapolis, and some did 94 miles to New Paris, Ohio Everyone arrived hot, sweaty and in good spirits. Bob T., Chris K. and Scott headed back to Indianapolis (in a car) thanks to Cindy K., and the rest of us are resting, cleaning up and mainly...planning our supper. Many calories will be consumed tonight!
Stay tuned for more.
We have finished day 2 of the ride and have pulled into Cherokee, NC. So far we have 160 miles undre our belts. The highlight of the daqy was definitely rolling through Nantahala Gorge at about 25 mph with the Nantahala River just off to the right. I am sure it is just the first of many wonders of nature that we will experience. Everyone is riding strong, no injuries, no mishaps and only a mere 650 or so miles to go! We have 120 miles planned for tomorrow from Cherokee to Little Switzerland. All of it will be on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hopefully, I can get back to you tomorrow after the ride.
Rich
Richard Sheinis, Esq.
Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover, P.C
1180 West Peachtree Street, NW, Atlantic Center Plaza
Suite 900, Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3479
Direct Dial: (404) 954-6954
Fax: (404) 954-5020
E-Mail: rsheinis@hbss.net
Website: www.hbss.net
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail communication, including any attached files was sent by or on behalf of the firm and may contain material that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. This Communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering this Communication to the intended recipient, you are prohibited from retaining, using, disseminating, forwarding, printing, or copying this Communication. If you have received this Communication in error, please immediately notify the sender via return e-mail or telephone.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Training Update
Got in some miles this week. 20+ on Sunday and 52 miles on Tuesday. Time to get back on the bike for another 52+.
Miles for Mito Blog Site Initiated
Welcome to our Miles for Mito Blogsite. Check here regularly to see the status as the Atlanta and Indianapolis Chapters ride their way to Washington D.C.
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