Aug 22 - Day 52

Bikers rode from Harper's Ferry, WV to Washington, D.C. on the bike path, a total of 64 miles. Grand total from Anacortes, WA to Washington, D.C. was 3340. Bike ride across the USA is now complete. Time ran out and we didn't reach Bar Harbor, but what an accomplishment and experience. Congratulations!

We appreciate the support of our families and by God's grace the trip was completed safely.


...............stay tuned for some blogging on some of the more funny details and experiences the travelers would like to share.

Aug 21 - Day 51

Ned and Jerry began ride at Hancock, MD after travelers had breakfast at Weavers. They rode 67 miles, new total 3276. Ride was on the bike path and they ended they day in Harpers' Ferry, WV. They were met by members of Ned's family, Alan & Jackie, Rodney & Joann, Dick & Kathryn. Kathryn had a banner made congratulating bikers on their accomplishment. Group had dinner together. Later, Mitch & Becky arrived to celebrate the bikers. Travelers spent the night at the Comfort Inn in Harper's Ferry.

Aug 13 - Day 50

Ned, Jerry, Robbie, and Dannie rode from Cumberland, MD to Paw Paw WV. Laurrie, Arlene, & JoAnn met them for lunch. Ned, Jerry & Robbie continued on to Hancock, MD completing 62 miles. Bikers grand total is 3209. They had planned to ride to Washington, D.C. but because of severe stoms farther south they decided to end the trip in Hancock. Bike trail would be very muddy and difficult to ride with road bikes.

Slight delay

Sorry about the delay in updates. We had blog complications, but it looks like we will get back on track. We also had a change in plans. JoAnn has kept meticulous notes and I want to be able to post specific mileage and details so I will have to post the details of the last two days when I get her notes. So obviously there is a change in who is doing the blogging. Also, the guys had to finish up in Hancock on Friday due to storms in DC causing damage to the trail which would not be ideal on their road bikes, not to mention safety concerns for bikers and city officials. They opted to come home after the days ride which happend to be Friday the 13th! They are planning on finishing the ride this weekend (Aug. 21-22) from where they left off in Hancock. Although time will not allow them to finish the ride in Bar Harbor, they do intend on finishing the ride with "plan B" with the final destination as Washington, D.C. Washington state to Washington, D.C. has become the ride. I can only admire how far they have come thus far and think how easy it would be to just say we are done at this point. I know the ride has been challenging, but they just kept on pedaling and still don't want to quit. Lance Armstrong said it best.......pain is temporary, but quitting is forever! Finish strong this weekend guys!

Aug 12 - Day 49

Travelers had a fantastic breakfast at the RiverRest Bed and Breakfast. Bikers rode to Meyersdale, PA where they met up with Jerry's wife Laurrie and daughters Robin and Danielle. Travelers had lunch together then Ned, Jerry, Robin & Danielle rode to Cumberland, MD. Today's miles for Ned and Jerry was 64, new total 3147. Seeing Jerry's family was wonderful and caused all of us to be very emotional.

Aug 11 - Day 48

Bikers shuttled back to West Newton, PA to access bike trail. They rode to Confluence, PA, 56 miles, 14.4 mph, new total 3083. They saw an eagle along the trail. Ladies spent time at Ohiopyle, then continued on to Confluence/Ursina where we will spend the night at the RiverRest Bed and Breakfast.

Aug 10 - Day 47

Bikers shuttled back to Buffalo, PA, lodging for the night was six miles east in Washington, PA. They rode 47 miles, avg 13.5 mph, new total 3027. A BRAND NEW MILESTONE. They ended the day's ride in West Newton, PA. Ride was again difficult, more "hateful" hills and lots of traffic. Travelers met for lunch in Monogahela, PA and ate along the river. Bikers are happy to be traveling on the bike trail on the Allegheny Passage tomorrow. They have traveled 3000+ miles from Anacortez, WA, WHAT AN ADVENTURE.

Aug 9 - Day 46

Bikers rode 65 miles from Uhrichsville, OH to Buffalo, PA, a small town about six miles west of Washington, PA. Average for the day was 13.4 mph, new total 2980 miles. The ride was very difficult, temperature was hot and there were lots of hills. Ned and Jerry are weary of riding on narrow roads with lots of traffic. Ned hit a hole and had another flat tire. To add to the difficulties, the bridge over the Ohio River at Steubenville, OH was closed for repairs. Ladies happened to be close by and shuttled bikers across on the Interstate (no bikers allowed). Travelers then ate lunch together again. The route today was through some beautiful country especially the acres of water lilies at Tappan Reservoir. Ladies saw a blue heron. The area also had the worse bag worm infestation we have ever seen.

Aug 8 - Day 45

Ned & Jerry began the day's ride at 6:30 to get out of town before heavy traffic began and to beat the heat. They rode 71 miles from Mt. Vernon, OH to Uhrichsville, OH, avg 15.6 mph, new total 2915. They stopped to talk to firemen in Port Washington who were interested in what bikers were doing. Firemen noticed rear tires on both bikes had skin peeling off. They arrived in Uhrichsville around lunch, travelers had meal together, then they replaced both tires. Jerry talked with an Ohio state policeman about safe routes for Monday's ride toward Pittsburgh. They were riding in a construction zone on left side of barriers on freshly paved road, just sailing along when they saw policeman. Their plan is to ride to West Newton, PA, to pick up bike trail on Allegheny passage, then C&O canal to end in Washington, D.C. Jerry is due to return to work in Monday, Aug 16.

