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The Final Day.....making memories...making Ride For Semper Fi History
Well, writing the final blog is always difficult! There is a good feeling that comes along with the final words. A feeling of satisfaction, peace, and a sense that you know you have done something good with some of the best people you have ever met. The other side however is a feeling of sadness that this all has to end each year. After literally months of training rides,thousands of emails, hundreds of phone calls we were about to end the event with a check ceremony in Balboa Park. I felt happy and blessed about what we had accomplished, yet saddened that the people and the event would no longer be a part of my daily life (at least until next year 
).
We started the day just as we did every other ride day. Everyone woke up....stretched some tired legs and began preparing the bikes and gear before breakfast. Now.....breakfast is always different when you stay at Angels Landing!!!!! This is no Hilton Cont. breakfast where you wonder which is older...the breakfast foods or the building!!!! The Angels Landing breakfast is home made pancakes...waffles...potatoes....biscuits...eggs.....and about anything else you can think of!!!!!!!! We have been so fortunate to have the folks at Angels Landing as part of our team. They go out of their way to make sure we are ready to go on our last day!!!! As we ate breakfast everyone was moving rather slowly until our favorite Sgt. entered the room....Hummel!!!! Hummel ran all of our support team functions this year. When Hummel noticed everyone not moving as they should he walked in and said " LETS GO.........EVERYBODY OUT"....or something close to that!!!! Let me tell you...when Hummel speaks...you better damn well listen!!!!!! He is one of the most generous people I have ever know but when he says move....he aint kiddin!!!!! So we moved!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Hummel......our favorite Marine)
After breakfast we took some time to thank our hosts Sally,Natasha,Theresa, and the rest of the Angels landing crew. I also had decided that today would be a great opportunity to introduce a new member of the team and great friend Carla Jurczynski. Carla is a Marine officer who has served two tours in Iraq. She and I had been trading emails
for several months about how she could join us on our ride. Because of scheduling issues we decided the last day would be our day!!!!!! I had waited to introduce Carla to the team because she had another very special reason for being with us. Carla had discovered through a video that we published that her friend Major Megan mcClung was being honored on our ride. She told me she could not beleive it and knew at that point she had to with us for at least part of the ride. I introduced Carla to the group and told everyone that I had asked her to speak for a few minutes about her relationship with Megan. They had become friends when serving together in Iraq. The next few mintues was filled with memories about not just a fine Marine but memories about a great person that brought passion and energy to enerything she did. Carla described Megan as a person that everyone loved and respected. I looked at our group and watched as everyone literally hung in each of Carlas words and memories. The stage had been set for our final day.....everyone on that team that morning fully understood why we were riding. Carla's presentation was from the heart and we were all fortunate to have had the opportunity to listen to her.
We began the day by moving all the trucks and bikes to the road! As usual, we were running late on the last day! We just can't quite seem to get things going on the last day...Im not sure why. Anyway we began the ride with about a mile or so climb. Now, if you have ever ridden 300+ miles, gone to bed, and then got up and immediately gone uphill you wil understand this!!!! Our legs were screaming and we had not even completed a mile yet!!!!!! However, the show must go on!!! We continued through the hills of California and were shocked at how difficult the last days route actually was. LtCol Thompson kept telling me "this is easier than last year." Now Im not one to argue with an officer, but................Im going to respectfully dissagree with his assessment!!!!!!!!!!!! It was hard!!!!! We had huge hills combined with downhills where we were approaching 50 miles per hour (the downs....awesome...the ups...not so awesome!).
After the first rest stop we had riders that were clearly beginning to struggle. Everyone had hundreds of miles in their legs and it was really starting to show. it was not that they could not compete the ride, it was just the pace that was beginning to take its tole on some of our team-mates. By the time we arrived at the second stop we were about an hour or so behind schedule.
With us being an hour + behind it was time to make a decision. We were either going to arrive at least 2 hours late or we were going to need to ask some people to sacrifice by getting in the vans. the last leg of the ride would have to be reserved for those who could ride a "race pace" to the end. This was probably the most difficult decision I have been forced to make with regards to this event. Every person standing around me at the rest stop had sacrificed to be there....everyone had worked hard and given a 100% effort. However, we were in a real bind so I asked for volunteers to ride in the van. I told them that if they were having trouble with the pace it was going to "get worse.....get faster." We had about 15 riders decide to take the last leg in the van. I know that decsion was hard....I know it really hurt some folks...and I was very sorry for that. The important thing is that EVERY person could have made it if we would have had more time! Next year...we will allow for more time!!!!!!!!!!!
We covered the next 26 miles in about an hour and 15 minutes...hills included!!!! It was a race to the finish for sure led by some of stronger riders. I remembered thinking I was not going to be able to stand when we delivered the check!!!
We finally arrived at the police escort near Chula Vista about 12:30pm. We were late, but we were much closer than we were!!! After unloading everyone and waiting a while for additional police escorts, we lined up!!!! We had the Colored jerseys up front...followed by our Marines (Team Semper Fi, Major Connor,Carla, and Capt. Merkle). Paul Thompson and I made the choice to ride in the back. As we moved through the streets of San Diego I could not beleive what I was seeing.....it was an awesome site to see these incredible lines of people wind thorugh the streets. They were being cheered by people along the streets and they deserved all of it and more!!!!!!!!!! Half way through our trip through downtown we had two flats!!!!! I could not beleive it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brian Marcucci, one of our ride Captains, went to the back and fixed both!!!! Im still not sure if he made it to the park for the final entry in time. What I do know is he is without a doubt the best team-mate and friend to the RFSF that we could ever ask for. His giving spirit and committment is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!
