LIFE ACROSS AMERICA 2010

Wow! Another amazing day of cycling … 40 miles in some of the hottest weather we have encountered so far on this trip … according to Brenda’s on board bike computer, it was 119.7 degrees on the highway. (see FB pic)

I want to compliment our young BGC St Lucie Cty, FL, team members, who cycled today without even a murmur … even, in such extreme weather conditions. [of course, we stopped often for rest breaks, water breaks, and "cool off" breaks to make sure everyone (including the adults) were well hydrated!]

We got some great pictures today … if you get a chance, share them with your friends, if they are on FB or at this link:

http://www.lifeacrossamerica.com/index.php?catID=9912674&pageID=7347222

We finally made it to the Brunswick Beaches Camp Resort, about 8 miles outside of Shallotte, NC, and the main request today was that it had to have a pool!

I would like to thank our police escorts today… they were from Sheriff Ingram’s Brunswick County SO, and a real credit to their department and their community:

Sgt. Kevin Long, Cpl. Chris Raynor, Deputy Matt Chism, Deputy Jeremy Ferguson and Sheriff John Ingram for his deputies community relations attitude and their professional demeanor.

Thank you and until we meet again … “Stay safe out there!”

Well, it’s about time to do the daily maintenance and upkeep of the body … shower, shave, eat, and relax!

Talk to you tomorrow!

First, I want to thank those of you, who have made “comments” to this blog, it is much appreciated and to get some feedback.

First thing this morning … Scott, Ed, and myself went to the KOA laundrey room to do our much needed laundrey. (A good indicator is when your cycling jerseys or shorts start to stand up by themselves without a hangar, it’s probably a good time to catch up our your laundrey, eh?)

 Well, today was one of those days … beautiful, sunny, rainless, days to cycle … we rode about 32 mile from the KOA in MB, to a BGC blood awareness presentation at the Salvation Army in Conway, then we cycled back to MB to a blood drive at a local auto body shop, then we cycled back the the MB KOA … and … then everyone went swimming.

Do you want to know why everyone wanted to go swimming?  Well, it was 95 degrees in the shade and then when you add another 10 degrees of heat rising from the black asphalt highway, it makes for a very hot cycling day and a real change of pace for all of us.

We met some really amazing people today … Brenda from the Salvation Army BGC, Meggin from the local ARC blood drive, and Patrick M from the SC ARC region, and many others that I can’t remember their names … yet, they were awesome!

Once again, our police escorts, Deputies Frazier and Brosky were amazing, and they were very professional in escorting us safely to our destinations, and they will be back tomorrow early to escort us to the North Carolina state line.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Another great cycling day of close to 40 miles … we were escorted first thing in the morning by Deputies Sealey and Eckert until we crossed over into Horry county SO’s territory and were picked up by Deputies Brosky and Frazier who escorted us in Myrtle Beach and to the ARC blood drive at the Mall.

 The KOA people have been extraordinary in their Customer Relations all along the way … and … that really helps after a day of cycling.

The ARC blood drive that we visited in Myrtle Beach in their Grand Mall, was very good, and hosted by Meg.  Lots of donors and very friendly to us.  I also bumped into an ARC technician who asked me where he knew me from and then mentioned that he used to work at the Rhode Island Blood Center a couple of years ago and asked me if I was the same Larry (with a big moustache) that had come through there … his name was, Paul Kowall, and when I said “yes”, with both had a pretty good laugh about it because he said he was sure he knew “me” but the clean face confused him!

Another amazing “tidbit” about this blood drive … Larry, with a pretty large family came out to donate blood together, and his son is attending U.C. Berkeley … we took a group picture with them … I will try to upload the picture later to FB.

This KOA is beautiful, however it is already dark here, so hopefully we will get to look around tomorrow.  (The showers are great … and … believe me, that’s really important after being on the road for over 2 weeks!)

I’ll check in with you tomorrow …

Wow! Another great cycling day … only 30 miles today, however, we had lots of sidewinds, so it seemed like we rode 60 miles.

