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.

Everywhere

Rolled into town about 3:30 IL time and by 5:25 I was going on a ride with the sister-in-law and nephew of Jack Johnson, Honor list survivor. We were out for our ride I got to see some Decatur countryside and was treated to a steak dinner when we returned home. when I was waiting on Chuck to pick me up at circle K, I didn't know how to get to his house, I was approached by an old biker that wanted to talk motorcycles and that Decatur was having bike nite @ 6 to 8. Well when I told him about my ride, He also has a daughter with cancer, so we talked about his daughter for along time and about my picture of Adalyn Lutz that I have on my windshield. He had to be at least 75-80 yrs old and he still rides ( a Harley Road King). Cancer is everywhere!

OMG!

Before I start this blog I first want to say, this is not a fiction novel so what you will read is the way I see things on my ride. What you read today really happened.

Well, last night I stayed at a Bed and Breakfast (picture). I woke up early to coffee and honey buns. I finally got on the road about 9 am. Stopped in Indianapolis for lunch around noon at Bob Evans ( I love Bob Evans) and back on the road by one. As I started through Indy, the sign ( BIG SIGN) said 465 outer belt has delays and construction-- find alt. route, so I decided to go straight through Indy on 70 West. The traffic was moving steady and all was well until I got to my exit @ 74 W (CLOSED!) So my GPS rerouted me IN and OUT of the international Airport terminal. I did get to 74 W from this direction and the exit was open ,YEA! As I was traveling on 74, I noticed a small pickup truck with a flat on the side of the road and a young man kneeling down beside it. Well, when I got close and went past, I realized the jack had come out from under the truck and the young man's head was between the bed of the truck and the axle! Yes, he was dead! I looked in my mirror to see if I could pull off to help and saw that 5 or 6 cars behind me was an Indiana State Patrol car and then a few miles down the road here comes an ambulance, WOW! So I continue to head to Decatur and a bird hits the front top of my helmet (BANG!). To top the day off, pretty soon I saw a 8ft. slushie coming down the road!! All I had to drink at lunch was coffee, really! I have put 1/5 th of my miles of my ride on my bike at this point. Glad I made it to Charlie and Terrie's while still sane.

Today I say goodbye to Ironton and all of my family here. Two of my sisters also will be in town to say goodbye to Billy Brown. Billy leaves behind a wonderful family, Bill and Patti, his brothers Bobby and Tommy and their families. He also leaves 3 sons Jake, Jimmy and Jordan. We will all miss him. Love you all! Thanks Dee, Mary Denise and Jimmy for your hospitality and support. Thank you to everyone who bought T-Shirts and donated to my ride. I will keep you all updated.

Bob Seger sings a perfect song for this ride "Travelin Man" Back on the road, ride safe today and everyday!

"LOVE AND RESPECT"

Rain/Sunshine

Riding in the hills around Ironton, I enjoyed the day, riding thru rain and sunshine, Jimmy took me up into the strip mines to show me what they have done in the Wayne National Park. Dirt bike and ATV trails. Over 26 miles of challenging hill and jumps, no I did not try any of them. My bike likes the straight flat highways (me also).

I have been in touch with people on my Honor Ride List in the west and they are excited about my visit. My ride will continue on Thursday after we take care of some family business.

Big #5

We celebrated a young cousins 5th birthday yesterday (Happy birthday Eric) with cupcakes and hot dogs. This young man has already started riding, even if his ride has 4 wheels, he still has a motor! Eric is a very sweet, happy and all boy. Nice job Mary Denise and Jimmy.

Love this town

Today I rode with Jimmy just to get out of the house and take some time with another cousin. We rode into the hills and it reminded me of TN and that "hellbender 28". I should be back into my ride on Thursday and in Decatur, IL. I will be glad to see Charlie and Terri.

Riders unite.

Friends and family. I had a great 1st Rally on the River thanks to friends in from SC and all my cousins here in Ironton. Plan on me being here yearly from now on. My family welcomes any of my friends that want to come to the Rally, so Brothers and Sisters-- make your plans now. Terry and Donna or any of my Cleveland friends come on down. This picture is of Dennis and Valerie Mizway and Bill Brown and myself.

Thanks Ironton!

Ironton is a Tri-State area and home to a lot of MC riders, biker bars like Frog Town and Laidback Bar--they are made to order, biker-friendly with COLD beer and lots of good friends! With my mother being from here, I have a lot of family here (A LOT)! My friends from SC made it here and were treated to southern Ohio hospitality and as Dennis and Valerie Mizway said in one word "WOW!" Glad you both had a great time and made it home safe. Come back anytime. Mary Denise and Jimmy Dutey-- you are the best--- breakfast, lunch and dinner! Sorry I have to leave, ever! What a great place to bunk--great food, place to do my laundry and get a hot shower, Thanks so much.

