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,

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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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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By Bob Lee   Ride Date: September 6, 2007
Camden to Ellsworth, ME — 54 Miles

On my last visit to the Windward House, I met the owners Kristi and Jesse who were so nice to make a donation after my stay in the amount of the room charge.   They also invited me to be their guest if I returned this fall.  Well, here I was.  It was good we could get the local media to cover the story of their generosity and the RIDE. See story in Camden Herald.

The last time I stayed here I photographed tulips. It was May 23.  Now it is the dahlia season with a splash of morning glories.

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 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

By Bob Lee   Ride Dates: August 15 – 16
Huron to Rocky River, OH - 42 Miles
Rocky River to Cleveland, OH - 15 miles

August 15
As I rode toward Cleveland along Lake Erie I had the thought in my “next life” I might want to come back as an Alpaca and live at this farm overlooking Lake Erie.  Pretty nice quarters.

I rode further and was confused.  Why would a person have a ski gondola sitting on his front yard, when his back yard was flat as water?  Maybe they are confused as well.

This man on the Cub Cadet was not confused at all.  He enjoyed his tractor, which I was glad to hear.  For me there is a strong tie between Cub Cadet Tractors and Cleveland.  When I was with International Harvester I was the General Manager of the consumer products and intimately involved in selling the product line to MTD, a Cleveland based business.  On the other side of the negotiation table was their president and now my good friend John McFadden.

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

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

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.”

August 2, - Barrington

Today Anne and I went for a fifteen mile bike ride to test my leg and enjoy Barrington.

Our first stop was a new park in town that has an unbelieveable tree house which is accessible by wheelchairs.  What a wonderful addition to a great town.

As we rode through Barrington Hills we passed a friend’s home which reminded me of our commitment to RIDE.  The Johnson’s lost their son Joel at age 35 to cancer.  Joel was born on the 27th of December and on the 27th of each month his family decorates a tree in front of their home in his memory.

By Bob Lee   July 25, 2007
Barrington, IL

It has been wonderful being home this past week for a little R & R.  As I write this I am on a plane to Denver for a Hunter Douglas meeting where I hope to have the opportunity to do a little fundraising.   An extra treat is to visit our son, Scott, and family.
 
I know a number of you are missing the opportunity to see some pretty pictures of the RIDE since I haven’t been blogging.  I hate to get “behind” and I know some of you don’t want to see me “behind,” but sometimes we are all “behind.”

This month is the fourth anniversary of my colon cancer surgery and becoming cancer free.  As a survivor I think it is good to occasional reflect on the experience to strengthen the appreciation for life and friends.  I thought I would share with you two

By Bob Lee   Ride Dates June 16-17
La Crosse to Prairie du Chien, WI - 72 Miles

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

Sometimes it is hard to leave a nice bed not knowing what is up ahead.  I did know I had seventy miles to ride and was getting a late start because I wanted to stop by a bike store to buy a few tubes. 

As I rode across the Mississippi I looked back at the Radisson and thought how hospitable everyone was.  At times, I wish there were just more “time.”  Have you ever felt that way?  It would have been nice to explore and enjoy La Crosse some more

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: July 1
Ray to Stanley, ND – 38 MILES

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

On this journey together, I think it is important to share the good days and bad days.  Life can be a roller coaster with its ups and downs.  I have waited a week to share some very sad news.  Time is a good insulator, but there is no way to take the shock out of this news.  As I rode today, my camera helped capture the message I want to tell.

In the June 16 blog, I mentioned three men who I met in Republic with whom I had dinner.  A couple of days later I had the pleasure of riding with them.  Two of the men were 71 years young and following their dreams to ride across our country. Eric was one of these men and his wife Elizabeth was driving a support vehicle.

A week ago Saturday when I was in East Glacier someone came up to me and said, “be careful tomorrow riding to Browning because of the hills and cross winds.”  He said this morning there was a biker who had a serious injury and was taken to

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: June 22
Whitefish To Essex, MT – 47 Miles

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

Today, Heaven received a new angel while many here mourn the loss of a special friend.  This morning our neighbor and friend Janice Clarke found peace from her melanoma cancer and passed away.  Throughout the night, she was awake and aware that her family and friends were by her side.  These pictures that show her nice smile were taken at the Gratitude Reception in March when we recognized Janice for her courage and inspiration to us all.  In just three short months, we have watched Janice go from a woman of HOPE to a woman spirit to be with us now and forever.  I had talked with Janice about joining me on the RIDE.  Believe me, she is with me.

