A Ride For 3 Reasons

January 2008
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Ralph's Soapbox

By Bob Lee Ride Date: June 15, 2007
Newport, WA to Sandpoint, ID - 36 miles

Click picture to see Google Earth views of today's ride. Use the esc key to pause; Refresh to resume (F5 key for Windows; cmd+R for Mac).

Today was a relatively easy ride along the banks of the Pend Oreille River. It was a pretty road with many photo ops. Unfortunately, clouds were overhead most of the day, with a treat of rain. Fortunately, it only sprinkled on me.

Yesterday I had a wonderful call from Ralph Russo and I spent the afternoon thinking about Ralph. Instead of starting this blog with pictures of beautiful scenery, I want to share a couple of pictures of two beautiful people. I have learned it is not where we live or what we own that brings us joy and wealthy; it is who we might get to know in this short time span we call life.

The above two pictures were taken shortly before I started the RIDE at a fundraising dinner for the Les Turner ALS Foundation called HOPE Through CARING. What an appropriate name.

Continue reading "Ralph's Soapbox" »

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Technorati Tags: A Ride For Three Reasons, ALS, Les Turner Foundation, Lou Gehrig, Lou Gehrig's farewell speech, osprey, Sara Lee

Across The Great Divide

By Bob Lee Ride Date: June 23
Essex to East Glacier, MT – 38 MILES

Click picture for Google Earth views. Use esc key to pause; ctrl+R or cmd+R to resume

Last night after dinner, I went for a walk in the wood to catch a glimpse of the river. I never roam far without my Canon camera, so I thought I would share some pictures in the evening light. Actually, it was after 9:00 when these were taken.

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Posted at 03:46 AM in ALS, Hospice, The Ride | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: ALS, Bob Lee, Cancer, Halftime, Hospice Care, Tuesdays with Morrie

Independence Day!

By Bob Lee July 4, 2007

Independence means different things to different people. We are celebrating the independence of our nation. When people talk about working for retirement, I discuss working for independence. But there is an independence much greater. Please take the time to read an article written by Ben Gill who died of ALS. I never met Ben, but I did attend his funeral and heard the testimonies of this great husband and father. I think by reading this, your thoughts of independence and for living will be changed forever. To me, this is the most powerful thing I have shared in the last few months. Please read it! We need to eliminate ALS so no one ever loses their independence to this disease again.

IMAGINE
By Ben Gill

Imagine that you are a healthy, happy, and active individual in your mid-40’s; not an unpleasant thought.

Now, imagine that one day while exercising, your knee starts to buckle; and one day, you reach you reach for that carton of milk in the fridge, and suddenly, it feels heavier. You probably attribute these instances to part of entering “middle age”.

But, imagine that the weakness in your limbs does not go away, but you also find yourself tripping for no apparent reason, you have trouble buttoning your shirt, and, at night in bed, you notice your leg twitches uncontrollably. Now, you’re worried…

So, imagine that a doctor, after many tests, is gravely telling you that you have a neuromuscular disease. He tells you the name of the disease,

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Posted at 10:43 PM in ALS, The 3 Reasons | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (1)

Technorati Tags: A Ride for Three Reasons, ALS, Ben Gill, Independence Day, Lou Gehrig's Disease

The Perfect Model For LIVING

By Bob Lee Ride Date: August 6
Barrington, IL TO Racine, WI - 60 Miles

Click picture for Google Earth views. Use esc key to pause; ctrl+R or cmd+R to resume

Today was a banner day! On most days, I just wander out of a motel room and hop on my bike. Today was different! I rode out of my own driveway and across the street to Laura and Tom’s to be greeted by banners and three of our grandchildren. What a way to start the last “leg” of the RIDE —on a well healed “leg.”

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Technorati Tags: Aimee Chamernik, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Radisson Hotel

Weaving A Web Of Friends

By Bob Lee Ride Date: August 7
Racine, WI to Muskegon, MI – 30 miles

Life is a web —a web of people and relationships.

Before we go on a Ride for the day, I will relate a very inspirational story that happened last weekend. On Saturday our son -in-law and two neighbors did an Ironman 70.3 event in Michigan. Ironman 70.3 is a half-distance Ironman, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13 mile run. I saw the three of them at the neighborhood pool on Sunday afternoon discussing the race. Jack Keenan was one of the participants and was relating an encounter he had towards the end of the race. Jack was wearing a Team Blazeman shirt in memory of Jon Blais who died this year from ALS. Jon finished the 2005 Ironman and was featured in the televised coverage both in 2005 and 2006.

Earlier on Sunday morning I received an e-mail notifying me that the coverage of the 2006 Ironman event was being replayed on television that afternoon. I also sent a broadcast e-mail encouraging everyone to watch the show. If you are not familiar with Jon Blais, please read this previous blog from May 29. Please read the comments at

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Posted at 12:55 AM in ALS, Cancer, The People, The Ride | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chemotherapy, Colon Cancer, radiation

Got Passion?

