Day 30 - 063009

Nickerson, KS to Larned, KS - 60 miles


We started the morning by visiting the KwikShop for breakfast and to fill up on endless Gatorade once again. The riding was nice today with flat terrain, cooler temperatures, and less brutal headwinds. We stopped twice but only briefly roadside for snacks and water refills before pulling into Larned, KS and heading straight for the Peking Garden Chinese Restaurant for the Chinese lunch buffet. After lunch we headed to the Larned City Park and The Larned Swimming Pool for the afternoon. The pool was amazing with two diving boards, a water slide, and several basketball hoops. Kevin, Bret, and I decided to stay on top of our blogs so we headed over to the Jordaan Memorial Library for a few minutes of internet access. The group then headed over to the Pizza Hut after we were offered a discounted pizza buffet. Thank you again! We arrived back at the park to camp and discovered that other cyclists (a man from California, two people from West Virginia, and two were from the Netherlands) had joined our camp.

Day 29 - 062909

Cassoday, KS to Nickerson, KS - 90.33 miles

The day started this morning with a delicious Don's special Coleman camp stove breakfast. I rode through the day today with Don and Chris switching the lead rider every 5 or so miles. Kansas is a land with huge skies and oceans of green to either side which is the perfect environment for an unforgiving headwind, creating the feeling of climbing hills all day.


Our first stop was at Pages Books & Coffee and Prairie Harvest Market and Deli in Newton, KS. Chris got his first flat today so we stopped in a shade covered driveway for a quick patch before we were on our way again. The temperature today returned to the upper 90s and the sun baked down on us all day. We finished the day by riding into Nickerson and visiting the endless fountain Gatorade at the Kwik Shop. We visited the Nickerson Public Library and had dinner at the pizza connection before returning to the town park to set up camp for the night.

Please continue to follow as I hope to upload pictures very soon!

Day 28 - 062809

Chanute, KS to Cassoday, KS - 100.76 miles


Today we were excited about the forecasted cooler temperatures and about the possibility of riding beyond our scheduled stop and riding over 100 miles for the first time on our trip. Kevin and I must have still been hyped up after our wrestling match as we set the alarms for 4am and were on the road by 4:45. We started our ride in the dark with only the lights on our bikes to guide our way. The sun rose and after 40 miles we made it to our first stop at The Cafe in Toronto, KS where I had the "Bad Brad" a plate pilled high with hash browns, gravy, sausage, eggs, and toast. We next stopped in Eureka, KS at Sonic for 44 oz limeades and then headed over to wait for the group at Gulick's Gardens & Garden Cafe. We decided to go for it and bike the 40 additional miles to complete the "century". We arrived at the Cassoday City Park in Cassoday, KS and set up camp. Several of us ate some dinner and enjoyed a nap. Don and Mason drove to Wichita to pick up Will who will be joining us for the reminder or the journey to Oregon.

Day 27 - 062709

Pittsburg, KS to Chanute, KS - 57.85 miles

This morning we started our ride as usual when a truck pulled alongside. The driver asked where we were stopping and assured us he would leave money at the Mini Mart ahead to pay for our drinks and snacks. We arrived at our first stop in Girard, KS to find Seabass, a Pittsburg Fireman waiting to buy us each a snack and a "pop". Thanks again Seabass! Our second stop was at the Walnut Express Convenience Store in Walnut, KS. We next arrived and enjoyed Subway in Chanute Kansas where we were scheduled to meet with a 10 year old boy named Chase who likes playing chess and watching professional wrestling. We spend the day at the park and when Chase arrived Kevin (The Demyelinator) and I (The MS Avenger) went toe to toe for the title belt.


As the day winded down we headed to Benchwarmers for dinner and then to the Otterbein United Methodist Church for the night.

