oh yeah

Igot a radio now. It makes riding a lot easier. I WASGOING CRAZY TALKING TO MYSELF ALL DAY., but just like the insight Darren gave me, it's all about a change, hopefuly for the better.

Got to go

Woke up earlier than usual today. I got ready for my interview with Lindsay from fox 28. It went great, it was run on the 9 oclock news. The article inthe South Bend tribune with Patrick was nice too. I hope this media stuff will raise some awareness of my trip. Before I made my way to Chicago I visited the Norte Dame campus, it was the most beautiful campus I've ever seen, way better than Penn St. I lit candles at the grotto,and saw the stadium Rudy made famous, and even got to see TOUCHDOWN JESUS. I then took off rt. 20 west, and made it to Michigan City,and hopped over to rt 12 and down to a place called Joes where I stopped off for a bite,and it began to pour, but for only a few minutes. In Joes I met three great ladies who worked there and showed me lots of love, and were actually very concerned about me riding through Gary. I figured it couldn't be any worse than riding through the Bronxat night. So I moved on with my stomach full and my wallet the same size as I arrived. Gary, Ind. was fine, I stopped off at a Mc d's and talk to an older fellow named George who assured me I was heading in the right direction towards Chi town. I made it to the state line at about 8pm and almost made it to the heart of the city near the tower when I took a wrong turn and ended up riding by a fire station at about 10pm. It was engine 28, and ladder 8, and as I approached with an inquiry of where the Sears Tower was, no quicker as I got out the question did Lt. John Joice offer me food which was plentiful, but he also chatted with me about things like his mother-in-laws battle and survival with pancreatic cancer. Oh yeah did I forget to mention that we also woke up Tim Jarosz who was getting a well needed rest in the kitchen/t.v. room watching I robot. Abel, who is the baby of the crew, and also the cook(compliments to the chef, the meal was great) came in shortly after and they all donated some funds to help me out. They all spoke nice of N.Y., and how the C.F.D. had participated in the 9/11 efforts. Before John had retired upstairs for a while he had given me an official C.F.D. shirt, and also offered me to ride out with them on their calls on the fire truck, which I did, and enjoyed. Talk about feeling like a kid in a candy store, thats what I was I felt like I was three all over again. I stayed over the night, and when that first alert sounded, you should of seen Tim move. We were just kickin it about stuff and then all of the sudden Tim yelled lets go, and like that we were out. I jumped in the truck with Abel in the back, it was quiet, and I wasnt too sure if I should talk. You know maybe they have a ritual or something,but abel later on the ride back said no. The south side of Chicago hangin in a fire station on their truck man I couldn't believe it . Later Ron came in and shot the breeze for a while and said" Man New York is a nice place to visit, but I would never want to live there", I think it's just a little too fast paced for Ron. He seemed calm and cool, and drove that truck with precision. I actually got to see first hand how firemen lived their lives there at the station and how hard their jobs are. As I left in the morning I reminded them how appreciative I was and they reminded me how good the N.Y.F.D. was to them. The new shift came in and Joe P., the medic gave me his info just in case I needed a safe place to stay. I then cycled through the city down Canal sT. THROUGH THE FLEA MARKET, FROM THE SOUTH SIDE TO THE NORTH SIDE to Wrigley Field, and back, through Howard which reminded me of the Bronx, and then it started to pour so you know where I headed, right back to the fire house. I got out of the rain and then headed to the heart of the city on Congress st. where I STAYED AT THIS STATE OF THE ART HOSTEL WITH NICE DORMS,TElephones, and computers. It was only 35 bucks for the night , and there are hundreds around North America. I showered and then pranced around the city to the tower, Millenium Park, Lake Michigan, and took many pictures, and ran into people from what seems like so many colleges in the area like, Loyola, De Pual, John Marshall, Robert Morris, AND EVEN Columbia. I then came back to the hostel, used the computer, did some laundry, and ate my tuna sub, and called it a night, but not before I had a heart to heart with an Angel. The choices we make really do shape our lives forever. So now off to St. Louis. I wonder how many days it will take. I just hope the weather is kind, and that the bike holds up ,peace. Thanks everyone in Indiana, and Chicago.

