After the ride

At this point it's hard to say if we'll plan another transcontinental ride - but who knows? The webisodes continue to raise money from the ads, so check them out - and expect a BIG donation from vidshadow soon. Also, check out the Partners MS Center home page!

It really IS all about me

So at long last, the dreaded time has come. The members of Bike the Us for MS, each with his own dreams, each with his own path in life, each with his goal in mind... have realized that Don still has the map and we're actually quite lost. Because of that I'm actually sitting with Don right now in Blacksburg Virginia(Go Hokies! a-gobble-gobble-gobble! a-gobble-gobble-gobble! Woo! Yeah!) preparing to, of all things, go on a bike ride. Idiots, all of us.
Hello Devin and Mase. Welcome home too, sort of.
Don and I drove down from Boston Yesterday. Nice trip save for missing the exit that we had very carefully been reminding ourselves not to miss. Tuning the radio. After an extra stint through rural Connecticut we got back on the 81 and cruised. The trusty Suburban, with Don at the helm, safely and efficiently conveyed us to our final destination. Now for those of you who have never been to Blacksburg (Go Hokies! a-gobble-gobble-gobble!... a-gobble-gobble-gobble! Woo! Yeah!), you don't understand the meaning of glory. Driving into VT is like returning to Rome at its apex...while everybody was asleep. Colonnades of Limestone glisten along wide sweeping boulevards. The edifice of Academia stand tall, their graceful bulk supplying a certain sense of mass to an otherwise airy view. Gleaming lights cast authoritative shadows across vast expanses of lush grass. And in the distance, above the gentle breeze that's whispering through gilded columns, you can faintly make out a most enchanting cry...Go Hokies! a-gobble-gobble-gobble! a-gobble-gobble-gobble! Woo! Yeah!
Just got done with a little mountain biking. Mucho fun. 1st time and it was awesome. We're over to Don's house soon to hang with his mom in a bit see a little bit of the 'burg. While I'm speaking of Don's family I'd like to thank his dad Jim for coming up to Maine. First it was cool to hang out. Second, the Suburban was huge.
I'm gonna hang out here for a couple of days then back to Seattle fro this guy. I've got a new nephew, Levi Cutler Steel, that needs some poking. Congrats to Lindsy and Joe the happy mom and pop. Updates will be forthcoming. Until then, signing off.
Karlito Mang

Partners MS Center

Our trip came to a triumphant finale yesterday as we had the pleasure of meeting the kind folks at Partners MS Center in Boston. They had lunch waiting for us and gave us a tour of the Multiple Sclerosis research labs. To actually see the research projects and meet the researchers made it very clear to us that we biked for a noble cause and that our efforts will make a real difference. We also had the opportunity to meet the doctors and nurses at the MS clinic and see the treatment and patient-care aspect of the center, and it certainly seems as if the patients are in good hands. It was humbling to be in the company of people who make a tangible difference in people's lives everyday, especially since they were thanking us- we felt as if it should be the other way around. It was a special day for all of us and one we will not soon forget, and we feel like we made the right decision in choosing Partners MS Center to receive our contributions. Thanks to Bill Florentino for being our point man in Boston, and to Dr. Weiner and all the people at the center for taking the time out of their busy schedules to meet us.

Boston is nuts. None of us have ever experienced such extreme chaos. I think it must have started in colonial times before the modern practice of street grids. The sidewalks are packed with ambitious people and the roads are literally lawless. Honking is something I forgot about until I came to Boston. We've enjoyed our stay but are reminded of the tranquility in small towns all across the country.

Our 4,300 mile journey is over but we still have a lot of work to do and will continue to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis research at Partners MS Center. Thanks for following our trip and stay tuned for more pictures and webisodes.

Trivia Question:

Who is Karl's future wife?

Taste of Maine

We just returned home from our celebratory dinner in Bar Harbor. The "Taste of Maine" special - chowdah, salad, lobstah, potato, blueberry pie & ice cream - was ridiculous. Tomorrow we pack up our bikes and head to Boston, the last step of the journey. Photos and video from the rest of the trip will be posted soon. But for now, just more celebrating.

Trivia: The geographical term "Down East" refers to the coastal region of Maine from Penobscot Bay to the Canadian border. Why is this area referred to as "Down East"?

Today's destination: BAR HARBOR

Believe it or not, today is the day our tires take a drink in the salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The last leg of the journey should take us about 40 miles from Bucksport to Bar Harbor, where Don's dad will be waiting with a camera and other implements of celebration. This morning is incredibly surreal, as it doesn't occur to you as you leave Seattle on a bike that you will actually make it to the Atlantic. What next? We have all become so accustomed to our lifestyle on the road that returning to our normal lives will take some adjustment. Regardless, we are excited to be here and proud of what we've accomplished. Coastal Maine is every bit as beautiful and interesting as you would think, and although it's cold, it doesn't seem like we will see any snow. After we load the bikes on the rack and polish off the champagne and lobster, we plan on taking a drive through Acadia National Park to check out the scenery. Then Beantown awaits...

