Thanks and Acknowledgements:
I would like to extend a heartfelt, sincere message of thanks to the following:
God - for looking out for Quincy's father, Alison's husband, Larry and Linda's son, Robert/Mary and Herman/Mae's Grandson, and Alan and Mike's brother.
Thousands and Thousands of drivers: for the same reason as above.
Alison & Quincy - for supporting me in ways too numerous to detail here. I have a whole lot of missed June, July and August weekend and early am time to make up for.
Kurt Schellenberger (owner: Glory Hog Websites) - Kurt donated his time and talents to my cause. He listened to what I wanted to accomplish, and then created a website that captured exactly what I envisioned. He was a great riding companion on Day 11 too. Check out his website - gloryhog.com, and feel free to contact him with any website design needs you may have!
Mom and Dad (Linda & Larry) - Tagalong Team 1: Their support was astounding. Enduring the difficult task of being a "chase car" support vehicle with a whacko like me takes extraordinary patience. Each day that they supported me, I had no final daily destination in mind, no significant gameplan other than "I'm going thataway", and an uncomfortable general directive from me: see you somewhere along the way in 3-5 hours - bring food and water. I couldn't have done it in the time alloted without them - no question.
Carol, Alison and Quincy - Tagalong Team 2: Great support through the Allegheny Mtns and into eastern Ohio. Performed the first of several "Help, my blood sugar is dropping, I'm out of food, and I'm in the middle of nowhere" rescue.
Aunt Kathy and Uncle Doug Adair - Tagalong Team 3: First of all, without the loaning of their notebook computer with wireless capability, I wouldn't have been able to keep up with the daily journal entries and picture downloading in the comfort of my own room. Great support from these Missouri Tiger faithful throughout the heart of Missouri - thanks also for the Missouri Tiger cycling jersey and the following advice, "I wouldn't wear that in Kansas, if I were you." Some great pictures on the website taken by my Aunt.
Cousin Kim and Kurt Schellenberger - Tagalong Team 4: I won't soon forget leapfrogging along the road to Columbia or the stink of the "dead bunny" where we finished Day 11 together. Kim provided the best on road, in traffic, "turn here, turn here" directive of the trip as we searched for a frontage road along I-70 (she was literally, standing in the road). She also makes a mean milkshake, and Kurt took some great action shots from the bed of his moving pickup.
Cousin Scott and Uncle Jim and Grandma Mae Bausch- Had a great time in Junction City, KS at a house that provides a lot of memories while living in Kansas City. I was able to take my mind off the ride and "catch up". Will have to make the next visit longer - next August.
Grandma (Mary) and Grandpa (Robert) Brunner - Thanks for your support and encouragement over the entire process. Grandma, as you know, you were the first person I told about this dream way back in Georgia in the early 1980's. Still can't believe it happened. I've always loved being at your house: the view over the valley, the sounds at night, the flights of the airplanes taking off from the airport, and being in a special place.
My bicycle - Most of the time it was just me and my bike. Very simple, just the way I like it. Just as someone would fall in love with their prized car, motorcycle or other inanimate object, I came to love my bike...reliability is important when there's a lot on the line. Jamis Bicycles, you make a great product. My Ventura Elite did not have one issue in the entire 3,038 miles. Not one. Nor have I had a problem in the 6,000 miles that I have ridden in the previous 2 years.
My tires - Armadillo Elites are made for rough surfaces. I went 2,500 miles without a flat on some pretty rotten road surfaces. Thanks to Specialized.
South Mountain Cycles - Emmaus, PA - Thanks to (Mark) Taylor and (Mark) Bowman for selling me the bike, as well as their advice and help early in the process.
Cycledrome Bike Shop - Trexlertown, PA - Thanks to Scott and Chip for their help that was specific to my goal of riding across the country. They helped me properly accessorize, and Chip got the bike in prime condition for the trip.
Utica National Insurance Group - Thanks to my manager, Frank, and the whole PA / ERO team for supporting me during a long absence.
Well-wishers - I received emails everyday, from family, friends, and some people I didn't know previously. Thanks so much for your encouragement. It had a positive impact on me to say the least.
And importantly, Everyone who sponsored the Neonatal Research Unit at CHOP on my behalf - This cause is near to my heart, and I thank you for joining me in supporting research for newborn health. Your names will be etched in my mind for as long as I live.
