tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54719317788042549912024-03-08T09:20:23.632-05:00SpokenRev's Underground Railroad Cycling Tour 2011Spoke ‘n Revolutions Youth Cycling (SnR) re-introduces Youth Cyclists to the joy of an active life by having their own bicycle adventure. SnR cyclists are thoughtful, smart high-school students who enjoy physical challenges. This year we've cycled 1800 miles of the Underground Railroad!Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-51165924851510979972011-07-16T22:28:00.001-04:002011-07-17T09:52:11.506-04:00July 13,2011 - Jeimy<div style="text-align: left;">Wow. I can't believe we've made it this far. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az3XbLB-NZE/TiH40ZUPD4I/AAAAAAAABGU/BQaAQE04XOY/s1600/Nearest+the+end+of+the+UGRR+2011+rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az3XbLB-NZE/TiH40ZUPD4I/AAAAAAAABGU/BQaAQE04XOY/s200/Nearest+the+end+of+the+UGRR+2011+rainbow.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Today we woke up to a beautiful morning on the shore of lake Erie. We had a nice breakfast and as we were packing our stuff Rich, aka the bicycle repair man, help some kids fix there bikes. To show they were thankful and excited for what we were doing they rode with us for a little bit and then returned back to the campsite. <br />
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The day's ride was a nice ride. Not that many hills and most of the time we rode next to lake Erie. We also rode near several grape farms. This is the day we finally made it into New York. We were all so happy and I still couldn't believe we made it through another state. I guess it's true when they say time flys by when your having fun.<br />
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We stayed at another campsite were I got to witness another great sunset. It was a nice night. Kinda windy but perfect weather. I can't wait until we finally make it. <br />
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Jeimy</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Erie, PA, USA42.129224099999988 -80.08505942.091077599999984 -80.15263 42.167370599999991 -80.017488tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-66342773037640754102011-07-16T21:29:00.001-04:002011-07-16T21:49:17.869-04:00July 16 - Houston - Leaving for Home<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_MMdDURDGU/TiI9v7PjNDI/AAAAAAAABHo/yHyW1e8AVUw/s1600/DSCF1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_MMdDURDGU/TiI9v7PjNDI/AAAAAAAABHo/yHyW1e8AVUw/s320/DSCF1809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Today we begin our journey home, we will be taking a 10 hour road trip back to North Carolina in our van. I am excited to go home to my friends and family in Chapel Hill. Looking back on this trip I realize that I have gained a great deal more than I knew I did from it. I have learned information from the past that most people will never know. I have seen things that most people will never see, this trip has given me the opportunity to learn a lot about my past and I am very grateful for having this opportunity. Making this choice was one of the greatest decisions of my life. From this trip I have realized that there is a lot of history that we are not taught in school and I would sometime like to learn more about this. I think in college I will take an African American studies course.<br />
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This trip has been an overall great experience for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Meadville, PA 16335, USA41.6414438 -80.15144839999999241.616166799999995 -80.1754979 41.6667208 -80.127398899999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-88376783786674025122011-07-16T19:34:00.000-04:002011-07-16T19:34:15.213-04:00July 3 - Marshall - Covington, KYThe eve of July 4th. This was the first time in the entire trip where we stayed in a hotel. To be more specific it was the Embassy Suites, located across the bridge from Cincinnati, OH. Suepinda and Kevin gave us each $20 and pretty much said get out and explore the city, be back by 11. And naturally, we went out to find some Chinese food. Unfortunately, today was Sunday and all the local shops were closed down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-686_J_sozfw/ThU7YnFGvSI/AAAAAAAAAhs/REDq9VW5gbo/s1600/DSCF0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-686_J_sozfw/ThU7YnFGvSI/AAAAAAAAAhs/REDq9VW5gbo/s320/DSCF0501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After separating from the rest of the the group me and Ibn stayed in Covington and walked around for hours trying to find someplace to eat. Around 9 pm, out of desperation, we finally walked across the bridge into the city. To my amazement we were greeted by Iron Man 2 playing on a big screen in the town square, and more restaurants than I wanted to choose from. Coincidentally, we found the rest of the group in the first place we entered and after eating we went out to the square to watch fireworks. It was great to have the freedom to walk around the city and do what you wanted, such as Kyvon dance-battling little kids and a homeless man. It's a type of freedom we don't have while on the bike and I can speak for the group when I say that this was a bonding experience, which brought us all closer.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Cincinnati, OH, USA39.1031182 -84.51201960000003139.0186992 -84.683666100000025 39.187537199999994 -84.340373100000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-11219680229490215372011-07-16T18:59:00.001-04:002011-07-16T19:03:31.058-04:00July 15 - Kyvon - Niagara Falls, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eejKIuMIbtE/ThwTjbLA5CI/AAAAAAAAA64/Pn2F0_nclRA/s1600/DSCF9617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eejKIuMIbtE/ThwTjbLA5CI/AAAAAAAAA64/Pn2F0_nclRA/s320/DSCF9617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Today was the last ride of the trip, and I think we were all excited. We were supposed to be riding from our hosts home in Buffalo, to Niagara Falls. While we were riding we saw that the "bike trail" we were supposed to ride on ended. Once the trail ended, we rode around in a circle for a while, until we finally got back on track. When everything was going fine, Chris and I crashed, and some of my spokes broke. Since that is something that you never want to happen, I was told that it was unsafe to ride with a wheel in that condition, so everyone had to take their bike apart and get in the van, because we all were going to ride or nobody was going to ride. We then drove to Niagara Falls and boarded the Maid of the Mist to take our long awaited tour that took us next to the Falls. After being able to see Canada on the other side, and to be able to see the Falls themselves, all of our hard work for the past month was worth it.Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com1Niagara Falls, NY, USA43.0962143 -79.037738843.0636648 -79.1043413 43.1287638 -78.9711363tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-72404517092808163342011-07-16T17:16:00.002-04:002011-07-16T21:14:16.941-04:00Friday July 15 – Itza - Buffalo, NY and Niagara Falls!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lidRBVPICcU/TiHunsikOQI/AAAAAAAABFw/2nmpuXPOyZY/s1600/DSCF1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lidRBVPICcU/TiHunsikOQI/AAAAAAAABFw/2nmpuXPOyZY/s200/DSCF1611.JPG" width="200" /></a>Today is the second Big DAY of this lovely adventure. If you don't remember the first Big DAY was June 13th, the day we departed from Chapel Hill. I can't believe we made it to this point! Our 30 days of adventure has truly become a once in a life time experience.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xPF5rRKK28/TiHurEZiDJI/AAAAAAAABF4/nWg-1_CjQss/s1600/DSCF1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xPF5rRKK28/TiHurEZiDJI/AAAAAAAABF4/nWg-1_CjQss/s200/DSCF1681.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>So today I woke up in the lovely home of David and Molly. I woke up with my mind set on freedom. I had the 1st day of school feeling again. I felt like today was the day I've been waiting for for a really long time. I didn't and I still can't put words to the way I was feeling. All I really know is that I made it, we made it, we all completed an 1800 mile journey. Something 31 days ago was nothing more than a goal, an idea, a dream, a distant thought. We all made it to Niagara Falls! We did it!! I Can't say it enough but I'm extremely proud of Jeimy, Chris, Mahlique, Houston, Kyvon, Ibn, Marshall, Mrs. Sue, Kevin, Mr. Brogden and Rich for doing this! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTHG6aABQUk/TiE5SMHqOXI/AAAAAAAABDI/Gv-JmoUKnjs/s1600/DSCF1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTHG6aABQUk/TiE5SMHqOXI/AAAAAAAABDI/Gv-JmoUKnjs/s200/DSCF1751.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm8YY6i1YMY/TiE46TFlVgI/AAAAAAAABC8/WxWW2O_ZJlw/s1600/DSCF1735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm8YY6i1YMY/TiE46TFlVgI/AAAAAAAABC8/WxWW2O_ZJlw/s200/DSCF1735.JPG" width="200" /></a>We left Molly and David's home and headed off on our last bike ride. On our way to Niagara Falls we got lost. We were on a bike trail but the bike trail stopped and we hit a dead end. Everyone we asked said that we could ride a bike trail all the way to the Falls. With the dead-end ahead we decided to head back towards Ohio St and follow the directions we had printed from map quest or one of those direction giving websites. We eventually made it to Niagara St. <br />
