Day 4

Today's update finds Bob in Norton, Kansas. He made 61 miles of progress before needing to head in due to severe storms and reported tornadoes in town. One of Bob's big concerns going into this ride was running into severe winds and tornadoes so this is not good news. But he pushed through to make it to Norton which is where he will branch off to start his journey northeast.

Here is a map of the weather outlook current in the area. Hopefully heading a bit north as well as a good night's sleep will clear up some of the weather for tomorrow:

Day 3

Bob had a great ride today. He made it all the way to Atwood, Kansas today. That was 125 miles in just 5 hours and 50 minutes so he obviously made great time and made up for some of the time he lost on days 1 and 2. He averaged 21.5 mph. He sounded in great spirits and said Kansas has the best roads so far.

Check out the new Google tracking map I set up. You can see his stopping points each day and the route he is taking. It's really neat to be able to follow along like this.

Go Bob, we're all rooting for you!

Days 1 & 2

Bob headed out on his maiden voyage yesterday and completed day two today. Here are the short overviews of the first two days on the road:

Day 1: Today was met with terrible headwinds which made riding slow and laborious. The roads were clear, though, and Bob says he could often see nothing but fields and roads for 10 miles ahead. He was able to ride 65 miles despite the headwinds.

Day 2: Today the headwinds were unrelenting with storms, lots of brown ominous clouds and tornado warnings moving in this evening. Bob had to call it a day early but managed to get 61 miles logged today. He was able to draft off the RV once in awhile but the winds have mind the first two days a lot of work. Sherrie and Bob are resting in Anton, Colorado which is an extremely small pictured below. Bob hopes to make up some time tomorrow and cross the Kansas border with the goal of staying in St. Frances, KS tomorrow night.

Bob mentioned in his last post that he is raising money for his local Habitat for Humanity in Evergreen. For those who wish to donate online, here is a link to donate online and you can designate that Bob's affiliate, Blue Spruce HFH, receives the donation. On the left side of the screen, please click the orange button to designate which Affiliate you wish to donate to and enter the affiliate name: Blue Spruce HFH .

Donations to Habitat for Humanity

I have decided to do this "Ride" for a Cause as well as to satisfy my own ambitions. Habitat for Humanity has been a place for us to volunteer, to help build houses for needy people, and to raise additional funds, for this process, through their Resale Stores which we regularly volunteer our time, excepting donations of clothing, furniture, etc, arranging the store and reselling these items to people.
I would be very happy if anyone wanted to donate/pledge funds to Habitat in my behalf as I Ride Across America for Habitat. Please contact Lynne Miller at Habitat Resale Store in Evergreen, CO, phone #: 303-674-4917. Normal store hours are: Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat usually 10am to 4pm however Lynne will call you back anytime you call if you want to pledge. All tax deductible. Thank you. Bob Clark

We, Sherrie and I plan to depart Morrison May 29th if the weather holds. More later....Bikerbob

Tune up ride for CO to Michigan

May 20: Training continues with a century ride, 103 miles, at Santa Fe, NM. Completed the 103 miles in 5 hrs 41 minutes, an improvement over last year by 23 minutes. Part of this ride had a hard climb of 18 degrees for .7 mile. My heart still seemed to come through my chest but it was easier than last year. It was fun to ride with friends from Team Evergreen Bicycle Club and especially Don Hanson and new friends from Summit County, CO. I believe I'm ready for the Open Road. Only a few more 20, 30 and 50 milers to go before departure. One last tip for a "dream" ride like this: It's a must to have an awesome wife for support!

1400 miles - Colorado to Michigan

At the end of May or June 1st, I will attempt to cycle, bicycle, from Morrison, CO just west of Denver, to Concord, MI near Jackson, MI. This 1400 mile trek through 8 states in 20 days, weather permitting. I am doing this solo, except for Sherrie, my wife, who will drive, "Sag Wagon" for me in our Rialta (small motorhome) providing food, water and nightly lodging and entertainment. My reason for doing this when people ask is: I have to do it before I get too old, and at 63 I don't feel too old yet but medicare is just a little over a year away. More later. Bob Clark