Dave in Savannah

BIcycle Ride at The Landings

2012-01-08T08:25:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful day yesterday, Sunday, Jan 7th in Savannah and at The Landings a gated golf community on Skidaway Island. Took some pics with my new camera, me at Delegal Marina, A very nice catamaran, a very nice little park on the East Marsh with a bench to watch to sunrise.
Enjoy!

Best Birthday Ever at 84

2011-11-17T13:49:00.002-05:00

Skidaway Bridge Up-date

2011-10-20T15:48:00.003-05:00

Skidaway Island Narrows Bridge Up-date

2011-08-29T12:22:00.006-05:00

Here's another up-date on the Skidaway Island Narrows Bridge. The construction, we hear, is ahead of schedule. The large beams now installed are manufactured near Savannah River at a concrete plant. Trucks bringing them are very long, have about 34 wheels. The old bridge is closed when they are un-loaded from these long trucks briefly. Well here is the video made today, August 29, 2011

Summer Vacation 2011

2011-07-26T04:38:00.003-05:00

Holly's Garden May 2011

2011-05-27T22:01:00.002-05:00

Latest up-date Skidaway Bridge

2011-05-20T10:48:00.004-05:00

Here is a video taken this morning, May 20 of the construction of the new bridge over the Narrows of the Intracoastal Waterway to Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA

Holly's Sisters Visit

2011-03-13T14:45:00.005-05:00

Left to Right: Susie (From California), Ruthie (from Colorado), Janet (from Wisconsin) and Holly (resident of The Landings, Georgia) holding a wiggling Jean-Bean (a King Charles Spaniel, Cavalier). The sisters visit every two years to renew friendships and remember being brought up in Binghamton, NY

10 Mile bicycle ride at The Landings Feb. 26th

2011-02-27T04:57:00.001-05:00

Max's 80th BIrthday

2011-02-13T20:18:00.002-05:00

Aneighbor, Max Elhrich's wife arranged a surprise birthday party for him, This picture was made last night in the library at the Plantation Club house at The Landings of Holly and me!

New Skidaway Narrows Bridge Cnnst

2011-02-03T14:56:00.003-05:00

Holly's Garden 2010

2010-05-01T22:16:00.003-05:00

Today, the garden in Holly's Courtyard was finished planting, benches washed and brown mulch spread.

BRAG's Spring Tune Up

2010-04-20T06:16:00.001-05:00

As I arrived in Madison, GA for the BRAG Spring Tune UP on Thursday, April 15, my car died as I exited the ramp. Called AAA and got towed to the car repair shop by the tow company authorized by AAA. An employee helped me unload my “stuff” into his pick up truck and took me to the Heritage Park where BRAG camp site was located for the event Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun. After lugging all my gear to a shady spot behind a row of Leland Cedars and dumping my tent out of its stuff sack …. Low and behold, I had left my tent poles at home. So, there I was unable to erect the tent, no car and distraught.
Thanks to two guys who had set up next to me from Michigan, they took me to Wal-Mart to buy another tent (that makes three tents I now own!). The car shop called and told me my timing belt had broken and being a special type of engine, it could mean bent valves and a $1,500.00 repair job! This is becoming a very bad day! After a brief discussion, decided to replace the timing belt, turn the car on and see if it skipped because of valve damage. So, late Friday, I found out this approach worked, the valves were not damaged and the repair was ONLY $282.00.
You may have read my last post about a bicycle crash I had the previous Saturday. Still recovering from bruises and a head injury my riding on the Spring Tune UP was a test, since my doctor had cleared me to ride from the second CAT scan of my head showing no brain injuries (but still had a headache all week). The ride Friday was from 20 to 60 miles depending on choice. I chose the 20 mile ride and had a terrible time with the hills, my right arm was painful from the shoulder laceration and bruise, broke open the road rash on my right knee and in general was exhausted getting back to camp. I was not ready for riding, that’s for sure. Saturday, I went out 5 miles and returned to camp, still suffering and decided to pack it up and return home and get some more “recovering”!
As I was packing up, it dawned on me, what the heck do I need three tents? A young man and his Son had set up next to me and the Son had a new road bike for his birthday next week. So, I gave them my tent to replace a smaller tent they had been using. Left a note in their tent since they were out on the route. Got a nice than you note from them yesterday! Sean’s Son, Liam, is really into riding and his picture sent by his Dad is on the post. Happy Birthday, Liam!

Spring! Bicycling crash!

2010-04-11T03:06:00.005-05:00

As I was finishing up a 25 mile bicycle ride and passing Holly’s home, I had 24.1 miles on my odometer, so I took a short loop ride on Pelham Street to add another mile to get 25 miles. As I was less than 200 years back to Holly’s, I hit a small rotten limb in some leaves and went down hard. My head must have hit the curb as the fall knocked me out. While I had my helmet on properly, the hit was next to my right eye just below the helmet. Never remember much except I knew I was falling. The next thing I knew The Landings First Response Team was helping me up and asking me questions about where I was and did I live at The Landings. I knew I was at The Landings, but didn’t know where. When I told them I stayed at 3 Westferry Ct., they said well, that’s right there across the street. I did not recognize the area, so my brain was shaken up some. Someone must have driven by, saw me lying along the curb, motionless and called the team.
Later after I holly and I went to a pet store the hematoma next to my right eye had started to bleed, so Holly took me to Candler Hospital Emergency Room to get checked out. Two hours later after a CT scan revealed no cranial bleeding and no broken facial bones, I was released. The doctor (also a bicycle rider) glued the wound that was bleeding and told me to stay off the bike until my prime physician says it was ok to ride again. He also said I should be OK to do BRAG’s Spring Tune Up this weekend.
The lesson I seem to not learn yet, is to pay attention and keep your eye on the road. These kinds of accidents happen in a flash and you are down before you know it!
By the way, this morning, my right eye is about completly closed from swelling more overnight. And the Doc says my face will turn blue on the right side, more ugly than my normal face!

It's Spring! Time for bicycle riding!

2010-04-06T15:17:00.003-05:00

Temperature in the 80's now and have started riding my bicycle in earnest to improve my health, lose weight and enjoy the scenery. Saturday 4/3 I did the Metter, GA ride of 25 miles, Sunday, Monday and today I did 10 to 14 miles each day. Getting my blood sugar under control, too! These pictures were taken today of pear trees, azalea bloom, dogwood and a Blue Heron on a pond I passed.

Holly's Visitors

2010-03-28T03:33:00.003-05:00

Holly’s daughter (Ellie), granddaughter (Pagey) and Son-in-law (Joe) visit from their home in Long Island, NY. This picture illustrates the attraction Holly has due to her loving personality and love for all people, including her new pet Gina-Bean the King Charles Spaniel with her fresh haircut and dainty ribbons in her hair.

My Fitness

2010-03-16T23:14:00.003-05:00

My doctor sent me to a vein specialist because of pain in my calf. Sonar exam showed a blockage in the artery in my thigh which is causing the pain in my calf. The doctor put me on a pill that makes the heart pump blood faster, thus cleaning out the artery. Apparently it is working since over the Winter I had become a couch potato; gained weight and over eating had caused blood sugar to rise over 300 as I am a Type II diabetic.
The fear of a stroke got my attention and I started bicycling again, as well as, working out in a fitness center doing weights and spinning four times a week. Over the last month I have lost 9 pounds, bicycling again three times a week total of 50 miles a week. The result has stopped the pain, allowed me to lose nine pounds and now decided to return to riding events, the first being Metter, GA’s Another Bloomin Bike Ride and BRAG’s Tune Up getting ready to bicycle BRAG in June (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia).

Holly's new addition to her family!

2010-03-12T16:50:00.003-05:00

Meet Gina-Bean! A King Charles Spaniel given to Holly by her Sister, Janet. Gina-Bean arrived late Tuesday on Delta Airlines in her crate and immediately took to Holly! Now retired from Wisconsin to the sunny South in The Landings after bearing three litters of this purebred beautiful creatures. She can now enjoy all the pleasures of a mild winter compared to Wisconsin!