As we moved up the final hill we could see the crowds along the street and final corner moving into position. We knew we had arrived!!!!!! After months of training rides and hundreds...maybe even thousands of miles...we were here!!!
As I rode into the parking lot I watched as all the riders were greeted by friends and families. It was an awesome site!!! Hugs, handshakes, and more hugs were enjoyed by all. I found myself standing by myself for a few minutes just soaking in what I was seeing. The team had made it all this way and now they were about to see what they ahd accomplished. As i was standing there I saw my Dad and my daughter McKenzie coming over to greet me......I got the same treatment...lots of hugs!!!!!!!!!
I began working my way into the crowd and could not beleive all the people I saw. I was greeted and congratulated by more people than I could possibly remember. I met children...wives...parents....and everyone in between over the next few minutes. Then....I spotted Wendy and Karen!!!!! Over the last two years Wendy and Karen (IMSFF Founders) have become such great friends. They have been a great inspiration to me and I am sure to hundreds of others. They met me with huge hugs and told me how happy they were to see us. The first thing I said was...." hey Wendy...the Marines you gave me to take care of....they are ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" You see, Wendy and Karen are like Moms to these guys and Wendy would not have reacted well if I would have hurt these folks!!!!! I made them all swear to me the night before that they would keep the man code and not tell Wendy how they had been tortured on the bikes for four days.
We finally worked our way into the ceremony after everyone seetled in to lunch. LtCol. Thomspn did the honors by opening the ceremony and talking about how hard eveyone had worked. I dont remember all of his words, but I know that as i stood there I was extremely proud of him. Very few people know the sacrifice he makes to do this ride.....we could not do it without him. Finally the check was presented to Wendy and Karen for $147,500 dollars!!!!!!!! It was an awesome feeling to finally be able to show them what this team had accomplished!!!
Everyone was thrilled about what they saw....pictures were taken, hugs were given, and tears flowed by all I think. I closed the ceremony by making a feable attempt at recognizing all those who had helped to make the ride possible. Unfortunately, I was just too tired to do a very good job. Usually...talking...no problem for me....its about all I really know how to do!!!! I think the emotion of everything combined with the physical part had finally taken its toll.
We finshed the day by taking pictures and just enjoying the moment.....As LtCol Thompson said...we were making memories.
Unfortunately I cannot possibly remember all of the things that happened on our last day. The truth is I would give anything to re-live the experience when I wasn't tired. What I do know is I remember happiness,friendship, my family, and a team filled with the best people I have ever known. I also remember looking out into the crowd and seeing my family (minus 1...Jack..next year buddy..). I saw my father, my wife Kelly, my daughter McKenzie, and my son Austin. I realized as I looked at them that if there is any good in me it is because of them. My father gave me the best present he could have ever given me when I was growing up. I watched him my entire life give to others without ever asking anything in return...whether it was bicycles for children or scout camp for handicapped children my Dad always gave until it hurt. He didn't talk about it or tell others, he just did it. He was a great mentor and my hope is that as I move through this life that I can live up to his example ( it will be very difficult). My family as usual hung with me and supported me through this entire process. My wife is steady as a rock...no matter how difficult or time-consuming things became, she knew how important this was to me and she stood by me and never wavered....she is the best there is!!!!!!
So that is it!!!!!!!! I will finish by pasting the comments from my last email to the team......I hope you enjoyed this years blog. Dont forget to visit the website for updates and picture links!!!
Until next year....God Bless and Semper Fi
John
).We started the day just as we did every other ride day. Everyone woke up....stretched some tired legs and began preparing the bikes and gear before breakfast. Now.....breakfast is always different when you stay at Angels Landing!!!!! This is no Hilton Cont. breakfast where you wonder which is older...the breakfast foods or the building!!!! The Angels Landing breakfast is home made pancakes...waffles...potatoes....biscuits...eggs.....and about anything else you can think of!!!!!!!! We have been so fortunate to have the folks at Angels Landing as part of our team. They go out of their way to make sure we are ready to go on our last day!!!! As we ate breakfast everyone was moving rather slowly until our favorite Sgt. entered the room....Hummel!!!! Hummel ran all of our support team functions this year. When Hummel noticed everyone not moving as they should he walked in and said " LETS GO.........EVERYBODY OUT"....or something close to that!!!! Let me tell you...when Hummel speaks...you better damn well listen!!!!!! He is one of the most generous people I have ever know but when he says move....he aint kiddin!!!!! So we moved!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Hummel......our favorite Marine)
After breakfast we took some time to thank our hosts Sally,Natasha,Theresa, and the rest of the Angels landing crew. I also had decided that today would be a great opportunity to introduce a new member of the team and great friend Carla Jurczynski. Carla is a Marine officer who has served two tours in Iraq. She and I had been trading emails
for several months about how she could join us on our ride. Because of scheduling issues we decided the last day would be our day!!!!!! I had waited to introduce Carla to the team because she had another very special reason for being with us. Carla had discovered through a video that we published that her friend Major Megan mcClung was being honored on our ride. She told me she could not beleive it and knew at that point she had to with us for at least part of the ride. I introduced Carla to the group and told everyone that I had asked her to speak for a few minutes about her relationship with Megan. They had become friends when serving together in Iraq. The next few mintues was filled with memories about not just a fine Marine but memories about a great person that brought passion and energy to enerything she did. Carla described Megan as a person that everyone loved and respected. I looked at our group and watched as everyone literally hung in each of Carlas words and memories. The stage had been set for our final day.....everyone on that team that morning fully understood why we were riding. Carla's presentation was from the heart and we were all fortunate to have had the opportunity to listen to her.