Day 26 - 062609 Kansas

Ash Grove, MO to Pittsburg, Kansas - 81.58 miles


Great ride this morning to our breakfast stop at Cooky's Cafe in Golden City, MO where we all enjoyed breakfast and delicious pie!! The forecast was for severely high temperature again today so we rode long and with few breaks. We arrived in Pittsburg, KS home of the Pittsburg State University Gorillas and headed straight to Wheat State Pizza where we each enjoyed the pizza buffet free of charge! Thanks again Wheat State Pizza, home of the Gorilla Challenge! The temperature reached 105 and we decided to spend the night in the Comfort Inn and Suites. We next headed to the Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Frontenac, KS for dinner. Thanks to everyone involved in preparing an amazing meal! After dinner we went back to the hotel enjoy the comfort of the AC and coziness of our beds for the night.

Day 25 - 062509

Marshfield, MO to Ash Grove, MO - 48 miles - Trip Total: 1564.72 miles




Earliest morning yet and we were on the road by 5:30am. Our first stop was at the Kum & Go Foodmart in Fairgrove, MO. We walked through a creek this morning because the state road CC workers wouldn't let us cross the halfway constructed bridge. We later learned that other members of our group were allowed to cross. I guess they didn’t like my mustache. Our second stop was at Mays Mart in Walnut Grove, MO. We made it to Willy B's Diner in Ash Grove, MO at 9:30am! We visited the Ash Grove Branch Library, Ash Grove City Park and pool before heading to the Zippy Mart convenient store for a sub and internet access. Back to the park where we will be sleeping in the Barham House. Thanks to the Mayor and Office Davis for letting us sleep in the AC for the night!

Day 24 - 062409

Houston, MO to Marshfield, MO - 68 miles


My new favorite road sign!

Another great night in the AC last night served as the perfect wakeup call and we hit the road early this morning. During the morning ride my rear derailleur cable snapped and I was forced to go the last 5 or so miles in the same gear. Our first stop was at the Wakes Convenient Feed in Ben Davis, MO for a derailleur cable replacement and snacks. Thanks again Don. Our second stop was at LJD's Family Cafe in Hartville, MO. Mason and I arrived first in Marshfield, MO and headed to the McDonalds in for endless sweet tea. We then headed back into town to meet the rest of the group at Brewers Coffee Shop. We then went to the Ellis O Jackson Marshfield City Park and City Pool for some cool, refreshing relaxation.


As we headed to the First Baptist Church for dinner a severe thunderstorm rolled in and brought dumping rains, whirling winds, thunder, and lightning. We fortunately didn’t get wet and ate a delicious meal consisting of chili cheese dogs, salad, macaroni and cheese, brownies, preacher cookies, sweet tea, etc. The church invited us to stay the night inside their recreation room. Thanks again to James and Marie! Several games of horse and 21 followed on the hoops court before we headed to bed.

Day 23 - 062309

Ellington, MO to Houston, MO - 70.31 miles

We started the day early and refreshed after a well rested night in the AC of the Scenic Rivers Motel. A great sunrise ride this morning with muscle burning climbs & long downhills as we continue to work on the Ozark Mountains.


The top speed reached during the ride was 49.7 mph and we first stopped at Sarah's Family Restaurant in Eminence, MO for breakfast. We next stopped at Lehman's General Store in Summersville, MO for a quick pitcher of sweet tea. Don and I worked together throughout the day and were the first to arrive at the Hardees in Houston, MO (Texas County) at 11:47am. As a group we decided to spend another night in the comfort of a cool, comfortable, and rest friendly motel. After shaving my beard into a Hulk Hogan style handlebar mustache, a few of us ventured out into the heat and walked across the street for a late lunch at the Cozumel Mexican Restaurant. Tonight we are staying at the Southern Inn.

Day 22 - 062209

Farmington, MO to Ellington, MO - 61.81 miles

Up early after a nice night of sleep. Thanks again to the Jones family for the fresh laundry this morning and to Bauhaus Kaffee for the delicious french toast and smoothie breakfast. A bit worried about my bike today but decided to go for it anyway. First stop today in Fort Davidson, MO and then through the Mark Twain National Forest in the Ozark Mountains.


