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Doctor Todd Delivers Roadside Assistance

By
Judy
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While on her annual tour to raise funding for Alzheimer’s, cyclist and journalist Judy Steffes shares an encouraging word.
“While neighbors try to make sense of what’s happening across the country I thought I’d shed some light on great people who are stepping up and showing fantastic generosity and trust.

Friday was a big day on the road and I’m really pushing my limits. Normally I land in a community and make it my home base at 4 p.m. but after grinding out 68 miles I though I had 20 more miles left in my tank.

I’m riding on a bit of emotion as well. Midway though directions from the locals I realized I got myself into trouble.

This was a Friday afternoon and everyone wanted to start their weekend which can make for a dicey situation on the road.

A narrow shoulder combined with heavy truck traffic was not a good recipe.

That’s when Dr. Todd Gray came to my rescue – literally.

“Wisconsin,” he said. “I went to medical school in Wisconsin.”

Dr. Gray didn’t mind that I stunk to high heaven. He was patient with my putty for brains and dragged me to a safe place in Iowa City.

“I just can’t see leaving you here,” he said.

I reassured him that feeling was normal.

That didn’t seem to help him as he checked on me three more times before he left.

Just a quick reminder and some reassurance…. there are great and caring people, especially in an environment when we are wary of what might happen next.”

A day full of history and kindness of strangers

By
Judy
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0

Thursday I was trying to make time and got as far as Ottumwa, Iowa. 

I don’t often write about the churches that turn down my requests as I think it’s just part of the adventure of the tour, but after the pastor at the church declined my request, a woman named Sharon stepped up and let me stay at her furnished trailer. 

“It’s less than a mile up the road and here’s the key,” she said. “There’s air conditioning and a shower and a fridge; just feel at home.”

So generous – and I slept like a stone. 

Friday morning I headed to Fairfield and stopped at Johnson’s corn stand. 

“This spot has been in the family for 30 years,” said Mrs. Johnson who was assisted by her two kids. 


On to Fairfield where I detoured at AJ’s Bike Shop for a quick check in tire pressure. 

“This used to be home to a monument shop,” said AJ.


AJ and Mark were a biker’s dream – helpful, funny, and they provided good directions to get out of town. 

Here’s a look at their rates: 


I like the one “if the repair draws blood.”

On to the next small town of Brighton. 

The other thing that was amusing was the Amish guy at the gas pump with his horse and buggy. I asked permission to take his photo and he said he didn’t mind, but drove away. 

Next, I found myself in Washington County – and I’ll dedicate this photo to Sandy Lang. 

IN TRIBUTE: John Feith

By
Judy
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0

Today I’m riding in honor of John Feith, courtesy of Edith Schultz of West Bend.


If you would like me to ride in tribute of your loved one, please email a photo to [email protected] or [email protected], include the person’s name and a brief note if you like, and send your contribution securely by clicking HERE.

The entire $100 donation is tax deductible and will go toward Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community.

Hurrying home to my “bubbler”

By
Judy
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0

A photo gallery of my spin back across the threshold of the Midwest. Donald at Car Mart in Kirksville, Missouri stepped up and donated a Missouri license plate to my collection. “Bet you can’t wait to get back home to your bubbler,” he said. 


I thought that was hilarious. Usually people say something about sleeping in my own bed. 


Met Ellen during a break in Greentop, Mo. She ran a quilt shop with her daughter in law. “This building has a lot of history,” she said. “It used to be a motel, a grocery, a barbershop….”


Ellen talked about the changes in quilting and how ‘machine quilting’ provided so many more options and designs.


She had some of the most expensive equipment in the county. 

Ellen also talked about her in laws who both had memory-care issues. “It takes a lot out of someone who is the caregiver,” she said. 

IN TRIBUTE: Gene Wendelborn

By
Judy
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0

Today I’m riding in honor of Gene Wendelborn.

If you would like me to ride in tribute of your loved one, please email a photo to [email protected] or [email protected], include the person’s name and a brief note if you like, and send your contribution. You may also send in a contribution to support the bike tour.

The entire $100 donation, is tax deductible and will go toward Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community.

Click here to submit your donation. 

Thanks to KTVO in MO Who Picked Up My Ride

By
Judy
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0

You can read the story on KTVO’s website HERE.

Glad to report I’m not batty this morning

By
Judy
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0

Ann was easygoing. She had been at Mary Immaculate for three years. Prior to that she worked in the public schools. 

I was losing steam fast and we decided to go down the street to a local Mexican restaurant.

Ann pointed out some of the landmarks including A.T. Still University, Truman State University, and the town square. 

Dropping me off at the school she wished me well on my journey and said, “I called the local TV station and they might stop to interview you ….and we were having some trouble with bats in the school but we haven’t seen any for a couple days so you should be OK.” 

So sweet. 

I seem to have collected quite the menagerie of animal, rodent and reptile friends on this tour. 

Update: Checking in this morning I’m happy to report no overnight guests other than Mother Nature paying a visit this morning. I’m waiting patiently for her to move along – you all should be seeing her soon. 

Ran into baby rattlers, but I wasn’t afraid….

By
Judy
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0

Shout out to KTVO, Missouri; thanks for the KUDO!

By
Judy
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0

It took a couple years but someone finally compared me to another cross country adventurer… and I take it as a total compliment!


CLICK HERE to watch the video!

Stephen Sealey, KTVO (Missouri)

IN TRIBUTE: Victims of Alzheimer’s, Families, Caregivers

By
Judy
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0

Today I’m riding in honor of all those who have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease, their loved ones and their caretakers.

Peggy Jablonski is sponsoring today’s ride and says, “I was a nurse for many, many years and took care of many residents that were affected. In honor of all of those affected, and their loved ones.”

If you would like me to ride in tribute of your loved one, please email a photo to [email protected] or [email protected], include the person’s name and a brief note if you like, and send your contribution.

The entire $100 donation is tax deductible and will go toward Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community. 

Of course, you may also make a donation to support the ride!

Click here http://imthebikewriter.blogspot.com/p/donate-here.html to submit your donation. 

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