While here, I had the pleasure of visiting with a cancer survivor, Toot Waller and his family. I have known Toot and Carol forever, well they are family. So good to see everyone and I have received so much support from this community. There was an article in the Ironton Tribune, a TV interview from a Huntington WV station, and a BIG welcome and thank you from the Friends of Ironton . I have a great life and awesome family. I want to give my hosts for the weekend, Bill and Patti Brown, a most appreciated and warm Thank You! Bill, you know you are a brother and friend and family. I'll ride with you anywhere. Bill was like my personal promoter here for the weekend, from Granny's at one end of Ironton all the way to Laidback at the other end. If you know Ironton it's not very wide but its longer than hell (miles). Love you Brother!

Billy Brown we miss you

Delayed but not cancelled. Thanks to Laura everyone knows that I lost a friend, cousin and brother. Billy Brown was the oldest son of my 1st cousin Bill Brown. All I can say is I am very glad that I am here to support family in a time like this. Billy was 40yrs. old and a father of three sons, also a Veteran 3yrs Army Ranger. I had a great time with Billy on Friday night, sitting around sharing stories and enjoying the Rally on the River. He will be missed! I was able to spend some alone time with Billy and was able to catch up with what was going on in his and his son's lives. Sadness fills my heart, but I would not have had it any other way. I am thankful to have been here for my family. Billy and I talked about my ride and he told me he was proud of me and it was a great thing I was doing, so Billy will be with me on my ride, in my heart and on my mind! Billy we miss you!

Time Out

Jim's in Ironton, Ohio on the first leg of his 5000 mile trip. While there, he's been touched by the sudden death of a close family member. He'll be back on the blog as soon as he can get an internet connection and time to write.
Hugs and love to you Moe and to your family as you go through this difficult time.

Down the road

Day 2, on the road early. Had my coffee and raisin Eng. muffin, Thanks Laura. I would like to thank the Ironton Tribune for the nice article about my ride that they ran on Thursday. I will see a lot of people this weekend-- doesn't get much better! Well, leather's on! Helmet's On! Engine is started and down the road! Love you all.

Slovenian Angel :)

I am on the road and have stopped for dinner. What to share with you a prayer that was sent to me for my ride; "A sunbeam to warm me, A moonbeam to charm me, A sheltering angel so nothing can harm me!" From my Slovenian Angel.. Also a bit of advise from a brother, he told me " never ride faster than my guardian angel can fly", well I am riding my angel so we travel the same speed! So Barb I will be ok and see you in three weeks, Your little brother.

Peanutbutter Pie

I will leave shortly to encounter life behind bars (handlebars) of my guardian angel. She wiil give me a seat to sit on and with Godspeed, get me to all my way points and BACK! Yes, I am talking about my Motorcycle. Not much to say but it's time to put my $$ where my mouth is. I want to thank some of the unsung people of this trip: Bobby and Julie Fisher who are taking very good care of Liberty, my 10 yr old German Shepherd (no butt bites this time Libby). Thanks guys! Katie and Rick for caring for Busy Izzy my new puppy that I share with Katie (sorry Rick). Izzy will be my new AAC. Good luck Katie do a good job with her! I received a very special treat last nite-- my niece, Korker stopped by with a piece of PeanutButter Pie-- my most favorite pie of all times!!---and I will hold you to your offer that when I get back, you said you will make me a WHOLE pie. Game On!

"This is a free country. Live like it. Screw it, Let's Ride!"

"Attack Life"

"Life isn't measured by how many breaths you take, but rather by how many times life takes your breath away!" One more day and I live for 24days out of my saddle bags. My point?, how little can we get by on. 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of jeans, 8 shirts, 10 pairs of socks and a lot of underwear! My motorcycle, gas $$, oh yea and a GPS, lol. Have a awesome day!

Yes, this is personal!

1 day & 18 hours and my journey begins! Well, my journey began years ago. Those that know me will understand what you are about to read. "My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather I will slide in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming... WOW.. What a Ride!!"

Today I spoke with a very nice lady from the Ironton Newspaper, asking questions about my reasons for my ride. Well again I got choked up and had a hard time answering her. By now everyone knows this ride is very personal for me. I have lost dear friends to cancer & have friends that are survivors. This ride is In Memory of Vonda Moyer, Betty Moyer, Raymond Swetlin, Mary Camarato, Bob Schlick, Carolyn Erickson, Sue Lorenz, Marj Cashin, Kenny Abbott ,Robert (Scooty) Ranker, Helen Holtz Gallagher, Christine Holtz, Kate Holtz Carley, and Maureen Friel Holtz, all lost to cancer, so YES this is personal! My ride is also In Honor of Jackie Panuto, Adalyn Lutz, Beth Holtz Palermo, Lisa O'Malley, Patti Baumgartner, Doris Kramer, Dondalene Webb, Chris Zoeller, Carolyn Harper, Sue Wittdon, Denny Bobock, Jack Johnson and Cindy Rossi----all fought hard and are survivors! YES, this is personal!