CANT SLEEP

Just here in South Bend and chillin out in front of the Quality in thinking about tomorrow. I'M going to use the morning to see the sights, take some pictures and try to enjoy the city without just coming and going too quick. James said Chicago is only like an hour drive so if things go well I should get there in only 6 hrs maybe less depending on how fast I can peddle and if the wind isn't against me like it was in Toledo. Anyway GO IRISH. HEY wheres Bobby Knight? You know Artest represents strong for NEW YORK. I'm sorry if I forgot to mention all of those affected in the south,but the prayers of everyone are with you all. Thank you also to all posting comments, and donating on line. Brook on the 6 train,O.K. Rum, and 30 miles is a big feat. It was good talking to you too George M, AND i'LL KEEP ON TRUCKIN. SMILINGON, I'm glad I can be an inpiration for you and your father who by being a 2 time survivor of cancer is an ispiration for me too. AIMESTRESS thanks for the donation kid. JSP it was great meeting you too, hope to see you again, and thanks for coming to specs. These first 2 weeks has put a beating on my body, but feeling good. It's kind of like the first couple of weeks of football practice, your body takes a beating you didn't think it could take, but then all of the sudden out of nowhere you wake up and go to practice and the fatique, and headaches are gone, and you feel like a superman. I just remembered, oh s*@t when I get back I got to find a job, and a place to live. Guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. " I KNOW NOTHING STAYS THE SAME, BUT IF YOU'RE WILLIN TO PLAY THE GAME". So just like the other song goes "I KNOW THAT THERE IS PAIN, BUT IF I HOLD ON FOR ONE MORE DAY, I'LL BREAK FREE, BREAK FROM THE CHAINS".

It's been interesting

I then finally got to Toledo where I checked into a motel and really had to hustle for a good rate.I then spoke to Darren, Rick, Gabe and O.B. who offered there usual support and encouragement. Thanks for always checkin up on me guys. You now O.B. I think about it all the time but I don't think I've mentioned it, but I think of your mom(Jerry) all the time and how she's a survivor of cancer, and her road trveled has definatly been inspiring me. I spoke to Pop too and he was getting surgery so you know I'M a worrier, so I worried, but I know he'll be fine. You know I'm praying Pop. Hey teresa thats a nice job to have, you now going on cruises with the people you work with. Can I work there when I get back? Billy had also wound up calling me late and told me he would try to talk to these chicks he knows in Chicago and see if they can kick it with me while I'm in town. Billy your ex is nuts huh, put her in her place, just like you always do. Hope he can fly out to St. Louis and meet me there next week, that would be great. Before I left for the morning to head for Angola Indiana george called and told me the great news. He and Becky had their third child, Henry James. Congadulations guys, just promise me something even if you have a girl will you give her or him my middle name too? Out of Toledo to rt 20 was sick I tell you, the wind was pushing me around like a rag doll to say the least, and with the trucks flying by actually trew me off the bike several times and even fell on my bad knee and scraped my right wrist. I got back on though it was just as tough as being in P.A. I then continued on and even had a well wisher from Michigan stop and hit me with a 5 spot. She called me sunshine, and brightened up my day. Thanks Patty. While riding I was thinking about Lou 22 from the Bird and the suprise he had for me in L.A. YOU'RE THE MAN and a big fan thanks for always being behind me. I finally got to the intersection of rt 20 I was on and 15 in ohio and took a few minutes to read my map and take a well needed knee rest. As I was laying there looking like I was in pain and needed some help a man approached me with three bottles of water and some peanuts. He had seen the bootleg signs I had on the side of my bike so that people would know what I was doing, and even hit me with his toll money which came out to atleast 20 or 30 bucks. We spoke briefly and found out that his name was Dan Henning and he's a proffesor at Hillsdale College in Michigan. We said goodbye and I continued on to the Ohio/ Indiana border, and no sooner as I was to be in Indiana with terrible storm clouds brewing in the distance did he pull up in his car explaining that he could live with himself leaving a person out there like that with the weather that was approaching, and wouldn't you know as soon as I got my bike in the car heading just a few miles away to my motel in Angola did it start to pour, thunder and lightning it was sick. Do you know any words that rhyme with mucked, cause thats what I would have been out in that storm. He also is the coach of the debate team, and even learned about the death of his mom in 86. So as we got into town it was all black, the storm knocked out all power in the town. Dan then proceeded to the front desk and polied a good rate for me and got it,and actually paid for it and left, and said," Dont worry about it, just mention me in your blog", and bounced. So for the next few hours I just chilled in the dark outside and bs'd with Brandi at the front desk. I called the boys, and the fam to let them know what was up and found out Renda, Sandra, Goose, Maryanne, A.J., and Dip where at BBQ'S in the city at a Big Daddy Kane concert, thats whats up. Yo let the rhythmn hit em, one time Big Daddy. Hey goose can I get a FREESTYLE ON THE PHONE. Hey talk about having angels in the outfield, put me in coach I'm ready to play center field, Thanks mommy I know you're lookin out for me, I've been missing you a lot, even though I know you're with me always. you have definatly been saving me on this trip when it got tough. Its just that you know death is always harder on the living. Yo John Carello who made the best catch you ever seen? By the way remember Dan Henning, how about the movie Mo Money, you know who told me that joke?, Dan Henning told me that joke. Amber it wasn't that funny, oh I see the mailboy, how bout I just take right back to the getto, what am I saying he can't afford you anyway. Well I thought it was funny.I was hoping tomorrow would be easier and it was except for a blow out that I changed and kept it moving, I mean movin, I was averaging like 15- 18 miles per hour on my way to South Bend. I made it there in great time. You know the hardest part of each day is always the first mile, but is so gratifying when you reach your destination. Yo Dave I hope you and Alexa are having a good time , sounds like you are. Wish I were there. Hey Alexa my wrists are getting strong, so I hope you're going to hook me up with a nice hispanic girl when I get back, and I hope she's filled with as much sprite and energy as you. Work on it girl I'll be back soon. So enjoy your nights repose, you guys work hard,and deserve to unwind. Anyway I'm here at a Quality Inn, AND sAM HOOKED ME UP with a good rate. Gotta go now I gotta be up early tomorrow and meet with Fox News 28 out here to interview me, and I cant wait to read the article in the paper tomorrow too in the Tribune, anyway peace. I'm glad Deb is back from New Orleans, and that Pops O.K., and Mitch ,I'm thinking about you and praying. Hope all of my family and friends are good, I love you all. Rob I hope you and Chris,and the kids got out of Houston safe. Oh yeah Dave thanks for workin on that kid. Oh yeah it might be hard for you guys to call me, my phones been turned off for now until I can pay it. I'll try to call you all though another way.