A special “thank you” to our police escorts today, who are representatives of Berkeley County SO, this is written with much gratitude to Lt Caldwell, and Deputies Sealey and Ecker, who were awesome while bringing us to the Cross, SC, KOA safely.  We appreciate you, your Sheriff, and the service you provide to your community!

To Mz Brenda’s grandchildren, I took a picture today that proves that “Nana” is cycling with us, you can even see the “Nana” bike plate … check out the pix!

We are staying at the RV Lake Resort, in Cross, SC, owned by a dear couple, Sara and her hubby, they were very nice to us.

Scott treated us to lunch at the “Mack Daddy’s Restaurant” located on the Diversion Canal between Lakes Marion and Moultrie,  the food was great, and the scenery and views were spectacular!

Every one had a great time … I was able to take a picture of a “fillet’d Gator”, check it out on FB.

Also it was amazing to see ED, catch a huge catfish with his bare hands … check out the pix of that, and the pix of how a fish is fillet’d. (Not your average afternoon of cycling, Ed bought some fishing poles for the kids to go fishing later!)

All of the member of the BAH bike tour team want to say a big “thank you” to Stephanie and Dave Morgan, who loaned Scott and the Be A Hero Bike Tour, the use of their 38 foot motorhome for this trip. (without it, the daily and nightly stops would have been a lot more difficult!)

Also a special note of gratitude, to John Oblad, my www.lifeacrossamerica.com webmeister, who has been uploading my pix daily during this amazing journey.  Thank You, John!

Well, now thank we are all settled into our campsite … it’s time to do the dailies, shower, shave, clean the bikes, etc.

Which also reminds me … all of us need to express a note of extreme gratitude to Jeff, our “fix-it” guy, who not only fixes things on the motorhome, hooks up and disconnects the motorhome daily to electricity, sewer, water … and … then today, went through and cleaned all of our bikes and did the normal bike maintenance, like the chains, tires, etc.  “Thank You, Jeff, you are awesome!”

Well, it’s time to sign off for now … talk to you later!

Today started out as a day … that we were sure that was going to be a wet one. In fact, it was very misty when we finally started rolling … thank you to Deputy Rodgers, Sheriff Malone, and the Colleton County SO for all of their help today.

However, the misty day, turned into a cloudy, overcast day which was perfect for riding and we ended up with 54.5 miles on this day.

The kids were really strong today, all of them, yet, Maya had one of those exceptional day and seemed to be in the cycling groove … great job, Maya! (She doesn’t mind singing my special song with me, when we’re riding … “I’m happy, I’m enthusiastic, it’s gonna be a great day …”

We rode to Summerville where the kids did a blood awareness presentation at the local YMCA at the Ponds … they were a hit and the little kids loved them!

We met Debbie Flood (who works with Patrick M., of the ARC) who was very helpful and gracious to Scott and the rest of the crew … they had a blood drive going at the time, with a local reporter, Jim Tatum, who works for Summerville Journal Scene.

Lots of pix taken and already uploaded to the Be A Hero page at:

http://www.lifeacrossamerica.com/index.php?catID=9912674&pageID=7347222

Well, we are now at the KOA in Ladson, SC.

Note:  As we cycled through Hendersonville, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was named after the family of our dear friends, the Hendersons?

Talk to your tomorrow … after we cycle to Cross, S.C.,

Today we went to visit the Ridgeland unit of the Jasper Boys and Girls Club. It was a blast, and the BAH team did a marvelous job in their blood awareness presentation!

It been raining on and off, all night, and all day … our plans to cycle to the BGC in Ridgeland were cancelled due to the anticipated storms.

Yet, it was amazing to see what Miz Brenda and Miz Terry’s counterparts in other BGC’s, are able to accomplish with a fair amount of community support, and, because of their love for the BGC kids! (if you get a chance, check out the pix, in the slideshow section of this page)

I was really happy that I had the chance to be with our BAH team and to see and learn more about the success stories of the local BGC’s!

