20Jun12, Wednesday, Kingsland, GA
Every day, I seem to be saying the same thing … what a wonderful day for cycling, how the police escorts are incredible, and how I love each of the amazing people we meet along the way.
Today, we had the opportunity to ride a ferry boat across the St. John’s river,with our motorhome, our van, and several other vehicles across a local river. While on the boat we met several people, a Commander Boran (USN), a couple of ladies who were donors, a family of 3 and the mother was a donor, and many other amazing people on the ferry. (which gave me the opportunity to ask those who were donors: “Have you ever had a blood recipient, come back, shake your hand, look you in the eye … and thank you for donating blood?”) Ninety percent say “no” and I finish with … “well you can’t say that any more!” (and a quick explanation of why …)
A quick thank you to Off. Morningstar, Off. Tray, Off. Clements and Sgt Mike Sutton … because each one of these officers and deputies … represented their departments in the best possible way … you were awesome and a great example to the young kids we had riding with us!
Each of the kids, and the adults are becoming stronger cyclists, even though we had some very stiff side winds today as we crossed the bridges and overpasses. 46 miles today!
We got the word today, that Dan (previous driver) has a doctor’s appt on Monday to be cleared to come back with us, if possible. In the meantime, with Ed back, Ed and Jeff are sharing the driver’s duties, giving each of them the possiblity of cycling part-time with us. J.J., Cody, Maya and Brytanny are all doing a great job of cycling, along with all the little duties of setting up and tearing down camps and keeping the bicycles maintained.
Right now, one of the kids is getting a haircut, a very close one, yes, it was Cody! (and he was buzzed with his mother’s written permission!)
According to Brytanny, going up the bridges was the toughest part of the ride and going down the other side of the bridge was the most fun! Right now she is “re-stocking” the refrigerator with water and Gator-aid drinks for tomorrow.
Each day is an adventure for each of us … and … although the route has changed somewhat we are all adapting very quickly to everyone’s personal ”quirks”.
Once again, I would like to say “thank you” to Scott and the VanDuzer Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County, Brenda Stokes, and Terri Cangianella, Ed, Jeff, Dan and Wendy, Stephanie and Dave Morgan, and everyone else (especially the FBC blood center employees) who contributed to this amazing “Be A Hero Bike Tour 2012″ … you are each incredible human beings!
I keep saying that this bike tour will be a “life changer” for each of the kids riding with us. I would now like to expand that to include … all of us (especially the adults) it will change our lives forever also.
Talk to you, tomorrow!
June 21st, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Yes, I did approve Cody getting his hair buzzed But he did it for a reason and I love my son for it. Be safe to all of you and thank you for taking my son on this journey of a lifetime. He will always remmember this and always look back and say that was a great summer. Agin a big thank you goes out to all of you.
Joanne Cody’s Mom