Show Low / Quemada

      The last few days can be summed up by the title of a book I started today: The Story of the American West ... Told through the lives of Apaches, Mountain Men, Hispanics, Soldiers, Mormons, Cowboys, Blacks, Outlaws and others, who struggled in Arizona's White Mountains, one of the last untamed Regions of the West..... I have felt different since we left Scottsdale, AZ. For awhile I believed it was the "energy vortex" of the AZ mountains. I believed in red rock and it's power to heal. Although I enjoyed climbing through glorious Pine trees at 8,000 feet, I'm sure that wasn't it either. I have had moments of feeling brave and free, as the "Mountain Men" may have felt. It wasn't until we rode into Quemada, NM did I understand my new feeling. Like never before, did I realize that, in fact, I am American. I am also a Mormon. My Father-in-Law Eric explained that we are on "Mormon" soil on a Sunday. The book calls this land "untamed" and "fighting land". While on a run tonight, I had visions of Pioneers cresting the mountain range here in Quemada. I may never officially know the reasons for feeling different but I'm OK with that.
       If I had to pick a group to belong to from the book, I'd choose the Mountain Men. I would understand the land and know what berries to eat. I'd know my limits and strengths and use them to my advantage. I'd prefer to talk to myself or animals rather than humans as I would learn more. I'd know when and where to be so I'd have luck on my side. I'd protect my loot with a stare. My family would carve my name into a slab and call that mountain mine. I'd run shirtless for days and make my own clothes. I'd teach my kids to love themselves and be kind to others...... I think Mountain Men are both American and Mormon and this is the reason for my strange feeling.
       Placed high above customer's heads in the Largo Cafe, hangs a flag that identifies the names of those lost during 9-11. In my head, I heard Marv say that we wouldn't be at war if it weren't for 9-11. As other riders studied the flag, I studied their faces. This told me a lot about them. One of the best parts of this journey is observing.
        While on a run tonight, I gathered pictures and evidence hoping to take a piece of Quemada with me. I managed to bring back a horse shoe and necklace. I was a little nervous running the streets and trails alone as we sat next to a gentleman and his gun while we ate dinner. Quemada, NM and it's people are "untamed".
        Tonight I missed another Sunday dinner. I hope that my family understands. I pray Casey and kids get out early before the hair-pulling and scratching. This is a common theme for Steve and Sue's dinners.
        I rode my bike to Show Low for Beth and Roberta. As we climbed high above the tree line, I thought of their donations. Beth and Roberta both make me very happy because of their loyalty to my wife. I cannot wait to see Beth in New York. She was at the send-off as well. All things beautiful make me think of Beth and her Mom. It only seemed right to ride for them as we were headed into the trees and through some of the most beautiful country I've ridden through.
        Today, I rode for Laurie and Hannah Taylor. I knew today would be refreshing and it was. I don't know Laurie and Hannah all that well, but... I do know that when I see them and talk with them, it's refreshing. Thank you for your donations and support.
       I will be thinking of those who died while we continue our journey through the Mythical West.
 
     
 
      

Scottsdale

    The other day, I was told we picked the wrong time to cross the country on bike. "It would simply be too hot, too dry, and really uncomfortable... even dangerous" he said. I thought about the timing of things and how things unfold. I imagined 343 people sitting in a room taking a written exam. I could see them being interviewed and judged. I watched towers crush them. I wondered if there would ever be a "right" time. I've always had visions of soldiers with missing limbs and broken hearts. In fact, I have painted them. History tells us, there may never be a "right" time to be soldier or a fireman. However, I believe there is a perfect time ride a bike across the USA. For me, that time is now.
    I spent many hours yesterday riding behind Jimmy. I studied the paint on his bike frame to pass some time and became mesmerized by it's colors. My daughter and I have spent many nights selecting our favorite stars. She seems to like the ones that move. I do not know much about stripes other than firemen wearing them on their sleeve to show years on the job. Some sort of status, if you will. Wearing stripes or a letterman's jacket has never been my thing, but, I do think they have their place. I'm just not sure where. I like that my eyes see the stars.
    I will summarize yesterday by this: one flat, familiar faces, chiropractor, ice bath, Fire station 602, kind people, not so kind people, quinoa /black bean sliders, fro yo, thoughts of Sadona, cactus, sand and trains.
    Today went like this: sleep, Haus bike shop, Sola cafe, The Herb Box, familiar face, eager heart, clear mind.
    I saw my kids and wife through a MacBook screen today. I never thought I'd say it but.... it was awesome! I called her phone and she picked up out of breath. This too, was awesome!
    Tomorrow I ride for Dan Schwarz and his family. Not only is he my wife's uncle, he is local.. and he is awesome. He drove 30 miles tonight to visit us. He made me feel at home. I figure I should ride for him and his family tomorrow as we may need to call for directions. Thank You Dan for your donation and your support.
   