Snow in Savannah, GA

2010-02-13T04:19:00.003-05:00

This picture borrowed from the Savannah Morning News, is about all the snow you could see, as there was no accumulation in Savannah proper. On Skidaway Island, there was no snow to my knowledge, as being surrounded by water, the temperature never got cold enough for anything except light rain. Some accumulation inland, as well as, some trees down with the wind, icy bridges and slushy roads. Those were reported in Effingham County, the next County along the Savannah River towards Augusta. Rincon got freezing rain, Springfield some accumulation.
A rare sight for sure, I think it’s the first snow in 13 years.

Sunday Afternoon Stroll

2010-02-08T11:37:00.003-05:00

A very nice day on Skidaway Island, temp about 55 degrees, bright warm sunshine brought Holly and I for a nice 2 mile stroll through The Landings. While I have problems with a blockage in my left thigh, the medicine I am taking must be working since I had a substantial reduction in leg pain

The above photo is simply a scene of a home on the marsh near Delegal Marina. The beautiful tree is a Live Oak.

This is Bill and Mickey, friends of Holly. We came upon them sitting on this bench built into the walkway to Delegal Marina, joined them for conversation sitting in the warm sun!

Along a paved path near the West Marsh, we saw this group of bird feeders, can you count them?

This yard, we thought, had great landscaping ... Lot's of round things, including the cabbage in the planter. Must keep them busy trimming and keeping it round!

Triplets Third Birthday

2010-01-23T15:20:00.010-05:00

My Great Grandchildren had a birthday party today, January 23, 2009. They were born in December, so Mom (my granddaughter, Neena) has their birthday in January every year.

Here are Isabelle and Kendall, jackets off to show their t-shirts. Jake had Number 1, Isabelle had number 3 and Kendall had number 2 printed on the front.

Here is Jake with hood up (He didn't want his picture of his t-shirt taken), Isabelle and Kendall. That's Mom caught by surprise and looking at the camera and Dad behind Jake in the blue sweat shirt.

Unfortunately, my camera batteries died before presents were opened and the candles were lit and blown out successfully by each triplet!

Pictures of Christmas in Seattle

2010-01-05T15:17:00.004-05:00

Holly's son, Doug and his wife Kay and their two children Charlie and Susie were just outstanding host for us as we visited them over the Christmas holidays. These pictures below will reflect the good times. Santa came for a visit to see all the younger kids, giving each kid a present. The Santa I understand was a neighbor who visited most of the homes in this neighborhood

Holly and Dave Christmas morning, I think. But very happy to be with Doug and Kay!

Charlie opening a pair of Speedo swimming trunks which he hates, but better wear on his high school swimming team for speed!

Susie being the great person she is, ran across the room and literally jumped into Santa's lap much to the howls of all the guest! She is going to be one of the most attractive teens in Seattle with a great personality!

The guest on Christmas Eve were relatives and neighbors and friends of Doug and Kay. Of special note, a new friend to me is on the far left, Rep. Norm Dicks, 32 years in Congress from the Seattle area. Very good at singing and remembering old songs and a pleasure to talk to on most any subject.

Christmas in Seattle

2009-12-18T23:27:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the generousity of Holly's family in Seattle, we leave Monday, 12/21 for Seattle to visit Holly's second Son and his family. Our second Christmas trip, we understand the weather has been much colder than out last holiday visit. Her Son, Doug and his wife Kay, as well as, Charlie and Susie their children are always a pleasure to visit.

Auburn Goes to Outback Bowl!

2009-12-14T17:23:00.006-05:00

I completed my college aducation at Auburn University 54 years ago when it was known as Alabama Polytecnic Institute, Ole "API"! Enrollment was about 4,800 students, the football stadium sat about 10,000 people. Today the enrollment is around 30,000+ I understand, the stadium seats 80,000 plus! It certainly please me to see the fans chanting "It's great to be an Auburn Tiger" and giving the team a standing ovation after barely losing to it's arch rival University of Alabama two weeks ago. It's this spirit and the fact they took Alabama the #2 team in the Nation right down to the last minute, stopped Ingram cold (Ingram got the Hiesman anyway, even though he failed miserably in the last game against Auburn)that Auburn was selected for a New Years Day Outback Bowl above other probable better teams!
WAR EAGLE!!

Another Great Grand Child

2009-12-08T02:21:00.002-05:00

Meet Emma! From Nashville, TN, Emma seen here helping decorate her Grandmother's (my daughter's)Christmas tree. Taken to Chicago, IL for her birthday by my daughter, it was Emma's first plane trip, first taxi ride and a lot of other first, too!

Triplets recent picture

2009-12-06T09:55:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of my great grand children! This is my oldest son's daughters children, Chris and Neena Bloxham are the parents, Neena is my oldest Grandchild and the Mother of these great kids!

Left to right: Isabelle, Jake and Kendall

My 82nd Birthday

2009-11-14T05:00:00.005-05:00

November Friday the 13th, no less, was my 82nd birthday! Holly took me to Elizabeth's on 37th Street near downtown Savannah for dinner. This self portrait reflects my happiness with the love of my life!
The menu: Butternut Squash Soup, poured at the table over 4 shrimp in the bowl, a single muscle in a delicious sauce (muscle from Canada) and the entree, Grouper baked with pepper like crust, served over dollar sized sliced potato. Apple fennel on the side. All done with perfect presentations! And of course, Shiraz wine that was perfect. While this restaurant is expensive, it's the best restaurant in Savannah to take a date, partner or friend if you really want to impress! Excellent food and great wines!
The link to this restaurant: http://www.elizabethon37th.net/

Trailblazer Ride

2009-11-08T15:38:00.004-05:00

In Savannah Georgia there is a road that leads to Tybee Island, a beach community at the very end of US 80, a cross country highway. A very dangerous road on the causeway leading to the island for bicyclist. This event was to raise money for the East Coast Greenway which eventually will be a bike/pedestrian trail for Maine to the Florida Keys. Promoted by the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, 150 people showed up to ride with a police escort from Tybee to Johnson Square in downtown Savannah, a 21 mile distance ridden by all types of cyclist.
More about this event that happened today:

http://bicyclecampaign.org/tybee-to-savannah-trailblazers-ride/

Pictures below are SCAD bike club marshals, registration, Me and Pam, the riders ready to roll and on the road (Paul Wolff just ahead of people in yellow) on his Easy Rider bicycle, a Tybee City Councilman who had never ridden 21 miles! Paul is a politician who strongly believes in better bicycling!

Pagey's First Halloween!

2009-11-01T11:21:00.003-05:00

This is Page, Holly's most recent granddaughter's first Halloween! Looks not too happy with this cute costume!

Holly's Family

2009-10-30T02:35:00.006-05:00

This picture was taken on Vail Mountain, Vail Colorado by Janet Beck, Holly's sister. Included in the picture are all (except one granddaughter) of Holly's children and grandchildren. The affair was David Page's and Breezy's wedding atop this mountain at 11,300 feet above sea level. Beautiful as beautiful can be. A very happy, loving and generous group of people you will ever meet!

The Obama Administration as one person see

2009-10-27T12:35:00.006-05:00

I find this a good appraisal of the current Presidents Administration!

Check out this article:

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/56091

Relatives I don't see often

2009-10-21T17:16:00.003-05:00

From Left to right: Mike, Steve, Don (Dad) and Ken. Don (dad) is my brother in law. Lives in Amarillo, TX. Don married my wife sister after we all four finished Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, AL or a few year afterward. Don had a great career in the USAF, retiring as a Colonel., I believe. I had a career in industrial management and later in sales. My four children and Don's five children (his two girls are not pictured) played together on several occasions, but mostly when they lived next door to us in Pinopolis, SC while Don was in Vietnam. Lot's of good memories between our two families! It's good to see the boys and Don, we have all aged, but still happy. It is a pleasure to know that I have more hair on my head than all four of my relatives!

Harvest of Hope Ride, Oct 10, 2009

2009-10-11T10:45:00.004-05:00

The picture above was taken after the ride around 6:00pm at Memorial Health in Savannah.. The video below was taken at the start in Augusta at about 7:10am These people were almost as fresh after the ride as before!

This video was taken under the portico of the Marriott in Augusta on the Savannah River just before the 70 guys and gals started to pedal from Augusta, GA to Savannah, GA, a distance of about 140 miles in one day!

Had one accident where one nice lady got tangled with another rider, went down and broke her arm. She was taken back to Augusta for surgery. Her husband abandoned the ride to go with her.

