Greeting from small town USA, Marysville, KS. I flew in early this week to join Bill, bring him snacks, fresh clothes and companionship. Taking a break from riding today, I asked Bill if I could write tonight’s Blog. Reluctant because he didn’t know what I would say, he agreed.
I rode behind him yesterday coming to Maryville (home of the Black Squirrel) and as I watched him pedal, trying to look through his eyes at the countryside, freshly plowed fields, cattle grazing and the semi’s hauling their loads……it brought a lot of thoughts to mind. These views make one appreciative of the many miracles one’s life offers. Things we typically whiz by on a daily basis, sites taken for granted in our fast paced, sped up life.
What on earth possessed this man to take this journey, to put his life in danger, out in the open, across the country. Even riding in rural areas, he is still in danger, as many roads have very little, to non-existent shoulders for bicyclers.
As a Veteran, he is saddened by the lack of respect our veterans get. From the Vietnam era himself, he recalls being protested and spit on. We see so many vets panhandling on street corners, homeless or with mental health issues from their willingness to lay down their lives, for you, me and our country.
I admire and respect this man so very much for his commitment to this cause and his determination to make this journey. It has warmed his heart to see the donations being made to support the causes he is representing. All the monies being donated go directly to your choice of organization. He is solely funding his own trip,
I look forward to reading about his adventures and traveling along with him through his daily blogs. I thank you all for your well wishes, prayers, texts and phone calls – I know we ALL wish him the best! Thanks for tagging along!