   

Day 2 and 3

     After sleeping in a museum full of reptiles, we were on our way to a very tough day through the desert. I’ve been through Landcaster and nearby parts, but... this was the “real” desert. Our team of riders made it through a 132 mile day with temps in the 111-117 range. It’s hard to explain what your feet can feel like riding through heat like that. I’ve always wanted to know, and now I do. Many stops were made to shower each other off as our core temps were way too high. I’ve always wanted to experience this also... now I have. We made to the Colorado River as a team. I would say this portion of the ride was a victory.

    I chose to ride for Kenny Perry that day. He was supposed to make it out and ride, but couldn’t due to other reasons. This surprised me a bit because he loves riding his bike. In fact, I think he rides more than anyone I know. I chose to ride for him because of his dedication to life. He’s a super busy guy, but always makes time to live. I get this in the sense that we should always make time to do what we love. The other reason for riding for him is the fact that I knew day 2 would be exceptionally hard do to the weather and terrain. I’m pretty sure this is the part of riding that he loves. He helped me get through a pretty long day in the saddle.

     Day 3 was/is today. Again super hot temps. !0 gallons of water and ice gone. I learned that cool black road shoes are not always the best option. Again, hard to explain the foot”thing”. I continue to have numbness and tingling in my left hand. Hand have started to blister. I am happy though. Despite the heat and nagging blisters/numbness, I had a good day of riding. Today was a 109 mile day which took somewhere around 6-7ish hours in the saddle. 

     I had a very enjoyable run after the ride that took me through some sweet Arizona ranch land. It felt really good to run again as this is what I love most. I ended up in a washed out river bed with super thick sand. I cannot say I’ve ever wanted to run in hot Arizona sand, but I did, and it was worth it. I like to be alone most days so this little bit made me comfortable again.

    Today, I rode for Aunt Donelle and Grandma. They seem to move through life with ease. By no means do these two people have lives without struggles. You’d never know it though. They are incredible human beings. To be honest, sometimes I have felt closer to God when I have talked with them. I’m drawn to them and i’m not sure they it... and i’m sure I haven’t told them this. I wanted to ride with ease today. The thought of them and their generosity made today perfect. It should’ve been a pretty hard day, but wasn’t. Today was like them.

      Tonight we are sleeping in a very old jail. I’m looking forward to this. I hope it’s my only night of sleep in a jail. Wickensburg Is pleasant. The fireman have been gentlemen. We ate at some bar/saloon deal and I ordered another salad. I seem to be getting the same response from town to town. It blows their minds. I like this part of the country and it’s feel. People seem to be happy and well fed. Actually, I can tell that most are very receptive to what we are trying to do.

       It’s 11 o'clock - I need to go to bed. My wife and kids are always on my mind. I brought some of my wife’s lotion on the trip to remind me of her scent. Pretty weird but, I’m gonna miss her. Last night I wore a bracelet to bed made by my daughter. It takes her an hour to make these things and you can imagine how long that must seem for a three year old. My kids and wife seriously make me cry. They make me feel special.

      Day 4 into Scottsdale, AZ I am riding for The Ae family who graciously donated to ridefor9-11. Tomorrow is a short 60 something miler, mostly down hill. Their donation brings me to my knees!

      Ridefor9-11.org for video and other stuff. 

Dat 1

      Today I rode for Grandma and Grandpa Schwarz. I’ve always loved Grandma because she always stood for what she believed in. She believed mostly in God and His plan. She was always positive about it but, you’d know if she didn’t approve of something. At the end of our 142 mile day, she was on my mind, not only because of who she was, but also because I knew she was in some way watching over me. The last 17 or so mile were very tough (pretty significant climb). I also rode for Grandpa for much of the same reasons except he is very special in his own way. I like that he is unique. He is passionate about very few things, but he seems to know exactly what makes him happy. I find this to be very smart and rare. I’ve tried to follow his example and I hope I Ridefor9-11 makes me happy every day. I love them both and believe I picked a great day to ride for them.

