Miles: 80.4 - Total Miles: 1,466 - Total Ascent: 40,952 ft.Definitely not a yellow brick road. There were severe thunder and lightning storms and rain, rain, rain - all throughout western Missouri and eastern Kansas last night and this morning. Because my American flag extends nearly nine feet in the air (with a five foot copper pipe), I had to delay my start time so as not to be a rolling lightning rod! Once underway, it was still cold and wet, but not too much thunder and lightning.
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Today's highlight was crossing into Kansas. I wasn't able to pose in front of the sign, as it was suspended above the bridge, half-way across the Missouri River. I put my life on the line just getting this shot! So far, Kansas isn't much different than Missouri - I hear it really flattens out west of Abilene.
.Towards the end of today's ride, an SUV pulled over in front of me and a news crew popped out, camera and all. They asked if I was the "guy riding coast to coast" and if they could interview me! They were with channel 27, NBC's affiliate out of Topeka. After the interview, they continued to "leapfrog" with me for a few miles - racing up ahead of me, quickly jumping out, setting up the camera, and then video me riding by - strange.
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Some of you expressed an interest in the next installment of "it's a small world." So, here ya go... I received a phone call yesterday from a friend back in Boise, Megan Reichle. She explained to me that her husband's uncle, Steve Reichle, who lives in Topeka, Kansas, has been reading my blog and wanted to meet with me if at all possible. I actually spoke with him on the phone, and he invited me to stay at his house, but it was just a bit too far off my route. So, after I got cleaned up, Steve came to my hotel, and took me out to dinner - what a fantastic guy! It was fun to visit and communicate with someone other than Flat Hannah. Steve is a really neat guy, we have lots in common and really seemed to enjoy each other's company. Thanks for dinner, Steve - let's keep in touch. A big thanks to you too, Megan, for looking after me!
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I hope we're not developing a pattern, but with my right knee on the mend, my right Achilles tendon is on the fritz. Very painful, swollen, and a "clicking" feeling when I move my foot. Tracy's research shows that it may be tendinitis, which calls for two weeks of rest, and that's just not an option. Anyone have any other advice?
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"I CAN!"
19 comments:
Chip,
Hey great to read your blog, Just got the blog address today, can't help much with medical advice, but if I can help in any other way please let me know.
Your a great example I admire what you're doing and have enjoyed your OMEH ceremonies over the years.
Jay S.
Chip,
I thought of you today as I was driving home and saw a man riding his bike, like you, with a trailer behind him and a flag sticking up on top of that. Of course, it wasn't a nine-foot high American flag, but as I watched him go past thoughts of you doing much the same thing came to mind. So happy you're finding people along the way to help you as you complete this journey. Sorry to hear about the Achilles tendon - I'll see if I can find anything out from my brother-in-law (the physician's assistant). He may have some advice considering his medical background, but also he's done the coast-to-coast bike ride himself - so perhaps he'd have some additional insight/recommendations for what to do. I'll post it or contact Tracy with what I find out! Take care!
Hey Chip:
I just got back from the store to get supplies for the trip. When I get there, you won't have to wory about dogs. I'll take care of them. They'll wish they chased a cat instead.
Take care of that Achilles Tendon. You might want to see a doctor.
I talked to Tracy today. She sent the cards. I'll bring with me.
Take care Buddy. See you soon.
Love Dad
Hi Chip!
I hope you find Dorthey and her dog Toko in Kansas. I would also let you know about how is South Shelby Cardinals High School (back in Missouri)football them is doing this month and next month. What would I do without you as my friend and a person who likes me for what I am?
Keep peddling and riding.
your friend,
Jewels (Julene Cook)
Hey Chip,
Love the Blog! Sounds like an epic adventure! As for the Achilles tendon, I would try taking 600-800 mg. of Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours (as long as it doesn't seem to be giving you a stomach-ache) for pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. You're probably already doing this, but iceing it down every night might also be a good idea. Hope that helps! You're doing great!
~Nathan Williams
Chip-
I went for a walk last night after dinner and down the end of our street is the golf clubhouse. From there, I have an almost never-ending view out onto the great plains...almost to Kansas, since we're up on a high point. In fact I watched an awesome moonrise over those plains (full moon). Anyway, it was cool to think that you are now "right next door" to us in kansas smack in the middle of the plains. Kansas does flatten out ALOT as you go west...but it also starts a gradual climb in elevation, but it sounds like you'll be tracking south.
Tendonitis- I also like the ibuprofin idea and lots of ice...ice it whenever you stop for lunch or a break, and at night.Tendonitis will get worse as you go but icing helps. I had it a few times in my running days.
Any chance on a rest day you can pop into a medical center and see about a cortizone shot? They're not pleasant at first, but helpful soon after. Tell them what you're doing and they might work with you.
Good Luck.
-Rob
Wow! You are awesome. I am so impressed with your commitment. It looks like today (Wednesday) is your halfway point. Everyday from here out, you'll have less to go than you have already came. Way to go!
Hi Chip ~
I'm sending some stuff for you with dad for joint pain and also an excellent supplement to take when you go to bed at night (Night Time Recovery)...it's made primarily for elite level athletes who work their bodies very hard. It naturally supports the production of growth-related hormones, and it enhances energy production, helping the body sustain higher workloads before the onset of fatigue. If you think you could also some energy drinks let me know. They are sugar free, do have SOME caffeine but, unlike most energy drinks on the market today, they are LOADED with vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
Now, let me climb down off my soap box now. Just let me know if you want the energy drink too and I'll send some with Dad as well. Flavors - cherry, fruit punch, grape or mandarin orange.
