8/10 Pictures! We want pictures!! Right here on the sticky wiki thingy. We want all the details of Mike's homecoming. I hope he wears the coral colored moisture management vest I made for him!! I sent down a huge box of stuff for when he rides into town; a huge canvas flag that says "DUDE!" (you try thinking of something clever at 3:30 in the damned morning when you're ordering a canvas flag on the Internet!!), about 75 of those things you blow on & they unfurl and make a noise, oh - also noisemakers, a 4 pound package of multi-colored pearlescent confetti (it doesn't sound like much but, believe me, it's all you'll need!) (i got pearlescent because after you throw a handful then watch it fall it catches the light & shimmers. Worth the extra $ totally), there's a ton more stuff in the box; like these things that you whip towards someone and they go from about a foot long to 4 feet long....AND 2 whoopie cushions! Becky, that way you & Mike won't fight over one! (i know it has nothing much to do w/ homecomings but his butt might appreciate sitting on a "cloud" vs. a hard seat for a few minutes.) Wish I could be there but he's probably gonna be sweaty and I've already experienced that once........Big hugs to the "bikers" and to you, too, Becky, XXOO, Karen (the good cousin)

p.s. Hey, before you two take off on a tandem maybe you could send out simple instructions to the wiki-wanna-be's so they can leave comments; I've heard some grumbling from the troops......Happy Trails!!

 

Congratulations Mike. It's an extraordinary accomplishment. I won't say that we are inspired to try it, but it was fascinating hearing about it.

Welcome home. Love, Peter & Claire

 

8/9 One more day to go, but it's never too late to cheer you on. We are so excited for you!!! We wish we could be back there to celebrate, but you'll have to be content with us doing so in California. We are both so very fortunate to have had you in our lifes as a friend, mentor & teacher (I personally appologize about the grey hairs) - thank you so much. We look forward to seeing you & Becky again.

 

Love Jill, Ryan & Siana

 

8/6 Cousin Karen here. Mike called me Friday afternoon from about 35 miles away. I was so excited !!

Just a few more hours.... I continued on with my house cleaning (never ends)......and while doing so I thought

of Mike and his buddies (for this leg of the trip it was Pat & Bob) pedaling across the entire county in the blazing sun,

rush hour traffic, hoping I gave them the correct directions, remembering the steep hill right before my street

and feeling so guilty !!! I DID tell him I would pick him up but he said No. I had to constantly remind myself

that he was doing this VOLUNTARILY - very hard for me to relate to. The moment arrives and 3 big, handsome

sweatballs arrived at my doorstep!! That last hill must have almost killed them. No rest for the weary; they immediately

unpacked & dried out gear from the night before, repaired holes in tents (Mike slept w/ the fishes the night before),

and got organized. Cold showers and 12 diet cokes later they immerged looking quite spiffy, indeed. Dinner, vino & dessert-

Mike told me to keep it simple so I did ! Good conversation ranging from fields of fireflies to the kindness of strangers

and lots & lots about Joseph Brant. Poor Mike had not slept the previous night due to the carp in his tent so he retired

a bit earlier than the others. We could have talked for hours but Mike had said earlier that they were planning on leaving at 8 and

when I said "p.m.?" the look he gave me told me otherwise.......very, very nice blokes. If you have already met him you know that Bob is a walking, talking encyclopedia. I finally had to just tell him to shut up because he was making me feel so dumb!!

Pat is a sweetheart who IS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE!!!! (that is a tale I will leave to him & Terry to tell) They slept, they ate breakfast and they were off!! Way too short of a visit. I'll never understand the desire or have the ability to do what they are doing

but it is fun and inspiring to know people like them. Thanks so much for stopping by, guys. XO, Karen

 

8/3 I can't tell you all what a thrill it was to have the "Gang of Four" visit earlier this week. What a great bunch of guys! I dashed home from church to warm up the bagpipes so I could give them a "proper Scots greeting." After lunch we took "Piper's Due II" for a sail (more like a drift) on Lake Erie during which I wish we could have had more wind. We had a great supper at the Erie Yacht Club and then sat around our front porch enjoying great conversation. On Monday morning Mike was interviewed for the local paper (should be out tomorrow) and then the gang headed into North East for a stop at the grocery store and then on to the PA/NY line for pictures, drinks (water) and a great celebration knowing that you are closing in on HOME. Keep it up, guys and stop by anytime you're cruising in our area. We'd love to see you all again. By-the-way, let us know how Karen's Hot-Pink lycra-spandex bike outfits fit. Better yet, send us a picture of you wearing them while you're eating the French cheese and Artic ice cream! Now THAT'S something that should be in somebody's local paper! Just another example of the "Jonas Bonus" manifesting itself.

