"Carpe Diem"

First, I will thank my Lord for a safe journey and my Guardian Angel for one awesome ride (she is getting a NEW paint job over the winter)! My Sisters, for their prayers and worries. I felt everyone! Friends, for their support. Brothers and Sisters(bikers) for taking care of me on the road. Laura was with me every step of the way, keeping my Mental and emotions in check, Thanks Love.

Well I did it! On the road for 572 hours, raised $2,200 for a Cure, traveled 4,658 miles and a Peanut Butter Pie ( I GOT THE PIE!) Oh yea Pam, NO flat tire!

Some things I learned on this adventure: pack lighter, always wear the right underwear everyday, have a comfortable seat (with a wool seat cover), know what the weather is like down the road (Thanks Lisa), charge my GPS every night and my phone, bedbug bites itch like HELL, Mo, Kansas, Eastern CO, Nebraska and Iowa are always WINDY, check my oil a lot ( Especially riding in HOT weather). My motorcycle is one bad ass machine!

I have a lot of THANK YOU's: to everyone who donated $$ or bought T-Shirts, my T-shirt sponsor, anonymous GPS donor, my hosts (GREAT food), everyone who has followed this blog (you made it fun to write), last but not least, my HonorRideList, YOU were the reason; YOU are the strong! "Carpe Diem"!

This will be my last blog. I hope everyone enjoyed the ride. Thank you again!

We live in a FREE country, LIVE like it! I refuse to TipToe through Life only to arrive safely at death. Screw it I'm going for a RIDE!

Introducing

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN" it is my Pleasure and Honor to introduce to you Lisa and Tim O'Malley. Lisa is the Captain of the #1 Fight like a Girl Team, who raised $5,286.oo for Breast Cancer research!!! Wow!!! On Saturday, the 11 of Sept., I was overwhelmed with emotions as I sat and watched the opening ceremonies (Pink Roses) for The NE Susan G. Komen Race for Cure. As I was taking pictures, I noticed signs like " My LiL Sis is my Hero, You are my Hero and a headband that said "My MOM is my Hero, and we all wore signs on our back that said In Honor of, and Lisa O'Malley was the person on most of the lists. Lisa, I get the "Hero" thing. You always wear a smile and are so positive and happy. What a Role Model! You are a amazing lady who has a wonderful family-- Tim, Alyssa and Rob. We all love and support you every day. My Love and Respect! Moe.

Home

Had breakfast at Bob Evans. Left Laura's at 11:30 am, but almost not--- was packed up, the garage door was open, time to start and warm up my bike, NOT, my bike did not want to leave! Didn't start, chocked it. So I sweet-talked her and BINGO, she started. I believe all things happen for a reason. We all know that the most dangerous part of a trip/ journey are the last miles home. I knew my bike was telling me something. I began my final ride home, turned onto US 23 and guess what, yep, you guessed it, WIND, again! I rode the final miles against the wind. I now believe that the wind kept me safe in 3 ways; first, mentally on guard, 2nd, physically intact, and 3rd, emotionally stable; well that's what I believe!

Arrived in Tiffin at 1 pm, stopped by my sister, Barb's so she could quit worrying. I told her I would be back, but you know sisters. That's Barb in the picture waving hello. (Not really, I told her to wave!!) LOL

Then onto pick up one of my dogs at the BIG guy's house (No, not God), Bobby and Julie's home-- where Liberty was at home away from home. She greeted me and quickly went and picked up her toy, so I guess she missed me!

I am not finished blogging yet so stay with me for a couple days, so I can relax and remember!!

I have been on the road 24 days and traveled 4,687 miles. WOW!

Team effort

Team #1 Fight Like A Girl raised $5,261.00 for research! Lisa has gathered together a wonderful group of Family and Friends and exceeded her goal 10 x's!

Well Lisa its not often that Moe wears pink, but for you anything's possible.

I would like to THANK all of my Friends and Family that helped our team reach that goal and supported me throughout my journey. I could not have been so successful without YOU!

Time to go home and sleep in my own bed and get a haircut and a shave. (more to that story later)

Smiles and Tears

Emotions ran high for me today. My ride did conclude today at the Race for a Cure, but I have a couple more blogs because today meant more to me and so many other people that I can not leave out anything about this amazing event. If you have never experienced A PINK RIBBON ceremony-- WOW --Tears filled my eyes most of today. Women, men and children all dressed in pink and walked or ran for people they love. They hugged, kissed and laughed and hugged some more. It was very meaningful for me to have been part of this wonderful DAY! Everything I went through on my ride was unparalleled by the emotions I felt today. Thank you Lisa and Tim for allowing me to be part of your team (and for lunch). It was all worth it!