Those things happen from time to time on events like this and it's very regretful, but that's the risk of bicycle events.

Wish her a speedy recovery!

Harvest of Hope Bicycle Ride

2009-10-02T08:03:00.004-05:00

Friday, October 9th, I will leave Savannah at 5:30pm, taking with me several people who can't catch the earlier bus to The Marriott in Augusta for the bicycle ride of about 70 bicyclist beginning at 7:00am Saturday, October 10th. As a driver of one of three support vehicles, I will remain behind the last riders as they pedal from Augusta to Savannah in one day, about 160 miles.

It's my pleasure to assist in this event to raise money for cancer since my wife passed away 6 years ago from lung cancer.

The picture is the riders from the event in 2008.

Go to this link for more information and if you wish to make a contribution, it will be put to very good use! After you open the web page, click on "Spirit Rider" and it will provide you with a contribution brochure. You can ride with them in "spirit"!

http://www.harvestofhoperide.com/

Friends for life!

2009-09-27T10:13:00.004-05:00

This is Page and her friend, Jelly the "other" child of Holly's daughter (Ellie) and her husband (Joe). They are both sitting in one of Page's seats that has the bar across the top of toys. There attention is most likely directed at Ellie who most likely was the photographer in this picture from last week. Ellie and Joe live in Huntington, NY where I have visited a couple times. Page was born on my birthday and she will be one year old on November 13, and I will be 82!

Change in habits

2009-09-24T10:17:00.004-05:00

This picture was made from Vail Mountain (11,300 ft above sea level) when I did a fantastic bicycle ride down to Vail Valley (8,300 ft above sea level) last month when Holly and I went to David Page and Breezy's wedding. A great place to visit Summer or Winter, for sure! The gondola ride was awesome!

Too many frivolous postings on face book and posting the wrong thing by me, has brought me to the point of deactivating my face book account. Being so busy with Valpak and trying to get out of debt for good has allowed not enough time to ride my bicycle, thus blood sugar measure is too high. Soooooooooooo, I need to turn over a new leaf and not be bothered with too many eMails, getting people mad and spend more time with ME and prioritizing my life in the few years that are left for this 81 year old man.

Ego Boost!

2009-08-11T14:22:00.004-05:00

I got a call a few weeks ago from a person asking about the Historic Savannah Bikefest I used to organize. After talking a few minutes, she had an interest in doing a story on my diabetes, bicycling events and my age (82 in November).

The resulting story was printed this week in the August/September Issue. The picture is of me on the cover of this magazine distributed widely throughout Effingham County near Savannah where I live.

Big ego boost!

Second Day of my commitment

2009-08-09T12:11:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my second day of committing to riding my bicycle to lose weight and get my blood sugar under control. Most every day I will post a picture taken during the ride. Today was 10 miles, will try and do that every day, about an hour through The Landings a great place for bicycling! This video was taken on the East Marsh, in the distance and not visible behind a barrier island is the Atlantic Ocean.

Bike ride alone this morning

2009-08-08T09:39:00.003-05:00

My blood work came back this week and my new doctor says I need to start thyroid pills to help lose weight, ride my bicycle more often and watch my diet. Blood sugar was 295, way too high. So today, I start riding every morning very early. This morning, stopped along the way to get this picture of my bicycle and the 7th green on the Plantation course, one of 6 golf courses at The Landings. Did about 30 minutes of riding, Will go more tomorrow and work up to an hours ride daily. Great place to ride!

Vail, CO

2009-07-31T23:27:00.003-05:00

In just two weeks and a day or two, Holly and I will be riding this Vail Gondola up to Eagle's Nest for Dave Page and Breezy Field's wedding. I may also ride the gondola with a rented mountain bike and ride back to Vail from Eagle's Nest on a 7 mile ascent on a gravel road, not a down hill but they say a very pleasant bike ride. Eat your heart out my bicycle friends!

Picture brings back good memories

2009-07-28T12:42:00.003-05:00

This picture made a couple years ago by my Son Rick at the Atlanta Aquarium brought back good memories of when Holly and I stayed with Rick and Cath and Rick took us on a tour of Atlanta, as well as, the aquarium. The picture was made in a glass tunnel with jillions of all kinds of fish swimming over our heads and both sides of us. We later went to Montgomery, AL and on to Nashville for a grandson's wedding.

Changing times for me!

2009-07-23T13:46:00.004-05:00

I may have sold the last equipment of my bicycleSAVANNAH,LLC organization of bicycle tours and event. The last piece of equipment is my 15 passenger van. The picture was taken a couple years ago in front of the Hampton Inn in MT Dora, FL when on a Florida Trails Tour.

This will allow me to work close to full time selling Valpak Coupons in Savannah and Brunswick, GA. Was getting too old for all the planning, booking of rooms, advertising on several web sites and traveling to two tours in Florida a year. I feel better, not as tired all the time and happier!

A Picture of some of my Great Grand Children

2009-07-07T18:38:00.002-05:00

My great garnd children triplets in a proof by the photographer. The photographer may not be able to create this picture since you may not have triplets! Mine triplets are as cute as cute can be!

Saturday night at Rusty Hanafin's party

2009-07-07T15:35:00.004-05:00

The napkin told the story!

The evening ended with Rusty having fireworks in his backyard!

Left to right, Charley (grandson of Holly and Son of Kay and Doug from Seattle), Holly, Rusty and Carla (Marty's second wife).

Holly's daughter (Ellie) with Page her daughter and Joe, her son-in-law. All from Long Island and whom Holly went home with to baby sit next weekend while Ellie and Joe attend the wedding of Ellie's Maid of Honor.

The band who played a very good group of sets, had everyone dancing after dinner.

OOPS, got band in here twice!

Rusty Hanafin out did himself with a combined Family Re-union and a Helluva 4th Of July! The pictures here were taken at this great party.

Friday night at Marty Hanafin's home

2009-07-07T15:06:00.007-05:00

This is Jim with my Holly. Jim married one of Marty's sisters. We were sorry to miss the farewell Brunch on Sunday hosted by Jim and his wife

The Hanafin Clan, a group I toasted Thursday night as, "The nicest bunch of Damn Yankees I have ever met". That's Marty front center, his two sisters beside him and his first two wives on the end. Marty's current wife was in Germany and chose to not attend this re-union.

Some of the party people at the Friday night dinner at Marty's home in Vestal, NY. Far left is Holly's daughter-in-law from Seattle, lovely Kay Hanafin, wife of Marty's and Holly's second Son, Douglas. Also to the right, the back of oldest Son's head, sorry Rusty!

Here is the King of his roost, the one and only Marty Hanafin holding forth at dinner. Seated next to him, his second wife, Carlotta.

Here is Rusty Hanafin, Insurance King with his step Mother of 20 years and Marty's second wife. Confused? So was I!

We arrived in Binghamton, NY after a two day stay in Rocky Gap Lodge in Maryland where my oldest Son, his wife, Susan and my grandson, Dave IV were perfect host and hostess. My GPS took us through some beautiful country of mountains, mountain streams and unique villages across Pennsylvania. But we arrived in good spirits! Thursday night was the kickoff of this Hanafin family re-union with a dinner at a very old and very, very popular Italian Restaurant that's been in business forever! In fact, my Holly's Dad would come here for lunch every day and flip a coin with the owner to see if he got his lunch free!

Friday night Marty had about 25 people all relatives or close friends of relatives for dinner. The pictures included here were taken then.

Cumberland, MD

2009-07-02T06:10:00.003-05:00

Me at a restaurant in Cumberland near the terminus of the C&O Canal. WEather here a LOT cooler than Savannah, we wouldn't be able to stand the heat if we ate outside in Savannah! Holly standing near a statue of a mule and a boy. A team of two mules pulled barges from Washington, DC to Cumberland loaded with coal and other goods. The C&O canal connects with the Allegheny Passageway to Pittsburgh, 330 miles of bicycle riding.

Downtown Cumberland, MD where they have closed a street and made a park. Grandson David IV works in the restaurant at left front where we had dinner Tuesday night.

Picture taken from our room of Lake Habeeb and a bass fisherman on the lake. Watched him catch a bass which he threw back.

