Kevin's trip across America

3781 Closing

2011-03-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

As I look back on what has been accomplished it almost seems surreal. Whenever someone asks me how I did it the response is always the same. It was easy, I kept my mind on what the woman who have battled breast cancer. I can't say that the pain wasn't real, or that the lack of water didn't have me hallucinating at times.

Hopefully this bike trip has helped out a few people in their struggle. I know each day is a different battle when dealing with the loss of my Mom, but I am no longer full of hatred and why's. My job is to help make her name live on, by living my life to the best of my ability.

Thank you everyone who followed along in this chapter of my life. I cant express how much it meant to have people believe in me and lend constant helping hands. Lastly, thank you Mom for installing that Never Give Up attitude into my life, hope I made you proud.

The End...

3781 popping bottles

2010-08-07T09:09:00.001-07:00

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3781 victory tower

2010-08-07T08:59:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

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3781 mission accomplished

2010-08-07T08:49:00.001-07:00

We did it!

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Day 59:

2010-08-04T19:24:00.001-07:00

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Day 58

2010-08-04T19:23:00.001-07:00

Day 58: Physically, mentally, emotionally pushed miles past my limits. Just pray/ put good vibes into the universe for my safety these last 3 days. I now know why solitary confinement is a harsh punishment. Without human touch and human interaction I don't think I would want to live. Humbled

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Day 57

2010-08-04T19:22:00.001-07:00

Day 57: funny thing happened today. My chain broke and I didn't care. I didn't care because the other day I helped someone who ran out of gas, so I knew good vibes were trailing me. Sure enough got a ride to walmart and got a free room at the Hampton inn. Thanks agent gold! Also, thanks to Trisha and Danny who really helped out today in Virginia. Am I at 3781 yet? NGU

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Day 56

2010-08-01T16:55:00.001-07:00

Day 56: last night I had bad chocolate milk. It was about 12 days old and I paid for it today. No i didnt know it was sour before i drank it Trisha! I didnt find out till that first big gulp.Only able to do 40 miles. Spent most of the day trying to keep my food down.

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Day 55

2010-08-01T16:54:00.001-07:00

Kay Wayne Day 55: hello Virginia! I have entered into my final state. I got chased by 40+ dogs in a day. Which is a new record for me. No joke, at one point I was being chased by 10 dogs! I rode through some very rough parts in Kentucky where meth is a big problem. It was an intense/scary ride. Can't believe it's almost over. NGU 74 miles

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Day 54

2010-08-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Day 54: I was scared to get back on the bike, but I faced my fears and got back on my bike for 100 miles! NGU

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Day 53

2010-08-01T16:48:00.001-07:00

Day 53: I shouldn't be alive. I am going to recall my day from a timeline.
12:50(est): I stop at last chance liquor to get some grape juice. I talk to the guys in there about my ride and what I am doing. They tell me before I leave that I am one bad cat.
1:07pm: Trisha calls and I begin to talk to her when I realize sh!t I left my helmet at last chance. I tell Trisha I will call her back.
1:15pm; I thank the guy for bringing out my helmet
5:10ish. I call my boo realizing how bad the road is. Sad, but I had a strange feeling about the road.
5:30pmish: I see cars coming up behind me. So I move over to hug the white line. It begins to go grass cement,grass cement. I think to myself I hope there is.... Bam no cement. My bike hits a ditch and I some how manage to take my right foot out of the clip. My foot hits the ground, big mistake. I go flying into the road. The bike then bucks me over the handlebars. I see a car within inches. Bam. Darkness. My handlebars knock me out. I always wondered if life really did flash before your eyes. It does. I wake up to my skin sliding across the hot cement like a puck on ice. My head then hits the cement and I am out again.My mom is standing there, she doesn't say a word it's peaceful. I wake up to my bike on top of me. I was out for 15-30 seconds. A lady comes up to me saying I don't know how you dodged death. Those cars should have hit you.
540ish: emt show up and clean me up
550iah: I am alone and go to get back on my bike. I realize that I hit my handle bars so hard that I bent them. I start to cry. I swear I am not a crybaby. I just really don't know how or why I am alive. I don't get it.
8:30pm: I look in the mirror and can see where my handlebars hit my chest.
900pm: I call last chance liquor to tell the guy thank you for saving my life.
NGU! 75miles

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Day 52

2010-07-28T19:23:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Day 51: 115 miles! I am super tired and can't find anything else to say. Ngu

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M-I-SS-I-SS-I-PP-I

2010-07-24T19:47:00.001-07:00

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3781 water?

