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Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 52
Day 52: the dark hours. Today I was tired from the 115 miles yesterday. I got to mile 45 and was done. I wanted to quit, I was searching for a way out, a way to cheat. As I was thinking this lighting struck 100 ft away from me and my bike shook. The clouds then opened up and began to pour water on me. At that exact moment tears began to flow. I felt like I had let you guys down. All I could think about is people with breast cancer don't get to give up. If they give up they die. After 30 mins of that a weight was lifted. I finished the day with my first back to back century. NGU. Sorry for the let down
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Day 51
Day 51: 115 miles! I am super tired and can't find anything else to say. Ngu
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day 46
Day 46: finally got some sleep which really helped with my ride today. Feels like my body recovered to 70%. Tonight should be an interesting night. I am meeting with a lady who has terminal breast cancer. 73miles NGU
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Day 45
Day 45: my body felt like death today! It took me too many hours to do 48 miles. It was a mental battle which made me think of all the battles on the back of my jersey. I just can't give up when I have such a heavy heart. 48 miles NGU
Day 44
Day44: did 118 miles in 110 humid heat. Maybe I should of listened to the birds or my mind. I swear the birds were sounding like sirens and giving me a heads up that something was wrong. My body was breaking down and I don't know how to stop. I got off my bike at one point and my body was shaking from heat exhaustion/ dehydration. At mile 118 I was finally done and thankfully I was being taken to a house to eat and sleep. I shouldn't be alive. Just another reason to be thankful to be here. Sorry for the scare.
Day 43
Day 43: woke up at 530 am and was running on fumes thanks to a late night call with a special girl. For breakfast I had almost another full on four course meal. It was one of the most filling breakfast ever. On the road I managed to look ahead and cut some Miles off of my trip and get to the subway in girad where a lady by the name of Joanne was waiting for me. Joanne was a local business owner of subway, she wanted to meet me and feed me a free sandwich. Once I left subway I was greeted by a honking car that was waving a breast cancer ribon out the window. I thought well that's cool, then I started to hear go Kevin go! Which blew my mind! It was Stephanie, a lady from the Kansas susan g komen branch. She stopped and talked to me and at the hotel she had left me a care package! After I got all cozy at the hotel a news crew showed up to film me. I was more than willing to get all my gear back on. Then once that was over I got another call saying a newspaper crew was there to also to do a story! Trisha sure knows how to keep this story rolling! Thanks ari gold
Day 42
Day 42: I slept in till about 10 and I didn't hit the road till eleven which made for a hot and sweaty late day ride. I got to the town of chatnute and went to this awesome b&b. At the b&b I had my first taste of frosted grapes. It was heaven in a bowl. That night was awesome. I had a four course meal and have never felt so stuffed and satisfied.
Day 41
Day 41: woke up at 3 am so I could beat the heat. By the time I got on the road it was 4 am and still pitch black out side. As I headed out into the early early morning there was a lighting storm about 25 miles away. It wa beautiful seeing the sky light up like that.
Headed down one of the roads I began to see signs saying road closed and then after 3 miles the sign turned into bridge out! Nothing more I could do other than turn around and find another way. Long story short I went 20 miles out of the way. Later in the day there was another rider at a gas station who I spoke to about the bridge. He told me he was able to just walk around it. I couldn't help but laugh! It was so dark I couldn't see that I could just walk around it.
During the day as the sun rose I had to fight off two crazy dogs that had a nose for me. A simple squirt of the water bottle got them to stop in there tracks.
When I finally got to my destination the meter read 133 miles. Time to sleep
Headed down one of the roads I began to see signs saying road closed and then after 3 miles the sign turned into bridge out! Nothing more I could do other than turn around and find another way. Long story short I went 20 miles out of the way. Later in the day there was another rider at a gas station who I spoke to about the bridge. He told me he was able to just walk around it. I couldn't help but laugh! It was so dark I couldn't see that I could just walk around it.
During the day as the sun rose I had to fight off two crazy dogs that had a nose for me. A simple squirt of the water bottle got them to stop in there tracks.
