Headed to Springfield, IL through a construction detour in Cisco.
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HEREto make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation formHERE.Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
Everywhere you looked in Milan, IN there is a sign touting an accomplishment from 68 years ago.
The small town sure was proud of that team but odd it had not accomplished anything since?
It was the clerks at Jay C Food Store who enlightened me.
“We had the team that inspired the movie Hoosiers with Gene Hackman,” said Andrei Petravicius.
I was stunned.
”We have a museum and one of the fellas we beat was a young Oscar Robertson,” said Wayne Jones about the former Milwaukee Buck.
And in all these years nobody had a son or a grandson who was talented enough to make another run at a state title?
“That’s why it’s such a big accomplishment,” said Petravicius. ”We are such a small town we weren’t even supposed to win the first time.”
The final score in 1954 was Milan 32 Muncie 30.
Susan Cottingham was the director of the Milan ‘54 Hoosiers Museum, formerly a bank.
Susan was kind enough to meet me at the museum at 8:30 p.m. and let me look around.
It was a magnificent collection of high school and Hollywood memorabilia that put the tiny town of Milan, IN on the map.
The Rollin Cutter rim was attached to the side of the side of the garage/ granary on the Cutter farm in 1948. It was made from a burlap sack and stitched with bailing wire on the bottom.
High-top tennis shoes line the top row of a locker that carries the individual names of players on the team.
A clothesline of colorful uniforms is strung along the ceiling.
The bicycle from the movie along with the hospital bed are two of the items from Hollywood donated to the collection.
None of the big stars have visited the museum in Milan. But that seems to be OK with the people in the community who still revel in the accomplishment of the 1954 Indians.
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HEREto make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation formHERE.Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
There are so many small town charms to find while bicycling.
Making my way northwest out of Milan, IN and ran across this peach stand. The father- son team of Art and Mike Johnson had been working the same busy intersection for 34 years.
“You’re going to get wet today,” said Mike. Dressed in a straw hat and sporting wire rimmed glasses he picked out two peaches and told me to wait two days and they would be super juicy.
Art was 88. ”I was here when the old Oak still stood,” he said pointing to the stump. Mike pointed out the line of power poles and said the farmer sold the land but with the caveat they build their line around the old Oak. ”That’s why it curves out here,” he said pointing to the odd pattern of the poles.
A little ways up the road dark clouds were coming in. Had to make a quick stop to get this big boy off the road.
Spent about three hours watching the rain from inside a McDonald’s. Before I got there I sought shelter in a mom and pop wood carving shop in Batesville, IN.
It was 1922 when William Weberding received a woodworking set from his dad; it was a set of chisels to help pass the time during his recovery from pneumonia and an appendectomy.
William’s interest in woodcarving continued after he recovered. He became an apprentice at a furniture company in Batesville in 1932 and when he was 16 he would spend evenings carving religious statues.
William started a small shop in a 10’ x 12’ building. He was always very Catholic and religious and did a lot for the community. He said, ”We were raised to treat people right.”
William and his wife Monica had five children and over 70 years made one-of-a-kind religious carvings and creations for many parishes across the archdiocese and even the country.
There was an extensive effort involved in recreating the beautifully ornate partition wall behind the altar of Sacred Heart of Jesus church in Indianapolis after a fire gutted the church in 2001.
Recently the family business was contacted by the Batesville Casket Company. It needed carved gold eagles added to a casket which could also be removed so that family could keep them.
The catch is they had to be completed in four days. “We were able to meet the deadline. We had no idea who the customer was until Mr. John McCain passed away.
“We were very honored to have a little piece of making Senator John McCain’s last wishes fulfilled. A big thank you to Batesville casket for the opportunity.”
Some interesting small town Americana while ducking in out of the rain.
On a side note:
Left the McDonalds and picked up 44.57 miles Milan to Greensburg, IN.
Saturday was a similar scenario but not as comfortable as I hid out for an hour under some pine trees at the side of the road. Finished the day late at 8:15 p.m. just outside Indianapolis with 71.57.
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HEREto make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation formHERE.Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
It’s really hard to believe it when you see it. Pedaled into the small community of Greensburg, IN on a very wet day and couldn’t help notice there’s a tree growing out of the top of the Decatur County Courthouse tower.