New England General Synopsis

As we inch closer to our terminal destination, we find it increasingly necessary to squeeze every last drop of experience out of each precious day. So while this medium of expression is still at my discretion, I will take the opportunity to publish as much useless information about these experiences as possible.

New England is one of the most stereotypically accurate places I've ever been that is somehow different what I expected. Quaint historical buildings dot the countryside, cow fields alternate with pumpkin patches, and people speak with a thick accents, however the feel here is friendlier and less pretentious than I imagined. It seems more isolated and unchanged than most of the places we've passed through and the blend of hamlets and authentic wilderness is refreshing. We haven't been talking much while we ride due to sheer awe of our surroundings.

We've heard a lot of hype about the wet weather and steep climbs of New England, so the guys made a great decision our first night in Vermont to make camp under a covered pavilion to stay dry and rest comfortably. Unfortunately for me, I'm an idiot and decided to set up my tent in the grass. The 4 am monsoon flooded me out and I was forced to abandon ship- stuffing my pockets with valuables and making a break for cover with only my sleeping bag. The guys woke up to a good laugh and I set out towards a laundromat to dry out as much as I could, only to get more soaked by monsoon # 2. Laundromats should really provide a rental gown of sorts for the guy who literally needs everything washed and dried, but I digress. Our prospects for dry shelter had never seemed so bleak the following evening when we arrived in Sharon, VT- especially after a lone-toothed drunkard told us his place was our best bet- until we learned of a local couple who run a B&B. A few miles up a dark dirt road later we were on the doorstep of Ken and Nancy, who had four twin beds and a shower, and oh yeah by the way: "we lead cross-country bicycle tours... we've done what you guys are doing six times." Jackpot. I took over the garage to dry out my things and we all got a great night's sleep, especially Karl, who was finally able to rest in peace knowing that an unnamed, but particularly hairy member of our clan would not be attempting an "accidental" midnight spooning maneuver.

More on New Hampshire later. These tired legs need some rest to tackle the fierce undulations of central Maine in the morning.

Maine!

It's hard to believe we're actually in Maine. Vermont and New Hampshire were short and sweet. Pretty much exactly what you would expect - nice people and green hills. What you may not expect are some of the steepest climbs of the entire route. Today we conquered Kancamagus Pass in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It was cold, foggy and rainy but we pedaled hard, determined to reach Maine.

We're about 195 miles from our final destination, Bar Harbor. At 65 miles per day we should arrive Saturday night. We'll update again soon, but now it's time to replenish our bodies.

Trivia: What is the location of the fastest wind ever recorded? (Not including tornadoes)

Middlebury, VT - and tshirt winner

Yesterday we rode the ferry across Lake Champlain - leaving the Adirondacks and heading towards the Green Mountains of Vermont. We slept under a pavilion in Middlebury, a college town nestled into the mountains. It has a European feel with great shops and restaurants. We are all very excited to be in Vermont, a first for all of us. If everything goes according to plan we should arrive in Bar Harbor, ME the evening of October 13th. Only 6 more days of riding. We've pedaled almost 4,000 miles and have raised only 15% percent of our fundraising goal. Thanks to everyone who has shown support - please pass our info along because time is running out! We'll never know which dollar actually finds a cure for MS so give the 400,000 people out there reason to hope - donate now!

The tshirt winner from this week is Paul Anthon, our friend from the Erie County Home in Buffalo, NY. Your answer is correct, the Adirondacks recieve more snow than anywhere east of the Rockies.

Trivia: Which state's constitution was the first to abolish slavery and eliminate property ownership as a requirement to vote?

The Adirondacks; just like the picture on a bottle of maple syrup.

