music says it all

This Greenday song that Dave has on his on cd in his car I listen to it over and over again and it speaks to me and describes my trip perfectly.

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this task, and dont ask why
Its not a question, but a lesson learned in time

Its something unpredictable, but in the end its right, I know I had the time of my life
'' "

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind
Hangin on a shelf in good health, and good time
Tatoos of memories, and ask and Ill trial
Through what its worth
It was worth all the while

Its something unpredictable, but in the end its right, I know I had the time of my life
" "

Its not a question, but a lesson learned in time

Its something unpredictable, but in the end its right, I know I had the time of my life
" "



I had the time of my life!

Seeing things

I,ve been back and Ive enjoyed some time with my nephews and nieces, my brother, father, Gabe, Dave, and Billy. I even traveled to the Manhattan, and the Bronx by subway and bus and walked around on 149th to 138th to the Concorse and back into Westchester. I saw some people who helped sponsor me, and rode Daves bike to those places which felt like it took me forever to get to on his bike. Before riding Mitch's bike, I rode Daves mountain bike and it seemed like the easiest thing to ride but not anymore. His bike rode like an old hooptie that had transmission trouble. The One big difference Ive seen since I came back was the people. Almost everyone with the exception of a few, I could see right through like I never had been able to before. Its like I saw into the heart of them. Even if they showed a smile or not they all seemed the same way, very unhappy, even if that person was making a lot of money or not,or was at work orr just trying to enjoy the time off. Its something you're able to see I guess when you take a trip like mine. It seems that people are worring about things in their lifeand letting it effect them in a way they dont even realize. Im not happy they look that way and it doesnt get me down, it just makes me happy that I dont have that feeling and Im concious of it and will never allow it to return. I kept thinking a lot of what has changed for me in the last 3 or 4 months. Like Ive mentioned befor from July till now, I had a mother and she's gone, I had a new friend in Mitch and he's gone, I had work, a girlfriend, and a place to live. Now all of it is gone, and the last thing I feel is bad,because even with those things gone for some great reason my mind wont allow me to feel bad. I returned home, and I returned home safe with new friends I met along the way, an experience that will last a lifetime that I know will work wonders for me and has already, and I also returned to new friends and old and family that loves me. So in all actuality I returned to be richer than Ive ever had been before. It just seems to me that most people while living their lives dont do the one thing they're suppose to. They're suppose to enjoy it and not be too preoccupied and get too caught up in it. I say, what good is this life we have if we cant enjoy it even if times are good or bad. People around here anyway have shown me even when its good they still dont enjoy it like they should. Just smell the air, feel it whip through your hair, listen to the people laughing and talking of times passed. Life is good you just got to try to see it for all its goodness. We are not guarenteed another day or even another hour, live up life, and find your reason for being." Im only the greatest tapdancer on earth" You are? "Of course I are, cross my heart, I just keep asking myself how many times can I come back tomorrow"

Just thinking

I COULD REMEMBER BEING ON THE ROAD ESPECIALLY in the mid west, and west of the music they played. Not a lot of stations came in all of the time, but when they did it was country, and spanish, only not the kind of spanish music played here in N.Y., it was old hillbilly Mexican music. I thought about all the food I ate which was mostly fast food like McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, and 7 eleven pre wrapped sandwiches. Its not like I could of even enjoyed slices of pizza cause everywhere in the country you could only get pies. Actually in Chicago I found a slice by Wrigley field that was excellent but it was 4 dollars, and when in San Fran they had slices the size of my hand for 2.50. While on the road some days I did get to listen to some Joepardy, wheel of Fortune, and even some Seinfeld, on my radio that had a television band. I could also remember how I would get on the bike weather it was rainy, cloudy or sunny. I would think to myself after I made it through another day how if I would of stayed where I was instead of riding in bad weather and being happy that I did leave towards my next destination. I'd spend a ton of money each day on chocolate, power bars, and a whole bunch of water, and Power Ade. Sometimes depending on where I was the time went by slow, and sometimes very fast. I guess some days more than others I had more on my mind. I was lonely most of the time even with the people Ive met which for the exception of the few I gotten rides from I really only had minutes to get to know them or hear of their stories. Things sometimes come to me as a blurr and only when I look at pictures can I remember. Its weird, I actually miss the days that I had cursed. Its easy now to reflect but at the time it was very frustrating. Taking a trip like mine I didnt really get that much time to enjoy places like the Pacific Coast, cause I could only really stop for a few seconds at a time and admire the view and snap a pic or two. Maybe if I ever go cross country again it will be in a car and I could really enjoy it.

Home

I returned home on a flight out of Oakland where I met Katline from various places around the world including Nepal, and Costa Rica, and various other places in the U.S. She was actually on her way to upstate New York where she was going to adopt a child of a friend who about 6 months ago died from cancer. Then there was Bud who grew up in P.A., and now living in Northern California was traveling to the city for a three day stay to enjoy Eric Clapton and Cream in concert. They were both great and made the long trip go by fast. I arrived at J.F.K. AIRPORT at 3:30 and was happy to be in N.Y. There was only one problem I had waiting for Dave to pick me up and that was it was too cold , well for the type of clothes I had on anyway. I saw James, and Jackie, and then fell asleep at Daves house. I then woke up the next morning thinking I was going to get on my bike. It felt wierd to be home, and a part of me still wanted to be on the road. Im filled with so much energy that its hard for me to stand still. The next day I made my usual contacts and saw Rick, and the kids, and also saw Gary and Steve at Specs and spoke to all others who had helped me on my trip. Myfather and grandmother had returned from P.R., and my pop was excited to see me back and was happy to see me safe. Then there was Nancy, and Jared, mitch's wife, and son who had met me in Mt. Vernon to take me up to Scarsdale to have dinner with Mitch's sister, mother, father, brother in law, and nephew, and niece. Dinner was great and so was the family. It was great to finally put faces behind the voices. I was so happy to be with them, and enjoyed hearing stories from Jared and Nancy about Mitch and even during an interview with Ken Valenti from The Journal News IT GOT EMOTIONAL. Nancy had shown me a picture of Mitch and I was happy to get to see what he looked like but it still wasn't the same. Nancy said the picture of Mitch was from a time when he was felling better during easier times. She even shared a storie of Mitch's last hours and how Jared tried to make it back in time to see him. Hey Jared I know what its like to not be able to be there when a parent breathes their last breath. Sorry for your loss guys, but I know Mitch was listening that night when we toasted to him. Im sure he was happy we were together knowing that his kindness and love for life helped me complete my trip. Right now my life feels full of energy and I will channel all of it in a positive manner.

Frosted Flakes

I just want to give a big big shout out to all of you who flaked out. Those of you who answered your Phones, and BULLSHITTED ME AROUND, INSTEAD OF JUST KEEPIN IT REAL AND TELLING ME NO OR YOU CANT, AND TO THOSE OF YOU WHO GOT TOO SCARED AND DIDNT EVEN ANSWER. I didnt catch feelings, I just thought of how weak you were, and actually laughed to myself. Damn little ole me had you runnin scared from your phone. I was just taking a shot in the dark, so I didnt lose any sleep over it did you? I guess really those of you I'm speaking of, your little girl ways speak for some of your character, and those of you who I speak of have very respectable, and important jobs. So I thought that being so you all would be the last to do so. I guess no ones perfect so I'll only give a little shout out out. I wont put your last names. So I would just like to say peace, love, and hair grease to PETE, MONICA, BRIAN, LAUREN, AND BRAD. All I really wanted was to talk and kick it, you know it had been pretty long and I didnt know too many people through these states. I didnt want nothing what you may have thought, I just wanted something that wouldn't of costed you a dime. But you taught me something, that I would do the exact opposite, you know maybe have some Cap'n Crunch instead of Frosted Flakes. You ever here it? Milky, cereal baby, milky, cereal baby.

Misc.