Our brief stay in Cumberland and Rocky Gap Lodge comes to an end this morning as we leave for Binghamton, NY 330 miles away. Dave (my oldest Son), Susan and Chip were very, very gracious host as they made us feel right at home, dining and wining us royally!

Independence Day Vacation

2009-06-27T05:41:00.002-05:00

Holly and I will leave Monday, June 29th for Binghamton, NY to attend the Hanafin Family Re-union as well as her oldest Son's (Rusty) 4th of July party. On the way to Binghanton, we will stop for two days and visit my oldest Son at his place of employment as Director of Sales for the Hotel Management Company that employs him.
If you wish to visit this hotel, Rocky Gap and Golf Resort, go to this link:
http://www.rockygapresort.com/rocky-gap-lodge.cfm

We will stay two days and tour some of the history of Cumberland, MD. Some of those are a two hour steam engine train ride through nearby mountains, the C&O Canal Museum and Washington's HQ in early American wars. Of course we will enjoy seeing my daughter in law, Susan and hope she will be able to do some sight seeing with us while Son Dave III is working during the day.

So you think Charleston, SC is beautiful?

2009-06-18T14:00:00.002-05:00

Not everyone who visits Charleston, SC is aware of it's bedroom community known as Mt. Pleasants, SC just across the new BIG bridge from the well known city of Charleston. Holly and I were in the area yesterday on bicycle business and drove through the narrow streets of Mt. Pleasants, SC. The pictures that follow do not do justice to this beautiful community where residents have restored homes to their original beauty that were built back in the early 1900's. This bay/marsh front home had a long pier out to the water.

The dream of many, a white picket fence and trellis and a guest home in the backyard.

A shady front porch with a Pawley's Island hammock, a delight with a glass of ice tea on a warm day!

The tree (unknown variety) adds special beauty to the corner home. Not the low brick/comcrete wall around the yard.

BRAG 2009 Pictures

2009-06-14T14:57:00.006-05:00

There were no motel rooms available in the town we stayed this night, so LaVerne booked several cabins at the Lazy L Fish and Hunting lodge. This quaint (to say the least) group of cabins was on the next mornings route, so it was convenient. The Lazy L had this BBQ pit, so Don (from New Jersey, Ben and I went back to town (7 miles) and bought groceries to cook our dinner at the Lazy L. This picture above shows hamburgers, chicken, sausage and a patato dish Don whipped up.

This is a rest stop and shows some of the 1,400 people on this Ride Across Georgia, the 30th Anniversary of this event.

Here is Bill Cole cooking on the BBQ pit. Bill is the number one point man this year in Master races in Georgia and is 62, I think!

This is Cabin #8 where a bed room with 4 bunk beds is on each end with a big recreation room in the middle with stove, fridge, micro wave, and a TV that only got 3 stations. This was taken from the BBQ pit.

This covered bridge is a Georgia State Park and the bridge is maintained by the State. I wasn't sure if my 15 passenger van and the trailer I was pulling would get though the narrow and not very high passage, but made it with inches to spare. The river here falls over large rock as would be a pretty good slide, but no one tried that.

Here LaVerne and Patrick taking it easy on a swing at the Lazy L. Patrick is a two time cancer survivor and is lucky to be alive and is a very strong rider. LaVerne made all of our hotel/motel arrangements.

OOPs got this picture on blog twice!

2009-06-05T13:43:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow, June 6th, ten of us will go to Hiawassee, GA in the mountains of North Georgia to begin this week long bicycle ride. This event is celebrating it's 30th year. We will travel in my big van and pull a trailer that is modified to hold bicycles and luggage. The trailer also has a rack on the tongue which holds two 10 gallon jugs (Water and Gatorade) and a big cooler with soda, bottled water and wine. We stay in different hotels every night except for two days in Athens, GA. This is a ride about 50 miles a day, in the mountains for the first three days, then pigging out nightly ... the results is weight gain for the week. About 1,400 people will do this event. This will be my 9th year, I think.

Ben's High School Graduation

2009-05-30T20:10:00.004-05:00

Here is Rick (Dad), Ben (the man of the hour) and his Mom, Cath.

Ben is the fifth grandchild to have completed high school and had graduation for about 460 of his classmates Friday, May 29. His parents, my second Son and his wife Cathy gave a Celebration Party at their home in Peachtree City, GA today and invited a number of friends for lunch. The following pictures were taken today. This is Joan her Mother and daughter, three generations and friends of Cath and Ricks.

Here is Ben opening a present, his sister Elizabeth and Dad Rick on the left.

Here is graduation guy, Ben! Missed graduating with honors by just less than one point!

The diploma as proof of his graduating!

The entrance from the street with a sign of Congratulations and balloons.

Holly's Garden Summer 2009

2009-05-28T13:34:00.004-05:00

Holly loves to spend time in her garden. This little video shows how her hard work has paid off! Haven't put down mulch, yet. And, have had lot's rain and a water problem from roof run off, but the flowers are loving the extra rain.

Quick Trip to Knoxville

2009-05-12T07:05:00.003-05:00

This is Lake Norris, one of many TVA Lakes that stretch from upper East Tennessee through North Alabama. The dock is a private dock for the members of this club. Son Rick is a member and pictures of his cabin follow. Click on the photos to enlarge if you wish. I took a bicycle to Son Webb who lives in Knoxville and is a cook at Ray's. Webb has started publishing a tabloid and distributes to the employees of most bars and restaurants in Knoxville. The second issue just came out, called BOH FOH, you may google that name and if he has his web site up, know more about the tabloid. L to R, Aaron (my grandson, Webb's child), Me and Webb. Dave Page and I met Webb and Aaron for lunch at Ray's on this very busy weekend. Dave Page came because men were not invited to the Bridal Shower for Breezy his bride to be.

The following pictures will give you sorta a panoramic view of Son Rick's cabin at The Fountain City Sportsman Club. First is a view to the right of the cabin showing the field Rick mows as part of the property. His recently built wood storage is in foreground.

A view of the cabin. It has three bed rooms, living room/dining room, one bath and kitchen. He tore the original cabin down to the studs and some of them too. Added a room on the back and created a basement which he will finish later with a, I think, a bunk room for his grand kids. The deck was added also. And the area of deck behind the golf cart will be screened.

This view is to the left showing more field he has to mow. Holly loved the swing on the porch!

A two day get-away, thanks Breezy and Dave!

2009-05-03T03:57:00.004-05:00

Dinner at Salt, the main restaurant, l to r: Dave Page (Holly's Son), Holly, Me and Breezy. The orange candle holder in the center of the table is made from salt. Both Holly and Breezy got a small plastic box with orange salt when we were through. The presentation of the food and it's quality was awesome! This the aftermath of pancakes Holly had for breakfast at the casual restaurant.

Let's see, I think I will add this whole little jar of pure maple syrup!

Before devouring the whole stack.

Breezy with a pirate in downtown Fernandina Beach, a very nice downtown where the day after we departed the street and side streets will be filled with vendors for the Annual Shrimp Festival, the beginning of the Summer Season.

Many thanks to Holly's Son and his future bride, Breezy who arranged Holly and I to meet them at the Ritz Carleton at Fernandina Beach Florida. Dave and Breezy have the month off from jobs they have in Vail, CO and had flown to Jacksonville, FL from NY after visiting family. The Ritz is the "ritz" as we experienced luxury few get to enjoy. Breezy works in a spa in a Ritz Carleton in Colorado, so she arranged great room rates for our two stay. We brought them back to Savannah and will take them to Knoxville, May 8th to Breezy's parents for a wedding shower for Breezy. She and Dave are being married in Vail CO in August.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T07:24:00.003-05:00

This plush lamb greeted Holly when she awoke and went into the kitchen this Easter Morning!

Sisters Visit Holly

2009-03-13T06:12:00.003-05:00

After a great tour of Historic Savannah on an open air trolley bus with a very good guide these four Sister’s enjoyed a treat of ice cream at City Market. From left to right are, Ruthie from Colorado, Susie from California, Janet from Wisconsin and my very best friend, Holly from Savannah. While their visit was short, they really enjoyed talking about their family in the days when they grew up in Binghamton, NY. Departing on Tuesday, they flew back to their homes. It was my pleasure to help host these very fine Sister's!