More love to all of you!

Cousin Eric (7.10.711)

 

 

August 3, 2006: I just had a peek at the most recent pictures on SnapFish. Since you began this odyssey in May, I've been afraid that you may have changed, that you would have a new karma, that you would leave your old life behind. To my relief, I saw unlabeled pictures of big rocks, photos of a 1971 Plymouth Duster (was that your wallet you were reaching for?), shots of large sausages on a grill, and I knew that our Mike was coming home to us. See you Tuesday. Lots of love and xoxoxox Mary Jean

 

8/1 Mike - dude - remember when I wrote back in april & told you to pack extra cotter pins?

I'll bet now you had listened to me.....or was it hair pins i said to pack? hmm...either way,

extra is a good thing !

xo, K.

 

7/28/06

 

What a great visit! Being retired, I was able to spend a great deal of time with the road gang. Actually, everyday until 11pm. Hup already mentioned the National Park we hiked and toured a bit, and the Rock & Roll Hall yesterday. Last night I treated them all to Alladin's Greek restaurant take-out. When they are eating, it is dead silent. Very intense. I was going to do a test and reach for one of their plates as I'm sure I would've gotten bit. I heard a faint, deep growl when my hand was about three feet away.

Next stop is Karen's. She is frantically making them new matching bike outfits out of Hot-Pink lycra-spandex. These body suits will provide the ultimate safety as far as vehicles are concerned, but they will probably get their asses whooped by everyone over nine years old. It takes Karen about 300 hundred hours per guest to prepare for their visit. Spices flown in from Morocco, cheese from France and ice cream from the Artic, where it is grown in her own private plot.

Anyways....I'm very proud of Mike and I'm so happy for Becky, Jed and Megan in that they can share the pride of Mike's once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Be Free,

Mark

7/30 Sigh. Okay, it has been a loooong and educational week for me here in Pittsford, NY.

I love Mike but I'm not entirely sure why HE is getting all the attention when there are OTHER

PEOPLE out there having not-so-great-weeks. I mean - no offense - but I could ride a bike at age.....

like 3 or something. And I didn't have to go all over the planet because I am FEMALE and I am not afraid to

stop and ask directions!! Anyhow, a couple of clarifications: Mike had what I thought was "baklava"

on his list of "Gear" stuff. Personally, I thought I would have put it on the "Munchies" list but....whatever.

Turns out - big surprise - it's not the delicious Greek dessert we all know and love - he meant it as

a hat !!!!!!!!!! No kidding!!!! A "balaclava" is some kind of hat-thing that covers like - almost your

whole body - which if I was driving out in the woods - which i almost never do - and some guy rode up

next to me wearing one of those things i would just die on the spot saving him the trouble of

murdering me because why else would he be wearing that??!! And, in case you still think i'm stupid

balaclavas were named after a little village in Crimea and the term became well known after the Crimean War

so everyone can now quit writing to me and explaining the difference between the hat and the pastry because

I'm sick of reading about it !!!

Next; my brother, Mark, who had the pleasure of seeing Mike for a few days while in Cleveland, wrote in

an e-mail that I was sewing up some sports uniform type things for Mike and his travelling gang. Mark also

referenced the color as "Shocking Pink." To squelch yet another rumor here are the FACTS:

*they are not full body uniforms but are vests that slip over your head

*the real color is "Sea Coral" which, as it turns out, is more coral than sea-ish BUT he'll stand out!

*Mark said they were lycra/spandex. PUULLEEEZE! I am using a specialty sports fabric from a new jersey

company called "Custom Uniforms". It is called "Koolwik", is lightweight yet strong, and is from a new

generation of moisture-management fabrics that wick the perspiration right off your body as fast as you

can produce it. nothing but the best for Mike. i have made 4 because i think there will be 4 guys here but

i wanted mike's to be different so i put a black star on the back center but Brian said it looked too much like

a target so i had to remove it and am thinking of what will replace it.Sigh.

