Last night we stayed with the Williams family in Gloucester, VA. They have an awesome home beside the North River, and this morning they took us exploring. Mary Alice and Rob, who were leading the tour took us first on a boat ride, and then showed us the farm. The tour was going really well until Mary Alice stepped on a bumble bee with her left foot . . . and then on another with her right foot. Then Tom got stung on his big toe, and I got stung on my left heel. After 4 bee stings, we decided to end the tour and go to the ice cream store - the best way to get your mind off of a bee sting is to fill your mouth with ice cream :)
So with that, we went to the Williams' store, Short Lane Ice Cream Company. We got to set up all of our gear and tell everyone about our ride. They offered homemade blueberry pie for a donation of $10. We also had Peace Frogs come and set up a hippy-van with some really cool T-shirts. The girl manning the hippy-van even gave us each a peace frogs T-shirt.
We were able to raise at least $300.00 and we got to meet some nice folks over ice cream. Make me kinda wish we had some more ice cream fundraisers - we'll have to work on that . . .
~ Austin
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
Gloucester: A Day for Donations
This morning, we left Suffolk on our way to Gloucester. As we were leaving, a couple saw us biking, pulled off, and gave us twenty dollars. We talked with them for a little while, explained what we were doing, said thanks and gave them a flier. A few minutes later, they pulled up and gave us another thirty dollars. It was an excellent start to the day, and a good thing to happen since we had just made a mistake. As it turned out, we had biked five miles in the wrong direction.
We soon realized our error and turned around. The new route was great - there were almost no cars, the scenery was great, and we saw a few ducks waddling along beside us and honking at us as well as a woodchuck running away from us. We kept on going until we got to the Jamestown ferry.
Taking the ferry was a great choice. While we waited in line, we struck up conversations with people sitting in their cars. Within minutes, we had received several donations. And they kept on coming. Kids, parents, grandparents, and people just passing through dug into their pockets and added to Chester's Bag o' Change. By the time we got off the ferry, a fifteen minute ride, we had raised about a hundred dollars. We also met Daniel, a guy training for Ironman Wisconsin, who gave us a ride the hundred or so yards off the ferry to our chase car, where Nick and Matt had already reassembled the bikes (we had to put them on top of the car for the ferry).
Then, since I am quite possibly the only person who grew up on the east coast who had never been to Williamsburg, and since our crew from Iowa had never been either, Austin decided it would be a great place to visit. Throwing Chester's-significantly-heavier-Bag o' Change in the back, we made our way to the town. Unfortunately, when we got to the visitor center there, we were informed that we were not allowed to ride our bikes around historic Williamsburg. They said something about tourists not wanting to get run over, and they wouldn't make an exception for the heavily bandaged bikers who said they wouldn't run anyone over. So the bikes went back on the car, which may have been a good thing since we heard a distant rumble of thunder. We asked one man what the weather was supposed to be like. He checked the radar and said, "There's a little storm over on the other side of Gloucester, but this is just noise. You guys should be fine. The radar's not showing a thing."
Well, the radar was wrong. As we walked around Williamsburg, it started sprinkling. Then it started pouring. Luckily, Nick noticed a Vineyard Vines distributor right by where we had parked. We went into Classic Cravats and introduced ourselves, and the lady managing the store there, Betty Lou, not only introduced us to almost everyone in the store - leading to more donations - but also sent us over to the main store, R. Bryant, where we received yet another donation. What's more, we even got an umbrella, which we needed. We left feeling great, but the storm was going full force. We had sideways rain, lightning flashing over us, minor flooding, even a little hail. Since we couldn't really see potholes, and since cars couldn't really see us, even with our lights, we decided to try to wait out the storm. We went to eat lunch, but the storm didn't let up. Finally, we gave up and got on the road to Gloucester. We made it to stay with the Williams family, the parents and siblings of a girl Austin and I knew at Vanderbilt. They put us up in a cottage next to the oldest house we've seen yet, built in 1658. In fact, they not only agreed to put us up but they also organized a fundraiser for us tomorrow at their ice cream store. More on that later.
~ Tom
We soon realized our error and turned around. The new route was great - there were almost no cars, the scenery was great, and we saw a few ducks waddling along beside us and honking at us as well as a woodchuck running away from us. We kept on going until we got to the Jamestown ferry.
