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Ask 5 Times
By Bob Lee Ride date: April 13
Wilmington, NC to Sneads Ferry, NC - 51 miles
Some golf clubs you can never throw away! This morning Richard Salinetti, the owner of Front Street Inn, told me of just such a set.
Richard is pictured here along with his wife, Polly and his son, Chris.
At breakfast, Richard shared with me that six years ago he and Polly lost one of their sons, Mike, to cancer. It was devastating to watch cancer take the strength and life from Mike. Richard is constantly reminded of Mike through their 15 year old grandson, who a clone of his father. He also thinks of Mike every time he pulls a club from his bag. The clubs he uses are at least 15 years old and belonged to Mike.
Richard related a story to me he has only told to a few people. One day while shooting a round of golf, Richard had four miserable holes —one right after another. He just couldn’t sink a putt. The results of the next hole were the same. In frustration he held the club up and said, “Mikey, if this happens again I am going to throw the putter in the lake!” On the next five holes, Richard had a birdie on each of them.
We may lose someone physically, but his or her presence will be with us always.
Thanks again to Richard, Polly and Chris for sharing their Inn, but more importantly for sharing Mike’s story.
This morning was an “A5X” morning. That is, I had to ASK 5 TIMES to find my way out of town. Most bike riders following Adventure Cycling maps would not see this scene —I only saw it because I went over the wrong bridge.
While I was watching coverage of the RIDE on TV last night, I was questioning whether it was worth the time it takes to meet reporters. This morning, though, the first 2 people I asked for directions said, ”Aren’t you the fella riding his bike 6,500 miles?” One of them pulled over again at the next light and handed me $10.00. Maybe I should ride around town all day and ask for directions. Actually, that’s what I did all morning.
In the next town, I was impressed with how smart geese are. Actually, they may be smarter than many of us. Look how they take care of their children. They keep them in the shade to protect them from the UV rays of the sun. Have you ever known of a goose that had skin cancer? Let’s follow their lead.
Some times when you need to go to the woods, if you look up the sights are much more impressive.
What is the capital of North Carolina? Good job!
Now, what is the Seafood Capitol of the Carolinas?
(Click for answer)
It was about 3:00 when I saw this next Relay For Life sign. I would have stopped in, but I wasn’t on overtime yet.
I wish all smokers would read this next sign all the time.
Who says there is no free lunch? As I walk into Subways to get “fueled up and Powered on” a lady sitting at one of the tables near the door said, “weren’t you on the evening new last night?” She then proceeds to tell the manager about the RIDE. Soon, I was told lunch was FREE. Does anyone have any connections with Subway? They would make a great sponsor!
Sometimes on the road, you see some things that turn your whole world upside down and just take your breath away.
But then again, you can always get a second breath.
I found myself throughout the day thinking of….
Yes! The wonderful stay I had at the Marsh Harbour Inn on Bald Head Island.
It is getting time for bed so I think I will let you just travel by yourself over the Inland Water Way and up the coast of Topsail Island towards the entrance of Camp Lejeune.
At the end of the day, it is always comforting to know the drivers on the road have a license.
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Hi Bob!!!! Am thrilled to read your blogs and to see the photos! I told Anne that you must right a book when you come home. What a fabulous website! Thanks for your nice call before you left. I keep you in my thoughts and am with you every day! Lots of love, Bob! Jean
Posted by: Jean Capellos | Apr 20, 2007 12:36:01 AM
Hey Young Brother.Had hoped to talk to you today, Just had to tell you what a FABULOUS job you are doing with your "blogs" We all can hardly wait to get home to hear where you are and have been. Hoping that fierce weather is avoiding you. Talk soon. Much much love...p
Posted by: Penny Braniff | Apr 16, 2007 12:53:21 AM
Hi, Bob. I am enjoying following your ride through the narrative and especially the photos. I enjoyed your Easter Sunday photos. We have vacationed at Topsail with extended family and we have many fine memories of that vacation, so I enjoyed all the photos I perused today. Sunday is my day for reviewing your blogs and saying a little prayer for your safety and your mission. :>)
God bless,
Amy
Posted by: Amy Sauer | Apr 15, 2007 5:51:33 PM
Since today is the day the nation is honoring Jackie Robinson, one of his quotes reminded me of how proud of you we are. " A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." You are truly impacting so many people in so many different ways. We seem to learn something new everyday from your postings and experiences. What great lessons to share with all our kids. Stay safe and look forward to talking with you real soon!
Posted by: Kent Braniff | Apr 15, 2007 12:34:26 PM
Hi Bob! Having a great time following your journey...you're in one of my favorite parts of the country SC/NC. Thanks to your beautiful pictures, I'm definitely wanting to head out to NC this summer (by car, not bike :-0 ). My kids were wondering if you put your foot in the ocean and if so was it cold?
This seems to be "biopsy month" with several friends of ours and we think of your ride often. Thanks for all you're doing. Stay safe!
Posted by: Karen Boccabella | Apr 15, 2007 10:44:15 AM
Great post, Bob. I love how your blog posts are really mini narratives. It's fun to see the stories and photos come together each day. Nice Subway mention...at least you got one free sandwich. The Ride seems like a great opportunity for Subway to sponsor by just giving you some sandwiches. How many sandwiches could you really eat, anyway? Seems like the publicity benefits could be paramount for them in comparison to the cost of some sandwiches. Tieing The Ride to Subway seems like a no-brainer for them, especially considering their "eat healthy" campaign.
Posted by: Chris Kaufman | Apr 14, 2007 4:32:20 PM