Just Lucky

Before I forget, I'm putting together a slide show/presentation about the trip and will present it free of charge to anyone who would be interested. Just drop me a line at peace@deame.com.

I've had the chance to ride with a few guys who were 'pedaling' with their hands. It reminds me that pissing and moaning about headwinds and hills is pretty silly. Also, I make a point to stop in at every bike shop I pass and when I start complaining about flat tires or sore muscles I am reminded in no uncertain terms by 'the look' from salespeople or mechanics that I should shut my piehole as many of them would give their left nut (assuming one is available) for the opportunity.

I'm very lucky to be in a situation where I can not only work from the road, but am able, with a modicum of effort, to sit down for five or six hours a day and shuffle my legs back and forth. As a bonus I get to see what makes this a great country. It's certainly being run by a bunch of.... bunch of.... well, let's just say 'people who are challenged in every way', but all the people who has been so helpful and so supportive can only be an indication that things will change for the better. I honestly believe this. I also believe that November is going to be a very interesting time. I don't think the inner circles of Washington appreciate how pissed off people are. A very common comment has been something along the lines of "I voted for Bush, but I didn't vote for this war."

Had a wonderful visit on Father's Day with Father Matthew from St. Christopher at the Lake Catholic church in Prospect, PA. He gave us a tour of the chapel and a history lesson on the parish. I honestly thought the crusifix would fall off the wall when I walked in, but all was well. There was some literature stating that there is a higher risk of breast cancer if you have an abortion, but he was also very supportive of the trip. I guess you take the good with the bad.

The first night in Pittsburgh we were hosted by Vladimir and Marina and we had a spectcular traditional Russian dinner with Marina's parents and their children Roman and Polina. Vlad and I met on the first IPW walk and have been good friends since. When we left in the morning Marina loaded us down with some Russian bread from her mother and a series of kartoshka salads. Spaiseeba bolshoya!!