There were some things I thought of that werent put down. Like all the dead animals I had seen along the roads. There were dead squirrels, frogs, a snake, who someone asked me what to do, and when I said that I'm not from this state, and that I never saw a dead snake before, he still asked me again and then turned around on his bike and followed me. I didn't know why he started back my way but I just picked up the pace and eyed my knife. Dead possum, skunk, raccoon, cats, even a big dig in an embankment in Illinois, and at least 2 other types of animals in Pennsylvania. Oh yeah, dead deer, and a whole lot of deer bones. How about Josh from V.A. who I met in Cali. If I thought I was ever lost in life, compared to Josh I was walking a pretty straight line. Josh is a young 21 year old and is in much need of guidance. He's trying to find his way in Cali., but is still lost, and no matter how much great insight he was given by myself or anyone else, it just wouldn't sink in. When I thought it might, he came out and said to me, Hey Russ you're from New York right, so what do you think about selling weed for me and we could split the profits. I thought to myself is this kid buggin. I said Josh, number 1 you dont even know me like that. # 2, I wouldn't take that risk at home, much less in a strange place, and risk everything good I'm trying to accomplish, and #3, What are you trying to herb me? You're saying that I would sell it and I would split it with you and I'm taking the risk, and I told him, who do you think you're talking to, all you talk about is how you want to smoke it and you dont even have the money to do that. I would of thought about kickin your ass for even asking me. Thats what you ask someone who you think is a sap. Only because I know you're harmless and dont know any better, and that you really are a good kid, That I didn't kick your ass. I just hope if you read this you can laugh like I am now, and I do hope you find your way. I would help you if you ever really needed it, but not in the crazy way you think. Maybe you should just go back to V.A., and be with the family, and focus on the best way you can better your life. It's easy for me to say that now, because like you, I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. Who else was there? Seth who I met riding through Flagstaff. You see in Flagstaff there are backpackers, hitch hickers, bike riders of all kind, and with some of them you couldn't tell if they were locals, sightseers, long distant travelers, or bums who are just wondering around aimlessly. I even would of road with him down south if he would of, but he was going to get to where he wanted to go his way, and with his bike he probably would of had too much of a hard time keeping up. You see I couldn't tell which one of the above he was, by the look of his bike or his gear, but he did have some money, and needed a personal affect of anyones, so I sold him mine for 25 buck, because I didnt need it and could replace it and actually was in need of that 25 dollars. Hey if I needed 25 dollars that bad, who was in worse shape? Maybe you cause you were getting somewhere but for no apparent reason, and I hope you too find your way. There was also K.C. he grew up in Detroit and now works in a hostel. He said to me he thought what I did was sick, and in the meanwhile he had traveled the world, like in America, and has traveled through Central America, and South America by car, by foot and bike, Hey K.C. YOU'RE sick man, you've been to almost all of the countries in S.A., and rode and walked through the most dangerous city's and roads. you're my hero to have the strenght to leave your family and friends and just go and do those things in foreign countries. Peace kid, hope you have alot more great adventures.

It took two

It took the lives of Carole Porfilio, and Mitch Berke for me to take my trip. My moms death lead me to my journey, and Mitch's kindness, his battle and the eventual loss of his life to get me to my destination. To you both I will be forever in your debt. I just want everyone to realize that because of their lives I was able not just to raise money, or build awareness for a horrible disease, or even the opportunity to touch the lives of those who I had met along the way, but they helped me feel a way that I haven't felt in years. They helped me regain a love, a passion for life again. It's a feeling that even if I were a poet, I would never be able to put my thoughts down on paper or express in words. I guess some things are better left unexplained and just felt. I can only show it through leading a life of kindness, love, compassion, and patience, and pay it forward as they did.

Thank you all

I just wanna thankMommy, Pop, James, O.B., Billy, Dave, Goose, Renda, Los,Allen, A.J.,George, Gabe, Wolfie,Cravato,The Berrios' in Fla, Cey, Deb, Rick, Darren, Daryll, and all the kids, Titi, Che, and the rest of the family,Mitch, Nancy, Andy, Denise, George M., Florensio, Jaylese, The Roberts, The Gile's, Mr.Foster, Jerry V., Lisa D., Amy D., Ben M, The Chicago Fire Dept., Larry, Randy, Dan H., Lenny, Sean, Jen D, Suzanne I., Toby, Spice, Steve, Janice, To all in New Ro who sponsored me, Matt@ EMS, Steves Bike shop, All of you at the Point Loma Hostel, Tom C. To everyone who fed me or donated some $ for me to eat. To all of you I met on the way and inspired me with your stories of a life, or of a life lost. I had no idea what I was doing or what I was getting myself into. Basically I just left my moms early on Sunday and got to the G Dub, and said o.k. I'll just get over and find the best way west without knowing where I was going or where I was going to stay. I got lucky to have met everyone I did. I was blessed to make it here. Iremember talking to A.j. and him saying would you take rides,and I said Heck no, But I had no clue of anything. I wound up taking about 900 miles off my trip with the rides I'd taken. I needed everyride, and every bit of help Ihad gotten. You see I'm no professional, and without doing what I had to, I dont know how I would of made it. Doing a trip like this with someone or someone following you is different. When you're in strange lands with limited money and no Phone your mind could play serious games on you. Its not like being in the city and you have to get back to the Bronx, or Westchester, I was in places where I didnt know if anyone would help or if I could feel safe with the people who did. So I felt every situation out and did the best I could. I now have a new outlook on things.On how I will approach life. I, for a long time approached it as if everyday for the next 100 years where guarenteed , but not anymore. I will live each day like its my last and work harder than I'v ever had. Ialso learned that I could still not like to be alone and miss my friends and family. I'm just glad its over. The last 3 months have been crazy. My moms death, my girlfriend,or ex I found out had gotten pregnant by another man, Mitch died before I returned, and the ups and downs of this trip. Lately life has been trying and I just want to feel normal again and make good choices in life, and be good to evryone. I lost that angerthat had been eating me up inside,and I WILL never want to experience those emotions ever again. my life and the life of others is too important, and if I didnt lose that feeling many years ago when It was all a dream, I probablly wouldn't of had to take this trip to bring any closure or to reflect. Mitch like my mom you are a star to me and stars shine bright even on the darkest nights. Thanks for the bike, it got me across. And Like the song goes I dont care how I get there, get there if you can.

my last day here

Both Cey and I slept late, had some breakfast and talked about family stuff. Hey Titi do you call Cey every day? We used my last day to walk around the city and take some touristy pictures. We walked through Nob, Cina Town, North Beach, and Fishermans Wharf. I saw the Golden Gate Bridge, and the pier where all the seals stay since the big earthquake of 89. Cey took me to Cali's famous In and Out Burgers which was fresh and tasty. While we where at the pier there were many news satations there reporting on the children who were thrown in the bay by their mother and filming the search efforts of the 2 remaining children. Anyway now back at Jessie's apartment she's cooking me some dinner and I am getting my stuff ready so I can hop on the Bart to take it to Oakland. I will catch the 10pm train to the airport and stay there till my 7am flight leaves. Jessie said its funny that I'm going to now fly back over the way I came on bike that took me almost 6 weeks to do. Thanks for everything Cey, It was good to finally be with family, and I hope all works out well with Kevin. He sounds like a great guy and I would of really liked to have met him. Peace, I'm going home. Cey thanks for playing the guitar for me and singing accidentally in love, while listening to all of my exploits of being single in Florida as a youngin.