Ready, Set, 3 more days

Getting ready, can't sleep, doing my wash, packing, preparing to take my dogs to their keepers for a month-- WOW, a lot to do. Finals on my motorcycle & finishing jobs ( floor covering and my dog training lessons). I am actually enjoying all of it! Can't wait to see my family in Ironton and Illinois, and my friends and brothers on the road. Great support from the community & my family. I want everyone to know that I spoke with the "Fight Like a Girl" team captain over the weekend and she has put together a wonderful group of people, and is thrilled with her support from all her team members. Way to go Lisa!

I am still getting donations and letters and short notes in the mail from loved ones of family members they have lost. When I get these messages I take the time to read every one and YES tears come to my eyes every time! It has been a tremendous journey for me already. I have learned so much about cancer and the effects it has on many, many people. We need to beat this!!

I spent the weekend in Cleveland with an amazing family at a beach having a hot dog roast in memory of and to honor a Mother who has left behind a tradition of Family First and Always. Terry said to me, "When we are together, Mom would not let us argue or fight about issues." As I understood him, "it is Family time" enjoy it. --- A Man that misses this Mother as everyone there does. We lit a candle and said a couple of prayers for a Lady who raised a family of 8 and taught them to respect the person standing beside you. Well at least this is what I came away with.

It's Sunday and I will be on the road in 4 days to raise $$ for Cancer research, follow me and enjoy the ride!

Thanks to all the Swetlins for making me feel welcome, Moe.

Lady Riders Rock

Today I will tell all the "Lady Riders" how much I think of them. As all of us Bothers know, there's not much more of a turn on then a Lady in Leather or heated riding clothes (Sandy, how did those work for you?) riding her own bike! There is something about a woman that takes things into her own hands and when you ride your own motorcycle you are the one responsible for what happens to you and the others you ride with! Just recently, a lady rider friend went down on her bike---bad wreck. She is OK & back on her bike. She just finished a long charity ride of her own for Hospice, down to the Keys and back. Kathy just had back surgery 2 days ago and is doing well-- prayers for you sister. Kathy you ROCK! Another friend just returned home safely from a long ride from Ohio up thru Canada and Alaska. Sandy Tirey from the Cleveland area-- you deserve a big round of applause!! Way to go! I'll ride with Lady Riders anytime. Girls Ride Too. Love and Respect from this Brother. Let those who ride, decide!

Oh man, a close call!

As all bikers know when you ride, you watch everything. Today was one of those very close calls. Riding home after running errands, I was on Monroe St. in Tiffin, which is one way going south. I was coming up to Madison when a driver on Madison came to the stop sign and I could tell she was going to do a "stop and go", so I started to apply my brakes. She tapped her brakes and went, but instead of going straight she turned the wrong way on the one way street. Yes, head on with me! I hit my brakes, slid sideways but managed to not lay my bike down. There were honestly inches between her car and my leg. Oh yes, she kept going and by the time I was able to get turned around SHE was gone! Any one that knows Tiffin and me, knows that was only one block from where I was T-boned on my Harley by another car in 1977 and was laid up for 2 years. So flashbacks and adrenalin rush---I was PISSED, but this will only make my ride safer. Eyes wide open! As I tell my sons when they ride, "It does not matter if you are Right on a motorcycle, it still Hurts!"

Today I want to mention a few people on my In Memory of List: First Bob Schlick; Bob's brother, Jerome is my brother-in-law. Yes, Jerry I used Jerome! I went to High School with Bob's sister, Mary Anne. Both are extremely nice people. Knowing Bob, the little I did, he was a funny, happy man who left this world way before his time. I feel very honored to have Bob on my Honor Ride 4 a Cure list.

Sue Lorenz and her Family also have been friends of mine since I met Sue's sister, Shannon in High School and we became high school sweethearts. Sue was a very funny, likeable lady that always made me laugh. Sue's daughter, Tina and I have also become good friends. Miss you Sue!

Robert (Scooty) Ranker--well I can not think of a time that I did not know Scooty. Scooty's dad worked with my Father, and they were neighbors, very close neighbors. I'm honored and blessed to have known Bob and his wife, Marylou, his daughter, Beth, and all of the boys, Pat, Pete, William and Andy. What a stand up guy Mr Ranker was! We all miss him.