That’s all for today …

Another great cycling day … this time we rode 51 miles to the KOA where we are staying for two nights. Everyone rode great today, especially Brytanny and JJ … they are getting so much stronger and starting to enjoy the longer rides.

A special “thank you” to John and Sheila (Miz Brenda’s friends) they were so gracious and hospitable, welcoming all of us into their house in Savannah, cooking for us, and even washing and drying some of our cycling gear.  We had a very nice visit with them and their beautiful little girl, Emmie, and their dog, Jesse.  John even rode with us part-way today.  What a neat couple!

We cycled over one of the largest bridges in Georgia today as we were leaving Savannah, and it sure let us know that it was the boss, even though we thought we were getting in shape.

Once again, we had great police escorts as we cycled through Savannah, Ridgeland, Hardeeville, and Jasper County … each of the deputies, and officers did a great job and were a credit to their agencies!  Thank you for your help!

Tonight and tomorrow night we are staying in the KOA here … the normal “catch up” stuff to do, laundry, fill up water tanks on the motorhome, empty the grey water and dark water, set up the tents, pump up the air mattresses, make a run to a grocery store, visit a fastfood restaurant, do all the shower type things and whatever bicycle maintenance that is required. (A big thank you to Jeff for that!)   Then Scott and Brenda will continue planning for the next two weeks of cycling routes, blood drives and visits to the Boys and Girls Clubs along the way.

Each of us are getting much stronger, as we start to cycle more each day, and more often.  Yet, it is very obvious as I watch the kids, JJ, Cody, Maya, and Brytanny cycle daily.  Yet, today was one of those days where J.J. and Brytanny seemed to have it all come together for them.  J.J. has always been a strong cyclist, yet, he just keeps getting stronger and faster.  However, Brytanny was a real surprise to all of us today … she was climbing like an experienced cyclist and seems to finally get it, and know where she needed to be to be at the front of the pack, on the climbs over the bridges, overpasses and hills.  It’s fun watching their “confidence” grow, yet, it’s also tough, because now I have to try to keep up with them!

It does my heart good to be reminded to start our day with a “team prayer” every day … because I know that some things are always “out of our hands” and we always need God’s help, therefore, we will continue to ask for guidance and protection, during this trip!

Talk to you tomorrow.

Today was a beautiful cycling day … and … I had just finished my blog with I somehow deleted the whole thing, so I will try to recreate it with the same enthusiasm that I had when writing it the first time!

Today we started at the Emergency Center for the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, with Deputy Tripp Meacham, escorting us.  He then helped make the “seamless” transition to Richmond Hill PD, and to the Savannah Chatham Metro police officers and Sgt. Stewart, who brought us safely to our destination.

We always start each day off with a BAH team prayer, giving gratitude for the blessings of protection and provision that we’ve been given so far.

Today we rode 30.5 miles, in beautiful weather, 91 degrees of heat, and, among some of the friendliest people in Georgia.  Lots of people, passing us “honking” their horns, and waving. (we do have a sign on the side of the van that says “if you’re a blood donor, please honk!” So I guess that helps!)

We stopped for a lunch break at McDonald’s and I volunteered to sit near the bikes, since I was not eating … I sure met a lot of people that way, wondering what the heck we had done to have police escorts with us … especially those people that were donors and curious.

Today was a great cycling day and the kids loved it because we have 6 bridges (or overpasses) to climb and they love to “sprint” up them … at least, until they ran out of gas.  Each day they are getting stronger and stronger.

Each day we want to thank you everyone who is supporting this ride and this cause.

Please feel free to share this website and our other Be A Hero Bike Tour “links” with your friends, and anyone connected with the PRESS … because this is such a great event, and we need help getting the word out, in all directions.

Terri (our van driver) finally was able to cycle today because Jeff wanted to ride some more, after  our ride, and he took her for a ride … they both came back tired, sweaty and happy!