Florida Trails Tour, Feb. 2009

2009-02-23T05:58:00.003-05:00

This may be my last Florida Trails Tour due to me age (81) and the need to slow down. Probably will do only long weekend tours out of Savannah and for the occasional tourist who may wish a historic bicycle tour of Savannah. This group is probably the nicest group I have ever had on my Central Florida Tour of paved trails. From Guy Anderson who had just had an halo removed from a broken neck and also a cancer survivor to Paul Shearer who brought his autistic son, to Linda and Bill Wolk who are a great couple, to Gary and Carolyn who attended this the fourth tour they have been with me and last but not least, my good friend, Ed Jewell who rode with the people while I drove the support van, who performed a very necessary leader each day who gets lost from time to time, but always finds the way!
The pictures herein are leaving the Central Motel the first day to ride the Withlacoochie Trail, at the West end of the West Orange Trail at Clermont water front park, Ed Jewell wrapped in a space blanket after volunteering to wait for Paul to bring his car back to get his tandem while Ed watched it. All riders got in the support van after being soaked by a heavy down pour on the Suncoast Trail near Brooksville, FL. The group photo is at the North end of the Pinellas Trail in Tarpon Springs, FL. And the picture of the dessert at a cafe in Winter Garden where we stopped for lunch at a very nice deli.

Birthday Party in Inverness Florida

2009-02-15T07:36:00.005-05:00

Arrived in Inverness, FL for the February Florida Trails Tour a day early. Am to pick up attendees in Tarpon Springs later today, so arrived a day early so not have to drive from Savannah to Tarpon Springs and back to Inverness today. We end at Tarpon Springs later in the week, so attendees leave cars there and I transport them all week.
Chris Trangas called me while driving down from Savannah yesterday and told me Ed Jewell (Ride Leader for this week, while I drive SAG and ride some) were invited to Dave Davis and Tony Wood's birthday party at Dave and Betty's home on one of the lakes in Inverness.
Below is Tony (Chris Trangas significant other) with his birthday t-shirt that reads, "I'm Not 40, I am $39.95" and the dog mask. Second is Dave Davis, my good friend who is a retired Veternarian and bicycle rider, who was 76 yesterday. Dave went to UGA and we enjoy kidding each other about GA and Auburn football.
This was a fun night and a very nice dinner prepared by Betty Davis! Even though Ed and I were late getting invited, Betty still had a cookie for our place setting with our names baked on the cookie! Very nice and busy lady!!!

Bicycle Ride Christmas Day

2008-12-25T12:08:00.004-05:00

Holly and me at a bridge across a lagoon near the East Marsh at the Landings on Skidaway Island. Temperature on my bike thermometer was 81 degrees. Eat your heart out friends and relatives in Seattle, Kansas City, Chicago, Vail, Binghamton and Long Island, NY!

Holly breezing along on DeLegal Road at The Landings on a very warm Christmas Day!

Approximately 6,000 homes with mail boxes at The Landings are decorated with red ribbon and greenery, all we need is a little snow ONLY on these decorations!

Christmas lights at Holly's

2008-12-12T22:01:00.003-05:00

Last year lights were strung in the Japanese Maple inside the fence in the garden. This year they were strung among the plants outside the fence. Here are two pictures of the results.

Holly's Birthday, Dec 11 2008

2008-12-12T09:15:00.005-05:00

Holly, Linda and Janet "lighting" up candy cigarettes after dinner "smoke"

The beautiful table setting!

Linda and Holly before dinner

Holly and me. Holly was totally surprised!

Linda and I first talked about a surprise birthday party for Holly about 3 weeks ago, not long after returning from Long Island. While we would have liked to have invited more guest, we settled on some of closest friends that would be able to seat at Linda's (the host) dining room table, twelve great friends they have become!

I planned the menu of pork loin, creole eggs. Linda had friends bring a salad and hors d'oeuvres Linda added a very good cabbage veggie.

On my way to the Landings after finishing a trip out of town on business, I picked up a birthday cake I had ordered and took that by Linda and Kyle's on way to Holly's the afternoon of her birthday.

We were to stop by Linda and Kyle's for a drink on the way out to have dinner. Linda had the guest arrive early, they parked their cars at neighbors so no evidence of anyone but us stopping for a drink. Then we entered the house all the guest came out of the dark dinning room saying, 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY". Holly was totally surprised!!!

A great time was had by all!

Many, many thanks to Linda and Kyle Felt who's planning and good ideas were most appreciated and made this surprise party a booming success!!!!

More about Lloyd's Neck, LI, NY

2008-11-23T09:33:00.005-05:00

This is the mansion bought by Matheson around 1900, it's a "T", wings are not too visible. It is on a bluff overlooking North Shore of Long Island Sound and CT on the far shore about 5 miles across.

Fence made of concrete.

Barn made of concrete

This building behind "our" cottage has a concrete roof, too. Building was either a chicken coop or a dog kennel.

This is the cottage Holly and I stayed, was probably built for farm manager and also concrete exterior walls.

This post is more about Lloyd’s Neck, once Qeensland settled before the Revolutionary war and a information about a man named William John Matheson who bought about 330 acres (about 1/3) of the Southwest part of Lloyd’s Neck in 1900. Born in Wisconsin, later moved to South America with his family, educated in Scotland. He studied and worked with chemist at the Royal College of Science learning a lot about Aniline and it’s use in dyes. Came back to America and secured a job with a chemical company. Founded his own company, later sold to Allied Chemical. He discovered Karo Syrup and became successful. Good friend of Teddy Roosevelt which came in handy when the US Agriculture Department wanted to name Karo “Glucose”, Matheson simply drove over to Teddy’s estate in Oyster Bay nearby and got Teddy to call the US Agriculture Dept and got the name Karo to stick.
Matheson later owned most of Key Biscayne Florida. He had a winter home in Coconut Grove, FL, Summer home on Park Ave, NYC and a “country" home (Shown in one of the pictures in this post) on Lloyd’s Neck, LI. He had built a number of farm houses (pictures above) on Lloyd’s Neck, most built of concrete, including the fences. One of the cottages is where Holly and I are staying during this visit whch is also concrete walls.

VERY HAPPY FAMILY

2008-11-23T07:19:00.002-05:00

Page Kellershon, now 10 days old, with Mom (Ellie) and Dad (Joe) Kellershon. A very happy family and healthy!!

And now, a few days later!

2008-11-21T13:09:00.002-05:00

And now, a few days later ... here is Ms. Page Kellershon ... a beautiful Granddaughter of my best friend, Holly Page.

Historic Lloyds Neck, NY

2008-11-18T14:45:00.003-05:00

This house was completed in 1767 for Joseph Lloyd a descendant of James Lloyd from Boston. The map you can find by clicking on the link below is of Lloyds Neck where the whole peninsula was deeded to James Lloyd by the English. This home is thought to have been barracks for Loyalist. Also the home was rented by Charles Linburg before WW II. Restored to it's post-revolutionary state, it was opened to the public as a museum in 1982. It was given to the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiques.

Map of Queensland today. We are staying in a private home across the road from this museum.

http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=1055

This entire peninsula was the original grant, I could not find the number of acres, but I would guess well over 3,000. Marshall Fields built a mansion on this land mass and it is now Caumesst State Park and about 700 acres alone.

Page Kellershon, 3 days old

2008-11-16T20:14:00.001-05:00

Here is Page Kellershon, two days old being held by her Mom. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Trip to Huntington, NY

2008-11-16T08:51:00.004-05:00

My best friend, Holly, has a daughter in Huntington, NY expecting a baby on December 7, but unexpectedly, she delivered Thursday, November 13, 2008. So, since Holly and I had planned to be there, we rushed around packing clothes and stuff and departed my house about 1:00pm Thursday, November 13th. We drove to Rocky Mount, NC for overnight at a Hampton Inn (very good service!). Then next morning had about a eight hour drive to Huntington. Took about nine hours due to drizzle and periodic rain showers, as well as, traffic on the loop road around NYC and into Long Island. My God, there a lot of people around these parts and on Friday they drive to work so they can bank and shop with paychecks that day .... bumper to bumper for about 20 miles!