When I finally got to my destination the meter read 133 miles. Time to sleep
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Done updating
Done updating till I raise $1378.10. Correction! Just received $378.10
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Friday, July 16, 2010
day 39
Day 39: after yesterday today was a breeze. I was out in the middle of no where cruising on flat land. Had an amazing hamburger with tots for lunch and a whole lot of liquids. What's funny is today I had on The Jersey and I rode like a champ. Maybe I should just stick to that jersey. 72 miles. NGU
Day 37
My new friend Kim who is a one year survivor! She stopped and filled me up with some water. Forever grateful Kim =)
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day 38
Day 38: dehydration. I woke up to birds singing at 4 am so I put my earphones in and slept till 6 then hustled to get on my bike before 630 to beat the heat. 1) I am not the young model I used to be. Gotta let my body warm up. 2) never count on a store being open. This economy really killed little towns. It's pretty sad to see .3)water! I had to knock on a door to ask for water. The guy came to the door in a pink robe, which I saw something I didn't need to, but he gave me Britta water so it was worth it. Finally got to destination and walked into a cool gas station. What scared me was the ladies faces in there. They were really worried about me. I have been light headed since 12. 53miles NGU!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day 36
Day 36: What is going on Kansas? Ok so today was a way shorter day then yesterday. I only did 46 miles but it was straight into the wind, which just drains me. Also, why does every place in kansas want to fry my chicken and pour gravy on everything. I am such a Cali boy!I want my chicken naked and I want sweet potatoes. =) 46miles NGU
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127 miles
Day 35: goodbye Colorado! Today I rode 127 miles! It was so hot and all the stores were closed since it was a Sunday! Luckily I grabbed as much food and drinks as I could at a gas station early in the day. Oh and btw the trip is now official Tyler. Hahahahha. I was pretty tired and that's why I didn't post till now.
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Friday, July 9, 2010
Thank You Cynthia!
Cynthia wrote this beautiful article that graced the pages of multiple newspapers in Utah! Thanks Cynthia! Miss you and the big guy. See you two soon enough
link: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700045605/On-a-crosscountry-ride-of-his-life-Moms-got-bikers-back.html?pg=1
DUCK CREEK, Kane County — Kevin Johnson was just 14 years old when he watched his mother die from breast cancer.
Even though she could barely speak because of fluid buildup in her lungs, he remembers well the last words she uttered to him: "No matter how bad things get, never give up." And then, "Always remember me."
That was 11 years ago. Today, those words motivate Johnson, 25, as he bikes his way across the country — from California to Virginia — to remember her. He wears her name on the back of his jersey — along with the names of friends who have lost someone to cancer — while raising money for breast-cancer research.
Somewhere on a rural highway in Kane County during an 84-mile jaunt last week, Johnson ran out of water. Seeing no traffic in sight but a lone recreational vehicle, he flagged it down. He was graciously given water and even Gatorade by a friendly couple.
Johnson takes it all in stride as part of his cross-country mission. "There's no point in worrying; it all works out," he said.
Even the difficult moments, like the time a few days ago when a big rig blew him and his bike up against a guard rail, don't slow him down. "You can't stress things in life. You'll always get through it. It will all work out."
One of Johnson's biggest surprises came last week when he rode into Escalante, Garfield County. Using cups, someone had spelled out on a fence, "Good luck, Kevin," with pink breast-cancer ribbons flanking each side.
Johnson said he literally broke down when he saw the message and sobbed like a baby, overwhelmed with happiness.
But he had to tell someone, so he called Trisha Pickerel. The Sacramento, Calif., woman, who also lost her mother to breast cancer, acts as his "captain" or "travel agent" by coordinating lodging and meals for his journey.
"The word is out," Pickerel told him when he called. "Kevin M. Johnson is riding across America! Everyone believes in you and why you're doing this!"
Johnson has never met the people who made the sign, but he will never forget their encouraging message.
And he won't forget the motorcycle family somewhere in Nevada who paid for his dinner. "It was nice. It was all-you-can-eat pizza," he said with a smile.