what ever

between speaking to Dave,Nancy,Gabe,Jackie,Darren,pop,n Rick,n O.b. keeping me encouraged even though I was a little down they helped alot,and finally speaking to Nancy was great. she used words like Christine,Rick,and James saying they were proud of me. Those words really moved me. I spent the whole day of the 20th in Cleveland riding around town from Jacobs Field to the Gund arena The Browns Stadium, The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and just kicking it on the pier of Lake Erie. Rachel from the news paper in town offered me a place to stay but at 5pm I decided to keep it moving and rode about 20 miles into Lakewood through the hood.I sppoke to Andy Cap briefly and he told me he would see mitch, and Nancy for dinner with his wife Denise after not seeing him for a while. Hope you're well mitch, wanna speak to yaa soon. In Rocky River at Motel 8 I began to think how difficult P.A. was and how the darkness and the noises in the mountains spooked me sometimes. Iwas now on my way to Toledo and ran into Ed Graff who took my picture on the lake for me while he was enjoying grandpa day with his grand-daughter Jessica. Rt 6 was beautiful, the energy was great. Ed even gave me a brief history lesson of the local towns. As I was on rt 6 I was sprayed by what I thought was insectacide by a big rig, and then got to where 6 and 20 met not knowing which way to go I stopped to ask for help.20 was a bypass that I wouldn't of legaly been able to pass so the person I asked for help actually told me he was the one who sprayed me with what turned out to be chlorinated water. His name was Randy Lanning and he took me through and we wound up having dinner at Chilis which he paid for even though he probably had less than me. We kicked it about life and how things were rough for him and I realized we had a lot of the same pains. He spoke to me about how much he loves his children and his relationships with his parents. and the death of a sibiling of Hotchkins Disease. After dinner we wound up parting ways and I shed a tear saying solong.

there should be a blog published today, where is it?