Just loungin with Cey

Cey and I just chilled around her Nob Hill Apt talking about my trip, her move out here, and just life. She has been feeding me like a King. Its good to have a good home cooked meal. We also walked to the market and listened to her strum her guitar singing songs like leaving on a jet plane. I got to see her routine of sataurdays how she would chill, cook, take a shower, get ready, and play the guitar, and leave to work. I wound up going with her to Tosca and had drinks on Pete and bs'd with him, Carl, and Leslie who gave me a 20 dollar donation and actually had tears come down her face when I told her of my trip and the death of Mitch. I left Cey there at work after a few drinks and went back to the crib and watched Crash and fell asleep, so I could walk around the city with Cey tomorrow and see the sights. Jessie I cant believe only to other people live in this whole building, as beautiful as it is. Thanks for letting me eat all your food. Juliana can I come to Jazz, is there a dress code? Oh yeah the other night on my way back down the block to Ceys work I knda came up strong behind this guy and I startled him so as I walked by I said sorry and then he said to me '' hey do you wanna party", and I said dont make me smack you. Then 2 minutes later this young black dude was like hey do you wanna see something and then gestured towards his zipper and as he walked backwards I pulled out my blade and said dont make me cut you. A lot of wierdos here, damn I cant wait to fly home. Imight catch a charge before I get home.

I'm done, with bad news

I got in and stayed at Tosca and hung out with Cey, and Pete the owner,and talked about the trip and laughed a little. I then went home to notify some of me finishing and then just fell asleep, happy to be done. The next day Cey went to work and I just lazed around the house until she came home. I talked with Lisa and Amy and had some laughs. Then I called Mitch to let him know that I'll be home soon so I could Finally meet him, but again he didnt answer. So I called his wife Nancy and no answer either. Then a few minutes later Nancy called me back and she said,"hey Russ, did you hear and I said hear what, even though I knew what was coming, she said Mitch had passed the other day and that she was at the funeral. We were both too choked up to speak and we hung up. We said we would speak soon. I started wishing I took one or two more rides and got home in time to meet him but I didnt. Could I have done an extra 10,20,30 miles a day, but I thought about how he made it possible for me to take this trip, and bring a new perspective and some closure to my life, and how his wife, kids , family and friends must miss him much right now. I spoke with Andy Capp also and he didnt even get the chance to say goodbye, and its hard because he loved him so bad and that this is his first friend he has lost. Death huh.

I'm buggin out today

I left Monterey and took a paved bike trail out into Castroville and then up highway 1. Today tHE RIDE WAS HARD, NOT CAUSE OF THE TERRAIN BUT, because of my brain knowing I'm so close to finishing, and for some reason in Santa Cruz I stopped at a Beacon gas station, layed in the grass and started to cry. I cried for like an hour and a half. I really didn't want to keep going. I wasnt really that physically drained but very emotionally spent up. I just couldnt stop crying and then all of the sudden I got on my bike and moved on. The rest of the ride up the coast was awesome heading towards half moon bay. This guy in a truck Larry who was a professor at Santa Cruz gave me a lift just a few miles into San Gregorio. He got me out of the thick fog as much as he could. The rest of the ride through the fog to Half Moon Bay was dangerous.I made it to half moon Bay and I stopped for drink and to rest for a minute and met this 60 year old throat cancer survivor Kenny who has lived all over the country, and in 2 weeks is taking a trip around the world with his bike. He said after battling cancer for 3 years he has a new leash on life and is looking forward to traveling with his bike. We rode into Moss Beach together and he went to the V.F.W. AND i THEN RODE INTO Pacifica,and then Daly City, and then Finally getting to San Fran. I cant even tell you how happy I was to be there. I'm beat up and I just wanted to find Cey at Toscas where she worked on Broadway and Columbus in North Beach. I found it and left my bike outside and ran in and gave her a big hug. I'm done, now I will relax for a few days and chill.

gotta go gotta go

I woke up and waited for Ed to come back in so he could see me role my bike out. It brought me great satisfaction to do that. I walked across the tracks and got my bike tire fixed, it was totally flat now. Bob Coffee who worked there took care of the costs which was well needed, thanks Bob. The fall in Long Beach definately put a beating on the bike. After L.A. the ride got tougher. It was more hilly, and more scenic, which made for a beautiful ride but tough on the mental. Getting through Santa Barbara was not easy and riding through the University of Cal @ S.B. WAS FUNNY TO SEE. Every student there rode their beach cruisers to school. I got to highway 101 and wasnt sure if I could get on cause here its tricky sometimes you could and sometimes you cant so you have to find another route around. I saw this guy riding on it and he yelled its o.k. His name was Amerigo, like Vespucci. He and I rode for about 30 miles together, and spoke a lot of how hes from Italy and all the over 60 biking events he competes in. He gave me an energy bar and then he took off to his beach camp site to meet his wife. I continued on through El Camino Real which was beautiful and hilly like most of the parts here. They werent too steep but long. Getting into my next destination in San Luis Obispo. I met Jerry who saw me going slowly, and offered me a ride, and of course without any hesitation I took it. He was heading north towards my next destination to a town called Gonzalez, so I thought o.k. though I would still have to travel another 40 miles to Montery I would knock another day off my trip, oh yeah. So I got to Gonzalez and rode on, but not before Jerry told me of how when he thinks of all the deaths in his family he realized they all died of cancer. Jerry really loves his family. He told me stories of his son and daughter and stories of his grandma cooking those home cooked meals with a lot of love. The subject of death was hard for him to talk about. His cousin died of colon cancer,his grandfather of prostate cancer, and how his grandma was in a coma and finally died of liver cancer. I'm glad I MET you Jerry, you helped me out abd I hope my story helped you out. Jerry was a cool mix of cultures, he is Apache, Mexican, and Greek. It was nice to ride through wine valley and get a geography and agricultural lesson of the land. I got to Montery and it was beautiful. the receptionist at the hostel was Jen from Darien Conn. It was a very nice hostel but no one was really there. I had a whole dorm to myself and the only one I spoke to was Mika from Germany only briefly cause she thought the hamburger helper I made smelled good. After I ate I washed my dishes and went to bed to get ready for my last day of riding until I got to San Fran to see Cey who I spoke to to let her know I was comming in. Its a good feeling to know that you're going to finally see family and have a home to stay in and not feel worried.

A little bike trouble

I left Santa Monica real early and of couse a few miles up I got a flat. I hadnt had to change one in a while, and not only that but the gears started to slip again so I just took about an hour sitting on the PCH changing the tire and adjusting my gears with my trusty allen wrench. The road up through Malibu was pretty, but an empty town during this time of the year. Never realized that Cali is so mountainous .Good thing I dont have to go in land. Then it became a boring ride going through camp Pendelton Army Base, where I was suppose to go to a frontage road but I didnt know until the cop pulled me over. I had to go around about 10 minutes out of my way. That was the town of Oxnard and I finally got to Ventura which was beautiful and the people too. I sat on the beach walk for a few and then moved on. The rest of the ride up to Santa Barbara was nice especially through Carpenceria where the sunset was beautiful. I got to the Santa Barbara hostel which is an international one and you need an international visa to stay there for the 25 dollar rates or you could stay there in your own room for 60 bucks. I explained to weak, punk bitch, nerdy ass Ed what I was doing and that I really didnt have the cash like that to spend double. So he said with his Santa Barbara way sorry but if I break the rules for you I would have to do it for every one. Hey, Ed is it I said, no one is here so no one has to know. You could just do a nice thing for someone and leave it at that. He didnt and I had to swallow it because this was probably the cheapest I was going to pay here anyway. It took all the strength I had to not punch him in the face. It made me more upset cause you could see it in everyway and thing about him that he was happy to make me pay full price. I wound up getting some food around the block and cooking it and I tried to bring my bike in and Ed told me no. So you now what I did. I brought it in anyway, how bout that Ed. Are you upset about it. I hope you are. I just hope I run into you again and hopefully it would be in N.Y., and hopefully you'll need something and I'll do the exact opposite of what you people in S.B. DO JUST TO SHOW YOU THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN US NEW YORKERS AND YOU SNOBBY ASS RICH PEOPLE,and maybe you would have a different outlook on things. I' m going to bed this place is weak.Not only that but I got a slow leak in me back tire. I will just go to the Open Air bike shop across the street tomorrow.