2010-07-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

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Day 46

2010-07-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

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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Day 45

2010-07-24T19:40:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-24T19:39:00.002-07:00

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

2010-07-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-24T19:38:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-24T19:37:00.001-07:00

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

Done updating

2010-07-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

Done updating till I raise $1378.10. Correction! Just received $378.10

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3781 water?

2010-07-16T18:41:00.001-07:00

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day 40!

2010-07-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

Day 40: Rest! Found a GNC! Got some stuff to properly fuel my body

day 39

2010-07-16T16:08:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

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!

Day 36

2010-07-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

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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Thank You Cynthia!

2010-07-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

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.

3781 article

2010-07-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Treszero

2010-07-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

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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Day 27

2010-07-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

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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Hello Colorado

2010-07-02T20:37:00.001-07:00

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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Can't stop won't stop

2010-07-02T20:33:00.001-07:00

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Pipe people

2010-06-30T16:06:00.001-07:00

Laura took me to see the pipe people! Talk about amazing craziness

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People

2010-06-29T06:46:00.001-07:00

Need help? Just ask! America how I love you more and more.
Life is too good. Here are some people who haves helped me.

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Day 22

2010-06-29T06:38:00.001-07:00

Day 22: Two words lit the sports world on fire during 1995. I believe Michael Jordan said: I'm backkkkkk!!!

That's right Colorado I am back!!

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Day 20-21

2010-06-29T06:32:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay but I am okay

Day 20: waited for the heat to die off in a gas station. By the time I left it was 101 and USA was eliminated from the world cup. I was only on the bike for 46 miles but the heat had me dripping wet. I got to hite rec with enought time to take a late day swim in the lake. Time to sleep out with no tent under the full moon. The simplest things make me smile. 46 miles. Never give up.

Day 21: the hardest day yet, I woke up after a night of sleeping under the moon to watch the sunrise. I got on the bike at 6 am so I could beat the heat. Miles 1-50 were a blur. I don't remember much about them, but I will remember the character miles of 51-80. What I learned today is PRIDE will be the death of us. It's okay to let your guard down and ask for help. So what did I do?

Waved people down!!! I am not too proud to ask

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Location:W 1st St,Dove Creek,United States

Fingers crossed

2010-06-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Boo is coming to pueblo. Maybe...

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Utah

2010-06-25T16:57:00.001-07:00

Kay Wayne Day 19: house keeping woke me up at 730 asking if I was still there. Hahaha. Maybe I shouldn't have been on the phone all last night talking to someone. ;) Got on the bike at noon and finished at 3. It was good to have a short day, and the view today may have been the best so far. I Also dodged the rain! It was supposed to be 100 degrees. 46 miles never give up

What's cool about this picture is when I first started doing research for this trip I saw this place an thought God this will be cool to see in person. This proves we can do anything we dream.

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Saga continues

2010-06-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today was the physically tough! I had to find strength where I have never found it before. I swear when I was goin up the 9,600 feet my moms name on my back was moving. Almost as if she was pushing me up the mountain. Strange but cool! Also I had a cow try and attack me today. Once I got to Torrey I met Ryan and his family. They were awesome! Great dinner! All in all it was a great day to be alive.

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Wow!

2010-06-24T09:01:00.001-07:00

I cried

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Utah you are amazing

2010-06-23T14:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from Utah. What an amazing landscape, and man the people in the USA are loving!

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Rest day

2010-06-23T14:31:00.001-07:00

Finally get to fuel up my tank. I was running on E.