IT'S BEEN LONG AND TOUGH

I got into Penn ST. about 1 pm and went right to what they call the hub, where hundreds of kids hang to eat, talk, and even study.I went right to the school radio station where I met the d.j. drew, and he put me on the radio live. I rode around campus for a while until I got my haircut then checked into the Atherton hotel which was over priced and not too impressive. I later got something to eat and then hung out at cafe 210 briefly and went in for the night. nothing too eventful went on and the town to me was a little over rated but crowded on friday due to the football game against Central Michigan who they wooped. I talked to the usual suspect, and stayed up yill 12:00 to wish James a happy birthday. I wound up speaking to Lil RICH that day and night and he wasn't feeling too good it made me sad to not be able to help him and to be so far away.Remember Rich be strong and stand tall,I love ya boy. I left State College that morning going towards punxsy, and at the local gas station I ran into a mailman who helped me find the best way there. His name was Rich and grew up in Yonkers right off Mclean on so. Devoe right next to the house On LEE ave where I was as a kid. He even gave me a dub for the road, and also called a few hrs. later to see if I was o.k. Besides that the day didn't start to eventful unless you count raining all day and night for the 82 miles I rode, and falling off the bike going down a mountain. I messed up my gears and tires, boy was I upset, and my wrist hurt too.I stopped at rainy's general store about 20 miles away from Punxsy and there kathy, and suzie fed me well.I WAS greatful to meet nice people that were willing to help like Ben Miller , when I was only a few miles away from Punxsy in the dark, in a mountain in the rain almost getting hit by several cars, Ben stopped to offer me help into town to my motel which was over a garage but cheap and great.He got me out of the cold rain and took me to the hotel lounge in town to hang out with his friends. he introduced me to Kevin, Amber,Jaimie, Deb, and Eric Toy and he gave me a small donation from his heart for his mom is a cancer survivor. we all laughed , listened to music and enjoyed each others company. for a small town they really could party.I EVEN got my mac on briefly but had to put a quick end to that. Lookin for love in all the wrong places, lookin for love in too many faces. you know I would of felt bad the next day for taking advantage of someone very needy.Well Deb keep Love in your heart, and I know with Ben I have a friend for life. You know people on this trip keep asking me if I'm alone and I always tell them no, that I have my mom riding right next to me, and that I have the love and support of my family and friends which I need because this sure hasn't been easy. Thank you all for having faith in me, i'M forever greatful that you all never gave up on me even in times when I may have given up on you. LIL Rich, Matt, and Emily make good choices and Rick keep up the good work and Daryll and Darren thanks for talkin and encouraging me. I have no radio but I got the music in my head and just keep singing the the same verses from only a few songs like the one mommy always love, dream a little dream, and others like against the wind and aint nothin going to slow me down. I left Punxsy,and talked to Deb about matt, dont worry Deb it'll be all right. I'm happy shes returning from NEW ORLEANS. I love you and am proud of you for helping down there kid, you're my hero. I speak to Pop everyday and hes usually worried about me like James O.B., AND Renda. I left Punxsy and got to new Bethlahem where I got FLAT, AND FIXED IT ,but before I did I met Linda who is an 11 year ovarian cancer survivor and kicked it with Don ABOUT TIMES PASSED. As I was in new Beth a family noticed me there with my bike and inquired what I was doing there, and when I told them the mother Dautey along with Jeff and dauter AMber were at a loss for words because of their 5 yr old son Dakota who is actually a 5 yr survivor of cancer. Dakota hugged me and they moved on. Dakota I will be praying for you. To Tim, and Judy thanks for the help to Hermitage I really needed it ,and I know Butch is smiling down on you guys , and I hope you get to take that trip, you guys deserve it. keep cooking for your wife. My gears were so messed up that I had to get a ride into Cortland where mike from Mikes Bike shop tuned everything up for me and changed my tire and gave me extra tubes,and his boy Dan the mailman even hit me with a fiver for pop then and then stopped at baconsburg restaurant for food and john ,amy , and pat gave me a free meal thanks guy it was well needed. The night earlier I kicked it with christine and her words and her work ethic were so encouraging ,love ya girl speak to you soon. Rum you wanna know where what stop is on the 6 train?So I made it to CLeVEland and on the way I stopped at Zigales Pizza, and JEFF, Carole, and lauren gave me lunch, dinner for the road that I really needed. I got to Jacobs field and the Gund ARena and took pictures . Its a real clean town. sorry, but I cant forget to say hello to rich n libby in Tyrone, Libby keep doing the great work you do, you do make a difference