Ahhhh. Upstate New York. We've been pedaling through the most amazing fall colors I've ever seen lately and I'm really finally getting the feeling of season change. With this beauty does come a small change in weather. It's starting to cool down and yesterday we rode in an incredible rain storm. We weathered well and once I got over my wet shoes this morning everything is looking cheerful again. We camped behind the bar in Newcomb in the covered shed area. It was a handy little spot a mere stumble from the stool. Despite the luxury accommodations, we were rushed out in the morning due to lack of food and more dramatically the lack of a head. Don reported back after his regular early-morning recon that there was nothing in Newcomb that would satisfy any of our needs. But, as fate would have it, by the time we got rolling the little cafe up the street had opened and we were satiated fully. It's a little difficult to fathom having to get off my but right now because it sure is warm in here but one can only watch morning television talk for so long. Lacking a rope to hang myself with I guess our only option will be to get back on the road.
We're headed toward Ticonderoga today. I hear there are forests of #2 pencils up there and that the yellow is just spectacular. I'm expect some serious sketching and cursive practice or at least a few "rubbings" here and there.
Mason is going into Apple Butter withdrawals right now. We've been feeding him a constant supply of apple Jelly but as any addict will tell you, jelly is no substitute for butter. We have coincidentally been either a day late or a day early for every all-you-can-eat-apple-butter-fest in the Northeast. Poor Mason looks like a junkie that realized he forgot his spoon at home. To the east we'll go and hopefully get him sorted out before he goes crazy(more crazy).
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my Aunt and Uncle Leta and Robert Dentan again. We arrived at their house in Buffalo on about 2 and a half hours notice and without even breaking stride they brought us in and made us very comfortable. Robert, I hope that your arm heals well. That said, you can always chalk up any residual scaring as the result of a hockey fight. I know you've got no reason to pick up chicks(namely being married to my lovely Aunt) but when I fell off my bike and scraped my face off they loved the hockey story. Also, the neighbors across the street, Don, Cindy, Will, Tony and Lee and Farley were most gracious hosts and I would like to thank them as well. I think we're still full. Thank you all again. It's your fault that I'm coming back to Buffalo. And I'm addicted to Beef on Weck. If you don't know what that is GO TO BUFFALO! Also, Diedra at the Buffalo News gets a thank you for coming out and meeting with us to get us in the paper. She was not only a sight for sore eyes but a helpful ally in our quest.
All-in all New York has been most welcoming. The view of New Yorkers as rude and loud is not true. They are loud but they're loudly nice. The scenery out here is like none other. If you ever get a chance, more to the point make a chance, go see New York. And eat a sub. They're delicious. Oh yeah, if they ask if you want the mustard on your sandwich fried, they actually think you asked for mushrooms.
-K

Old Forge, NY

According to Snapple Iced Tea Company, New York County (Manhattan) is the smallest county (area) in the United States.

Trivia:

What mountain range recieves more snowfall than anywhere east of the Rockies?

Adirondacks

Just a quick update from perhaps the most beautiful place in the world at this exact moment. The color of the leaves is peaking this weekend in the Adirondacks according to the paper and it's absolutely gorgeous. We will update with pictures soon.

To those who said we were leaving too late in the summer, I think we may have timed it perfectly. More luck than brains, as my dad would say.

Trivia Question: What is the smallest county (area) in the continental United States?

New York

New York state has proven to be beautiful and friendly so far. The hills are scattered with farmland and deciduous trees that are about to shed their leaves. This afternoon we will leave the shores of Lake Ontario and head towards the Adirondack mountains.

The other night we had a record eight flat tires between the four of us. Then the bridge over the bay was closed so we were on the road late through Rochester, NY. Luckily, we stumbled across the 'Boulevard Grille' at around midnight and the owner Robbie made us feel at home. This was an Italian neighborhood and it was instantly apparent we had reached the east. Thanks for the wings and the hospitality -

Trivia Question:

Partners MS Center is currently working on the CLIMB study. What does C.L.I.M.B. stand for?

Buffalo, cont.

This morning we parted ways with Buffalo after an action packed weekend in New York's western metropolis. Karl's aunt and uncle provided us a very comfortable headquarters from which to launch our all-out assault against MS and get cleaned up a bit. Thanks to the neighbors across the street for feeding us twice, and for exposing us to the lesser-known associate of the Buffalo wing, the beef-on-weck sandwich. Nice try beef-on-weck, but you are no Buffalo wing. Like many other cities in the rust belt, Buffalo has experienced an exodus of jobs and population (about 500,000 to 280,000), but has retained many beautiful neighborhoods loaded with historic architecture. People in Buffalo love it here, and its contagious. Fortunately for us it hasn't started snowing yet, although last year the first major blizzard hit on Oct. 13th! We better get moving since we don't have snow chains.

Today Bike the US for MS experienced its first split as Karl and Devin ventured across the border to check out Niagara Falls, while Don and I headed back to the Erie County Home to visit with MS patients. It was a great compromise for all parties, and although I can't wait to visit this area again and see the falls, it was incredibly fulfilling to talk with people about their life with MS. They have genuine hope that a cure will be discovered one day, and the look in their eyes is the only thanks we need. If we hadn't done another single thing to benefit MS, our experience at the home would completely justify a bike ride from Seattle to Buffalo. Thanks to the administration and staff of the home for their hospitality, and especially to Paul Anthon for being the Man.

Tonight we camp in Gasport, NY, where we pick up a bike trail and head east for a few hundred miles into the Adirondacks and then into New England. We are excited to see the fall foliage and we hope to generate tons of organizational momentum for our collision with the mighty Atlantic. Anybody have a great idea as to how we could get our bikes from Bar Harbor to Boston without riding them?


Trivia du jour: What navigable waterway connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes? And, given that the the Great Lakes are over 500 ft. above sea level, how do boats achieve this elevation gain?