Saturday, August 25, 2007

MY AMERICAN FLAG

I depart for New York City one week from today. I have purchased my bike, the trailer, all of my equipment, and most of my gear. Now it's time to edit my packing list and make any final preparations.
Notice the American Flag in the photo above. I purchased that flag shortly after 9/11 and wanted to do something special with it. In the summer of 2002 I lead a group of men to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. While carrying my flag up the cables, perhaps the most dangerous part of the hike, the bottom eyelet tore and the flag, only attached by the top eyelet, was blowing like a wind sock. Instantly a complete stranger ran up to my location, pulled out his survival knife, cut off his own bootlace, and reattached the flag. I remember him telling me, "I served in the Navy and love the American Flag!"
One year later I had a desire to do something special with with my American Flag again. I was already registered to run the 2003 Rock'n Roll Marathon in San Diego, California. So I decided to carry my flag with me. On the day of the 26.2 mile race, many people questioned how often I would be "switching shoulders". In the Marine Corps there was only one way to carry the flag, on your left shoulder. And so it was, I carried the flag on my left shoulder the entire race. People responded with admiration and love, not for me, but for seeing the American Flag fly in such a unique manner.
In the early spring of 2004 I read a book titled How to Climb Mt. Whitney in One Day. After months of training, planning, and searching for seven competent hikers, we made our journey to the top of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States. Together we had all of the necessary equipment for this adventure, including my flag. But in the early morning hours of our assent, long before the sunrise, we lost or first hiker to altitude sickness. I just never thought it would be me. I can recall Bernie Perkins, my best friend who was with us that morning, saying, "I've been his wing-man for 19 years, so I'll take him down the mountain." Feeling violently ill, perhaps sicker than I've ever felt, Bernie and I went down the mountain with my flag. Not able to live with that failure, I made the necessary arrangements and made it to the summit of Mt. Whitney one month later with Bernie Perkins, Jim McDonald, and my American Flag.
I have very deep feelings of respect and pride for the American Flag. I have witnessed how it can inspire other people and understand that men and women are willing to make great sacrifices for it's preservation. This is why I will be taking my American Flag, still labeled with that Sailor's boot lace and bruised from the rocks of Mt. Whitney, with me on my journey from Sea to Shining Sea.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

THE BIKE IS IN!

Trek Pilot 5.o
For the many requests I've received, this is the bike I will be riding from New York City to Huntington Beach, California. If you are a cyclist then you may want to know that this is a 30 speed Trek Pilot 5.0 road bike. A carbon-fiber frame, equipped with Shimano 105 components and a Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur. I purchased it from Georges Cycles & Fitness here in Boise, Idaho. The store owner, Mike Cooley, is a big supporter of what I am trying to accomplish and gave me a 20% discount. Thank you Georges!

Saturday, August 4, 2007

MY EVENING WITH MR. HOYT

In the picture above, I am standing with the incredible Mr. Dick Hoyt. Dick is a world renowned motivational speaker. Last week, my wife and I had the amazing opportunity to meet him at the Qwest Arena here in Boise. For those of you who are not aware, Dick is often referred to as "The World's Strongest Dad."
Forty-two years ago, the Hoyt's gave birth to a son, Rick, with cerebral palsy. As a quadriplegic and unable to talk, Rick communicated through a special computer that he uses with his forehead, that he wanted his father to push him and his wheelchair in a five mile race. Not being a runner, Dick accepted the challenge. Afterwards Rick communicated that during the race, while his father was pushing him, it felt like he was not handicapped.
For the past 27 years, this inspiring duo has competed in over 945 athletic events across the world. Together, Team Hoyt has competed in 25 Boston Marathons as well as eight Iron Man triathlons (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run)! Particularly inspiring to me, Dick also pedaled the two of them across the country on a coast-to-coast bike ride.
Team Hoyt travels the globe educating and promoting the Team Hoyt motto, "Yes You Can!" As a tribute to Dick Hoyt and his remarkable physical accomplishments, I am having "I Can!" sewn on the back of my jersey for the O.M.E.H Bike Tour.
Please take 4 minutes and 13 seconds to watch their touching video, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE.