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Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s | Meeting fellow travelers

By
Judy
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February 2, 2021 – Islamorada, FL – One of the benefits of cross-country touring on a bike is the people you meet.

Everyone is so genuine and has a great lust for life and adventure.

I met Zach Bray, 25, as I was flying north on Highway 1 out of Marathon and he was slogging south. Mother Nature and her crafty winds are always part of the tour.

Zach had been on the road nearly five months and was having a great time biking, enjoying the food and the scenery. It’s always great to meet someone from my tribe.


Brett ran his own antique shop. He specialized in rare bottles and once found a brown bottle in a riverbed worth thousands of dollars.

I normally find a license plate from the state I’m pedaling through. He said that’s almost impossible these days. I did find a Pennsylvania plate on the return trip over the 7-mile bridge. Nobody is stopping for anything on that bridge so I had a perfect vantage on the bike. Brett was kind enough to swap me out for a Florida plate.

Met Tom and Jeannie at a bike shop. We chatted about touring. They had fat tire battery assist bikes. Turns out they were from Wisconsin. Jeannie recently retired from a marketing job at SC Johnson and knew my brother-in-law who also works at SC Johnson. Small world.

We met later in the day in Key West for supper and then they fixed up a great spot in their camper for me.

One of the more unique characters on the trip has been Doug. He’s been on the road since July 5, 2010. He walks with his gear tied with a rope and slung over his shoulder. He carries a gallon water jug and is eager to share his story.

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s | Another beautiful day on The Heritage Trail in the Florida Keys

By
Judy
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0

February 1, 2021 – Marathon, FL – Early morning start to the day as I head back up the Keys towards Key Largo and, hopefully, a ride on the African Queen.

In an attempt to pedal 500 miles and share stories from the road I’m also throwing down a challenge to raise $10,000 for Alzheimer’s music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend; 100% of the money raised will go to Cedar Community so you will be able to see your donation at work.
HOW TO GIVE:

Cedar Community is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is therefore supported solely by the gifts and contributions of friends like YOU. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Checks made payable to “Cedar Community” with note “JUDY’S BIKE RIDE” can be mailed to: Cedar Community Philanthropy, 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095. You may also click here for a downloadable donor form. (In “additional comments” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”

OR

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

Thank you note

Thanks to Lee and Sandy Stehling from Ace Canvas for kicking in the first $200. I’m currently working on a $10,000 match should the challenge goal be reached.
Thanks, also, in advance for your kindness and support; adventure suggestions are welcome on the 2021 tour of the Florida Keys.

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s | Key West Butterfly Conservatory

By
Judy
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0

February 1, 2021 – Key West, FL – A special treat in Key West is the Butterfly Conservatory. Walking into the  greenhouse was like stepping into a Disney movie although all the special effects were real.

Colorful butterflies, pink flamingos, Polyphemus moths and an array of pupae.

It was worth the visit.

Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s | Cruising north on the Heritage Trail

By
Judy
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0

January 31, 2021 – Florida Keys, FL – Currently headed north to Marathon on the Heritage Trail which runs all along the Florida keys parallel to Hwy 1.

Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s | One-day diet of key lime pie

By
Judy
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Key Lime, Pie, Florida

January 31, 2021 – Key West, FL – Throwing down a one-day diet challenge of only key lime pie.

The highly recommended Blue Heaven in Historic Key West District did not disappoint.

Fresh, heavy on the meringue with more meringue on top. Tart key lime with a super think graham cracker crust.

Great with a hot cup of coffee.

Served in a to-go box and plated for presentation.

Lovely outdoor atmosphere. Bicycle rack for safe parking out front. Wait time on a Sunday morning was 45 minutes.

A quick peek at the rest of the menu is below.

Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s | Unexpected pleasures of wild camping

By
Judy
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0

January 30, 2021 – Key Largo, Fl – Pedaled about 82 miles from Coconut Grove to Key Largo; it was longer than the map indicated because I got turned about a couple times.

Sweaty, sore and fatigued I still wasn’t ready to pay $70 to lay on the hard ground at a campsite so I went wild camping behind a church. The priest gave me permission, as long as I packed up my nest by 7 a.m.

