Willie pedaling to benefit FOOD ALLERGY & ANAPHYLAXIS (FAAN)

This will be my last post on the blog; a blog launched 92 days ago to chronicle my journey across the United States on a bicycle. Thank you to all who have followed along on the blog, and for those of you who cycled along with me, and for those who met me for a hamburger in remote spots along my way. Foremost, thanks to everyone who was able to financially help me achieve my goal of raising at least $25,000 for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Lastly, a big thank you to all of those of you who prayed for my safe journey. I also know that I had some big guns watching over me from above.

FINAL STATS

Dollars raised for FAAN --$25,535.99 (that includes the $32 raised by the 10 year olds with the lemonade stand in Columbia, South Carolina); Exceeded Goal of $25,000- THANK YOU!

3,539 Miles across 15 states; 2 Oceans, 2 deserts; 5 mountain ranges in 44 riding days

Reader Comments and Words of Encouragement- 595 comments

Elevation Gain—99,584 feet

Flat tires-6

Page Views on Willies Blog- 37,525 (37,000 from Willies Family)

Hands I shook of first responders from Los Angeles to Boston - 286 ((+/- 6 handshakes)

Loose dogs that chased us on our journey- greater than 8 but less than 12

Total trip ESI = 3,539 Miles = 224,231,040 Inches or the EXACT number of laughs

generated by the Three Stooges over the past 84 years. Nyuk, Nyuk, Nyuk (sourced by Team Iggy)

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As to the blog and the 290 posts I posted. I sought the balance of knowing my 5th grade daughters school class was logging in during the day, to knowing that my mom was monitoring things as well--but also knowing the cause of food allergy was serious and knowing that I had to keep it ‘Willie'ish' to keep folks coming back.

About 20 people left Los Angeles with the goal of riding ESI --'Every Stinkin Inch' of the route. 7 did it. Willie was indeed one of the 7. Largely, thanks to good luck and Tom Chong, my trainer—and others who educated me that ‘if you take care of your bike, it will take care of you’. Rich S. Jim L. and Peter R specifically.

I did not have time to visit, read and take pictures of so many items: thousands of historical placards, the dozens of VFW Halls, interesting barns and farmhouses, cemeteries, memorials for our veterans, tree line town squares, abandoned schools and gas stations, incredible architecture from west to east, cafes in these little towns, and further combined with the endless views of natural beauty. I wish I had more time.

The purpose of visiting first responders turned out to be a great daily goal for me but also a real way to connect with these people in these towns. Leaving a smile on their faces gave me an overwhelming sense of fulfillment--and that in turn put a smile on my face.

Willie was a bit sentimental last Friday for the last 18 miles but not overly--and while my body was surprisingly ready to turn around and go back to Los Angeles --it is time to get back to reality of home life. It was time for this rolling cattle drive to be over and I am fine with that.

For the last 18 miles on that last day I pondered, like those who have come before me, the magnitude of the journey that we had just accomplished. I had the luxury of time to both train and do the ride to chase my dream. But not all dreams need time; just persistence. Dreams don’t have to be chased down next week or next summer. The seed for my dream was planted 30 years ago in Cleveland—I just tucked it away and never let it get out of sight. One needs to be wise enough to just know when that window of opportunity opens and presents itself. The riders on this journey were from across multi age groups—early 30’s to 73, at different spots in their personal and professional careers, and at different steps of the economic ladder. Some simply told their employer they needed an extended period of time off to chase their dream.

One takeaway that was real for me. Obstacles to fulfill dreams don't seem so impossible anymore. I need to carry that thought into my next professional career and keep that at a personal level as well.

Some have asked about my next adventure—Fellow cyclist Harry Crampton of Liverpool England fame has raised the prospect with a few of us of climbing to Base Camp at Mount Everest. I am currently taking applications for anyone who wants to be a Sherpa. One required qualification-- need to be able to carry Harry's' Bud Light up steep inclines. But as to cycling—I will continue to ride and maybe Ireland next spring.

I was asked early on as to how I would measure success for this trip. Hmmmm. At the surface—finishing ESI of 3,415 miles and being safe and sound and achieving my $25,000 fundraising goal seemed like the easy answers. But those seemed too apparent to me. So for 49 days I noodled and noodled and then the answer revealed itself in a few simple ways; handshakes, smiles, comments and emails that I got from you and what some of you have told Mary.

I put a lot of smiles on faces (and got a good share of laughs) as I talked to firemen, policemen and EMS personnel and as I pedaled off after each of my visits there was a great sense that I just made these individuals feel just a tad better about what they do—simply by shaking their hands, looking them in the eyes and saying ‘thank you’. I felt/feel good about that –very good.