I can't wait to see Mike & meet the guys-I just hope they won't be sweaty. xoxo, Cousin Karen

 

 

 

July 30, 2006 Eric here. MIke and gang are here. Having a good time.

 

July 27, 2006: Hey Big Time! Nice photo of you in Cleveland (News-Herald). I'm looking forward to seeing you here in Mohawk - still think it's funny that you're going to Boonville FIRST. Hmmm. Anywho, call me soon and let me know how the trip east is going - sounds like the Shaughnessy boys are treating you well. Love and xoxo MJPS

 

7/25 Dude! (THAT I learned from my 2 nephews) Welcome to my old home town. If you drive past 1475

you will notice that it has shrunk considerably. Actually, pretty much everything out there has shrunk including

my old teachers......Don't have any of Hup's coffee after 10 a.m. unless you get directions to the emergency

room first. It's delish but they DO use his recipe in the EMT classes to simulate erratic heart palpitations........

If you have his coffee on your way out of Cleveland you can knock a good 2 hours off your trip.

It's all that, baby !!

I saw Mark for 5 minutes this weekend at a cancer fundraiser here in NY. Don't believe anything he

says about me unless it's entirely flattering.....Greg is so sorry he can't be there - I print out every single

update to the blog and mail it to him. He actually knows the captain of that big ferry.....

anyhow, enjoy my nutty relatives !! I certainly do! xoxo, Cousin Karen

 

 

7/23 - Hey Mike, Sorry I missed your call last night. It would have been great to talk to you. Unfortunately, I was in Vermont getting my butt soaked. I've been keeping up with your journal - it sounds like you're doing well. I guess you've kind of fallen into "the groove". You'll be home before you know it. Hope the wind stays at your back. - Gene

 

7/21 -- Mike -- you poor thing, pedaling your way through the countryside in sweaty, smelly bike shorts and yesterday's socks. No wonder only family will take you in. Your Cousin Karen, with the Fresh Rain scented sheets is really onto something...I'm surprised she is willing to take you in at all. And poor Becky, is she arranging for the fire department to hold a wet-down on Route 28 as you approach home? I mean, a quick shower before meeting your betrothed after such a long ride, well that's only civil (and in some cases grounds for divorce if not taken!)You are Da Man, Mike Porter! Smelly, but inspirational. Safe trip home. Tara COllins, Meredith, The Cariod Club Margaretville (which is still open by the way)

 

7/20

Hey Mikey ~ Gee, I was so excited when you started this adventure and now I'm excited because you'll soon be in our

neighborhood! It's gone by so quickly - it's like I never left home........(every family tree has to have at least one nut, right?)

I noticed on your Gear list that you brought along some baklava. I love baklava! Used to make a huge tray of it every Christmas.

My secret ingredient is a bit of very finely grated orange peel sprinkled over the top. (I noticed you spelled it different than I do) ; )

Anyhow, I absolutely cannot wait to see you !! When you get to Lakewood e-mail me the menu of what you'd like for dinner

when you are here. I just had the AC checked, the guest room is ready, I'll stock the fridge and.......I have a new scent of fabric softener sheets for the dryer !! ("Spring Rain") Very fresh; not too feminine. Just like you !! Be careful out there !! XOXO, Cousin Karen

 

 

July 20, 2006

Hi Mike! I've been a tad comfused with the site but I think I'm back on track now. I believe you are what I would consider...closer to home! That's a GOOD thing! (You gotta love Martha Stewart..explain when you get home!) Rick and I went to visit David, Elaine and the kids..we timed it good...everyone was home. They all seem quite happy and content! Great house! David was busy fixing up the upstairs for the kids. He seems VERY happy. As you know the rain here gave way to beautiful summer weather! For some...maybe a bit too hot. Mary and Chris Grapes will be visiting this weekend. It will be fun to see them! Stay well Mike! Love-Sarah

 

July 18, 2006

Hi! Back from Maryland - what a nice time. Lots of Southern hospitality and even more good food. Girls Gone Wild!! I printed out the article from the Downtown Journal - very nice picture. We're off to Toronto for Yankee game this Friday - I'll give your regards to the team. It was great talking to you over the weekend - keep calling - you may as well, it's free! Love and xoxoxo mjps

 

7/17/06

 

Hi Mike

 

Just finished reading your article from you last speaking tour! Nice Job. Really hot here now, I guess it beats the rain! Fire truck finally arrived tonight so we re ready now incase the rain stops altogether and we start having brush fires. It will be good to get you back on the radio, so hurry up!

