August 3 – 5 Crossing America

Posted by on Aug 5, 2011 in Crossing America | 16 Comments

Rest and Relaxation time.
My back is slowly feeling better, especially after the massage, had on the 4th compliments of Larry and Charis.  They even had the gal come to their home so I wouldn’t have ride in the car.

On the 2rd, I took my bikes to Trailside Cyclery owned by Brian Backus in Orting, WA. for
tune-up and a replacement handlebar for Spirit.   Brian said he’d be able to work on Spirit but he might not have time to take care of the S-Works.  I asked him to do his best as I have another 2,500 miles of riding.  This morning promptly at 10:00 AM, I phoned Brian and was delighted to hear he had both bikes ready.  Upon arriving at the shop Brian told me he came in early to get the S-Works done for me.   Then he surprised me further by providing me a 20% discount on all the labor and parts he used to help me out.   Thank you Brian for going above and beyond to help this Old Guy out, I greatly appreciate it.  Folks if you’re in the Seattle area and need your bike worked on call Brian at 360-893-7333.
Spent the 2nd and 3rd at Mark and Jenni’s.   Jenni has become a fan of Rachel Ray and prepared us a nice crock pot country rib dinner with corn on the cob and a spinach salad Jenni makes which has become a favorite of mine.  The We went to a farmers market on the waterfront and purchased fresh blueberries, peaches and an awesome apple and berry pie.
On the 4th and 5th I’m staying with Larry and Charis.  4th Larry prepared his infamous
Smoked Prime rib which was to die for good.  They invited a couple neighbor families over to enjoy quite a spread of food and drink.  Larry slightly embarrassed me with his  accolades of my accomplishments and dedicating this fantastic meal to me.  Thanks Larry but I ain’t nothin’ but a regular guy.

Mt Rainier, taken near Larry and Charis home

I’ve also managed to formulate a plan of attack for the ride down the coast, reading
maps, checking ferry schedules, touching base with Dale for Oregon, Denny, Joyce and of course Larry for the Washington State part of the ride.  Looks like Larry is going to be able to join me for most of the ride and I’m looking forward to his company on this stage of
my journey.
Today the 5th I’ve spent catching up this journal.  Did go out to pick up some more farm fresh fruit from a local farmer, this time I purchased blueberries, blackberries and
raspberries.  I love the fruit out here.  The weather is pretty nice, too.
Well this brings you up to date with what the Old Guy has been doing.  Hope your days are full of happiness.

16 Comments

  1. Dave
    August 12, 2011

    Frank, I have no idea how you have been able to accomplish this ride. You’ll be
    the star at the 50th reunion! Good Luck!

    Reply
    • admin
      August 12, 2011

      Hi Dave, “It’s just mind over matter and my mind don’t matter” is my motto and I live by it. I’m no star just a plain old Joe proving if you want to live a dream and it’s not against God’s Laws you can do it. Thank you for the kind words and I very much look to our 50th reunion. Bonnie said she is going to tie my hands behind my back for the class picture next time. Hey, I’ve never fully grown up. Take care my friend and thanks for writing me.

      Reply
  2. Steve Marquardt
    August 9, 2011

    Way to go Frank!!!!!! I have a multisport jersey waiting for you when you get home.

    Reply
    • admin
      August 10, 2011

      Hi Steve, Thank you and thank you for holding the jersey for me. I can’t remember if I paid for it? If I haven’t phone my shop 667-9190 and they will pay. Hope you continue to enjoy reading my journal.

      Reply
  3. Jeanne Payne
    August 9, 2011

    Great going Frank – you did it and for the most part you did it “Your Way”! Hope Stage 2 is just as wonderful. Stay Safe.

    Reply
    • admin
      August 10, 2011

      Hi Jeanne, Thank you, yes as stage one progressed I did it more my way. Stage two is going well, especially reconnecting with old friends like Denny H. and Joyce B. from our CLCHS days. I will stay safe, keep reading my posts as I’ll try to inform and entertain you.

      Reply
  4. Bill Gronow
    August 9, 2011

    Great job Frank! It’s been fun and inspiring following your trip. Keep it going young man!

    Reply
    • admin
      August 10, 2011

      Hi Bill, Thank you for inspiring me as it helps keep me young and going.

      Reply
  5. Barbara Ann
    August 8, 2011

    Glad you made it through Stage 1 of your adventure. You are a trooper….Stage 2 here you come!

    Reply
    • admin
      August 10, 2011

      Hi Barbara Ann! With all my complaining folks who don’t know me thought I’d quit. The only way that would have happened is if I were seriously injured. Stage 2 is going well so far, just made my first posts about it tonight. Take care my friend.

      Reply
  6. Gene Moll
    August 6, 2011

    Quite a journey, Frank. Glad you made it this far. Now for Part 2. Best of luck as you push off.
    Gene

    Reply
    • admin
      August 10, 2011

      Hi Gene, It’s been quite a ride. So far stage two is going well and much more relaxed. Enjoying visiting with old friends is an added bonus. I mentioned a great place for you to write sermons in my journal posts of yesterday or was it from the weekend?

      Reply
  7. Charis Covington
    August 6, 2011

    We were happy to have you Frank! Hope to see you again another time!

    Reply
    • admin
      August 10, 2011

      Hi Charis, you and Larry went way overboard treating me like Royalty. I loved being with you guys and look forward to seeing you all again soon. I’d like Larry to be able to ride more with me but work comes first for sure.

      Reply
  8. Jack & Connie Odell
    August 6, 2011

    Great job. You did it. We’ve been waiting too many days for our Frank fix, but the suspense was worth it. Sorry about Aaron’s bike, hope he gets it back – might be worth it to him to offer a reward. We hope to see you on both coasts (Oregon & Georgia) during legs 2 and 3 of your adventure. Rest those bones before starting south. Way to go.

    Reply
    • admin
      August 10, 2011

      Hi Jack, Thanks. It’s been difficult to keep up with the journal but I’ve got it caught up, almost, once again. Looking forward to seeing you guys in Oregon, what a pleasant surprise Dale told me about when I visited with him. See you soon!

      Reply

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