over rated

The weather here in L.A. is rainy, and people here in the hostel and in town are cold. I'm going to try to contact Monica who lives here, she's the daughter of a great Italian woman named Lyvia who I met in San Diego. Lyvia and I hit it off well. She was in town from San Fran with her friend Sandy to attend a womans seminar. We had thought the same on the issues that were discussed at the seminar. She gave me a donation , and thought sinse her daughter is high up in a production company, that she could help me in some way. She didnt answer or return any of my calls, just like Amy's sister. I had been talking with Amy and Lisa from The A.C.S. I hadnt spoke with them for a long time. Inever even met them and cant wait to meet with them. They are the ones who helped me set up this trip and since its free to call them, its easy to stay on. We have a lot of laughs and they just listen to me go on about my trip, which I appreciate very much. Well after walking around Santa Monica for a little while I took the elevator up to my dorm, and this kid introduced himself to me as Ronald from Tennessee, and in my mind I convinced myself that I wouldn't talk to anyone out here, but he was so nice I couldnt help it. So Ronald and I kicked it. See Ronald was here for some change in his life. Being from Tenn. there is not much going on and wants to persue an acting career and just get away since he and his girlfriend broke up. He served in the army for 4 years and is now here with not much support from his family, because they miss him. He is his moms only child, and he said she wants him to fail. That sucks when you dont have the support of loved ones. So he showed me around the beach and the pier and had a hard time keeping up with me jaywlking, and crossing against the lights. All he would say is, oh, here he goes again. Later on that night his dormmate Keijo from sweden, Ronald and I went to Hooters and had a few beers. We wound up taking the bus together. They got off in Beverley hills, and I continued towards Hollywood. It was bad weather out, but there was really not that much to L.A. I went by China town and little Tokyo and even The Staples Center, and just like riding my bike through Century City and Beverly Hills I was so not impressed. Of all the places in this country that I've asked for directions, the majority of the people wouldnt even look at me much less answer me except for one person. I heard a lot about upity L.A. people but I was sure they would still be like the Californians I met in San Diego. Boy was I wrong. I just keep thinking now of all the things I want to do when I get home. Now that my trip is close to ending, I really want to keep it moving and get out of L.A. and get to my next destination. I have a new outlook on things, and just want to attack them all and get working on them as soon as possible. Bye Bye L.a., I wont miss ya. Keijo I hope the next 5 months are well to you traveling the world, and please find a nice Fiji girl and think of me if she got a friend. Ronald, dont go home, get out of S.M. cause the person you are it's not made for you, you are too nice. Go to PointLoma first and then make a choice. Ihope you do it kid.

Are you o.k.

Hey Mitch, where have you been? I've been trying to get in touch with you but there's never an answer. Andy told me you were sickand in the hospital. Ihope you are fine and I will see you real soon. keep fighting, I still have to meet ya, you know. I know first hand Mitch, that pancreatic cancer is tough, not personally but watching my mom suffer I hope its not the same for you. I hope you can get treatment and it goes well. I know Nancy your wife and your children love you, and I do too. I can never thank you enough for not just the bike but talking to me on the road and offering me your help even in your condition. You know I forgot about my first friend I ever had. His name was Brian Hussey, and he was my first friend to die. he died of Lukemia and I never got to go to his funeral, and I had always been sad about that cause i never had a chance to say goodbye, so to you Mitch I will say solong if you read this and not goodbye yet.

the coast is something

Riding up the coast is great, what wonderful views and I also forgot to mention all the people in San Diego walking in the 3 day relay for the American cancer Society. It was cool, I stopped along the beach where they were walking to take a picture, and someone yelled out, "hey thats a great photo op" which it was.

didnt want to go

IN light of everything San Diego was great to me and I will miss the people I've met and I hope to stay in touch with them. I will remember you all forever as i will everyone I've met. Hey George why did you move from here to Detroit? I left early in the morning and rode from ocean beach up the coast. It was a little hilly for a hot minute, then leveled out. Riding through San Diego county I met Roger and he rode with me to Carlsbad and then turned back. He made the time go by easy and he had told me how he rode the first leg of the Tour de Hope with Lance Armstrongs team and how he's rode from San Diego 4 times. You should see everyone on The Pacific Highway riding bikes, not just solo but in teams of 10,20, and even 50. I was told by the media I had contacted that doing a story was really not to big on the account of people in this region riding long distances all the time for charity. Even the old men riding had calves ten times the size of mine and flying by me. I tried keeping up and did for the most part, but these guys are amazing. You could tell though they've been doing it for years. I got to a town called Laguna Beach where people were holding up signs in favor of legalizing pot. So of course I stopped and took pictures of adults and children alike who were being honked at by passer by's who supported them. I had to stop for a while and hold my own sign too. I then continued on and in this part of Cali was great, you saw that there were street lights and many towns so my mind didnt have to worry about being in the middle of nowhere at night, and just as I thought about how good the ride was and how I've avoided bike problems, trouble struck. At the border of Seal beach, and Long beach I looked down at my radio and boom, my front tire hit the curb and I went flying down a 5 foot grass hill and into a ditch another 2 feet down. I somersaulted and landed on my right side. It took a second to get up and as I did I looked up and saw these 2 guys who stopped to see if I was o.k. One of them was John Lepore who is from Jersey. We had a quick laugh and they kept it moving as I did and I promised to mention him in my blog. Thanks for stopping, I took a little spill huh John. I felt the pain later, and it was kind of intense. Riding still was good and in L.B. I asked for the best route to San Pedro where I would stay at the hostel there, and the two people I asked told me and actually followed me and offered me a ride over these 2 big ass bridges into San Pedro. It was Jane and her daughter Kate who she was teaching how to drive. They told me stories how together they rafted the Colorado river together and how they sailed to New zealand together that took them a whole year to get to. Hey girls those 2 bridges were serious, thanks, but you know whats funny is when I got to the hostel it was closed for the winter and I thought to my self aren't we still in the fall? Anyway my only option was to ride another 30 miles to the Santa Monica hostel where I GOT IN AT1130pm. So lets see Ileft S.D. AT 830AM so I was on the bike 15 hrs today and it wasnt too bad on the count of the lit up terrain. I got into Santa Monica, and It pretty, hope its as friendly as S.D. Forgot to tell you there are bike shops everywhere in these parts.