Ride safe, and remember down hill is eaaier!

John

 

 

 

 

7/17/06 Hey Mike. We're back in Lakewood, Ohio and have the Luddington to Cleveland milestone red carpet ready to unroll! We're hoping to get the Lakeland Avenue marching kazoo band over here in time. They've got a busy summer of touring. (145 members - 142 kazoos, 2 Harley Fat Boys and a Ford F-150 with bottled water and back up kazoos.) They're working on a bicycle band version. The pond stones imported from your Andes Dingle Hill Camp must sense your approach. Two shades of green lichen have grown like mad. Some of the neighbors say they can read words in the lichen. The concensus is they are spelling out "Mike, dude, you go boy-eeee!" Got your phone message on my way out of town. We're back. Let us know what to stock up on for your visit - grape NeHi? saddle soap? Whatever you want - name it. Later, Cousin Hup

 

 

 

7/10/06

Hey Mike

Just wanted to say hi. Talked to Becky @ the carnival the other day and she filled me in on a few more of your adventures. The carnival was a bit of adventure this year as well due to the damp season we have been having. Keep up the great job, pedal hard and keep the wind to your back. We can swap war stories when you get back.

John

 

 

 

 

7/10/06

 

Hi Mike

 

Just a note from your Porter Camp neighbors on Dingle Hill.

Thanks to Becky, who told us about this website, we have been able to follow your adventure. We are in awe of your endeavor and your commitment to your adventure. We never thought of all the pre-trip planning, preparation,equipment selection,packing,logistics and training that go into such a trip.

We thought your Eire Canal trip was neat( i will do it myself some time) but this is beyond anything that I would dream of being able to do myself(except by motorcycle!!!).

 

Many thanks for having the foresite to set up this web site to better enable the "armchair athletes" to follow the "Tour de Porter".

 

Our best to you for the remainder of your trip and hope to see you back on Dingle Hill upon its completion.

 

Best regards,

 

John& Chris Montella

 

 

 

 

 

7/8/06

 

Hey Mike ~ I was at a festival today and just had to brag about you to the booth of area cyclists who were pushing their bike club. They must be desperate for members because they asked if I "ride". I said "Yeah, I ride ~ all the time ~ escalators, elevators; I even rode the subway once but didn't go back because I went through a whole bottle of that anti-bacterial hand stuff......ugh. The CDC might want to think about moving their headquarters to NYC. Anyhow, I printed out all the sections of your trip off your pbwiki thing & taped them together & mailed them to Greg on the boat. He was thrilled! Can't get enough of the whole thing. I mail him every update you send. I don't know what I'm gonna do after you get home ~ guess I'll have to write something about my own life.....yawn. Hang in there, bud - you rock !!!!!! xoxoxo, Cousin Karen

 

June 8, 2006

Mike - It sounds like you're doing great! All of us here at home are living vicariously through you and your adventure. See you when you get to M'ville. - Gene

 

Mike - your photographs were incredible !! Thank you for sharing. I have many favorites

and might have to start a "Mike Porter Wall of Fame". You are looking great; am so glad

to hear that you will be resting for a couple days. Much needed, I'm sure. I just got back

from a little town in Indiana where my Dad was born. His side had a family reunion.

We're blessed with wonderful cousins on both sides. Can't wait to see you - take care till then.....

XOXOX, Karen S.

 

 

 

June 25, 2006

Hi Mike!

I am really enjoying my houseguests. Carla Wiegers is staying here for the summer, doing an internship with The Open Eye Theater. She is a Theater Student at Fairfield University in Ct. She came here from Florence where she just spent a semester . Maggie Starrs is here just for the rainy weekend...she is a recent graduate with a degree in American History from Wesleyan College , Ct. She is on a cross country bicycle trip...She found us on the "Warm Showers" website . (We have been on the list for 8 or 10 years...this is the first response we've had) Anyway...they are a joy. See westboundmaggie.blogspot.com. Becky

 

June 23, 2006

Hey Mike, It's graduation morning here. We have to be in Walton at 10:00 AM and back to Margaretville at 1:30 PM. All of Lori's family are here, we're expecting about 100 people for the party and it's raining like a son-of-a-gun. I wish I were with you - at least for today. It sounds like you're having the time of your life. I envy the adventure, but not necessarily the saddle sore portion of it. Keep on pedaling. We're all with you in spirit. Gary

