Inspired by THIS:

Set out on a mission to find a better bike lock. Got routed to stores with similar K-Mart quality. Eventually found a nice cobbler who also worked in a lock shop. He drafted this adorable note saying “help this English woman find a mighty lock.”

I showed the note to several people and finally someone put a mark on my map for a bicycle store and….waaala!

Too bad after I paid for it, even the store owner couldn’t get it to work.

That was a 20-minute process itself until he finally announced…”Now fixa!!”

Whew!

Here’s my personal take on this endeavor:

PARMA, Italy: I’m wondering if my father picked up the idea of baby seats on bicycles while he served in the Army during WWII. He was stationed in Japan and mostly worked in the car pool and helped priests serve Mass.

When he returned home, he graduated from Marquette University, married my mother, and had a family (7 kids total). He built this amazing baby seat bike with four seats on it for his children. (photo below)

It’s been very sentimental pedaling around Italy to see such a popular trend.

Men and women with baby seats on their bikes, running errands with children in tow. Such an easy way to get around town!

I must say…..nobody is wearing helmets, taking into account the traffic is more than bikes, cars, and pedestrians. there are also buses and trolleys – not track trolleys, but the type that run on an electric wire overhead, also known as a “trolleybus.”

Late start today. Toured the fantastic Giordano Ferrari puppet museum in Parma and now headed to Mantova. I’m about 80 miles from Milan with six days left to travel.

Youth hostel in Parma, Italy was my shelter for the night. Come along with me for a tour….

You can partner with me in this effort to raise funding for Alzheimer’s programs and other support for those who have been struck with this life-altering disease.

Ways you can help:

• Donate on behalf of, or in tribute/memoriam, to someone who has suffered the effects of Alzheimer’s. Clear HERE to learn more about donating in memory of someone you love!
• Donate as a way of supporting a family whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s in some way.
• Donate as a way to encourage me to continue to ride on for the cause!  100% of the proceeds/donations go to Alzheimer’s programs and research.
• Donate as a way to make a difference! Together, our efforts to raise money could positively impact the life of your family, your friends, or even you.
• Donate because I’m out there riding on your behalf, sweating buckets, dodging cars at the speed of lightening, fending off strangers with a single water bottle, and sleeping on a deflated mattress. (Just seeing if you’re paying attention….  But seriously, won’t you join me?)

Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2015.”

CLICK HERE  Checks made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation”   113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095  Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization,  and donations are tax-deductible.  Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation:  39-1249432

IMPORTANT

100% of your donation will go directly to Alzheimer’s programs 

which could positively impact the life of your family or friends.

Met my friend Katia from Germany; we met at the campground in Pisa. She talked about the days she spent working with her sisters in their father’s carnival.

I couldn’t be doing this without you!  100% of the money raised through the efforts of The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s goes directly to Alzheimer’s programs which could positively impact the life of your family or friends.

A grateful round of applause to:

• USCCS
• CEDAR COMMUNITY
• SALBERG LAW FIRM
• EXTRA MILE LANDSCAPING & SNOW REMOVAL
• PLANET MOBILE
• WIEDMEYER EXPRESS
• THRIVENT FINANCIAL
• HORICON BANK

Thank you to all who have donated, given their time, talents and/or advice, lent an ear, gave words of encouragement, or otherwise contributed to the success of this adventure to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s.

Still trying all things Italian, including the famous “gelato.” It was a long day of about 75 miles total and I felt like I had earned it.  Two Euro for a couple of scoops. This is going to go directly to my……backside. “As it should,” as my friend Brian would say. I’m going to savor every minute of the creamy deliciousness.

Also looking for a little help from The Soprano fans. I’m trying to find the sliced meat or cheese that Paulie and Sal would rave about. They’d say something like “gabbagool” or whatever. Any ideas?

Take a ride with me and tour the shops in viaReggio!  Click HERE.