Cartersville GA to Atlanta GA

Last Day and Reflection

Checking the weather report for the day it says Sunny once again. However a quick look outside and it now has turned foggy. Milky fog, the kind that doesnt look like it will clear up anytime soon. Eat a little breakfast and make our way to a local Ace Store 3 miles down the road. Along the way things looked pretty dangerous. Despite the fog many locals didnt have their lights on and were driving like the fog meant nothing. Even more dangerous. Our host at the Ace Store let us hang out there for some time until i could organize some groups of us to go out and make sure we had blinkers and lights on the front and back of the group. Just a little safety but who wants to get run over on the last day right.

We rolled off in groups and it was clear that most understood the plan. Stay together, ride slow and wait until the fog burns off. We had a few nice rolling hills and short climbs and you could feel the weather start to break. In reference to rolling hills. Chicago riding means hills are I-88 overpasses or the occasional Johnson's Mound. these TN and GA rollers gave us 5000-6000 ft of climbing on many days. This reletively easy day we were to go 3800 feet. Nothing like that around Chicago that is for certain.

As the fog burned down we were greeted by a nice bright sun and some increasing temps. We split up as we have done all week and rode with friends we made along the way. Ray and I had been braving things together most of the week for many stretchs and this was no exception. Within the first hour we saw a brand new Ace Store not on our map to stop at. Its because it just opened Friday. We stopped anyway looking for something to shoplift and met some great folks (video attached). Many of our group riding by saw our bikes and stopped as well. I think the Ace store workers saw first hand that the company they work for cares about people and the community. I know they were glad we stopped. Me too. That scroll saw I heisted was pretty hard to ride with but well worth the stop.

As we cruised along you could see some relief on many of the riders as they finally got a great day to ride, low mileage and for the first time could shed the long gloves and arm warmers. You could also see some of the folks laboring to keep the pace as the mileage and weather had taken its toll. For some that had bad days in the past and may have had to jump in the broom wagon a time or two, they were determined to ride this day out. Debra comes to mind as she got to the last water stop and everyone left. Again she was alone and was asked to jump into the van and take a ride. She didnt want to and when the van rolled up on me at the stop light I could tell she didnt want to be there and told her to pull over and get back on. Mark pulled her bike down and she was back on the fly. She stuck in out until the end and she was proud of it. We were proud of her as well.

Heading into the outskirts of Atlanta and the traffic just gets miserable. Our desitination was the Ace store in Sandy Springs were we could get some lunch and then a 3 mile police escort to the Childrens Hospital to present a check. The cool thing about these escorts is that you never have to stop. i took some rolling video and then next thing i knew we had arrived.
We once again got to hear about a Miracle Child being helped by CMN his name is Stephen Hess. I have included a short video for you below. Listening to this you can not help but feel for the family and hope that the outcome is positive. That is the only way to get through.

You reflect on things that have happened to people you know and love. My connection to this cause is personal with two stories. One a tragic one that ended the life of our dear niece at an age that my daughter will be next month, 13. Her struggle had a couple of beginnings, one false ending and a final ending. Our entire family thinks of her often and at my other nieces recent summer wedding they saved a seat at the table for her marked by a little angel. A sweet touch but sad none the less. the other story involves our daughter who was saved at 6 months old at the San Diego Childrens Hospital. See she had a pretty funky heart defect that they could not wait to fix. Not that they couldnt wait in and excited way, more like a hurry up and get this shit fixed way. She knows the name of the doctor that fixed it (Lamberti) and she has the massive scars to prove it. There is still a valve that needs repair but its pumping and that is what matters. Two stories, close to home for me but there are millions more with a million different outcomes.

I took a walk outside after the presentation and thought about these two precious girls and the mark they have made on our families. It made me cry as i thought about each one. Kind of weird how that happens for me. I put things out of my mind to concentrate on tasks at hand but when I have a second to concentrate the emotions are real and they hurt. The doctors saved my little Fish but could not save Lizzy.