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While riding on Niagara St. Ibn got a flat so we had to stop which gave us time to figure out where we were and how we were going to get to Niagara Falls. After Ibn's bike was ready to go we set off in search of Aqua Lane. About a mile away from Aqua Lane, Kyvon and Chris get into a minor accident. Where 3 of Kyvon's spokes broke making it not possible for him to finish the ride. The decision to call the SAG van and call it a day was made for several reasons one being that Kyvon's bike was unrepairable at the moment and the other was that we still had 20 or so miles to go and it was close to 3pm. So if we kept riding we wouldn't really get to spend enough time at Niagara Falls. When the SAG van arrived to pick us up the bikes and were ready to go. The front wheels were off the bikes. We all worked as a team to get the bikes on the trailer and locked. <br />
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Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls what a beautiful sight! This is truly one day I will never ever forget! My heart was racing like never before, I was getting kinda emotional and wanting to cry because I didn't know another way of expressing how happy I was. We headed to the Maid of the Mist area and we got closer and closer to the falls. I can't find words to describe the natural beauty before my eyes. Once on the boat I remembered my dad asked me to call him if I had signal down there and thankfully I did! I gave him a call and to hear his voice while on the boat made me feel extremely special. I was on top of the world while I was at the bottom of the falls.<br />
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Before getting off the boat I had to make sure I gave a big thanks and hug to my SnR family (except Houston who gave me a handshake since he doesn't do hugs). <br />
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Once we left the Falls we headed to CheeBurger, CheeBurger which has 1,258,000 combinations of milk shakes. We all set down and had a wonderful dinner. We laughed and talked and then got back in the car and said bye to Buffalo, NY and here we come Chapel Hill. I could not have asked for a better last day than this.<br />
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- Itza<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Niagara Falls, NY, USA43.0962143 -79.037738843.0636648 -79.1043413 43.1287638 -78.9711363tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-87992084571606296072011-07-16T16:57:00.001-04:002011-07-16T16:59:34.258-04:00Thursday July 14 – Itza - Evangola to Buffalo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTW6zNTAHLk/ThhBcMXKnQI/AAAAAAAAAo4/xCHzB6fHcI0/s1600/thumb_June+28+-+Ride+Day+13+21_face0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTW6zNTAHLk/ThhBcMXKnQI/AAAAAAAAAo4/xCHzB6fHcI0/s200/thumb_June+28+-+Ride+Day+13+21_face0.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today we left Evangola Camping ground and headed towards Buffalo, New York. We ended up doing 51 miles today instead of 30miles because we got lost somewhere in between.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> However, when we arrived to Buffalo and saw the signs we all let out some crazy noise. We let out a victory scream. We then road down till we got to Michigan St where we took a right turn and met Kevin Cottrell and 2 really nice reporters. We were invited inside the church and got to listen to the importance of Buffalo in the Underground Railroad movement. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We also visited a park were we could see Canada for the 1<sup>st</sup> time. Canada was just within reach. Even though we weren't going to cross over it was just incredible being able to see it from a distance and knowing we are so close. the thing is that I didn't really realize that we made it to buffalo till we got to David and Molly's house where we spent the night. The great thing about spending the night at David and Molly's home is that we started our journey with a Quaker family (Sara and Darryl from Blountsville, Alabama) and we ended our journey with a Quaker family. This was a great day!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMdXr9aUJ6M/TiH5BdM-pHI/AAAAAAAABGg/7GR_wIha1rQ/s1600/DSCF1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMdXr9aUJ6M/TiH5BdM-pHI/AAAAAAAABGg/7GR_wIha1rQ/s200/DSCF1453.JPG" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5nqsVBAVG0/TiH5JDuFZII/AAAAAAAABGk/0CIvEDNxHe4/s1600/DSCF1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5nqsVBAVG0/TiH5JDuFZII/AAAAAAAABGk/0CIvEDNxHe4/s200/DSCF1454.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Itza</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SnYoTlQSDo/TiH5Q016aNI/AAAAAAAABGo/dSdlqXYjc_M/s1600/DSCF1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SnYoTlQSDo/TiH5Q016aNI/AAAAAAAABGo/dSdlqXYjc_M/s200/DSCF1457.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Evangola, Brant, NY, USA42.6086862 -79.101219742.6023227 -79.1183987 42.6150497 -79.0840407tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-63693898765217969972011-07-16T14:23:00.003-04:002011-07-16T16:48:48.092-04:00July 14 - Chris - Buffalo, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZz2Ww-RrTE/ThhBn0YJT7I/AAAAAAAAAvA/rCz_fLCKzjw/s1600/thumb_June+22+46_face10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZz2Ww-RrTE/ThhBn0YJT7I/AAAAAAAAAvA/rCz_fLCKzjw/s200/thumb_June+22+46_face10.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Today we finally made it into Buffalo, NY. Honestly, it was very surreal to me that we had actually made it to NY. It felt like yesterday we were unloading the bikes for the first time in Mobile, Alabama. I couldn't believe it, we are one day away from finishing our journey.<br />
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We started the day off with a pretty easy ride. It was flat and the weather was cooler than usual. I liked the atmosphere of NY so far. We rode to Michigan Street Baptist Church in Buffalo where they would hide escaped slaves right before they would try to cross over to Canada. We got a tour of the church and part of the city from a man named Kevin Cottrell, a local historian and tour guide. He was really passionate about the UGRR and knew a lot of history. He said he really admired us for doing this because he had traveled the UGRR many years ago but it was in a van not on bikes, like us. I thought that was pretty cool. He really knew things that I had never heard about from a teacher or read in a textbook. In my opinion talking to people and really listening is the best way to learn.<br />