Brotherhood of Bikers

It was one those rides when you finish it, you feel as if you have accomplished enough already. You kick back the rest of the day. But that won't happen for 2 more days for me. Great ride Bill! We departed company at the Harley Shop. Bill went south and I headed north to finish what I started 22 days ago, and only Sat / Sun left for me to thank EVERYONE!! Whether you donated $$, brought a T-shirt, shook my hand, or followed me on my blog, texted me when I needed it, kept me out of the weather, or just wished me luck, it all meant the world to me! Thank you... Hoka Hey!

Angels walk softly

I am telling you a story about staying in Ironton last night. My Guardian Angel was working overtime. As I arrived at the bed and breakfast, which is a beautiful apartment over an awesome garage, I pulled up to the garage door and like MAGIC-- the door opened and I drove my motorcycle right into the garage. I then unpacked and went upstairs and turned on the TV and it came on to MY channel, WOW! I enjoyed a great night's sleep. I was up early & in the shower and when I finished I stepped out into the living room and BANG there was breakfast on the table. Sausage links, yogurt and WARM blueberry muffins. Not one time did I hear anything, so it had to be an ANGEL!!!!

Keep the pics coming

I'm up early, leathers are on, gas in my tank and thrilled to be going to Columbus and Cleveland later today. The reason for my ride will come to an end and with GREAT success! It has been everything I had hoped for and a whole lot more. See you all at the Race. "Fight Like A Girl"!

Please keep the pictures coming with everyone wearing the RIDE T-Shirts.. My First pic is of my beautiful nieces, Kourney Schlick and Amanda Schlick Wagner. Thanks Ladies!! Peanut Butter Pie, Peanut Butter Pie, Peanut Butter Pie-- OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I return to Ironton from where I started this journey. Five of my Honor Ride List are from Ironton. Beth Holtz Palermo, Helen Holtz Gallagher, Christine Holtz and Kate Holtz Carley and Maureen Friel Holtz. Sitting on the porch having Pizza (Thanks Dee) and pop with Patti and Bill Brown and Dee Moore--- all of us have family and friends who are fighting like a girl! The conversation went from putting together a bobber, to Grandchildren, to developing photo's @ Rite Aid (Never let Bill Brown take a picture of YOU!)

Tomorrow I will be heading back to Columbus with Bill Brown riding beside me. It's been a long time since Bill and I have ridden the highway together, looking forward to that!

Friday afternoon I will be packing up and leaving for Cleveland to prepare for the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure on Saturday @ 8am. Laura and I will be staying the night in Cleveland at Tina and Dan Evers'. Saturday morning we will meet up with the rest of our team "Fight Like A Girl" to walk or run ( Good Luck Randy) together. Lisa has put together ONE awesome team and I am Proud to be part of it.

I do have a request; if anyone that has a Ride4aCure T-Shirt, PLEASE take a picture of yourself wearing the shirt and send it to snokomomi@aol.com Subject: T shirt. Thanks, Moe

BEAR it!

Today I leave for the next leg of my journey, to visit friends and family. NO Barb, I'm not coming home yet but I guess you can tell Korker to start the PB pie. This ride has been everything I had hoped. I've talked to a large amount of people about Cancer and how one person (me) Or YOU can make a difference in the Fight against this disease, and to support Research for a Cure.

This picture is of a very scary Black Bear that I woke up to every morning when I was staying in CO with Cowboy and his family. He lays in the family room protecting the house!

"Fight Like A Girl!!!"

Story to Tell

I would like to share a story which is unbelievable and amazing, but so very true. When loading to leave DeCatur and Charlie's house, I dropped my reading classes in their case. Thinking to myself, remember to pick those up, but with all that I had to pack, I forgot! When preparing to leave CO and Cowboy's home, I moved my motorcycle out of the garage, checked the oil and brake fluid, and then back into the garage. When moving my bike, I heard a noise and could not pinpoint where it was coming from. So I ask Duane to listen to the noise so he could hear from where it was coming. He looked and said, "You have something in your tire!" Low and behold-- my glasses in the case. They had been inside the spokes of my wheel for over 1,000 miles! unbroken and in perfect condition. LOL just goes to show me, "Magic and Miracles" followed everywhere, everyday!

