June 20 Crossing America

Carbondale, IL. Day of Service and Rest

Really nice folks we’re staying in the home of Jim and Kate Renshaw, parents of a rider
from last year Seth Milam and owner of two matching Boston Terriers (Baxter and
Rudy), two cats (Wolfmans and Joey, the latter cuddled me all night), horse, mule, goats and numerous chickens.  Being one of the senior members of our team and one of first two in today, mine by default, I got to sleep in a bed last night and will again tonight.   The Renshaws stuffed us with assorted foods and drinks including BEER.  Finally out of Kentucky’s Dry counties, no alcohol sales, a beer for bedtime is good for my spirit.

Awoke at 6:00 fully rested, so nice not to be in a tent or on a floor, Kate and Jim were in
the kitchen busily preparing sausage gravy, biscuits and scrambled eggs fresh from their chickens, topped off with homemade apricot jam canned by Jim.

Next order of business was loading the bikes onto the big van to take them to the bicycle
shop.  Hopefully this bike mechanic will get my S-Works rear wheel rebuilt and a full tune-up so it will finally shift properly.  While helping Pepper load the bikes decided it was time to have a chat with him.  I told him this adventure is a lifelong dream and I’m not a slacker but also know when my body knees specifically have had enough for a day.  My goal is to make it all the way across America not cut my adventure short because of total knee failure. Thus on occasion I may have to ride in the van but I’ll do my best to keep riding.   He understood and again stated his concern with other riders wanting to ride in the van and not ride their bike if I’m given special treatment.  Pepper’s a good guy and I respect his position.  I further believe he and I are on the same page and we’ll be able to work it out.  That said I did contact the Adventure Cycling Association’s Trans-Am crew, they are about 2 days ahead of us at this time and we’ll probably over take them in a few days. They will
accept me into their group which is doing a slower pace with actual rest days.  I’m keeping that option open.

Our service project today is for Ms. Joe and a MS victim.  Ms. Joe’s yard was actually a  ard not a jungle thus it was easy to give it a good manicure.  In addition we cleaned and straightened up her garage, replaced a door lock and cleaned the major windows in her home.  She was so appreciative and happy to have us there.  I found it to be joyful to my heart and soul to be helping her.  She is an Angel in her right for making us all feel special being of service to her.

Went to the bike shop picked up our bikes and then went onto a ‘Dick’s Sporting Goods and a Wal-Mart to pick up a few items.  Mine was restocking my fruit stash, bananas, oranges and blueberries.  I didn’t realize how much I’d grave these fresh fruits.  Anyway, I bought enough to last me the nexct 3 or 4 days.

Back at the Renshaws for yet another hearty meal and more beer.  A reporter for the Southern Newspaper (Carbondale’s main paper) showed up and interviewed most of us.  The story will appear in tomorrow’s paper but won’t be here to check it out.  If any of
you reading this will Google it for me and send the link to my email address I’d appreciate it.

Tomorrow we’re back on the road.  First, we are going to have breakfast at a local  restaurant the Long Branch which the Renshaws arranged for us to receive a 50% discount.  Visiting one last time with Kate and Jim tonight they shared with me how much they enjoyed this year’s group as being much friendlier than last year.  Plus had senior adults was a surprise.  Jim didn’t realize I was nearly 65, thanks Jim that made my day complete.  Kate and Jim have decided they will host the Bike the US for MS group again next year.   Two more “Road Angels” have blessed us.

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