TOGETHER WE MADE A DIFFERENCE

This special post is dedicated to everyone who took part in the success of the O.M.E.H. Bike Tour.
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Dear Friends and Family,

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A year has passed since I was navigating my way across this great nation, from coast-to-coast, on my bicycle. This simply could not have been done without your generosity and support. I would like to thank everyone who contributed their valuable time and money towards this larger than life endeavor. Thank you for your donation to the O.M.E.H. Bike Tour and for supporting my mission.

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The O.M.E.H. Bike Tour began in Sandy Hook, New Jersey when I dipped my back tire in the Atlantic Ocean. The journey concluded 3,147 miles, 48 days, 12 states, and 8 flat tires later in Huntington Beach, California when I dipped my front tire in the Pacific Ocean, thus culminating a coast-to-coast bike ride. I met and visited with the most fascinating people from the east coast and midwest, across the great plains and southwest, and through my hometown on the west coast. The experiences I had along this incredible journey provided me with the opportunity to raise awareness for the Ordinary Men and Women who have answered the call to serve, and our Extraordinary Heroes who selflessly gave their lives for the betterment of a greater cause…Freedom.

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I will be donating 100% of the proceeds from the O.M.E.H. Bike Tour to the Freedom Alliance. Tomorrow I have the great honor of sending a check, in the amount of $1,138.63, to benefit the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund (www.FreedomAlliance.org/scholarship.htm), which honors the sacrifices made by America's Extraordinary Heroes by providing educational scholarships to their children.

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Additionally, I have been invited to speak to children throughout the Boise School District about my journey from coast-to-coast, the American flag, and our Extraordinary American Heroes. Speaking at schools not only fulfils the mission of O.M.E.H., but also is the most gratifying service I have been able to perform.

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Again, thank you for your generous donations and priceless support. Together, we did it. Together, we made a difference.

Semper Fidelis,

Chip Schultz

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Since the ride, I have been asked a variety of questions. The following is a list of the most common:

1. What is the mission of O.M.E.H.?
The mission of Ordinary Men-Extraordinary Heroes (O.M.E.H.) is to educate Americans about the 1.2 million Ordinary Men and Women in uniform, who gallantly laid their lives upon the altar of freedom, thus becoming and forever remaining our Extraordinary Heroes.

2. Why did you want to do a coast-to-coast bike ride?
When I was in the 7th grade a man named John Waterson talked to my youth group about his experiences riding his bike across America. Ever since then, I have always been fascinated at the concept of actually pedaling a bike from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. However, I wanted to do it for something, or someone, besides myself. It wasn’t until 20+ years after being inspired by john Waterson that I found myself speaking publicly about the sacrifices made by Ordinary Men and Women, Memorial Day, and the American Flag, that I decided to actively take a greater roll in educating Americans about our Extraordinary Heroes. The O.M.E.H. Bike Tour, a journey from coast-to-coast, just seemed to be the right thing to do.

3. What kind of bike did you ride?
I rode a 30 speed Trek Pilot 5.0 road bike; a carbon-fiber frame, equipped with Shimano 105 components and a Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur.

4. What type of equipment/gear did you carry?
Other than my bike, trailer, and personal gear, I carried (either on the trailer, on my handle bars, or on my person): pepper spray, iPod, cycling computer, survival knife, BB gun, small tool kit, one set of non-cycling clothes, one set of church clothes, 3 sets of cycling clothes, cold weather gear, 4 water bottles, digital camera, video camera, extra video tapes, road atlas, extra maps, 12 spare tire tubes, tire pump, 2 bike locks, laptop computer, cell phone, first-aid kit, hygiene kit, 5 ft. copper pipe, 3x5 American flag, and a wooden flag pole.

5. How many states did you ride through?
12 total. New Jersey – Pennsylvania – Ohio – Indiana – Illinois – Missouri – Kansas – Oklahoma – Texas – New Mexico – Arizona – California

6. How long did the ride take?
It took 7 weeks, or 48 days from start to finish (42 riding days and 6 rest days). Total mileage was 3,147 miles.

7. How many miles did you ride in a day?
The trip average was approximately 75 miles per day.

8. How many hours were you riding each day?
Each day was different, as each day’s mileage was different. Under ideal circumstances I would try to average 10 miles per hour (including rest stops, breaks, and lunches). So a 100-mile day could take 10-12 hours.