Some nice climbs today but the Ozarks don't compare to the Appalachians that we crossed in Virginia. Another quick stop at the 21 Dinner in Centerville, MO before finishing for the day in with a shake from Spooners Burgers & Shakes in Ellington. While some enjoyed a dip in the river Don and I drove through town looking for someone to weld my frame and ease my mind. We found Big Ed's and Ed used his grinder and MIG welder before painting the area to prevent corrosion. Thanks again Big Ed!! Tonight we are staying at the Scenic Rivers Motel.

Day 21 - 062109 Missouri

Chester, IL to Wilson-Rozier City Park in Farmington, MO - 50.8 miles

Our plan to beat the heat and get up early has become the standard as we again today woke up at 4:45am. Great ride this morning out of Chester and over the Mississippi river via the Chester Bridge. I had to stop to admire the six-foot, 900 lb. bronze statue of Popeye which stands in the Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park just before the bridge.






Our first stop was at the Ozara Country Store in Ozara, MO. The roads in MO are identified by letters instead of numbers and today we were on state roads H, Z, N, P, and B. We finished our ride into Farmington early and were enjoying treats at the Bauhaus Kaffee by 11:30am. Farmington is a great place and we instantly met many new friends who began organizing a cookout at our campsite for later in the evening. Thanks again to the Jones family, Virginia, Mary & Mike, Bauhaus Kaffee, Ron, and Betty. Several of us spent a good part of the day at the Farmington Water Park which was AWESOME!! Water slides, lazy river, huge red dumping bucket, etc. = fun for hours!




We headed back to camp and enjoyed endless food and goodies. While doing a little standard maintenance on my bike I noticed a small crack on the lug of my butted old Trek frame. :( Headed to bed early and luckily it was cool enough for sleep.

Day 20 - 062009

Devils Kitchen Lake campground to Chester, IL - 64 miles

As a group we decided to beat the heat and Kevin sounded the wake up alarm at 4:45am. It was barely light out when we hit the road toward Carbondale where we would enjoy breakfast at Mary Lou's. The ride into Carbondale, home of the Southern Illinois Salukis, was great with cool temperatures, sunrise skies, and the Devils Kitchen Lake within view. The stops were short and sweet as we all wanted to beat the heat and arrive around noon. Our first stop was at the Gorham post office for a quick drink and bathroom break. We rode along the Mississippi river levy for a while before stopping for water roadside just before Cora, IL where coal was being loaded onto a river barge via an over the road conveyer belt.



We arrived in Chester IL - "The Home of Popeye" and headed to The Ol' Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery, Craft & Antique Shop for our midday feast. We then visited the town library and headed over to our campsite for the night which was in the backyard of the Chester Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The Eagles were also hosting a rodeo for the night which made for quite the entertaining evening filled with yummy pizza, cold drinks, horses, and bull riding. Hopefully tonight wont be as hot!

Day 19 - 061909

Golconda, IL to Devils Kitchen Lake campground - 51.8 miles

Today was again hot and steamy! We woke up to find that Don and Kristen had woken up very early, packed up, and hit the road before anyone else had even opened their eyes. The heat has become our worst enemy and early morning riding we have discovered is the way to go. We met Mason for our first stop at the intersection of 147 & Gilead Church Rd. for a quick snack and drink. Our second stop was at Carroll's Goreville Food Market in Goreville, IL where I ate fried chicken, a bag of doughnuts, chocolate milk, and a lot of water. We finished the last leg of the ride and arrived at the Devils Kitchen Lake Dam Recreational Facility and campground.




Earlier in the day Don and Kristen had marched on to Carbondale to check out the town. Some enjoyed a nice shower and swim in the bath water temperature lake while Mason, Leanna, and myself decided to take the Jeep and head over to meet with them to check it out and get some dinner. We checked out some local bike shops, got a smoothie at the Longbranch Coffeehouse, and had dinner at Tres Hombres Mexican Restaurant. We headed back to camp for what would become a very long, hot, sticky, restless night.