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The day ended with us driving to another Quaker family's home. David and Molly were so very nice. David's wife was pregnant with their first child and still welcomed us into their home. We tried to help her out as much as possible. We didn't want her doing too much at all, so we washed the dishes for her and I helped her cook breakfast. Anything we could do to help out we did. After everything was done we all fell asleep on the floor watching napoleon dynamite.Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Buffalo, NY, USA42.886446799999987 -78.878368942.816230799999985 -78.9592289 42.956662799999989 -78.7975089tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-25740311681072279292011-07-16T12:59:00.001-04:002011-07-16T13:03:44.491-04:00July 6th - July 9th - Jeimy - Hilliaard YMCA<div style="text-align: left;">Hilliard, OH to Oberlin, OH<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOOBjcFs1AE/ThhBJbBG0zI/AAAAAAAAAsk/ZGjQDzP6t5w/s1600/thumb_July+1+-+Ride+Day+16+60_face4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nOOBjcFs1AE/ThhBJbBG0zI/AAAAAAAAAsk/ZGjQDzP6t5w/s200/thumb_July+1+-+Ride+Day+16+60_face4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Today we rode about 60 miles to another YMCA. It was a long ride but afterwards the boys still had enough energy to play basketball, so we played a few games. After being at the YMCA for a few hours Rich (Giorgi) came. It was nice to see him. Rich is da man! He brought us "I love NY" T-shirts and power bars. I thought that was really nice of him to do. Later that night we ate subway for dinner. The next morning we woke up and did a few bike repairs. After the repairs were complete we got on the road to go to a campsite. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> This was Rich's first ride with us. He did pretty good and kept a good pace. When we got to the campsite there wasn't much to do so we all just took it easy and relaxed for the night. The next morning we woke up early as usual and began to ride. During the ride we got caught in a huge rain storm. We waited until the rain passed before we left to ride again. After going down the road, which was a bit wet, we got caught in another rain storm, but it was quick so we kept riding. We finally made it to our destination in Oberlin Ohio. We ate Mexican food and went to watch a theatrical performance of raisin in the sun. It was a great performance and we met one of the lead actress. We talked to her and took pictures.<br />
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Jeimy </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Hilliard, OH, USA40.0333961 -83.15824509999998840.0011271 -83.208002599999986 40.0656651 -83.108487599999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-87580004321187322912011-07-16T12:27:00.000-04:002011-07-16T12:27:39.249-04:00July 3 - Chris - Covington, KY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWmfCDsbcJk/Tgv6pmWCr-I/AAAAAAAAARw/wbfKItmRNRQ/s1600/DSCF9754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWmfCDsbcJk/Tgv6pmWCr-I/AAAAAAAAARw/wbfKItmRNRQ/s200/DSCF9754.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Today we were in Covington, Kentucky. We started off riding about fifteen miles, then crossed the bridge into Ohio, and then we had breakfast. The most important meal of the day! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">After eating breakfast, we went down the road and went into a construction zone with a lot less traffic. Kevin thought that would be a lot safer but it turns out that the road was filled with huge pot holes and cracks in the concrete. Most of the group got flat tires. We had 9 flat tires total. Itza, Marshall and Ibn were the only ones able to continue. That night we stayed in a hotel. The kids all went out together and ate dinner without the adults. We all had fun it was good night out.<br />
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Chris </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Covington, KY, USA39.0836712 -84.50855360000002739.0170757 -84.546093100000022 39.150266699999996 -84.471014100000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-32806280231882477202011-07-16T12:11:00.000-04:002011-07-16T12:11:56.946-04:00July 9 Kyvon - Oberlin, OH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKXkiFxMN-k/TgqzpY1sbQI/AAAAAAAAAPk/tvAAjVB8S80/s1600/thumb_June+26+-+Ride+Day+12+1_face10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKXkiFxMN-k/TgqzpY1sbQI/AAAAAAAAAPk/tvAAjVB8S80/s200/thumb_June+26+-+Ride+Day+12+1_face10.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent the entire day in Oberlin, OH. While there, we took a tour of the town with the local historian. We toured for so long, we didn't even get to ride. When the tour was over, we all went back to Dr.Cousin's home - which was originally the home of John Mercer Langston and now a historic landmark. We relaxed for the rest of the day, and played a couple of games. After we finished with that, we all ate pizza, and then we took our new friend Julia Robertson back home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-4010634872296118742011-07-16T11:44:00.001-04:002011-07-17T21:32:10.589-04:00July 15 Mahlique - last day Niagara Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3o1u5a21a2w/TiONCVM9NPI/AAAAAAAABLg/NioixIpyRME/s1600/DSCF1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3o1u5a21a2w/TiONCVM9NPI/AAAAAAAABLg/NioixIpyRME/s200/DSCF1784.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Today was the very last day Spoke 'n Rev would hit the saddle. I believe it was with a sad feeling for all of us that we would be leaving the next day to head back. It all seemed so surreal to me. I had just finished the Underground Railroad tour on the seat of a bike. A feat not many people can say they have done; let alone by high school students. Anyway, we made it to Niagara Falls and it was one of the most magnificent sites I have ever got to see in my short life. As a bonus I also got to see a part of Ontario!<br />
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When we saw the Falls we got to ride the boat that took you out to the base of the falls - The Maid of the Mist. To me the bike trip to get here was worth every hardship we encountered. Now I have a great story to tell my children and my grandchildren.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXUXIT_8HYY/TiE5D_W8imI/AAAAAAAABDA/Uwf1f5kB0IE/s1600/DSCF1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXUXIT_8HYY/TiE5D_W8imI/AAAAAAAABDA/Uwf1f5kB0IE/s200/DSCF1742.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>After the falls we got in the van and headed off back to North Carolina. For dinner we ate burgers & shakes; and let me tell you that the food was superb! After dinner we headed down the road till we found a hotel to stay in for the night. And that is how my last day of the tour went. It was one of the best feelings to know that I am one of the only teenagers to have completed the Underground Railroad route. I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped Spoke 'n Rev get to where we are and allowed us to complete this tour.Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Niagara Falls, NY, USA43.0962143 -79.037738843.0636648 -79.1043413 43.1287638 -78.9711363tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-45817070819519072772011-07-16T09:13:00.001-04:002011-07-16T10:05:20.158-04:00SnR UGRR Tour 2011 ~ July 15 Ride Day 30<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">As Promised, Niagara Falls, NY</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbo135aRMSs/TiE10fHxa0I/AAAAAAAABB0/T8KE9JQGVzY/s1600/DSCF1688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbo135aRMSs/TiE10fHxa0I/AAAAAAAABB0/T8KE9JQGVzY/s200/DSCF1688.JPG" width="200" /></a>I awoke first again, almost for the last time of this tour. I'm sure I'll awake first Saturday morning, as well. I walked through the wonderfully creaky and beautifully spacious home of David and Molly and set myself up to blog.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-karswqWaukw/TiE2FnGNO_I/AAAAAAAABB4/CSFbRI1D22U/s1600/DSCF1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-karswqWaukw/TiE2FnGNO_I/AAAAAAAABB4/CSFbRI1D22U/s200/DSCF1690.JPG" width="200" /></a>It wasn't long before Rich was up to join me. After a few pleasantries and light conversation we were nose deep in our work. Rich doing his thing and I, mine. Shortly after, Bob arrived and talk of the day's events, politics, religion, and "Sarah Bachman" were in full swing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 30 min Goodbye</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94u2RRMhGOU/TiE2k_ws3gI/AAAAAAAABCA/Q_JTxje44FI/s1600/DSCF1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94u2RRMhGOU/TiE2k_ws3gI/AAAAAAAABCA/Q_JTxje44FI/s200/DSCF1692.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
