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.

Karen Darch, Village President

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This letter has been received from the National Hospice Foundation:
(Click image to see in official letterhead)

Dear Bob,

On behalf of the National Hospice Foundation, thank you very much for making us one of the "3 Reasons" for which you pedaled over 6,500 miles last year.

Your check was a wonderful way to end 2007 and usher in the New Year.  Congratulations — when you set out to celebrate a milestone birthday, you certainly do it in generous style.  Doubling your original goal of $65,000 is just incredible!

As promised when we began this journey together in 2006, the funds you raised will support public awareness initiatives for hospice andd palliative care through NHPCO's Caring Connections.  So as you hoped, more families will learn about the quality end-of-life care that hospice provides when comfort and compassion matter most.

Please accept this letter as a receipt for the $130,065 we received from Barrington Area Development Council.

Again, thank you for your enthusiastic support of the National Hospice Foundation — From Jacsonville to Bar Harbor to Barrington. We truly appreciate your generosity.

Best wishes for a happy. healthy 2008 filled with more reasons to ride!

Sincerely yours,

J. Donald Schumacher, PsyD
President

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This letter has been received from the American Cancer Society:
(Click image to see in official letterhead)

Dear Bob

What a wonderful way to celebrate your life and give hope to cancer patients and survivors.  Your RIDE FOR 3 REASONS was such an inspiration.

You never gave up, even with the many "adventures" you encountered.

You reached your goal, completed your voyage and raised a great amount of, not only money, but awareness for the need for cancer research. The American Cancer Society, the foremost private provider of cancer research funding, is so grateful. Your contribution will allow us to move closer to accomplishing our mission of eradicating cancer.

Our Trustees and Board members would like to recognize your efforts personally.  Please reserve the evening of Thursday, February 21, 2008 for the Lake and NOrthwest Boards and Tuesday, March 11, 2008 for the Division Board to recognize your wonderful gift.  Details will follow.

May you continue to cycle for many, many more miles.  Your fortitude and resolve matches that of many bright researchers who have a vision that we all share.  We are making progress every single day. We can complete this journey.  We can conquer cancer!

Sincerely,

Steven M. Derks
Chief Executive Officer

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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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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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Here is a video record of reaching the 6,500th mile back on September 6th as recorded by WABI-TV in Bangor, ME.

Read more about this day of riding in this previous entry.

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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,

By Bob Lee  Ride Date September 7 - Afternoon & Evening
Ellsworth to Bar Harbor, ME – continued from this morning.

As I said in this morning’s blog, I was having a hard time ending the RIDE. Having been on the road for 130 days and riding 117 of those days, it will be an adjustment to stop the pedals, just as it was to start them in motion.

As I rode towards the ocean I was reminded how many people have put their “oars” in the water to make this dream a reality.

As I wake each morning I am thankful for all the new friends who have been delivered

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: September 7 - Morning
Continuing on to Bar Harbor, ME

It has been fun to share the beauty of our country.  About five miles out of Ellsworth I stopped at another market, which helped to capture the joy of riding through rural America.  The colors, the smells, the tastes and the wonder of it all cannot be expressed in words but hopefully these pictures will do justice to our good fortune.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: September 7, 2007 - Morning
Ellsworth to Bar Harbor, MN - 22 Miles

Today the odometer will stop. A destination has been reached, but the effort will continue…

As I woke this morning in the Holiday Inn, I thought not only of Tress, the manager who made me their guest; but of all the managers, B&B owners, and friends, and complete strangers who opened their doors along this journey.  Their kindness and the comfort provided made this a unique journey.  A journey to make new friends and witness the generosity of our American people.

