By Bob Lee   Ride date: APRIL 7

Moncks Corner, SC to Andrews, SC - 48 Miles

What a change in the weather over the last two days. I hear it is unseasonably cold in many parts of the country, but you didn’t need to send it to South Carolina.  This morning it was in the low 30’s, windy, but we had a blue sky.  Actually, it was one of the bluest skies I have seen in a long time. 

Maybe I had my eyes open wider.  Last night was the first night in months that I had close to 8 hours of sleep.  For the last 3 months, I have been going to bed between 1:00 and 3:00.  So a good night’s sleep was a treat. The first few hours of today’s ride were through a National Forest. The road was straight and from front to back all I could see were pine trees.

By Bob Lee   Ride Dates: April 21 & 22

Hopewell, VA to Richmond, VA - 33 miles, and a day in Richmond

After a 77-mile bike ride yesterday, I was happy to find a bed.  Not the most desirable neighbors or motel, but a bed.  About 9:00 PM, the people in the next room started talking.  They continued until 3:45 AM, when I heard someone leave. 

I might have been better off sleeping next to these railroad tracks.

Hopewell was the first industrial town to which I have ridden, a by-product of being on the Fall Line, which I wrote about yesterday.  Waterpower was so important to our fore fathers.  I hope our current fathers are protecting this resource.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: May 13
NYC to Quinebaug, Ct

As I rode today, I contemplated what to say in this blog.  For a while, I thought I might not say anything and just show the beauty of nature.  But even beautiful flowers don’t describe the beauty of motherhood, much less the impact of motherhood on our families.

I thought this might be a good time to pay tribute to the best mom I know, but she would be embarrassed.  Should I talk about the mothers of our grandchildren? I then decided this could wait for another time.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: September 5
Damariscotta Mills to Camden, ME — 41 Miles

As I write this, I am 3 days behind in blogging, so I want to fast forward for a moment to share some very exciting information.  In previous blogs I have talked about the support from Quicken Loans and the Cavaliers.  They have been instrumental in developing the site, marketing the site, contacting the press, providing a laptop, camera and video camera; etc. In addition, their financial commitment to the three charities has been unbelievable.  They have donated over $20,000.  I can’t thank their whole organization enough.  The ‘culture’ of a company usually starts at the top and in this case I know it does.  David Katzman, their Vice Chairman has been a business associate and friend for over 20 years and has been very instrumental in supporting A Ride for 3 Reasons in addition to many other philanthropic efforts.  It was through the encouragement of Quicken Loans that I made the right decision to change the goal from $65,000 per charity to a total of $500,000. 

Now how do WE make it to our goal?

What started this RIDE with such enthusiasm was the $65,000 Challenge Grant from the Duchossois Family Foundation.  I am very pleased and honored to announce that we have the opportunity to end the RIDE with the same enthusiasm and success as the RIDE started!  This week as the odometer was getting close to 6,500 mile I received a few special phone calls. Two calls were from Yellow Jersey friends, Rich & Bonnie Hulina and Tom &  Sylvia Collins who have followed the RIDE and been so supportive from day one.  The other call was from David Katzman.  The essence of each call was “ how can we help” in achieving the goal of $500,000.

I am ecstatic to announce that by putting these great heads and hearts together we can announce that a new matching fund of $65,000 had been committed to encourage us all give our best efforts to spreading the word and sharing our wealth for 3 wonderful causes.  Where else can you double your money and know a 100% of your contributions will be used effectively? Used for research to find cures for Cancer and ALS or used to make more people aware of the wonderful works of Hospice.  Please remind your e-mail list, friends, neighbors, work associated, clubs and organizations to visit www.3reasons.org and get involved by making a donation.  It has been an honor to share the beauty of our country and the generosity of so many Americans.  Now to achieve the goal of $500,000! With your help and the generosity of the “matching Grant” we can climb this hill together.

Now, Back to The Ride...

Last night I said I would show you the ground of the Mill Pond B & B, but first I need some breakfast. The breakfast was not only pretty but also look at this back yard.

By Bob Lee

I ended the last blog with just one mailbox asking for suggestion and action plans how we all can make a difference to accomplish the generous $65,000 CHALLENGE MATCH FUND offered by Quicken Loans and the Hulinas and Collins.

This blog does not have enough mailboxes for me to say THANK YOU to so many of you who have played such an important role in making this RIDE so much more than a ride. 

This has been a building block of goodness, of good people doing good things to make a difference for everyone’s future. I have been overwhelmed with the dedication of  so so many people who have given their time, talents, and donations to make A RIDE FOR 3 REASONS exceed all expectations.  I can’t thank you enough.

Anne gave me a little book of quotes, which I have carried with me for 6,500 mile.  I would like to share a few.

“You will rise by lifting others.” 
--Many of you should grab a weight so you don’t float away.

“Love cures people – Both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.”
--Let’s hope that our love will cure many.
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