Cycle the Heartland for HD - Daily Message from Marie

During the ride, a daily message will be written, recounting the highlights and progress. E-mail Marie’s husband Ron at ron.nemec@bigfoot.com to request subscription or come here each day to read her entry.

May 17 - Grand Junction, CO - Colorado Springs, CO

"On the road again ..." May 17 snuck upon us both ... sooner than we were ready for, but a beautiful day indeed!

For the second year in a row, a send-off breakfast was held at a park, with muffins, donut holes, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, coffee and juice provided by our local City Market (Kroger affiliate) and Safeway stores, plus our local Homestyle Bakery. About 35 friends stopped by to wish us well. We also honored the folks from our local HD Support Group, who will be atending the Arizona HD Retreat in Prescott AZ in a couple of weeks.

This is the maiden voyage for the new-to-us SAG van. It's a white 2000 Chevrolet Venture, bought to replace the ailing 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan. Folks commented on how nice the van looks with the new magnetic signs donated by Signs First in GJ.

Charlotte's son Greg brought her and her gear to our home. Ron got everything loaded up in a very organized way. He's a real "pack meister." After a few tears (mostly on my part), I drove out the driveway with Charlote riding "shotgun" bound for Colorado Springs and points beyond.

About half the distance was on the I-70, then the second half was on US 24 through Leadville and Buena Vista (alongside the Collegiate Peaks) and over Wilkerson Pass and into Colorado Springs. Such beautiful scenery!

We were hosted by Amanda Adams, our friend who rode "Border War on HD" with us in 2001. Amanda served London Broil, salad, and mashed potato plus pound cake with strawberries and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Amanda has been renovating an over 100 year old two story Victorian house in Fountain, a southern suburb of Colorado Springs. It has been fun to see the progress of her renovation over the last few years.

Total mileage driven today: 300

With love from the road again,
Marie (and Charlotte)

May 18 - Colorado Springs, CO - Kansas City, MO

Up with the sun, rarin' to go ... ate our usual cereal/banana/milk. Amanda made us roast beef sandwiches for lunch on the road, and homemade chocolate chip cookies too.

Fond farewells ... headed for Hwy 24. revisiting many stories of training rides from 2000 & 2001.

Falcon was even more built up, with civilization encroaching further onto the prairie. Saw herds of antelope twice. Drove thru Falcon, Peyton, then Calhan, at 6507 ft. the highest non-mountain incorporated town in the US. Passed the "Cruisin' Mamas Car Club" (all women) show cars. On through Ramah, Simla, and Matheson to Limon, at the I-70. Filled the gas tank, and headed East towards the Kansas State Line. Passed Genoa ("See Six States" CO,KS,OK,NM,NE, and WYO). On into Kansas. Quite a few nice rest stops to break the monotony. Read a plaque at one rest stop that on May 13, 2003 KS Gov. Kathlen Sibilius signed into law the proclamation of the Eisenhower Interstate Highways in KS as "The Purple Heart Trail" which memorializes those heroic service members who have had the Purple Heart medal bestowed on them for wounds received in defense of our Nation and commemorates the patriotic American heritage given to us by Gen. George Washington, the father of our country.

Passed through Hays (home of Ft. Hays State College) and Russell (hometown of Sen. Bob Dole and Sen. Arlen Specter). Began to see the typical stone fence posts alongside the I-70. These were hewn from native stone and embedded into the ground, supporting the rows of wire defining fields. Passed Wilson, the Czech Capital of the US. Huge wind farm N of the I-70 before getting into the famous Flint Hills and Fort Riley. Drove on the first 8 miles of Interstate built in the US, in 1956.

Got into the KC Metro area, and followed the directions to the home of Ted and Lona Hatfield in Lee's Summit MO. This is the 2nd time we have stayed here, and have also met up with one or moe of the Hatfields on at least three other occasions. Ted's nickname is "Melchizedek;" find Genesis 14:18-20 in the Bible to see why.

Since we arrived later than expected, the family had eaten already, but Ted graciously bought Charlotte and me a nice grilled chicken salad from the nearby Burger King.

Visited with Ted, Lona, Sean (now 15) and Caleb (12) before turning in about 11:00 pm. Enjoyed the antics of the Hatfield felines Angel (black longhair) and Dusty (orange) We are now in Central Daylight Savings time, so we lost an hour.

Today's mileage - 635

With love from the road,
Marie (and Charlotte)

May 19 - Kansas City, MO - Clinton, MO

Busy day from morning 'til night ...