By Bob Lee

I am having a hard time writing the blog about Friday’s RIDE into Bar Harbor.  I wear a bracelet that was given to me for my 65th birthday that says, “Life is a journey, not a destination.”  Yes, I know the journey will continue, but just thinking of this one destination has a lot of emotions.  Maybe there are just too many memories and emotions to inventory.  At times, it is easier to take inventory of our physical possession than our emotional possessions.  With that thought in mind, I thought I would share a list of the material possessions that have been close to me for 130 days.  I have had people ask about my bike —and what it takes to be self-supported for a cross-country journey.  This is what worked for me:

BIKE
Co-motion - Americano
Tires Ultra GatorSkin 700X28c
Shimano pedals

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.
...

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

Jim just did a good analysis of the states in which we have traveled.  I took a few pictures of signs while on the road.   Have some fun thinking in which state or states these signs might have been spotted.

This is to answer a question posed by Bob back in July and left unanswered. 

The question was, “A reporter asked me how many states I have ridden in so far.  Does anyone know?”

The answer has changed since the question was asked.  Since starting the RIDE in March Bob has visited 26 states and ridden in 25 plus the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. 

Here is the order:  Bob started in Florida and went from there to Georgia to South Carolina to North Carolina to Virginia to the District of Columbia to Maryland to Pennsylvania to New Jersey to New York to Connecticut to Massachusetts to New Hampshire to Maine. Then, after a break in Illinois, he went from Washington to Idaho to Montana to North Dakota to Minnesota to Iowa to Wisconsin.  Then after a doctor ordered break and some business in Colorado, Bob started up again in Illinois. He returned to Wisconsin and went from there to Indiana to Michigan to Ohio to Pennsylvania to New York to Ontario, Canada.  Then it was back to New York.  Bob rode from there to Vermont to New Hampshire and finally to Maine. 

Whew!

Then take a look at what Bob did in 2001 and a combined map of both cross country rides.

Here are the states in a list:

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: September 4, 2007
Norway to Damariscotta Mills, ME — 72 Miles

This first picture was actually taken last evening.  I almost missed Monday to be hung out to dry.

This is going to be one of those short blogs because it was a long day of riding.  I could have stopped often and taken pictures of houses and barns.  In most case I would only need to take one picture to capture both, since they are connected.

It would have been easier riding if all the roads were as smooth and flat as this stream. But they weren’t.

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: September 3, 2007
Conway, NH to Norway, ME 43 Miles

I am not sure if this is a good sign or not.

The last days of the ride and final state.

Other signs are irrelevant since it was a warm sunny day.

As I rode through the countryside, I was happy to see this sign so I could

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: September 2
Lincoln to Conway, NH — 37 Miles

There is a good lesson in biking that can apply to school or life in general.  EFFORT = GRADE.  Actually, I lost the picture with the highest grade 16%.  For the past three days, I have been tested and I have made the grade.

On the down grades I have been using my brakes, just in case I see a moose.

Being a biker, I like “the New Hampshire Way.”  Why can all states adopt this philosophy?

This White Mountain sign reminded me a bike trip I took in seventh grade from Portland Maine through the Green and White mountains to Vermont.  Yes, I was on a

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.

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.”

By Bob Lee  Ride Date: August 30
Middlebury to Stockbridge, VT - 38 Miles

Yesterday I discussed a hotel that was lacking amenities. Last night I was the guest at The Swift House Inn in Middlebury owned by Michelle and Dan Brown. It  had every amenity a guest would desire.  If you are ever in the area this Inn is a must!    I took a few pictures as I checked in late last evening.

By Bob Lee    Ride Date: August 29
Long Lake, NY to Middlebury, VT  85 Miles

After riding 78 miles yesterday, I was happy to find a room at the Adirondack Hotel.  I think there is some truth about the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Last night I walked down the hall to my room it was like reading the intro of a bad book.

As I opened my door I learned more – no phone, no TV, no air conditioning... A bed that sloped with the floor... A door that was hard to close.  They did advertise wireless

By Bob Lee   Ride Date: August 28, 2007
Boonville to Long Lake, NY – 78 Miles

This may not make sense to you, but it does to me.  This blog will be short because the day was long.

Can you guess where I am?