Dee called me last night after the long days's ride to Palo Verde. It was 70 miles and the longest ride so far. Dee did really well with the ride despite the heat and rolling hills. She says her riding & shifting technique are improving and she's starting to go faster down hill than before. Today, the destination is Blythe, CA., right on the border with AZ....so it's 1 state down and 6 more to cross. She said due to the length of the ride yesterday, they ended up eating hamburgers at a small bar to avoid having to cook dinner in camp. Dee mentioned that eating enough food throughout the day is a challenge. One of the riders estimated conservatively that on long days, they are burning 6000 calories. It's been a long time since Dee had a day where she has been remotely close to eating that much. The night skies have been beautiful with lots of stars visible as the places they camp in are very tiny towns with almost no lights on at night.
Today is a fairly easy ride of 30 miles and the campground they plan to stay at has a hot tub and swimming pool, both of which sound good to Dee. She really enjoyed reading all the blog comments at the library on Wednesday. One of her fellow riders noticed she was getting teary while sitting at the computer and asked if she was alright!
Things on the homefront are going well for Jamie and me. The dishes & laundry are done, the fish & dog are fed, and we have been excited by Dee's progress. Kali is going with a friend to Harrisburg this weekend while Jamie and I plan to do our first paddling trip of the Spring in Ohiopyle tomorrow. Take care. Robbie
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9 comments:
Thanks for the update, Rob. Happy to hear that you and the kids, fish and dog are doing so well. :o)
Curves is abuzz with all the updates on your progress, Dee. I can feel for you.... so proud that you accomplished the 70 miles. Today will be a breeze and the hot tub and pool will be a well-deserved treat. Enjoy!
With lots of love and prayers for a safe journey, Donalee
I've been reading your blog with great expectation. This is better than a tv serial! When I think of you during the day, I offer a short prayer for a safe trip. Proud of you. You go girl!
Dianne M
I'm so glad you're becoming more in sync with your bike. I'm also glad your group will trash the idea of group cooking for a meal at a bar!! Enjoy the hot tub and those fabulous night skies. You're in my prayers. Kathy H.
Hi Dee --
By the time you read this, you likely will be well into Arizona. Amazing! Can only imagine the wonderful sights and new things you are seeing along the way.
love, Laura
Good Morning Dee,
What a pleasure it is to get updates from you and your family on your progress. I am so proud of you for having the courage to go on this extrordinary adventure. Were you able to find that scale at WW? I'm sure your buring up those pounds so fast! I look forward to "following" you across the country and keeping you in my prayers. Please be safe and ENJOY!
Love, Donna A.
Dear Dee,
Finally I can write. We've had over a month with major computer issues.
Even paid to have it fixed but it wasn't. Nearly bought a new one but we were hopeful that Tommy could fix it when he came home. So far so good.
I wrote my first letter to you two days ago - a lovely sappy letter that said what I felt about your journey and I don't know where it went. I followed all the directions!! Me and computers - grrrr.
I read all of your letters and people's comments in one sitting. Wow, this is so huge I almost can't believe it. Your support network is more than most people could dream of. And your picture -- oh, just like when we were teens except no braid and no black apron!! That happy face and smile never changes.
To repeat from the letter that didn't get there... I always knew you'd be doing something to heal in the future when you were ready, I just didn't know what it would be.
There's healing out there as God is in every spot that you cast your
eyes. He's on the roads that you travel, in the relentless sun, the
sand, rocks and rain. He's already there in the people that you will
meet and the new biker friends you've made. You will be washed with blessings again and again as you peddle and struggle each day. Your mind will sharpen as your body responds to the new demands you're putting on it. There will be pain but there will be healing and we will all cheer for you.
Before you left I was thinking that these 15 other people don't even
have an idea of the treat they are in for getting to bike with you for
the next few months. They just think that you're some chick from Pbgh. wanting to do something cool like them. They don't know that they're in for some of the best memories of their lives getting to be with you on an adventure. It would be interesting to watch their awakening as little by little they realize that you are one of the most special, unique people they will ever meet. We all wish we were there sharing this great time with you too.
Hats off to Rob for the blog site and all his efforts in planning, and organizing it all. He is definitely one of the very best of the opposite gender. A gem for sure. Thank you for letting us all be in on this.
I love you so much, Dee
hasta manana. Linda O'farmlady
P.S. I have a funny farm story for you but I'll save it for a while for when your leg muscles have forgotten what they're supposed to do and nothing is funny.
Oh, yeah, I was thinking how great it must be to be able to eat as much as you possibly can just to keep up your daily requirements!!!
The answer to our weight dilemma has been right there all along - it
just took you to find it!
You are in my thoughts every minute!
Love you, Me
Hi there Dee, This really is an adventure for more people than you'll even know!! You have got to be on the cover of Curves Magazine!! If this isn't one of the most amazing stories I've ever read in Diane, I'll ride with you and Donalee to Flor. when you do that!! haha JUST KIDDING, OF COURSE.
Your friend Linda O'farmlady said exactly what we are all thinking, and she said it very well.
You are one of the most determined strong willed women I've EVER known.
You keep going girl, I'm so proud to know you.
Praying for your safety and stamina!!! Hang in there.
Love you,
Linda T
Hi Dee,
I'm so glad that David sent me your blog. What a terrific way for you, with Rob's whole-hearted support,to honor Ty's 21st birthday while letting the rest of us "ride along" and celebrate your accomplishments.
We have done several trips out West that involved climbing steep roads that just go on and on, but we didn't have to carry our own gear and we only road for 5 days. One of our friends on the trip used to tell all of us his motto: your body can't go where your mind hasn't been. It took me a long time to appreciate those words of wisdom, but it helped me get in the right frame of mind for another tough ride with a sore bum and bone-tired legs.
I always knew that you and Rob would find a way to use your loss to help others. You probably have no idea how much the two of you inspire the rest of us. Carry on!!! By the way, you get an A+ from this old English teacher for your beautiful descriptive writing. I think you need to write a book.
Mary Jo
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