Day 18 - 061809 Illinos

Sebree, KY to Golconda, IL - 89.2 miles




Today is Daniella's birthday! Another hot and sticky day! First stop of the day was at Jeri's Cafe in Clay, KY. Yummy biscuits and gravy and a massive sweet tea. Second stop was at the Fivestar Foodmart Marathon in Marion, KY. We then took the Cave-In-Rock Ferry over the Ohio river into Cave-In-Rock, IL. Welcome to Illinos! For lunch we enjoyed Gee Jays Cafe for some "Good Home Cooking" before pressing on past our originally scheduled destination. I took a right onto Eddyville Rd before reaching the Home Grown Values Hill's Shawnee Mart in Eddyville, IL. Don brought the Jeep, rescued me, and we returned to camp to meet the others. In the end I only biked an extra 7 miles on the day but in the heat it felt like 100. We set up camp at the Golconda town park for the night before heading down the street for a late night snack at the Sweetwater Saloon.

Day 17 - 061709

Falls of Rough, KY to Sebree, KY - 74 miles

Today was tough with blazing sun, high temperatures, and brutal headwinds for miles. We started the day with a delicious never ending, all you can eat breakfast buffet at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park lodge. Our first stop was at the Fast Fuel Country Cupboard in Whitesville, KY where I dominated the Ms. Pacman high score with a 162980! We have officially biked over 1000 miles! The journey was filled with hills to our second stop of the day which was at the Utica Food Mart Fast Fuel in Utica, KY. The last leg was especially brutal as the temperature continued to rise. We finally made it to the Sebree first baptist church bike hostel in Sebree KY. We helped around the church mowing grass, moving tables, and collecting wood for an upcoming bonfire gathering. Today was one of the toughest days thus far! Violet & Bob made the most amazing feast for all of us before we headed to bed. Thanks again!

Day 16 - 061609

Hodgenville, KY to Rough River Dam State Resort Park in Falls of Rough, KY - 60 miles



We packed up camp this morning and got a late start trying to wait out the rainy morning. While we waited Don whipped up another delicious breakfast for us all consisting of sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches and yummy OJ. We hit the road and once the rain stopped we had a nice ride on 84 to our first stop which was just over the Wendell H Ford Western Kentucky Parkway at the Murdocks Stop & Shop, LLC Texaco.



While in the Texaco we watched the Price is Right and the weather channel which alerted us of intensely severe thunderstorms barreling down on our location ... The radar contained green, yellow, red, and BLACK (cant be good). We decided to make a run for it and race to our campsite for the night before we cross paths with the storm. Don waited for us at a second stop spot for a quick water refill at the general store & restaurant 2 miles before McDaniels, KY. The storm was brewing in the distance as a few of us pulled into the Rough River Dam State Resort Park. Intense rain, wind, thunder, and lightening followed as we made it just in time. As we started lunch we thought of our fellow riders and hoped they had ducked for cover and gotten themselves out of harms way. Everyone eventually made it safely and we enjoyed our lunch together at the Resort Park Grayson's Landing. We all enjoyed the excitement of entering a new time zone and are now on central time. We set up camp and some ventured back to the lodge for computer access while others chose to hang around the campground. Time to head back to camp for some rest.

Day 15 - 061509

Bardstown to Larue County Community Park in Hodgenville KY - 40.5 miles


Today was short and sweet, which was a nice follow up to the serious milage of yesterday. Packed up camp and headed to McDonalds again for some breakfast. The morning ride was muggy, hot, and sweaty but served as a nice warmup before out first stop on the roadside just after turning onto 247.


I was excited for our second stop in Buffalo KY because my mom (thanks again mom) sent a goody package "general delivery" with instructions to "leave for a biker".
The postal worker knew instantly when I entered that I was the biker for which she had been waiting. I then met the group for lunch at the Y-Not-Stop BP.

A quick ride through our daily rain storm brought us to the nights destination. A shower, brow tweezing, massage, and stretch left me feeling like a million bucks! The smell of grilling burgers is calling my name ... please continue to follow our ride!