Well back in Ohio with 3 more legs of my ride to finish. Home on the 12th and back to work on the 13th. So at this point I hope everyone has enjoyed the ride. 4 more days of my "HonorRide4aCure". IT'S NOT OVER! :)

If anyone following this blog would like to donate on line, go to: http://race.komenneohio.org ~ Click on "find a participant to sponsor" ~ click on " search for a Participant Put in: Jim Moyer

Motorcycle@ Stalworth Dr?

You won't see this at 6929 Stalworth Dr. very often, a motorcycle sitting in front of the beautiful courtyard at my Aunt Jean's apartment (especially one from Ohio). On my way through Peoria, IL, I stopped by to visit the home of my Aunt Jean. Everyone was very pleasant and friendly and the exercise class was just getting ready to start, but I opted out on that class. Aunt Jean's apartment looks right out into the courtyard. It seems as if she has her own flower garden just outside her window. Her place is bigger than the house I live in in Tiffin, and I have a dog! Well Aunt Jean you have very nice living quarters and it was great visiting you. Thanks for everything!

Good Bye/Safe Journey

Saying good bye to Dahinda and Uncle John and Aunt Dorothy and Aunt Jean early in the morning meant a long hard ride heading back to Ohio. My visit with my family was so awesome , having dinner, talking about Grandpa and Grandma's oatmeal cookies (Oh Yeah!). Learning things about my family I didn't know, some more about the ancestors, and even things about my Mom (who died when I was 4 yrs old). The one thing that stood out was dinner and the toast (with really delicious wine) to Family! Thank You for a resting place when I really needed one. Love you all, Jimmy.

Fishing?

"Uncle John" They make fishing poles for that! Oh I see "catch and release" LOL All kidding aside Uncle John was telling me all the family was home for the Holiday. Fishing, Swimming at the Beach, boating (a lot of wind) and even tunnel making in the basement. John and Dorothy, good to see a wonderful family unit. "Love, Laugh, and Live!" and Yes, Grandkids!!!

Family

Well the wind did not let up all day, but I made it to Dahinda IL. Waiting for me were my Aunt Jean and Aunt Dorothy and Uncle John. What a beautiful home and wonderful people. They invited me to spend the night and have dinner with them, I am a very lucky man to have family so inviting. My aunts are also sister and sister in-law with two on my Honor Ride List, Betty Moyer Brickner and Vonda Moyer. So yes, I ate like a king, with dessert! I would never have found their home if not for my GPS. They live in an area out in the country with a lake, golf course, fishing and boating, ITS AWESOME!

"Did I see that!"

I was riding The Purple Heart Trail. My next crazy sighting was when I thought I was just passing a Semi. I started to pass this escort truck in the rear and on around the Wide Load, OMG! This cargo was 4 Semi's Long! That made passing it a B -t - h! So once I pulled up for the night there it was, a pair of propellers for a GIANT Windmill. If you look at the pictures from right to left, that is how long it was and the very end is not in the picture. Talking with the truck escort driver (Eward Kennedy) that evening, he told us that he drives the rear axle by remote control from his truck. WOW, thats crazy! But traveling thru Nebraska and Iowa I see that they use the wind and they have a lot of windmills. Hell they have A LOT OF WIND!

Simple Wonders

I wanted to have everyone enjoy a few of my simpler pictures. I was greeted by this chipmunk while hiking the 3 Sisters. She just ran up to me and said Hi, then stayed around for a photo shoot, :)

The picture of the baby birds was taken while Cowboy and I were taking a mid-day break. We watched their mother fly in and out of the nest feeding her young. The photo was shot inside a shelter at a rest area, so mom was not bothered by our presence. Just goes to show you ,if you want to see a wonder of this world "Just Look!"

Team "FIGHT LIKE A GIRL" is KICKIN' BUTT!

Father/Son

This one is for my Father. Ironically, I am traveling the Purple Heart Trail and for some unforeseen reason I needed to stop here. (bathroom break). My Father, Sargent Robert A. Moyer, U.S. Army, received the Purple Heart in WWII. Thanks Dad and all veterans who have served this country for my freedom.

Didn't make it as far as I wanted today, very windy. Tomorrow predictions of T-storms, so I'll try to leave early. Heading to my Aunt Dorthy's and Aunt Jean's in Dahinda, IL . Wish me LUCK. Rain and Wind, Oh Boy!

Back on the Road

Up early, 37 degrees, Full leathers, gased up and on the road by 7 am leaving Evergreen. Traffic not bad, winds still blowing and the sun HOT!. Not as far as I should be but a good ride with Cowboy. Down for the nite, Dinner to come and early to bed and early to rise, back on the road @ 7 am.