After breakfast, I drove to WalMart to get the oil changed and pick up a few items. Loaded up the van when I got back, and after Ollivene's youngest son Paul came by to pick up the ride t-shirts she had ordered with her sponsorship, we headed for the IHOP. We turned on the wrong I-435 (went North on the Misouri side instead of going North on the Kansas side of this beltway), so we arrived about 20 min late.

Both Barbara and Megan Younger were there, Debbie Peek, Judith Marino and Eduard Depuydt from the Hunt-Dis list, Ted Hatfield, and a couple in their 80's who, like Charlotte, are alumnae of Univ. of NE at kearney. The gentleman (Joe) still can ride 15 miles a day at age 87!!! There was a real cammaradie amongst everyone, thoroughly enjoying the time together. Sold 7 t-shirts; first come, first served.

Discovered that I needed a new rear tire on my bike. After we got back from the IHOP, Ted lead us to Bike America (www.bikekc.com) where Kris, one of the techs, installed the extra tire I had brought along as a spare. He didn't charge us because we are on a charity ride - sweet!

Headed South towards Clinton, stopping at a WalMart for some needed breakfast and lunch supplies.

Arrived in Cinton about 5:15 pm. Stopped at a GMC dealership to buy an extra key for the van. Cost - $35 because of the electronic chip component in the key. Oh my! Another "small world" event; the cashier at the dealership used to work for Dr. Schumacher, DVM and his wife, who are hosting us tonight.

Found the Schumachers lovely home on 12 wooded acres. Took an immediate liking to Barbara, who reminded both Charlotte and me of our dear friend Sherri Kole. While Charlotte worked on her bike, Barbara took me to the start of the KATY trail to get a couple brochures. Their vet clinic is just across the street from the trailhead. Picked up their almost 2 year old black male Schnauzer Pepper. He is so well behaved, and loved the attention he was given.

The Schumachers took us out to dinner to a nice Mexican restaurant, El Camino Real. Enjoyed good conversation and good food!

We drove by the Trinity Lutheran Church, which the Schumachers attend. Back at the Schumachers, we busied ourselves trying to get organized for the big day tomorrow.

It is now the eve of the 10th "Bike for the Cure" ride. How blessed we have been, and trusting in God's grace and theoutpouring of love and support, we are poised for yet another ride.

Total miles driven today: 162

With love from the road,
Marie (and Charlotte)

Day 1 - May 20 - Clinton, MO - Booneville, MO

Hi ho, hi ho ... it's off to ride we go ... After our usual cereal milk with banana breakfast at the Schumachers (Charlotte adds tofu to her cereal and dried milk), we loaded up the van and drove to the Western terminus of the KATY Trail. A woman from Clinton (Pat Gunter), with ties to GJ, met us there and wished us well. Barbara arrived after her fitness class at the Community Center, ready to ride to Sedalia with us (34.7 mi). After a prayer and the usual photos, I, Barb, and Charlotte took off. Bon voyage!

For those who have been with us in 1999 and in 2004, this may be repetitious, but for the "newbies" the KATY Trail State Park (www.katytrailstatepark.com) is the longest developed rail-to-trail in the U.S. Its 225 miles (Clinton to St. Charles) were built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MTK or KATY). Trail users get the opportunity to ride through a slice of rural history as it meanders through the small towns that once thrived along the railroad corridor which reflect the rich heritage of Missouri.

The beginning of the ride is in the Osage Plains. Plains and prairies are pretty synonymous. Prairie is actually a French word that trappers used in the 1700's to describe the vast grasslands and meadows in present day MO and other adjoining states.

Windsor was named for the 900 year old castle residence of the English monarchy. There is an Amish presence in Windsor; I could hear the "clip clop" of numerous horse and buggy carriages. (Take note, Sherri) Saw a bearded man hitch his horse to the hitcing post and go into a convenience store.

The high point on the KATY is at Bryson - 955 ft.

Green Ridge is the birthplace of one of Hollywood's most famous silent film stars, Pearl White. who was born there in 1889. When she was about 10, she and her family moved to Springfield MO. Pearl acted in Hollywood serials, including the 20 episodes of "The Perils of Pauline," in which Pearl, as Pauline, fended off a villian tring to kill her for her inheritance. She was famously dangled from a cliff (the word "cliffhanger" came from the kind of dramatic close to an episode). She was tied to a railroad track before an oncoming train.

This area is also home to Prairie Chickens, whose numbers have declined due to lack of habitat.

At the MO State Fairgrounds we bid fond farewells to Barbara. She was going to visit her 80 some year old Aunt, and then Elroy was going to drive up after his vet duties for the day were completed. Neat gal!

Ate lunch in Sedalia, at the restored train depot. I had a tuna/lettuce sandwich, and Charlotte had tofu, peanut butter, and lettuce.