Day 14 - 061409

Berea KY to Old Kentucky homestead campground in Bardstown - 94.35 miles

Be sure to check older posts as I have uploaded a few more pictures!




Today was a great day that was kicked off with a yummy sonic breakfast. The weather during the early hours was sunny and warm. As we ride west Kentucky is becoming more and more beautiful and we frequently smell the pungent sweet smell of sun drying fresh cut hay. Less dogs and no coal trucks = happy bike riding! Our first break was roadside, 8 miles before Bryantsville KY. We next stopped at the Mercer County Public Library in Harrodsburg KY for a few hours to eat at La Fonda Mexican restaurant for lunch and use the library computers. Again please see older posts for updated pictures! As we rode closer to the Lincoln homestead state park we charged through the most severe thunderstorm I have ever encountered. After learning that we couldn't camp at the homestead we decided to march on to the Old Kentucky homestead campground. A long day but the extra miles were worth it once we had camp set up and we were enjoying warm showers and yummy McDonalds. Please continue to follow and leave comments!

Day 13 - 061309

Booneville to Berea KY - 59.3 miles

Up early to pack up and eat some more of Don's special sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches.  Great morning for riding ... Cool, foggy, nice rolling Kentucky hills. Our first stop today was on the side of the road in Jackson County for a quick break and some goodies.  We decided to march on straight to Berea stopping only briefly at the Farm supply in Big Hill KY for a quick drink and some skittles.  We made it to Berea early and set up the tent to hand out information and meet and greet. Berea is a great little college town and it reminds me of Blacksburg.  Thanks again to the Flynn family for the yummy brownies and MS bracelets.  A late lunch at Papaleno's for some pizza bread, grilled shrimp alfredo, & endless sweet tea was just what I needed!  Leanna met a fireman at Walmart who invited us to set up camp beside the Berea Fire Station no 2.  We set up camp, played some soccer, and throw the frisbee around a bit before heading down the street for a delicious Sonic dinner.  Tonight was the third night in a row with access to a shower and I took advantage.  Time for bed ... please continue to follow and keep the comments coming!


Boone Tavern & Hotel in Berea KY


Berea Fire Station no 2 in Berea KY

Day 12 - 061209

Hindman KY to the Booneville Presbyterian church in Booneville KY - 64 miles 

The riding today was nice thanks to cool temperature and clouds.  We hit some patches of rain and some heat from the direct sunlight but overall it was perfect for biking.  Our first stop today was at the Daniel Boone Plaza in Hazard KY where don whipped up bacon, sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches on the coleman grill.  Kentucky continues to be filled with savage mountain climbs, and monster coal trucks but it was nice to end our riding today with some flat terrain.  Our second stop was at Cody's Corner in Buckhorn KY.  Cody and Kristen ... thanks again for donating the two cases of water and $100!  We finally arrived at the church and set up camp.  A few of us enjoyed playing soccer and throwing around the frisbee before showering, eating, and heading to our tents for the night.

Day 11 - 061109 Kentucky!

Breaks interstate park to The Knott County historical society in Hindman KY - 70.7 miles


We were up early and packed so we could return to the Rhododendron lodge & conference center for breakfast. The rain poured through the night and was coming down even harder this morning. I had a huge breakfast: country breakfast (potatoes, sausage, two eggs, biscuits & gravy) & two slices of french toast with a sweet tea. We rode through the rain until our first stop in Lookout KY at the Lookout gas & go. I had a powerade and a slice of hunt brothers pizza.

I took my first spill of the trip riding off the road into a ditch filled with muddy flowing rain water ... ooopppsss! After collecting myself and my helmet mirror out of the pond we next stopped in Bypro KY. Kentucky is a beautiful place but it is full of chasing dogs, huge coal trucks, and endless mountain climbs! We rode through a severe thunderstorm with crazy rain, lightning, and a bit of wind before arrive at the historical society B & B. David is hosting us and we are grateful for the opportunity to stay, shower, and enjoy some yummy food. A few of us, including Chase, a rider from Texas headed out for pizza and ended up walking a few miles before arriving and enjoying a large cheese, large meat lovers, and large veggie lovers.

