HUGE "Thank You!" To All Of The Amazing Ride Sponsors!

HUGE "Thank You!" To All Of The Amazing Ride Sponsors!

SHE'S BACK!

Exclusive from the Washington County Insider:

West Bend, WI - After a three-week all-inclusive tour from New Mexico to West Bend, Judy Steffes is finally home in West Bend.

By all-inclusive we mean that the trek included storms, flat tires (a lot of them), immense heat, leg and foot cramps, one major gluteal injury from a crash on day one, and a whole lot of interesting, kind, and amazing people

Steffes returns home from her annual bicycle tour to raise funds for Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community after 21 days of bicycling through New Mexico, Texas, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin. Traveling along a portion of the well-known, historical Route 66, the labor of love took Steffes through a few very long stretches of what the locals referred to as “nothing,” and meant it. No food, no water, no restrooms, not a single luxury.

She was welcomed home tonight as she approached the West Bend welcome sign on the corner of Valley Avenue and West Washington Street (Hwy. 33) by Hank and Essie, Barton’s beloved mannequin sweethearts, as well as others who braved the heat. Then it was on to a good, old brewski to refill the tank.

Photos above courtesy: Ruth Marks

Photo below courtesy: Deb Slais

SHHHHH! IT'S A SECRET!

Judy is on her way back home and will be arriving in West Bend at approximately 7 p.m. The heat and headwinds have been a contributing factor to her long day.

If you are able to grab a bottle of water (for yourself!) and go to the corner of W. Washington (Hwy. 33) and Valley Avenue by the City of West Bend sign, it would be great to have a warm welcome home for Judy. As a special treat, "Hank and Essie" (photo below) will be present to "extend a hand," as well!

SHHHHH! IT'S A SECRET!

Judy is on her way back home and will be arriving in West Bend at approximately 7 p.m. The heat and headwinds have been a contributing factor to her long day.

If you are able to grab a bottle of water (for yourself!) and go to the corner of W. Washington (Hwy. 33) and Valley Avenue by the City of West Bend sign, it would be great to have a warm welcome home for Judy. As a special treat, "Hank and Essie" (photo below) will be present to "extend a hand," as well!

I have Alzheimer's.....

Local businessman Pat Bohn from Bits N Pieces Floral talks about finding out he has Alzheimer's.

IN TRIBUTE: Marcie Schroeder

Today I'm riding in honor of Marcie Schroeder.

If you would like me to ride in tribute of your loved one, please email a photo to thebikewriter@gmail.com or judyharley@yahoo.com, include the person's name and a brief note if you like, and send your contribution.

The entire $100 donation, is tax deductible and will go toward Alzheimer's programs at Cedar Community.

Shullsburg, the Burg and the Brew

Pedaled into The cozy town of Shullsburg, Wis. on Saturday afternoon. A mining town with a Main Street that ran about four blocks. 

Art was crossing the grass by the Catholic Church on the hill when I caught up to him. 

"Charity ride? Bike tour?" He said. "Can I hug you because I like you already."

Art was head of the church council. He set me up in the school gym and then took me for a spin around town.

"This is a well known place in Shullsburg," he said, as he brought his car to a stop on a lonesome country road. 

I had heard of the illusion before where you think you're headed uphill but the car rolls backwards. I didn't even realize I was in the community where this occurred, let alone on Gravity Hill itself.

Click HERE to watch a short video on this!

After the experiment we tooled around town some more. Art pointed out the local creamery and the acres of high corn in the fields. 

Art worked some of his connections with the volunteer fire department and that's when we hooked up with Dave who said I'd probably be more comfortable in the air-conditioned fire house. 

The upgrade put me on Main Street with its historic buildings and I was within walking distance of food. 

The Burg was the place to be and bartender Erick spoiled me.

This glass is about the size of a golf ball and, in case you were wondering, it's a taste of the local Potosi. 

The Burg had high ceilings and great black-and-white prints of sports stars like Marcus Johnson and Sidney Moncrief from the Bucks. 

There were also photos of Brewers Paul Molitor and Robin Yount, Gorman Thomas, Sixto Lescano, Ben Oglivie and Cecil Cooper.