We got back on the bikes for the 12 mile police escort to the Georgia World Congress center. Again, a great way to fly. Oboma must love this kind of treatment. We had cheering well wishers and riders families toasting with Champagne. We got to see many of the previous years riders that for whatever reason could not make the trip with us. We had a good laugh or two about some of the crazy things we encountered along the way. And then we were done.

We broke out Little Jimmy (video) one more time at the hotel and raised a glass to the week and a job complete. Speaking of the hotel, when we got there to check in a crazy Ukranian Dance Troupe starts pushing their way through the doors. I mean 50-60 of these skinny Euro-Nuts both guys and girls. My inner Ronnie came out and as i was making my way in with my bike this little Byrishnikov tried to squeeze in between me and the door, his backpacking flying to and fro.....6 inches max! I put my hand on his chest and told him to "sit back" . As i went through the door i told him "now its your turn". He didnt understand a word but he got the message...Little Nazi!
At that evening dinner together we got the message that there will be no Tour de Kids in 2010. Very disappointing to say the least. Every stop we made, every hospital administrator that talked to us, every family that has been touched by our efforts said the money made a difference. How can they "take a year off to evaluate"? Each one of us stood in front of the group and told our story of what the whole thing means to each of us. Many got emotional as they reflected on the journey from decision then to training, fund raising, local community meetings, more training and then the event. For many this was the only reason they got on a bike, thats inspiring. the same thing happened to me 5 years ago when i decided to do this. I bought a road bike, dumped some unwanted fat and found out I love riding a bike. I hope they will too but know many will not pick it up again should the cause not be there. That is a shame.

All in all we raised over $300,000 this year and over 3 million in the 6 years the TDK has been running. We rode 460 miles, climbed 23,000 feet and cranked the pedals 92,196 times in the five days we were out there this year. Piece of cake compared to the obstacles standing in the way of some of these children. If you are reading this and want to make a donation, the information is on the page. If you have made a donation I truely appreciate your generousity. If your inspired to do something good and worthwhile then jump in now, there are so many causes that need spirted individuals that want to make a difference.

Just an average guy trying to do good.

Love,

Ron

Day 4 Chattanooga TN To Cartersville GA

Yes Sir we have some Sun!!!

Back on Eastern Time and we can now see the Sun. We all departed at about 8:15 am and for the first time, all with Sunglasses on. A couple of the ladies left early to get a jump on things but about 15 minutes into the trip we saw them headed back our way. They were lost. You see, we get a route sheet the night before from our infamous router, Mauricio (a columbian raised in New Zealand, crazy mix of latin and kiwi) I think the ladies both young and old really dug him....some of the fella's too i bet. Anyway he paints yellow arrows on the road so we can find our way. Mostly flawless i have to say. But this morning with the sun and the glasses nobody could see the pavement that clearly and we all missed the turn. Here we are 15 riders in spandex cruisin' the Hood! A bit uncomfortable but we consulted our handy dandy route sheet and asked the local Comcast repair dude for directions and we only missed the regular route by about 2 miles...felt like 20.

Back on the road we went directly through the Chattanooga National Military Park. Kind of cool but kind of creepy. 100's of cannons and signs marking how many dead etc. I guess it would have been cool to shoot a few Confederates and if i could have done it from my new bike, that would have been better.

We then hit a nice climb going into the Chattahoochee National Forest. With the sun shining bright in the sky and air brisk it was a truely epic day to ride. I may have saw 5 cars in the whole 20 miles. The road was more like bike path and only a few branches to deal with. with the tailwind it made for a fast and beutiful ride. I did this entire 20 miles solo and if i was a religious guy i may have said it was a religious experience. Since I may be more of a guy that questions these things, i decided that out there a few folks that I know (maybe Mo, Elizabeth, Nana) were fanning the flames coming off my ass and pushing me forward. Thanks for the push ladies!