Sea Level here I come

My time in Evergreen has been wonderful. I have enjoyed the screnery from a mile+ high and my hosts, Duane and Cyndi Peiffer treated me like Royalty. Oh and Luke welcomed me with a BIG lick! Luke is a Black German Shepherd, who is 11 yrs old and I trained him 10 and a half yrs ago. I hiked, walked, took a lot of pictures and watched a Bronco's game while here. Duane fixed dinner every nite, Hell I didn't even know he could boil water! Thanks Brother. Tomorrow I head North with Duane riding beside me into Nebraska and on Sunday I start thru Iowa, into IL and by the end of the week I will be in Ohio and heading to the Race for a Cure in Cleveland.

Speaking of that race I have been updated about our team and we are kicking ass! Way to go Lisa and her Team, and Donna is awesome!! See you all @ the Race. Can't wait to see my Family and friends there.

Old Friends

Taking a day's rest did wonders! Met up with an old friend, a Brother and musher, Bob Ducey in Evergreen @ the Little Bear Pub. Had a beer and a sandwich, talked of old times and future plans. Old friends are the best. Talking with Ducey I found out that his Mother is a Lung Cancer survivor, so he could relate to my ride. Good to see you Bob, MUSH on!

Direction change

Not camping today, just relaxing on the Mt. Having thin air issues, stress and something personal I need to take care of, so my stay here will be cut short. Direction change for my ride from here. I will not be going south into AR, but instead I will be going North into Nebraska, Iowa and down to Peoria. I want to stop and see my Aunt Jean there. Cowboy will be riding the first day with me and stay the nite, then in the morning he will go west and I will head east with the wind at my back! Hopefully, my weather Lady will keep a eye on those areas for Sat, Sun and Mon for me. Thx Lisa.( I76, I80, I 74). Meeting with Ducey tomorrow for lunch and a beer. Will be nice to see him.

Even Higher

1st day in Evergreen- went for a morning hike to the 3 Sisters and drove up to Juniper Pass to sight see and pictures. The Mountain behind me in the picture is MT. Evans. Then back to Evergreen for Dinner and a traditional Scotch and a Cigar at the end of a journey. Plans on camping in the Mts tomorrow and a ride to Conifer on Fri to see a Brother I have not seen for 6 or 7 years, Bob Ducey, a Musher friend now working at a sled dog kennel in CO.

At this point I have ridden almost 2,200 miles and more to come. :)

Welcome at Mile High

Just pulled into the Rockies and was welcomed by a Brother and Friend "Cowboy" Duane Peiffer. We finished the ride up to his home in Evergreen and kicked off my visit with a Johnny Walker (BLACK) on the Rockies! His driveway to his house is like riding the Tail of the Dragon, NO SHIT! so maybe TWO Johnny's!!!

One thing for sure I have pushed my limits to the edge! Making no comparison to my SOLO friends, but I am feeling pretty SOLO right now. Had three hard days of riding!, and my Mental needs a rest. I really want to Thank my weather Lady for all her help so far. I knew when to leave and when to pull up. Has been a GREAT! help. The plains suck to ride alone.

Rode Hard, Made it safe

Rode HARD on Tuesday to arrive at Evergreen about med afternoon. The winds were strong when I started out of Salina KS at 7 am. An hour up the road they let up a little, but had winds all day. At my first gas stop in CO I met a couple riding in on a motorcycle and noticed the license plate was from Ohio, so I introduced myself and here they were from Akron, heading to Four Corners, which is south from Evergreen. The other couple in the picture parked beside my motorcycle, so I started talking to them and they were heading to NY from AZ. We talked about my ride and here they were BOTH cancer survivors. They said that their daughter runs in the Susan G. Komen race for the cure in NY City. Wow, small world! So they thanked me and took a flyer, wished me luck and a safe ride. Very Nice people in this country.

Against the wind

Up early and as Bob Seger sings " I'm older now still running against the WIND". Will be rolling into Denver late afternoon. See you all a Mile High!

I pulled up early today and once I stopped I had to give the muscles in my hand about 60 sec to release from the grips. I fought cross winds from the time I left Odessa MO until I landed in Salina Kansas. Never ever rode in winds like that, I was being blown from one side of the lane to the other, and when semi's went by they throw me back and forth 3 times within one truck and there was a lot of them. I knew I was in trouble when the trees were bowing down as I went by and I was pretty sure they were not welcoming me into the State. Farther down the road there was a big yellow sign that said " caution wind currents" YOU THINK!!!!

My " did I see that" for today was a Lear Jet in a front yard "For Sale". I know you think there was a airport near by, but I kept thinking that also, but NO there wasn't.