Be safe,
Carrie :)
Hi Chip, I start my day by checking your blog and reading of your adventures, I enjoy it very much, thank you!
Its hard to believe that the whole time I'm at my desk you are riding your bike. :0
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
Well, I don't know much about doctoring but I do know the name of Dorthey's dog was Toto. The iceing suggestion is a good one when your done for the day but I believe you want to put heat on the hurting area when still actively involved. Helps the blood flow through the area while ice slows down the blood to help prevent swelling.
Hang in there kid, You CAN!
Ken (Gramps)
Hey Chip, Kendall is sitting here with me and she wants to play her computer games but I told her not until after I finish reading about Uncle Chip. I showed her a picture and she kept saying, "I want to see more pictures of Uncle Chip!" So, we just reviewed your whole trip. WOW! You have come a long way. You are awesome.
I'll finish my little comment with this -- I asked Kendall, "If you could say something to Chip right now, what would you say?" Without hesitation she said, "I love you."
Chip,
I will send you a copy of the news story we ran at our 10 o'clock news last night, I hope you got to see it!
I tried to let everyone watching in on some of the lighter moments of your trip that you shared with us.
Stay strong man,
Ryan
27 News Photographer
Hi Chip!
Sorry it has taken me so long to post here. I had a great time seeing you and having dinner. I saw you on the news brief and I saw our picture from the blog!! I liked that they showed the picture of you and Grandpa as well :) Be careful in the rain.
Love,
Jenny
Hey Chip, its Bach. Sounds like you are in some pain. Hey listen, theres not much you can do at this point in making the pain in your achilles go away. I did research on line and rest is all about it. You might want to look into a ankel brace at a local Wal-Mart. But since you are in no mans land, just try and tape it up. I have been physically active the past few years at the gym and especially at work. I occasionally will get achilles problems and my feat will get to the point where I feel like my arches have dropped. In my job as a concrete pumper, I am constantly turning ankles. Thats why I now do major stetching on them before work and after. I like to know think that I have some of the toughest ankles ever. Now I have a bunch of things that might releieve the pain for a short period of time. But it would take all night to write it out. So call me. But for now, I would Ice immediately when you get done for the day. Stay off it as much as you can. And you might have to take a rest day and just stay off of it. Maybe when you are done on a Saturday night and a Sunday. I know you might have to miss a day of church or something, but if you blow it out, you will be in serious trouble. Hey, even God rested on the seventh day. In the mean time, I will pray for healing and cal me and hopefully I could help u out. Also remember, we arent as young as we were in the Corp. Our minds are still going to tell us that we could do all the crazy things that we once did as young bucks, but are bodies are going to tell us differently.
Keep on keepin on.
Bach
P. S. "It was good for Chesty Puller, and its good enough for me."
I think it is so fantastic that you have these amazing mini-support groups all along your way. I especially love the tv crew catching up with you. You're famous! I am sure that those wonderful people who stop and support you on your way will always be in your heart, and I am sure Tracy appreciates it too! Way to go!
Chip, that "Flat Hannah" comment was so funny. I can just imagine you sitting on your bed, unfolding Flat Hannah, and having a conversation with her about her day. We are praying for you. Honestly. We are.
Hi Chip,
Glad to see that you are doing so well and making so much progress! I'm still checking your site from PA every nite and still find what you are doing amazing! I love reading the messages from your family and friends. In this world that we live in it's nice to read something so positive and filled with love and encouragement! I'm sorry you're having problems with tendonitus though. As the mom of an ex-ballerina that had many problems with tendonitus I would suggest that after you get to your hotel you stick your foot in a bucket of ice. It's painful but it helps and it works better than ice packs. On second thought, maybe that isn't such a great idea for you since I didn't see a dish bucket on your trailer! Oh, well - Cortizone shots are also great - both my daughter and I have had them with almost immediate relief!
On a side note I'd like to say thanks to Jody (thanks, Jody!) for the cards and the nice note that she included with them. Take care and enjoy the ride.
Hey Chip, sure is nice to see your comments every day and I am amazed at your ongoing level of enthusiasm. Keep it up and stay safe (and dry!).
love,
The Lindquists
Jay,
Thanks. I don't recognize your name.
Holly,
You are the bomb, thanks!
Dad,
Check.
Jewels,
Yes, I like you for who you are.
Nathan,
Ibuprofen - check. Ice - check. Thanks Nathan, good to hear from you.
Rob,
Got it, thaks!
Birds,
Thank you!
Carrie,
Wow, my goodness...thanks!
Roxana,
Thanks for your support. Tell Sara I said "Hello". On second thoughts, maybe not..ha! ha!
Ken,
Not sure about heating it DURING the ride. Really, only have time to ice at the end of the day. Thanks!
Jody,
How cute is she? I love you too, Kendall!
Ryan,
That was great. Thank you!
Jenny,
I had fun too. Thanks for coming down.
Bach,
No Bach - on the 7th day He created the Marines, remember?
Katie,
Yes, thank you so much!
Beth,
Of course, Flat Hannah and I are buddies. To elude to Niki's previous comment, "Just keep praying, just keep praying!"
Annette,
I am so happy that you are still following along. You are great!
Tad and Andrea,
Thank you guys!
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