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
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