By Bob Lee Ride Date: August 12
Kendallville, IN to Defiance, OH – 64 miles

With this first picture, I just wanted to say, “Hay.” Actually, what I wanted to do is remind myself how good a fresh cut hay field smells on a hot summer day.

This afternoon I called Lauren who is the Mennonite minister I met on July 4th. I heard that Lauren had just finished his cross-country trek, so I wanted to hear his impressions and the impact of the ride. The ride for Lauren was a time for reflection and a new direction in his life.

To summarize our conversation, Lauren said going forward he is only going to do things about which he is passionate. All too often, we spend time on things that

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Posted at 12:20 AM in ALS, The People, The Ride | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Church of Bert, Good Morning America

Chillin' at Chautauqua

By Bob Lee Ride Dates August 19, 20, 21
August 19: Erie, PA to Chautauqua, NY — 45 miles
August 20: Chautauqua
August 21: Chautauqua to Dunkirk, NY 42 miles

Many areas of the country have been experiencing a very wet August and for the next three days I too have had the opportunity to use my rain gear. The morning when I left Erie, it was dreary and wet. I stopped and turned around to take these pictures.

If we look, we can find something to brighten our day; even on a dismal day.

Biking on Route 5 along Lake Erie with its vineyards on both sides of the

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Posted at 02:41 AM in ALS, The People, The Ride, Video | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: Chautauqua, David McCullough, Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, Jim Roselli

How Do You Like Them Apples?

By Bob Lee Ride Date: August 24
Lockport to Rochester, NY – 67 Miles

Last night Jim Govola joined me for dinner. I saw his mom and sisters yesterday. It is nice to have the opportunity to keep in touch with work associates from the past.

Today I rode for at least 60 miles along the Erie Canal, which connects most of the major New York cities. The canal links Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Albany to New York City. My first impression made me feel as if I was in Europe.

This was one of the major engineering feats of its time and the subject of some interesting folk songs. It was amazing to watch the boats enter and exit the locks.

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Technorati Tags: Big Apple, Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, Learning To Fall, Philip Simmons, Rochester NY

Seriously Sharp

By Bob Lee Ride Date: August 31, 2007
Stockbridge, VT to Orford, NH — 53 Miles.

After a great homemade dinner last night and breakfast this morning, I left Frank & Metta past the Longhorn and the gobbler.

Vermont is a great state for biking and certainly receives some “high grades.”

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Posted at 01:03 AM in ALS, The Ride | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: Cennecticut River, covered bridge, Cowslip Hill, New Hampshire, Verizon, Vermont Cheese, Vermont Law School

The Always Accurate Weather Rock

By Bob Lee Ride Date September 1
Orford to Lincoln, NH - 42 Miles

They say you should start the day with a good breakfast, and I did just that. I felt so good I thought of grabbing a walking stick and heading towards Bar Harbor.

This morning I started a little later since a sports reporter wanted to do an interview and go for a ride. He probably wondered how I have made it across country since in the short time he rode with me I wanted to stop and take pictures of churches and homes.

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Technorati Tags: Appalachian Trail, autumn, chipmunk, corn, honor system, Ironman, Lost River, New England, preschool, Walking Stick, water pollution, Weather Rock

ALS On ABC's Nightline

Nigntline_2b_2 An ABC Nightline segment featuring Aimee Chamernik and her family is scheduled to air this Tuesday, September 18. Aimee is a 37-year-old mother of three living with ALS and a good friend. Read another blog post from earlier in the ride, The Perfect Model for Living, about our visit with her. Here's What Aimee has to say about the Nightline interview:

"We are soooooo nervous! After about 20-30 hours of taping over the course of several different visits with the Nightline folks, we have no memory of what we actually said. And, of course, even if we did remember, nearly all of it ended up on the cutting-room floor. So we can only wait and hope that somewhere in all that footage, we said something semi-intelligent and managed to help advance our cause rather than harm it. If nothing else, at least we have cute kids, right?

"Anyway, above everything, we hope, hope, hope we make you proud."

We know you will, Aimee.

See a webcast excerpt at ABC's Nightline site and view this picture gallery.

We will link to any video excerpts after the program when they are posted to the Nightline site.

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Posted at 05:48 PM in ALS, In The News, The 3 Reasons, The People | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: ABC News, Aimee Chamernik, ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's Disease, Nightline

Enjoying One More Day

By Bob Lee Ride Date: September 8
Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor is a wonderful destination —but not a convenient location from which to catch a plane. I decided to enjoy one more day, write a few blogs, savor my journey and the beauty of Maine and enjoy dinner with Laurie and Dean.

Tomorrow morning I will take a shuttle at 9:00 am from Bar Harbor to Bangor, a bus from Bangor to Portland, a city bus from the bus station there to the airport and finally a United Airlines flight to Chicago where Anne will greet me. See why I want a day of rest before I head out on that trek? Riding a bike each day is pretty easy.