We began the day by moving all the trucks and bikes to the road! As usual, we were running late on the last day! We just can't quite seem to get things going on the last day...Im not sure why. Anyway we began the ride with about a mile or so climb. Now, if you have ever ridden 300+ miles, gone to bed, and then got up and immediately gone uphill you wil understand this!!!! Our legs were screaming and we had not even completed a mile yet!!!!!! However, the show must go on!!! We continued through the hills of California and were shocked at how difficult the last days route actually was. LtCol Thompson kept telling me "this is easier than last year." Now Im not one to argue with an officer, but................Im going to respectfully dissagree with his assessment!!!!!!!!!!!! It was hard!!!!! We had huge hills combined with downhills where we were approaching 50 miles per hour (the downs....awesome...the ups...not so awesome!).
After the first rest stop we had riders that were clearly beginning to struggle. Everyone had hundreds of miles in their legs and it was really starting to show. it was not that they could not compete the ride, it was just the pace that was beginning to take its tole on some of our team-mates. By the time we arrived at the second stop we were about an hour or so behind schedule.
With us being an hour + behind it was time to make a decision. We were either going to arrive at least 2 hours late or we were going to need to ask some people to sacrifice by getting in the vans. the last leg of the ride would have to be reserved for those who could ride a "race pace" to the end. This was probably the most difficult decision I have been forced to make with regards to this event. Every person standing around me at the rest stop had sacrificed to be there....everyone had worked hard and given a 100% effort. However, we were in a real bind so I asked for volunteers to ride in the van. I told them that if they were having trouble with the pace it was going to "get worse.....get faster." We had about 15 riders decide to take the last leg in the van. I know that decsion was hard....I know it really hurt some folks...and I was very sorry for that. The important thing is that EVERY person could have made it if we would have had more time! Next year...we will allow for more time!!!!!!!!!!!
We covered the next 26 miles in about an hour and 15 minutes...hills included!!!! It was a race to the finish for sure led by some of stronger riders. I remembered thinking I was not going to be able to stand when we delivered the check!!!
We finally arrived at the police escort near Chula Vista about 12:30pm. We were late, but we were much closer than we were!!! After unloading everyone and waiting a while for additional police escorts, we lined up!!!! We had the Colored jerseys up front...followed by our Marines (Team Semper Fi, Major Connor,Carla, and Capt. Merkle). Paul Thompson and I made the choice to ride in the back. As we moved through the streets of San Diego I could not beleive what I was seeing.....it was an awesome site to see these incredible lines of people wind thorugh the streets. They were being cheered by people along the streets and they deserved all of it and more!!!!!!!!!! Half way through our trip through downtown we had two flats!!!!! I could not beleive it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brian Marcucci, one of our ride Captains, went to the back and fixed both!!!! Im still not sure if he made it to the park for the final entry in time. What I do know is he is without a doubt the best team-mate and friend to the RFSF that we could ever ask for. His giving spirit and committment is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!
As we moved up the final hill we could see the crowds along the street and final corner moving into position. We knew we had arrived!!!!!! After months of training rides and hundreds...maybe even thousands of miles...we were here!!!
As I rode into the parking lot I watched as all the riders were greeted by friends and families. It was an awesome site!!! Hugs, handshakes, and more hugs were enjoyed by all. I found myself standing by myself for a few minutes just soaking in what I was seeing. The team had made it all this way and now they were about to see what they ahd accomplished. As i was standing there I saw my Dad and my daughter McKenzie coming over to greet me......I got the same treatment...lots of hugs!!!!!!!!!
I began working my way into the crowd and could not beleive all the people I saw. I was greeted and congratulated by more people than I could possibly remember. I met children...wives...parents....and everyone in between over the next few minutes. Then....I spotted Wendy and Karen!!!!! Over the last two years Wendy and Karen (IMSFF Founders) have become such great friends. They have been a great inspiration to me and I am sure to hundreds of others. They met me with huge hugs and told me how happy they were to see us. The first thing I said was...." hey Wendy...the Marines you gave me to take care of....they are ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" You see, Wendy and Karen are like Moms to these guys and Wendy would not have reacted well if I would have hurt these folks!!!!! I made them all swear to me the night before that they would keep the man code and not tell Wendy how they had been tortured on the bikes for four days
.We finally worked our way into the ceremony after everyone seetled in to lunch. LtCol. Thomspn did the honors by opening the ceremony and talking about how hard eveyone had worked. I dont remember all of his words, but I know that as i stood there I was extremely proud of him. Very few people know the sacrifice he makes to do this ride.....we could not do it without him. Finally the check was presented to Wendy and Karen for $147,500 dollars!!!!!!!! It was an awesome feeling to finally be able to show them what this team had accomplished!!!
Everyone was thrilled about what they saw....pictures were taken, hugs were given, and tears flowed by all I think. I closed the ceremony by making a feable attempt at recognizing all those who had helped to make the ride possible. Unfortunately, I was just too tired to do a very good job. Usually...talking...no problem for me....its about all I really know how to do!!!! I think the emotion of everything combined with the physical part had finally taken its toll.
