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Day 37 - Happy Anniversary
Posted by:
David Shuey on
July 11, 2009 at
11:36PM EST
Day 37 – Emporia, KS to Burlington, KS
Miles today 46
Total miles – 2226
Because I did 90 miles yesterday, I only had to ride 42 miles today to get to Burlington, KS. I stayed at the Holiday Express and worked until I could join the Arthritis Foundation Board meeting at 1:45 to give the Treasures report. We decided it would be fun to hook up via Skype so I could deliver the report live from the road. We had some fun with the technology. I gave the report and jumped on the bike at 2:15. This is the latest I have started so I missed the morning coolness…it was hot in the afternoon with a slight breeze now coming from the east. We had a thunderstorm last night and the wind direction changed but still not to my advantage.
I actually did 46 miles today because Google Maps decided to send me in a circle in Emporia ad I got lost. I stopped to ask directions at a home where I saw a couple painting a shed. The older gentleman gave me very clear directions to get me back on track then started asking me very specific questions about my bike. He was surprisingly knowledgeable about bikes. Then he took me over to his truck and lifted a blanket off a completely restored 1961 Raleigh touring bike that was originally outfitted with Campie components. The front fork was completely chromed. The bike is worth a fortune to a knowledgeable collector. I wouldn’t have met this guy had I not gotten temporarily lost. Looking for that silver lining.
I finally found Old Route 50 and headed east on some rolling hills. The heat bounced off the blacktop road surface. The most important thing to remember today was hydrate. I knew that if I didn’t drink water and supplement with electrolytes, I would probably bonk or worse…heat stroke is a possibility. I made sure all water bottles were always full and that I was drinking regularly. I came upon these cows in the pond keeping cool.
They were fine there until the Director of the Valley Club came along and made them get out because the cows were altering the complexion of the pond’s ambiance. (Is that PC?)
I biked on through Lebo, KS where I found no services. Finally, I found the right turn onto Route 75 and headed into Burlington. Lately I have had a craving for cold chocolate milk. I spied a convenience store half way to my destination and stopped in for a milk. I drank the entire container before I got to the checkout so gave the counter person an empty bottle to scan.
I arrived at my hotel and discovered it had no wifi. I walked down to the corner Diary Queen for a small chocolate ice cream and was told they were out of chocolate. Now, Diary Queen has two flavors; chocolate and vanilla. How can they be out of chocolate? The hardships I have to endure! I logged on with broadband and drank another chocolate milk from the Thrifty Market and all is well with the world.
Today my wife Donna and I celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary. Her gift to me is understanding that we will not be together this year because this ride is important to people with arthritis. Thanks, Donna.
David
July 11, 2009
(15) Comments
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Posted by: Diana on July 12, 2009 12:04AM EST
Happy Anniversary - if only I could post a photo here...I would show your fans the wedding shot of an amazingly beautiful couple descending the steps of a church in Philadelphia - 28 years ago...you were surrounded by devoted family, friends and confetti and beginning the journey of a lifetime...you were laughing, holding hands and David - you were pointing your right hand forward...a little hint of the adventures you had in store for your dazzling bride and partner...Thanks for your friendship - it's been a perfect run to date...and you are right...it takes a Donna to understand your passions and support you 100%...you are both special Gifts to all of us who love you...xoxo
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Posted by: John Guarino on July 12, 2009 10:05AM EST
david, I am sorry that I was unable to post yesterday. You know,... being down the shore we have this laptop that is older and slower then the dinosaurs. anyway, Happy belated annvsy! Both you and Donna are some very special ppl.
Now getting back to the cows in the pond, ... It looks like they were cowpooling together to cross the
pond-e-(rosa). And what's with the hunkering for choc. milk?? hopefully, sooner then later, the weather will start cooperating for you to ease your journey. Just wanted to let you know that I am plugging your ride to friends on FB and they r telling me that they have relatives that suffer from arthritis and are saying how amazing you are for what you are doing. I have directed then to your site, and some will be making donations to THEE cause. David, again i say... you truely are MY HERO! Once again, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and keep pedaling onward. August 9th is coming fast. Can't wait to see you.
Johnny G
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Posted by: Kate and John on July 12, 2009 10:12AM EST
Donna and Dave, Kate and I wish you a happy anniversary! Kate mentioned that it was your anniversary yesterday, and I gorgot to post it.