Family and friends in Newark, Calif., describe Rosemary Johnson as kind, caring and an active mom who even wrote out cards to each of her children for all of their future milestones.
But her time was cut short. After an eight-year remission, her breast cancer returned in 1999 and spread. This time, her cancer would be diagnosed as terminal. Still, according to family friend Jacquie "Momma" Laskey, Kevin Johnson would say things like, "Mom, have a good treatment," and "Don't worry, I'll pray for you," and then would rush home — after staying with her during treatment — to vacuum the house before she returned from the hospital.
"He just loved life with her," said his father, John Johnson, 55, "They were really close."
Kevin Johnson always believed that he could do more for his mother. And that's when he came up with the idea to ride across the country on a trek of 3,781 miles from San Francisco to Yorktown, Va., to honor her and to raise money for breast-cancer research.
Thus, "3,781 Miles for a Cure" was born. He hopes to finish the journey Aug. 15.
After Johnson completes his "3,781" journey, he and Pickerell plan to chronicle Johnson's adventures and their experiences in a book.
When asked about the difficulty of his journey, Kevin Johnson downplays it. "I've felt like I've already been through the worst part," referring to his mother's death.
"I've got two jerseys," he said, pointing to his mother's name and others on the back of his shirt. "She's got my back and all those other names, too."
John Johnson said he's proud of his son, but isn't getting a lot of sleep these days worrying about him.
"(His mother) is riding with him. She is," he said, then pauses. "Yeah, just the way he's talking … both of them are talking back and forth. It makes me feel fantastic that he is that close to her and that he is doing it."
Kevin Johnson's aunt, Maureen Pollard of Sandy, who had her own battle with breast cancer 16 months ago, believes the journey is a healing one. "It's a tribute to his mom. I think it's a time for him to heal — he was busy with school and basketball and perhaps never grieved for his mom — it's a perfect chance for him to grieve and help others."
Kevin Johnson says his mother's advice to never give up, no matter how bad things get, keeps him going.
"No doctor has ever come in and told me that my time has run out. The thought that must have been going through my mom's mind when she was told this is what drives me to never give up. I am grateful to feel maybe 1 percent of the pain (she and others) felt. I am strong because they were and are strong. I will never give up!"
For more information on "3,781 Miles for a Cure," visit www.3781miles.org.
link: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700045605/On-a-crosscountry-ride-of-his-life-Moms-got-bikers-back.html?pg=1
DUCK CREEK, Kane County — Kevin Johnson was just 14 years old when he watched his mother die from breast cancer.
Even though she could barely speak because of fluid buildup in her lungs, he remembers well the last words she uttered to him: "No matter how bad things get, never give up." And then, "Always remember me."
That was 11 years ago. Today, those words motivate Johnson, 25, as he bikes his way across the country — from California to Virginia — to remember her. He wears her name on the back of his jersey — along with the names of friends who have lost someone to cancer — while raising money for breast-cancer research.
Somewhere on a rural highway in Kane County during an 84-mile jaunt last week, Johnson ran out of water. Seeing no traffic in sight but a lone recreational vehicle, he flagged it down. He was graciously given water and even Gatorade by a friendly couple.
Johnson takes it all in stride as part of his cross-country mission. "There's no point in worrying; it all works out," he said.
Even the difficult moments, like the time a few days ago when a big rig blew him and his bike up against a guard rail, don't slow him down. "You can't stress things in life. You'll always get through it. It will all work out."
One of Johnson's biggest surprises came last week when he rode into Escalante, Garfield County. Using cups, someone had spelled out on a fence, "Good luck, Kevin," with pink breast-cancer ribbons flanking each side.
Johnson said he literally broke down when he saw the message and sobbed like a baby, overwhelmed with happiness.
But he had to tell someone, so he called Trisha Pickerel. The Sacramento, Calif., woman, who also lost her mother to breast cancer, acts as his "captain" or "travel agent" by coordinating lodging and meals for his journey.