9. Were you alone the whole time?
I rode solo, with no support vehicle, from Day 1 to Day 27 (Dodge City, Kansas). In an effort to prevent my knee from exploding, or my Achilles tendon from separating, I had a support vehicle from Day 29 to Day 44 (Wickenburg, Arizona). Day 45 was solo, Days 46 and 47 were supported, and Day 48 (the final day) was solo again.

10. Why did you carry the American flag with you?
As a Marine Corps veteran, I have always been proud to be an American. Shortly after 9/11 I purchased a beautiful 3x5 nylon American flag with the intention of carrying it to the top of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. Shortly after, I carried that same flag in the San Diego Marathon; and then to the top of Mount Whitney – the highest peak in the continental United States. During those expeditions, I witnessed many people rally behind the red, white, and blue. It soon became my goal to allow that same flag to symbolize the mission of O.M.E.H. and carry it with me from coast-to-coast.

11. How did you train for this type of an endeavor?
I purchased my bike less than one month before my departure date. After which I rode to and from work 5 - 6 times (15 miles each way). I also went on 2 - 3 long rides (40 – 60 miles). The first time I had ever (in my life) ridden 100 miles was on Day 18. I think this was a test of heart more than anything else.

12. How did you navigate from city to city?
Crossroads Cycling specializes in coast-to-coast cycling trips. However, I contacted them months in advance to see if I could purchase their maps. I was told “no how, no way!” But, I was at least able to utilize their itinerary (with the exception of New Jersey and Pennsylvania). Each night I would use MapQuest and print out turn-by-turn directions to the next day’s destination. For the most part this worked well (with the exception of having to navigate across Fort Riley, Kansas or taking an alternate route to an interstate). However, no amount of chaos could ever compare to the headache of navigating one's self across New Jersey and Pennsylvania on a bicycle, using side streets only.

13. Where did you sleep?
I was fortunate enough to sleep in the extreme comfort of a hotel every night with the exception of Day 1: I stayed at the home of Kris and Jeanette Nielsen in Succasunna, New Jersey; Days 13 and 14: I stayed at the home of Steve and Tonya Denkers in Fishers, Indiana; and Day 45: I stayed at the home of John and Angie Hermanson in Blythe, California.

14. What did you eat?
In the beginning I tried to watch what I ate, looking for foods/snacks that were high in protein/carbs. But, after a few long days of burning who knows how many calories, I soon began eating anything I could get my hands on. Breakfast: a couple of eggs, toast or a bagel, and apple juice. Light lunch: maybe a piece pizza, cottage cheese if I could find it, and on rare occasions KFC or a Fillet-o-Fish sandwich. Dinner: whatever I could find. If they delivered – great, if not I’d try to find an all-you-can-eat buffet or pizza/pasta. One night I couldn’t decide between a large Dominoes pepperoni and pineapple pizza, or a 12” hot Italian sub sandwich. So I ordered both.

15. What was your favorite snack/drink?
I went through lots of “Red-Hots” and hard candy. I really loved fruit punch and lemon-lime Gatorade. But my favorite snack was definitely a 3-pack of vanilla Zingers and an ice cold Mountain Dew.

16. Did you suffer any injuries?
Due to pulling an excessive amount of weight on my trailer and handlebars (approximately 150 lbs) over the Allegheny mountain range in Pennsylvania, I suffered extreme pain in my right knee and Achilles tendon from Indiana to Kansas. Additionally, I cut my right middle finger in the spokes of my front wheel, and chipped my tooth when drinking out of a Gatorade bottle.

17. How many flat tires did you get?
8 total. The first one was on Day 1 in New Jersey. After that, I rode all the way to Day 34 without another flat tire. But, while riding from New Mexico to California I had 7 more flats.

18. What does Total Ascension mean?
My GPS computer tracked my speed, elevation, heart rate, daily distance, total mileage, and total ascension (or total elevation gained). If I climbed a 500 ft. hill in the morning, and then rode downhill 3,000 ft. all day long with another 500 ft. hill climb in the evening, my daily ascension would be 1,000 ft. Therefore, I climbed a total of 93,705 ft.

19. Did you experience any bad weather?
Yes. Lots of rain, particularly in Pennsylvania; sand storms and unimaginable winds in Kansas; other than that I had a few cold mornings and several hot, humid afternoons.

20. Where did you wash your laundry?
I liked staying at Holiday Inn Express because they usually had laundry rooms. But, most of the time I washed my laundry with shampoo in the bathtub.