 

Hi Mike, Surprise, Surprise, Surprise! This is your MOM writing. I'm at David's and Elaine's. Just had a nice lunch and will soon return to BUGGY, WoRMY Roxbury. Haven't been able to use the deck since Memorial Day. I've enjoyed your writings, having been kept up to date by Sarah and Becky. So glad you are enjoying your trip. It will be good to see you home again. Much, much love, Mom

 

June 22,2006 I hope you are experiencing wonderful weather like we are. Day 2 of Summer 2006 has been a beauty. The garden is doing well here in town,but the blueberry bushes on Dingle Hill are stripped of all their leaves by the tent caterpillars. The fruit looks fine..in fact the bushes are loaded. But, will they ripen nicely with no leaves ? Good food awaits you. Graduation weekend is upon us. Some of your former students have invited me to their parties. (Eun, Andrew, Brendan, Adam and Ryan W) I am wondering what you are up to...hangin in North Dakota in "rest" mode. Is your bike parked away for a few days, or are you riding around visiting Terry's relatives, hallooing gleefully? While you pedal around that 'farm -country' , don't forget to think of that vehicle of yours as "the ever-saddled horse which eats nothing." I can't wait to see you in Minnesota! Love, Becky

 

Mikey! You da man !! I can't believe you are taking time out of the trip and mailing post cards !! How sweet! You are "Renaissance Man". A true inspiration!

Hey, I read your comment where you mentioned Joe Pedulla........ahhh....the memories. Rick & Sarah's wedding reception, your sweet little sister, Mary Jean encourages me to try my first alcoholic beverage. I was 14.....going on 9. I had 7 drinks. Fast. (I didn't know it took a couple minutes to "catch a buzz") I'll skip the part where I was doing WC Fields imitations for the guests and zip to later that evening when I crawled out of your dear Mothers bed (that's where they put me until i was "feeling like my old self again.") and we went across the street to eat!! Gross !!! Didn't feel like it - I still remember that pizza !! Everyone said it was good but there was oil swimming on top of it....I was staring at the oil & it was slowly flowing over the pepperonis......it was too much....I ran out the back door. And that's why i got into the pizza business - to keep my drinking in check!!! (I don't have to worry about Mj seeing this because she doesn't know how to post on the Cheering Section!!!) Keep up the awesome work, young man - you're all we're talking about!! xxoo, 471825

 

June 13 2006 Mike, you have to pedal faster!! Carnival is only 2 weeks away. Nelson isn't sure if he can count without you. We have live music on Sunday, and expect thousands of people(ha, ha.), what will we do without you??Chris and I look foward to your updates everyday. Everyone at MFD has asked about you. best wishes, Terry

 

June 12 2006 Hey Mike , We have been following your progress and we too are envious. It sounds like you are making good progress and if you pick the pace up a bit and get back ahead of schedule you, may just make it home in time to help with my drywall sanding. Our garden is doing pretty good considering it was completely flooded the day after planting. The caterpillers are quite thick here but the trees immediatly around here have not been stripped clean but they have made it impossible to enjoy the outdoors. Keep on pedaling, D&Ehttp://mikeporter.pbwiki.com/CheeringSection?edit=1#

 

June 10,2006 OK, I am envious. I didn't know whether I would be envious, or lonely , or tired of doing all the chores. But , its envy that has struck me. I always get up in the morning geared to get outside to do something. And that's what's so great about camping ...you even wake up outdoors!! I loved hearing the birds singing in the background when you called the other day. And I love your descriptions of how beautiful your scenery is, and how nice the forests smell, as you pedal along. All is well here, Megan is home for the weekend for Melissa and Dario's wedding. It is rainy and cool, just like Montana's current weather. The garden is thriving, especially the cool- loving crops. The peas are blossoming..apparently you didn't plant them upside down like you threatened to do. Miss you , becky****

 

PS. The woodpile is shrinking . Megan has Atlanta blood now, so she really feels the cold. The warmth from the wood stove feels so nice. (Now are YOU envious?)