Taking the ferry was a great choice. While we waited in line, we struck up conversations with people sitting in their cars. Within minutes, we had received several donations. And they kept on coming. Kids, parents, grandparents, and people just passing through dug into their pockets and added to Chester's Bag o' Change. By the time we got off the ferry, a fifteen minute ride, we had raised about a hundred dollars. We also met Daniel, a guy training for Ironman Wisconsin, who gave us a ride the hundred or so yards off the ferry to our chase car, where Nick and Matt had already reassembled the bikes (we had to put them on top of the car for the ferry).
Then, since I am quite possibly the only person who grew up on the east coast who had never been to Williamsburg, and since our crew from Iowa had never been either, Austin decided it would be a great place to visit. Throwing Chester's-significantly-heavier-Bag o' Change in the back, we made our way to the town. Unfortunately, when we got to the visitor center there, we were informed that we were not allowed to ride our bikes around historic Williamsburg. They said something about tourists not wanting to get run over, and they wouldn't make an exception for the heavily bandaged bikers who said they wouldn't run anyone over. So the bikes went back on the car, which may have been a good thing since we heard a distant rumble of thunder. We asked one man what the weather was supposed to be like. He checked the radar and said, "There's a little storm over on the other side of Gloucester, but this is just noise. You guys should be fine. The radar's not showing a thing."
Well, the radar was wrong. As we walked around Williamsburg, it started sprinkling. Then it started pouring. Luckily, Nick noticed a Vineyard Vines distributor right by where we had parked. We went into Classic Cravats and introduced ourselves, and the lady managing the store there, Betty Lou, not only introduced us to almost everyone in the store - leading to more donations - but also sent us over to the main store, R. Bryant, where we received yet another donation. What's more, we even got an umbrella, which we needed. We left feeling great, but the storm was going full force. We had sideways rain, lightning flashing over us, minor flooding, even a little hail. Since we couldn't really see potholes, and since cars couldn't really see us, even with our lights, we decided to try to wait out the storm. We went to eat lunch, but the storm didn't let up. Finally, we gave up and got on the road to Gloucester. We made it to stay with the Williams family, the parents and siblings of a girl Austin and I knew at Vanderbilt. They put us up in a cottage next to the oldest house we've seen yet, built in 1658. In fact, they not only agreed to put us up but they also organized a fundraiser for us tomorrow at their ice cream store. More on that later.
~ Tom
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Suffolk: Battleships and Battle Wounds
We got up at 5:30 so that we could make it 75 miles to Norfolk in time for lunch for a Kiwanis meeting. By the time we arrived, we were exhausted and covered in sweat and road crud. The meeting was in the Radisson Hotel downtown, and we pedaled all the way to the door and took the elevator to the 4rth floor for the meeting.
From the immediate response of several club members, we realized that people in spandex must be rare at Kiwanis club meetings, but once we told them about our cause, everyone was more than eager to help. We brought along our coin bag (which is up to about 15 lbs), and people freely gave. We are hoping to be able to work with other clubs along the route as well.
One the way out of Norfolk, we found Battleship Wisconsin, circa 1943. The ship was harbored at the Naval Museum. We wanted to go in and check it out, but we couldn’t find parking for the chase car. Luckily, when the attendant saw all of the hoopla on our vehicle, he told us that he would “pretend we were using the bathroom” and let us park right in front of the museum. We “used the bathroom” for about an hour and a half.
We headed out of town towards Mary and Lou’s house, where we were staying for the night. Mary had contacted the local paper for us, and a reporter named Ashley came by to do an interview. After a few of the typical questions, she started asking us about all of our banged up knees and elbows. It’s gotten funny – comparing scars, bruises, and scabs daily. Tom is still way ahead of me. “Tom Bruise” has started changing colors.
~ Austin
From the immediate response of several club members, we realized that people in spandex must be rare at Kiwanis club meetings, but once we told them about our cause, everyone was more than eager to help. We brought along our coin bag (which is up to about 15 lbs), and people freely gave. We are hoping to be able to work with other clubs along the route as well.
One the way out of Norfolk, we found Battleship Wisconsin, circa 1943. The ship was harbored at the Naval Museum. We wanted to go in and check it out, but we couldn’t find parking for the chase car. Luckily, when the attendant saw all of the hoopla on our vehicle, he told us that he would “pretend we were using the bathroom” and let us park right in front of the museum. We “used the bathroom” for about an hour and a half.
We headed out of town towards Mary and Lou’s house, where we were staying for the night. Mary had contacted the local paper for us, and a reporter named Ashley came by to do an interview. After a few of the typical questions, she started asking us about all of our banged up knees and elbows. It’s gotten funny – comparing scars, bruises, and scabs daily. Tom is still way ahead of me. “Tom Bruise” has started changing colors.