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Day 15

2010-06-22T00:03:00.000-07:00

Day 15: Rode up to 10,000 ft today, and of course I had the magical jersey on. It wasnt easy but I kept telling myself never give up, never give up.Then something awesome happened, I could hear you, my fb supporters, say you got this Kev.There's something so powerful about our minds that I cant explain. I am strong because I have the best friends in the world, and my jersey is the wind at my back 24/7.

When I got to my destination I was greeted by the loving Humphrey family who is taking me in for the night. They took me to an all you can eat buffet and then to see the most beautiful things USA/Earth has to offer. God is the world's best architect. 58 miles..night!

day 13-14

2010-06-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

Day 13: This may have been the biggest mental struggle of all. The wind was killing me today, and then something happened to my body,almost an out of body experience. I swear this jersey has magical powers. It's like all the pain these names have gone through gives me strength. It was a sense of well being and calm over my body. Thank you for all the names. 84 miles Never give up!

Day 14: 2 weeks in! Today I got to meet a family who donated a hotel room to me. It never gets old hearing that people are inspired by what I am doing. It really gets/keeps the juices flowing within. I rode 55 windy miles today, and I am soooooo tired. Thank God my favorite movie is on to bring my spirits up! Remember the Titans! How strong?

The family

2010-06-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I rolled into Utah at 9pm. Lost an hour due to the time change, and I was just dead tired from the 84 miles. Well I got to town and was getting a hotel because I deserved some rest after that wind full day. Little did I know that Rick and his family already booked a room for me, so when I said my name to the lady she said ohhh somebody already got a room for you.

Today I got to meet Rick and his family and man did it felt good to thank them and also share my story.

People are good, just give them a chance. I am installed with this new sense of love for mankind.

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Location:Gold Nugget Trail,Lathrop,United States

Only as good

2010-06-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

I know this whole trip has been about my love for my Mom, but my Pops is also one hell of a guy. Thanks Dad for being behind me and my big dreams every step of the way. Love you!

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Dust devil

2010-06-19T23:51:00.000-07:00

Dust devil was chasing me through Utah, but he had nothing on the power of my jersey!

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What I do for fun

2010-06-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

YouTube Video

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Taking my life to a new level

2010-06-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

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Life is happening

2010-06-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is life,you have a problem+you get worried+you over think= everything always works out. So what am I doing... Have a problem=everything always works out.
Got into Baker and met this biker(motorcycle) family who was touring for 16 days. Told them some stories and they shot some back. Long story short they offered to buy dinner and drinks for the night. The special of the night? All you can eat pizza!!!!
Never Give Up!!!

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Location:Gold Nugget Trail,Lathrop,United States

Day 11

2010-06-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Nevada,
You are more beautiful then I could ever imagine. I am sorry I never knew how beautiful youre landscape is. Would I ever live here? Hell no!
Wayne

Day 11: Stopped to use the bathroom and got chased by a bird for a mile because I got too close to her nest. Also climbed 4 summits over 78 miles. I am tired yet t...hankful for the opportunity of life. Good night

Updates from days 1-10

2010-06-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not keeping up on here as good as some of you would like.

Day 1 recap: family and friends watched me dunk my rear tire in the pacific. -missed the ferry, then barely caught the second one.-new bag broke. - got lost. Oops. -Did 100 miles. -currently listening to Drake."refuse to be forgotten"
Lesson learned today: duct tape saves all.

Day 2 update: woke up and had brunch at black bear diner. -got on the bike around 12. - rode 65 miles. -got home to a home cooked meal, but I'm not hungry. - my boo came over to rub my back =). Currently waiting on quick to come over and hangout.