21. Did you have a favorite place to eat?
On Day 5, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, I had the best Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in the world. I had it delivered from “The Original Italian Pizza”, which came highly recommended. It came with a huge, fresh loaf of warm bread; a salad with black and green olives, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, banana peppers, and creamy Italian dressing that was to die for! And of course, I washed it down with the largest Mountain Dew known to man.

22. What was your most/least favorite hotel?
The Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town was definitely the nicest. But, any Holiday Inn Express was my favorite, particularly the one on my last night in Corona, California. The Red Roof Inn in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania was probably the worst. My room was in the daylight basement, so there were 2 doors (one to the basement hallway and one to an abandoned back parking lot). All the lights were unplugged, the carpet was gross, and the bathtub was dirty. It just felt creepy.

23. How many of your days were century rides?
Of the 42 days of riding, 4 of them were century rides (12 were 90+ miles).

24. Why did you dip the wheels of your bicycle in the ocean?
It is customary, on a coast-to-coast bike ride, to dip your back wheel in the ocean you are departing from; and to dip your front wheel in the ocean you are arriving at, thus culminating an official coast-to-coast bike ride.

25. What was your longest/shortest ride?
My longest day (mileage) was Day 45: Wickenburg, Arizona to Blythe, California – 117 miles. But perhaps my longest day (physically) was either Day 1: completely lost, riding in the dark, through less than desirable parts of East Brunswick, New Jersey, or Day 27: when a dust storm literally blew me off of my bike (3 times) and I had to hitch a ride into Dodge City, Kansas. Shortest day was Day 30: Liberal, Kansas to Guymon, Oklahoma – 42.2 miles.

26. Did you have a favorite state/city/day?
I can’t begin to explain the emotion of standing in front of the “Welcome to Huntington Beach” sign; a moment of my life that I hope to never forget. Favorite State: Missouri was probably the prettiest state of the 12 - lush, green, rolling hills in all directions. It was something like I’ve never seen before - just beautiful! Favorite City: There is certainly no other city that looks like Sedona, Arizona - red rock mountains, surrounding a quaint, high-class, southwestern down town – amazing! Favorite day: Without a doubt, Day 48. This was the final day of the 7-week journey. This was the day that I accomplished my goal. This was the day that I was reunited with my wife and children. This was one of the greatest days of my life!

27. Would you ever do it again?
Coast-to-coast? No. The experiences I had on the ride and the amazing people I met will always be one of a kind. However, there are places along the route, or parts of the ride that I would like to see again. Someday, I would love to organize a 4-day group ride from Flagstaff, Arizona to Bltyhe, California. I would also like to take my wife and children (in our van) and drive from Sandy Hook, New Jersey to Huntington Beach, California - retracing my bike route turn-for-turn. I would really like them to experience and comprehend the magnitude of New York to Los Angeles.

28. What was your biggest challenge?
There were several challenges along my coast-to-coast journey, i.e., physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, technical, etc. The pain I experienced in my right knee (from Pennsylvania to Kansas) was by far my biggest challenge. Luckily I was able to apply ice (sometimes 3x’s a day). Eventually, I developed tendinitis in my right Achilles tendon. This too was a major problem, until a support vehicle arrived to carry my heavy load. Other challenges included constantly being chased by dogs, getting lost, missing my family, and having my bike break down.

29. Did you reach tour fundraising goal?
During the early planning stages of the O.M.E.H. Bike Tour, I attempted to put a dollar amount on my fundraising goal. After careful consideration, I realized that this only played into the media’s obsession with numbers and statistics, and furthermore distracted the focus from my root mission, “To educate Americans…” So in short, yes, I managed to raise enough money to support the expenses for the coast-to-coast bike ride. Additionally, 100% of the proceeds are being donated to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund.

30. What is next on the agenda for O.M.E.H.?
Short term: I am currently in the planning stages for the next community Memorial Day program. After which, I would like to coordinate something specific for Veteran’s Day. Long term: In the next couple of years I would like to coordinate and lead a children’s recognition program that awards stand-out public school students (and their parent/guardian) an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. Additionally, I would like to write a book about my experiences during the O.M.E.H. Bike Tour.

A YEAR AFTER THE RIDE

Each night, for the past couple of weeks, I have sat in front of our computer and read (and re-read) that corresponding day's post from a year ago. I can literally imagine where I rode on that particular day; what I saw, what I ate, who I met, how I felt, and the thoughts that flooded my mind.

I have compiled a 5-part series, A YEAR AFTER THE RIDE, documenting the following segments of the O.M.E.H. Bike Tour:

• The Finish Line Video


• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)


• Where Did A Year Go?