A few more sweet climb and a water stop here and there. Wait, waterstop! Our crack staff of support folks mand these with all things nutritious to keep us moving. I dont eat much on a ride but can use the liquid and the funny banter between two knuckleheads seperated by 21 years. My buddy Mark Dwyer who has served this purpose the last 3 times i rode the TDK is my brother from a different mother. Not to say my Mom had any more bad boys than me, or went to Jersey in the 70's on a bender and met Mr. Wrong, but we carry the same things on our sleeves. Say it like it is, love life and make sure everyone hears us regardless of the message. Keep the faith and keep the volume in check it will serve you well Shaggy. Being adopted is a great thing unless your mother is an asshole. You can change the course of asshole-ism when you have your own children my brother. And you will.

Crusin' right into town on a the wings of a tailwind hummin' Inagodadavida by Iron Butterfly and the 99.6 miles comes to a close. Best friggin' day to ride a bike in a long time...solo or not. Get me a beer from Little Jimmy and i am ready to conquer the world. I put a little video in here of me just cruisin and talking to my self. Not long but you get the message.

And a photo of Brother Mark's Birthday Bash and a Pie in the Face. Just like the game I lost on Bozo Circus in 1968 because the chick that was wrapping me in crepe paper couldnt run fast enough. We won Parcheesee...isnt that just the Indian form of Trouble or Sorry for rich kids.

Post bash video as well

Day Three Cookville TN to Chattanooga TN

The Brutal, The Wacky and The Heart Wrenching



It didnt rain today but it was still a 38 degree start with a high of 45. Bright side...wind at the back. Two great climbs one called the wall that was every bit of 15% in parts for 2 miles and another 5 mile at 6%. It was the first time i had sweat on my face the whole ride it has been so cold. A monster 8 mile downhill that topped out at 48 mph. Twisting and turning with no shoulder and cars lined up behind us. All in all 101 miles today. Thats 3 100 mile days in a row, not something i have done before.

Now the Wacky. At the top o the Wall, me and two other got to a point where it leveled out. We had about 100 yards between each of us so we could not compare notes but we did at the end of the downhill. We all saw the same thing. No not Bigfoot but a TWO HEADED DOG! Holy Shit i am not kidding. it was a Siamese Twin conjoined at the butt dog. 8 legs and it was two different breeds. It was at the side of the road walking down into the gully. I slowed down as i couldnt believe it. I saw this Freakshow walking one way into the woods dragging the other. I expected to see the Ripley's Tent near by and some lady running down the road screaming that the bearded lady stole the two head dog. None of us had a camera but i have proff in the video attached.

We rode into town to a celebration at the local Ace store. From there we got a police escort to the Childrens Hospital to present a check and meet a local Miracle Family. These meetings put it all on the table. Why you do it and why you continue to do it.

Jordon and His family met with us for about an hour and told thier story. This little guy has had ten surgeries in his short life and will need a kidney transplant. The Childrens Hospital has made a home dialysis machine available and Jordon's Mom completes this every day with him. Because of complications he also has had heart surgery and may need a heart transplant in years to come. She mentioned that the Team at Childrens has become family to them. Think about the dedication that it takes from these perfect strangers who will take a family in and treat them as thier own. Worry about them, cry for them and in many cases grieve the loss of child with the family. True warriors they are.



Funny thing on the escort into town. Their was a local store having some hippie craft fair in the parking lot and some girl yelled at as that we were a bunch of pussies!I think that she was just pissed because she couldnt find a sharp enough razor to shave her pits so she just let it grow granola style. I wonder what she would have done if we stopped and told her what we were doing.
It was by far the best day.

Day Two Glasgow KY to Cookeville TN

I Think this is Belgium in the Spring!

