Amazing Ride is Shifting Gears! FOLLOW ME!

The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's is shifting gears! As of May 15 this blog will retire. The good news is that you can still follow along with me this year by clicking HERE or to the "ride specific" page HERE - my new location on the Washington County Insider!

Judy Steffes (L) with Audrey Steffes (R)

This year, from June 29 through July 20 The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's will be touring from Wisconsin and through Upper and Lower Michigan (always with a few added and unexpected twists and turns).  I'll be riding along with my niece, Audrey Steffes.  Audrey, 15, is an Olympic hopeful who will be tagging along on this year's tour. Watch her interview HERE in an Olympic preview piece about the Wisconsin Speed Skating Club on TMJ4.

The purpose of this fundraiser for 2018 is to purchase a "Cycling Without Age" rickshaw bicycle (photo below) for senior residents at the Samaritan Health Center in West Bend, Wisconsin, courtesy Bike Friendly West Bend. 100% of your donation will be applied toward the purchase of the bike.

Learn more about how to donate HERE.

Zaandam City Center

July 11, 2017 - Zaandam, Netherlands - Spending the day in Zaandam. Few museums, but a lot of colorful and unique architecture.

Here is the city center:

Typical Dutch landscape (panoramic view):

FLASHBACK TUESDAY: Sanford & Sisters, Nook & Granny -De Funiak, FL

July 11, 2017 - Netherlands - Thought I'd share another flashback from one of my previous Amazing Ride for Alzheimers trips. - Judy

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De Funiak Springs, FL -  De Funiak Springs is about 75 miles east of Pensacola, Florida.

Running right along Highway 9,0 the small town of about 25,000 turns is a gem with homey storefronts and fantastic historic buildings.

The Hall of Brotherhood is a large white-domed building that sits on the west side of Lake De Funiak and across from the pinnacle-steepled First United Methodist Church on Circle Dr. and West Ave.  The building was finished in 1910 for $28,000 and features a 4,000 seat auditorium.

The hall was once home to the Chatauqua Institution, founded in 1847 in western New York State as a vacation school for Sunday School teachers. The idea was to provide a retreat and improve religious and secular education for the general public.

The effort spread rapidly across the nation and in 1885 opened in De Funiak Springs. By the 20th century the national movement declined and the Florida chapter closed in 1920.

The Hall of Brotherhood was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

In 1975 a hurricane destroyed the auditorium wing and severely damaged the rest of the structure. Since then, there's been an ongoing program to fully restore the building.

Scattered throughout De Funiak Springs are small shops with character.

The Little Big Store is a general merchantile located on a quiet side street. A sign in the window reads 'homemade lye soap' and there are tin toys that line the windowsill.

There's the Busy Bee Cafe and the Little Big Store; a general merchantile located on a quiet side street. A sign in the window reads 'homemade lye soap' and there are tin toys that line the windowsill.

There are a handful of antique shops including Nook and Granny, and Sanford & Sisters Mall and Tea Room which sits along Hwy 90.

Sanford & Sisters looks like it would be in the National Register, or at least half the items sitting out front of the store do, as the front of the building is piled with an eclectic mix of items; sort of a cross between a rummage sale and garbage day.

There're brightly painted old farm tools, racks of wooden fishing poles, and a pair of rusty bikes.

Other items include wicker chairs that have seen better days, a stack of tiki torches, and a pyramid of old gas cans framed by the mantle of a fireplace.

Up the street is the Corner Cafe. The hometown diner is a simple square building.. Inside tables are covered with red and white checkered plastic tablecloths.

I sit down at a table with four old men; they are busy solving the hot topics of the day, including the value of AAA, whether it's better to pay with cash or credit, and where the police were headed with their siren last night.

"If you're going to sit here, you better hang on and buckle up," said Tyrone. He was the self-proclaimed director of the group.

Tyrone had to be in his early 70s. He wore a blue gray mechanics shirt with his name printed on a white patch sewn on the right-hand pocket. His shirt was unbuttoned way too low and a big tuft of curly old man hair filled the gap.

Everybody at the table had a pocket protector stuffed with pens and a case for their sunglasses. I felt a bit out of uniform.

"I can build you an airplane, I can build you a train but I can't figure out my wife's rose bushes," said Tyrone in a very loud voice.

Matter of fact, everybody at the table talked loud. The kicker came when Tyrone fielded a phone call. It was like when we were kids using a walkie talkie. He held the phone in front of his face and yelled into it and then looked at it when the person on the other end yelled back.