The Burg was a perfect place to relax. A local woman, Ollie, who I saw walking home from church sat next to me and was a good conversationalist. 

"I'm going to have another one," she said. "But don't start thinking I'm the town drunk." 

Seemed everybody who came into The Burg said 'hi' to Ollie.

"I'm on the parish council," she said, explaining her popularity. 

Mapping: I'm on Highway 11 and went through Hazel Green to get to Shullsburg. Stayed on Hwy 11 to Monroe and now I'm headed north on to Stoughton. 

Doctor Todd Delivers Roadside Assistance

While on her annual tour to raise funding for Alzheimer's, cyclist and journalist Judy Steffes shares an encouraging word.

"While neighbors try to make sense of what's happening across the country I thought I'd shed some light on great people who are stepping up and showing fantastic generosity and trust.

Friday was a big day on the road and I'm really pushing my limits. Normally I land in a community and make it my home base at 4 p.m. but after grinding out 68 miles I though I had 20 more miles left in my tank.

I'm riding on a bit of emotion as well. Midway though directions from the locals I realized I got myself into trouble.

This was a Friday afternoon and everyone wanted to start their weekend which can make for a dicey situation on the road.

A narrow shoulder combined with heavy truck traffic was not a good recipe.

That's when Dr. Todd Gray came to my rescue - literally.

"Wisconsin," he said. "I went to medical school in Wisconsin."

Dr. Gray didn't mind that I stunk to high heaven. He was patient with my putty for brains and dragged me to a safe place in Iowa City.

"I just can't see leaving you here," he said.

I reassured him that feeling was normal.

That didn't seem to help him as he checked on me three more times before he left.

Just a quick reminder and some reassurance.... there are great and caring people, especially in an environment when we are wary of what might happen next."

A day full of history and kindness of strangers

Thursday I was trying to make time and got as far as Ottumwa, Iowa. 

I don't often write about the churches that turn down my requests as I think it's just part of the adventure of the tour, but after the pastor at the church declined my request, a woman named Sharon stepped up and let me stay at her furnished trailer. 

"It's less than a mile up the road and here's the key," she said. "There's air conditioning and a shower and a fridge; just feel at home."

So generous - and I slept like a stone. 

Friday morning I headed to Fairfield and stopped at Johnson's corn stand. 

"This spot has been in the family for 30 years," said Mrs. Johnson who was assisted by her two kids. 

On to Fairfield where I detoured at AJ's Bike Shop for a quick check in tire pressure. 

"This used to be home to a monument shop," said AJ.

AJ and Mark were a biker's dream - helpful, funny, and they provided good directions to get out of town. 

Here's a look at their rates: 

I like the one "if the repair draws blood."

On to the next small town of Brighton. 

The other thing that was amusing was the Amish guy at the gas pump with his horse and buggy. I asked permission to take his photo and he said he didn't mind, but drove away. 

Next, I found myself in Washington County - and I'll dedicate this photo to Sandy Lang. 

IN TRIBUTE: John Feith

Today I'm riding in honor of John Feith, courtesy of Edith Schultz of West Bend.

If you would like me to ride in tribute of your loved one, please email a photo to thebikewriter@gmail.com or judyharley@yahoo.com, include the person's name and a brief note if you like, and send your contribution securely by clicking HERE.

The entire $100 donation is tax deductible and will go toward Alzheimer's programs at Cedar Community.

Hurrying home to my "bubbler"

A photo gallery of my spin back across the threshold of the Midwest. Donald at Car Mart in Kirksville, Missouri stepped up and donated a Missouri license plate to my collection. "Bet you can't wait to get back home to your bubbler," he said. 

I thought that was hilarious. Usually people say something about sleeping in my own bed. 

Met Ellen during a break in Greentop, Mo. She ran a quilt shop with her daughter in law. "This building has a lot of history," she said. "It used to be a motel, a grocery, a barbershop...."

Ellen talked about the changes in quilting and how 'machine quilting' provided so many more options and designs.

She had some of the most expensive equipment in the county. 