It wasn't long before bets were laid as to when we would actually be ready to leave our gracious hosts and head to Niagara Falls. It was now 08:30am. Bob placed the time at around 10:30am, I said 10 and Rich gave no opinion. Later, Bob modified his guess to 11:00. We actually left at 11:30.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The flipped egg breakfast was cooked up by Rich and garnished by Molly with fixins of craisins, walnuts, english muffins, butter, cream cheese, donuts(?), juice, water, milk and of course, Quaker Oatmeal. The breakfast was comparable to, if not better than, any hotel restaurant could have provided. As a matter of fact, come to think about it ( I said it before to someone else along the route) we pretty much had a Bed and Breakfast Tour almost every day of this tour. As for the food, it was delicious.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTHG6aABQUk/TiE5SMHqOXI/AAAAAAAABDI/Gv-JmoUKnjs/s1600/DSCF1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTHG6aABQUk/TiE5SMHqOXI/AAAAAAAABDI/Gv-JmoUKnjs/s200/DSCF1751.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu-nKQdoTzw/TiE5ZqsUKfI/AAAAAAAABDM/75-Tq2wHGyM/s1600/DSCF1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu-nKQdoTzw/TiE5ZqsUKfI/AAAAAAAABDM/75-Tq2wHGyM/s200/DSCF1759.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>It is now 11:00. We are outside gathering our bikes together and mapping the route to Niagara Falls. There's supposed to be a route that we can take that is pure bike path. Bob didn't think it was possibleand chose not to lead the ride for the first time. So, for this day Rich lead the team and I brought up the rear. We were using Google Maps to get us there. No tried and true Adventure Cycling maps were available.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9VCLg3x_aY/TiE6DLQ5O-I/AAAAAAAABDg/YVlWiziQKSU/s1600/DSCF1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9VCLg3x_aY/TiE6DLQ5O-I/AAAAAAAABDg/YVlWiziQKSU/s200/DSCF1790.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>The bike path was nice. It rode along the water and gave astounding marina views. We were having a great time enjoying the comfortable ride with even pavement and nothing to worry about but other cyclists also enjoying themselves.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6liqjxb0kw/TiE5uucxMoI/AAAAAAAABDY/G6ZKoo8j5VI/s1600/DSCF1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6liqjxb0kw/TiE5uucxMoI/AAAAAAAABDY/G6ZKoo8j5VI/s200/DSCF1786.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>It wasn't long before Kyvon ran off the path. We giggled as this has become a staple in the rides. His falling off his bike is like the sun rising in the morning. You know its going to happen even if you don't always know exactly when. Five minutes later he was flying over his handlebars because his foot became stuck in his front wheel spokes while trying to fit his foot into his pedal stirrup. We all rushed to his aid to ensure he was alright; he was. With that relief laughter rose from everyone; Kyvon included as he explained what occurred.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVHpk3qVPF4/TiE5noBB7OI/AAAAAAAABDU/-9zStxPlvkI/s1600/DSCF1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVHpk3qVPF4/TiE5noBB7OI/AAAAAAAABDU/-9zStxPlvkI/s200/DSCF1766.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>The boys who were lagging behind sped ahead as Rich suggested that they take the lead. They were confident that the ride would be all bike path so they zoomed ahead only to return a short while later to inform us that the bike path would end a few hundreds yards up. Now, we had to double back.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99e4WrXtXf8/TiE53d4RdyI/AAAAAAAABDc/1pc4vCiSS18/s1600/DSCF1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99e4WrXtXf8/TiE53d4RdyI/AAAAAAAABDc/1pc4vCiSS18/s200/DSCF1788.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>We went back far enough to see where we should have made a right turn. This took us off the bike path and onto the surface streets of bicycle friendly Buffalo. Soon we found ourselves winding our way around people, sidewalks and trolley cars until we got back to the Marina. There the bike path picked up again and we thought we were home free. But that ended, too.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JB9-yNfSPfY/TiE31rm41NI/AAAAAAAABCc/-qyAr-0ctUY/s1600/DSCF1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JB9-yNfSPfY/TiE31rm41NI/AAAAAAAABCc/-qyAr-0ctUY/s200/DSCF1716.JPG" width="200" /></a>Back on surface streets we road the sidewalks of Buffalo and Takawanna. By the time we checked the GPS we realized that we were still 20 miles (by bicycle) away from Niagara Falls; not even approaching Grand Isle, yet. We've already been on the road for 2 hrs. This was turning into another LONG day. We pressed on. This was not turning out to be the Grand Finale of the tour due to the mishaps we were having. As we moved forward as a group word came that Kyvon had fallen behind and Chris was with him. As I doubled Chris told me that Kyvon's spokes had broken. After inspecting the damage I assessed that there were three spokes broken and one bent. He could not continue with this amount of damage.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beloSzjAhhg/TiE3UjpXpeI/AAAAAAAABCM/ULA5jbQahIk/s1600/DSCF1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beloSzjAhhg/TiE3UjpXpeI/AAAAAAAABCM/ULA5jbQahIk/s200/DSCF1710.JPG" width="200" /></a>After calling Suepinda to come pick us up I asked how did Kyvon's spokes become broken. Chris confessed that his pedal touched Kyvon's back wheel breaking the spokes.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After Suepinda arrived we packed the van and headed into the Falls by car. Not as momentous as we would have liked but arriving in Niagara Falls, nonetheless. As I stayed in the van working and watching the bikes the Youth Cyclists had a fantastic time at the Falls. The took the tour of the Maid of the Mist and enjoyed EVERY dripping moist moment of it. The collected souvenirs and came back to tell me of the joys they had.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Leaving Niagara we went to eat at Cheeburger, Cheeburger. You guessed it, a burger restaurant. Everyone had a great dinner and finished it off with a delicious shake that had 1001 combinations!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">With everyone fed we moved on down the road to get as far as we can before taking in a hotel/motel for the evening. As I type it is 2:30am and we are bedded down in the Days Motel in Meadville, PA. I'm done for the day/night. I think I've finally caught up to this blogging thing.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Thanks to the National Park Service for assisting us in making this happen. Our wonderful and many donors who gave generously and from the heart. We are forever grateful to you. Thank you to the webosphere and families for your support, comments and following us on this magically adventurous trek through middle America. An America they refuse to show us on the ID 10-T box. Your America. My America. And the wonderful, kind and giving people in the stretch of land that has been labeled the Underground Railroad.</b></div></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ <a href="http://nps.gov/">Visit the nation's National Parks</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com1Niagara Falls, NY, USA43.0962143 -79.037738843.0636648 -79.1043413 43.1287638 -78.9711363tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-62411779114568768092011-07-15T21:18:00.000-04:002011-07-16T21:22:28.835-04:00July 15 - Houston - Niagara Falls, NYAt long last, today we completed our journey and made it to Niagara Falls, NY.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVHpk3qVPF4/TiE5noBB7OI/AAAAAAAABDU/-9zStxPlvkI/s1600/DSCF1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVHpk3qVPF4/TiE5noBB7OI/AAAAAAAABDU/-9zStxPlvkI/s200/DSCF1766.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The falls were one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my entire life, they are tremendous and the water looks clean and swimmable. I have never seen a waterfall that enormous before and seeing this for the first time is awe inspiring. The state park revolves completely around the falls so you can see them the entire time from all sorts of angles. We also went on the boat tour called Maid of the Mist which took us right next to the falls. The mist from the falls was everywhere and because of this there was a rainbow next to the falls. Seeing these falls means a lot to me, not just their majesty but their historical meaning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-webu-y3krVA/TiE3gi8-PNI/AAAAAAAABCQ/ALsgz0kUE8I/s1600/DSCF1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-webu-y3krVA/TiE3gi8-PNI/AAAAAAAABCQ/ALsgz0kUE8I/s320/DSCF1713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To me it symbolizes freedom and accomplishment. People on the Underground Railroad worked tirelessly to get to these falls and for me to be here after traveling the Underground Railroad myself is so rewarding. I could not think of a better way to end this trip.