It was like we were on the party line with the operator. Worse yet, the woman on the other end apparently misdialed - yet she and Tyrone carried on for five, long, painful minutes anyway.

There were no secrets at this table, much less at the Corner Cafe.

"Your legs hurt after a day of biking?" asked Tyrone after he turned off his phone and shoved it in his front pocket.

I started to tell him 'not much' but Tyrone was already onto his own leg pain and how he came home one day and his wife had "found a water bed."

"I says, I'm not sleeping in that lake."

Tyrone then went into graphic detail about his nightly leg pain, the shaking, and how he'd be pulling in his wife's hair because his leg tremors were so out of control.

Yes, there was an actual reenactment at the table. Tyrone got so into it we all had to grab out ice water and coffee cups for fear he'd kick them over.

As I wrapped up breakfast and walked to my bike to leave, Tyrone followed me out the door.

"See all these political signs," said Tyrone - who was never at a loss for conversation. "That's for school board. I told one candidate she should take the TV show test and if she was smarter than a fifth grader - then I'd vote for her."

Tyrone was still talking as I rode away; although I'm being kind - my fifth-grade teacher would call it yammering. I really hate to leave De Funiak Springs.

Odds 'n ends from Sanford & Sisters..

 Me in front of the Hall of Brotherhood (below)

Riding in tribute, and in thanks, to my sponsors today!

July 10, 2017 - Netherlands - Today I'll be riding in tribute, and in thanks, to all of my sponsors for The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's. Thank you for making this trip a success in providing funds for memory care programs at local Cedar Community!

Something your grandfather liked with saltine crackers.

July 2, 2017 - Monster, Holland - My kind neighbors, Jan and Dineke, at the campsite just outside Monster, Holland. 

A good introduction is to always ask for a bottle opener. Jan and Dineke were willing to oblige.

Our conversation ran the gamut from camping to health care to jobs and children and grandchildren.  

Fun!  The next morning Jan invited me over for coffee.  "When do you eat?" she said. She brought out a roll and some slices of cheese, a box of chocolate sprinkles and a hard-boiled egg. 

Jan was a foodie. I asked what food was unique to the culture in the Netherlands.  She mentioned herring. 

I already had a run in with that two days ago. I thought I was getting fried fish from a food truck. Instead I was given raw herring and onions in a sandwich. I gave it back. 

Raw herring. Something your grandfather liked with saltine crackers. 

I mentioned my tour in New Zealand when the couple from the church took me in and served me kiwi as cultural cuisine. 

I said we had those in the US, too, and then I ate it skin and all.

"You ate the hairy outside," said Jan. 

I said, "Yes. That's where the fiber is."

She looked at me and then at my plate. "I'm going to hate to see what you do with that egg," she said. 

VIDEO | Sorry, Wisconsin, no cheese for YOU

June 28, 2017 - Leiden, Holland - Spent an extra day in Leiden which is about 25 miles south of Amsterdam. 

Smaller community than Amsterdam but a college town and fast paced with a lot of museums. Plus, there was heavy rain overnight and more precipitation on tap today. There are also several museums I missed ... so those are all my excuses and I'm sticking to it. 

Ramon Severs was one of the first vendors I ran into. He was a good-looking guy and spoke English, but I was drawn to his big wheels of cheese. 

The 25-pounder would not fit on my bike nor would the cheddar stone of 40 kilos. Sorry, Wisconsin friends.

Side note: Listen in on the video. I like the part where he says "I'm my own boss."

The vendors with white tents ran down the edge of the river and all around the city centre. 

There was a meat man, bolts of fabric and sport socks, olives and candies. One could experience a real hum to the market. 

VIDEO | Simon and Sam

June 26, 2017 - Netherlands - Simon and Sam found me. The pair were up to no good summertime shenanigans. Digging a tunnel to China next to a covered bike port where I was taking a rest. 

Eventually, after chucking rocks onto the roof and making honking noises at the entry, they were brave enough to come in and try to have a chat. 

I found interesting, even with the language differences, some of the things we had in common, and their genuine "kid" sense of humor. 

What resonates internationally with children? Try starting with Frozen and Star Wars. 

I got a kick at how hilarious Sam found my name. 

Photo Gallery | Along the bike trail

June 26, 2017 - Netherlands - Sharing a few photos from the bike trail today.

The price of a little petrol in Amsterdam.

A brilliant bicycle in Holland. Perfect for transporting children or a case of Pabst from Jeff's Spirits on Main. 

 The artwork at the roundabouts is very Calatrava.

The tree-lined canals run through all the towns with designated bike lanes on each side. 

It is cozy and beautiful all in the same breath. 