38 degrees to start with more rain. But let me tell you about our night first. Our favorite little degenerate mechanic Shaggy, aka Mark Dwyer, turned 30 last night. So some of us stayed up late and celebrated with him. Seeing as this was a dry county we had to plan this little thing. We filled up Little Jim (the cooler) and then went to dinner. A few shots later and some good Mex food and i think he was on his way. Mark is one of the great things about this tour. He has been on 3 of the trips i have been on and he really is one of the good ones. He has a great perspective and is a little wacky, just like i like them. If he was 20 years older i am sure we would have went to jail together.
So another night of celebrating and a breakfast at Shoney's. this place is why the hillbillies wives guts are bigger than the husbands. Biscuits and gravy every day for breakfast? Punch you ticket fat girl. I did try the powdered eggs. Reminded me of my mothers cooking. Rest her soul, but she was a terrible cook huh Cathy? Remember Jewel generic ice tea and chicken in the friggin crock pot! She once cooked Thanksgiving dinner in the Microwave, Turkey and all. The whole episode reminded me of a Ron Popiel commercial. That machine was the reason I have hemmroids.
During the long 95 miles today I saw all kinds of crazy things. Do you watch the show Horders? i saw some hillbillies front porch that was right out of Horders. The porch was about 30 feet long and just littered with junk. Garbage bags, clothes, kids toys, i mean packed to rafters. you couldnt even walk on it. The weirdest thing is there was a full on Drum Set all ready to go amidst the crap. Like Deliverance Boy comes out sits on the stool and wails away to Metallica in the middle of the day. Before he gets his foodstamps and heads into Mount Pilot. I wondered about the inside but started to throw up in my mouth and had to press on.

We took a wrong turn 6 miles into the day and went 10 miles out of our way. this little detour didnt get us to lunch until about 1:30. Lots of flats, lots of cold riders but very little complaining. We had lunch at the Stone Church with George something or another as our host. got to remove my shoes and put on a dry pair of socks for the 30 miles home. we had a nice 1 mile climb and overall we did about 5600 feet of climing in the 95 miles...not epic but beautiful country side. We got to see and Amish Barn raising as well
Those people (why do people get offended when you say those people) Larry David does it all the time. Those people are really a little freaky. We looked off into the distance when a rider had a flat and saw three bearded boys all dressed the same standing around a fire next to their house. why are you there...no school? No cows to milk? No fields to plow? No chickens to have your way with? The whole thing is just pretty bizarre. But they make cool armoire's.

Rolled into Cookville and headed down the main drag running through the campus of Tennesse Tech to stop at an Ace Store and talk to the owner and workers. A real old lady in her car came up right next to me and her car rubbed my leg. I pounded on the hood for her to get over but she wouldnt even look at me. My wheel was rubbing on the curb until the stop light. she finally looked at me I said " Shame on You" I have heard that so many times in my life and it always hurts. I though it was better than yelling something about her age or saggy boobs. She didnt care she just cruised on barely seeing over the dashboard in search of another person to run down.
Cleaned the bike, had dinner and watched the weather for tomorrow. Rainy and cold. Oh, thats different. Best thing about tomorrow is the trip to Chattanooga Chidrens Hospital. Pictures and video will follow.
As Lee Ermey says...Hit it sweetheart! Lights out.

Day One Louisville to Glasgow KY

This is why I dont swim

Barry Sopinsky-Bona Floor Products-What the Hell is this?

I love this stuff!!

On the plane to Louisville i wrote a note and asked the Waitress, I mean Stewardess, I mean Hostess to give to the Pilot. On the note i asked them to regonize the 9 TDK riders on our plane. He did a wonderful job and everyone clapped. I love when people do what i tell them and then i get a standing ovation. It makes me feel like a SuperModel.

We got all the bikes put together and headed down for dinner. I drank mine. I paid for it on the ride.

We missed all the rain, and rode 102 miles. Kentucky is actual more than hillbillies i found out. Its rolling hills and pristine blacktop. We did see our occasional HillJack especially when i stopped at a a General Store about mile 80. I asked to use the bathroom and they said sure, you can go out back. OUT BACK? What am I a fucking hunting dog? I took them up on their offer and crapped out back by the garbage cans. HA! I showed you yellowhammers.

I ended up rolling 30 miles with an old freind from 2006, Peg Grabber and a new friend Sue Ahrens. They both told me that I was a nice guy with a splash of dick! If they only new what the rest of us know. You know, my wife told me a few weeks ago that i was lucky that i was so funny or she would have left me a long time ago. We played One Truth One Lie for about 20 miles. I learned some stuff about them that i promised not to repeat. They dont know who they are dealing with. I always tell the stories no matter what. Stay tuned and i will post one.