We arrived at the hospital about 5:30pm to be greeted with much love from Ellie (the Mother), Joe (proud Father), Joe's Mother and Sister. Holly was awed and was in heaven as she was able to hold this lovely one day hold Page Kellershon as shown in this picture!

For family and friends who read my blog, I will be posting on here some historic North Shore Long Island pictures and text in the next week or so, comeback and read what a really nice place this area has and always has been!

The General Election

2008-11-07T06:41:00.003-05:00

While I am a Republican and voted for McCain, I have to admire Obama and his coming from no where to defeat not only Hillary, but also McCain. Suspect many voted against Bush when they voted for Obama. McCain did well considering his challenge!

That's too bad while Bush has made some mistakes, he has kept terrorist out of USA, he really can't control nor effect the economy as President even though keeping interest rates low has helped. The crunch in the housing market was brought about with Congress not taking action when they should have taken action, so I read. With Congress's rating even lower than Bush's rating, it's no wonder we are in the mess we are in today.

It appears we should vote ALL of them out of office and maybe put Libertarians in office. Or, put someone in that will return us to the place where the Constitution intends for us to be put.

The media continues to affect peoples thinking, maybe we should un-plug the TV, stop buying newspapers and magazines.

Oh well, yesterday the stock market lost a lot as people started selling for fear of more taxes on Capital Gains .... it may get worse as more taxes loom.

I wonder if it's cheaper to live in isolation in Mexico!??!!!

Halloween at The Landings

2008-11-02T15:06:00.007-05:00

There is a resident at The Landings, a very large residential gated golf community in Savannah, who puts up a really great halloween display of all kinds dummy's in the act of horror or ghostly acts. Holly and I went to this area to view the displays and here are some still photos and a couple videos. The cameras video stopped before the skeleton on the skeleton horse fired his pistol at the end of this movement. The other video is a dummy being electrocuted and at the ends says "Is that all you got?".

One picture of a gray faced bald headed guy, I thought reminded me of my friend Ed Jewell ... sorry Ed if I offended you!

Late afternoon photo's

2008-10-29T07:55:00.002-05:00

Always been told late afternoon are the best for color photography. While sitting in Holly's living room, thought I would give that idea a try and photograph an image from her deck overlooking the marsh behind her home. In the background is a pink home with a gazebo on the marsh for sale at $2 Million or there abouts. Also is the green of the 3rd hole on Plantation golf course. The marsh grass will all turn brown after the first frost, now brown in the foreground stays brown all year because very little water reaches this area even on high tides. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Also, wish Holly's Son, Doug a Happy Birthday today!

Harvest of Hope Ride, Oct 18, 2008

2008-10-19T10:55:00.002-05:00

It's always my pleasure to volunteer as support driver with my van and trailer for this ride to raise money for the Harvest of Hope a retreat run by Memorial Health in Savannah. The ride developed by a great guy named Patrick Booton and his lovely wife, La Verne. A two time cancer survivor, Patrick cannot swallow food due to surgery and must feed himself through a tube to his stomach, every year he rides the entire route between Augusta and Savannah, 140 miles on this day. This year about 75 riders raised money to ride with Patrick in cool weather with great rest stops. Everyone was able to ride with a police escort as they finished the ride into Savannah and to the Memorial Health area in Savannah. The picture was made at the first rest stop yesterday. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Summers Grand Finale in Holly's Garden

2008-10-13T15:16:00.002-05:00

These Daisy like flowers come up in early Spring and grow all Summer, blooming in October when every thing else has faded or stopped blooming. They grow to almost 10 feet in height. Their roots spread under ground to the point a neighbor pulled all of this same plant up because they were growing out of control. Click on the picture to enlarge it, to see how some stalks have literally entwined themselves in the upper reaches of the Japanese maple!
It rained after I took this picture and they were mostly bent over, so we used trimmer line to tie them back up.

A Visit to East Tennessee

2008-10-06T15:12:00.003-05:00

This past week I drove to Peachtree City near Atlanta to my Son Rick's home to join he and his son-in-law, Jason for a trip to East Tennessee. Rick is in process of re-building a cabin he bought in a gated community on Norris Lake (Fountain City Sportsman's Club, formerly a hunting club, now a private community) which is about 30 miles North of Knoxville. Rick has added a room on the back and in the process, creating a basement also). The deck railing is in-complete and the porch covered to the extreme left will be screened in. The intention was to work on the cabin and attend the UT vs Northern Illinois football game, but hauling away a lot of trash to the nearest County dump and installing a HDTV and power antennae took more time than planned (One picture is the living room showing the neat HDTV). We did get to the football game where UT eked out a 13 to 9 victory over what was supposed to be a breather (Picture of team running out of locker room through the Big "T". Tough year in the SEC for Tennessee and my school Auburn Univ. It was great to be in Neyland Stadium and hear about 98,000 fans screaming!

Who will you vote for as President of USA???

2008-10-06T14:59:00.002-05:00

Before you decide to vote for in the USA Presendential Election, if you haven't already, please look at this video before you vote. It may change your vote!

http://boortz.com/more/video/what_caused_economic_crisis.html

Savannah Bicycle Campaign

2008-07-29T06:01:00.002-05:00

An organization called SAVANNAH BICYCLE CAMPAIGN was formed several months ago under the leadership of a bright young man named Dr. Drew Wade, MD. He has brought together bicycle shops, clubs, racing groups and others to help bring safer cycling and better education of bicycling to Savannah, GA. One of the things started was a monthly ride open to all cyclist and called Savannah Wheelie. The first Wheelie brought out the Mayor, the Chairman of the Chatham County Commissioners, the City Manager and several other Aldermen and commissioners. Along with those dignitaries were over 200 people who rode with us with a police escort through the downtown City of Historic Savannah. The picture above is me on the left making a point with Mayor Johnson. We found out the city is very willing to begin talks to improve bicycling in Savannah! More later!

After the wedding, time at Montauk, NY to rest

2008-07-01T14:30:00.007-05:00

While we stayed with Dr. Anita Bellman in Huntington who was a most gracious host, after a day with Holly's family, we departed for Montauk, NY. Found a nice motel with a beach view and decided to go off shore (party boat) fishing from Montauk harbor on the Ebb Tide. Holly caught a keeper (had to be 20" long), plus a sting ray, I caught two small non-keeper Flukes and three stingrays. It was a beautiful day, slight swells and no motion sickness as we took Dramamine (that's another story!).

Should add the day after the wedding, took a trip to Marshall Fileds Mansion (now a state park) of 1500 acres and hiked to the mansion and back to the parking lot, about 2 miles I think, based on my aching feet!. Here is a video I made of this family, but missing Doug Hanafin who had taken a walk to the comfort station.

Sorry folks! The video will not load into my blog, blogger keeps telling me an error in uploading!

Ellie and Joe's Wedding, June 22, 2008

2008-07-01T14:11:00.003-05:00

Ellie is my girl friends daughter who married Joe Kellersohn in Bayville, Long Island, NY at Wall's Wharf on the beach. Attended by about 70 people under a tent on a beautiful day with moderate tempertures, sunny skies and a magnificant view of Long Island Sound on the North Shore at Bayville. Every thing worked like clockwork, the flower girls tosssing rose pedals, the little boy ringbearer, the two bridesmaids and two groomsmen! Even the minister from the Grooms step Mom's Congregational Church did a masterful job in wedding these two very fine young people!

BRAG Riders 2008

2008-06-23T08:51:00.003-05:00

Here are LaVerne, Patrick, Lynn, Bill, Mark, Luke, Ron and Bill and kneeling, yours truly who for the most part drove the van and tralier and offerred support to these great people who rode bicycles from Oxford, GA (near Atlanta) to the coast to St Simons Island on a very, very hot week!

Holly's Garden May 2008

2008-05-27T11:41:00.002-05:00

While the plants haven't matured yet, you can get an idea of what Holly has planted. The white impatiens along the walk way, as well as, the white bulbs will grow together eventually and make a very nice white border. The Japanese Maple was trimmed in the early Spring and will not be as "bushy" and tall as last year, giving a little more sunlight to the plants below. The bird bath was pressure washed and a noticeable number of birds have increased bathing in the clean water. Before pressure washing the birds didn't care for the yucky water. The marigolds in the clay "hen" have really blossomed.
These pictures were taken at mid day yesterday, Memorial Day, May 26, 2008, should have waited until late day when the daylight would have been softer!

