My one-time plug for funds

Well, I'm not doing this solely for the fun of it. I'm also doing this wonderful ride to raise funds for Alzheimer's research. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) has a great partnership deal with the Alzheimer's Association under which 100% of funds donated through NARFE are used for research. So, think of my father and all the others you may have known or heard of who suffered from this horrible afflication, put pen to check, and send a donation payable to NARFE Alzheimer's Research. Mail it to NARFE Alzheimer's Research c/o Robert Tucker, 279 Sunnyside Lane, Williamstown, VT 05679. Doesn't matter how much or how little, just send something.

So, AAAAUGH. Only a week to go!!!! Everytime I cross off something on my "to do before I leave" list I add two more. Enough!! Made sure the camera works with the mini-computer. Have my bag of cords and chargers, MP3 player, camera, computer, cell phone. My carry-on bag resembles a Radio Shack store! Found the map clip and odometer I couldn't find for the longest time. Thanks for the help finding them, Dad! Needed a little divine assistance to find them. The Goldings drop spindle goes in the carry-on bag along with 4 oz. of spinning fiber, and a knitting project (sister-in-law Connie's shawl). Think TSA is going to think I'm wacky (no comments Kak).

I think I have the best group of crazies following this blog! Hope I can keep you entertained!

Two weeks to departure for San Diego

Two weeks until Peter (my husband and best friend) and I depart for San Diego. I've done a dry run on packing and have no problem meeting the weight limit -- now if only I can find that spot where I put the bike computer and map clip (you know - the spot where I would be sure to find them).

Not getting much training done this week. My father passed away Thursday night, so we are in San Antonio for the funeral. He will be greatly missed by many, especially by my brother and mother who stood beside him during the last year and especially during the last difficult days when Alzheimer's fought for his body and soul. The staff at the Oaks at the Army Residence Center were wonderful during his year there, as were the hospice nurses who made his last days more comfortable. He will be with me all during the ride.

So, next post will include an address to send donations to NARFE's Alzheimer's research fund. I unabashedly ask that anyone who reads this send something, no matter how small, to help find a way to stop Alzheimer's disease before it truly becomes a public health crisis with the aging of us baby boomers!

A month to go!!

A month from now we'll be on our second day of the trip. Had Paradise Sports in Windsor, Vermont box up my bike to ship. If you're ever in Windsor, please visit Jim and Rick at Paradise Sports. They have been wonderful. They even gave a basic on-the-road maintenance class to Carol, Peggy and me (Carol and Peggy are on the trip too). Took the bike to UPS yesterday to send to Dan Plummer, Wheels on Wheels, in San Diego. Had to replace my 28-year old bike on the trainer with my 22-year old bike yesterday too. The older bike just wore out!! Gears were worn, chain stretched, tires falling apart. The 22-year old bike is in better shape, but a different frame geometry than the one going on the trip. Oh well, when it is 10 degrees outside anything inside will do!