       To summarize briefly, we had one crash with no injury. It was noted that at one point it was 111 degrees. We hosed each other off with some random garden hose. I felt pretty good today.

        It’s pretty hard to explain what we/us felt at the send-off. It was great to see everyone. It made me realize how few friends I have, but.... how much I love them. On a quick side-note, it was great to see Greg scramble for well over an hour fixing the two flats he got. Other notes are: opening a small note tonight from my wife...  I’ll fill in more of the blanks when I get the chance. I love you!  

Pre-ride thoughts

    Lately,  many people have asked me about my preparation for ridefor9-11. They ask about my training and nutrition. A few have asked about routes and logistics. These questions and concerns are great for me because they seem to make me question myself a bit. The honest truth is, I don't have many of the answers. Answering questions about "preparation" has always been tough for me, as I tend to not prepare for much. I simply make choices and commitments and kinda see what happens. This is not new to me.
     The last few weeks have been great for me in the sense that I've been able to focus on smaller things. I've been trying to get to a place where things are easy and make sense to me. Usually, this includes weeding out a lot of things that I don't need. As I do this, I begin to notice more of my surroundings. It's so much easier to figure out what truly makes me happy.
      A few days ago, I was reminded of the Pacific ocean and it's smell. While riding my bike to work, I thought about the importance of navigation through the dark. I've always been fascinated by the relationship between ships and lighthouses. While riding home from work, I had a momma deer speak to me through her eyes. She made me feel like I have some things figured out. I am so excited to help raise money for "people" that have given everything. In fact, I have become passionate about the opportunity to give.
      I have done my best to be with my family lately. The thought of being without them for 45 days brings me to actual tears. The longest period of time my wife and I have been apart is four days. This part of the ride could possibly be the harder part. I hope it is. I've tried to let my wife know how special she is. Today, I was asked what my wife thinks of the ride. I found it very difficult to answer this question as well. I told my fire Chief that she is special and gets it. I think the part she understands the most is that sometimes we need to sacrifice and learn to give ourselves to things we believe in. I'm confident she will in some strange ways, learn as well. I absolutely love her. I've tried to think of ways to help my kids understand what's about to happen. I'm sure we will get Ayla a map of the USA and have her follow us by moving a pin (or piece of candy) across it each day. I've tried to squeeze Malloy hard enough with hopes that he'll remember the pressure of the hug. Some sort of "love pressure" thing. I'm pretty sure nothing I do will make it any better and they are probably too young to really understand. BUT.... I do think of those men and women that are no longer with us and no longer able to give maps and hugs like this. I pray my kids understand this one day.
        My family has been amazing! At first, I tried to raise money by going to major corporations and businesses asking for them to donate. I quickly learned that this does not typically work as I do not "know" anyone. I think you need some serious "connections" to get donations from them. Needless to say, we learned that smaller is actually better. Quality is always better than quantity. My family baked for three days to hold a bake sale at my sister's house. I can't think of anything more grass roots than this. It reminded me of my paper route when I was 12. The sale was a huge success. I think the best part is, my family and friends seem to come away from it with a deep connection to Ridefor9-11. I'm pretty sure they felt and will continue to feel blessed. My family is strong. We like each other. We are blessed.
        I'm not sure exactly what I'm gonna eat on this ride. I do know that I have some bars, some treats, some nuts, and some stuff to drink. My parents made some bomb granola! My mom has worked super hard to get local stores to donate food and has been successful. That's what mom's do, i guess. Other than that.... I don't have a plan. How is someone supposed to eat 6,000 cal. daily? I'm not sure because I've never done it. I will learn though by paying close attention to my body. I've gotten pretty good at this.
        Tomorrow is our last team meeting. I've down-loaded enough music. I'll be making a few more bike adjustments. I'll have my last San Vicente run down into Venice for a while. I'll have my wife's vegan cooking one last time. Things are gonna be weird for bit. I cannot wait to experience this great country. I cannot wait to share with people. My heart is humble. My mind cannot wait.

Why?

My reasons for starting this blog are as follows: First and foremost, to prove to my wife and kids that I am still alive. Next, to somehow thank everyone for their support in helping me achieve my goal of raising 5,000 dollars or more for DLF and WWF. The "blog" is also for those that show interest in the events that will unfold in the next couple weeks. Lastly, I honestly feel like sharing. I believe that if I share this experience via a blog, many of you may feel a little more connected to the ride. I sincerely hope that this Ridefor9-11 will become YOURS!