According to local history it was early in the 1870’s when a small sprig was spotted in the northwest corner of the tower.
People watched it grow and deemed it a ”freak of nature” as somehow a small seed had taken root in the crevice of the roof 110 feet above the courthouse square.
County officials feared a forest of trees may damage the rooftop so in 1888 a steeplejack removed a portion of the shrub.
What was left grew to a height of 15 feet and the trunk a diameter of 5 inches. The tree weathered the storms of different seasons.
Later it died and was removed but another tree started growing on the southeast corner.
Tourists started coming out for a look see. Businesses on the square took advantage and played off the name.
The Smithsonian Institute of Washington D.C. came out to identify the species of tree; their decision was a large tooth aspen. Today it is a white mulberry tree.
The reason it happens is still a mystery and there is no definite explanation how the seeds from the first tree germinated in place.
As far as sustenance, most believe the dust from the interior as well as dust and moisture from the outdoors does the trick.
One jokester said the tree was fed by the ”spring in the clock.”
Today a ban is in place on all tree jokes in Greensburg, IN.
On a side note: Thanks to Phillip at the Community Center for helping find a safe place to stay in wonderful Greensburg, IN.
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HEREto make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation formHERE.Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
So much adventure on a bike. I would highly recommend it.
The Ark Encounter exceeded my expectations in terms of size and detail and creativity.
The Creation Museum was thought provoking and I found some small nuances that were entertaining – especially those aimed at children and their inquisitive nature.
Small town America rocks and so do the people. A shout out to all my hosts – it has been fun making new friends and I’ve been totally spoiled.
Funniest story is the Florence, KY water tower. In 1974 it initially read Florence Mall because of the new shopping center but the highway department told the mayor the business advertisement was a violation on a public water tower.
The creative fix was to paint a Y with an apostrophe and for $500 the problem was repaired. Hokey but popular with the people of Florence, KY and it is now a recognizable landmark with a unique story.
I’ve stumbled upon a lot of phenomenal bike trails. The Cardinal Greenway in Indiana was a 68-mile paved trail that took me southeast from the Marion area to near the Kentucky state line.
Another great trail today, the ALT Trail, ran along the Ohio River about 2 miles between Lawrenceburg, IN to Aurora, IN. It was paved with some magnificent art in the historic downtown and a tie to the famed Lewis & Clark Trail.
The artwork celebrates the strong brewing and barrel-making history of Lawrenceburg, IN.
Taking the time to stop and snap a photo when I see something truly ingenious. Kid’s toys and bikes have a special place in my heart and remind me of my Dad, who started me on a lifetime of adventure.
Barns remind me of my mom and the strong farming community which makes this country great.
A very kind man and his wife took me in one night and offered me a safe place to stay. He was trying to be helpful and gave me the Wi-Fi code and asked his wife to give me some food. I declined the food but he was insistent. She asked me what I wanted and I asked what she had. ”Ingredients,” was her one-word response.
I just thought that was super funny and part of why I love being on the road.
Camped at a former KOA site on the Old Dixie Highway in Kentucky. The A-frame office was charming and dated with wood paneling interior and white pegboard in the food and supplies side.
The sign about the train was adorable. You can just feel the frustration.
The owners took a lot of care to maintain the campground. ”You can stay the night,” said Richard. ”But don’t take up a lot of space and don’t get run over on that road.”
Richard had brilliant roses and some artwork to add comfort at the entrance to the bathrooms.
The No. 1 comment I get when people ask where I’ve come from or where I’m going is… ”That’s crazy.”
If you get a post card please consider dropping it off at Cedar Ridge so they can add it to their Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s display. Who doesn’t like reading somebody else’s mail?
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HEREto make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation formHERE.Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
Do the zipline they said. It’ll be fun they said. So I saved it for last at The Ark Encounter in WIlliamstown, KY.
Tuesday was a hot day to pull into the Ark. My tires felt like they were melting. I wished for a little rain and thought what an oxymoron that would be considering what was ahead.
For those not familiar, The Ark is a 5-story replica of the biblical Noah’s Ark. It is on the edge of Williamstown, KY and was built by Ken Ham and “constructed by Amish builders using traditional timber framing techniques.”