"The word is out," Pickerel told him when he called. "Kevin M. Johnson is riding across America! Everyone believes in you and why you're doing this!"
Johnson has never met the people who made the sign, but he will never forget their encouraging message.
And he won't forget the motorcycle family somewhere in Nevada who paid for his dinner. "It was nice. It was all-you-can-eat pizza," he said with a smile.
Family and friends in Newark, Calif., describe Rosemary Johnson as kind, caring and an active mom who even wrote out cards to each of her children for all of their future milestones.
But her time was cut short. After an eight-year remission, her breast cancer returned in 1999 and spread. This time, her cancer would be diagnosed as terminal. Still, according to family friend Jacquie "Momma" Laskey, Kevin Johnson would say things like, "Mom, have a good treatment," and "Don't worry, I'll pray for you," and then would rush home — after staying with her during treatment — to vacuum the house before she returned from the hospital.
"He just loved life with her," said his father, John Johnson, 55, "They were really close."
Kevin Johnson always believed that he could do more for his mother. And that's when he came up with the idea to ride across the country on a trek of 3,781 miles from San Francisco to Yorktown, Va., to honor her and to raise money for breast-cancer research.
Thus, "3,781 Miles for a Cure" was born. He hopes to finish the journey Aug. 15.
After Johnson completes his "3,781" journey, he and Pickerell plan to chronicle Johnson's adventures and their experiences in a book.
When asked about the difficulty of his journey, Kevin Johnson downplays it. "I've felt like I've already been through the worst part," referring to his mother's death.
"I've got two jerseys," he said, pointing to his mother's name and others on the back of his shirt. "She's got my back and all those other names, too."
John Johnson said he's proud of his son, but isn't getting a lot of sleep these days worrying about him.
"(His mother) is riding with him. She is," he said, then pauses. "Yeah, just the way he's talking … both of them are talking back and forth. It makes me feel fantastic that he is that close to her and that he is doing it."
Kevin Johnson's aunt, Maureen Pollard of Sandy, who had her own battle with breast cancer 16 months ago, believes the journey is a healing one. "It's a tribute to his mom. I think it's a time for him to heal — he was busy with school and basketball and perhaps never grieved for his mom — it's a perfect chance for him to grieve and help others."
Kevin Johnson says his mother's advice to never give up, no matter how bad things get, keeps him going.
"No doctor has ever come in and told me that my time has run out. The thought that must have been going through my mom's mind when she was told this is what drives me to never give up. I am grateful to feel maybe 1 percent of the pain (she and others) felt. I am strong because they were and are strong. I will never give up!"
For more information on "3,781 Miles for a Cure," visit www.3781miles.org.
3781 article
http://chieftain.com/news/local/article_98e87424-8b3d-11df-9596-001cc4c002e0.html
Click to view an article the Pueblo newspaper ran on the ride...
Three years ago, Kevin Johnson borrowed his older brother's bicycle to try cross-training cycling.
"I hopped on it, got a flat tire and said I'd never do this again. Now look at me," the 25-year-old Californian said Thursday in Pueblo, resting during his cross-country journey to raise breast cancer awareness.
Johnson's cycling concerns are long behind.
In early June he sat out on a tour to help raise at least $10,000 to find a cure for breast cancer. His journey is called 3,781 Miles for a Cure, which stands for the distance he'll travel to help the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Beginning at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Johnson should finish his trip in about a month at the Victory Tower in Yorktown, Va.
A 2008 graduate of Adams State College in Alamosa where he played basketball and majored in business marketing, Johnson, like many, has witnessed the cancer do its worst.
It took the life of his mother, Rosemary, when he was 14.
His aunt, Mo Polland, fought the cancer twice and his best friend's mother, Jackie Laskey — "She's like my second mom" — is a survivor.
"It's never-ending," Johnson said of the disease. "Before the bike ride I had this vision. I wanted to get 100 names (of breast cancer victims/survivors) to put on the back of this jersey. I got the names in three hours."