The best city yet

It was a great little hostel only minutes from the beach. Natalia who checked me in was wonderful and full of life, smiling and helpful from the jump it was just a taste of what was going to come. I hit it off with everyone almost instantly. The hostel had a big tv room, a common room, a patio with a ping pong table and a hammock including a kitchen where we spent time together cooking and sharing food. I met John and his wife Katie from the U.k. who were on their first leg of a trip around the world. Next stop for them was Fiji for 3 weeks and then New Zealand. There was Jen D'amore from Arizona who was here for a few days to relax and take surfing lessons. We shared time together making smores and talking about Physics. She was a fan of what the bleep, so I was pretty excited about that. She also told me of how she was in Italy during 9/11 and the hospitality she was shown by them. Since she's from Jersey, and her family lives in Brooklyn she was worried a bit.Jen actually got home and when she did she made a donation. She really touched me cause it was done right as soon as she returned home. Hope to speak to you soon. Who else? there was Eric, Sean, and Judy from the Rotchester area of New York who were in town after taking a bus to Washington State and then rode down the coast to San Diego. Eric may be the only person I've met that likes to take more pics than me. Hey guys you had so much weight on your bike, how'd you do it? Cat who's from Boston, Matt from Dever, and Sonia,and Mirium from Switzerland, and Shanker from India who was now living in the U.K. for the last 12 years. I enjoyed the beach with the Swiss girls. Matt, Cat, Sonia, Mirium, myself and Torben had a bon fire at Mission Beach where we heard of Matts exploits of women being an owner of clubs in Denver after bleaving the tech business. On a personal note Matt shared with me the stories of his fathers death of intestinal cancer and his moms death of ovarian cancer. He said he misses them now more than ever and always appreciated everything they'd done for him.Matt is an entrepenuer had had offered me valuable insight for the business world as well as life. Cat has been traveling the coast of Cali for the last year and has even been in Greece and New Zealand where she stayed at hostels, and even told us stories of her and friends along with dog hopping freights from Ohio to Chicago. Mirium and Sonia had come here to travel a few weeks before going to a host family's house in Santa Barbara where they would study english for the next 3 months. Shanker was here to go diving. We actually went to Tiajuana and didnt spend too much time there on account when we got to Revolutionary I talked him into going to the strip club even though he wasn't to keen on the idea we went anyway. I had gotten Mexican money out of the bank and tried to get it exchanged in the bar. I gave a 1000 pesos to the waiter and tried to come back with 40 bucks. I didnt even have time to finish my beer and so I went down the stairs to see the manager about getting the rest of my money. I was in a rage and Shanker followed me not knowing what was the matter and decided to stay outside after I ran back up the stairs with the manager following me tring to settle me down saying dont worry Ill help you get it back. So without even thinking what could happen to me I went up to homeboy and demanded my money back saying I know yall got to get your hustle on but THAT i DONT KNOW WHO YOU THINK i AM BUT i WANT MY MONEY. He then asked me how much I wanted and I said I want it all. I wound up hitting homeboy with 20 cents, and bounced. Shanker had said to me when I got outside that what if they would of killed you and honestly I told him I didnt think of that, that I just wanted my dough and that was it. We wound up getting him a bottle of tequila and bounced. I was kind of pissed and when we got back Shanker Matt, and I went to sunset Cliffs to find the tunnels which I thought would settle me down but I got there and of course I had to jump first into everything and try to get down the cliffs. I wound up getting soaked by a humogous wave and actually falling and breaking my digital. So I did as I do at home, I didnt say a word and just left and walked home. In light of this day San Diego was definatley great to me, the weather, the people. It was nice here the sunsets, seeing V.w. buses, bikes unlocked, garage doors opened, skate boarders, bike riders, and backpackers. Anyway time to say good bye and head to Los Angeles. I've decided to pick up some extra miles and finish not in L.A. but in San Fran and go check out my cousin Cey whos e-mail was touching.

California dreamin

Always when my mind has been at its worse I've always found somebody to save me. Jaylese's company came at a great time. It was great to have the companionship of someone of the opposite sex. I've been pushed hard and now sitting here in Point Loma in front of the public library and at 6am I heard a phone alarm go off and I knew it wasnt mine so I looked over in the grass and found a phone. I contemplated for a moment on what to do with it, should I hold it and use it or try to contact some numbers to find the owner? So of course I called some numbers and found the owner. She came and picked it up by 630 and was very grateful for me returning it. I had actually got a call back from a woman who was her sister and she explained to me how worried her sister was because the phone contained many important contacts like doctors, and how she needed it. You see her son suffered from constant siezures and she really relied on the phone, and with hospital costs it wouldn't of been so easy to replace it. She said she couldnt offer me anything but it made me happy she was happy. It's now 8, so I will go around the block to the hostel to see if I could check in.

should I do it?

After hanging with Mykel and finally getting some sleep I was still tired, still thinking about yesterday and that ditch which would of provided much needed comfort. I wound up waking up early anyway and just lazied around. I had my very healthy burger king breakfast where I was sure I would run into Mykel again but I didnt. Taking my meal to a table to eat I purposely sat next to this girl who I was totally drawn to right away. All on looks cause I obviously had no idea the kind of person she was, even though she turned out to be great. I also purposely asked her directions out of town even though I already knew where I was going. I took the initiotive to let her know what I was doing, and by the time I realized it, it was already almost 12pm. We spent over an hour talking and it was great. Her name was Jaylese. I told her of last night and I think she saw the soft side of me. She lived here in Yuma and came here with her family from Colombia when she was just 8 years old. We hit it off so well that we wound up staying in Yuma together and spent the whole day and night together. Put it this way I wound up shipping my bike same day service to San Diego which was picked up by her cousin Stephanie and her boyfriend. I was a little nervous to do so cause I didnt want to part with the bike but her little Honda Del sol would not be able to accomodate my bike. So I took a shot as she did. We went to her apt where we talked about life and just watched tv and enjoyed each others company. I had been honest and told her of my situation with my ex which you will hear about soon and boy is that situation a doozy and I guess thats why I could write about it now and not worry. We left to San Diego after midnight and got to the hills, about 3:30am and I didnt want to leave. Now another day or so I took off my trip I was so happy I did. Hey Mr Sampson I didnt have to worry about running into any mountain lions. I was happy not just to pick up a day but to be with her the time I was. I didnt want the car ride to end and Jaylese I wish you could of came along with me. I was tired and actually got to the hostel around 43oam and waited till 8am when it opened. I'm just glad she stayed at Stephanies so she didnt have to drive back alone at night. Will I ever see you again? Here I am in San Diego and I hope its good to me.

What was I thinking of

I left the Carefree Inn, and had a bite and left at 11 anyway. The weather had to be atleast 100, and looking back I should of left earlier. Put it this way as easy as the terrain was the weather beat me up and I had to ration the water cause its not like theres a rest stop every mile, and the water gets hot very quick. with the stops it took me 13 hrs to get through 8 to the Cali border at Yuma. mY body is still tired and now it was sundown and even though there are some cars riding through, its hard in the dark. Out in the middle of nowhere I was getting spooked, and at times I just wanted to dig a hole, crawl in it and cry, but the only choice you have is to keep peddling. The one good thing was that it cooled off at night. Finally I got into Yuma at about 12:45, and I ate at the Burger King, before I checked in to the motel 6, and of course someone had to talk to me even though I didnt want to be bothered. His name was Mykel, and he said he was originally from Jersey, I believed him cause of his accent. He didnt seem like a local, actually the things he talked about sounded like he was on the run, but it didnt matter much to me. With the little money I had I STILL BOUGHT HIM SOMETHING TO EAT.I couldn't leave him hanging like that and if I had dough like that I would of even gotten him a room, but I couldn't, and I couldnt let him stay with me. He wouldnt let me go even though the BK was closing and he wanted to ride my coat tails. Mykel I did all I could I was just worried after a while that he would follow me to the Motel6 ,but I had my blade so I was like what ever. I finally checked in and was able to do what I wanted to do all night, not just shower, but scream loudly and curse myself out for taking this trip. What the f@*k was I thinking. I guess I got problems huh. Being alone for so many hours sucks. I'm not going totally crazy in the brain because San Diego is very close. I HOPE MY MIND WILL BE AT ease soon CAUSE boy do I need it. Oh did I tell you the batteries in my radio went dead and I had no more left so I talked to myself for a few hrs and was wondering when the men in the white jackets were going to come for me.

Had TO TAKE IT EASY TODAY

There's a long day ahead of me tomorrow, so today I only did about 65 miles into Gila Bend, and boy was it hot. I left little Mexico, oops I mean Phoenix at 12PM after a little breakfast and stopping at a library to enter some blogs. Since I was only on the bike 4 and a half hours it wasnt that bad, though I constantly became thirsty. Moving through 10, and 85 wasnt bad otherwise. Tomorrow I hear will be very hot so I will leave a little later than usual and try to knock off some of the hotness during the day. Gila Bend is nice, and here at the carefree in thats what I feel right now by not riding so many hours. I will catch up on some much needed rest. Alice at the desk is very nice, but talked a bit longer than I wanted. I just wanted to get in my room and shower and relax. Laying in my bed all I could think about tonight was yes James, and Leslie I hope you're laughing as loud as me right now cause I still have the same boots on and damn do they stink real bad. And also one of the happiest things for me will be to wear something different. I've been wearing the same stuff. I got 2 shorts, 2 sweats, 3 underwears, and threesocks, and about 5 shirts, and its getting, along with other things frustrating. Its literally getting meangry looking at the same things day in and day out. I will go now cause I will have a long 100 miles or more in the desert, I'm just happy it will be on 8.

