We've pedaled 570.69 miles at the end of day six. We have 300 miles to Hannibal.
Tonight we're staying in Belleville, Kansas. It was a 94 mile day, and now we're at the Dairy Queen on a beautiful clear night. But all is not well because we just spoke with a motel guest whose friend was diagnosed with stage-3 ovarian cancer, just like Susan's experience.
They call OC the quiet cancer because it whispers its' symptoms. Let's together now pledge to make positive change, in a life-affirming way, to marshall our love, our grief, some anger and our passion to bring ovarian cancer awareness more into the spotlight, much like what we've seen happen with breast cancer. There have been too many deaths, too many women taken in the prime of their lives, too many grieving families and friends. Let's keep the focus and passion of CycleQuest and continue the momendum of the ride in new directions. Will you join with us? Please leave us a comment. They mean so much and we need to hear from our friends and supporters.
Meanwhile, earlier today....
We left Phillipsburg around 7 a.m. this morning. Thankfully, the winds were lighter, but still a headwind.
We wheeled to Smith Center and had breakfast at the Second Cup Cafe, and we took their advice. Great coffee! Smith Center is the geographical center of the U.S. We rode past the county fairgrounds and saw some of the largest and cleanest pigs we've ever laid eyes on. Smith Center is a cute town; they actually have music playing downtown for all to hear...without ear buds!
By 10:30 a.m. we reached the 500 mile mark in our journey. It's in the 80s and we're feeling a little weary due to the headwinds, but this too shall pass. Okay, everyone together now - "Winds from the west, winds from the west!" :-)
3:30pm: We're in Courtland, Kansas with 79 miles under our belt. We've been cruising good with LESS headwind! AMEN!
We stopped at a....PIZZA HUT and "had a bite." Then, on the way out of town, we found a great fresh fruit stand at U.S. 36 and Route 199. Bob says he had two of the best peaches he's ever eaten.
Earlier, we met a world tourist - Walter - from Germany. He's in his mid-60s and has ridden across the U.S. eight times. On this trip his final destination is Tucson. What a great example of vital living. We briefed him on the Pizza Huts up ahead as he goes westbound. He looked VERY hungry, too. Go Walter!
Speaking of food. What's great on these rides is to walk into a convenience store and be presented with a full array of edibles. I was assessing the candy bars earlier today and down on the bottom shelf, tucked away, was my very favorite, and one that you rarely see - THE CHOCOLATE PAYDAY! As far as I'm concerned Baby Ruth and Butterfinger can just pack their bags and run home...there's just no comparison.
The James E. Cary Cancer Center in Hannibal has invited us to attend a reception to welcome us to town. More on this as we work out the details. Nice! Thanks David DeProspero!
Check out today's issue of the Hannibal Courier Post: Here's the link:
http://www.hannibal.net/stories/07202007/local_news_j3_001.xml.shtml
Bev Darr did a great story and they ran a photo of Susan, too!
Here's another link with information about CycleQuest. Thanks Vicki for posting that.
http://www.thecancerblog.com/2007/06/21/gossip-columnist-claudia-cohen-dies-of-ovarian-cancer/
Later!
Brad (and Bob)
11 comments:
Yes that's what we want.......More than half way there. Can you smell "mom's" home cooking on the table??? Bob, thanks for keeping Brad going....You are an inspiration to others as to what a friend will do.
Bring on the WESTERN wind to assist with the tailwind. Ride on guys. God is shining on you both.
Love
Vicki
I am not even going to mention wind this morning! 70 degree temps sound marvelous to me! Keep your wonderful sense of humor and ride strong. I am with you guys for every pedal stoke.
Love, Gin
Hello Brad and Bob, Congratulations on your travels so far and thank you for your personal mission of bringing more attention to Ovarian Cancer issues. I would like to have a small reception for you and your family here at the James E. Cary Cancer Center in Hannibal next Tues. if that would be of interest to you. I would like to thank you with this little offering and have you come visit with our staff and see our wonderful facilities here at the Cancer Center. Please either yourselves or family members call to let me know if you'd be interested. Sincerely, Dave DeProspero, Director david.deprospero@hrhonline.org or 573.406.5801 Thanks again, Dave
B&B,
You are my heroes. I have been watching the Tour on TV but find your blog much more interesting. Battling the wind in KS is no small feat; I would take "Answer To The Challenge" over the KS wind. I will be monitoring your progress each day and following along on the map.
Jack & Ellen
What a path you have chosen. This route 36 has been an amazing connection. It's like a physical major highway. It's the route you take to connect with real people instead of white lines and massive speeding vehicles, it's the route to take to spread the word and listen to others. The people you've met have been amazing.
It's an experience to share. You've only just begun to touch people and let everyone know. Lets grow the knowledge of Ovarian Cancer The silent killer. May the Western Wind stay at your backs, may the chocolate babe ruth's and peaches be abundant and may the Pizza Hut's be on every corner..............
Brad,
Know that your mission and message doesn't fall on deaf ears. I have passed your blog on to the powers that be on the 3B oncology floor at Banner, and I know they are watching and listening as you make you way in Susan's honor. I know they remember her gentle spirit and lion's strength.
I will pray for a wind at your backs (for a change) as you make your way across the country. You're almost there! Godspeed!
Brad,
You are truly an inspiration. Keep riding strong, your words are bringing your experience alive for me! That's a beautiful photo of Susan - is that when we all went up to Humphreys and both you and Susan left Monica and I in the dust? That was a great day.
Miss laughing with you!
Rose
Brad & Bob,
You guys are amazing. Ironmen! Our prayers continue to be sent your way. This is an inspired positive action born of loss and grief.
Nurture it and let it grow.
John
Brad and Bob,
Rest assured that I am spreading the word. I have shared your blog with everyone I had conversations with today.I want you to know that I emailed Gale also. Take care and sleep tight.
Love Gin
Yes....I will join you in your quesst to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. Count me in!
Rest well and may you have a GRAND Saturday!
Lesa
: )
I wanted to share a note from Deb TI hope you got my message that I am at a conference in NC this week and have very little access to the internet.
My thoughts are with you and I am so excted about your quest. Undoubtedly, you are raising awareness and will make a huge difference in the lives of all who will meet you and read/hear about your journey.
I will check the site and write more when I can. Be safe. Much love, Deb
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
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