With Barbara gone, we reverted to our usual "leap frog" system. Charlotte rode from Sedalia to Clifton City. Saw the Katy Trail Family Church near the Trailhead parking. I rode from there to Pilot Grove. The terrain was more rolling. There was an old railroad signal light between Clifton City and Pilot Grove. The ride was slightly uphill, and wind was a factor, too. Found that a grove of trees visible on the rolling prairies gave the town its name.

Charlotte rode from Pilot Grove to Booneville. The ride was finished just in the right timeframe to get to the home of our hosts, Rev. Jerry and Mary Riggert, whom we met in 2004. They prepared a nice hamburger dinner, side dishes and dessert, and invited the current church pastor and his wife, and Don and Sharon Myers, who hosted us at their lovely country home in 2004. Fun to see familiar folks.

The first day is under our belts. This was the farthest I have ridden this year in a day; same for Charlottte. I'm tired ... fading ...

Route distance - 72.8 miles
Marie - 36
Charlotte - 52
Road change - 0

With love from the KATY Trail,
Marie (and Charlotte)

Day 2 - May 21 - Booneville, MO - Jefferson City, MO

Another very interesting day ... perfect for bicycling ... Thank you, Lord!

I rode the first leg (to Rocheport), because the route for driving the van was easier for Charlotte. Over the bridge over the Missouri River (with a view of the lift-span railroad bridge schedled for removal), and through New Franklin. It was named for Benjamin Franklin. Third time here (1999, 2004, now 2008). It is the East terminus of the Santa Fe Trail, founded by Wlliam Becknell. It is also Lewis & Clark territory, too, as they came through this area with the Corps of Discovery in June, 1804, not long after the Louisiana Purchase.

Charlotte rode the next leg, from Rocheport to Easley, while I negotiated the back roads, moving the van. Drove through Columbia, home of the U of Missouri.

I rode the third leg, from Easley to Hartsburg. Alongside the Trail, on one side there are limestone bluffs, and the other side is the fertile soil of a floodplain, with corn, alfalfa, and grain sorghum growing, and in the sandy soil sunflowers and pumpkins. In the Great Flood of 1993, the river breached the levees in Hartsburg and water innundated the fields. People could not live in their homes, so they stayed with others and gathered together every day at the firehouse for meals provided by local churches. Whenever the floodwaters receded from a home, neighbors all went together to remove mud and debris from that house. In 1993, 27 Missourians lost their lives, and 15,000 homes were damaged. After the severe flooding, some bottomland farmers sold their land to state and federal agencies, and Big Muddy Nat'l Wildlife Refuge and Overton Bottoms Conservation areas were created.

Hartsburg hosts a Pumpkin Festival each October.

Charlotte rode the fourth leg into Jefferson City (named for Thomas Jefferson, whose vision led to the addition of the MO territory as part of the Louisiana Purchase.)

Talked to some students from Missouri Universaity of Science and Technology (formerly U of MO at Rolla). Two of them had Terra Trikes made by Wiz Wheelz out of Michigan. They are recumbents, with two wheels in the front, and one in back.

Ate a late lunch trailside before driving to the Ehrhardts in Lohman, about 10 mi. from Jeff City. They hosted us in 1999 and 2004 also. Fun to catch up on news of their large family. Del and Art are very active 70-some year olds.

I was out bringing gear into the house. When I got in, I was informed that Charlote threw her shoulder out of whack, while showing Del how she fit sleeping on the couch in the basement. Somehow raised her arm the wrong way, and hurt herself. Del drove Charlote into Jeff City to a medical facility to have the shoulder diagnosed and treated. Oh no!

Four hours later Del and Charlotte returned, with Charlote in an elaborate sling. Diagnosis: dislocated left shoulder! I fear that she will not be able to ride any more on this ride, a bitter disappointment if that is the case. Please pray for quick healing!

Two of Del and Art's daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandcildren joined us for dinner. Vermicelli, chicken casserole, fresh cooked spinach, cooked carrots, and rhubarb pie and brownies for dessert.

Charlotte has to go back to the doctor tomorrow so I will get a late start riding. Shorter distance - about 43 miles.

Today's route distance - 52
Charlote - 28.56
Marie - 23.44
Road Change - 0

With love from the KATY Trail,
Marie (and Charlotte)

Day 3 - May 22 - Jefferson City, MO - Hermann, MO

A very atypical day ... but all's well that ends well and it certainly did.

Woke up to a light drizzle. Ate breakfast (the usual). Charlotte's shoulder didn't bother her much during the night. The earliest dr. app't she could get was a nominal 2:55 pm so with the rain and the late app't, I determined I wouldn't be riding today. Bummer ... but not "The First, Oh Well." (That's for you, Sandy.)

