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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”)

Brief Travelogue Addition to WCI: Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s in the Florida Keys

By
Judy
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0

January 28, 2021 – Washington County, WI – After a year-and-a-half hiatus I figured it was time this ole gal gave her new hip a whirl. The adventure will include bicycling from Miami to the historic Hemingway House on the coast, a search for the storied 6-toed cat, pedaling the Seven Mile Bridge and the other 35 in between, and a one-day diet of nothing but key lime pie.

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.
Notes for you…

VIDEO | Roadside personality across Washington County

By
Judy
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0

Town of Trenton, WI – Pedaling the side roads across Washington County and discovered a trend towards local artwork that really adds personality to the landscape.

Quite a few neighbors find unique ways to show off their colorful flowers.

 

There is also the very midwestern roadside stand for sweet corn and in the Town of Trenton an artist used every inch of an old tree to carve a tribute to wildlife.

 

 

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The primary sponsor for the Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is Cedar Community. Your partnership in this event will help to provide unique events and special activities for seniors at Cedar Community – right in your own back yard.

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”

Cedar Community is primary sponsor for this year’s Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s

By
Judy
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0

August 20, 2020 – Washington County, WI – The annual Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is currently under way with WCI editor Judy Steffes pedaling through beautiful Washington County and beyond. Cedar Community is the primary sponsor for this year’s Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s. Your partnership in this event will help to provide unique events and special activities for seniors at Cedar Community – right in your own back yard.

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”

 

 

VIDEO | Roadside personality across Washington County

By
Judy
-
0

 

August 20, 2020 – Town of Trenton, WI – Pedaling the side roads across Washington County there is a trend towards a lot of local artwork that really adds personality to the landscape.

Quite a few neighbors find unique ways to show off their colorful flowers.

 

There is also the very midwestern roadside stand for sweet corn and in the Town of Trenton an artist used every inch of an old tree to carve a tribute to wildlife.

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

The primary sponsor for the Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is Cedar Community. Your partnership in this event will help to provide unique events and special activities for seniors at Cedar Community – right in your own back yard.

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”

VIDEO | Comes with Baggage – A movie about the history of bicycle travel

By
Judy
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0

August 16, 2020 – Probably one of the best videos that describes the exhilaration of bicycling cross country.

The current Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is touring the townships of Washington County. Farms, Families and Faith. Click HERE to follow along.

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