I want to thank my personal weather Lady for my updates, It really helps Lisa. To the anonyous person who gave me the GPS Thank you, its has kept me out of trouble and safely in and out of traffic.

My ride is In Honor of and in Memory of people I care about, but I have dedicated my ride to my Sisters. Barb Schlick, Jane Kramer, Janet Datsko and Judy Koch, all my love and respect!

I have had several requests to see my new Tattoo and what it means. My Tat is a Trinity knot encased with my symbol for Warrior. Trinity knot or Triquetra, Latin meaning "three corners". Early Christians views the symbol as Father, Son and Holy Spirit and in more metaphysical arena the 3corners represent Mind, Body and Spirit. Plus there are other meaning to other beliefs. My symbol for Warrior stands for Strength and Courage, "A warrior never worries about his Fears"

To my sisters and NOT funny brother-in-law, it does not say Rita.

A WHAT!

What a day for "did I really see that!" First I stopped to get gas at Jumping Jimmy's, perfect for me, then rolling down the highway a Hearst(meat wagon) went by with a graveyard scene on top and lighting bolts on the windows and the license plate said "dead head" very cool, but then another one goes by and this one has the lighting bolts and a Shelton looking out the window. Then as its goes by it is pulling a trailer, Yep you guessed It , it was a coffin, a real coffin on wheels. I didn't want to know what was inside. But the farther down the road there was a lifel size PINK elephant. So I stopped for lunch at Double J's BBQ ranch, I had the biggest frickin pork steak I have ever seen! It was something Bobby would eat and no I didn't finish it, I was stuffed. Hoko Hey! I fought a strong cross wind all day and it wore me out, so early to bed and early to rise, Good night!

Lady Luck

On my way west I stopped at the Missouri State Line welcome center to let them know that I was traveling though their state. Talked to the greeter at the welcome center and then started to leave when I wanted a picture, so I asked two gentlemen if one of them would take my picture and they both pointed to the lady they were with, so she said yes she would. After the picture I was telling them about my ride and what it stood for and the lady spoke up and said she was a breast cancer survivor from New York and shook my hand and THANKED me for doing the ride to support research. I did not catch her name, but I did give her a flyer about my ride and blog. So if the lady that took my picture at the Missouri State line is following my blog please send me your name, I would be honored to add your name on my Honor Ride List. Thank You

Decatur or bust!

Left Decatur about 7am this morning and headed west. I tried to contact my aunt in Peoria but no answer, so my route was changed to go south and then I 70 W so I am now in Missouri. I want to Thank my Hosts for 3days, my friends Charlie Boes and his wife Terrie. You both have great families. Charlie, GO TO WORK!

Heading West

Enjoyed the day visiting some sights in Decatur with a brother today. Thanks Charlie. The Harley shop was having a poker run, JFL football was exciting,GO CHIEFS!, Charlie and Terries grand-son Bryson was playing. Yes Jerome that is a Chicago Bears jersey I have on, GO BEARS! :)

Family First

Today is a day for family. I will be attending a little league football game @ 10 with Grandpa Chuck. Then to the Harley Shop who has invited me to stop in to say hi while in town. On to a tour of Decatur and pictures for my blog.

Keep in mind "Blood is thicker than water" "Family first!" I love my family and friends and my Dogs also. Hi Libby and Izzy.

My picture is of "Sisters" Terrie and Sandra. Have you noticed the shirts?

kindness goes along ways

This evening I had the pleasure of meeting cancer survivor and US Veteran Jack Johnson. Jack and I talked about guns, dogs and tractors. Jack seems to be doing better and his Doctor is very pleased with his progress. Thanks Jack for my freedom! "Freedom isn't free, But it's worth fighting for" Jack and his wife Pat thanked me for what I was doing with my ride, but it's me that should be thanking them, because this ride is making me realize that this country is loaded with appreciative people when you offer a little kindness!

Sitting around with Charlie and Terrie last nite and I mentioned while on my ride that I wanted to get a tattoo to remember my ride by. Well Terrie got on the phone and called Little Frank, asked if he had time tomorrow (Friday) to give me a Tat for my ride. So a few beers later I had a appointment, so guess what, Yep you guessed it, new Tat! That is little Frank in the picture, and you ask what is the new Tattoo?, that's another blog. Thanks Terrie and Chuck , GOT THE TAT!

Had a wonderful day with friends around Decatur and lunch with 2 sisters-in-law of Jack Johnson (ride list survivor), Thanks ladies! Chuck was working. Pot roast for dinner and a couple more beers, no new tat tomorrow! I have a wonderful life and great friends.