Ellen also talked about her in laws who both had memory-care issues. "It takes a lot out of someone who is the caregiver," she said. 

IN TRIBUTE: Gene Wendelborn

Today I'm riding in honor of Gene Wendelborn.

If you would like me to ride in tribute of your loved one, please email a photo to thebikewriter@gmail.com or judyharley@yahoo.com, include the person's name and a brief note if you like, and send your contribution. You may also send in a contribution to support the bike tour.

The entire $100 donation, is tax deductible and will go toward Alzheimer's programs at Cedar Community.

Click here to submit your donation. 

Thanks to KTVO in MO Who Picked Up My Ride

You can read the story on KTVO's website HERE.

Glad to report I'm not batty this morning

Ann was easygoing. She had been at Mary Immaculate for three years. Prior to that she worked in the public schools. 

I was losing steam fast and we decided to go down the street to a local Mexican restaurant.

Ann pointed out some of the landmarks including A.T. Still University, Truman State University, and the town square. 

Dropping me off at the school she wished me well on my journey and said, "I called the local TV station and they might stop to interview you ....and we were having some trouble with bats in the school but we haven't seen any for a couple days so you should be OK." 

So sweet. 

I seem to have collected quite the menagerie of animal, rodent and reptile friends on this tour. 

Update: Checking in this morning I'm happy to report no overnight guests other than Mother Nature paying a visit this morning. I'm waiting patiently for her to move along - you all should be seeing her soon. 

Ran into baby rattlers, but I wasn't afraid....

Shout out to KTVO, Missouri; thanks for the KUDO!

It took a couple years but someone finally compared me to another cross country adventurer... and I take it as a total compliment!


CLICK HERE to watch the video!

Stephen Sealey, KTVO (Missouri)

IN TRIBUTE: Victims of Alzheimer's, Families, Caregivers

Today I'm riding in honor of all those who have been affected by Alzheimer's disease, their loved ones and their caretakers.

Peggy Jablonski is sponsoring today's ride and says, "I was a nurse for many, many years and took care of many residents that were affected. In honor of all of those affected, and their loved ones."

If you would like me to ride in tribute of your loved one, please email a photo to thebikewriter@gmail.com or judyharley@yahoo.com, include the person's name and a brief note if you like, and send your contribution.

The entire $100 donation is tax deductible and will go toward Alzheimer's programs at Cedar Community. 

Of course, you may also make a donation to support the ride!

Click here http://imthebikewriter.blogspot.com/p/donate-here.html to submit your donation. 

So much to do so little time

Two weeks into the tour and I'm reluctantly starting to accept reality. I've pedaled from Albuquerque, N.M. to Oklahoma City, OK but I'm pathetically slow and have a lot of territory to accomplish in the next seven days. 

So, on to Plan B! With severe heat warnings in northeastern Oklahoma I've rented a car for a day to get me at least up to the Midwest. 

The brilliant decision affords me a couple luxuries, including a visit to the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City. 

I saw the museum on July 4 as I was pedaling around Bricktown. 

The museum is in a former candy cane factory on Sheridan Avenue. 

There are over 400 banjos on display, including this one (below) with Wisconsin ties. 

Les Paul of Waukesha started his career playing the banjo. "He actually bought the banjo, took it apart and electrified it," said Dustin Pyeatt, museum development manager (photo below).

Pyeatt leads me on an exclusive tour of the two-story museum pointing out some of the highlights and sharing the history of minstrels and jazz, blue grass and the amazing talents of Steve Martin. 

Martin got his start in music and magic at 10 years old working at Disneyland. As far as the banjo was concerned he said, "As a beginner you can't practice the banjo or violin around anybody as they'll go insane, so I would sit in my car and roll up the windows even on the hottest summer days -and struggle to learn the banjo."

Photos courtesy the American Banjo Museum.

Behind the scenes: The updated tour now looks like this,,,,

To get home in the scheduled three weeks I'm hoping to leave the excessive heat behind me and resume pedaling this afternoon from Columbia, Missouri. 

A bit happy to have a vehicle since this is how my morning looks before the day gets under way.