Day 3: rest in pville

Day 4: rode from 1,000ft to 8,300 ft. Had a plan to eat lunch at this diner but they were closed, a family stopped and hooked it up with sandwiches, chips, and yogurt. Got to the hotel and found out that all the diners up here are closed. A cop hooked it up with cliff bars. I love life. It's a struggle, but you just gotta dig deep. If you want something go get it. I'm here! And I'm alive.66miles-1030pm

Day 5: Woke up and finally got some real food in me! I met a guy who is also riding across the US so him and I met up in Carson city. While on my way to Carson city I got a killer nail in my tire. How did I fix it? You guessed it! Duct tape! Once I got to Carson city we went for some Thai food. I saw some real beauty today. Mental images and real images were taken! 60 miles

Day 6: today was different. The landscape is changing and so is my mind set. I have been thinking a lot, and I can't imagine where my mind will take me next. On a side note a big ride got so close that it slammed me into a guard rail, not gunna lie I felt so alive after that.
Best thought of the day:Cancer sucks! 62 miles

Day 7: Nevada is really strange! The hot water is on the right hand and the cold is on the left. I got some really cool photos of this strange yet beautiful land. My bag also ripped! I tell you these bags have been really crappy. 63miles don

Day 8 recap: I can feel my legs, body, and mind getting stronger each day. Today I was alone on highway 50 for hours. The sun was beating down on me, but I tried a new way of fueling myself and I think it worked pretty well.At the end of the day I met a family who offered me beer and company, how could I say no. 57 miles-never give up!

Day 9: got stuck in a lighting storm! Good nite 65miles

Day 10: day of rest in a town with no cell service. Luckily I was able to find a computer to put an update. Zero miles enjoy your day! Have a great whatever day it is today..tuesday?

Lighting comes and lighting goes

2010-06-16T08:38:00.001-07:00

I got stuck in a lighting storm, so what did I do? I did 68 miles in 4 hours! It was a mixture of fight and flight.

Then got into town and I'm pretty sure the bartender was crushing. Seeing that my I got multiple Sierra Nevadas for free and half off lunch and dinner. =P

I am here in Eureka for my day of rest with no cell service. Feel free to email me at 3781miles@gmail.com

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Location:Gold Nugget Trail,Lathrop,United States

Missing boo

2010-06-13T10:37:00.001-07:00

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Location:W Williams Ave,Fallon,United States

Stronger

2010-06-13T09:09:00.001-07:00

It's funny how you take things from the past. Today I doubted myself, I thought what am I doing here. Then I remembered that same feeling I had when I went to play basketball at ASC. Sometimes you gotta dig deep and find that new you. It's not that Im scared. It's just that I am growing and hate leaving the old me, but it's time to take it to a new level. Thank you past. For today I am stronger.

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Location:W Williams Ave,Fallon,United States

Road trippin

2010-06-12T08:37:00.002-07:00

Got a flat 5 miles away from my destination

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Air up there

2010-06-12T08:37:00.001-07:00

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Location:Carson pass

Food pt

2010-06-11T07:05:00.001-07:00

Got to kirkwood last night and there was nothing open, not shocked, it was 1030pm! Luckily ran into this cop and he hooked it up with some cliff bars.

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Location:Kirkwood Meadows Dr,Markleeville,United States

Elevate

2010-06-11T07:03:00.001-07:00

From 1,000 to 8,300

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Food

2010-06-11T06:59:00.001-07:00

Had a goto diner that I wanted to eat for lunch, but the bad economy has them limiting their hours. With no idea where food was going to come from a family pulled up in a rv and made tuna sandwiches.

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Riding with the boys

2010-06-11T06:53:00.001-07:00

Only got one day left of riding with the boys

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Location:Kirkwood Meadows Dr,Markleeville,United States

Going away gift

2010-06-09T16:00:00.001-07:00

The family who may have started this madness. They got me the job at snap and then everything else fell into place.
They got me this.

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Recovery

2010-06-09T15:58:00.001-07:00

After some hot hot heat I decided enough was enough.

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Fuel for my ride

2010-06-09T15:52:00.002-07:00

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Ferry from Sf

2010-06-09T15:52:00.001-07:00

I had my Michael Jackson moment on the ferry

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Awake

2010-06-07T05:59:00.001-07:00

June 7th! The day is here. Time to start riding

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Location:Powell St,San Francisco,United States

Saying goodbye

2010-06-06T22:25:00.001-07:00

At the Westin St Francis

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Location:Manor Dr,Placerville,United States

Dynamic Designs

2010-06-01T18:39:00.001-07:00

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Location:Manor Dr,Placerville,United States

Every great journey

2010-06-01T10:23:00.001-07:00

Every great journey has someone being left behind. Don't worry I will have your letter for luck.