~ Austin
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Historic Edenton
Today we got off to a late start. Everybody was dragging at first, and we had a thousand little things to do that we hadn't done yet. Anne packed up - she said something about work - which was a little sad, and even with only four guys to get moving, we still took awhile.
It may have been a good thing, though. As we were leaving Greenville, we got a bunch of waves. A couple minutes later, a woman honked and pulled into our lane. We thought she was trying to run us off the road, but her daughter was holding money out of the window. As Austin grabbed it, she exclaimed, "I saw y'all on the news!" We said thanks as she sped off. After a brief stop at the Bicycle Post to get me a new helmet - the owner was awesome, giving us a discount and a free new easy load spring - we left the city.
Then we raced to get to Edenton before the thunderstorm we'd been hearing about hit. Unfortunately, thunder started roaring about ten miles outside of town. We pulled off for a few minutes, and when the storm let up a bit we biked in for an interview with the Chowan Herald, just in time for the storm to hit again. We finished at the same time as the storm, and we went off to meet our host. Al and Dabne were great, making us a big meal and introducing us to their neighbors, who let us use their pool.
And there we met our host for the night, Francis. People had told us that Edenton was a historic town, but I didn't realize how historic it was before I got to Francis's house. This place is amazing. Built in 1773, right across from a small harbor, the house may be the most interesting place we've stayed at yet. As we walked the grounds, Francis pointed out the old courthouse of North Carolina's first capitol, the first meetinghouse for the Methodists, Quakers, and Catholics here. And either in the house where we now sit or the courthouse across the street, there was a tea party protest. In the yard, an old cannon was buried with a teapot on top. The cannon was one of seven dropped in the harbor by an irate French captain (Benjamin Franklin had negotiated a deal whereby he would receive an equal weight of tobacco for the cannon, an amount Edenton did not have). The locals fished out the cannons, and Francis's father planted this one. As Austin said, "Those other houses were pretty cool, but this place makes you feel American."
~ Tom
It may have been a good thing, though. As we were leaving Greenville, we got a bunch of waves. A couple minutes later, a woman honked and pulled into our lane. We thought she was trying to run us off the road, but her daughter was holding money out of the window. As Austin grabbed it, she exclaimed, "I saw y'all on the news!" We said thanks as she sped off. After a brief stop at the Bicycle Post to get me a new helmet - the owner was awesome, giving us a discount and a free new easy load spring - we left the city.
Then we raced to get to Edenton before the thunderstorm we'd been hearing about hit. Unfortunately, thunder started roaring about ten miles outside of town. We pulled off for a few minutes, and when the storm let up a bit we biked in for an interview with the Chowan Herald, just in time for the storm to hit again. We finished at the same time as the storm, and we went off to meet our host. Al and Dabne were great, making us a big meal and introducing us to their neighbors, who let us use their pool.
And there we met our host for the night, Francis. People had told us that Edenton was a historic town, but I didn't realize how historic it was before I got to Francis's house. This place is amazing. Built in 1773, right across from a small harbor, the house may be the most interesting place we've stayed at yet. As we walked the grounds, Francis pointed out the old courthouse of North Carolina's first capitol, the first meetinghouse for the Methodists, Quakers, and Catholics here. And either in the house where we now sit or the courthouse across the street, there was a tea party protest. In the yard, an old cannon was buried with a teapot on top. The cannon was one of seven dropped in the harbor by an irate French captain (Benjamin Franklin had negotiated a deal whereby he would receive an equal weight of tobacco for the cannon, an amount Edenton did not have). The locals fished out the cannons, and Francis's father planted this one. As Austin said, "Those other houses were pretty cool, but this place makes you feel American."
~ Tom
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Greenville Rally
Our Rally for Anthony was today in Greenville. Everything started at 6:00 when I got a phone call from Z103 the local soft rock station. They put up a blip about us during their morning session. After that, we all got up and headed to talk 1070 to record a spot with local celebrity, Henry Hinton. On the show we were able to tell Henry all about our fundraiser and our ride. While we were off air, we also had a chance to share Tom's bruise with everyone in the studio - they were thoroughly impressed :)
After that, we headed to the hospital. They were really busy, and the waiting room was packed. So Candi, the social worker, rounded up a bunch of kids and we went outside to show the kids our bikes. It was our first "group presentation".