There were at least 15 dogs on this leg today. One was an Albino Cujo. He must have been 160 LBs and fast as hell. I barely outsprinted all of them but it was not fun. I am going out and getting a hand gun. I found out at the General Store that i could get a gun in 15 minutes if i wanted one. Is this another country? Why is this legal?

A real nice 1.8 mile climb at about 6% to get the blood flowing was the only real test of the day an we rolled in to Little Jimmy (the beer cooler named after our Jim Cashmore from last years ride) he really knows how to hydrate. Jimmy One More!

Off to shower, drink only a few beers and prepare for day 2. I really missed so many of these people. They worked hard today and are out here for the cause. they raised a lot of money and did something many people dont do. Get off their asses and do something. Thanks you guys, you make it look easy.

Ready To Shove Off

Here are a couple of photos of Leg One. First one is the crack routing guru Mericio making sure everyone sees this obstacle. The second is the Post Ride ritual. Store your bike then hydrate.

I checked the weather and am prepared for the worst. I am preparing by mixing up a famous Margarita and packing some last minute goodies. Ok Ron, remember the camera, arm warmers, flip video, Heed. Speaking of Heed. Its and electrolyte conconction for drinking on the bike. it keeps cramps at bay. I have the lemon lime flavor. Hmmmm....i just ran out of margarita mix. Wonder if i mixed Heed with Tequila?

I make my way down to Louisville tomorrow to start leg two or the Tour de Kids. If it rains i will leave the tequila/heed mix in the waterbottle. Until then, keep checking back.

October 9th-The Curse of The Dean!

Oct 9th was my second worst day on a bike ever! The only reason it was not the worst was a nice tailwind with 30 miles to go. Both days did have many things in common....cold, rain, rain, rain and DEAN!
Starting with Thursday night until Friday Morning, he tried to come up with something that could get him out of riding. At 8 am he went to the mechanic and said his shoe cleat was broken. Obviously no bike stores are open at 8 am so clearly had had thought his bullshit story out thoroughly. As he was peeling off his cycling jacket i told him to just try it in the pedal and see what happens....clip in clip out....clip in clip out!!! Viola! It works. Who knew! I knew...Dean the master of embellishment...king of the Tall Tale....Wizard of the obvious...CAUGHT AGAIN!!

I really should have let him stay back. I think if i did, the sky would have been clear and the rain would have stopped. He did make it and I'm glad he did. Under all that hair and feta cheese smell is the generous heart of a man who cares about these kids! Cheers BIG GREEK!

Many well wishers came out to the Ace Corporate office in Oak Brook IL to send us off. We got the pre ride instructions from Jimmy Alexander, Ace VP and the guy who signs off on this event every year. I know he is up every night at 2 am worrying about the safety of the riders. Thanks Jimmy.
First stop was 3 miles away at a local school in Oak Brook. Student at this K-8 school made up banners for each of the Childrens Hospitals the riders will stop at along the way. Heartfelt wishes from strangers. They dont know these kids in Chattanooga. They are not thier friends on their FaceBook pages! They are not Tweeting them. All they know is that these kids are sick and they want to do whatever they can to make them feel better. That is as raw and basic as you can get.
The whole school came out and i asked who the Valedictorian was in the class. They all shouted some kids name that i couldnt pronounce but he raised his hand. I stood for a photo op with him and told him I too was first in my class when i was his age. What i didnt tell him was that it was first in my class at the St. Charles Home for Boy's (Charlie Town as locals called it). I think every mother told her mischevious boy that if he didnt shape up he would end up there. HA! idol threats for many a Lombardian Hoodlum.
We pushed on and hit our lunch stop at the Ace Hardware paint plant in Matteson IL. Only about 32 miles but 32 miles with aquairiums for shoes is plenty. The Ace Paint team let us into their lunch room had towels for us and a great meal. At one point a bunch of plant workers were looking into the room from the windows outside. They were laughing and pointing like we were monkey's with the pink butts at the Brookfield Zoo. What they really were laughing at was that the torrential rains had soaked our spandex to the point that it left nothing to the imagination. What is most funny to me is that they will have bad dreams about what they saw. Me i have a clear mind knowing that i did a good job Manscaping before the trip.