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Susan G Komen 5k

2010-05-09T22:37:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from the Susan G Komen 5k run. Guess you can call it cross training. After the event I rode home, I think it was 70 miles. All on 4 hours of sleep.

-- Post From My iPhone

Location:Sacramnto,Ca

New ad

2010-05-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

New ad my boss is running in the newspaper!

Photo done by: Ryman Tolentino

The Man! The Myth! The Legend!

2010-05-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

The guy behind the scenes of all this and the real beauty of www.3781miles.org is Ryman Tolentino. Check out his site http://blog.rymantolentino.com/voidlinecom.html

First 100

2010-05-03T07:20:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from the Wildflower in Chico that I did with Stephanie. It was tuff but I think we rocked it for our first century.

-- Post From My iPhone

Location:Chico,ca

Itinerary for 3781

2010-05-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

3781 Miles Itinerary
California:
DAY 1:Sf to WS- Breakfast at 6:00am- Leave at 7:00bam Ferry @ 8:10am.
Arrive @ West Sacramento- 81.5 mi
Day 2: WS to Pville- 56mi
Day 3: Rest @ home
Day 4: Pville to Kirkwood- 65 mi
Day 5: Kirkwood to Dayton- 64mi
Nevada:
Day 6: Dayton to Fallon- 51mi
Day 7: Fallon to Cold Springs- 63.5 mi
Day 8: Cold Springs to Boy Scott Summit- 57mi -LAST SERVICE
Day 9: Boy scott Summit to Eureka- 59 mi- LAST SERVICE
Day 10: Rest
Day 11: Eureka to Ely- 78.5mi- LAST SERVICE
Day 12: Ely to Baker- 69 mi- LAST SERVICE
Utah:
Day 13: Baker to Milford- 84 mi
Day 14: Milford to Cedar city- 56.5 mi
Day 15: Cedar City to Panguitch- 58mi
Day 16: Panguitch to Escalante- 67.5mi
Day 17: Rest
Day 18: Escalante to Torrey-60 mi
Day 19: Torrey to Hanksville -47.5 mi- LAST SERVICE
Day 20: Hanksville to Hite Rec area-49 mi- LAST SERVICE
Day 21: Hite Rec to Blanding -74 mi
Day 22: Blanding to Dove Creek-46.5mi
Colorado:
Day 23: Dove creek to Dolores- 35 mi
Day 24: Rest
Day 25: Dolores to Rico- 37 mi elevation 12,000
Day 26: Rico to Ridgway- 61 mi
Day 27- Ridgway to Cimmaron-45mi
Day 28: Cimmaron to Gunnison- 47 miles
Day 29: Gunnison to Poncha Springs- 50 mi
Day 30:Poncha Springs to Silver cliff-52.5mi
Day 31: Silver cliff to Pueblo-55 miles
Day 32: Rest!
Day 33: Rest!
Day 34: Pueblo to Sugar City- 81 mi
Day 35: Sugar City to Sheridan Lake- 82 mi
Day 36: Sheridan lake to Scott City-79 mi
Kansas:
Day 37: Scott City to Alexander-75 mi
Day 38: Alexander to Hudson-70 mi
Day 39: Hudson to Hesston- 70 mi
Day 40: Hesston to Eureka- 86 mi
Day 41: Rest!
Day 42: Eureka to Chanute-62 mi
Day 43: Chanute to Pittsburg-58.5 mi
Missouri:
Day 44: Pittsburg to Walnut Grove-76.5 mi
Day 45: Walnut Grove to Hartville- 66 mi
Day 46: Hartville to Eminence- 79.5 mi
Day 47: Eminence to Bizmarck- 77 mi
Day 48: Bizmarck to Chester- 60.5 mi
Missouri/Illinois:
Day 49: Chester to Goreville- 76 mi
Illinois/Kentucky:
Day 50: Goreville to Cave Rock- 60mi
Day 51: Rest!
Day 52: Cave Rock to Utica-81.5 mi
Day 53: Utica to Hudson-63 mi
Day 54: Hudson to Bardstown- 83 mi
Day 55: Bardstown to Bryantsville-59mi
Day 56: Bryantsville to Mammoth Cave-57.5 mi
Day 57: Mammoth Cace to Mckee-65.5 mi
Day 58: Mckee to Buckhorn- 43 mi
Day 59: Buckhorn to Bypro-71.5 mi
Virginia:
Day 60: Bypro to Breaks- 41mi
Day 61: Rest!
Day 62: Breaks to Damascus- 78 mi
Day 63: Damascus to Wytheville- 60 mi
Day 64: Wytheville to Christiansburg- 53.5 mi
Day 65: Christiansburg to Natural Bridge-77.5 mi
Day 66: Natural Bridge to Greenwood- 76 mi
Day 67: Greenwood to Mineral- 73 mi
Day 68: Mineral to Elko-64.5 mi
Day 69: Elko to Williamsburg- 50 mi
Day 70: Williamsburg to YORKTOWN!- 13mi