You could see The Ark from the highway. More than massive and according to one of the info tidbits it was larger than a 747.
Families flood into the Ark (pun intended). It is a multi-cultural experience with people coming from across the US.
Walk up the wooden ramp and into the lower level of the vessel and you’re hit with a barnyard aroma and growls and squeals to match.
Bamboo cages are stacked 3 and 4 levels high with a pair of animals or birds in each. They sounded hungry…
Into the bow of the boat you hear the powerful storm and the creaking of the timbers as the vessel rocks and pitches against the waves.
The overall feeling is how much thought, time and creativity went into this production.
The displays, especially the dioramas, are vivid and evoke feelings of fear, greed and hate.
There are obvious liberties taken with the some of the storytelling and images but each section wraps up with a Biblical message or artifact of discovery.
There is a strong balance of fun material for children and thought-provoking information for adults.
Impressive overall is the size of the structure and its surroundings which include fantastic foliage, an interactive zoo, a theatre with live performances and the zip line.
I didn’t think much about the zip line, other than it came highly recommended. I didn’t think about the height or signing a waiver … or flying over treetops… Not until I was getting gear on and standing next to the little girl in my group.
Dayanara V. was 15. She weighed a smidge more than the 75-pound minimum to go on ”the ride.”
“I’m afraid of heights.” she said.
Which was the first I had really thought about the height factor.
Our 19-year-old instructors, Jonathan and Julie, gave us confidence and made sure our harnesses were, most importantly, secure.
It was an interesting dynamic to watch how comfortable Julie and Jonathan climbed the 3-story spiral staircases and jumped with enthusiasm off the platform while trusting the cable.
Dayanara had nothing to worry about as her feather-light frame glided over the treetops.
I, on the other hand, clung to every cable and railing thinking a spasm would throw me violently over the edge at any moment.
“Just lean back into your harness and tuck your legs up into your chest,” advised Julie.
“The oldest person we’ve had do this is 95,” she said.
Odd, I wasn’t thinking of this as an age thing but since a 15-year-old who, admittedly scared of heights, was already on platform No. 2 … there was only one thing to do and that was to trust the line and step off.
Scared, but reveling in surviving the 5 zip line towers, that entire experience made The Ark Encounter one of the best tours. Highly recommend it.
Now to start the pedal home.
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HEREto make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation formHERE.Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
Exploring row after row of headstones in Park Cemetery in Fairmount, IN, the childhood home of legendary actor James Dean.
Wouldn’t you know it, the only one I wanted to see and someone was already sitting in front of it. Pam and her nephew Eric scooted across town in a golf cart. Eric was visiting for the holiday and that was their excitement for the evening… until they discovered they weren’t alone.
“You scared me,” said Pam, as I rolled up through the grassy lot behind them.
“Are you biking cross country? My husband loves that. You should come home with us and spend the night.”
I took the obligatory photo of myself and James Dean and made my way to my host’s house on First Street.
Pedaling slowly down a Mayberryesque road I saw a man sitting on his front porch reading a history book about the Hindenburg. He glanced up slightly looking over the top of his glasses and without saying a work pointed to the porch. A subtle indication that this was the place.
There was no wind that night as Dennis, Pam and I sat on the front porch and chatted. Conversation came easily as lightning bugs lit up the streets and neighbors colored the skies with fireworks.
Retired, Dennis had worked for General Motors, and Pam in a dental office. Married 50 years they settled in their home in Fairmount four years ago.
“I drove past this house every day going to work in 2016. The Amish were building it,” said Pam. ”One day I stopped and told the owner I was going to live there. We just made it happen.”
Pam was fiery and full of faith and common sense. “When I saw you in that cemetery I knew I was going to bring you home,” she said.
I liked Pam. She was confident and said what was on her mind. She also was a wonderful decorator and collector of old things including Fiesta dish ware.
Not to be outdone, Dennis was a collector, too. Model cars was his gig. His floor-to-ceiling collection was stored in a building out back.
Organized and with an eye for detail, Dennis had his man cave set up where he could tinker with his models, watch TV, or read a book.
Dennis was also a seasoned biker. ”In my younger days,” he said. A black Trek was stored in the garage but Dennis said it had been on a lot of cross country adventures when he and his buddies would knock off 50 miles after work.
