Eatin' in Easton

After we enjoyed our last authentic NYC bagels, we loaded everything up to head to Easton, PA for our next event. You would probably think that with printed MapQuest directions, a Garmin GPS, and an iPhone, we wouldn't have any problems navigating, but you would be wrong. Sometimes, roads look like they would be good for biking until you get to them. Anyway, we eventually made it to Easton in time to meet the Easton Rally Kid Nicholas and his mom Michelle, event organizer extraordinaire!

We took some pictures outside with the bikes before heading into the room that was donated for us at the brand new TownePlace Suites by Marriott. We are the first people to stay in our room - maybe even the first hotel guests period - and we are being treated like royalty!

After showers and organizing, it was time o head to the Easton Applebees for the Rally Across America fundraiser. The restaurant staff came outside for their staff meeting just as the Rally Across America team rode into the parking lot. The timing was perfect, just like the rest of the event.

The event included food, drinks, live music, and several Rally families. A huge thanks to the Applebees staff for donating their tips and throwing all of their energy into encouraging patrons to donate. Both winners of the 50-50 raffle donated their winnings back to RAA. It was amazing to see the community come together in support of the Rally Foundation and childhood cancer research!

The first RAA team rode in honor of Luke in Philadelphia in 2006, and Luke's mom and aunt came to the event to support this year's RAA team. The 2006 RAA team met Parker and his family in his Philadelphia hospital room soon after he was diagnosed, and Parker's parents and sister Abby came out to the event to rally in his memory. This year, the RAA team rode in Easton in honor of Rally Kid Nicholas, who came to the restaurant to introduce people to his new girlfriend Magan.

The event was a HUGE success - raising over $1400!!!! - and we can't wait to do it again next year. Thank you to the Applebees district manager, restaurant managers, and staff; the Konish, Lutz, and Ronco families; and the Easton community for all of their support!!

Rally On!

Claire, Magan, Michael, and Jai

Meet Easton Rally Kid Nicholas!

Nicholas was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Valentine's Day 2008 at the age of three. His diagnosis was devastating to his family, but he has amazed everyone with how well he has done in his treatment so far. He loves Thomas the Train, Sponge Bob, and trucks. His new love is boxing!

Nicholas lives in Pennsylvania with his Mommy, Daddy, and dog Chase. His Mom shares, "He will finish treatment in April 2011, and we pray that the rest of his treatment goes as well as it has so far. He is the strongest and most courageous boy we know."

Whirlwind of a Day

Our itinerary today had 5 stops!

First Stop: Vineyard Vines. This morning we visited the headquarters of one of our wonderful sponsors, Vineyard Vines, in Stamford, CT. We were excited to tell them about our ride over breakfast, and we had a whale-y good time! We are so thankful for all of their support and look forward to doing a ride with them on Martha's Vineyard next summer. Then it was back to New York City - by car, since the team biked from NYC to Stamford the day before - for 2 hospital visits and a tour of a lab.

Second Stop: Visit the kids at Columbia University Medical Center. After successfully navigating the streets of NYC, we made it to Columbia to visit the kids at the oncology clinic. We were able to give out 55 goody bags to the kids there. They were all excited to hear about the Rally Foundation and see all the fun things from our sponsors, like Vineyard Vines hats and Aflac ducks. Third Stop: Irving Cancer Research Center at Columbia University. I'm pretty sure that no one has ever taken a bicycle into the childhood cancer research lab at Columbia, and it's probably against some OSHA guideline, but we definitely did it any way. We met with Dr. Adolfo Ferrando, a Rally Research Grant recipient, who is researching leukemia. He gave us a great tour of the lab and explained all about his research.

Fourth Stop: Visit the kids at NYU Medical Center. By the time we made it to the pediatric oncology clinic at NYU, it was getting pretty late in the day and there weren't too many people there, but we were able to hand out some goody bags, and I'm sure that the kids tomorrow will be very excited to get the goody bags too! Then it was time to load the bike back up and get everyone back in the car (for the 4th time today!) and drive to Staten Island. We left at the start of rush hour, just as it was starting to rain,but that just meant that we got to enjoy some more people watching before we left NYC!