Ones ability to inspire others to improve their own lot or feel good about what they do or take a better course of action that they would otherwise not take is a great measure of success. I have gotten feedback that at least 20 people have dusted off their bikes or are running again in races or triathlons. Even if I have influenced only one person in this regard—that’s ok by me. He/She could be the one that will hire me in my next job.

For the friends who chased me down to ride with me or have chow with me in these remote towns--Stephanie Cinocco, Anita Rodriguez, Greg Walters, John Woodlock, John Andrews, Rick Daignault, Brian Jurgensmeyer, Jeff Porter, Mike Egan, Brendan and Vicki Boughton, Roland Boughton, Doug Smith, Scott Mclaughlin, Brian Stucki, Dennis and Anu Peery, Dan Frazer, Matt Pollard, Patty Tikkala, The 'Birdman', my contingent of 10 cousins and nieces from Cleveland, and Stretch and Dana. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to on the previous days ride. Some of you incurred personal costs and time off of work—and that is noted for the file.

Sadly we lost one of our cyclists along the way of natural causes. He inspired all of us to continue the journey and we saw ‘Charlie’ in various forms—a group of horses picking up the gallop and riding with us in New Mexico or the geese in Missouri that seemed to be leading us ‘thatta way’.

A quick and final thank you to Chris Stewart for advising, designing, constructing, and maintaining my blog. Chris was with me since last summer and has been on the clock 24x7 troubleshooting issues as they arose. And to the Boughton’s who have been gracious supporters in more ways than I can count and who never complained about setbacks on the home front. An inspiration to me in confronting real and meaningful issues in life. Just “shoulder on” knowing that friends are everywhere—as Jimmy Stewart found out in my favorite movie.

And a note of THANKS to The Cross Roads Cycling Staff who were real professionals and who kept our road safety as the number one priority. If my own kids were thinking of this same type of adventure—I would insist that (i) they do it with CrossRoads and (ii) they read the CR training manual from end to end and don’t skimp on the training.

And to My Family –The Best Support Team around who visited me in 4 cities and followed me for 3 days; so not only did they allow me to Chase My Dream, they chased it with me. And we had fun doing it.

There is another great country out there; one that is different than the ones we see (and what our children see) in airport terminals and the ones we see as we fly 75 mph down the interstates. These small towns have people with spirit and big hearts who show great pride in what they do and in their communities and talk about their neighbors amd neighborhoods—with patriotism and flags flying everywhere. Are they worried about the future? I think so. —but I didn’t hear any outright complaining. There is an inner toughness there somewhere with the people that populate the heartland and these country towns. Hard working people who don’t need much to be happy. Real Minimalists.

As I said in one of my blog postings—my next dream is to ride this journey when I am 73 years young (like my fellow rider Hank) with my kids. I hope to see these same towns not just surviving but thriving. My blog posting of 6/5—“Priceless” regarding the town of Maysville, Missouri told me that the heart beat of America is alive and well.

Chase your dreams…

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I have read once again over the 590+ comments and have concluded that I have 590 winners of Willies top 75 Comments. We all win.

But I also want to give a few Willie Awards.

The award for 10 year olds that brought a tear to Willies eye goes to

These young entrepreneurs who opened up a Lemonade Stand in Columbia South Carolina for FAAN and raised $32.

“Mr Arendt Our ‘Lemonade for Willie’ stand raised $32 for FAAN. We told your story to everyone who stopped by. We were hoping for the local police or EMS unit to see us but we did not see them. The UPS delivery guy was our first customer. It was hot here yesterday. Have a safe trip.”

The award that showed Willie that there is still genuine kindness and charity in this country goes to a borderline homeless individual on the fringes of a very poor part of Gallup, New Mexico who shoved $2 in our hand and said ‘put it towards your cause’ and disappeared.

The award for the nicest people in the towns of the heartland goes to

The People in Kansas—with Missouri a close second.

The award for the best timing of a Word of Encouragement goes to

David Agatston. At one of my low points on the road in Springfield, Ill- morning roll call, rainy, crappy weather, bike issues, food that was beginning to taste the same at all times ….For only the second time of the trip when I questioned whether this was worth it. I got a prompt on my phone that a new “Word of Encouragement” had posted. I read it—short but precise. Smiled and started pedaling and never looked back. Never underestimate encouragement and its timing.

The award to the Police Chief who first confirmed to me that I was on to something with my First Responders visits goes to

Roger Hatcher, Chief, Tucumcari Police Department, New Mexico who posted

“Willie, thank you for stopping in. You are an inspiration to those of us who are too timid to try the seemingly impossible. In just a few moments I had the opportunity to see amazing character in a man who came and went like the wind of eastern New Mexico. God's speed as you travel this great nation inspiring others to give of themselves for those less fortunate. God Bless you and your family.

The never too old award goes to

Fellow cyclist Hank Darlington--at 73 years young who rode from Los Angeles to Boston and who proved its never to late to chase your dream.

