On a "Journey" with Alzheimer's

Testimonies like this inspire and encourage me to "pedal on" for Alzheimer's awareness:

Riding in Tribute to....

JIM MOHR

NOTE: Want to pay tribute to your loved one? I'll ride a day in their honor (includes mention on blog). Click HERE to learn more.

Bargaining for a Bike

Interviewed one of the locals, Lloyd Gatzke from Campbellsport, WI, who told me how he got his first bike with this unusual bargaining technique....

Riding in Tribute to....

Robert Ledwith


NOTE: Want to pay tribute to your loved one? I'll ride a day in their honor (includes mention on blog). Click HERE to learn more.

New Hampshire: A Quick Fix, the Speedway, and a NASA Tidbit to Share

Full day of activities started with a visit to MC Cycle & Sport in Laconia, NH.

Bob took care of a couple annoying wobbles and squeaks that would help smooth

out my ride.

 

Bob

On to the great New Hampshire Motor Speedway which was prepping for this weekend's NASCAR race. (Right, and below left)

In Concord, I sought out the Discovery Museum which highlighted astronaut Christa McAuliffe.

Did you know ejection seats were used in the first four shuttle test flights but later replaced by non-ejection seats as ejection was deemed unsafe?

Docent Bob Veilleux was also part of the Teacher in Space Program. "I was at Christa's flight. Took hundreds of pictures and didn't show them to anyone for years."

Bob Veilleux

Bob was also a collector of meteorites; of course, he kept them in his pocket. 

Where's Judy?

Just a fun map so you can see where I've been so far.

View The Amazing Race for Alzheimer's in a full screen map

South to Concord, NH

Headed south on Highway 106 to Concord, NH. I'm about 18 miles out. In this

photo is a sleek biker named Jeremy. He caught me on the downhill. "Recognized your plate; I'm from New Foundland," he said referencing my Nova Scotia license plate.

"Sorry to disappoint, I'm from Wisconsin," I said.

The sweat was pouring off Jeremy. I asked him if it was tough to catch me and he said it was.

So kind.  

Then he raced off and I continued to eke along with my dinosaur tail of gear.

NOTE: He's that wisp of a biker behind the car.... Hear me pronouncing 'car' like you're from HARvard.)

Shout Out to The Amazing Ride SPONSORS

Just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of the sponsors of The Amazing Ride!

Cedar Community
USCCA

Wiedmeyer Express

Thrivent Financial

Marine Corps League/Kettle Moraine Detachment

The Cottages On Golden Pond

Martin Jewellers

Into New Hampshire

Chris gave me a good jump on the day with a lift from Waterville, Maine to South Paris.

 

Chris (right)

I profiled him - he had a nice car, dresses nice and so fit I mistook him for a biker. "No, I'm into cross training," he said. Really a nice guy, well traveled, worked in construction and was thrilled to hear about my tour. "You make me want to quit my job and just go," he said.

(Above, left, and below)  Just a bit of scenery along Highway 117 and Hwy 302.

Waited out a pop-up storm outside the Maine Info Bureau for about an hour. They had a nice bench outside with a large overhang to protect me from the wetness. I think I nodded off before getting some rain gear/garbage bags on and crossing into New Hampshire. 

Ride Update: Interview on WBKV with Bob Bonenfant, West Bend, WI

This morning I did an update interview on The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's with WBKV 1470's Morning Show with host Bob Bonenfant.

Discussed Tropical Storm Arthur, crossing over into the U.S., and more....

Click HERE to listen to the podcast!

Newport, Maine

Newport, Maine - A quick look at the road ahead on Highway 100 in Maine. Sunny day and nice shoulder on the road.

(Left) Stopped for a break at Bradstreet Farm. Juanita talked about Newport celebrating its 200th anniversary. She spoiled me with a commemorative wooden nickel and a bag full of fresh peas.

This woman, Judy (right), came in a side door with her money cake to raffle off with proceeds to the American Cancer Society. She said there were 160 one-dollar bills and 20 two-dollar bills. She hopes to raise over $1,000.

Ho-ho-hoping to introduce this guy to my mom when I get home. Met him outside the Roller Rink Antique Mall. 

Riding in Tribute to.....

ESTHER VRANA


NOTE: Want to pay tribute to your loved one? I'll ride a day in their honor (includes mention on blog). Click HERE to learn more.

Back on the road - in Maine

Made it to Maine ... 

Started out just after 4 a.m. Trying to make up some time after being grounded a day by Tropical Storm Arthur. A short mile into my ride I ran into my first moose warning.

Nice guy Michael gave me a lift to Bangor. Route 9 had been closed because of

the storm. 

Got back on track on Highway 2 and took a break at Route 2 Antique Mall. Galen and Sue presented me with a license plate from Maine. 

Grounded by a Hurricane

Calais, Maine - So this is what a tropical storm looks like. It's Arthur....

 .....and he's caught me; high winds and 100 percent rain, tree branches down.  It would make for a miserable/dangerous day on the road so I might as well take the day off.