Fifth Stop: Maddon family in Staten Island. The 2006 RAA team stayed with Rally Kid Zachary's family 3 years ago soon after he was diagnosed with leukemia. Now, Zachary has finished chemo and is doing great! We have had a great evening of eating and playing with the Maddon family and will be sad to leave them in the morning!

Now we are off to sleep because we have a full day ahead of us tomorrow. A few hours of riding followed by an 8 hour fundraiser!

Rally On!

Claire, Magan, Michael, and Jai

Meet NYC Rally Kid Zachary!

Zachary is a sweet and loving boy who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on November 15, 2005. He has been in remission since early December 2005 and has taken chemotherapy daily for the past 3.5 years, in addition to enduring numerous bone marrow aspirations, lumbar punctures and blood transfusions. He never complains and is brave and wise beyond his years.

In July of 2006, his family had the distinct honor of hosting the Rally Across America team during their ride through NYC. Zachary started school in September 2006 and although he is frequently absent, he very much enjoys his time there when he is able to attend, Some of Zachary's favorite things are riding his ATV, Pokemon, Digimon, Dinosaurs and spending time with his brother Jonathan and sister Lauren.

Zachary and his family are confident that once Zachary's cancer is cured his leukemia journey will be just another snapshot in a miraculous life. The cure rate of Zachary's cancer jumped from 40% to75% in two decades due to the generosity of our predecessors who supported pediatric cancer research, but a 75% cure rate is not good enough. Please consider making a donation to help find a 100% cure!

Greenwich Expedition

Ahhhhh Yes! Sunday Morning and its time to leave Manhattan, New York and head toward Greenwich, Connecticut. Here we come! But first we made a stop at one of the zillion deli's in New York, conveniently located across the street of our host's home. A few bagels, some juice, & muffins made our breakfast complete. So its on the road again!






As we escaped the Sunday morning traffic...wait?! Sunday Morning Traffic? We hear the famous JLo was shooting a movie scene in Manhattan, probably the cause for the gridlock. After finding a suitable place to begin our cycle into Connecticut like three conquistadors on a mission, Find La Quinta! *Cue Spanish Guitar*




Traveling through historic sections and the rolling hills of this new area, it was very apparent we weren't in Kansas anymore..or um NY. We've landed in Greenwich. The small boutiques, shops, timeless homes and small lakes with boat docks provided beautiful scenery as we trekked towards our destination. Such gorgeous weather and scenery definitely had us in high spirits.
We cleared the long distance enthusiastically.

We Made It.



Time to unload, unwind, and celebrate with...Yes, exactly what you think we'd celebrate with...Gourmet PB&J! After a small collaboration, still teaming with excitement, another ride was in order. Thus, Michael found a 25-mile back country route that was an absolute shocker once we departed.




The second trail we chose to take on today, unknowingly, began with almost 11 miles of steep hills. Actually hills is an understatement. These were "mini-mountains". Almost every road was named "Something-Hill", one was even called "Burying Hill"! After climbing a few, we understood and scanned the area for bike remains but only found faded tombstones. But as we persevered thru the tough beginning, it paid off because the scenery was excellent. Beautiful lush fields, voluminous cedar trees, rolling pastures, luxurious...and i mean grand estates were at every turn and curve. Indeed it was quite a paradox of a ride. The most beautiful views and the most difficult ride yet!!
But we did it!!





Wheeewww... right in time to miss a short storm. A little celebration dance we loaded up the car quick and headed back to the base. FOOOOOODDDD. A quick shower, burgers at the diner a stone throw away, and a few preparations for tomorrow concluded our evening.

Rally On!
Michael, Jai, Magan, and Claire