Cheryl's FPOL 2000 Ride Blog

Thirteen years later, I’m updating this site in Blog format for inclusion on my personal website.

Back in 2000 when I was riding and journaling about this journey, the Internet was a lot different than today. I had to actually write the HTML code for each of my entries and pages (no WYSIWYG), and tools like WordPress and the familiarity with (or even term) blogging did not exist yet to speed the process along. As a result, my old site was very antiquated (it even had frames – yikes!) so it is past time for a complete overhaul.

During this process, I’ll also be updating my entries about the ride, and trying to provide more information about all of my fellow FPOL riders – where they are, what they’ve been doing, and how their lives have changed in this past decade-plus.

Until I’m finished, this site will be “Under Re-Construction” and some pages and entries may be missing for a while. Hopefully, it will be worth your time to check back often to eventually see the finished product.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned and save a life – donate blood, and consider donating your organs someday!

BAR HARBOR to BELFAST, MAINE

DAY’S TOTAL: 75.5 miles (and it was hilly!) at 14.7 mph.
5 hrs, 8 min, 9 sec actual riding time; approximately 8 hours on the road

We all got up early this morning (4 am) for our Sunrise Start. Atop Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic Coast (1500+ feet) and the first place sunlight touches American soil, we all watched the sunrise and posed for pictures. Then, after very quick and harried last minute adjustments to our bikes, it was down the mountain for an exciting 5 miles! Maximum speed at descent was 34.2 mph – we were moving!

We continued on our way for 75 more miles, with several stops today due to a variety of reasons, two of which included 10 riders getting used to each other (remember, we’re from all over the United States, and haven’t ridden with each other until today!) and FLAT TIRES! The current count so far is 3 – unfortunately all were on one tire on one bike! (Not mine this day thank goodness.)

We have a great group of people here – support crew and riders – everyone already seems like family. It’s all-for-one and one-for-all and it was fantastic how everyone helped and encouraged everyone else today.

We arrived in Belfast, ME today for a local blood drive. We were escorted into town by the motorcyclist club – kind of neat! The blood drive went well, and we were privileged to speak to some of the donors today.

Finally today, I want to say a special thanks to Citrus County resident Avis Craig for all her help with my fundraising efforts and for being at the start of the ride in Maine, as well as the great t-shirt and cap she gave me the morning of the first ride. I’m wearing the hat here. It’s hard to see, but it is decorated with a City of Inverness pin and writing done by an exchange student staying with Avis. Most prominently it says, “Key West or Bust.” It’s been a big hit at all the blood drives so far! Again, thanks a million for everything Avis!

 

What a great send-off! We began with introductions of riders and sponsors. A big moment of the evening was when a Bone Marrow Transplant recipient’s father, Paul Greenier, told the story about his daughter’s Leukemia and subsequent “cure” and the impact it had on their family. Renee is now living a full life. She is an Elementary School Teacher, a coach at a High School (cheerleading), and teaches swim lessons as well! That in itself was a wonderfully moving story – but the most emotional moment was when donor, Darlene Jordan, and recipient met for the very first time! There wasn’t a dry eye in the auditorium.

After all the speeches, introductions, and encouraging words, we all went into downtown Bar Harbor for a Lobster Bake. Are you hungry yet?

 

Today I rode 45 miles from Inverness to Belleview to visit Joann Hoefly – my biggest supporter, sponsor, and just so happens to be my sister-in-law!

What a reception I got. As I got closer to the ceramics shop she owns and operates (Timely Inspirations), Joann and all her employees and students came out to greet me. I felt like a rock star!

I answered questions about the upcoming ride and about donating blood and organs and why I’m riding. It was nice to spread the word. I received some additional donations for my fundraising efforts as well. (Thanks, ladies – you rock!)

Everyone was also impressed with the distance I rode, and the traffic I fought, to get there by bike today. Little do they know I just did a 100-mile day just a couple of days ago!

I’m happy with how I’m handling the number of miles and the consecutive days of riding without feeling worn out. Exactly one month from now I’ll be in Maine ready for the real-deal. I’m feeling confident I’ll be ready.

Good question!