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

SEPTEMBER 14TH and i' walking out of the hotel getting breakfast at the local cafe and could you believe it, anywhere in P.A. you can smoke. Before that iI hadn't realized how disgusting smoke really was. On my way back to checking out I ran into 2 staff sgts. from the army that were participating in a job fair in the town center in Wilkes Berre. Sean Blinn, and Lenny Weston gave me perfect directions out of town towards Williamsport and even offered me help anyway I needed, and were a great encouragement. I had also spoke to mitch briefly, and it was good to hear him feeling better in the morning, I even got to speak to Esther also, mommy's nurse from soundshore, it was good to hear that she remembered who mommy was and I reminded her that I owed her dinner. I hope to see her with that dinner when I get back in to New Ro. I then proceeded to rt 118 which seemed never ending and stopped in Red Rock for a fill up and ran into Tim, and Travis a father son duo playing A game of pool, they were very pleasant and interested in my trip. By the time I had to keep it moving because it was getting late, Tim was about to tell me of his moms losing battle with cancer and I'm sorry I couldn't hear it, but maybe he'll read this and get in touch with me so I could hear more. I rode into the night and I was still on rt 118. It was so dark that I couldn't see 2 feet in front of me and not to mention the rain or the may flies flying into my mouth. I finally got to the end of 118 in hughesville where at 8:30 pm I found the local fire station and asked the fire chief if I could rest my head till day break because it would of been too dangerous to continue in the pitch black, but he along with the police of the town denied me and even denied me to pitch a tent in town due to local ordinances. So I made my to Williamsport and and arrived at 10:30pm just around the block from the A.C.S. OFFICE ON THE GOLDEN STRIP. I stayed in the Colonial Village. It was only 35 bucks for the night, but had to be the smelliest and dirtiest place I've ever stayed in, even the shower was disgusting. I wound up going to Dunkin DONUTS FOR DINNER, and for some reason I thought of calling mommy to tell her about my trip and realized I couldnt just call her and began to feel sad for the first time on my trip. I'M glad O.B. anwered his phone. He settled me down and began to tell me of his moms experience and her survival of cancer. I hope you're doing o.k. Mrs O.B. The next morning started out great, I got to meet all the wonderful people from the A.C.S. OFFice of Williams port. Ellen, Carl, Kath, Maryanne, and Kim. We took pictures and ejoyed some laughs and they even had a service announcement on the radio regarding my trip. Before I left they gave calling cards, hugs, breakfast, money for food and drink, and even shared some of their success stories of people they worked with. J ust wanna say hello and thanks to John from the Philly office too. Thanks for the poem James, I remember, SUCCESS IS JUST FAILURE TURNED IN SIDE OUT. Thanks to Lisa D. AND Amy D. FROM THE a.c.s. for their donation and for keeping in touch. George Morris from RELIG iN nEW rO thank you too so much, the donation and the call meant alot. Before I left Williamsport to rt 654 I read suzannes e- mail, her uncl lost his life yesterday to throat cancer. I will be praying kid. Hope all is well. Hey Craig, AND rUM THANKS for the call and TITI NYDIA THANKS TOO FOR YOUR LOVE AND PRAYERS, I read those scriptures in psalms. " THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF THE DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR THOU ART WITH ME ....."
yOu know if I would of went straight through 654-44-150-62, I would of been in state college by thursday but I got side tracked in the valley where 44 and 654 meet. It was by chance I went in to the Breeze Inn, but I met Claire, a cancer survivor, and Louie whos family members have died of cancer. we shared a lot of stories and even laughed about how many times I looked outside to check on my bike ,you know I got to be from N.Y. But Vicky the bartender who gave me my food and drink on the arm was touched the most by my trip, she said it was ironic that I came in and was too choked up to even talk nuch about things with her mom just hours or days away from losing her battle with brain cancer. Sorry vick I wish I were there to wipe those tears from your eyes, we said our goodbyes with a hug and some tears and I was on my way to Lock haven, and made my way there finally with the help of the Jersey Shore Softball squad, thanks NICOLE , STEFF, NICOLEW.,DANIELLE, SHAWNA , BECKY, AND LACY, THE DIRECTIONS WERE perfect, have a great season and keep helpin the kids. Well spoke to rick and pop this morning thanks guys now I'm leaving Lock Haven. It's about 9 am and I wanna get to state early so I could enjoy the whole day. It's friday and Penn State has a game tomorrow so I'm hoping there will be some keggers going on or that there will be some beautiful females roaming the streets. Hey maybe I'll get lucky and find a place to stay for the night.