We finshed the day by taking pictures and just enjoying the moment.....As LtCol Thompson said...we were making memories.
Unfortunately I cannot possibly remember all of the things that happened on our last day. The truth is I would give anything to re-live the experience when I wasn't tired. What I do know is I remember happiness,friendship, my family, and a team filled with the best people I have ever known. I also remember looking out into the crowd and seeing my family (minus 1...Jack..next year buddy..). I saw my father, my wife Kelly, my daughter McKenzie, and my son Austin. I realized as I looked at them that if there is any good in me it is because of them. My father gave me the best present he could have ever given me when I was growing up. I watched him my entire life give to others without ever asking anything in return...whether it was bicycles for children or scout camp for handicapped children my Dad always gave until it hurt. He didn't talk about it or tell others, he just did it. He was a great mentor and my hope is that as I move through this life that I can live up to his example ( it will be very difficult). My family as usual hung with me and supported me through this entire process. My wife is steady as a rock...no matter how difficult or time-consuming things became, she knew how important this was to me and she stood by me and never wavered....she is the best there is!!!!!!
So that is it!!!!!!!! I will finish by pasting the comments from my last email to the team......I hope you enjoyed this years blog. Dont forget to visit the website for updates and picture links!!!
Until next year....God Bless and Semper Fi
John
Good morning everyone!!!!
Well, after finally getting a couple of good nights sleep I have began thinking about what we experienced over the few months with the Ride for Semper Fi.
My good friend Paul could not have been more correct when he said these events are not just about raising money...they are also for making memories. While I tried in an absolute state of exhaustion to communicate that in my closing comments of the ride, nothing I could have ever said would adequately describe the memories that I will enjoy from this experience.
Here are some things I will remember.....I hope you have your list as well;
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I will remember the training rides and some of the heroic rides I saw from folks who were clearly reaching beyond their levels just so they could make this ride
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I will remember meeting Ronny,his Mom, and Wendy the evening before the ride and being amazed at his positive outlook on life and his ability to make everyone around him feel good.
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I will remember the morning we left...the chaos...the excitement....the hugs from Wendy and all the hand shakes from those who had given so much to be there.
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I will remember the first day and the dinner as I watched 41 individual riders begin to form into a team. I remember looking at our Marines who had barely spoken all day begin to interact with our team.....they were now RFSF team members.
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Major Connor in boots an Uts: Even though the Major knew it would be hot and difficult, he saddled up in boots and uts and brought an incredible energy to our ride. The sacrifice he made to be with us and the effort he gave to this entire ride will never be forgotten. He is a true friend and without a doubt a great American, a hero, and a great Marine.
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Brawley: One of my greatest honors in the two years we have done this ride was to have the opportunity not to introduce Paul Thompson, but to introduce LtCol Paul Thompson of the United States Air Force. PT is an officer and a gentleman in every sense of the word. His quiet sense of confidence and commitment to honor and duty still amazes me every day. Throughout this entire process, his friendship and skills as an officer made this entire event possible. He is without a doubt a hero. I will never forget Major Connors presentation about the four heroes for whom we dedicated our ride. I believe they were with us that night and I am sure they were very proud.
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The Climb to Julian: This memory will stand out for me forever. I saw team members struggle terribly to make that climb. I watched as Josh,George,and David powered up those climbs....they were incredible!!!!!!!!! Nobody gave up...nobody complained....everyone made it!!!!! The climb finished with tears by some and hugs by all. I believe those experiences can bond people for a lifetime.
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I will remember the last day not for the finality of the event, but for the camaraderie and the sense of accomplishment. I remember getting off the bike and seeing Wendy who immediately gave me a big hug. Next was Karen...then Laura...then many people from the team and the audience....it was incredible. The truth is each hug made every mile every effort,every late night worth it. I remember talking to the group and looking over at our Team Semper Fi members. In the middle of my comments I was thinking in the back of my head what incredible people each one of them are. I was proud and honored to share just a small part of their life....I thought, I hope they know how much everyone really cares about them. They are great team-mates.
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Finally, I remember getting ready to leave the park and when I looked around what I saw was the support staff......still working...still going about the business of taking care of me and the riders. I was bothered all weekend by the question "how can I possibly ever thank them enough." Jannine, Tami, Hummel,Shirley, Brett I., Brett B. Traci, my wife Kelly, my son Austin, and Garrett all put in heroic efforts that just cant really be described. If I had my way they would get the police escort....they deserved it.
Well, I could go on forever and some of you may think I already have!!! I will finish by saying this. I believe what we accomplished together as a team was incredible. Each and every one of you has a light and passion in your life that makes those around you better. I was blessed, honored, and humbled by your efforts and your commitment to the team and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. I will never forget the 2009 Ride for Semper Fi and my prayer is that each of you left on Saturday with a sense of accomplishment and a few memories that will follow you for the rest of your life.
Until next year
God Bless and Semper Fi
John
The Big Climb....oh...and some other climbing as well!
Day 3 started just as any other day would normally start on a long ride....stiff legs...excitement...and extreme hunger!!! You see, by this time we had ridden well over 200 miles and we were reaching the point where no amount of food seems to quite satisfy. Eat a huge dinner...you are hungry by bed time...big breakfast...you cant wait for the first stop.