• Together We Made A Difference


• The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund

Please continue to visit over the next few weeks as I continue to post about A YEAR AFTER THE RIDE. The following video was created by my friend Matt Worley, who captured the sights, sounds, and emotions of what will be regarded as one of the greatest days of my life. Thank you Matt, and a special thanks to all of you for your continued support.

DAY 48 - DESTINATION - HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

Miles: 45.8 - Total Miles: 3,147 - Total Ascent: 93,705 ft.

I did it! One week ago from today I dipped my front tire in the Pacific Ocean. The experience was about as overwhelming as one could imagine. The physical aspect of completing a coast-to-coast bike ride; the accomplishment of nearly a lifelong dream; the reunion with my wife and children; the first return trip in 3 years to our hometown; and the ominous conclusion to the final chapter of this remarkable journey, had finally arrived.

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My route through Anaheim crossed the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Rio Vista. On the northeast corner sits a Del Taco restaurant that I can still recall being a Naugles Tacos. Since the age of 10, I lived less than a mile away from what has become my home away from home (I once ate at this very Del Taco 4 times in one day). Needless to say, I took the time to go inside and have a Coke and a quesadilla. Ironically though, my friends Jacob and Dennis Irving weren't able to make it to the beach, but decided to meet me at Del Taco. John Hermanson (along with his wife, children, and his two brothers) were en route up from Indio and also decided to stop at this Del Taco. Then my in-laws happened to be at the adjacent 7-11 and noticed a bike with an American flag, so they decided to join us as well. In total, there were 15 of us visiting at my old hangout - what a great visit.

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A few miles down the road, I came across what I thought was an unruly supporter chanting, "U.S.A. - U.S.A. - U.S.A. ..." It was my old friend Tad Lindquist and his family stopping by to offer their support. In another vehicle were Tad's in-laws, also out to support. And to top it off , in a different vehicle, was another good buddy, Dave Jensen and his three sons. This 3 vehicle motorcade made for quite the entourage down the 14 mile stretch of Beach Boulevard (with no shoulder to ride on). Perfect timing - thank you all!

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It was when I reached Pacific Coast Highway that things seemed to go numb. Once I arrived at Huntington Beach I called Tracy to tell her that I'd be seeing her in a matter of moments. I also called two great supporters (and two very dear friends of ours) back in Boise to tell them that I had arrived safely. Only a couple of hundred yards to go!

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While riding on the boardwalk, if I couldn't see the finish line, I could sure hear it! Nearly one hundred family members, close friends, distant friends, and complete strangers were gathered together. Yelling, clapping, cheering, and holding various supportive signs, they all seemed to cherish the moment of my arrival. The feelings were remarkable and unforgettable, to say the least.

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Gathered together separately, were my wife Tracy and our four children Taylor (12), Aubrey (10), Hannah (8), and Jack (5 1/2). They definitely created, what I hope to have as, the most lasting impression of this journey. After we hugged and kissed, and embraced privately, they escorted me under a sign that read: FINISH LINE - O.M.E.H. BIKE TOUR - September 3rd to October 20th - www. OMEH .org - "I CAN!"

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Then we walked down to the water, as I carried my bike through the sand, to where everyone had gathered in a gauntlet. In what was perhaps the most surreal moment of the day, I looked out at the breaking waves, turned and faced my crowd of supporters and raised my bike over my head, then simply dipped my front tire in the Pacific Ocean - thus concluding my solo journey from Sea to Shining Sea.

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.My mission was to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by Ordinary Men and Women in uniform who have laid their lives upon the altar of freedom, thus becoming and forever remaining our Extraordinary Heroes. As I read back through this blog at the comments made from both lifelong friends as well as newly made acquaintances, it is evident that my mission has been accomplished.

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I will forever be grateful to Dick Hoyt and his son Rick. Together they created a belief in my mind that "I CAN!" That belief alone has been both a comforter and a motivator over the last few months. The reality that "I DID" because I thought "I CAN!" will stay with me for the rest of my life. And now, whether YOU think you can or you cannot...you're right!

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"I DID."

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"YOU CAN TOO!"

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DAY 47 - DESTINATION - RIVERSIDE, CA

Miles: 85 - Total Miles: 3,101 - Total Ascent: 92,928 ft.

