Day 0

6/28/18

Today was an interesting day. Judy and I rode from my house to hers which ended up being almost a 40 mile ride. There were some interesting challenges but we are improving on working together. An example of this was having our first crash. We were at the top of a hill and Judy told me that we were stopping to go into the shade. I was not ready at all for this at this particular moment. Basically I was very close behind her when she turned, her back wheel hit my front and I fell to the left. Luckily nothing was injured. My hand, arm, and hip were a bit scraped and sore but that wasn’t a big deal. This incident ended up being a positive because I learned that I need to give her space when I ride no matter what because strange things can happen.
              

                 

When we arrived in her town we ran a few errands regarding the tour one of which included visiting the Samaritan Home where all of the donations are going. You are still able to donate and it is a 501c3 which means that it is tax deductible.

I also said my final goodbyes to my mother and grandparents and tomorrow morning we are heading out for the first actual day of the tour. Hopefully there’s lots of adventure. I can’t wait!

Night Before we Leave

6/27/18

Although I know deep down in my head that I have everything packed, I still lie awake pondering whether I really have everything I need or not. My aunt Judy Steffes and I are leaving tomorrow morning at 8 am sharp on a three week biking adventure around the Great Lakes. This tour is going to be starting from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and are relying on only paper maps and local natives wisdom on directions.



This year, following a request from Bike Friendly West Bend, the tour will raise money for a rickshaw bicycle to be donated to The Samaritan Home in West Bend.The bicycles cost about $10,000 and they allow seniors to be able to enjoy the exhilaration of bicycling again. 
Example of Rickshaw

Along with biking, we also carry all of our things including a tent and sleeping bag. Even though my aunt is very experienced and has been doing these tours for a long time now, I feel as though I am decently fit and will be able to keep up just fine. We have done a couple of practice rides and we seem to work together decently so lets see how it goes!