My first windmill sighting in Holland. It's on my bucket list to get a tour inside before I leave. 

Fields of flowers line both sides of the bike path as I make my way from Amsterdam to Leiden. 

A thatched-roof house. Very gingerbread. 

Stopped to help Fernando at the side of the road; his chain slipped off. The unique thing about a cycle in Holland is that they all seem to have wrap-around chain guards. Good at keeping grease off a pant leg but a total hindrance with small screws if you need to fix. We teamed up and solved it. 

Bike is cumbersome, but connects conversation

June 25, 2017 - West Bend, WI - Just sharing some of what it's like traveling with a bike in a box. 

Cumbersome is one word that nails it. 

My bike flies with me on these tours. I take off the front wheel, handlebars and pedals, pack it up and heft it through the airport ... along with my luggage. 

From what I've witnessed it's easier than a kid in a stroller. Few people offer to help which means I must look capable; "sturdy" is how one gentleman described my appearance. According to the Urban Dictionary a sturdy girl is "equally capable of climbing rocks."

I've got my system down to a science. 

The other thing that happens behind the scenes is the bike is a conversation starter. 

So far the three people I've met in line have all had a family member who has had Alzheimer's. "My friend nursed his wife until her death," said Bill. "Now he's 90 years old and taking care of his son who has Alzheimer's." 

Bill wished me luck on tour and so did the woman at the ticket desk at Delta. She even waived the fee to fly my bike. "My grandma has Alzheimer's. I really appreciate what you're doing," she said. 

On a side note: This year the bike and contents tipped the scale at 52 pounds. My luggage for three weeks weighed in at 15 pounds. 

Birthday Tribute to My Dad

My dad turns 92 years old today. Who can even imagine living that long. 

He's packed a lot into those years. He's a veteran, a graduate of Marquette University, a father of seven and grandfather of 13. He is a man of great faith.

When we were growing up he made sure we all had bikes. Most weren't the newest, but they all worked. 

We were the Wallendas of Whitefish Bay when he attached three tandems together. It didn't work like we thought it would but it was fun to try. 

Old school German ingenuity.

My dad is in pretty good shape for 92. He walks about a half mile three times a day and he can play a mean game of Solitaire on the computer. 

He's a 'happy' Alzheimer's and I ride my annual bike tour as a tribute to my dad. 

I'm also riding the same bike I had when I graduated high school in 1982 because of my dad. It was that Depression-era mentality. "So if it still works I don't understand why you need a new one." 

Happy birthday to my Dad.

Jerseys are in and we're not talking cows!

The jerseys for the 2016 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's have arrived! Megan from Horicon Bank is helping me model the new look. She's obviously the pro and I'm totally copying. 

Many thanks to tour sponsors USCCA, Thrivent Financial, Gruber Tool & Die, Dental Professions in Germantown, A&W Iron and Metal, Cast Iron, Wiedmeyer Trucking, Extra Mile Snow Plowing, Promotions Pros, Cedar Community, Husars House of Fine Diamonds and thanks to Michael Albiero for designing a wonderful logo. 

Tour leaves for New Mexico on June 21. ALL money raised stays local and benefits music activities and exercise programs at Cedar Community. 

CLICK HERE to donate!

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's Launches June 21

The annual Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s bicycle tour will head to New Mexico. I will fly out June 21 with my bicycle to Albuquerque, head northwest to Shiprock and then pedal home. I’m calling it ‘vacation.’

Once again, a huge thanks to Tim Schmidt and USCCA for stepping forward as the primary sponsor of the tour. “I believe in you, Judy, and I believe what you’re riding for is so important,” Schmidt said.

The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s hopes to clear $100,000 this year. All donations stay local and help support music and exercise activities at Cedar Community in West Bend.   ~Judy

Music, exercise and rummage therapy are my Rx secrets for Alzheimer's

Took my dad to Kewaskum today for its Village-wide rummage sale. My father is 91 and suffers Alzheimer's. He is mighty fit and farm strong. When he's dressed up (normally for a funeral of someone younger) people say, "Al looks like he's ready to start a corporation."

His appearance is deceiving; my dad is adrift in Alzheimer's in a well-preserved body. His world resets every three seconds. Memory is definitely an issue with repetitive questions, no sense of a current timeline and you can't say, "Do you remember this or that" ... because, no.... he doesn't. 

I found he responds well to music and exercise. Rummage sales are also good therapy. We always used to go to sales together on Saturday morning.

I find it's a good opportunity to drift back into his era - because I know he's never going to be able to step into mine.