Now, I can finally smell it! I'm so close to ending this journey I just can't believe it. Today I met many different people and rode by many places that I had seen before. By best description of today, is that it was an out-of-body experience. I really can't even begin to imagine riding tomorrow. But, here are some of today's highlights:

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I was invited to KMIR, the NBC affiliate in Palm Desert, and appeared on their morning show.

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While in Indio I met up with John Hermanson's brother, Aaron (left), and his partner with the Riverside County Sherrifs Department.

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We all agreed that this would have been much more helpful in Kansas.

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Somewhere in New Mexico, I remember thinking that I would stop at the first In-N-Out that I came across, no matter what!

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Ironically enough, John's other brother, Adam, is a Code Enforcement Officer with Riverside County and just happened to drive by.

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Bruce Murrill, the father-in-law of a lady at the Blythe rally, organized a fundraising rally at The Farmhouse Restaurant in Banning. The owner, Jackie Kennedy (above), had a son who was killed in Iraq. His name was Joshua Palmer; a 26 year old Marine Lieutenant, who was shot by a sniper on April 8, 2004. Very symbolic of what this ride is all about.

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Our waitress, Jamie, made this sign for me.

This is a wall in Jackie's restaurant. It is dedicated to her late son, Joshua.

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Today was my last day with a support driver. Bernie and I have been friends since the 7th grade, more than 22 years. We got into trouble together when we were younger; both married our high school sweethearts; he was in my wedding; I was in his; he was with me on top of Mt. Whitney; and his wonderful family has come up to Boise to visit. Thanks Bernie, "You can be my wing man anytime!"

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Tomorrow, I will be riding solo and dipping my front tire into the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach.

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"I CAN!"

DAY 46 - DESTINATION - INDIO, CA

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Miles: 97.6 - Total Miles: 3,016 - Total Ascent: 89,311 ft.

3,000 MILES!!! What an exciting milestone this was. But, one long, boring day. John's dad, Glenn Hermanson, was my support driver today. It sure helped having him with me, especially on the decent down into Indio. I stopped at the top of today's simmit and spent some time at the General Patton museum...fixing ANOTHER flat tire!

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We were told by C.H.P. that I would not be able to be on the interstate for the decent. But, where there's a will, there's a way. I called Lisa, my Public Affairs Representative, and asked her to get me clearance...and PRESTO! That girl has the right touch. She spoke with Sgt. Elflynn of Indio C.H.P. and I was given the green light. Thanks Lisa (and Sgt. Elflynn too)!

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Once at my hotel, in Indio, Glenn told me that his family wanted to take me out to dinner. And so it was, John's Mom and Dad, his two brothers Adam and Aaron, and Aaron's wife and their two children, took me out for some great Mexican food. I think the reason I like John so much is evident in the rest of his family - just extraordinarily GREAT people! Thank you Hemanson's...for everything!

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The final stage of this journey has finally arrived. In a previous post, you might recall hearing from one of my best friends in the world, Bernie Perkins, a.k.a. my wing man (see also "MY AMERICAN FLAG" dated Saturday, August 25, 2007). Bernie arrived tonight to be my final support driver and escort me into Riverside. Only two more days in the saddle.

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"I CAN!"

DAY 45 - DESTINATION - BLYTHE, CA

. Miles: 117 - Total Miles: 2,919 - Total Ascent: 87,136 ft.

Wow, what day - I AM IN CALIFORNIA!!! Needless to say, I was pretty excited to get here! Today was simply amazing, to say the very least. I departed Wickenburg, just prior to 7:00 am, and rode 95 miles alone. John had work obligations that he had to tend to. However, after work he picked up his son, Johnny, and met up with me in the town of Quartzsite, Arizona. From there, about 20 miles, John was my support vehicle to Blythe, his home town.

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After I crossed the Colorado River I was in California. And I couldn't have asked for a better welcoming. Just off the interstate I was greeted by a Blythe Police Officer. I was given a police escort to their city park where I was greeted by more than 100 patriotic, flag waving fans. John and Angie organized an O.M.E.H. welcoming party in my honor. I will never forget the good people of Blythe. The Vice Mayor, Town Judge, VFW Commander, and a Protestant Minister were but a few of the civic leaders who greeted me. Additionally, members of a local group "The Yellow Ribbon Committee" made a special presentation. So far, this was the largest showing of support I have received on this journey. Thank you Blythe!

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Afterwards, the Hermanson's invited me to stay at their house. Angie prepared a wonderful home-cooked meal, and we really enjoyed each other's company. Thanks again John and Angie!

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"I CAN!"