Be sure to check out http://www.tweetphoto.com/user/BiketheUSforMS for additional photos

Tufts E-News: http://enews.tufts.edu/stories/1555/2009/06/11/TheRideofaLifetime

Day 10 - 061009

Elk Garden United Methodist Church near Rosedale VA to Breaks interstate park - 45 miles

Thanks again to the church for the amazing hospitality. The kitchen and bathrooms made our stay very comfortable! Our first stop was in Davenport VA at G & J Grocery. The mountain climbs continue and we arrived early at the Breaks interstate park. We each filled out some paperwork and received a pin in celebration of our biking across Virginia. We worked on our bikes, showered, and enjoys amazing overlook views of the Kentucky ride that lies ahead. Dinner was fantastic at the Rhododendron lodge and conference center. Our waitress Teresa did a great job and I ate two philly cheese steaks, tater tots, sweet iced teas, & peanut butter pie. We returned to camp and headed to bed.

Day 9 - 060909

Rural Retreat to Elk Garden United Methodist Church - founded in 1788 - 77.7 miles

Today was sunny but cool and great for biking! Our first stop was at Jerrys kitchen and goods. Jerry hooked it up with two delicious sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits ... YUMMY! Our second stop was for ice cream at the country, llc bakery, eatery and country store in Damascus VA. We stopped briefly to check out a waterfall that was just off the side of the road. A serious climb brought us to the Raven Ridge campground which is our planned destination for the night. Unfortunately the campground was closed so we marched on. Today I wore Daniella's heart monitor and watch to calculate total calories burned and the 24 hour total came in at 6562 calories burned! Ill keep eating.

Day 8 - 060809

Blacksburg VA to Rural Retreat VA 84 miles



Up at 5am to get packed up and post some blogs. Headed over to Don and Kristens for departure. Taking the Huckleberry trail out of town was a great way to end our time in Blacksburg. Our first stop for food and a quick break was at Southgate market. The sun was blazing all day and the heat really took its toll as the long ride was a tough one. We rode through radford and newbern before stopping for a second time in Draper VA. Our final stop was in Wytheville, VA where I had some yummy taco bell. We finally arrived at the Rural Retreat lake and park with enough light to set up camp. We met a great guy named Gary who brought Spaghetti and trout for us to eat for dinner. Gary is a milk truck driver and is nicknamed the "moo juice express".

060709 - Day 7 - Champions

Today we took our first rest day and it couldnt have worked out with better timing. I had a yummy breakfast at Leftys with Reagan and the Branch family. Thanks again Mrs. B for breakfast! I ran a few errands with Reagan, buying my first pair of Crocs, which I never thought I would own. I put on my coaching polo for the last time and rode the bus into Radford with the boys for the state championship game. The game, which was won in the 4th overtime period was one of the most exciting experiences of my life! Unbelievable! Congrats boys!

We finished the night with a pizza party at the Fraser home. Thanks again Don. It has been nice spending time with great friends and sleeping in cozy beds for a few nights. Thanks again for everyone who came out and supported us! Oregon here we come.

060609 - Day 6

Troutville to Blacksburg 46 miles

Matt and Kathrine joined us last night for a night of camping and will be riding in with us today. We were up at 6am and ready to roll out by 8. Our first stop was at the Catawba Valley general store to regroup and refuel. Mr. Scarpaci rode out from Blacksburg to meet us and to also join us on the ride back into Blacksburg. Thanks again ... it was really great making the ride with you!

We rode into town like a parade and arrived to a cheering crowd at the bike barn. We had lunch at Cabo as a group before touring the campus and heading over to visit with Mrs. Fraser. Thank you to our anonymous friend who paid for our lunch and left the great card. We are all extremely touched and grateful.


We all went our separate ways for a bit to shower and get ready for the fund raising party at Awful Arthurs. The party was great! Thanks to everyone who came out!

Congrats to the BHS Boys for the shootout victory over Jefferson Forest to advance to the AA state championship game!