 

June 9, 2006 Hey Uncle Mike! Just wanted to let you know that Mike is just finishing up his week of Bike Patrol school. If you remember - he tried it 3 years ago and broke his leg in the first 15 minutes of the first day while falling off (sort of) his bike. I don't know if they did it for his sake or not but this time, on the first day of class, they learned how to properly fall off of a bike to avoid serious injury. Mike was asked to talk about his incident - embarassing. He says he never wants to see a bike again. He did a 30 mile ride on Wednesday in the pouring rain - I told him to think of you. He probably wouldn't appreciate me putting information about him out here for everyone to see but he says his butt hurts -- and his shoulder?? His butt and his shoulder?? Anyway, we've been celebrating Olivia's 4th birthday and getting ready for Claire's next week. Lotsa cake! Olivia got a scooter. When I told her you were riding your bike across the country, (I had to use the example of "that would be like you riding your bike all the way to Nanny and Papa's house), she raised her eyebrows and said "oooo, he's going to need a nap after that"!! Stop in if you'd like when you pass through, if you pass through. You could stay with the girls - Mike and I will go out. No, just kidding. Really, I make better smelling sachets than Karen does. Take care, XXOO Becca

 

 

Mike - Mike, Mike, Mike........I don't know what to say.....I'm exhausted from reading about all that cycling!! It's a whole other world....fun to get a peek into it but wouldn't want to experience it. Well, maybe I would - just not with this particular body....That is a great shot of the 3 of you embarking on the trip. 2 things: i hope your upstate NY detour means us - all are welcome. Hot showers, washer & dryer, and real beds. I am making sachets from dried herbs that I grew - am making some extras for you & your bike mate to put in the BOB thing to keep it smelling fresh - you'll love it !! ("Is she joking or not?) Also, re: the minnesota to cleveland ride......i could travel along side of you in a rickshaw......but that's the only way i figure i could do it....let me know if you want me to - i can work on the sachets right in the rickshaw! Keeping you in my prayers, xxoo, 471825 (date: 3rd week of May)

 

Tuesday 6/6/06 - Hi Mike - Another techno-tard checking in. It has only taken me 3 weeks to figure this out - or have I? I've been following your travels everyday. I was concerned when Jay dropped out, but it sounds like you've managed really well. Lori & I are rooting for you. Gary

 

 

Monday 6/5/06 - Hey Mike - I just spoke with Becky. She said she forgives you

and that you can come home now.....xo, K.

p.s. Dude ! What did you do??!!

 

Sunday 6/4/06 -- Mike - Wow, great site, great time, great distance; I feel like I'm riding along with you two (sans the sore ass)...ok, it's not the same as the recumbent bike, but the scenery is inspiring. Remember at the end of each day, you may not be where you think you should be in terms of days and mileage along, but you are exactly where you are supposed to be in the grand scheme of Life. Safe ride, eat large, stay warm...Tara Collins, The Cardio Club, Margaretville

 

Michael - i don't see my earlier wiki comments anywhere. is this site G-rated or something?

i can't handle anymore technology. i am ready to join you on your bike tour. technically, i

think that joining becky in an air conditioned vehicle in montana is more my speed, so to speak.

am worried about our gas mileage, though, from hauling all your stuff....perhaps we can do the

hauling part next trip? i have finally figured out how to use that fancy digital camera - well, pretty

much. i could get numerous great shots of you. "Mike on bike." "Mike going uphill" "Mike headed downhill."

"Mike pedaling faster to get away from his cousin karen." If we rent a convertible i can work on my tan.

in my case, it's more of a taupe than a tan........we have 2 fawns living in the yard !! i've got some good pics.

but can't send them until i figure out how to get my written notes to stick to this wiki thing.

sticky-wiki. sticky wicket. once again, my offer still stands; i'd be happy to give you a ride home from

here when you finally make it. i mean, gas prices aren't THAT high !!

Stand Fast, Clan Grant !!! xoxooxox, Karen S.

 

 

hey Dad,

Well done on the progress. One state down I see. How many states will you touch in all? Annie says to say Hi.

Take Care, Jed

 

May 23rd, 2006** from the Oneonta Daily Star Editorial Page

[http://www.thedailystar.com/opinion/edits/2006/05/ed0523.html]

 

 

CHEERS To Mike Porter for following his dream despite being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in September 2002.

 

Porter, 56, said he loves to travel and finds a bike a relaxing form of transportation.

 

"You can interact with people as you ride along," Porter said. "You can hear the birds sing and see things that people in cars never see because they are going too fast."