Eric joined us on the front porch. He had been inside watching the baseball game. A proud Cubs fan, he could have been a baseball announcer in another life.
We chased down the rabbit trail of baseball history noting the change in physique of Mark McGwire, the unique pitching style of Fernando Valenzuela, and there was a debate about how Prince Fielder could run.
“Would you like some banana bread?” said Eric.
An avid baker of banana bread, Eric rushed inside to get a slice.
“It’s his form of ministry,” said Pam. ”He hands out banana bread to people all the time.”
Within moments I was holding a thick slice of buttered banana bread that was heaped full of walnuts.
The bread was perfect and reminded me of banana bread made by Isabelle Muckerheide of Kewaskum. Homemade banana bread and she sold it for $1 a loaf at the Kewaskum farmers’ market. She’d sell out within the first minute of the market. If you wanted to guaranty yourself a loaf you would have to ask her the week before to set one aside.
We talked on that front porch late into the night as the cicadas buzzed and fireworks exploded.
Pam greeted me in the morning with coffee and conversation. It was such a comfortable family setting in a home that could have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens.
Leaving was difficult as my muscles are sore and hard fatigue is setting in.
Leaving down First Street I explored a bit of the charming downtown Fairmount.
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HEREto make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation formHERE.Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
Wrapped up a hot day on the road with 88 miles; just 4 miles short of getting into Oxford, OH. But I was losing my light and people were heavy into fireworks and it just felt like it was time to be done for the day at 8 p.m.
Stopped at a church in West College Corner, IN and left a message for the pastor.
Then saw a B&B and figured I deserved it. Called and the owner came over.
It’s The Doctor’s Inn. The owner asked about the tour. I told him churches were helping.
Said I stopped down the street and left a message. Turns out he and his wife are the pastors and they also run the B&B. His mother-in-law has Alzheimer’s so he comped me the room and I have the historic home to myself.
The owners don’t live here, but they will stop tomorrow and make me breakfast and chat.
Historic home built in 1878. Pretty cozy and a nice reward at the end of a long day
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE. Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
Indiana is a deceptively long state and I decided it was time to buckle down and grind out some miles… and then a maintenance issue hit and became priority No. 1.
My tire pump is wonky, which means I need a new one. I have presta valves, and my best bet is a bike store and it is the July 4 weekend so good luck, Steffes.
Burnettsville, with its cute sign at the entrance to the community, was about 10 miles from Logansport, which had a bike store.
It was a wonderful hazy morning ride through the country where sunbeams split the clouds.
Happened to roll into the Saturday morning farmers market in Logansport which was cozy and very vendor specific. One vendor had a tub of giant radishes… and that was it. She misted them with a spraybottle of water so they glistened in the sun.
Another vendor had unique mushrooms.
And, of course, there were dazzling jars of rich honey and the kind gentleman who told me Logansports bike shop had gone out of business years ago.
But never fear, people at the farmers market started jumping on their phones and networking to contact avid bikers in the community.
“Try Black Dog Coffee House, the owner there is a biker,” said one young farmer.
Sure enough, worked a couple more phone trees and my new favorite Doug came to the rescue and got me moving along to the next town where I managed to pick up a pump and help secure my future on the road.
Clipped off 82 miles into Fairmount, IN which is the birthplace of actor James Dean.
Did the normal James Dean stuff like finding his headstone in the local cemetery.
It was not an over-the-top type of grave site for someone so young and famous.
Someone else riding in a golf cart was there too, snapping a couple of photos for their scrapbook.
“Oh, you scarrd me,” said the woman behind the wheel.
It was Pam. She was tooling about town with her nephew Eric. ”You need a place to stay tonight,” she asked. ”You can come home with me.”
And that was a much better option than sleeping outdoors at the church camp down the road.
Coming up Pam, Dennis and Eric are my new foster family in Fairmount, IN
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible. Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2022.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE. Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
Mother Nature was definitely in charge Thursday as a strong northerly wind punched me in the face as I pedaled south out of Hammond, IN on the Erie Lackawanna Trail.
The trail was paved and extremely well marked as it kept me off busy roads for about 17 miles before dropping me in Crown Point which was a throwback town that featured a couple of wonderful dated signs.