With a tailwind we put our heads down and ramped up the speed to finish out the day. A couple stops at local Ace Hardware stores...coffee...pee breaks and then we end up finished for the day at the hotel. As is customary with the end of the ride, One of us quickly runs out and gets some beer for the group. Everyone does some laundry and we have few before dinner. When the waitress asked what i wanted i said "Ill have a cherry lime rickey and a hard boiled egg" She didnt get the humor nor was she a Bill Curtis fan.
After dinner we sat in the lobby and made fun of each other for a while. One of the riders, Kelly Masco, local rep in Chicago, was called out by Dean and I as a Svenghouli look alike. Kelly is from Chicago, grew up here and didnt know Svenghouli. you have got to be friggin kiddin me! We quized him on other 60's Chicago Lore-BJ and Dirty Dragon..nothing, Hard Rock Cocoa and Joe...still nothing...The Magic Door....come on dude...still nothing. God almighty this freak must have been home schooled by Mennonite Parents. But at the end of the night i knew he was from Chicago as he drank the cooler dry. Good boy Kelly.
Got a great nights sleep and woke to the sun. a welcome sight. It did start at 30 degrees but compared to Friday who cares. The main group headed to Lafayette IN while Dean and I headed back to Naperville. A wonderful clear ride, a few wrong turns but back without incident. The 2 day test was successful and i will meet up with the group in Louisville on Weds to ride the 500 miles to Atlanta. Good luck fellow riders, stay safe and I will see you there.

Follow The Tour On The Yellow Brick Road

Just a quick note as the group starts its trek tomorrow from Ace Hardware HQ to Bourbonnais IL. They set up a cool link to track all the riders via GPS. What would Homer Simpson say? "mmmmmm...gps! Here you go, make sure we are doing every mile. I think when we stop at a bar it actually shows a church on the screen. Cheers to God!
http://www.mapmyathlete.com/vemap.aspx?name=032388&gpasswd

Children's Memorial Hospital and The Cubs Ryan Dempster

Since I am riding in support of Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, i thought i would pass on this recent story from the Tribune on the help that Dempster recieved for his daughter at our local hospital. This is one that was published....there are hundreds and hundreds of others that nobody ever hears about. All families looking for a positive outcome.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-29-cubs-chicago-sep29,0,3678323.story

This Is A Test Of The Emergency Broadcast System

As you may be aware I will be riding from Louisville KY to Atlanta GA, in search of the fountain of youth. No really, i am riding with 20+ other folks who have raised a $#&@-Load of money for Children's Miracle Network. All money raised goes back to our local Children's Hospital here in Chicago.

This will be my 5th year raising money but only the 4th year riding. I had a little set back last year just prior to the trip to St. Louis and could not attend. A boy needs two working shoulders to ride his bike i found out. Lots of rehab and lots of riding and i am back to haunt your dreams. Or at least fill you in daily on what we are doing on the trip.

I am going to take a test ride from Chicago to Bourbonnais on Friday with the first leg of the TDK and get reaquainted with some old friends. My good buddy Dean (below-without the hat) and i will ride down, stay the night with the group and then head back to Chicago on Saturday Morning. On the agenda is a stop at a local Jr. High in Oak Brook to pick up some pictures they made to give to the Children we meet along the way. Can't wait.


This may be one of my favorite pictures from the 2007 Tour. This young man (with the cool Endure It hat) and signed Ace Jersey, was there to greet us at the Denver Children's Hospital. He not only lost the top part of his leg to cancer, they took the lower half and connected it back on to use as a femur with his foot sticking out the back. He used the foot as a natural hinge and connected a prothesis to it. The whole package was just amazing! His attitude was incredible and he was an inspiration to everyone that met him that day.

More to come soon!