Time is going by fast leading up 2 my departure. Busy 2 weeks ahead and I'm taking it 1 day at a time.
Today I will tell you about a few of my friends on my list of Honor. Doris Kramer is the mother of my brother-in -law, Ron Kramer. What a Dear and wonderful Lady! She and her husband Bob Kramer, (who has passed on) have been in my life a very long time and actually Mr. Kramer was the first person on the scene @ one of my accidents. I was only 13 and that was very helpful because I severed my ankle to the bone. Doris is an awesome wonderful mother who has raised her children to be parents and grandparents of their own. Great job Doris.
Patti Baumgartner is a close and dear friend. Her husband, Larry is one of my friends that I have gotten WILD and Crazy with in our earlier years, right Bummy? She tamed and civilized him and that alone earns her the Gold Medal of Love . Way to go Patti, Love and Respect you always!!
Beth Holtz Palermo, is a sweet , fun, warm and compassionate young lady (Yes, Beth you are younger than Me), who is also my cousin. Beth's father and my mother were brother and sister. We lost them way before their time. Miss that sweet smile Beth. Enjoy your visit back home. Always, Jim
The 3 Ladies that I have justed mentioned are all Breast Cancer Survivors! Way to go; fight like a girl! My love and respect, Moe.

Keep that Smile

Power of One! When I first started the thinking process for my ride I wanted to bring to the forefront the awareness that each ONE of us has the POWER to help find a cure through research and support. Soon I realized that there are a lot of ONE's out there. One of those special ladies is Lisa O'Malley. I have not known Lisa long, but shortly after meeting her I knew I wanted to be part of Lisa's support team, so I joined "Fight Like a Girl". This is Lisa's team that will raise funds and as a team we will walk together on Sept. 11th in Cleveland, OH at the Susan G. Komen " Race for a Cure"! This is my final destination and when my ONE becomes US. So glad I met you Lisa, and Tim. You are an amazing and wonderful Lady, Wife, Mother and Sister and my friend. I will see you at Mile 4,852! Yes, still have to ride home to make 5,000 miles. Keep that SMILE on your face!

The 4th of July is a day we celebrate our freedom. This 4th changed my life. I was at the park enjoying my friends and promoting my ride for a cure when the most precious little girl came into my life. Yes, Adalyn Lutz was that little girl! She loves motorcycles and wanted to sit on mine with her mom Amanda nearby. Her mom and family have been friends of mine for a long time. I was told Adalyn has been fighting a form of cancer and she is ONLY 2yrs old! What a wonderful little girl she is, and to think that she will be a survivor for a very long time. When I asked her grandmother if I could please put her my my Honor list for my ride and she said YES, it was truly an HONOR for me! This is straight from my heart. You will be with me every mile of my ride Adalyn. Thank You.

Close @ Heart

Starting to tie up loose ends, finishing projects, so when I get back from my ride it will be a new start in most areas.
15 days and I will be rolling on down the road. Today, I will tell my stories about my Honor List.. First I want to start with Dondalene Webb. Her husband Ed is my business partner in the floorcovering installation trade. I have worked with Ed for 13 yrs and I have to tell you I have not met or worked with a harder working person. This is a man that takes care of his family, his job and personal life on a level I have not seen before. This is my first time I have personally known anyone that has cared for a loved one with cancer and I have seen what that does to the care taker, WOW ! Ed and his family are very important to me. So Ed, my hat (or Helmet) is off to you and you can be sure that I will keep your family close to me on my RIDE!

Laura

17 days and my story continues on the road. This week will be about finishing odd jobs, and training lessons. Next week is about bike prep and starting to pack, that means a lot of laundry.
I will start to write about my Honor list in a couple days, but 1st I want to give a BIG Thank You to Laura Shick. Laura has helped me make a thought become REAL. I told Laura about my idea and at first I am sure she wasn't quite with me on this. Once she knew for sure I was sincere about the idea and was going to complete it one way or the other, she jumped on board and has been a Godsend for me. Laura and I have only known each other for 8 months. When we first met, Laura asked a lot of questions that I have never had to answer out loud before. WOW, who is this woman I thought? Laura is one of the most honest, thoughtful, smart, funny, and happiest people I have ever met. She has gotten me to try different things, like golf, and she has an amazing family (and a lot of them ) which I have started to meet and get the names right (thanks to Tim and Dan ) who are keeping me straight on who's who! The Picture thing really works Tim!! Anyhow, back to Laura. She is a wonderful Lady and I have deep feelings for her! Thank You Laura for everything.lyL

All Good

Last day of the fair, YEA!! Long week. Good to see Uncle Don and Aunt Linda at the Rodeo. A lot of friends and cousins there. Now onto finalizing plans for my ride, maps, camp sites, motels, mileage charts . Will be good to see all my Brothers along the way. Stay tuned!