A bit of history on the Erie Lackawanna Rail Trail – It was originally part of the right of way of the Chicago and Atlantic railway which was completed between Marion, Ohio and the state line near Hammond in June 1880.
In the 20th century the route became famous for its fast-freight trains between Chicago and the East Coast. Because the Erie railroad avoided the congestion of most big cities it moved freight faster than many rival railroads.
From 1960 to 1968, having fallen on hard times, the railroad changed ownership frequently, but after several attempts failed to independently revive the western end of the line it was sold primarily to scrappers who dismantled the railroad beginning in 1979.
Small portions of the one-time Chicago and Atlantic railway in Indiana and Ohio survived in the original business as Shortline railroads.
Stopped at a church in DeMotte, IN hoping to lay the groundwork for a place to stay about 20 miles down the road and crossed paths with Zach Stanberry.
A large man with a salt-and-pepper beard, Zach took up the torch on my behalf and made a bunch of phone calls. I pushed along with confidence something would happen, and it did.
Within a half mile I ran into a familiar face standing at the side of the road. ”I called my wife and you’re coming home with me,” said Zach.
“You’re sure your wife knows,” I asked.
And with that I was adopted by Zach and Tabitha Stanberry and their seven kids.
The couple lived in Wheatfield, IN in a large home down a gravel road.
Five of the seven kids were home; the two oldest were at camp
Josephine, 11, was a reader and jumped on my webpage quickly to do a background check on their overnight guest.
“It’s a dinosaur,” she said. I knew she found the page.
Hadassah, 9, also know as Birdie, was inquisitive and an eager athlete. ”I ran 5 miles in an hour during a fundraising event,” she said. “I bet I can bike a long way, too.”
A lot of bikes and scooters came out during my visit. Zach toured me around the property which included chicken coop with a variety of birds, an old Cannondale bike in a large storage container and a story about their 400-pound pig they eventually slaughtered.
Back in the house a couple more kids took time out of their play schedule for introductions.
Tobin, 6, was the lone boy with six sisters. Tobin was missing his two front teeth and spoke proudly about his swimming accomplishments and his apprehension at starting first grade.
Aleezah and Sadie were the 5-year-old twins. A bit of a surprise to mom, Tabitha; she knew she was having one and when she called Zach at work to tell him the good news his response was less shock and more, ”I done good,” he said.
The family treated me like a longtime friend who just happened to pedal in for a visit. Conversation came easy.
Sitting in the shade on the back porch I heard stories about their move from Woodstock, IL, how they met 21 years ago when they were both counselors at a camp for kids with special needs.
Both went to school for education. Zach was skilled in American Sign Language and Tabitha worked with kids with disabilities.
The pair dated a year, got engaged and married. They knew they wanted a large family.
Zach worked for the local union with a focus on heating and cooling systems. Tabitha, who sported long dreadlocks and spectacularly colorful outfits, was a stay-at-home mom who homeschooled for 11 years. She then got her CDL and drives school bus.
Both work catering jobs as a side hustle.
Their faith was inspirational and supper was fantastic with newfound friends.
High carbs were on the menu for the evening; noodles with tomato sauce, ground beef and broccoli flowerets.
It was quite fascinating to watch the routine as four plates were doled out for ”the littles.” The youngest took their plates and went to sit at the table on the back deck.
By the time the rest of us joined them they were just sitting and waiting patiently.
I grew up in a family of seven kids as well; I don’t recall that we were that well behaved.
After a thoughtful prayer we explored as many topics as the evening would allow.
Tabitha was a foodie who desired authentic experiences. During her last vacation with her best friend, they stayed in a yurt in Missouri.
“What is that thing on your glasses,” asked a curious Tobin.
It is my rear view mirror so I can see cars approaching when I bike. That set off an event where every sibling stood in line to give it a try.
Tabitha made faces behind their backs as they tried to frame her in the mirror. More difficult than anticipated the shine wore off that game quickly and they were off to play in the yard which included a hill and carts they took turns riding down the hill.
As bedtime approached the kids got into their pajamas and said good night.
It was an extremely special evening and the best experience of my tour so far.
If the way that somebody lives pleases the Lord, the Lord will lead him into good things. Psalm 37:23 Easy English Bible
The 2022 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible.
Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2021.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095 Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432 You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE. Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