This memorial is for Janice today and her circle of friends and family.

All the pain and grief is over.
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

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By Bob Lee    Ride Date: June 20
Libby to Eureka, MT - 70 miles

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

I started riding a lot later today than yesterday.  Partly by choice and partly for opportunity.  The choice was to sleep a little later and the opportunity was created while heading out of town. I spotted The Western News.  I stopped in for an interview and then was called by the Bonners Ferry Herald to do a phone interview.  I always appreciate the opportunity to talk with the press.

As I rode out of town...

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: June 19
Clark Fork to Libby, MT – 67 miles

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

I met two new bikers after checking into the motel last evening.  Mark Suiters has a web site.  He and Cindy left April 1st from Virginia and rode to Oregon and now are riding back to Maine.  They have encountered 20° days and 108° days and everything in between.  When Mark reaches Maine he is going to leave his bike with a friend and walk the Appalachian Trail to Georgia. He's hoping to arrive by New Years.  Mark has walked the trail 3 times and Cindy has walked the trail 5 times. She is helping to edit a book about the Appalachian Trail.

When I ask Mike how he was able to spend so much time doing the things he enjoyed he told me about his wife.  He lost his wife about 8 years ago to cervical cancer.  After watching her battle for 5 years, he decide life is too short and has been following his passions ever since.
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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.

A number of you have made nice comments about my blogs. Believe me when I say, they wouldn’t be the same without my Editor in Chief – Jim Langdon. Jim is an amazing guy who lives in Omaha and one day last summer said, “If I can be of help, let me know.” About two weeks after Jim made that offer, I called to say, “HELP!” He worked non-stop to build the first website which is the foundation of what you see today and every night works at organizing the pictures, editing my thoughts, finds the links, connects to Google Earth so you can see the terrain and even makes still pictures move. I know Jim through my business relationship with Designer Blinds of Omaha. Designer Blinds has been a great supplier of Hunter Douglas products to my window covering business. Jim is a very talented employee with a great understanding of product features and specifications, possesses unbelievable computer skills and just plain “knows the business.” Jim is a family man and he and his wife have three children. He loves music and practices daily and also has a passion for photography.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: June 14
Ione to Newport, WA - 51 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).

The pictures last night of the cloud display over the Pend Oreille River was from the deck of my motel room at the Riverview Inn in Ione. I had been told this is just one of two rivers that flow north.  Actually, there are many.  Does anybody know of any others?  This river flows into Canada, which is less than twenty miles away and then joins the Columbia to flow back down to the Pacific.  Yesterday, I heard about a man who swam the entire length of the Columbia to raise awareness about the water pollution. There are some amazing people.

I woke this morning thinking about some of the people I met this first week.  I met a woman whose husband was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease soon after retirement.  Her message was don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
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By Bob Lee   Ride Dates June 10 – 11  (See Google Earth Views in video below)
June 10: Twisp to Omak, WA –40 miles
June 11 Omak to Republic, WA – 64 miles

After a great breakfast and before I left the Methow Valley Inn I saw Melissa picking and arranging flowers for the confirmation service at church. 

As I said yesterday, Melissa and Terry are special people who you would like to get to know better.  I gave Melissa a hug and we talked a moment about her cancer experience.  She said a few things that gave me food for thought as I climbed Loup Loup Pass.  The first thing she said was “I don’t want to miss the lesson.”

Yes, when someone like Melissa is told she has cancer, life does change and there are lessons to be learned.  Melissa has her radiation treatments two and a half hours from home. So she stays in a cancer support center during the week and helps support and learn from others.  There are lessons to be learned through everything we do,”  Melissa said, “I want to learn from the experience.”

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: May 6 - 7
Chicago to Seattle via United Airlines

“Wherever I may wander, wherever I may roam… 
"There is no place like home”