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Niagara Falls, NY, USA43.0962143 -79.037738843.0636648 -79.1043413 43.1287638 -78.9711363tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-40261546297290995852011-07-15T15:44:00.000-04:002011-07-16T19:25:19.393-04:00June 29 - Marshall - Corydon, IN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOasIOPENF8/TiHupTZ4t_I/AAAAAAAABF0/R48cc-poKYg/s1600/DSCF1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOasIOPENF8/TiHupTZ4t_I/AAAAAAAABF0/R48cc-poKYg/s320/DSCF1612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Today was Mahlique's 17th birthday, which was only five days after Houston's, but to me it felt like our night at that Kentucky campground was months ago. Now we are in Indiana, the birthplace of both Suepinda and Mahlique; and as a special treat their family and Suepindas other three children drove down to Corydon to greet us. And as an additional treat "Yai" (Mahlique's grandmother) brought homemade Thai food. And this food was delicious. My mom is in love with Thai food, so I'm no stranger to pad thai and yellow curry, but these homemade dishes were the best I've ever had in my life. And probably the first time I ate "real" Thai food and not an American spin off. Needless to say I consumed five full plates, and by full I mean the food was about to fall off the plate. The food was great but the best part of the day was the look on mahlique's, Suependa's, and Kevin's faces as they were reunited with their family. Getting up and biking everyday is difficult both mentally and physically. Having a strong family to support you is that one factor that makes you keep going.Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Corydon, IN 47112, USA38.2120121 -86.121915538.195294600000004 -86.1401315 38.2287296 -86.1036995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-59741634987583829622011-07-15T14:12:00.000-04:002011-07-16T19:12:11.660-04:00July 15 Chris - Niagara Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RV5wgBz79As/TiHuOV-SkxI/AAAAAAAABFg/G9wHLVdYS4k/s1600/DSCF1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RV5wgBz79As/TiHuOV-SkxI/AAAAAAAABFg/G9wHLVdYS4k/s320/DSCF1607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We finally made it. It took 32 days and countless amounts of pedaling, but we did it. We made it through everything and got to Niagara. We were looking across the falls at the place where enslaved people traveled hundreds of miles on foot to freedom. Some of our ancestors took on the challenges of traveling the UGRR so they could make a better life for themselves and the families. Present and future. I wish I could go back in time and thank them, but I can't so hopefully I'm honoring them and making them proud by being one of the first youths to cycle the trail they walked. At the moment when we reached the falls I felt so proud of myself, and also my SnR family. We made it together.<br />
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It was a tough journey but I'm glad I had the opportunity to do it with such a great group of friends.Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Niagara Falls, NY, USA43.0962143 -79.037738843.0636648 -79.1043413 43.1287638 -78.9711363tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-84100074494891165832011-07-15T09:26:00.000-04:002011-07-15T09:26:27.681-04:00SnR UGRR Tour 2011 ~ July 13 Ride Day 28<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Leaving Sara's Campground.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I awoke to a beautiful sunrise on the lake.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blogged a little until my battery ran down (there's no quick access to power on the beach) and awoke the Youth Cyclists at 7am. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Breakfast was of champions (because our cyclists are champs) but the fear of birds and their droppings ruled the morning. While getting ready for the day we fixed other cyclists' bikes (a ReCYCLEry Mobile Repair Day). To show their gratitude they rode with us to the top of the hill outside the camp.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The ride was (another word for great) and 68*-73* . Fantastic! We crossed the New York state line today.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After I got in the van to start work the riders continued on. Bob moved at a comfortable 16 mph pace but even at that speed one delay puts you 1/4 mile behind. Soon, he was far ahead but the group continued on at their comfortable pace. Suepinda, Ibn and I headed to the campground. We passed Bob waiting patiently for the rest of the group. While waiting, he attended a vintage car show and saw many cars. He was in Bob heaven.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last night was COLD. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ <a href="http://nps.gov/">Visit the nation's National Parks. </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Evangola, Brant, NY, USA42.6086862 -79.101219742.6023227 -79.1183987 42.6150497 -79.0840407tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-22800444496758782522011-07-15T09:08:00.000-04:002011-07-17T09:38:28.469-04:00July 15,2011 - Jeimy- Buffalo, NY<div style="text-align: left;"><b>WE MADE IT! </b>After a month of cycling from Mobile, Alabama to Buffalo, New York we finally reached Niagara Falls!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuY8k5sOTvI/TiLjkU-uOEI/AAAAAAAABKw/FCl8vNmNiQo/s1600/DSCF1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuY8k5sOTvI/TiLjkU-uOEI/AAAAAAAABKw/FCl8vNmNiQo/s200/DSCF1762.JPG" width="200" /></a>I still can't believe we did it. We might have complained now and then and maybe there were times that we wanted to stop but no matter what we kept going. Every single one of us worked as a group and helped each other make it this far.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lXJPekoMEk/TiI9A9x3G0I/AAAAAAAABHY/-kgOF_eB_gw/s1600/DSCF1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lXJPekoMEk/TiI9A9x3G0I/AAAAAAAABHY/-kgOF_eB_gw/s200/DSCF1714.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLgFz3w-C6I/TiI98mdZIeI/AAAAAAAABHw/Y8Mnez6_JTQ/s1600/DSCF1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLgFz3w-C6I/TiI98mdZIeI/AAAAAAAABHw/Y8Mnez6_JTQ/s200/DSCF1734.JPG" width="200" /></a>Well today was just amazing. After getting lost in the morning we reached Niagara Falls. This was my first time being here and it was beautiful. We took a couple of pictures then made our way down to the boat the Maid of the Mist. We all got blue ponchos as we stepped into the boat. We got a chance to ride really close to the falls and feel the mist. It was awesome. When I looked around each and everyone of us were proud to have made it all this way to freedom. We took several pictures to capture this moment and of course had our proud moment were we went around giving each other a <b>"we made it!"</b> hug.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VX08MNA0gU4/TiLlOvd7YAI/AAAAAAAABLE/y9XF-OLaQEE/s1600/Cheeburger%252C+Cheeburger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VX08MNA0gU4/TiLlOvd7YAI/AAAAAAAABLE/y9XF-OLaQEE/s200/Cheeburger%252C+Cheeburger.JPG" width="200" /></a>Afterwards we made ourselves comfortable by moving and adjusting sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and soft luggage in the van because it was time on the road to get home. For dinner we stopped at Cheeburger, Cheeburger where we got some good burgers and milkshakes. <br />
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Overall this was truly one of the most amazing days of the tour. We made it and I am pretty sure we are the first group of youth cyclist to have actually finished it and we couldn't have done this without the conductors who helped us along the way. So, <b>thank you all</b> for letting us have this adventure. Without you in the cities, in the towns, in the offices, in the homes and randomly on the street working with us, donating to us, accommodating us, educating us, speaking with us and cheering us on, this would have been a difficult tour to complete. You helped make this special.<br />
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Jeimy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Buffalo, NY, USA42.886446799999987 -78.878368942.816230799999985 -78.9592289 42.956662799999989 -78.7975089tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-88034780775179041462011-07-14T18:48:00.000-04:002011-07-16T18:51:29.116-04:00July 14 - Kyvon - Buffalo, NY July 14 kyvon<br />