THANK YOU EVERYONE

Before I even tell you about my last couple of days I just want to thank all of those who have supported me so far, in no particular order.
MOMMY, POP, DEBBIE, RICK, DARREN, DARYLL, SHELLY,TONY, SABRINA, LIL RICH, MATTHEW, EMILY, COURTNEY, ALEXIS, DAMEON, DAMIA STACEY,DELLA, JESSE, GRANDMA ELIZABETH, GRANDMA N GRANDPA BERRIOS, TITI ANNIE, UNCLE RON, UNCLE MIKE PAULIE, ROBBIE N CHRIS, N BABIES, CEY, ANDY N BETSY, CINDY, LIZ, RON, MIKE, U PHIL, TITI, BRIAN, MATT, SCOTT, BO, KEVIE, MATT, BECKA, NORTH, TERESA,NANCY, RUM, JEFE,ANDREA N HUGO N THE KIDS, CARMEN N THE KIDS, TITI ICHEN U RAFFO,TITI NYDIA, CHRISTINE, SERENA, SUZIE, MARK, JACOB,EDWIN,TITI AURI, ARLET LIL LOU, BIG LOUIE, TONY, LULU, UNCLE TITO,MIKE C. N FAM, TITI NAY,U LOUIE, ELBA, PEPE, JUAN, YOLANDA, JUAN, TITI PITA, PHILLIP R., MITCH N NANCY BERKE, ANDY N DENISE CAPUANO,THE WHOLE CARELLO FAMILY JAMES, LESLIE, JOHN, JOE N CAROLYN N JR. ANNE N MIKE F., ELENA N DANNY N BABY R, BRUCE N KATHY WHO'S BEEN LIKE A SECOND MOM,AND ALL THE FREEMAN CHILDREN, AUNT MARIE,ANNETTE,AND UNCLE DAN, RACHELLE, GRANDMA RACHEL, RITA R. THE FAM IN AUSTRIALIA, AND IRELAND DOREEN, AND JOHN CARELLO SR.,GEORGE N BECKY DONNINI AND KIDS, JORGE SR., DR LONDON, AUNT JERRY, AND LYNN, CHE, ANTHONY, DAVE N., GREG, WOLFE, JACKIE, GABE N AMY, REALITY, J.O.B. N ANDRA, AND THE WHOLE O.B. FAMILY, J. RENDA N SANDRA, MIRANDA, A.J. GODFREY N MOM AND TO HIS DAD, LOS, NANCY, LIL LOS, KASEY, JAY, T DOG, MARIE N KIDS, CHUCK N NORMA, ALLEN J. N WIFE N KIDS, BILLY D. NFAM, BRAD G., CRAIG C., LOU F. V. MARCO, VIN N CHRISTINA N FAMILY AND HER MOMMY, CAROLE PUGLEISE, ANGELO C., MIQUEL R., RUBEN N MARYLU, AARON S., BRIAN R.,PETER F., GEORGE M., THE GOOSE, MARYANNE,AND ADAM ,MICHELLE N., JEFF D., DORA M. MAMA N PAPA RAMIREZ, LAUREN N JOE, LARRY M., LOU 22, BRIAN B., COACH STEVE N MEADE, KEN V., KATHERINE CBS, L.A.F. CLVARY, THE FEDERATION,J.P.'S C.I.,GARY N STEVE @ SPECS, ESTHER, JOE T., PETE CUC, SEBI, PATTY MAZ N FAM, CARLINA F., BASTONES, THE NAPS @ AVE DELI, STEVE, J.P. @ DANNYS CYCLES, MIKE N JOES, MATT N ADRIAN @ EMS, ON THE WATERFRONT, ERECH BARRON, VICKY N MOM, CLAIRE N LOUIE, TOM, SGTS. LENNY, AND SEAN, GEORGE, SUZANNE AND HER UNCLE LEDGEWOOD N.J., AND TO ALL MY FRIENDS @ THE A.C.S. LISA D., AMY D., JEN P., NICOLE (N.Y.), ELLEN, CARL KATH, MARYANNE, KIM (P.A.) HOPE I GOT EVERYONE, I LOVE YOU ALL, WITHOUT YOU ALL I COULDN'T EVEN HAVE ATTEMPTED THIS. THANKS FOR YOUR FAITH AND LOVE. OH YEAH WHEN I GET TO PENN STATE IN THE MORNING I'LL TELL U HOW THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS HAVE WENT. THEY'VE BEEN INTERESTING.