Do you see the windows on the third floor? That is my room with a view down a path to the ocean.

I am glad I read the Shore Path Cottage literature.

In between phone calls and writing blogs, I did just as instructed. I enjoyed the views,

Continue reading "Enjoying One More Day" »

Posted at 02:28 AM in ALS, Cancer, Hospice, The 3 Reasons, The People, The Ride | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: ALS, Bar Harbor, Bicycle Riding, Bob Lee, Cancer, Hospice, Lou Gehrig's Disease

Twice As Much For Three Good Reasons!

When we started A Ride For Three Reasons, our goal was to raise $65,000 for each of the three charitiy organizations. I am happy to report that three checks have been prepared today that more than DOUBLED our original goal.

The RIDE may have been solo, but I was never really alone. Please view the donor list to see the names of those who have "ridden" along with me. Together, we have raised a total of $390,195.00 for three good reasons. Thanks (Please note that we will be updating the donor list soon.)

Here are images of the checks that we will be forwarding to each of the three organizations in the amount of $130,065.00. (Click on each image for an enlarged view.)

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Posted at 01:05 AM in ALS, Cancer, Hospice, The 3 Reasons, The Ride | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: ALS, American Cancer Society, Bicycle ride, cancer, charity, Hospice, Les Turner ALS foundation, Lou Gehrig's Disease, National Hospice Foundation

Looking Forward To A Day...

This letter has been received from the Les Turner ALS Foundation:
(Click image to see in official letterhead)

Dear Bob,

On behalf of the Les Turner ALS Foundation, I would like to thank you and your supporters for your hard work and generous contribution of $130,065. Your journey has inspired countless individuals, and certainly helped raise ALS awareness throughout the country. All of us are truly grateful for your commitment to the Foundation and your dedication to the cause. You have certainly made a difference, and we all look forward to a day when a cure for this disease is found.

What began in 1977 with one patient and his dream has grown into a world-renowned ALS organization serving more than 600 patients annually, in addition to thousands of family members and caregivers. Support from contributors like you helps make all of these services possible -and we are heartened by your confidence in our work.

As you have requested, this contribution will be restricted to help fund ALS research. The Foundation has been affiliated with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (NUFSM) since 1979, and continues to fund the world-class scientific research of Teepu Siddique, MD, at NUFSM's Les Turner ALS Research Laboratory. Additionally, the Foundation offers research grants to scientists throughout North America to help fund worthy and innovative ALS studies.

Thank you again, Bob, for your support and involvement with the Les Turner ALS Foundation. As always, if you should ever need my assistance please feel free To contact me.

Warmest Regards and Happy New Year,

Wendy Abrams
Executive Director

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Posted at 07:50 PM in ALS, The 3 Reasons, The Ride | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: ALS, Les Turner ALS Foundation, Lou Gehrig's Disease

Recognizing, Honoring and Thanking

A resolution from the Village of Barrington, Illinois
Click image to view the official resolution document

RESOLUTION NO. 07-3551

RECOGNIZING, HONORING, AND THANKING BOB LEE
FOR HIS SUCCESSFUL "A RIDE FOR THREE REASONS"

WHEREAS, Bob Lee, a cancer survivor from Barrington, Illinois began a special journey in celebration of his 65th birthday, "A Ride for Three Reasons," a 6,500-mile fundraising bike ride across America; and

WHEREAS, "A Ride for Three Reasons" represents three causes dear to Bob Lee, the National Hospice Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Les Turner ALS Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Bob Lee began his ride on March 27, 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida and ended it in Bar Harbor, Maine on September 7, 2007, passing through 28 states during his ride; and

WHEREAS, Bob Lee surpassed his goal of $65,000 for each of these three causes with a donation of more than $120,000 to each organization; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Barrington, Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois, hereby honor, thank and extend its congratulations to Bob Lee for his achievement of raising awareness to the challenges faced by cancer patients and by raising much needed monies for three organizations important to him and all in the Barrington community.

Passed by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Barrington, Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois, at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 10th Day of December, 2007.

Karendarch_sig
Karen Darch, Village President

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Posted at 01:11 AM in ALS, Cancer, Home, Hospice, The 3 Reasons, The Ride | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: Bob Lee, Illinois, Village of Barrington

June 20, 2007

Ralph's Soapbox

June 25, 2007

Across The Great Divide

July 04, 2007

Independence Day!

August 08, 2007

The Perfect Model For LIVING

August 10, 2007

Weaving A Web Of Friends

August 14, 2007

Got Passion?

August 24, 2007

Chillin' at Chautauqua

August 27, 2007

How Do You Like Them Apples?

September 04, 2007

Seriously Sharp

September 05, 2007

The Always Accurate Weather Rock

September 17, 2007

ALS On ABC's Nightline

September 24, 2007

Enjoying One More Day

December 27, 2007

Twice As Much For Three Good Reasons!

December 30, 2007

Looking Forward To A Day...

January 18, 2008

Recognizing, Honoring and Thanking