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Today was supposed to be the first of two short ride days, but something happened, and the ride went from 25 miles to 41 miles. None of us know how this ride to Buffalo became so long. This was the first and only ride that we have done where we had no breaks. Everyone did extremely well on the ride, and we all made it to Buffalo safely.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xPF5rRKK28/TiHurEZiDJI/AAAAAAAABF4/nWg-1_CjQss/s1600/DSCF1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xPF5rRKK28/TiHurEZiDJI/AAAAAAAABF4/nWg-1_CjQss/s200/DSCF1681.JPG" width="200" /></a>When we arrived, we pulled up to Michigan Street Baptist Church that has historical meaning to the Underground Railroad. We all stopped to meet a man named Kevin Cottrell, who gave us the background of the church and a small tour around the city. When we were finished with the tour, we went to meet with David and Molly, our hosts for the night. We settled in, watched a movie and fell asleep, because we all wanted to be rested for the last day.Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Buffalo, NY, USA42.886446799999987 -78.878368942.816230799999985 -78.9592289 42.956662799999989 -78.7975089tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-25498703486175865022011-07-14T12:40:00.001-04:002011-07-14T12:50:34.617-04:00SnR UGRR Tour 2011 ~ July 11 Ride Day 26<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Heading to Pennsylvania</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkYeSBgvLSY/Th8WOdA4DzI/AAAAAAAABA0/XsGQvH_x__M/s1600/DSCF1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkYeSBgvLSY/Th8WOdA4DzI/AAAAAAAABA0/XsGQvH_x__M/s200/DSCF1187.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Leaving Woodside Lake Park Marshall was carrying the tools as I was driving the van today to give Suepinda a much needed break. He commented that since he was carrying the tubes and pump someone was going to get a flat. Little did he know of the power of words but he soon found out. Before they were out of the campsite it was Marshall who "caught" the flat. After a quick change (as quick as could be) they were off again and so were we.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our first stop was Burton, OH. We were allowed to stop at the Chamber of Commerce's maple syrup and candy store. We were told that many cyclists make their stop there. Its a large park in the round in the middle of the city. Great view of all around and a stopping point for many people driving through.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc0CHxItnZM/Th8WPKlbpEI/AAAAAAAABA4/m-2QxUq08cc/s1600/DSCF1198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc0CHxItnZM/Th8WPKlbpEI/AAAAAAAABA4/m-2QxUq08cc/s200/DSCF1198.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Driving out of Burton and into the countryside we saw many people of the large Amish community living simply and doing a good job at it, too. The boys took a picture with three cute boys who were standing by the roadside watching us and the cars go by. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4ZX8IJ3cB4/Th8WVpeWgbI/AAAAAAAABBQ/RsTAJDbQEtg/s1600/DSCF1266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4ZX8IJ3cB4/Th8WVpeWgbI/AAAAAAAABBQ/RsTAJDbQEtg/s200/DSCF1266.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Youth Cyclists were rained on once again when a sudden storm summer loomed up on the horizon. The storm came quick and hard in these parts (well, everywhere, I guess. But its worse when you're on a bike). They sought shelter from a friendly neighbor who allowed them to use his barn to wait out the rain. There was another cyclist who was not so fortunate (SnR Style, again) standing by the roadside drenched. We didn't get a picture as it would have been uncomfortable to do so and we were searching out the barn where our cyclists were staying dry. But he was an older gentlemen, fitting the demographic of most adventure cyclists of 50 plus, in years. He told us he was from Pennsylvania. Wow. We will do that someday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Acw2FkadEzw/Th8WUxrnEDI/AAAAAAAABBM/KjOFt12BEc8/s1600/DSCF1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Acw2FkadEzw/Th8WUxrnEDI/AAAAAAAABBM/KjOFt12BEc8/s200/DSCF1248.JPG" width="200" /></a>The rain let up and the Youth Cyclists continued onward. At the next rest stop it was cold for some but they would be getting off the road and onto bike trails this last section straight to the campsite Safe House for the evening.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">With little to do at this place but camp we required that they blog and catchup. lights went out early this evening so that we could force them to go to sleep. Some were exhausted due to the rain while others tried to fight fatigue and play games or text. We took away electronic<br />
instruments and they all went to sleep. Just like at home with my kids. </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mg-4rg3BMQ/Th8WXF9yOyI/AAAAAAAABBY/R76lcZ3H9zc/s1600/DSCF1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mg-4rg3BMQ/Th8WXF9yOyI/AAAAAAAABBY/R76lcZ3H9zc/s200/DSCF1276.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ V<a href="http://nps.gov/">isit the nation's National Parks.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Burton, OH 44021, USA41.470608899999988 -81.14509950000001541.46269689999999 -81.156461000000021 41.478520899999985 -81.133738000000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-62266854376250045352011-07-14T01:06:00.003-04:002011-07-16T02:32:25.509-04:00SnR UGRR Tour 2011 ~ July 14 Ride Day 29<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Culmination of a Summer of Change</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Its the 29th day of this extraordinary trek for the Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclist Team! They have made it to Buffalo, NY. Next stop Niagara Falls, NY to bring the whole tour to a close. This was a journey of them "coming of age" as the next step for these fine young adults will be considered adulthood. Houston and Mahlique turned 17 during this trip. Chris, Kyvon and Itza are already 17, Marshall will be 17. Ife, who turned 18 just before the trip, and Ibn, who is 19, are already considered adults in the eyes of the state. But we all know there is so much more to being an adult than the number of your age. Our desire is that they take the lessons learned and the accomplishments made on this tour and continue to develop into the exemplary adults that their current trajectory is bound to take them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was a hidden cost that was paid to be on this trip. It wasn't hidden in the fine print, not posted high and above to dissuade you but just a "back in the mind" understanding that it wouldn't be easy. The Youth Cyclists have endured cramped van rides, 100* temperatures, cramped legs, muscle fatigue, mental fatigue, themselves, each other, irritability, dog chases, rain, broken bicycles, broken skin, blood, 80 mile rides, racist individuals, birds, bugs, and HILLS.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What they purchased is priceless. They have come out of their comfort zones and burst the bubble of their small town. They have met female leaders who take care of their individual communities, they have met female mayors who run whole towns and cities; they have met doctors, lawyers, professors, actors and actresses and knowledgeable, enthusiastic historians; mayors of towns who welcomed them with police escorts INTO town, bands playing songs for THEM. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">They have met people who were once strangers who now call them friend. They have been welcomed into the homes of people whom they've never met and treated as family. They have met and slept in the homes and on the lands of Quakers who showed them how to live simply, but modern with a low carbon footprint. They've heard history direct from the history makers, themselves. People who marched during the Civil Rights era who were younger than they when they did so. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">They have learned to work and live together and to protect one another. Some have become a little less self-centered and some a little more patient. They learned tolerance of others and they learned to be leaders. They pushed their limits and exceeded them beyond their own expectations and came out as champions. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">They finished this days ride a little worse for wear. What was supposed to be a small jaunt of 25 miles became 40 by the end of it. The happy smiles that were expected for this culminating event were suppressed by fatigue and dehydration. The normal 15 mile break was not there and that happened almost three times over. The last 10 miles were difficult and against the headwinds coming off the lake. Topping it all were the potholes. With attention devoted to avoiding potholes a cadence couldn't be achieved which made things all the more difficult.