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Posted by: Cathy McKenna on July 12, 2009 12:13PM EST
Happy Anniversary David and Donna! Diana is so right...truly a beautiful couple then, and 28 years later!! Sorry it's a day late - have been keeping up with your blog and continue to enjoy your musings David - have laughed out loud as well as groaned for your discomforts - we are amazed with your journey and pray for your continued safety and strength. Less than a month until your arrival in Cape May - hope to be there to welcome you back!!! Cathy, Joe, Caitlin and Connor
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Posted by: Melissa O on July 12, 2009 2:14PM EST
Mr Shuey: Happy Belated Anniversary to you and your wife, Donna. Her gift to you this year is a blessing to all of us with Arthritis. Be sure to thank her for us!!! And as for the wind I have been reading about, think of it this way...you have been the "wind beneath my wings" since I was diganosed... Ride on, Mr Shuey!!!! Melissa from Seattle :)
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Posted by: Mo McGettigan on July 12, 2009 4:28PM EST
I forgot to wish you both a very Happy Anniversary yesterday! I still remember the first time I met you . . . at Christmas Eve dinner many years ago. I thought you were great then, and my admiration has grown. Most of all, you're one of my favourite Marriages!
Hope all is well. Did you get any singing on the phone about a Ruby Bracelet yesterday (still a classic story)?
Keep on keepin' on. xoxo
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Posted by: Nicole on July 12, 2009 6:24PM EST
Hi David! I heard about what you're doing and I think it's wonderful! Your pictures are great and it looks like you are seeing some amazing things. I am trying to plan a bike ride to raise awareness and was wondering if you had any tips. I have a route in mind and a cause that I want to support and raise awareness for, but that's about all I know! Any tips would be very helpful.
Thanks!
Nicole
nldaddona@gmail.com
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Posted by: Joe G on July 12, 2009 8:47PM EST
Oh no, more cows. First the cowmels, then the cow-pond, and now chocolate (cow) milk. It' no wonder why you all of a sudden had an urge for the chocolate milk.
Donna and David - Here's a happy anniversary wish from your best man. I went looking for the toast and found it written on a piece of 3 hole-paper. It described everything Diana said. (BTW, the paper is 28 years old and still in one piece. Pretty amazing that I was able to find it in the first place I looked. Odd that it was hand written as we didn't have computers back then.)
Ride On! Cape May is just around the corner.
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Posted by: William Smith on July 12, 2009 9:21PM EST
Dave,
Love the blog, read the whole thing yesterday afternoon. The kids liked the pictures. I am glad to hear things are going well. I hope you raise a lot of money for the cause!
Best of luck!
Bill, Kristen, Emily and Billy
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Posted by: Janice on July 12, 2009 10:04PM EST
I LOVE the Valley Club dig!!! Guess you heard about that. Amazing, huh.
I'm not sure everyone understands just how much of a hardship the chocolate loss was for you. Chocolate milk... hmmm... maybe. I was wondering if you have been a) eating any chocolate or b) going through any chocolate withdrawal. It's ok. I've been eating enough for both of us.
Happy Anniversary to both you and Donna. What an exceptional thing you are doing together. Love you both.
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Posted by: Ashley on July 13, 2009 10:08AM EST
I know I called both of you --- but HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
I saw that you called but I did end up having to work and was very unhappy about it!
But hey --- Made 50 bucks for 5 hours of work. That's 50 bucks I didn't have before.
Anyway --- I will call you back tonight and hopefully catch you off the Bike.
Love you Dad!
Still very proud of you!
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Posted by: Ashley on July 13, 2009 10:10AM EST
Hey!!!!
I just tried to post a comment and it didn't show up.
I know I called you on your anniversary, but wanted to say it again -- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I saw that you called last night but I did end up having to work. It was slow but, hey that was 50 dollars I didnt have before, right?
Anyway --- I will return your call tonight after B-zone.
Love you, miss you. Still very proud.
Ashley
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Posted by: Ashley on July 13, 2009 10:11AM EST
aw man....double POST!
triple.
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Posted by: Ellen Clements on July 14, 2009 11:57PM EST
David and Donna,
Happy Anniversary. I am living vicariously through David's ride and he is so lucky to have Donna Not many wives embrace their spouse's commitment to a cause that does not necessarily include them. Those of us with Arthritis thank "BOTH" of you.
Ellen
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Posted by: arthritisreliefhelp on July 20, 2009 12:56AM EST
Happy Anniversary. Wish you good ride !
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