Speaking from outside of Vance's Bicycle World, 2200 S. Prairie Ave., where his bike was getting a tuneup, Johnson showed off his pink-and-white jersey with the names.
"It's not just me; everyone's battling the same thing together," he said, pointing to the names on his back.
Johnson, who rode over Monarch Pass on Wednesday, will rest in Pueblo for three days. Then it's off to Kansas and eventually Yorktown.
The middle of three children and the son of a retired truck driver, Johnson said his journey has thus far been rewarding and challenging.
The first day was rough. His equipment bags fell and a tire went flat, but Johnson said he managed to fix both and kept riding.
"Thank God for duct tape," he said.
He's seen beautiful countryside, met new people and rode challenging roadways.
Johnson never forgets the names on his back.
"You look at the jersey and the pain these people have gone through and my pain's only temporary. If I'm feeling pain or sluggish, I just think about all that they've been through."
Johnson has a website — www.3781miles.org — where he blogs and writes trip updates. Information about cancer and how to donate to Johnson's cause can also be found on the site.
Click to view an article the Pueblo newspaper ran on the ride...
Three years ago, Kevin Johnson borrowed his older brother's bicycle to try cross-training cycling.
"I hopped on it, got a flat tire and said I'd never do this again. Now look at me," the 25-year-old Californian said Thursday in Pueblo, resting during his cross-country journey to raise breast cancer awareness.
Johnson's cycling concerns are long behind.
In early June he sat out on a tour to help raise at least $10,000 to find a cure for breast cancer. His journey is called 3,781 Miles for a Cure, which stands for the distance he'll travel to help the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Beginning at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Johnson should finish his trip in about a month at the Victory Tower in Yorktown, Va.
A 2008 graduate of Adams State College in Alamosa where he played basketball and majored in business marketing, Johnson, like many, has witnessed the cancer do its worst.
It took the life of his mother, Rosemary, when he was 14.
His aunt, Mo Polland, fought the cancer twice and his best friend's mother, Jackie Laskey — "She's like my second mom" — is a survivor.
"It's never-ending," Johnson said of the disease. "Before the bike ride I had this vision. I wanted to get 100 names (of breast cancer victims/survivors) to put on the back of this jersey. I got the names in three hours."
Speaking from outside of Vance's Bicycle World, 2200 S. Prairie Ave., where his bike was getting a tuneup, Johnson showed off his pink-and-white jersey with the names.
"It's not just me; everyone's battling the same thing together," he said, pointing to the names on his back.
Johnson, who rode over Monarch Pass on Wednesday, will rest in Pueblo for three days. Then it's off to Kansas and eventually Yorktown.
The middle of three children and the son of a retired truck driver, Johnson said his journey has thus far been rewarding and challenging.
The first day was rough. His equipment bags fell and a tire went flat, but Johnson said he managed to fix both and kept riding.
"Thank God for duct tape," he said.
He's seen beautiful countryside, met new people and rode challenging roadways.
Johnson never forgets the names on his back.
"You look at the jersey and the pain these people have gone through and my pain's only temporary. If I'm feeling pain or sluggish, I just think about all that they've been through."
Johnson has a website — www.3781miles.org — where he blogs and writes trip updates. Information about cancer and how to donate to Johnson's cause can also be found on the site.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Treszero
Day treszero: mental note: As Marcie would say food is fuel! I killed my body last night by eating crap. Today was a drag, but I saw some more beautiful things. I also out ran lightning and rain with some motivation from Boo. 50 miles. My body hurts but my mind is strong. NGU
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Monday, July 5, 2010
Day 27
Day 27: Rode to cimarron and when I got there it was nothing more than a campground with a cafe. I actually had my first slice of pie today, not going to lie it was delicious. Once I setup my tent,right next to the river, my neighbors who were some country folks came over to talk. They invited me over for food and what was playing on their radio? Justin bieber. 45 miles
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Friday, July 2, 2010
Hello Colorado
How I have missed the beautiful mountains of Colorado. The way a storm always rolls in at 4pm and then you are left with thunder. Here is what I have seen so far.
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