After our usual coffee and breakfast chat where someone usually becomes the victim of extreme joking we decided to get our gear together and begin the long journey to Julian. Todays ride to Julian is only about ...<< MORE >>
After our usual coffee and breakfast chat where someone usually becomes the victim of extreme joking we decided to get our gear together and begin the long journey to Julian. Todays ride to Julian is only about ...<< MORE >>
Waking up is hard to do...The Marines think we are crazy...dinner with heroes
Well, we will take a shot at comments on day two. Hopefully, todays comments will be somewhat more understandable than yesterdays!!!!!!
We began the day by dragging ourselves out of the racks for a somewhat weird breakfast in Quartzite. The hotel people who are very nice supplied us with froot loops, honey buns, and powdered sugar donuts....not exactly the breakfast of champions!!!!! We probably need to do a little work with the hotel next year on the food scene for sure. The amazing thing....when cyclists are really hungry......all that "Im training and can't eat that" crapp goes right out the ...<< MORE >>
We began the day by dragging ourselves out of the racks for a somewhat weird breakfast in Quartzite. The hotel people who are very nice supplied us with froot loops, honey buns, and powdered sugar donuts....not exactly the breakfast of champions!!!!! We probably need to do a little work with the hotel next year on the food scene for sure. The amazing thing....when cyclists are really hungry......all that "Im training and can't eat that" crapp goes right out the ...<< MORE >>
Angels, Heroes...and the start of something special!
Well, it has been some time since I added anything to the blog!!! Today, however was an incredibly special day!!!!
We began the day at my house by waking three sleeping heroes....these were three injured Marines from Team Semper Fi who graciously agreed to share the experience of the Ride for Semper Fi. Now I will tell you that these guys are no doubt heroes...but they wake up like anyone else....sloooooooowllyyyy and in need of cafeen!!!! The wake up call for our new found friends came at 4:30 am!!! We had a big day ahead of us and the need to ...<< MORE >>
We began the day at my house by waking three sleeping heroes....these were three injured Marines from Team Semper Fi who graciously agreed to share the experience of the Ride for Semper Fi. Now I will tell you that these guys are no doubt heroes...but they wake up like anyone else....sloooooooowllyyyy and in need of cafeen!!!! The wake up call for our new found friends came at 4:30 am!!! We had a big day ahead of us and the need to ...<< MORE >>
60 Days to go with a great team and new records to set!!!
Donations to date: $76,443.00
Well, it has been some time since my last post....July the 14th I believe!!! Since that time as a team we have not only grown in numbers, but we have grown in donations as well!
The Ride for Semper Fi team now consists of 40 riders that come from all walks of life and backgrounds. The athletic abilities and strength of the riders varies somewhat but it is becoming less noticeable as we continue to train every weekend. Soon we will have video available on the website of our training rides ...<< MORE >>
The Campaign begins...and the honoring of four heroes
Well, its July the 14th and we are well into our campaign that started on the 4th! So far...so good!!!! We are off to a great start with more than 26 thousand dollars being raised in the first 10 days! I think that is a great start and I am continually amazed at the generosity of Americans!
One of the traditions that has come with our ride is that each year we pick the names of several individuals who we would like to honor as we move through the campaign and into the ride. This year is no different. a ...<< MORE >>
And so it begins!
Well, as promised the Ride for Semper Fi is back again for the 2009 ride to California!!!! This years trip will take us basically on the same route as last year with a slight twist at the end. The slight twist at the end will be instead of going downhill for 15 miles towards Oceanside we will be climbing out of Julian, California (ughhhh) to begin our trek toward Balboa Park for a picnic with our injured heroes, the IMSFF, our families, friends, and supporters.
We are so excited to ride again in support of ...<< MORE >>
We Made IT...................
Well, as you know from our last blog we made it!!!!! After months of planning, training, and working on details, and four days of incredible rides finished with a donation to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. We raised over $72,000 dollars to aid our heroes who preserve our freedom.
I want to take this opporunity to thank everyone who was involved with this great adventure. From my team-mates, to Dirk Cowley at Sportsbaseonline, to the folks at the IMSFF, to our sponsors.....GODADDY, Specialized, DNA CYCLES,INKling, KFYI ( Mike and Bruce!!),our friends in the press....Jennifer, Richard Douglas, Cher and Kim,AZ ...<< MORE >>
Day four...tired legs...a great downhill...some uphills and a trip into a place of heroes
Day four was a day that brought an absolute buzz to the group. during breakfast you could almost feel the energy coming from the riders as we faced our final leg into Camp Pendleton. Everyone was laughing, talking about the days rides and having a great time reliving some of the great jokes and strories that had developed over the coarse of the previous three days.
(Some of our support staff...there is none better)
( Larry H. a true member of the team and a great new friend......and one heck of an RV driver!)
(Steve K. our GoDaddy driver and personal Marine...he protected us every mile of every day.......he is a great addition to our cycling family)
(Major Andy Christian joins us for the last leg)
We started with a briefing from Paul T. who explained where we would be going and the importance of the group staying together. Todays ride would be somewhat technical and full of turns!!!!! We were also fortunate enought to have with us Major Andy Christian who had been a supporter of the ride from day one. He is a Marine Major who has given three tours in Iraq and is headed for his fourth deployment in November. Major Christian like many other Marine Officers is a man who is an inspiration to those who are fortnuate enough to spend time with him.