I'm off

I WOKE UP ON THE MORNING OF sEPT. 11TH AFTER that dream and realizing that I had to go. I thought I would be sad leaving but that dream helped. Pop, james, Dave, Matt, and, Rick saw me off and I took shore rd. to fordham to the height. I stopped for a little breakfast on 179, and broadway and headed over the G.W.B. The beggining of Jersey was tough because I had to go arount to get back on rt 46 where I was able to ride on it again. On my first day I stopped in ledgewood just some miles out of P.A. where I stayed at this very modest motel but it served it's purpose. My brother Darren called me that first night , and I made some calls to let people know I was O.K. Pop calls me every day and I usually speak to Rick , James and DAve daily. Spoke to Matt too. Rich I called but you didn't answer. Almost to the border of P.A. IN Delaware/COLUMBIA I met a man Erech barron, and we began to talk, and he was intrigued by my story, and had learned of his cancer story in his family. His wife suffers from cancer along with his mom and his father who he loved very much passed on from brain cancer. You now that first night in Ledgewood before I even found a place to stay I went to Outback Steakhouse where I was treated with open arms by the workers there. George who runs the place gave me a free meal and they all wished me well on my journey. The second day I spent in Bartonsville, P.A. AT HO JO'S AND MADE MY WAY THROUGH THE pOCONOS AND WYOMING MOUNTAIN INTO Wilkes Berre where I am now at the local college. Kings College where I'm using the computer at the library. It's 10:30 and I'm pretty tired. I got an E-MAIL FROM SUZANNE FROM OUTBACK ANd she relayed a story to me regarding her uncle who is suffering from throat cancer. Her words touched me, and inspired me even more. Especially today after I talked to Mitch briefly and he told me he wasn't doing to well, and still offered to help me any way he and his wife Nancy could. I hope you feel better tomorrow, and I can't wait to see you when I complete my journey. Well in the morning I plan on going to the local T.V. station to see IF they would like to cover my story to raise awareness for the a.c.s since I did stop through their town.Anyway I hope they do. N ow I will return to the bar across the street where I left Tom who I met here in town. he had water and I had a coke. I was going to have a glass of white wine, but I'll save it for the weekend. O.B. THANKS FOR THE CALL and putting that together for me. Love you all.

Everyones been a blessing

I've been busy trying to get things in order for my trip, and there's a lot of people to thank. James along with the rest of my true friends really came through for me. Basically I spent the last day by myself and spent the remaining hours with matthew , and rick and spent the rest talking to popi, lil rich,deb, darren,o.b jooe , goose, al, and edwin and his family. thanks again to everyone for making things happen. thank you to steve, and j.p. at danny's cycles for hooking up the bike. to my friends and family, I love all of you. The last days leading up to me leaving I was very anctious. I had one of the greatest dreams the night before that I've ever had , and will talk about it on a later date. I cant believe how much you are all supporting me and keeping me inspired. There's someone I WOULD LIKE YOU ALL TO KNOW ABOUT. I had walked into Spectators Bar in New ROCHELLE a FEW hours befor the fundraisor and Steve one of the owners of the bar had told me an angel came in with the article that was run in the paper regarding my trip in mommy's name for the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. He said "this kid doesnt have his own bike, I got to talk to him. I got a bike for him". The bike is well over thousand dollars , but it came from his heart. I was told that he, mitch berke was just diagnosed with the same cancer that took mommy's life, so mitch along with his wife Nancy had family friends Andy and Denise Capuano bring me the bike. Thanks and I'll tell you later how the first three days of my trip to Cali went. thanks also real, gabe, amy, michelle, jeff, my moms friend carole, phil, rick , anne elena and anybody i forgot I'll get you in later oh yeah Los, nancy and fam thanks but right now day 2 got to get off the computer at the library at ESU. PEACE. Dave thanks for keeping the few possesions I have at your crib.