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Buffalo News was available to witness their ride in. <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-falls/article489626.ece">http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-falls/article489626.ece</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>At the church, a building block of Buffalo’s fledgling African- American Heritage Corridor, the group listened to a presentation on the church’s history by Kevin Cottrell, an expert on local Underground Railroad sites.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>The riders also had the opportunity to see the tiny room in the church basement where it is believed slaves were hidden while awaiting the chance to make their break for the river. The group later visited Broderick Park near the foot of West Ferry Street, said to have been a jumping-off point for fugitive slaves headed to Canada</b></i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Afterward, the Youth Cyclists cycled down to the marina for additional lessons in history.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">At the end of the day, in a show of gratitude for her sacrifice in coordinating and driving the complete route, they all agreed to allow Suepinda to choose where to eat for the night. She, in typical Suepinda fashion, choose a place that served the food the Youth Cyclists would enjoy most - Pizza.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our Safe House for the evening was with Quakers David and Molly Coffee. A truly wonderful and youthful couple with a fantastically marvelous home in Buffalo, NY. Its the home that your grandma had when you were just a little kid and it felt just as comfortable to be there. As usual, we were made to feel at home and welcomed graciously. To our surprise, they were the youngest Quaker family (they have a baby on the way!) we have met, so far.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ <a href="http://nps.gov/">Visit the nation's National Parks.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Buffalo, NY, USA42.886446799999987 -78.878368942.816230799999985 -78.9592289 42.956662799999989 -78.7975089tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-40762633251103145222011-07-12T21:54:00.000-04:002011-07-16T22:20:50.462-04:00July 12 - Houston - Sara's Campground<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swmoEcXRum0/TiH4wUB2GQI/AAAAAAAABGQ/UIqk2q0tW4w/s1600/071311055535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swmoEcXRum0/TiH4wUB2GQI/AAAAAAAABGQ/UIqk2q0tW4w/s200/071311055535.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span>oday we are camping out in an area on the shores of Lake Eerie in Pennsylvania. It is a very beautiful location, there is a beach, themepark, and bike trail all within the area so there is a lot we can do. We rode bikes on the bike trail as a group which was very fun and all the guys and Mr.Brogden decided to draft a large group of cyclists who passed us and we made a pace line; that was a very exciting moment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58WiyYC4W2g/TiJG3cTXdAI/AAAAAAAABKM/VIFF4T4huw0/s1600/DSCF1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58WiyYC4W2g/TiJG3cTXdAI/AAAAAAAABKM/VIFF4T4huw0/s320/DSCF1404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We ate at a 1950's themed diner that was conveniently located across from the campsite we are staying at, the food was very good. We will be sleeping on the beach tonight in a tent which is something that I have never done before. I really lke this camp site.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Evangola, Brant, NY, USA42.6086862 -79.101219742.6023227 -79.1183987 42.6150497 -79.0840407tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-69082718897771542072011-07-12T12:50:00.003-04:002011-07-14T13:08:53.155-04:00SnR UGRR Tour 2011 ~ July 12 Ride Day 27<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We awoke to get on the road. My attempts at blogging in the morning, noon and night are becoming futile as a day goes by and I'm behind again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Suepinda helped me with the Youth Cyclists' blogs but we're still behind in posting some. I'm not mad at them for not blogging everyday because its a challenging process to recap the day when you're living it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After each ride we allow them to just break out and be kids (after taking care of their responsibilities and eating. Of course, eating). So, of course being into this tour we are seeing a few things that were ambitious on our part and the requests of the cyclists but its all working out organically.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, as we were heading out for the day after breaking camp we met Ken. We were allowed to sleep in the reception room of our Safe House due to the storm that day. It didn't rain again but we weren't taking any chances.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ken and his wife lives modestly in Texas and Pennsylvania 6 mths out of the year for each. Ken's a great guy who gave us a tour of the area and showed us the longest covered bridge in the world that was just a few miles away so we decided to go. After that we saw the lake town of Ashtabula. While moving through town to get to a grocery store because we spent so much of a good time with Ken we stumbled on the Hubbard House. A major component of the Underground Railroad. The Hubbard's owned a lumber and shipping company that would send lumber over to Canada across Lake Erie. Well you can imagine that if he had a boat he used it to smuggle now free people to even freer land over in Canada. Once they were on the boat they were home free or Canada free.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ken pulled out his atlas again at the grocer and said he'd take us to where he thought they should be on the bikes. It took some time due to the detours but we got there and they weren't there. They had already moved passed the area. They move fast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Called Itza and they were just up the road in the town where we make our way east across the lake. We found a nice park by the lake and had lunch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We left Ohio and moved into Pennsylvania. Took pictures of both signs. Leaving Ohio we really headed into wine country. For one of the rest break stops we pulled into an ice cream stand and were refused service. We should have known something was up when we read the sign to said "STAY OFF CONCRETE BLOCKS" that were placed in front of the building which seemed quite ODD since they were SEAT HIGH. The proprietor of Dairy Oasis, near Erie, PA had a bad experience with a "group" of cyclists sometime in the past. WHATEVER! These are kids not arrogant middle aged ars's . He didn't want to hear our story or what we're about and his wife just shook her head no in the background. Another individual "cyclist" rode up as we were being denied service and got an ice cream shake. He was dumbfounded to find out what just happened, as were we. So, this makes bad experience number 4 in comparison to our 240 GOOD experiences, so far. A drop in the bucket of useless encounters. Later for them and that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We moved on down the road to find an even friendlier place in Godfrey Run Farm Market Cider Mill. TJ, the owner's son treated us very kindly. Be sure to stop by their place when in the area!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We ended the day at our great Safe House - Sara's Campground. The last private camping location outside the state park. Its HUGE. We slept on the beach. The Youth Cyclists road to the lake and around the peninsula, a 13m roundtrip, with complete joy. We ate at a delicious burger joint and they all ate heartily.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We ended the night by turning in as early as possible. Except for the boys. They're now on curfew for the next two days. haha.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We had light lake effect rain overnight but other than that it was peaceful.</div><div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ <a href="http://nps.gov/">Visit the nation's National Parks.