List

2010-04-17T21:55:00.001-07:00

Time to start the shake down

-- Post From My iPhone

Great poem

2010-04-05T21:49:00.001-07:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear
is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness,
that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually who are we not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people
won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine as children do.
We were born to make manifest
the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And when we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

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Easter with the family

2010-04-04T18:27:00.001-07:00

Hanging with my Aunt Kelly

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Location:Tanager Cmn,Fremont,United States

Party Pardee

2010-04-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

65 Mile training ride with Jenn and Pete. I am going to sleep so good tonight.

First and Second flat in a 2 minute span

2010-03-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a learning experience for sure. I was starting to wonder what a flat tire sounded like, and sure enough this nail taught me. After managing to fix my first flat I began to pump up the tire.Once it was fully pumped I removed the pump and boom! the valve came off. Flat number two!

Workout tunes

2010-03-18T22:04:00.001-07:00

50 miles of spinning

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Location:Baco Dr,Placerville,United States

Kevin Meets Kevin

2010-03-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today I got to meet the Mayor Kevin Johnson and tell him all about my trip across the US. He has one of my wristbands, why dont you?

Blood Sweat and Tears

2010-03-16T07:31:00.001-07:00

I took all of last week off to get healthy and boy was my bike not happy about it. She greeted me back yesterday by throwing me into a nice sized rock. Welcome back!

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Village Newspaper

2010-03-02T22:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.villagelife.com/story.php?id=141.0

I will...

2010-02-28T19:18:00.001-08:00

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run the walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."
— Martin Luther King Jr.

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Location:Mlk

Big purchase

2010-02-28T18:13:00.001-08:00

Just purchased my ultralight tent, sleeping bag, and pepper spray for the just in case situations out on the road.

99 days away!

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Location:iPhone

My Mom's valedictorian speech

2010-02-11T00:29:00.001-08:00

Memories. They come so unexpectedly. They seem to hit us at the oddest moments. As Jean Grasso describes it, " a memory is but a dream, too intangable to hold---like a snowflake that has glistened and sparkled, floating gently through the air---only to melt into ice cold water in the palm of your hand leaving no hint of past lacy-whiteness."
But we must not let memories or the desolate ticking of a clock put chains on our experiences; rather we must strike out anew with our learning based on memories, on past experiences. These experiences can work for us, opening wide the door of the future. Charles Kingsley emphasized the importance of doing doing as contrasted with mere dreaming, in his well-known lines: "Do noble deeds, not dream them all day long, and so make life,death, and the vast forever, one grand sweet song."
Our future tasks are many. If man is to survive, he must be prepared to make changes in his way of life. By our deeds perhaps we can help bring about constructive changes in our society, such as those needed in our ecological, sociological, economic, and political systems. We dream of a world made a little better by what we hope will be our noble deeds.
So we will all remember and shed a tear or two and shake a fist at the sky for whatever it is that melts snowflakes, but let us remember, too; it is not time that changes but we who change, both ourselves and those things about us. We are alive today, ready to meet the challanges of tomorrow armed with memories of the past. OUR DAY HAS COME!!!!!