As we began the ride for the the day we were met with some incredible downhill roads...the day before had brought a massive climb...today...we go down the other side. Speeds of 40 mph plus for the peleton combined with sweeping turns and beautiful scenery. The downhill experience was definately worth the climb!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We continued on through some small rollers and some climbs that were definately testing some tired legs. At this point however, we were a group running on pure adrenaline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As we worked our way into the city, we said goodbye to our friends in the support vehicles and started to our rendevous point via a bicycle trail. The trail seemed to wind on forever!!!!!!!!!!!!! When will we get there was the prevailing thought of the group.
Well, as you can imagine, we got there!!!!!!!!!!!! As we came into the park we were met by reporters, cameras, loved ones and friends. It was incredible!!!!!!!!!!!
(DNA Don and others finish the final leg)
(Paul T. with MstSgt. David Lind)
(Steve K.;our great driver and a great Marine visits with Dave K.)
(DNA Don with MstSgt Lind of the USMC)
(John G. and Paul T. with Col Seaton (Camp Pendleton Base Commander)
(Britt L. joined us with enthusiasm and a great sense of humor!)
(Brad J. with Davey Lind)
(Joe Liner..handled all of our money.....always there to help!)
(Mark B.-also rode in honor of his father...Mark is a good man who made tremendous gains in fitness as we trained...it was exciting to watch him.)
(Presenting the check to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund)
(The Ride for Semper Fi Team)
(One more of the team...including Larry and Steve)
I will finish this days blog with a copy of the email I sent to Angie at the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund.
It is most unfortunate that I am forced to try to put all of this experience into words......my abilities to write simply do not do justice to the experience. Here is my letter.
We started with a briefing from Paul T. who explained where we would be going and the importance of the group staying together. Todays ride would be somewhat technical and full of turns!!!!! We were also fortunate enought to have with us Major Andy Christian who had been a supporter of the ride from day one. He is a Marine Major who has given three tours in Iraq and is headed for his fourth deployment in November. Major Christian like many other Marine Officers is a man who is an inspiration to those who are fortnuate enough to spend time with him.
As we began the ride for the the day we were met with some incredible downhill roads...the day before had brought a massive climb...today...we go down the other side. Speeds of 40 mph plus for the peleton combined with sweeping turns and beautiful scenery. The downhill experience was definately worth the climb!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We continued on through some small rollers and some climbs that were definately testing some tired legs. At this point however, we were a group running on pure adrenaline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As we worked our way into the city, we said goodbye to our friends in the support vehicles and started to our rendevous point via a bicycle trail. The trail seemed to wind on forever!!!!!!!!!!!!! When will we get there was the prevailing thought of the group.
Well, as you can imagine, we got there!!!!!!!!!!!! As we came into the park we were met by reporters, cameras, loved ones and friends. It was incredible!!!!!!!!!!!
I will finish this days blog with a copy of the email I sent to Angie at the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund.
It is most unfortunate that I am forced to try to put all of this experience into words......my abilities to write simply do not do justice to the experience. Here is my letter.
Angela and Jeremiah,
Im sorry I did not touch base earlier. It was so crazy the last day and then getting ready to leave for AZ was a new challenge all in itself!!!! The last days ride into Camp pendleton was one of the greatest days I have ever had. We were met by Col. Jamison who shook my hand and siad " I can't believe you guys did this." He was incredible to us and I hope you will please pass along to him my sincere thanks for everything he did. As we passed through the gates the first thing I saw was two young Marines giving the Col a salute and I thought....those two young kids at the gate are just one of the many reasons why we rode. We continued on to the beach house where we were met by the cheers of volunteers and other folks who just began watching the parade of vehicles and bikes that were coming through.
After arriving, some of the volunteers showed us toward the food which as a team we promptly devoured (we had done a SHORT ride that day of 79 miles). As we moved into lunch I was amazed when I saw Col. Seaton come thorugh the door. Angie, it was almost a surreal experience to have him and Dave in the same event. Myself and everyone on the team were tremendously honored and humbled by the precense of both these men. We were fortunate enough to listen to both men speak about the value of the fund and what our event meant to all those brave Marines who need help as they come home.
We finished the day with a few words from myself...some thankyous....and a few jerseys passed out to those who had helped us so much. As crazy as this sounds, it was probably one of the most emotional days I have ever had since the birth of my children. It was at times very difficult to find the words to talk along with the waves of emotions that were hitting me.
In the end Davie was kind enough to hand each rider a medal, take pictures and shake the hands of everyone involved. He is without a doubt a great American and a true hero.
Angie and Jeremiah, I want you both to know how honored I am to have been a part of this great organization. The help from you two, Major Christian, Dave, Col. Seaton, and all the other volunteers has been incredibly inspiring. This was an experience I will remember the rest of my life.
Please pass along my thanks to all the volunteers that were there with us. In the heat of the event I failed to get all of their names. If you have email addresses for them I would very much like to send them a note.
Thank you again...and as I finished each day of our rides I will say to you both....God Bless...and Semper Fi.
John Greenway
Ride for Semper Fi
Day 3....CHPs finest......hills..more hills....and apple pie!!!
Day 3 brought many uniques and interesting challenges!!!!!! We started the morning by leaving from the Brawley best Western Inn. The Best Western Inn in Brawley was actually a great hotel!!!!!! We had been worried the day before about what we could expect when we got there. The Hotel was actually brand new with a great pool, a jacuzzi, and a great breakfast bar......which we completely consumed!!! (Note to Hotel owners...if 21 cyclists come through your hotel, they will eat anything and everything in sight).