 

He arrived in Seattle on Thursday, and was to begin his cross-country trek Monday. Porter, Jay Essington, 65, of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., and Martin Fore, 41, of Seattle, will travel Adventure Cycling’s Northern Tier Route.

 

Porter said he participated last year in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training, an endurance-sport training program. He ended up riding 85 miles a day.

 

Porter’s dedication to his dream is something to admire. We wish him well on his trip.

 

Only one correction needs to be made. Martin Fore has decided to travel on a different schedule and has been replaced by Charles Ginn of Atlanta GA

 

 

Mike,

 

I forgot how to add a post to the wiki without screwing up the main pages, thus this

e-mail instead.

 

I may have nothing to offer, but just in case you might get an idea, here goes ...

 

On gear - as a joke I was going to paste together the supposed new product from BOB -

The Yakkity-Yak, composed of bicycle, BOB YAK, second BOB YAK, in line. Any takers?

It would be streamlined and follow in line.

 

When we packed up the van to take the kids to college I would load the hard items

like computer desk, then fill all the nooks and crannies with "vacuum packed"

clothing. I would put a pile of folded clothes in a trash bag, tie it, then push the

air out and tie it tighter. I actually did this by kneeling in front of the couch and

pushing down with my chest. The clothing would compress to a third of the initial

stack. I think they sell bags, like a large zip-lock, for this purpose. I know they

have them for freezing food.

 

For sleeping - long-sleeve cotton turtleneck shirt, fleece pants tucked into socks. I learned in the Boy Scouts to change socks at a minimum before getting into the

sleeping bag. A little moisture from sweaty socks can be too much.

 

Clothes line, cable or flag pole with clothes pins or alligator clips to dry clothing at camp or while riding.

 

Can the bicycles be used to support tent walls? Aluminum extension poles.

 

For a good night's sleep - keep hands outside of sleeping bag.

 

You know I could trail you and carry some of the gear. So far I'm on a Vespa equipped with a windshield, an ashtray, a kick-ass stereo, a Starbuck's one-cup mini-brewer, and a front-mounted video camera like the police have.

 

I follow the "Half Plan" while traveling - I can survive on a daily ration of

half-a-dozen cans of sardines, a half-gallon of French Roast, and a half-liter can of Guinness.

 

Betsy and I are leaving shortly to visit her sister in VA. Nephew's birthday.

 

Ta Ta.

 

Hup

 

Do I write new stuff above or below the old stuff? Anyway, before we're able to follow Dad day by day across the country right here, we can watch minute-by-minute action from two Bald Eagles on opposite coasts: In British Columbia http://www.infotecbusinesssystems.com/wildlife/ and in Maine http://briloon.org/ed/eagle/index.htm

Enjoy, Jed

 

Hey Dad!!

The Stove's on the way. Shall I try and find a good deal on running shoes for Hup?

Jed

 

Mike, You're the man. Just checking out the site. Tape recorder? Camera? Sun glasses? Are you going north of the Great Lakes? If you take the southern route you might plan an overnight at our place. New bathroom in the basement. If you're in a hurry I can run alongside and hand you a cup of water and a power bar. You can mail stuff here or drop things off to be mailed. - Hup

 

Goooooooooo, Mike.

May the road rise to meet you (except to be downhill), and the wind be at your back.

Or whatever that Gaelic toast should be. -- Pete

 

 

Hi Michael! I left you another message somewhere else on this site hope you find it! Just getting the hang of the site! It's hard to believe the time is at hand! This is a great site! We'll feel as if we're part of your trip! And to help Peter along....(as if he needs it)........May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. TTY-LY-Sarah

 

What an adventure. I certainly look forward to living your ride vicariously as you cycle through the country. Take a digital camer with you and send us pictures from time to time. Have fun. Victor

 

What? You didn't tell me you were going on a LONG bike ride., becky

 

okay i obviously added my comments yesterday to some black hole in the wiki...yikes technology...hmmm NO trip to the southwest??? on second thought - good call - it is already 90 here and the heat of the desert is a bit much this time of year...you will be missed and wished all the best - lather up, ride safe and have fun!!!! love, annmarie and rachel (fiona, too)

 

Hi Mike, the pbwiki is looking good. Just wanted to let folks know that they can control how often they get notified about changes to the website. They have to login, click on notifications and set it to the frequency that suits them. I am going to set it for once a day and then click Save.