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Riding back home in the Bay with my second family

2010-02-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

So I made the great trip back home for super bowl weekend, which was supposed to be a wet weekend, but the big guy upstairs gave us nothing but sunshine! Thank You! It was nice to go out and ride with Dave, Danger, Jj, and katie. Dave decided I need some extra training so he made me carry him up the hills. Luckily he "fired up" the hot tub after our long day out in the bay. We even managed to make it to my old stomping grounds Ohlone College. Love that school, it was the place where I really started to believe in myself. All in all it was a successful training weekend!

Piecing the puzzle together

2010-02-02T22:58:00.001-08:00

What makes a great endurance athlete is the ability to absorb potenial embarrassment, and to suffer without complaint. I was discovering that if it was a matter of gritting my teeth, not caring how it looked, and outlasting everybody else, I won. It didn't seem to matter what sport it was--in a straight-ahead, long-distant race, I could beat anybody.
If it was a suffer-fest, I was good at it.

My one true love

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My steel lover

2010-01-16T18:52:00.001-08:00

This is Kevin putting some finishing touches to my Surly lht.

Thumb up on a job well done for sure

My first pair of clipins. I couldn't believe the difference these made on the road. Hit 35 mph today.

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Location:Placerville bike shop

Riding For A Cure

2010-01-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

I dedicate my Ride Across America to my Mother, Aunt Mo, both my grandmothers, and my second mother Jackie Laskey.

Each of these five had a battle with cancer. While my aunt and my second mother would win their battle, I would lose both of my grandmothers. My Mother would lose her long battle with breast cancer on May 20, 1999.

This ride is about me doing something meaningful with my life for them, since they have already gone above and beyond for me. They have each given me so much, and it’s my turn to show them how much I appreciate the unconditional love they have shown to me.

This ride will test my limits and push me to edge in both body and mind. I am sure that the worst of my discomfort will fail to acquaint me with 1% of the pain they went through during chemotherapy.

All my life I wanted to do something to join the fight against breast cancer, and seeing that I didn’t become a doctor, I figured I would do what I know.

I know fitness, and my degree is in marketing. I plan to use what I’ve been given to make a real, measureable, difference.

During my ride, I will be wearing a pink ribbon cycling shirt with the names of my loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer. I will also leave space on my bicycle jersey for the name (or names) of anyone you know who has suffered with the destructive effects of cancer.

The names of both those we’ve lost as well as the survivors.

These spaces will be available on my jerseys with proceeds being donated to cancer research.

Its time we end the battle with breast cancer forever. This is my small contribution to helping that happen.

Lance Armstrong said, "If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell"

I will fight like hell across America!

Time is running out

2010-01-10T21:44:00.001-08:00

Cool pic pnut snagged of me

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Ice ice ice baby

2010-01-08T22:15:00.001-08:00

I have really been pushing myself this week.

Legs were so sore that I had to go ice cold!

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Tchau

Location:Home

Bob's bike shop

2010-01-08T13:31:00.001-08:00

I bought my bike today, which for me seemed to be the biggest thorn in my side so far. Now with this complete I am really feeling like this is it. My bike is a 60cm Surly long haul trucker! Don't let the picture fool you either, the price on it wasn't that bad.
Tchau

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Location:Union St,Placerville,United States

Morning ride with Jared

2010-01-07T10:26:00.001-08:00

It was so cold, but this has been good training for me. Being able to adjust to the cold will be the should not be on the xc trip.

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Location:Big Cut

Making dreams a reality

2010-01-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

Today, scratch that, tonight for the first time I fully believed that I could do this xc trip. I'm not sure if was the stars or the thrill of the abyss night ride.Tonight I awoke from my dream.

This is happening folks! Tune in for more
Tchau

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Training in Placerville

2010-01-05T22:48:00.001-08:00

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Location:Placerville,ca