June 26 Crossing America
Ash Grove, MO – Pittsburg, KS. Distance 67, I rode -0-
Distance traveled to date 1,728, on my bike 1,456.
By the time Ms. Vickie and I got home, unloaded all the stuff I brought home I didn’t need with me it was after 10:30 PM. I asked Ms. Vickie if she missed me and wanted a little “Lovin” tonight. However, almost as soon as my head hit the pillow I was fast asleep. Sorry Ms. Vickie I’ll do better tonight when we stay at a motel in Pittsburg.
My plan to work on my journal never happened today as I had over 70 folks to respond to from this website, personal email and Facebook friends. I’m really surprised and excited so many of you have taken the time to read my ramblings. I will strive to do a better job of sharing my experiences on this adventure and try to entertain you along the way, too.
Ms. Vickie and I arrived in Pittsburg early enough to get a motel room at a reasonable rate. The Holiday Inn was crazy with their pricing as they wanted a $149.00 for a room. That’swhat we paid in Anchorage and Paris for goodness sake this is Pittsburg,
KS. Next I tried a Quality Inn and it was a little better in price at $90.00 but still higher then what I thought it should be. The third motel was the Lamplighter whose price was price was only $69.00 and included a full breakfast. I was also duly impressed with the quality of the room, King bed with nice linens, a desk, a recliner, microwave and small refrigerator. This room equaled in quality to any Holiday Inn Express I’ve ever stayed and at an affordable rate. If you’re touring the Trans Am and want to stay in a motel in Pittsburg, Kansas go direct to the Lamplighter as it’s the best deal in town, maybe the whole State.
We arrived at the Pittsburgh High School shortly before the scheduled dinner. Gina Peak and her cadre of volunteers out did themselves with providing the best of food and entertainment for the group this year. She had arranged for pizza at lunch, followed with ice cream from Freddy’s and an afternoon of pool as in billiards and culminating with a scrumptious dinner. Gina was the first to turn me onto the Bike the US for MS group,
too. It’s amazing how enthusiastic, energetic and helpful Gina is to all, not just this group. Gina also arranged to have the local paper and three TV stations come by to do interviews.
Looks like I’ll have a few words about me in the Pittsburg Morning Sun newspaper on Tuesday the 27th if any of you will Google and send me as a word document I’d appreciate it.
After dinner Gina spoke a few words of thanks to the group for their efforts on behalf of MS victims which she is one. She introduced her tireless helpers to the group. To Gina’s surprise the Bike the US for MS presented her with a plague named the “Peak” award for
outstanding service to the group. It was a touching moment for all. The keynote speaker for the evening was then introduced Robin Greemer from Joplin and an MS victim. Robin is a phenomenal motivational speaker and is the gal who inspired and motivated me to do serious fund raising to defeat MS six years ago. She’s even more powerful and emotional speaker today. Ms. Vickie now knows why I push so hard to raise money for the Cause. Trish came up to me afterwards and told me I was right about her going to enjoy listening to Robin’s talk. I trust more of the crew will leave here this evening motivated to continue their efforts to defeat this senseless disease.
About the time Robin was speaking I began to get stomach cramps, severe stomach cramps. By the time we were back at the motel I was as sick as I can ever remember being. I spent the entire night in the bathroom making love to the commode instead of to
Ms. Vickie. I know I’ve been sicker in my life but can’t remember when it would have been.
George one of our crew leaders got to close to another rider’s rear wheel with his front wheel and the result is a good case of road rash. Below is a picture of George after a trip to the hospital. Fortuhnately he didn’t break anything except maybe his pride.
George after crash
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