Bicycle Ride Across Georgia

2008-05-11T14:08:00.003-05:00

In two plus weeks, seven of us and maybe more will load up my 15 passenger van and trailer in Savannah and drive to Oxford, Georgia to begin the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia! This will be my 12th time, I think to participate in BRAG. At my age, I don't have the interest in bicycling the whole ride, so I drive my van in support of the people who I take to Oxford, ride at the mid-point from one rest stop back to where I started and get about 30 miles a day, which is plenty for these old legs

Need one more person to ride with this group and share my room expenses.

Day #8, Bobby Nathez/Chattanooga Ride

2008-05-06T08:18:00.005-05:00

The last leg on this bicycle ride from Clinton, MS to Chattanooga, TN was a very strenous ride over three mountains and into Chattanooga most had to walk the last little hill because storng legs had become weak legs over three mountails. But, I should say all these people were excellent, experienced, conditioned cyclist. They all were simply great people who really enjoy the rides Bobby Rone puts together. They are now planning a ride across the USA! This weeks ride of 524.9 miles is nothing compared to across the USA!
One of the riders, Bobby's niece had not been on a bicycle in some time, but showed true grit in riding all three mountains on the last day. I had kidded her and a few others about riding the van up the mountain the previous day to Monteagle and told them they didn't qualify to ride the down hill today. Well, Jennifer (see video) said I owed her an apology becuase she had ridden two mountains UP today! Little did we know she had one more, Signal Mountain before down hill to Chattanooga. Then there was the little hill right before the end that most walked!
Many thanks to all the riders who allowed me to come on this Bobby Ride.

Day #7, Bobby Ride

2008-05-06T08:05:00.005-05:00

A number of the Murfreesboro Bicycle Club members joined us at the town square to ride to out to Bell Buckle, TN this morning. The rain from last night left the streets wet, but no rain. At Bell Buckle, we set up a rest stop (picture at left) we got lost twice on the way here in the big van and trailer. Bell Buckle is the home of Webb School, a very fine boarding school.

Ginny drove the big van and Dave was the navigator, we missed a turn and got into a situation where the trailer had to be backed up! Was a chore for both Dave and Ginny! Today's ride ended atop a mountain in Monteagle, TN. There is a 1000+ foot climb for about 2.5 miles which only the experienced riders should attempt, unless you wish to walk your bike for a long way! But all the riders who climbed this mountain made it without walking.

Day #6, Bobby Natchez Trace Ride

2008-05-06T07:09:00.007-05:00

This day brought a lot of traffic as we were leaving Nashville on back roads on the way to Murfreesboro, TN for this days 68 mile ride. Plus there were many small hills with curving roads, but the scenery was beautiful with views of horse farms and estate type homes. We asked and got permission to use a church shed they use for "all day singing and eating on the ground" and were lucky to avoid a nice rain shower that passed this rest stop. So, our riders avoided getting wet. We were expecting bad weather later, but if it came, I slept though it. Two notable instances today. First, the person who provided us with the route to Murfreesboro and to Chattanooga lives in Murfreesboro and invited us to dinner at her home to be joined by several couples from the Murfreesboro Bicycling Club. Had a feast of BBQ, beans, slaw, and Key Lime Pie! Wow! Many thanks, Sarah!!! A number of that club joined the Bobby Tour the next morning to Bell Buckle, TN.
The second instance for this day was the riders waiting out the rain shower got into a little singing as Wade played his harmonica! The video today show Bobby "Two Heart" Rone, the ride leader in a rare situation.

Day #5, Bobby Nathez Ride

2008-05-03T05:43:00.004-05:00

This beautiful day, the riders pedaled from Hohenwald, TN to Nashville, TN a distance of 65.5 miles. But, some chose to get in the van at the terminus of the Natchez Trace and avoid bicycling in the traffic to the Microtel Hotel in Nashville, TN our overnight. The pictures today are of the Gordon House, probably the only house remaining along the Trace. Please read the history on the sign and imagine his wife running this place as a widow with little or no modern conveniences!

Day 4, Bobby Nathez Ride

2008-05-02T16:06:00.003-05:00

Today, April 30th, we rode Iuka, MS to Hohenwald, TN about 73 miles. A beautiful ride and visited neat the end at Meriweather Lewis Park. You probably know that Merriweather was the first President of the Louisiana Purchase territory and teamed with Clark in the famous Lewis and Clark exposition to establish a route to the West Coast. Merriweather Lewis dies at this site at an early age of 40 (approx) from self inflicted gun shot wounds. His grave is marked by the monument in one of the pictures below of cyclist going through a part of the park. The picture above was made as we crossed the Tennessee River. The other picture is a portion of the actual Natchez Trace. Maybe you can imagine wagons being pulled by Oxen from Nashville to Nathez and the Mississippi Rive, about 500 miles!!

Day 3, Bobby Natchez Ride

2008-04-29T17:24:00.008-05:00

Today (April 29), the ride was from Tupelo, MS to the Buzzards Roost Spring exit off the Nathez Trace Parkway. Everyone was picked up in the two support vehicles at this exit and taken 14 miles to a motel in Iuka, MS because the highway to get to Iuka was unsafe for bicycling. The pictures shown today are Diane and Jeannie in the smaller support vehicle literally covered in luggage as they chose to not ride today and had to sit among the luggage. The first rest stop was at Pharr Mounds (the other picture) telling the history of these mounds dug and made by people who traveled this area between 1 and 200AD. There are eight mounds ranging from5' to 30' in height. The video features Charles and Diane Fox, two very special people who live in Charleston, SC. They arrange all the food for this Bobby Ride, including today, Okra Gumbo with Shrimp at today's lunch stop! Unbelievable!!!

Bobby Nathez Ride, Day #2

2008-04-28T16:25:00.005-05:00

Today the ride was 110 miles from Kosciusko, MS to Tupelo, MS. Weather turned cooler overnight an d when I started at 7:00am it was a very cool 49 degrees. I got ten miles out, was very cold and got in the SAG wagon. These people think Came to watch them ride and to eat. Charles Fox drove SAG today and made lunch you wouldn't believe! Had Okra Gumbo on ride he brought for the trip frozen. Thawed it out on two camp stoves and fed these hungry bicyclist as they arrived at the 70 mile point. It had warmed up and everyone was complimentary of Charles work! Earlier we stopped at French Camp, MS where French Camp Academy is located. My grandfathers brother was head master here as well as my great Aunt Mattie. There was a hall built and named Sanderson Hall for them, but now has been torn down for a better building.

The featured rider today is Larry Pierson, retired from Alabama Dept of Mental Health, a very strong bicycle rider and usually is up front with the fast guys. Larry is featured today because he and I have been kidding each other. Larry is a Univ of Alabama with BS and MS degrees in Socail Work and Special Education and I am graduate of there biggest rival, Auburn University. Larry knows quite well the meaning on "7" and says things will turn around soon. He is probably right. He lives under the shadow of Denny Chimes in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Bobby Nathez Ride Day #1

2008-04-27T15:55:00.003-05:00

Day 1 was a 75+ mile ride from Clinton/Jackson, MS to Kosciusko, MS. Passing a man made lake (50 sq miles), the scenery was beautiful. I was picked up by the SAG wagon at 12 miles, my bicycle rear derailleur was skipping, I couldn't get my speedometer nor my heart rate monitor to work, was still tired from the long trip to get here and just didn't have my heart in riding. Charles and Diane had a huge lunch for everyone, see pictures, with table and people sitting in chairs during the lunch stop 50 miles into the ride today. At the motel a table was set up and coolers with beer and all kinds of snacks appeared. These people love to ride and eat!!!

Bobby Natchez Ride, The loading and getting there day

2008-04-27T15:42:00.006-05:00

We loaded the van and the trailer "to the gills" (Meaning fully loaded to you Yankees), left Charleston, SC on time at 7:30am and arrived in Columbia to pick up three more people making a total of 12 people in my van. After a little over 12 hours we arrived at out destination in Clinton. MS for our overnight before Day 1 Ride on the Natchez Trace a Historic highway dating back to early 1800's through Choctaw Indian Territory. Being a National Park, speed by autos is limited to 45 MPH most areas making it a safer bicycling adventure.

