Over the last two days, I have sent out 21 copies of my book, “Lord, Ride With Me Today.” Those books went to the people that went well out of their way to help me on the Maine to Key West ride. There are lots of special stories to tell and more books to send.
On one afternoon, I was heading into the Bronx, New York City. The day had started hours earlier, about 60 miles away just outside of Brewster, N.Y. I was a little uncertain how the day would play out, but my only plan was to get into the Bronx and work my way west toward the Hudson River bikeway.
Then I planned to find the George Washington Bridge and head over to New Jersey, certainly with a whole set of challenges on its own. But first things first. I had to get into the most populous city in the world and try to work my way through the busy streets on a loaded bike. Nearing the end of the greenway-like trail that would end in the city, a singular cyclist pulls up beside me and asks where I am going. I told him my plan, and his response was “Be careful!” With that thought on my mind, I rode on.
Waiting for me at the start of the Bronx was that singular cyclist, George Pickel. We talked just a little bit and he offered to lead me to where I needed to go. We weaved our way through busy streets, certainly something that would have been much harder for me to do on my own. George asked me why I was riding, and I told him that bringing awareness to childhood obesity was a big part of it. George told me that he taught physical education in the New York City School System, but more importantly that he was once one of those overweight and inactive kids. We rode on, and George took me to the entrance to the bikeway and within sight of the George Washington Bridge. He went way past what most people would have done to help me, making him one of the many angels of my ride. We have stayed in touch.
In the aftermath of the accident in Tequesta, Florida, I looked at the bike and knew that I had no way to get anywhere. I was miles from an available motel room, beat up physically, and wondering about my options. Three firemen took me under their wing, let me ride back with them to the station, and then took me to the Bike Street bike shop in Hobe Sound. Those firemen, Peter, Dan and Josh, and Dawn, Matt and Brian from the bike shop, helped me get on another bike a couple of hours later. The trip was back underway. Andy made it easy for me find the Hampton Inn in Juno Beach, and loved the story so much that he linked it all to the Hampton Inn website. Seven more angels, glad that I got to know every one of them.
I can’t forget Kenny Roberts and his family from Salisbury. Kenny’s family was vacationing near St. Simon’s Island as I was passing nearby. They went out of their way to pick up a bike part for me and drive it to the motel where I waited.
The list of angels goes on and on, and I certainly appreciate their efforts that helped keep my ride.
I have said that this ride seemed harder overall than last year’s cross country ride. The mental edge required to handle New York City, Washington, D.C., and Miami, as well as all of the increased traffic in other areas didn’t allow for much easy riding. I had an idea that it would be this way, so it was no surprise. Also, I knew there would be some climbing, but was surprised that the repetitive hills of Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Pennsylvania would wear out the teeth on my main gears.
At one point, I couldn’t raise my arms very high by the end of the day. Gripping the handlebar while climbing wore me down, and it was funny to have to lower my head to my half-raised arm to scratch my ear.
All in all, it was just the adventure I planned. Maine was my favorite state, with all the waterfront areas and historic towns. Virginia, with all its history, and Florida, in a way that I had never seen, were other favorites. To be fortunate enough to ride to the easternmost point of the United States at Quoddy State Park in Maine and continue along the east coast to the southernmost point of the U.S. in Key West was a big thrill for me.
My thanks go to Partners in Learning for allowing me to do the ride to promote the awareness of childhood obesity, and to Fowler Physical Therapy, Vac and Dash of Albemarle, Gear for Races and Skinny Wheels Bike Shop for helping sponsor the ride. Of course, the Salisbury Post encourages me to experience the adventure and allows me to keep everybody up to date with the daily happenings. They all make a great team!
Thank you to the Post for having the reception again and hosting another wonderful event for those who followed the ride. It was such a pleasure to see old friends and meet a lot of new ones. That Italian Ice is fantastic also.
Again this year, the support of so many people locally and especially their prayers and messages helped keep me going. I felt the private prayers too. Each night, before going to bed, I read from a small devotional and was amazed that often the most pertinent message seemed to be up next. With God’s grace onboard once again, we have finished another major adventure. I am already looking forward to the next one.
Rowan County resident David Freeze cycled from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Key West, Fla. Contact him at david.freeze@ctc.net.