To PHOENIX

I left Sedona at about 11 and wished them well as they did me. It got pretty hot getting into Phoenix and I would say only went down to about 80 at night. Riding to Phoenix wasnt bad at all. No rain or anything and the highway was smooth and there were more than a few people on the road, so night time riding wasn't bad. I got off 17 to 27 ave, and Indian School right in the middle of what reminded me of Union and 2nd in New Ro. It was now 9pm and I TRIED TO FIND A HOSTEL BUT IT WAS FAR FROM WHERE I was and didnt want to ride anymore, so through all the looks I was getting from the local esay's, I decided to park my butt in a motel 6 right around the corner. I didnt even settle in for 10 minutes when I got a knock on my door. It was this crack head, she had a pipe in one hand and in the other a taser gun and a scale that she try to sell to me. She tried running one of those, "Oh I guess I have the wrong room", and you know I said yeah I guess you do, just like all the other rooms you went to. Anyway sorry snaggle tooth, I didnt mean to be rude and slam the door on your face but Thats JUST THE WAY IT IS THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME, THATS JUST THE WAY IT IS. GOing to sleep. Its going to be a scourcher tomorrow too. Oh boy,I only plan on 60 miles to Gila Bend.

We got here

We made it to the Canyon at about sundown. We would of been there earlier, but he stopped off at rest stop to talk to one of his girlfriends for 2 hours. He had talked on the phone before while driving so I didnt know what his deal was cause I could barely understand his Mexican dialect anyway. We took a few pictures, and then checked into the Red Feather Inn cause the temperature had dropped some. The ride up from Flagstaff we took a detoure and rode through The Kaibob Forest. It sure was beautiful. We woke up early the next day and ate oatmeal at the Inn and went through the south entrance and went to different points like Mather, Yaki, Moran, Grandview, and The Desert View which was the best of them on that side. It had a big lookout tower and you could see the Colorado river the best from there. The best part was hiking down The Kaibob Trail, we only hiked down about a mile and a mile back, but it was everything I've ever dreamed it to be. I saw a group of people riding mules, and met a dude named Danny from San Diego who actually just recently in honor of his mom beating lung cancer participated in a relay for life in St. Louis. Being here I felt this great energy and felt blessed to be able to experience something I've only seen in pictures. Florencio couldn't get over it either, and kept asking me how to pronounce it when ever he spoke about it. Istill cant believe where I am, I didn't want to leave. I would of went down further, but it takes a day down, and a day back. We wound up saying goodbye at about 1pm and I was pretty sad to say goodbye. After being with him for 2 days after not really interacting with anyone the whole trip except for Kevin and his family I was appreciative to not have to talk to myself. I wound up eating at McD's, and thinkink about my next move. I took off about 1:30 towards Flagstaff and got there about six. In Flagstaff you saw a lot of bike rider, back packers and hitchhikers. It was cool to see. The ride down wasn't bad at all and so I took off to Sedona which I' heard was great. The ride there was a little chilly but fortunate for me through it was mostly all down hill right down into a valley it was so amazing. It's definately one of the worlds hidden gems, like a jewel in the nile. Igot into Sedona after sundown and stopped off at the Pines Campsite to try my hand in pitching my tent again and you know that turned out to be a disaster, but lucky for me Steven and Janice were there. They helped me pitch my tent, Oh I mean they pitched it for me. After they did that they actually grilled me some burgers, gave me drink, and opened up to me like I was their loved one. I guess having someone objective to listen helps anyone and could offer you valuable insight. They are both 34 years old and Live in Sacramento, and chose to come out here for a few days to try and work on their marital problems. We all need a little break from the world sometimes. Hey Janice, maybe you're a little hard on him sometimes, but I guess us guys need to be put in our place sometimes, sometimes. Itseems they have love there between them and I hope they can reclaim that. Hey guys I hope you can find your hidden gem in your lives, please find that magic again. Anyway I know if there is a place here in America to try to find it , its definately here. I know if you could it would bring me hope in my life. thanks for looking out guys.

I will get to see it finally

We left about 11 which is checkout time and I still had thoughts of The Canyon, and he still had thoughts of his gas and food money he lost.

A new day

I woke up very late, way past my checkout time, a little old ladie came knocking. Its now 12:30pm and I'm still feeling the effects of the last couple of days. Just like everyday I want to lay in, but the money thing wont let me and the thought of losing a day in Texas wont let me stay. The 8 hour tylenols I took really helped and they're good for my knees too. I wound up leaving Ammarillo at 1pm and I needed to do atleast 90 to a 100 miles to get to New Mexico in Clovis. Just like yesterday besides the rain it was the same riding, flat with miles of farm enclosed by wire. There are so many miles of wire that all I've been wondering is that someone laid that, and I wondered who did it and how long it took. I'm very sluggish today, even on easy rt40 terrain. I've been going faster than 10 mphs but I stopped many times to sit and chill. The sun had come and gone, and its 8pm now, and I'm still about 2hrs away from Clovis. Cold and tired I stopped at Loves travel stop in Clovis to see where the next cheapest motel was and it was very close, just a mile off the next exit. There was really not much of a difference right away as soon as I got into New Mexico, but for some reason you feel it. I stayed there for about a half an hour and didnt even notice him pull up because I guess I've had a million other things on my mind. It was Florensio changing gear, and motor oil on his car. If you could see his car you would wonder how that thing is still moving but it is. We talked for a while. Talk about 2 people who were lonely, I know I was and he explained to me that it was good for him to give me a ride cause he too just needed someone to hear or talk to. I knew exactly what he felt. Besides the night I spent at Kevin and Betsy's house basically I've only spoke to people for a handful of moments, and me being someone who likes to be around people, speaking to yourself the majority of the day and night I tended to get frustrated and not even realize it. He said the day in Ammarillo with friends and family was nice, and shared with me the reason why he was took the trip. This I think to me is ironic. His best friend in Georgia shot himself on September 11th, the day I left, he said he needed some time away, and his birthday is July 25th, the same day mommy died. I thought that was so crazy, almost like I was suppose to meet him. He reminds me of a cross of A.G., AND E Dubs. He asked me if I wanted to travel with him, but he was going the same way I was going so I declined. Now if he was traveling west than I thought maybe, so I took a shot and said I would go with you if you wanted to go to the Grand Canyon, I know its out of your way but we could go there and see the Canyon and I would pay for the hoteland you could just leave me there. whats funny is that he barely understood a word I said and didnt even know what the Grand Canyon was but he agreed and listened to what I told him and actually drove some and navigted and told him when to stop. He was very nice, he was young and short so I felt no threat. We took off from Clovis and went to Albequerque and stayed at a motel 6 as usual. He said he would of just slept in his car as he did every time he would stop. he was very appreciative for a room to stay in. I kept thinking that all together I would take off about 450 miles off my trip, but I was going to finally get to the one place I've always talked and dreamt about going too. I felt so lucky cause my route wouln't of had allowed me to visit there and I was also going to be able to see Sedona. If I ever write a book I'll tell you how we got there at the motel 6 later in the early morning and how he called up an escort service and how she took his 140 dollars and how he came running out in his underwear yelling for me while I was in his car to get my attention to stop the girl. He thought he was getting sex and didnt realize he was just getting a show and that she wanted tips on top of that 125 and when he only put out 15 extra dollars she bounced and he had no idea why. Anyway you live and learn if you only have a limited amount of money, dont let someone do unto you that you could do unto yourself in a bathroom