"A Bobby Ride", Nathez Trace and beyond

2008-04-25T04:29:00.004-05:00

Today, I leave for Charleston, SC to overnight at a friends home. Tomorrow, 11 people will join me in my 15 passenger van and my trailer and we drive to Clinton. MS to begin this "A Bobby Ride", bicycling North on the Natchez Trace, a national park roadway (Picture on the left). The ride is named for the man who has planned this trip and takes friends with him. His name is Bobby Rone and he is a master planner to say the least. After several days we reach the terminus near Nashville, TN after riding through half of Missippippi, a small portion of Alabama and into the central part of Tennessee. Then, the fun begins as we follow cue sheets from Nashville on back roads to Chattanooga, TN where we bicycle across the Tennessee River and end this great bicycle trip in downtown Chattanooga. Depending on internet access during this trip, I will be posting here with pictures of this "crazy" group of avid bicyclist!

Tour de Georgia

2008-04-22T03:24:00.004-05:00

The Tour de Georgia first stage started on Tybee Island, passed through downtown Savannah, went out through Pooler into the outskirts of Savannah and then returned to finish on Liberty Street in downtown Savannah. This video is the sprint to the finish after these guys had done 70 miles in two and half hours. The bicyclist were probably pedaling at close to 30 miles per hour as they neared the finish. The first stage was won by a Toyota Team rider. This years tour has over 100 of the top bicyclist in the world and many who will later this Summer participate in this years Tour de France, the top cycling event.

Savannah Bicycle Campaign

2008-04-14T15:29:00.005-05:00

Here is Clint Murphy announcing at a News Conference in Historic Johnson Square in Savannah, GA the formation of an advocacy group called "SAVANNAH BICYCLE CAMPAIGN". This group is comprised of bicycle stores, bicycle clubs, bicycle tour group and other interested in making Savannah Georgia more bicycle friendly and safer! We were fortunate to have from left to right, Alderman from Tybee Island, Alderman Larry Stuber of Savannah and Commissioner Helen Stone from Chatham County to hear this announcement. We were pleased the announcement was covered by WTOC-TV, WSAV-TV and The Savannah Morning News. My organization, bicycleSAVANNAH, LLC, a bicycle tour and advocacy corporation, is gladly a participating member of this campaign!

Savannah and azalea's

2008-04-14T15:07:00.003-05:00

While many of you have azalea's in your area, it's my opinion Savannah, GA has the prettiest Spring with not only azalea's but dogwood, wisteria and faux fruit trees which in a rare year they all seemed to b;loom at the same time this year. Here are a few pictures made at The Landings a week ago when things were at the peak. Enjoy!

My nephew's COOL wedding!

2008-04-07T02:57:00.003-05:00

Mary and David Campbell, the newly married couple and I pose (with my silly stance) at Kiesel Park in Auburn, AL where the wedding took place. David is my sisters Son and is a professional photographer at Alabama State University at Montgomery, AL. Mary is a veterinarian recently a department head at Auburn University. The after the wedding reception was held under a big tent for over 100 people at their recently purchased home in Shorter, Alabama a few miles off I 85 and about 25 miles from Auburn University.
I say "COOL" in my heading, as the park they were married is where people bring dogs to exercise. Dogs were invited to the wedding, too! COOL! David and Mary's Great Dane wore a Tux made for dogs. Other family members brought their dogs, too. Female dogs had dresses. The brief reception at the gazebo in the park had dog biscuits and heart shaped bowls for water which was served by their masters from a punch bowl of water.
People and adults were served cheese straws and champagne.
My Sister hosted a beautiful party the night before the wedding at Auburn's University Hotel where the two families had an opportunity to meet Mary's ten brothers and sisters, their spouses and children. Mary's family out numbered the Campbell side by almost 9 to one! Was really cool meeting all of them!!
Mary and David take off for London and Italy for a two week honeymoon!
A very cool couple! I wish them much happiness!

Another GREAT Granddaughter!

2008-04-04T04:03:00.003-05:00

Meet Taylor, my sixth great garndchild! She is being held by her very proud and loving Grandfather (Rick, my second Son) and being watched with curiosity, her big Sister, Mackensie. Born on March 20th near her sisters birthday which was only a week or so before Taylor's birth! Mother and Dad (my granddaughter and husband, Jason) are doing great!

A Real Episode

2008-04-02T16:31:00.003-05:00

Well, the best has happened! My girl friend has returned and we have settled differences! I was married to my high school sweetheart for just over 50 years before she passed away from Lung Cancer. I never really understood her, even though we had a long and happy marriage and raised four fine children. I have learned what to say and what not to say "most" of the time.
I have known that women have emotions and men have egos. I have learned how to not stir up emotions, but this time I just lapsed into a desire to ride my bicycle when I should have NOT neglected my girl friend.
I suffered when her emotions got stirred up when I didn't go see her while I was riding with a friend .... another lesson about women!
So there you bloggers, learn from this 80 year old man!!!

The End of a Relationship???

2008-03-31T07:15:00.003-05:00

Got an email from my lovely girl friend last night telling me that "it's over"! Sadly, I had made bicycling plans with a friend several months ago. Just before the subject plans were to be implemented, the former love of my life developed a health problem and she felt I should have been with her rather than on two days of bicycling with another friend.

This was a shock to me, as I was unaware of how she felt, but apparently I DID neglect her while she was worrying about her health. She has cancelled two trips we were to take in the next two weeks and now I will certainly be lonely when I go on the trips without her laughter.

Anyone out there in "blog land" have suggestions as to what I should do, let me know!

Right now I do not want another female companion as I just do not understand women in general and end up suffering these heart aches!

Expanding bicycleSAVANNAH, LLC's tours

2008-03-19T17:29:00.002-05:00

While this is a poor picture of my recently purchased 5' X 8' enclosed trailer, it will be a very good addition to my tours. Currently, I have booked my 15 passenger van and this trailer for the "Bobby Ride" of the Natchez Trace in April, which is more than the Natchez Trace, because once in Nashville, we will continue to Chattanooga and end with crossing the bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the Tennessee River!

Next will be BRAG, I will take people to Oxford, GA to the start and support them during the week and bring them back to Savannah from the end at St Simons Island.

Trying to get a crew to experience the Great Hudson Valley ride in August from Albany, NY to NYC!

Of course the trailer will allow me to add more people to the Florida Trails Tours that I arrange for a week in both January 2009 and February 2009. Also plan a re-union ride in March 2009 bicycling in Savannah, St Simons Island and Jekyll Island, GA, as well as, some other bicycling like the Forrest Gump Ride where some of that film was made.

Soooo this will be a good addition to my tours!

France Tour with two of my sons

2008-02-29T15:39:00.003-05:00

There is to much to put on this blog of what we saw and the experience itself. The highlight of this tour was finding the farms that most likely my Father fought in his time with the 167th Regiment of the 43rd Rainbow Division. The letters that my Father wrote home were researched by my oldest Son and my second Son discovered a book written after WW I about "The Alabama Boys" in the Rainbow Division. My Fathers name is mentioned twice, once were he was decorated and another as a member of a Company in the regiment. He was awarded the Silver Star from driving a mule wagon of ammunition across a battlefield. We think we found the farm this happened. It was either the Red Cross Farm or the Mueurse Farm. We visited both and the pictures above are (1st) scenes of the battlefield of the Red Cross Farm and (second) the owner of the Muerse Farm and the plaque on the wall of his garage.

A Major Event in My Life!

2008-02-06T08:20:00.000-05:00

Today, February 6, 2008, a major event in my life will occur and begin as I fly to Amsterdam, The Netherlands from Atlanta, GA, USA at 5:45pm and begin a seven day tour of France with my two oldest children, Dave and Rick. This trip is my 80th birthday present from them! The highlights of the trip will include time in a small town Chateau Thierry near where my father got the Silver Star in a battle in WW I as the Rainbow Division of "Alabama Boys" turned back the Germans and started the Germans going back to Germany for good. We will also visit wine making in this region, mostly champaign that is made near there. Two days later we drive to Normandy and stay there three days to see a lot of D-Day history, before returning to Paris the last night before our flight back to Atlanta, GA, USA.
This trip is a trip of my lifetime!