Things are looking up

I'm just thinking of all the work that needs to be done tomorrow. It's getting closer and closer each day. I felt a lot better about Deb going down south to help with the efforts. I talked with the kids today and even recieved an interesting e-mail from someone who I gave my literature about my trip to. I saw a family in Burger King in the Bronx and they took the time to listen to me and actually inspired me a little more.

HEAVY HEART

Today again Idid my usual ride, even ran into my cousin Eddie , but I rode with a heavy heart.
I just had a lot on my mind today, between thinking about mommy and the first day she was in the hospital and only three weeks later when she died. i thought about how my brother Rick was doing the best he's ever done in his life for as long as I could remember, and how my sister Debbie was going down to Louisianna (she's an E.M.T.) TO HELP WITH THE EFFORTS THERE. We're going to miss her and we hope she stays safe. But Deb is most worried about leaving my niece Shelly back home. My niece is mentally, and physically challenged but we'll make sure she's ok. Anyway riding around the South Bronx is always great especially on Labor day weekend. From smelling the barbecues on the beach or in the parks and streets, and listening to people in whispers and shouts about nothing more than just the enjoyment of the day or times passed. when I leave on the 11th I SURE WILL MISS HOME.

I'm just getting ready

Today I woke up with a long agenda, and a weary heart. I made my way to Eastern Mountain Sports to talk with the G.M. Matt about possible sponsorship for my trip and it was very encouraging and will meet with him again on Tuesday. I spoke with an owner of a bicycle shop in Scarsdale who is also interested in sponsoring me with a bike. Other contacts I made today were with Fox 5, and The Daily News. Now just here at Daves house working on this journal, and actually just got a call from Jenny. I'm just going to finish some paper work here and go out riding for a little bit. Hey mommy, a week after you died I finally woke up from that dream, and it all seemed cloudy. I felt that I was lost in time , but now everything is as clear and vivid as it's ever been.

aWas It All A Dream?

On the 1st of August, 2005 I finally woke up from this horrible dream I'd been having. I had been in a coma like state for thirteen years where every thing seemed cloudy and unreal that the last vivid thing that I could actually remember was being dragged out of my English class by my principal at my catholic high school, Salesian in New York while I was taking Mid Terms for late tuition payments. This was a school of Don Bosco, and thats why the reaction of my principal became shocking to me because Don Bosco had started the Salesian Missionaries and was known for bringing in even the children who couldn't afford the tuition and educated them. I guess Mr. Flaherty didnt watch the same movie on Don Boscos life that we were forced to watch each year. Any way back to today, it started of wierd. Jenny told me today once and for all that she would never be in my life again which devistated me, but after I did what I did it's understandable. There is though a huge focus on my task at hand. There's only a week left until I leave and there's a lot of preparing still left to do. I spoke with my sister Deb today, and talked about matthews plans to go to school this semester but as like a young person, my nephew really doesn't know what to expect. I made my way to James Carello's house in Eastchester with Dave Naar where we met up with some childhood friends we've only seen a handful of times in the last few years. The older you get sometimes you lose touch with your childhood friends due to you taking on more responsibilities in life like work, and family. James has been a great support and has been spreading the word to all of our friends about my trip cross country from New York to California on my mountain bike. As soon as we arrived we were greeted with smiles from A.J., Allen, Renda, and J.O.B. showed up a few minutes later. I had found out there all the actual support I was getting from my friends. The date was set for Thursday the 8th of September to have a send off/ fundraisor event to help me on my journey. It's going to be held at Spectators. We wound up leaving James' and went on A.J.'s boat out to Long Island. We all had great dialogue where I learned a lot more about my friends and their families than I ever knew.