Back home!!!! The ride from Freeport was great due the the company of Scott and Eric. The official distance was 1021 miles.
We got to Auburn HS about 11:00 am and were joined by about 10 bikers (see pic) and we made our way to Burpee. Thanks to Patrick for taking all the pics. We arrived about 11:20 and went down to the terrace for food, cake and fun. It was a great time and it was a thrill to see so many friends to welcome me, Bob and Homer’s bones back to Rockford. It was a great experience and I would like to do it again next year. We’ll see. Thanks to all involved, well wishers, staff, media Bob and Nancy.
Wow, just 25 miles from home. We hit the 1000 mile mark just on our way to Rockford which was very gratifying and thanks to Scott Garwick and Eric Wilson for riding along with me. They made that final leg very enjoyable and it went fast. We had a great time with the riders who met us at Auburn HS. The trip into Burpee was a real hoot and everybody seemed to enjoy the ride.
See tomorrows blog on the party at Burpee, it was a blast.
Leaving Galena in the early morning fog...Hills ahead!
Almost home!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t believe it, 986 miles to Freeport. I’ll pass 1000 some where out side Freeport, I was sure I could do it, but now I know. Galena was nice and lots of great people, but home is home and that’s where I want to be. This is my last travel blog but I do intend to keep blogging about all the great things happening at Burpee, so look for that to start next week.
Thanks again to everyone who has suppported the ride, especially Bob Kantner, when you see him tomorrow give him a hug, he needs it, Also the Burpee staff they are the best and the Board has been great with all of their encouragement. Don’t forget, bike from Auburn HS about 11 AM and arrive at Burpee about 11:30 for the Cliffbreaker’s party. I am so looking forward to seeing all you.
Galena, nice town, but I’ve seen it all, I’m ready to hit the road to Freeport, bored to tears. I know I have to rest my legs, but I’m ready to go now. Anyway, again a big thanks to Aaron and Andy (although they woke me up this morning) for all the great support they have given the ride, Homer and Burpee. If you see Andy, tell him he can ride (not in a car) 3 miles to Burpee from Auburn HS. It appears the Pec Path is not the best option from Freeport to Rockford, so I am going to take Route 20 to Meridian road, head North to Auburn Street to Auburn HS. I should be there about 11 to 11:30 and at Burpee about noon for the free party.
I’ll pass 1000 miles some where along the way, Bob knows where, and we’ll get some pictures to post. There are so many people to thank but will try at the party and not leave anyone out, especially Bob, the Burpee Board, Nancy, Jen, Mirm, well I should wait and you can hear the rest of the list Saturday.
Welcome to Illinois...the 6th State
Hills and rain to Galena
Illinois, our 6th state and that much closer to home, Burpee and friends. Rain, rain and more rain, but we got a slight break in the clouds and decided to make a run for Galena—bad idea. About 5 miles out the sky opened up and I was soaked, but it was fine. Two days of rest here and then on to Freeport where Scott of their bicycle club will show me the Pecatonica Path to Rockford. I think it comes out somewhere on Meridian Road south of Rt. 20, then north to Auburn Street, then Auburn HS to meet bikers and then on to Burpee for lunch and a party. Hope all of you can make it, Cliffbreakers has a great menu planned free. Can’t beat that.
Nancy has a couple of games to play where you can buy chances to guess my weight or guess how much I’ve lost. Lots of prizes and Homer bone pens to give out,the kids will love them. Check out Ch 23 , Aaron and Andy for more info tomorrow and Friday. Don’t forget to pledge and thanks againfor all the support.
Roger of Schmitt Implement in Holy Cross IA stopped to chat
- Huge hill south of Guttenberg!
900 Miles
From Guttenberg to Dubuque was very hilly yet one of the most beautiful regions we have gone through. I thought the hill outside Guttenberg was the worst I had encountered until the next one, but the fun part is racing down the other side and once I hit 40 MPH. Maybe that’s not such a good idea after all, so later I would slow up on the down hills, the ultimate goal is to finish in one piece.
Tomorrow the Mississippi and then Galena for a couple of days of sweet rest before I tackle the hills to Stockton and then into Freeport Friday and Saturday Burpee about noon.
Good Job Bob!...couldn't do it without you
Guttenberg, IA
Mississippi River
Not another hill!!!!
Great day, 54 miles, will reach 900 miles just outside of Dubuque. I always thought I could do this but I didn’t know I could. I have always enjoyed physical challenges, but at age 62, when do you think maybe this isn’t such a good idea. But I don’t think I’ve reached that point in my life yet. Anyway, its been great and all the support sent our way has helped tremendously. While the end is insight, this has been a great adventure, great publicity for Burpee and hopefuly raises some money, I will be so glad to get home.
We are in the home stretch and when we cross over into Illinois it will be a big deal and the final state for us. I hope all of you can be at Burpee on the 27th for the party hosted by Cliffbreakers and maybe bike in with me starting at Auburn HS.
Jessica
Closer and closer, had a long day, over 70 miles but feeling good and ready for tomorrow. We met a lot of great people also, the farmers market in Riceville was a lot of fun. See the pic of the three young ladies who had baked goods. The apple pie was excellent. Also note that little Homer got tired and rode in the truck today the big baby! We found a trail and met a lady named Jessica on her bike and when Bob told her what we were doing, she said they would like to come to Burpee, hope to see her and her family there.
I heard that both the Burpee night at Davis Park was a big success and Third Thursday was well attended, thanks to Helmet for provideing the music. When you see Burpee staff let them know how much we appreciate their hard work and quality programs. Thanks, Thanks Thanks!!!!!
Don’t forget to plegde or to encourage others to pledge, come to Auburn HS to ride in with me and then the party at Burpee at noon hosted by Cliffbreakers. I’ll be on A and A again Monday morning. Keep those cards and letters coming.
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