The time has come to bring this journey to a close.It has been a 54 day, 8,168 mile, moving, inspiring, and spiritual adventure.
I've seen some of the most beautiful sights this country has to offer, and visited with many friends and relatives.
My faith in humanity was re-enforced by friendly strangers, and I left all of my possessions on my bike unattended, at least 100 times, and nothing was ever stolen, or even touched. I had no flat tires, no mechanical problems, never ran out of gas, never got lost, never failed to get a room or a meal when it was needed, and never even had a close call with other folks on the road. I know that at least one angel was watching over me, perhaps more than one.
Most importantly, I was blessed to meet many wonderful new friends, families who struggle with the challenges imposed by Friedreich's Ataxia, the neurological disorder that took my dear wife Jan from this world on July 17th. It was both an honor and a privilege to have met these beautiful people. I met with six families on my trip, and received many loving and kind emails from many other families as I traveled around the country.
I want to thank the following people for welcoming me into their lives, for their thoughts and good wishes, prayers, and support.
Mary Caruso and her daughters Sam and Alex Bode
Zac, Suzy, and Gary Zies
Aaron, Allie, Joe, Sue, and Mike Kittel
Chelsea, Sandy and Steve Lane
Stephanie, Carl, and Sharon Magness and Stephanie's friend Caitlin
Brianne Konanz, her parents, and her boyfriend Trent
Mary-Lisa Orth, Alex, (and Benjamin)
Cornelia, Eric and Sophia Sieber
Kathy and Aaron Smith
Valerie Bennett, and Phillip
Pam Andresen, Nick and Eric
Terri and Loran Martin
Mike Dwyer, Jamie-Lee and Samantha
Marilyn Downing, and Bridget
And all the folks at FARA, for all their caring and hard work.
I also want to thank my friends in New Jersey - Kamal, Sheila, Darshan, Tom, Karen, Elisa, the folks at 'The Valley', and all my friends at AM Best. Your help, support, and friendship has meant more to me than I can express.
Thanks also to Ron Coder and his family, Ron and Dianne, Kerri, my 'other' brother Darryl, John Williams, Boyd and the whole Machtolff family.
To those I missed on this journey - my apologies - I hope to see you all soon.
If you can HELP, please do, it means the world to us! Thank You.