The ride started with 20 of us heading towards what would be our most challenging day. Again we were informed that the first 30 miles or so of the ride would be flat and fairly simple. If you read our last blog, you will know that we almost had to sacrifice Greg S. because of his false "lack of hill reports." We gain considered sacrificing him but decided not to because we still needed someone to pull into the wind!!! So we had a few hills here and there but also enjoyed some flats and rolling terrain. The scenery was great and the landscape seemed to be changing with almost every mile.
At about hour 3ish we had been doing some climbs into and area that was incredibly rocky. The landscape for as far as you could see seemed to be nothing but hills, boulders, and scrub bush. As we began a small downhill we were alerted to the sound of a horn behind us. Fortunately, we were just about 200 yards from our next rest stop. When we pulled in we were followed in by one of California's finest highway patrolmen. He was shall we say slightly agitated at the fact that we were "impeding traffic." The truth is he was absolutely correct....we had made a mistake with the van who was following us. If I had not mentioned it before, we had a driver in the GoDaddy Van behind us named Steve. Steve is a former Marine who has done two tours in Iraq. he is a great person who has not only served his country, but was absolutely going to defend us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had asked him to stay behind us and in normal Marine fashion, he charged the hill!!!! The only problem...the CHP did not approve and was all too pleased to tell Steve he could be going to jail and was absolutely going to get a ticket. We spent about 30 minutes with the officer and his partner and were told how things were going to be in the great state of California for our event!!!!!! The truth is, after we explained what we were doing and how we had chosen the route the officers actually became very nice and explained they were really just concerned for our safety. So, no ticket.....no jail time for Steve (good luck keeping that guy in a jail cell)
(What do we do with 21 guys in spandex)
(Getting pulled over by the CHP....alot of CRAPP)
(Darin F........always smiling!)
(The Iron Men..Chris F and Brian M. move more people uphills than a ski lift!)
After letting us go, we came out of the rest stop and looked directly into the eyes of a climb that was at least 12% grade and about a mile or so long. What is so incredible about this group is that the strongest riders came to the back and helped push some of the weaker riders up the climb. Now if you have ever tried this before, you need to understand what incredible strength this takes. I watched hill after hill as Chris F. and Brian M., Darin F. and others placed their hand on the backside of another rider and pushed them up long climbs. If you want to know how it feels go out today.....get on your bike and climb the biggest hill you can find while pushing a full shopping cart with one of your hands while pedaling......that might be close to the feeling. As I watched all of this I realized we had become a team. Two days earlier we were a group of 21 cyclists from all walks of life....today, we were a team working together for a common goal.....getting up the damn climbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Brian and Brent make the climb together....we had become a team)
After making it over the 12% grade, we had a nice downhill rest. The problem with downhills...............they are always met with uphills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the distance, we could see the mountain we were preparing to climb. The next 12 miles were going to be difficult and straight up to Julian!!! The mountain was beautiful!!!!!! We had trees, shade, gentle sweeping curves and views of the valley that were incredible. We asked Steve to drive the van up and down the line because we knew that different riders would make it up the climb at very different speeds. As usual....he did a great job and took great care of everyone. I had stayed at the back of the group to ride with some of the guys who I knew would take a little more time getting up the climb. Once again, what I witnessed was incredible. The stronger riders once again had come to the back and used pure athletic ability and strength to help some of the guys who were just plain tired!!!!!!!! One thing needs to be mentioned about this climb. This climb was an effort that would be challenging for any level of rider. Even though some of the guys were slower up the climb, they DID IT!!!!!!!!!! They never complained......they never quit......and they pedaled through what was arguably their greatest athletic challenge. It was unbelievable to watch as these guys stepped up and suffered all the way up that climb...........they are troopers!!!!!!!!
( Dave K. makes the climb....12 miles with cramps...the man is a trooper)
(The top of the Julian climb...it was a tough day)
Well as you can guess, we made it!!!!!!!!!!!! All 20 of us who made the trip together that morning worked together as a group to get everyone up that hill. Everyone in that group gave words of encouragement as they rode along side other team-mates.........it was a great sight!!!!
Julian brought us a beautiful town and a beautiful small hotel called Angels Landing. The folks at Angels Landing are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! The small resort sits on a hill and is covered with trees, wildlife, and stars so bright at night that you can't believe it. They also make the best apple pie you will ever taste!!! If you are going to Cali....you should stay at this place and tell Theresa....we want the pie...and the lasagna...and the bread......and anything else she comes up with!!!!!
Dinner concluded with some stories from David K. about his son who had done three tours in Iraq. Dave has been a friend of mine for a long time and it was incredibly moving to hear how his son had sacrificed for his country and was now dealing with the pain of what he had been through. Dave did this ride in honor of his son and I guarantee his son would have been proud to see what his Dad was accomplishing in his name. We also heard some additional comments from Lt. Col paul Thompson and his friend "Captain Jack" who again reminded us of the realities of war. It was a sobering experience.
(Dave K. tells the story of his son in Iraq....Ryan...your Dad did great)
We completed dinner with a gift from my friends on the ride. Lt Col Thompson had flown a flag in the C-17 Globemaster over the skies of Iraq and Afgan. He awarded me with the flag, framed with pictures and a certificate from the US Air Force. I was speechless and overcome with emotion to say the least. Paul is a great friend, a true Hero, and a great American. I will say the same for his wife who had spent hours of her time (between prepping for this ride, taking care of 3 children, and everything else she does) putting this gift together.