I left real early

I left The Budget Inn in El Reno at 5am and riding in the morning before sunrise isn't that bad, I wound up getting to Elk City and then to the border of Texas by 1, so I thought should I stop for the day in Texiola or keep it moving, it rained a little but not bad. Oh yeah I forgot to tell you in Wheatherford I stopped at a gas station for about 20 minutes and the owner called the cops on me saying I was bothering his customers, but all I was doing was trying to hand out my website stuff,and when I explained it to the cop and showed him my paper work and license so he can call in my I.D., all he told me was how just the other day he got a speeder from New Yoek and then asked me to go. I thought he was a real D@#K . Any way I had to make a coice so I rested for 2 hrs till 3 and still had some energyso I thought I' d try to kill it and ride some more. I dont know what I was thinking about cause I did start to get tired and was now only averaging 10 miles per hour instead of the 15 ealier. By about 7:30 I had gotten only 40 miles and my head was begining to hurt, and I thought about what Drew , and Mitch said about Texas being nothing. They couldn't of been more right, all I saw was a big cross and signs for a 72 ounce steak that would be free if you ate it all in 1 hr. At 8pm 45 minutes away fom Ammarillo it started to rain and then by 10pm I was 25 miles away now and the rain turned to hail and with one hand on the handle bars and the other blocking the hail I finally got to an underpass and I was still getting hit. I was soaked and with my flashlight in hand for about a half an hour someone stopped to help me get to ammarillo. It was this young Mexican kid going to Ammarillo too on his way to Mexico to meet his Uncle. he was stopping at a friends in Ammarillo. It felt good to get out of the rain and dry up. besides feeling very fatigued, the weather had dropped alot so I was thankful.Florensio took me into Ammarillo to a K.O.A. campsite where they had cabin type rooms also. I was very grateful to be warm and dry now. I hope to sleep a lot tomorrow. So far the Texas ride into Ammarillo has been the hardest not just cause of the weather but because it dark and nothing around, and dark so when you cant see lights of a city in front of you to gauge it your mind gets effed up.

Easy riding

It went good today making good time on the highway with no blowouts, and after a few pit stops feeling it a little bit in my right knee for some reason, I got off I-44 and went to a McD's to use that card Greg gave me and asked where the heart of the city was, and this white dude with a gapped tooth smile said where in the O.K.C. DO YOU WANT TO GO G, I was wondering if he was serious and he was dead serious, any way I went up a service road heading towads rt 40 and realized from passed experiences that if you're in the city, motels are pretty steep, so I made it outside Oak City to El Reno where I stopped to eat at a Sonics across from the Budget inn where I was going to stay for the night, and I was determined in my mind to leave early because the weather was going to change, it would get colder and rain late in the day, anyway back at Sonics Mr. Foster bs'd. about my ride and how he was going to see his son who's in the military and go to the O.S.U./Texas game, Mr. foster sorry about your dads losing battle with liver cancer, and its nice to hear how proud you are of your sons. Mr Foster told me my they're called Sooners and paid for my kids meal with slushie and gave me 80 dollars for the motel and for food the next few days. I sure am lucky that people are looking out for me like that, but it would be even better if people went to my website instead, and donated on line, because thats what the ride is for besides my own peace of mind.

Under a bridge

I left on the highway again and its so much easier to ride on a good paved surface. I was on the Will Rogers Turnpike and halfway to Tulsa at a rest stop I met Drew and Mitch who hit me with 20 bucks and chatted for a while, and even poked fun at me because they said that going through to Ammarillo to New Mexico that it was empty, with no one because I was saying how empty Oklahoma looked already. So now off to Tulsa I just kept thinking about Stand By Me that I watched last night in the hotel, "two for flinching". Oklahoma for the next few days will be unseasonably hot thats good, better than being too cold in the night like in Mizzou. I finally got into Tulsa and I just didn't feel like riding anymore miles, a hundred and change for today is enough. Now with the sun down for the night and not many people on the highway I decided to do a Bruce and save my money and sleep under a bridge overpass. The night was very mild and fell asleep easy singing the Red Hot Chilli Pepper song, "Under The Bridge" which is the only verse I know and I mummbled the rest. Stars at night in the midwest are prettier each day. I woke up at 6 am and brushed my teeth with the little water I had and broke out. Got to leave early if I want to get to OAK City tonight.

Im now on the interstate

The best advise I've gotten so far was from Bruce. He told me riding on the interstate out in the midwest was o.k., and he sure was right. He also said it would be an easier ride, and again he was right. The state routes had very little shoulders and werent as safe. It kept me away from towns, but out here they are far from each other and few. I made my way from Springfield to Joplin, Missouri. I had stopped at a gas station and ran into Greg Roberts who read my signs on my bike and we got to talking about my bike problems and my trip. He had went home and picked up his daughter Brittany who was a writer for her high school paper, and wanted to do a story on my trip. We had spoke a lot and he treated me to McDonalds and even hit me with a 25 dollar food card, that came up very big. Brittany was also going to try to see if they could do some kind of fundraisor at school that I hope would be possible. I didnt have much money so George after I tried about 6 hotels sent his credit card through to pay for my hotel, thanks Geo. I wound up spending about 3 hours trying to adjust my gears to a point where they wouldn't shift on their own, and finally got it and took off to Tulsa about a 110 miles away.

My bike what the heck?

I left Cole Camp today about 8:30 am and near the Kansas border now its getting frustrating because I had to change my tube 3 times since I left today. They just keep popping and now I dont have any tubes left. I FELT like screaming at the top of my lungs so thats what I did. when I changed the tube the first time this guy Kevin in a red station wagon asked if I needed help, and I told him ''NO THANKS, I'M GOOD", BOY WAS i WRONG. 2 MORE TUBES LATER HE PULLS UP FROM THE OTHER DIRECTION AND ASKS ME AGAIN BECAUSE NOW i WAS WALKING WITH A FLAT NOT KNOWING WHAT i WAS GOING TO DO, so I said yes. We went by the Wal-MART, but that was no help.He explained to me in the car that he was originally from D.C. and his wife Betsy from Cali. They both work for themselves, he as a plumber, and she has her own store on their property where she sells a high volume of equestrian products. Their daughter Bridgette even has her own pony. He also told me how he thaught at first that I might be his wifes nephew on the bike and thats why he stopped at first, because nephew Bruce was riding in from Vegas this day but has been on the road all summer. There were no bike shops anywhere near and now I know I needed a new tire. So it being about 11or 12 Kevin invited me into his home to spend the night with him and his family. The Giles, they treated me like a son, I was fed lunch and dinner and even breakfast the next morning. We shared some beers and wine and a lot of laughs, even watched football, and I hadn't been able to see much of that this year. I was given my own room in the basement, which was so comfortable, and even had its own t.v. Kevin, and his wife were great and loving people and Kevin has to be one of the more funnier people I've ever met. Bruce had given me valuable insight, like riding on the highway out west here was o.k., and where to find places to sleep, like under a bridge if needed. Bruce is lucky to have a family like he does, you can tell they really love himm and are concerned about him. See Bruce is 28 years old and is a graduate from Columbia U. in N.Y. AND has hit some rough times right now in his life and desperately was in need of a change, thats why he came here to Missouri. The beers and wine tired me out so I hit the hay early, and by the next morning when I rose to the sounds of roosters, Kevin had already been gone, so Bruce, and Betsy had taken me to Springfield to get my tires changed with hopes they would be donated, but no chance of that. They charged me 75 dollars for everything, and with very little funds Betsy took care of the bill for me, and its not like they're rich and they still hit me. Well I said my goodbyes and they wished me well to Oklahoma. Wouldnt you know a mile away my tire blew again and I just wanted to crack the bike. I called homeboy at the bike shop and he came to me and fixed it and put a new lining in my rim because thats what was causing the flats, it was the rim.O.K. now off to Oklahoma. Kevin sorry that your pops lost his battle with prostate and bone cancer, and I know things weren't easy for you and that you had it tough in your life, but you made it through and now you're able to be there for your family and even me. Cant believe it, you're sick hitching from Cali to D.C., the 70's were different. Hey got any bootleg movies.

wow everyone thanks for writing

first off Darren, D. Naar, Renda, Rum, Charlie, Nancy, and Cey thanks for responding to me, and O.B., Pop, Billy, And Los thanks too I really needed all the help out here.
Hey mommy, all I could think of is when ever I get in trouble somewhere and things look bleek and even if its hours later someone is there to help. Its only been a little over two months and I cant believe you're gone. I really wish like everyone else that I could just call you up and tell you about things and that I love you. I have no concept of time here on my trip but since the last time I saw you it feels like a lifetime ago. Whats it like where you are? I know you're in a better place, its just wierd knowing I cant go by 210 Pelham and find you there. Sorry if I took your life for granted when you were still alive, AND i SHOULD OF CAME BY MORE OFTEN. Anyway thank you and popi for giving me life.Please keep me strong on my trip cause I'm trying to find that peace within.

just thinking

If I was to ever write a book of my life leading up to this trip, and the journey itself, I would title it STORIES OF A LIFE, CAUSE THATS WHAT THEY ALL ARE, ALL THE PEOPLE i MEET GOT A STORY TO TELL AND Im so happy that those Ive met have decided to share theirs with me.