That’s about it for now … thanks for everything!

OM Gosh, it was another beautiful cycling day, with smooth roads, beautiful scenery, surrounded by our BAH team (adults and kids) with lots of friendly people from Georgia waving and yelling at us, (I’m pretty sure they were all saying nice things, except for one car in which all three occupants gave us one finger salutes), not bad, only one negative incident on the trip so far.

As usual, our cycling “escorts” were dependable, responsible, and great deputies who escorted us safely … delivering us safely. (They were a credit to their departments and a great example to their local communities!)

Thanks to Sheriff Jessup in MacIntosh County and Sheriff Smith in Liberty County and deputies Andy Gose, Meachum and Williams who did a great go delivering us and the kids safely to Richmond Hill, GA. 

We were scheduled to stay at the Richmond Hill KOA, but plans changed, as they sometimes do!

Once again, I want to share a quick reminder as to why we are all doing this ride … (see FB pix today)

A quick summary of “Be A Hero Bike Tour” from their personal handout” cards. (see below)

“Be A Hero Tour is a Nationwide project and cause that the National Blood Center and the Boys and Girls Club are teaming up to promote through the efforts of a local humanitarian and his foundation. 

Scott VanDuzer is the President of The Van Duzer Foundation and an Ambassador for the Florida Blood Centers.

On June 11th, five adults (including Scott) and 4 Boys and Girls Club Keystone members will leave from West Palm Beach on bicycles for Washington DC to meet with the Surgeon General on July 11th to promote “Be A Hero Day” as a National event.  Be a Hero Day began 3 years ago in St. Lucie County and last year was statewide.  The event is held in November to recruit blood donors and fill hospitals with much needed blood prior to the holiday season when supplies are typically limited.

Along the way the group will be promoting the need for blood donations and educatinig the public while hosting blood drives to benefit local communities.

You don’t have to ride to be a Hero too, please come out to donate blood and if you would like to sponsor this trip and be a part of this amazing adventure to save lives please go to the lower left corner of the page at http://thevanduzerfoundation.org  and click the “donate” link. Be sure to indicate your donation is for the “Be A Hero Bike Tour”.

We would love to add you or your organization to our list of sponsors. If you are unable to assist with a monetary sponsorship, we are also looking for sponsorships of gas and food which could be in the form of gift cards from Walmart, Sams Club, Publix, etc.

Thank you for geing a Hero too … your support is greatly appreciated!

If you would like more information on this project please contact Scott Van Duzer directly at (772) 528-3467.”

Now that I’ve reviewed the “why” … we are now in the midst of the “what”, the “when”, the “where” and the “how”.

Say a prayer for us … that we may continue to be blessed as we participate in the event of a lifetime … for most of us!

A special “thank you” to all the blood donors we have met along the way and the blood center employees who work daily to save lives … You are awesome!

Talk to you tomorrow ….

Another beautiful day cycling across Georgia, Camden County, being escorted by Off. Frost, Deputy Sheriff and helped out by the police officers from Kingsland, GA., the earlier part of the ride.

Scott received some really sad news this afternoon, that the little boy, Gibbs, died. Gibbs, was instrumental in getting Scott and the VanDuzer Foundation to become involved in his life, and the need for blood donations helping FBC promote blood donation awareness to help Gibbs (who needed blood daily) So it was a sad day for all of us, I remember last November, at the “Be A Hero” blood drive in Ft. Pierce, I had the opportunity to meet Gibbs father.  (As I said earlier on FB … another “angel” has been called home!)

A “shout out” today for Jeff (our fix-it guy) because he fixed the driver’s seat and the passengers lounge chair in the motorhome, in just a few minutes, after he spotted a machine shop able to fabricate the part necessary to repair it.

Tonight we ate out at the Ruby Tuesday restaurant, in Darien, GA, we called it our “Be A Hero Team Family Dinner” … I had baby-back spareribs, they were delicious!

So another day under our wheels … only 20 to go!

Talk to you tomorrow.