At the sales we gravitate to hardware, tools and farm equipment. "What's this," I said holding up a carpentry thingamajig. "That's a planer," he said. My dad was a Mr. Fix It in his prime. "How about that," I said. "It's a horse collar you'd put it over the back of the horses neck......" And there he goes .... it's more words than we've heard in a week.

"Did you have horses when you were growing up," I ask. "Well, yes. Matter of fact I'd have to get up in the morning, milk the cows, load the milk into the wagon and take it to the cheese factory in St. Cloud."

I've heard the stories a million times. But now he's in his element. It's kind of amazing really, because otherwise he says nothing.

A couple of things about the disease - my dad doesn't initiate conversation and when we walk from sale to sale he follows about five paces behind. I'm told that's normal for someone with Alzheimer's.

At each sale I hear the same comment "high prices." It's a hard thing to grasp, this 2015. Maybe my dad is the lucky one - stuck in his era of Happy Days, 15-cent a gallon gas, and when neighbors helped neighbors - because it's what you did.

Today I found a 45 rpm of Elvis with The King on the sleeve. "How much change do you have in your pocket," I asked. My dad pulled out 57 cents and handed it over. It was a good old-fashioned rummage, they took it - happy to make a sale.

We normally don't buy much, but it's quality time and gives my mom some freedom, even if only a couple hours.

After my small purchase, we stopped at a sale by Kewaskum's famed Jules Dreher and then head home.

Getting out of the car my dad turned to me. The look in his eye is very distant. I ask if he was feeling OK and after somewhat of a pause he said, "You owe me 57 cents."

I consider it a miracle. That was more than a half hour ago.... from a guy who can't remember three seconds ago. I laughed. It's a sign - - the rummage therapy works.

I know somebody's in there.... it's up to me to reach him.

I think I'll keep my dad on the hook with that 57 cents... at least for a bit. Selfishly, maybe he'll stay around a little while longer.

TRAINING FOR THE TOUR HAS BEGUN!

Although the Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's tour in Italy is still more than five months out - I have started training. Bicycling over 1,000 miles does take some prep work. Last year, for the Nova Scotia to West Bend tour, I completed 10,000 pushups as part of a fund-raising pledge.

This year I'm taking advantage of a gift certificate I bid on during a fund raiser. I've started training at Paradise Springs Fitness and I love it!  Very challenging and a new method of training that focuses on a lot of core.

During my first workout at Paradise Springs Fitness the trainer kept saying, "give more weight to Steffes" and "put more weight on Steffes."   Me, I was looking at this nice looking guy.

However, 30 minutes later I had to yak because I was overdoing it and ran across the floor to the bathroom.

Too bad I was so unfamiliar with the layout of the place and my destination just ended up being a well-lit corner with a plant and no bathroom.

My friend asked if that guy I spoke about was impressed by that. 

sigh.....

If this were easy ..... everybody would do it.

Thanks for the support - onto new adventures

It's been a whirlwind of emotions since returning home - - elation from the accomplishment of pedaling 1,031 miles, memories of wonderful people and beautiful scenery, realization of the fatigue and soreness from the challenging hills followed by more hills, and the comfort of being home and knowing I helped raise nearly $30,000 this tour for Alzheimer's.

I ran into tour sponsor Helen Reinke upon my return. "What's next," was her immediate question.

I will keep you posted. I'm sure there's another tour in the future - the planning has only just begun.

A mighty thanks to all the sponsors, supporters and my web editor - I could not have done it without you!

COMING UP! Throwback Monday...... Riding in Tribute

I'll be revealing the name of this groovy dude in an update.  Stay tuned!

Busy Day in Halifax

I love air travel. It's so hassle free. (Just kidding.)

It was a whirlwind type of day that I'll highlight in some photos:

Nancy

Nancy was a volunteer at the Halifax airport who helped me while I rebuilt my

bike. I finally arrived around 10:45 a.m. Saturday after another setback.  Nancy, another agent, Anne, and Lucy were all extremely helpful today.... Despite the delays.

Fabulous tour of the Maritime Museum in downtown Halifax.  Lots of great history and artifacts about the Titanic and the huge explosion in downtown Halifax in 1917.

Visited the wonderful Farmers" Market in Halifax. Here's a bit of a Peter-Pan

view. The market has two levels and full until 8 p.m.

Some local art across from the Maritime Museum

 

Kids climbing sculpture

I could sit and watch this all day. It's right along the boardwalk.  No kid

could walk past without trying it and some adults too.

Staying with my host family Jane and Eric tonight.  

Headed north tomorrow morning.