Got caught up on my e-mails and journal and finished sewing the last of the potholders I made as a small gift for those who host us each night. Fixed salad for lunch to go with the split pea soup Del had defrosted.

Packed up the van about 1:45 pm and left at 2:00 pm, following Del into town to pick up Charlotte's pain meds. Then drove to the dr.'s office where we waited over 1 1/2 hrs. When Charlotte came out after about 10 min, she had good news. The dr. said she didn't have to wear the sling, and could possibly start riding in a few days. Yipee!!!

Hugs and fond farewell to Del, who shepherded Charlotte through this whole process.

Followed MO Hwy 94 all the way from North Jeff to McKittrick. It parallels the KATY practically the whole way. Lots of floodplain farming.

Arrived in Hermann (about 2 miles across the MO River from McKittrick) about 6:00 pm. Following Del's advice, we visited the Stone Hill Winery and ate at their Restaurant. With Hermann being a German town, we decided to have Schnitzel, a pork cutlet, seasoned, breaded, grilled to a golden brown and topped with German sauce (sour cream and dill.) Also sampled spatzle (noodles), red cabbage, and German potato salad plus a small dinner salad.

Prohibition put an end to Missouri's reign as the 2nd largest wine producing state in the nation.

Followed directions to the lovely home of Ken and Kathy Wehrenberg and their children Sara-17, Caleb-15, Martin-13, and RoseMarie-10. Wonderful musical family; Kathy, Sarah, Martin, and RoseMarie performed a number of pieces for us, and Ken played piano in the style of George Winston. He is an orthodontist, but seems like he could have been a classical pianist. He is also an avid cyclist!

Slept in the great finished basement, very cool and yet cozy.

Charlotte's shoulder seems not to be giving her any trouble, so she just has to be careful and not do any outward rotating movement. She is one tough cookie. Keep praying for quick healing/recovery so she can be back riding soon.

With love from the wine country of MO,
Marie (and Charlotte)

No riding miles today, but drove about 50 miles

Day 4 - May 23 - Hermann, MO - St. Charles, MO

Slept in a bit, and had breakfast with the family. Ken (dad) left at 7:35 am with the older son Caleb to drive to Red Bud IL, where he has a dental practice. It's about 2 hours from Hermann. Whew!! That's a commute!

Took a little walk in the woods surrounding the house before we left.

Drove across the MO River to Route 94, which parallels the KATY. Drove about 25 miles. Somehow missed Treloar so stopped at Peers. It was named after the MKT attorney Charles Peers.

Today just I (Marie) will be riding, due to Charlotte's "down" time from her dislocated shoulder. I chose which legs along the trail where I would ride. Charlotte will just keep moving the van along and try to catch up on her e-mails and journaling.

Peers-Marthasville-Dutzow-Augusta. Most of the way, there were dolomite bluffs on the North, with hilly pastures and fine old houses, and on the South the rich floodplain fields.

This is Daniel Boone country. He was legendary while alive, thanks to his exploits in leading American settlers to Kentucky and both fighting and befriending American Indians. He symbolized the country's growth. Even today, when he isn't confused with Davy Crockett, he was a model of the common man as a great American. While semi-retired, he hunted, trapped, and explored, had close scrapes with death, and met Indians. Although in the area when Lewis & Clark passed through, apparently they did not meet on May 23, 1804 when L & C stayed at the Boone setlement. Boonville, Boone's Lick, and Boone County bear his name.

This area is known as "Weinstrasse" (wine road) from Defiance to Marthasville. Although there is a rich wine heritage of both German and French wine, Prohibition closed down all the Missouri wineries until it was repealed.

My second leg of riding was from Weldon Springs to St. Charles. On two prior KATY rides, I had never ridden the Eastern portion. Started at Weldon Springs. During WWII and during the Cold War, it was the site of the largest explosive plant and a uranium processing and nuclear weapons facility. In 1986 the clean-up effort began, and disposal cells were built and filled. Itis now a conservation area, with boat access to the MO River and hunting/fishing in season.

Good ride through Greens Bottom and on to St. Charles, the first capital of MO. We are staying at the same Immanuel Lutheran Church youth rom where we stayed in 2004.

Had dinner with Stacy Barton (social worker for St. Louis Chapter of HDSA) and her husband Damon and children Alex and Nathan and Kathy Hunn (Chapter President) and her husbnd Terry and son Adam. The Hometown Buffet was great, and so was the conversation.

Today's route mileage - 61 miles
Marie's mileage - 33
Charlotte didn't ride

With love from the road,
Marie (and Charlotte)