Finally, we went to Ouback for our fundraiser with Anthony and his family. At the event, we had 3 news stations, which was probably the best publicity that we have had at a fundraiser thus far. We also had a bunch of kids there, and we were able to give them all Vineyard Vines whale hats and teach them the "Whale Song". Our final event was a visit to Coffman's Menswear where we did an instore appearance for Vineyard Vines.
By the time we had finished, we were exhausted. So we headed to a pool where we played sharks and minnows with a bunch of neighborhood kids. After a week straight of planning and riding, it was good to just goof off :) Tomorrow, we will head towards Virginia, our fourth state.
~ Austin
After that, we headed to the hospital. They were really busy, and the waiting room was packed. So Candi, the social worker, rounded up a bunch of kids and we went outside to show the kids our bikes. It was our first "group presentation".
Finally, we went to Ouback for our fundraiser with Anthony and his family. At the event, we had 3 news stations, which was probably the best publicity that we have had at a fundraiser thus far. We also had a bunch of kids there, and we were able to give them all Vineyard Vines whale hats and teach them the "Whale Song". Our final event was a visit to Coffman's Menswear where we did an instore appearance for Vineyard Vines.
By the time we had finished, we were exhausted. So we headed to a pool where we played sharks and minnows with a bunch of neighborhood kids. After a week straight of planning and riding, it was good to just goof off :) Tomorrow, we will head towards Virginia, our fourth state.
~ Austin
Monday, June 19, 2006
Preparing for Greenville
Today we explored Greenville. After waking up at the Flemings, the family nice enought to put us up - and put up with us - while in the city, we spent a little time figuring out exactly how to maximize our time here. We began by watching Talk of the Town in preparation for our appearance tomorrow morning The show looks great, and we should have a lot of fun talking about Rally Foundation. They had another cyclist on today riding for Parkinsons, MS, and an education fund. It looks like it's cyclist week here in Greenville.
After watching the show, we figured out exactly what we had to do today. First, we visited Coffman's, the local Vineytard Vines distributor. John and Todd, who got us on Talk of the Town, printed some flyers for us to promote the Outback fundraiser with Anthony, and we gave out the first one in the Cingular store as Austin got his phone fixed. (His bluetooth earpiece, which happened to be pink, had gotten busted. His new one's pink, too.)
After our visit at the Cingular store, we plastered the town with flyers. Several people said they would be interested in coming to the fundraiser, so we should have a big event. We finished up by visiting Candi at the hospital to figure out exactly what we're doing with the kids here. After all this preparation, we're ready to go.
~ Tom
After watching the show, we figured out exactly what we had to do today. First, we visited Coffman's, the local Vineytard Vines distributor. John and Todd, who got us on Talk of the Town, printed some flyers for us to promote the Outback fundraiser with Anthony, and we gave out the first one in the Cingular store as Austin got his phone fixed. (His bluetooth earpiece, which happened to be pink, had gotten busted. His new one's pink, too.)
After our visit at the Cingular store, we plastered the town with flyers. Several people said they would be interested in coming to the fundraiser, so we should have a big event. We finished up by visiting Candi at the hospital to figure out exactly what we're doing with the kids here. After all this preparation, we're ready to go.
~ Tom
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Greenville: Chester's Challenge
Today we ran into this amazing guy on the road. He had an entire shed full of junked bikes - over 100 in all. Dozens and dozens of road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, specialty bikes, and even a giant tricycle. His name was Chester, and he collected parts of old bikes so that he could build new bikes for kids around town. Truly a friend of cyclists, but that's not the best Chester had to offer . . .
When Chester read the sign on our car that said "pedaling for pennies," he said that he would gladly donate some pennies. He then left for a few minutes and returned with a 10 lb. bag full off pennies. "Anything I can do to help. I love it when people come to visit," Chester said.
So with Chester's donation, I want to officially issue the "Chester Challenge" to everyone reading this. Go get all of your spare change, and donate it to us for childhood cancer research. If we have to we'll replace the chase car with a Brinks truck, but it's up to all of you - take Chester's lead and go round up all of your pennies!
~ Austin
When Chester read the sign on our car that said "pedaling for pennies," he said that he would gladly donate some pennies. He then left for a few minutes and returned with a 10 lb. bag full off pennies. "Anything I can do to help. I love it when people come to visit," Chester said.
So with Chester's donation, I want to officially issue the "Chester Challenge" to everyone reading this. Go get all of your spare change, and donate it to us for childhood cancer research. If we have to we'll replace the chase car with a Brinks truck, but it's up to all of you - take Chester's lead and go round up all of your pennies!
~ Austin
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