Aug 7 - Day 44

Bikers had another beautiful day to ride, temps in high 70s and wind fairly calm. They rode 76 miles from Bellefontaine, OH to Mt. Vernon, OH, avg 15.5 mph, new total 2844. The ride was through small rural communities, where locals were having various fund raisers. They bought some lemonade from a 6th grader in Ashley, OH where they had lunch. She said business was not that great so they drank the lemonade to help her. Near the end of the day they encountered some rolling hills, which tends to slow them down. Ladies stopped at a huge rummage sale. What a pile of junk.

Aug 6 - Day 43

Ned and Jerry began the day's ride on a beautiful clear morning. They rode 75 miles from Portland, IN to Bellefontaine, OH, avg 15.9 mph, new total 2768. Bellefontaine is the highest point in Ohio. It is not pronounced Belle-fawn-tane, but Belle-fountain. The reason, we were told, is the town is not French but redneck. We are still in "pop" country, ads refer to Pepsi, etc as pop. Ned and Jerry took time this morning to tour a plant in Minster, OH. They manufacture presses that are used at the plant where Jerry works in PA. It was very interesting to see the various applications used at the plant. Route also took them through agricultural areas, lots of stinky hog farms and a few dairy farms. Arlene saw a pure white hawk this morning. Travelers are beginning to show phobias especially Arlene and trash. We are not permitted to throw trash in motel receptacles, but must put everything in a large bag she brings into the room.

Aug 5 - Day 42

Bikers waited until fog cleared then rode 79 miles from Peru, IN to Portland, IN, avg. 17.2 mph, new total 2693. Their plan was to ride to Celina, OH, however they encountered a road closure and had to detour south to Portland. Route today was again rural, small towns and farms (more stink from hog farms) and another ethanol plant. Saw a huge field of pumpkins, significant since we have seen nothing but corn and soy beans for days. Ned rode through a red light in Marion right next to a policeman. Policeman told Jerry to slow down that "old man". They had a nice conversation about bikers' goals and policeman said be safe and God bless. Marion is the home of a huge GM stamping plant. It was a hot ride but thankfully the wind was at their backs. We have met so many nice people on this adventure; lady went by bikers this morning, honked the horn and gave them "thumbs up".

Aug 4 - Day 41

Bikers waited out a storm, then rode 76 miles from Rensselaer, IN to Peru, IN, avg. 16 mph, new total 2614. They avoided rain but pushed wind most of the day. Thankfully, the high temp. for the day did not reach prediction. They encountered more stinky garbage trucks headed for the landfill. Route took them past an ethanol plant, lots more trucks loaded with corn. Ned lost the rain cover from his bike pack, so ladies drove back to Rensselaer and found it right outside of town. Jerry asked a man for directions in Logansport and he kept telling them to "be careful". He finally told them that his buddy was killed yesterday on that highway while riding his bike. We continue to ask God to keep travelers safe.

Aug 3 - Day 40

Travelers decided to take a day to rest. Severe thunder storms were predicted and became a reality early in the morning. Power was out for several hours in some local areas. High winds were evident in Rensselaer as large tree limbs were knocked down. Ladies did the laundry while bikers rested.

Aug 2 - Day 39

Ned and Jerry rode 83 miles from Pontiac, IL to Rensselaer, IN, avg 16.6 mph, new total 2538. Weather was hot and humid with very little wind. Route passed through flat agricultural areas on narrow country roads. Crops of corn and soy beans in the area show a definite need for rain. They also rode by a huge landfill with stinking trucks coming from the big cities. Ned thought he was suddenly back in Newburg. Ladies checked out Pontiac, a town of 11,800. It has a lot of history relating to Abraham Lincoln. Also was a major stop for travelers on old Route 66. Both bikers are looking like beanpoles, even Jerry's sandals no longer fit. He has told us that he has worn the hair off his backside.

Aug 1 - Day 38

Bikers left Mendota, IL early to beat the heat. They encountered foggy areas which eventually burned off. When riding through fog the moisture collected on their bodies and actually made them wet. Ended the day in Pontiac, IL which was 72 miles, avg 15.6 mph, new total 2455. Area they rode through is mile after mile of small farms growing corn and soy beans. Travelers ate lunch in Streator, IL after which ladies had local high school band members wash the van (fund raiser).

Jul 31 - Day 37

Bikers shuttled back to Sabula, IA, then rode 86 miles to Mendota, IL, average of 15 mph, new total 2373. Weather was great, no major wind and temp. in low 80's. It is exciting to be east of the Mississippi. Jerry watched massive amounts of butterflies try to fly through his bike spokes. It was a butterfly massacre. Ladies toured Clinton, IA and Fulton, IL starting at Eagle Point Park. There were panoramic views of the Mississippi and an old tower. Visited a farmer's market, then an authentic Dutch windmill which is actually used to grind flour. Last stop was Heritage Canyon, where a gentleman built replicas of structures of bygone years. He used an abandoned limestone quarry and placed a log cabin, blacksmith shop, print shop, bank, church, school, etc. everything that would have been part of a small town. Ladies ate lunch along the Mississippi, looking across to Iowa.