 

I made some screenshots of the procees and inserted them below.

 

Mike dearest, I am now on day three of my fast. I am certain that I can get down to 40 pounds by May 22nd. So count me in…I will ride in that trailer. Xxoo, Becky

 

 

 

Hello Mike!

 

Take care of my Dad (Jay) on the ride! I am really glad he is doing this and I am proud that he is giving it a go. All of you be careful and have a great time. My three sons are rooting and praying for you guys (Dee Dee and me too!) I will post when I can.

 

Godspeed and take care!

 

Mike Essington

______________________

 

 

Hey Mike,

Give my Dad a big old hug from his daughter, Tammy! We really like checking in on the site - Dad(Jay),don't worry, all is fine on the home front . We'll keep you guys in our prayers every night!Watch out for turtles crossing the road!

Love, Tammy and Chet and Tricia xo

 

Hi Mike,

The tent caterpillars are pretty bad here, worse in Roxbury. It is like our infestations of the early 80s. Orchard street maples are fine but the side hill behind Southside Road is mostly ugly brown. I am hoping that it is partly because the ashes and oaks aren't fully leafed out yet. But, it is more likely that the tent caterpillars have denuded all the maples. We saw yellow billed cuckoos in the 80s here, eating the caterpillars, didnt we? When you come out of retirement, you could raise some cuckoos to have at the ready in case we get another infestation. You would be a hero.

 

You picked a good summer to be away. These critters are gross. Take care...happy pedaling!! love, Becky

 

 

Hi Mike,

I took a look on the WWW to see if your route was clear a bit further east. Logan Pass is still a bit of a mess. More details below, Bob Thomas

 

Looks like Logan Pass still wasn't open as of May 27th

 

check out this link... maybe they will update it Friday..

 

so if you need a day off... rest up and let them get the road clear and patched up!!

 

http://www.nps.gov/applications/glac/gttsroadplow/gttsroadplowstatus.cfm

 

tonight 6/1/06 it said this...

 

Where are the Plows?

Information Updated at 12:35PM on May 27, 2006

Going-to-the-Sun Road Plowing Information

 

WEST LAKES ROAD CREW

Present Location: Road crew used the D-7 dozer to make a pioneer cut up to the Logan Pass parking lot and to get a look at the Big Drift. The D-6 dozer, John Deere dozer, excavator and the front end loader are continuing to cut the snow down in the Rim Rock area so the rotary can clear it to the pavement. The rotary is in the first portion of Rim Rock. Crews are also working on sweeping and debris clean up in the lower sections above the Loop.

 

Average Plowing Snow Depth: 25 feet

 

Projected Work Activity (next scheduled work day 31 May 06): Weekend crews will continue sweeping, patching pot holes and removing debris in the lower elevations. Crews will begin pioneering the Big Drift with the D-7 dozer and the excavator on Wednesday, May 31, 2006. The rotary, D-6 dozer, John Deere dozer and the front end loader will continue working through Rim Rock and on to Oberlin Bend.

 

Visitor Access: Going-to-the-Sun Road, west side: Vehicle gate at Avalanche Campground

No pioneering will take place until Wednesday, May 31st. Beginning Tuesday, May 30th, road construction will begin below the West side Tunnel. The hiker-biker sign will be placed .25 mile below the Tunnel and will remain at that location until construction is finished.<

 

HUDSON BAY ROAD CREW

Present Location: Road crew used the D-7 dozer, 2 rotarys and an excavator to widen both lanes to the foot of the Big Drift.

 

Average Plowing Snow Depth: 8 - 10 feet

 

Projected Work Activity (next scheduled work day 31 May 06): Crews will begin working on the Big Drift on Wednesday, May 31st.

 

Visitor Access Going-to-the-Sun Road, east side: Vehicle gate at Jackson Glacier Overlook. No pioneering will take place until Wednesday, May 31st. The hiker-biker sign is not needed when crews are working in other areas. Once the crews resume pioneering, the sign will be placed just West of the East side Tunnel.

 

Hey Mike!!!

Its only taken this long to figure out how to do this, good thing your gone all summer! Your doing well cause your use to the rain! If you really hurry you can still be back in time to count $ at the carnival!! Just kidding. Keep it up, ride hard and stay dry. I try to send another note soon if I can reproduce what I have done.

John (Class of 74)