There was a lot of green to choose from. It was private, mature trees and just one odd plastic Santa decoration shoved among some branches. Only slightly creepy.



Skies grew dark around 6:30 p.m. The temps were pleasant, in the low 60s and no bugs. A full moon allowed enough light to easily pitch my little tent and tuck myself in for the night.

I’m sure I fell asleep quickly and I must have been exhausted but what happened next was unexpected.

No, the plastic Santa wasn’t pulling a Jason and peering at me through my tent flap. No, an iguana didn’t work it’s way inside and snuggle up next to me… it was… this.  Cue video…

So random. So nature. So somebody’s clock was really off.

I sound so tired. He sounds like he’s just winding up for an after-bar party.

Oh good grief. Probably hard to hear but it was like echo taps and his friends were also calling back in the distance.

Every. Time.

I found him in the morning. Actually he came to check on me, asked me how my night went… when I would finally be leaving.

He was still full throttle …not even raspy like his throat was dry from smoking with the fellas and being up all night pounding through a case.

On my way out the driveway a mother hen scooted by with five mighty small chicks in tow. That guy sure rules the roost at St. Justin the Martyr Catholic Church and campgrounds.

Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

 

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s | Interesting signs in Florida Keys

By
Judy
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0
Tampa, FL

January 30, 2021 – Florida Keys –  There is an interesting mix of signs in the Florida Keys  It is a blend of the Wisconsin Dells with a smidge of Route 66 and a little Barnum Bailey for good measure.

The flamingo in the Pink Plaza sign was outlined with neon piping lighting. The salmon pink color reminded me of the “It’s a girl” baby pins mom’s used to get in the hospital maternity ward.

Love the Art Deco of the old school motel signs.

This one is my favorite. I had to look twice, then I couldn’t stop staring. I totally have to track down these guys before I leave. They are brave.

We should get the Bell family from Cedar Lake Sales to recreate this ad.

Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

 

Live broadcast of of Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s in the Florida Keys

By
Judy
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0

January 29, 2021 – Florida Keys, FL – Sunny skies, manatee mailboxes, antique stores and key lime cupcakes. Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

 

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s – Coconut Grove to Key Largo

By
Judy
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0

January 29, 2021 – Key Largo, FL – Long day. Pedaled Coconut Grove to Key Largo. Roads were great. Lots of well-marked bike paths. Fatigue set in around 82 miles. My left foot was numb and I stunk from the heat and sweat and I loved it.

Old trees, maybe English Oaks, forming a beautiful canopy over the roads in Coconut Grove.

Sunny and near 80 degrees. Saw my first sign for alligators.

Coconut Grove had everything including a vibrant shopping area, great parks, a head nod to history and a peacock on the roof.

The colorful flowers are vibrant and invigorating and the waterways are inspiring.

Crossing into Key Largo there was a very generic white on green sign. Turning out the majestic signs are on the side of the Chamber of Commerce building.

One of my favorite lines from a past tour is from Jacci Gambucci, “You mean you’re going on vacation and you don’t even have a reservation?”

Hunny, I don’t even know what town I’m staying in each night. It is called adventure and tonight I am wild camping behind St. Justin the Martyr Church.


Rev. Hilde said I could.

My new friend David from the Key Largo Chamber called a couple campgrounds. One was full, the other gave him a price. One girl, one tent, one night. Guess how much?

Higher.

Apparently a reservation would have helped.

Got some dinner from the Winn Dixie next door. The lady at the deli was so kind. She loaded up a plate of rice and spaghetti for only $3 and gave me two sets of utensils.

The lady at the checkout wanted to make sure I had a safe place to stay and she, too, was concerned I had utensils.

The man out front asked about the bike. It’s such a common denominator; people are always so friendly. “I bike about three miles a day,” said the man as he lifted his little dog into the grocery cart. “Three miles and I always end up at the bar.”

People are very friendly here in the Florida Keys.

Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

 

 

VIDEO | Amazing Ride live broadcast from Florida Keys on Hwy 1

By
Judy
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0

January 28, 2021 – Florida Keys, FL – Judy Steffes shares this live broadcast from the Florida Keys on Hwy 1 headed south to North Key Largo. Steffes is currently on a road trip and raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)

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