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Evangola, Brant, NY, USA42.6086862 -79.101219742.6023227 -79.1183987 42.6150497 -79.0840407tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-53276300649320888132011-07-12T11:50:00.002-04:002011-07-12T11:57:37.834-04:00SnR UGRR Tour 2011 ~ July 7 Ride Day 22<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hilliard, to Kokoosing Campgrounds in Fredericktown, OH</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is where it starts to get easy. Well, at least for a while. We were leaving the Hilliard YMCA. It was Rich's first day and you know what he does? He starts maintenance on the bikes! Good thing, too, because I had just about exhausted my bicycle mechanic skills. The quick inspection and work only delayed us 30-40 mins. One of the YMCA staff members made a generous impromptu donation. Not too much of a late start but people were getting antsy to get going. During the bike repair and excitement we forgot to eat breakfast. Ohh, what a rough start today was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umk6mHc6R4c/ThrqLnpiFAI/AAAAAAAAA0U/pmbVMAy3We8/s1600/DSCF0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umk6mHc6R4c/ThrqLnpiFAI/AAAAAAAAA0U/pmbVMAy3We8/s200/DSCF0722.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilliard YMCA Staff</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few miles down the road we found a nice little corner sandwich shop where we used the space to have our own little breakfast. The owners didn't seem to mind. The time was around 11:30. Soon I'll be stopping to begin work.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Later in the day we passed the Columbus Zoo. A great place to visit but we cruised on by. Darn!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6fSjei7sfhU/ThrqMbGF8EI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/rMX45az0STs/s1600/DSCF0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6fSjei7sfhU/ThrqMbGF8EI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/rMX45az0STs/s200/DSCF0723.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Hilliard YMCA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOgubDEnUvg/ThrqWY9uc6I/AAAAAAAAA1M/-NQpJceR6fg/s1600/DSCF0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOgubDEnUvg/ThrqWY9uc6I/AAAAAAAAA1M/-NQpJceR6fg/s200/DSCF0762.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great town, great people</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysm0uexv3x4/ThrqYaAW0II/AAAAAAAAA1Q/rvih6kZn9AY/s1600/DSCF0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysm0uexv3x4/ThrqYaAW0II/AAAAAAAAA1Q/rvih6kZn9AY/s200/DSCF0765.JPG" width="200" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like John Wayne, he was here.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We reached the Kokoosing Campground well before nightfall. The days up north are much longer. It doesn't get dark until around the 9pm hr. While walking to the showers a Vietnam Veteran remarked to Rich (thinking that he was a "brother" in arms) that "one grenade would take out the lot of them" when referring to our boys as they were gleefully and rambunctiously gathering wood for the fire. Rich was dumbfounded and could only respond "there with me!" The guy never said another word. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJhixardarI/Thrqg8G1PXI/AAAAAAAAA10/g5LKzYx4Q20/s1600/DSCF0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJhixardarI/Thrqg8G1PXI/AAAAAAAAA10/g5LKzYx4Q20/s200/DSCF0788.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Fun is a LARGE word</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the ignorance and stupidity of others (my opine) we all slept well but there was something worth remarking about. Just before dawn as I made my way to the restroom there was a flurry of insects that gathered around the lights. When I walked out I was amazed that they almost comprised a curtain like mist thick with flying bugs. I went back to get the camera but when I returned there was a considerably less impressive amount but I took the picture nonetheless. </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ <a href="http://www.nps.gov/index.htm">Visit the nation's National Parks</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Fredericktown, OH 43019, USA40.481172099999988 -82.54072129999997340.467380599999984 -82.561320299999977 40.494963599999991 -82.520122299999969tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-55752032848053242632011-07-11T23:12:00.002-04:002011-07-12T04:30:52.587-04:00Monday June 13 - ItzaMonday June 13 - Itza Salazar<br />
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<b>The day has finally arrived we are headed to Alabama!!!!!!!!</b> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6HWISjKAko/Thu8tXgIzxI/AAAAAAAAA6c/081-ukx0fwI/s1600/DSCF8004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6HWISjKAko/Thu8tXgIzxI/AAAAAAAAA6c/081-ukx0fwI/s200/DSCF8004.JPG" width="200" /></a> Today was full of love and care and excitement. We started our journey at 7:45ish a couple of hours after our original plan which was 3am; however this minor set back has not effected the 1st day plans. Nancy and Mr. Seigling came to see us off. It was a really kind and sweet gesture. She treated the adults to coffee and Mr. Seigling free-styled for us. This was the best way to say good-bye to Chapel Hill till July 15.<br />
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We had a long ride in our packed van but we made it to South Carolina at 10:08 and Georgia at 12:53. At 2:15 we finished meeting with the National Park Services in Atlanta where we met Ms. Nancy and Mrs. Priscilla Nalls who were really nice and enthusiastic to see us. We were all excited and thankful for all the help and support they have showed us. I was even surprised that they new everyone's name! It was a pretty cool detail. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qDeUlQPaMw/Thu8nlorREI/AAAAAAAAA6M/DLcTJU4JdUA/s1600/DSCF7998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qDeUlQPaMw/Thu8nlorREI/AAAAAAAAA6M/DLcTJU4JdUA/s200/DSCF7998.JPG" width="200" /></a>At 3:01 eastern time we entered Alabama and Mr. Brogden quizzed me about how the time zone was invented. This is what happens when you are sitting right next to him. We stayed the night with Quaker friends, Sarah and Daryl who gave us a tour of their environmentally friendly home and provided us with dinner and a place to rest for the night (our first Safe House). We also had the opportunity to swim in a lake. Which I jumped in! It was great to see the catalytic effect on the other cyclists. Mostly everyone jumped in and it was super fun! I Just want to say that day one is over and we have encountered many supportive people and it is just wonderful having all this support! <br />
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- Itza <br />
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Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's Move Outside!</span></div>Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5471931778804254991.post-1958674338499177072011-07-11T22:41:00.000-04:002011-07-11T22:41:26.179-04:00Mahlique, July 3, Cincinnati, OHJuly 3<br />
Today it felt like we rode about 2000 miles through the hot blazing sun and then we took a dramatic stop for the day. We got like 9 flat tires and busted two of Itza's wheels. It was hard as we had to walk along the side of the road until my mom came and picked us up. We were all a little grumpy and hungry. Once we got picked up we ate at Burger King. They had chicken sandwiches for $1 and we all ate like 2 each. We were in Germantown. It was starting to rain and we decided to drive to our hotel near Cincinnati.<br />
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The Embassy Suite was one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed at. We didn't even meet the people who got the room for us, we just know they are friends of Ms. Andrews from Estes Elementary in Chapel Hill. We have been sleeping outside alot and this was a welcome change. There were many great mural paintings on the outside wall of the hotel. We walked over the bridge into Cincinnati and ate dinner at Rock Bottom. Then we stayed out and watched a spectacular firework show downtown. It blew my mind away because they were letting off fireworks downtown and they were bouncing off the buildings. We walked back to the hotel and played for a little bit. It was a great relaxing evening and we hung out without the adults. <br />
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Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. Let's Move Outside!Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cyclinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367492976856027297noreply@blogger.com0Cincinnati, OH, USA39.1031182 -84.51201960000003139.0186992 -84.683666100000025 39.187537199999994 -84.340373100000036