The award to the rider with the most patience with me goes to

Chris LeGette. Hands down. Chris is quite a talent on a number of fronts and was patient with me as my riding technique and flat tire changing routine was a tad second class starting out. He stayed with me even though “I had a cougar all over me as I was cycling.”

The resurfacing award goes to

Bob Jones. Its been 20 years and not a peep and BAM, there he was on my blog. Espey- a close second.

The reconnect award goes to the

Tom Englehart--The ‘Birdman’ who in typical Bird fashion latched onto my mission and followed every pedal across the United States and chased me down in Ohio for chow.

The award for the person ‘I am glad posted a comment, as I lost track of and I need to follow up with’ goes to

Dan Welch. In the top 3 of the smartest and most enjoyable people I have worked with in 30 years.

The words of support to encourage me to finish goes to

Shannon Murphy who told me that if I finish the ride, I wont have to go listen to the next motivational speaker that her dad lines up.

The ‘We have a new name for you Willie ’ award goes to

Andrew Harrs. I have never had anyone call me ‘Gump’. I kinda liked it-and like Forrest, he had a pony tail too.

The Extreme Marketing Award goes to

Rick Daignault. For coming up with branding of my journey and related apparel as “The Rat World Tour”, ‘The Rat Rally Round the World’, “The Wombastical World Tour”, and Developer of the Original RADWear and now RATWear. Operators are standing by if you want RATWear.

The ‘I got nothing award’ goes to

Patty Tikkala in describing my next days journey to Great Bend, Kansas.

“Ahhh, Great Bend, KS. What to say? No, really, what to say???? I got nothin'.”

Note from Willie: A good laugh late at night. It turns out Great Bend was one of my top 3 small towns just goes to show you that you don’t need a lot of content in Wilkipedia to be a cool place.

The best advice given after riding 115 miles through the desert award goes to

Katy Girard who suggested I take a shower with all my clothes on— I did and it felt marvelous darling.

The best sports update with a rap slant to it award goes to

Rocker James Deely of California. The only thing missing was Barbara Billingsley to translate. I enjoyed everyone of them JD—and understood at least 70% of what you were saying.

The Fun fact Award goes to

Jump ball between Miss Roe and Patty Tikkala. You make the call. Willie read them all and sounded ‘intelligent’ the next day with the other riders. Ok—so maybe that’s not the right word.

The concise summary of my trip award written by someone other than Willie goes to

Matt Pollard.

‘You have raised money for a very worthwhile cause, chronicled the goodness of small town America, honored first responders, and did all that in a good natured and humorous way’

Well said Matt.

The Willie is still thinking about this comment award goes to

Team Iggy

Our research indicates further cosmic alignment between your Trek and the Tribe. We are uncertain as to the possible implications, but DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT allow the vision of the Stay- Puft Marshmallow Man to enter your consciousness for an extended length of time.

The after all of these years award, it still makes us laugh award goes to

Chuck Jehle on ATLAS.

“We are now DONE with the ATLAS reconciliation. This one had a very storied past; Bill Kitt had this located in the Dallas DC, Brendan sold this to Clearwire, Kevin O’Brien indicated it was lost in the PeopleSoft 8.9 conversion and Grant O. counted this once on an inventory observation”

Very good laugh. Thanks Chuck

The ‘What if we got them all in the room at the same time” award goes to

Team Iggy

Our firm’s research indicates that the following notable persons were born in Missouri include: Astronomer Edwin Hubble, scientist and inventor George Washington Carver, zoologist Marlin Perkins, autobiographer and poet Maya Angelou, novelist and poet Langston Hughes, novelist and social critic William S Burroughs, writer Dale Carnegie, singer Josephine Baker, singer Michael McDonald, musician Chuck Berry, musician Eminem, songwriter & musician Sheryl Crow, composer & pianist Burt Bacharach, film director John Huston, film director Robert Altman, actor Ed Asner, actor John Goodman, actress Betty Grable, actor Robert Guillaume, actor Kevin Kline, actor Vincent Price, actor Dick Van Dyke, actress Kathleen Turner, actress Linda Blair, rapper Nelly, broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, basketball player and former US Senator Bill Bradley, baseball player & manager Yogi Berra, baseball player & announcer Joe Garagiola, baseball player Casey Stengel, baseball announcer Harry Caray, boxers Leon Spinks & Michael Spinks, golfer Hale Irwin, comedian Redd Foxx, comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer, businessman J.C. Penney, outlaws Jesse James, Frank James and Cole Younger, outlaw Belle Starr, political activist and author Phyllis Schlafly, talk radio show host Rush Limbaugh, General Omar Bradley, and General John Joseph Pershing.

Can you imagine if we got all of these people in the same room?

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Willies Comment- Jesse James and Rush in the same room. Funny stuff.

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Remember –know when that window opens and then chase your dream....

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