(The gift from my friend Paul and Tammi.....simply incredible)
It was a great day for everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We finished the day with great laughs courtesy of DNA Don, Jason, and some of the other characters on the trip....there were many!!!!!!
The ride started with 20 of us heading towards what would be our most challenging day. Again we were informed that the first 30 miles or so of the ride would be flat and fairly simple. If you read our last blog, you will know that we almost had to sacrifice Greg S. because of his false "lack of hill reports." We gain considered sacrificing him but decided not to because we still needed someone to pull into the wind!!! So we had a few hills here and there but also enjoyed some flats and rolling terrain. The scenery was great and the landscape seemed to be changing with almost every mile.
At about hour 3ish we had been doing some climbs into and area that was incredibly rocky. The landscape for as far as you could see seemed to be nothing but hills, boulders, and scrub bush. As we began a small downhill we were alerted to the sound of a horn behind us. Fortunately, we were just about 200 yards from our next rest stop. When we pulled in we were followed in by one of California's finest highway patrolmen. He was shall we say slightly agitated at the fact that we were "impeding traffic." The truth is he was absolutely correct....we had made a mistake with the van who was following us. If I had not mentioned it before, we had a driver in the GoDaddy Van behind us named Steve. Steve is a former Marine who has done two tours in Iraq. he is a great person who has not only served his country, but was absolutely going to defend us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had asked him to stay behind us and in normal Marine fashion, he charged the hill!!!! The only problem...the CHP did not approve and was all too pleased to tell Steve he could be going to jail and was absolutely going to get a ticket. We spent about 30 minutes with the officer and his partner and were told how things were going to be in the great state of California for our event!!!!!! The truth is, after we explained what we were doing and how we had chosen the route the officers actually became very nice and explained they were really just concerned for our safety. So, no ticket.....no jail time for Steve (good luck keeping that guy in a jail cell)
After letting us go, we came out of the rest stop and looked directly into the eyes of a climb that was at least 12% grade and about a mile or so long. What is so incredible about this group is that the strongest riders came to the back and helped push some of the weaker riders up the climb. Now if you have ever tried this before, you need to understand what incredible strength this takes. I watched hill after hill as Chris F. and Brian M., Darin F. and others placed their hand on the backside of another rider and pushed them up long climbs. If you want to know how it feels go out today.....get on your bike and climb the biggest hill you can find while pushing a full shopping cart with one of your hands while pedaling......that might be close to the feeling. As I watched all of this I realized we had become a team. Two days earlier we were a group of 21 cyclists from all walks of life....today, we were a team working together for a common goal.....getting up the damn climbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After making it over the 12% grade, we had a nice downhill rest. The problem with downhills...............they are always met with uphills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the distance, we could see the mountain we were preparing to climb. The next 12 miles were going to be difficult and straight up to Julian!!! The mountain was beautiful!!!!!! We had trees, shade, gentle sweeping curves and views of the valley that were incredible. We asked Steve to drive the van up and down the line because we knew that different riders would make it up the climb at very different speeds. As usual....he did a great job and took great care of everyone. I had stayed at the back of the group to ride with some of the guys who I knew would take a little more time getting up the climb. Once again, what I witnessed was incredible. The stronger riders once again had come to the back and used pure athletic ability and strength to help some of the guys who were just plain tired!!!!!!!! One thing needs to be mentioned about this climb. This climb was an effort that would be challenging for any level of rider. Even though some of the guys were slower up the climb, they DID IT!!!!!!!!!! They never complained......they never quit......and they pedaled through what was arguably their greatest athletic challenge. It was unbelievable to watch as these guys stepped up and suffered all the way up that climb...........they are troopers!!!!!!!!
Well as you can guess, we made it!!!!!!!!!!!! All 20 of us who made the trip together that morning worked together as a group to get everyone up that hill. Everyone in that group gave words of encouragement as they rode along side other team-mates.........it was a great sight!!!!
Julian brought us a beautiful town and a beautiful small hotel called Angels Landing. The folks at Angels Landing are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! The small resort sits on a hill and is covered with trees, wildlife, and stars so bright at night that you can't believe it. They also make the best apple pie you will ever taste!!! If you are going to Cali....you should stay at this place and tell Theresa....we want the pie...and the lasagna...and the bread......and anything else she comes up with!!!!!
Dinner concluded with some stories from David K. about his son who had done three tours in Iraq. Dave has been a friend of mine for a long time and it was incredibly moving to hear how his son had sacrificed for his country and was now dealing with the pain of what he had been through. Dave did this ride in honor of his son and I guarantee his son would have been proud to see what his Dad was accomplishing in his name. We also heard some additional comments from Lt. Col paul Thompson and his friend "Captain Jack" who again reminded us of the realities of war. It was a sobering experience.
We completed dinner with a gift from my friends on the ride. Lt Col Thompson had flown a flag in the C-17 Globemaster over the skies of Iraq and Afgan. He awarded me with the flag, framed with pictures and a certificate from the US Air Force. I was speechless and overcome with emotion to say the least. Paul is a great friend, a true Hero, and a great American. I will say the same for his wife who had spent hours of her time (between prepping for this ride, taking care of 3 children, and everything else she does) putting this gift together.
It was a great day for everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We finished the day with great laughs courtesy of DNA Don, Jason, and some of the other characters on the trip....there were many!!!!!!