THE Trail, I got to get off

The trail was brutal I did about 75 miles sweaty and smelly and tired it was rough going on the gravel, but I made it to the capital of Mizzou, Jefferson City. I stayed at one of those base head motels that only cost about 27 bucks with tax, but it so well served its purpose considering where I was last night. I spoke with O.B., RICK, Jenny, Teresa, thanks terry the Berrios family came through huge along with pop. James I spoke with too and found out his back has taken a turn for the worse, most likely due to his injured knee. Sorry J.C. I love ya kid and Im praying for you like always. James if you see George from RELIG tell him thanks for all the love and support. The next morning leaving Jeff City I got about a mile and of course you know I got a flat so being frustrated I had to do something so I dropped my tour bags to lighten the load and stuffed anything I could in my back pack and dumped the rest. Watch out now with my bike lighter Im going to keep it movin a little more quicker and hopefully make it to L.A. sooner than later. I figure with about 1500 miles to go I could do a hundred a day and make it in a little over 2 weeks. Now with my bike lighter I could now move like the wind blows, But of course again now 40 miles away I got another flat in the middle of nowhere, as luck would have it though right here on rt c in dutch contry some guy name Culp had a itty bitty bike shop out of his geerage, and changed my tire. We were trying to figure out my I kept getting flats, but he couldnt figure it out.I couldnt believe that amongst nothing but farms there was a bike shop right where I needed one. I made it to a town called Cole Camp through what they call rolling hills and boy are they rolling, up, and down, and up and down, but pretty easy to ride.Cole Camp is the true definition of small town USA, man was this town beautiful, it was full of bed and breakfasts that were too expensive for me, so in my attempt to try to find somewhere more affordable to stay, I ran into Mr. and Mrs Woodington on Maple ST. in front of their collectables store and they directed me to the mayors house around the block that had rented out their garage to passer throughsfor 40 bucks. Mr Woodington actually walked me there and introduced me to Mrs. Harris, the mayors wife, and actually paid half, and talked to me about his fathers death from cancer and his sisters current battle with liver cancer.With the sun close to dissapearing , it was beautiful, and then all the sudden the bells from the local church chimed for 15 minutes and could be heard throughout the whole town, goodness was it peaceful. I didnt get to actually meet the mayor for he had been resting up from treatment, he's also dying from cancer. Its all around us. The garage was awesom and Mrs. Harris set out muphins and plenty of drink for me and even allowed me to use her cell phone all night. Even had dish T.V. and a jacuzzi, what? I finally called Andy Capuano cause I couldnt get in touch with Mitch and Andy gave me some terrible news. Mitch isnt doing too well and is now in the hospital, man was I devistated. Im going to push it harder Im coming home, I got to see you Mitch, hold on kid, you can do it, you're a fighter , you can beat this.My heart aches, but its a little heavier today. Russ, work hard and finish. Mommy pray for all of us, we all need it down here.

Oh boy

I made it into a town named Dotzow after sundown and there was a luncheonette type of deal that was just closing at 8 and the owner said I could utalize the land to camp out. The only problem was that it was so dark in the town and with only my flashlight there was no way I was going to get the tent pitched, and boy was I worried because it was about 40 degrees out that night and I was sweating and the grounds and everything else was still soaked from the day of rain. So I found what seemed to be a tool shed which the walls of it had holes, and the windows busted as well as the door falling off the hinges, of course everything inside was wet. By that time it was 9 pm and I wrapped myself up in the tarp of my tent and layed down on the wet floor of the shed to try to escape the cold but to no evail. I shivered all night and woke up every hour on the hour, and at about 1am I woke up to the song of California Dream, and thought that was my dream right now to make it there, and as I thought that I glanced out of the broken window and was amazed at how many stars lit up the sky in Mizzouri, you dont get to see that many too often in N.Y.C. I then finally woke up at 6am and waited for the store to open at 7 so I could refuel with some breakfast before I left. While eating all the local good ole boys kept peeking at me not trying to make it too obvious but I knew they couldnt wait for me to go so they could have something else besides tracktor transmissions and the weather.all 8 of them sat together like if they where going to have a circle jerk or something. I guess I m goin to mosey on now boys.

lookin to get halfway

Tonight Thomas, my sweetmate and I stayed up talking about our lives and Thomas' story helped me put things in my own life into a different perspective. Thomas who we'll call him lost his fiancee, his sister to a car accident and then three weeks later his father passed away. Talk about life dealing you cards that you dont know what to do with, wheater you hold em or fold em. But folding the hand wasnt in Thomas' plans, he went in search of the love of his life to Russia to find her, and went back to law school, and is doing things like what he was doing in Chicago running in a marathon, and remaining strong for his mom. His determination for life did not allow him to give up, I admire him greatly. Just like titi, and uncle Phil for his mom its been hard to deal with the death of a child. I then the next day said my goodbyes to Thomas and made my way to a town of Gilman where I met Kim who worked at the local tribune and she donated 20 dollars for food on my trip. These 95 miles to Gilman was long going through the middle of nowhere Ill. After staying the night in a motel I left about nine to springfield in a thick fog and was hard and unsafe riding. On the way to Springfield I ran into some gear trouble and trooper Strubbee relayed me through the interstate to my motel and then relayed me in the morning to Rand M bike shop where I finally got my first gear fixed which is my easiest gear. Pat and Paul actually fixed it and schooled me to go along the Katie Trail in Missouri, thank goodness they told me cause I was about to go through the Osarks which would of been serious.Paul had rode cross country with some friends and the insight was invauable. He also gave me a computer read out of the Katy Trail which starts in St. Charles. Hey Master Sgt. freesen thanks kid, its bike dude. I had spoken to Renda and he told me of his charity run for the fire fighter Steve who ran across the tunnel to get to the Trade Center. Im so proud of him thats not easy. Hey Cravato did you win some money the other day? How bout A.J. did he win? James and O.B. SEt up some fundraisor to get me some funds to help me finish my journey. Leaving Springfield to the Ill/Missouri border it rained on me all day and night, the rain wasnt too bad its just the wind that really made it difficult. After staying in a cheap motel near the Mississippi River I TOOK OFF that morning over The Mighty Mississip on a ferry and rode to St. Louis and spent about 2 hrs there and made my way 40 miles back to St Charles where the Katy Trail began. Going across the river I FElt like Huck FINN and all I was missing was a fishing line to rig to my toe. on the way on the trail I had lost the remaining money I had besides five bucks. Worried I Got to a small town called Defiance where I met Toby and Spice from St. Louis who stuck out like a sore thumb amongst all them good ole boys. This place was the kind that people go to that dont want to be found. He FED me bought me some beers, hit me with 40 bucks and kicked it about women and how we love them to treat us. we have a lot in common that way and all we want are the little things from the women in our lives, like to be held and told that we're loved.We also talked about his buddy's battle with esophagus cancer and his near death experiences of being electricted at 7 and his bursted appendix at 13. well Im happy you're still here.Hope you come to N.Y. and visit like you said. Spice I wanted a picture, but thanks for spreading the word at work. Now Im off to Dutzow population of 75 on the Missouri river where Ill spend the night camping out. hope its o.k.