Sunday, July 20, 2003

Montgomery to Dothan, Ala.

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Today was another fine day for riding.  Accompanying us on our ride today was Keith, John and his two sons Asa and Lane.  A good day for riding and plenty of smiles to go around.  It was also a sad day as Meredy left to return to Ohio Willow Wood and it was the last day for riding with John and his family.  Meredy is a big part of our AAA efforts and it was so good to see her.  She will be missed. 

A big thanks also goes out to Glenn and Keith at Alabama Artificial Limb who helped Jim with a new socket.  Although Jim's original socket fit perfectly after his surgery, many miles (and gallons of sweat) later, his residual limb (ok its called a stump) had lost mucho volume.  Glenn and Keith made a new socket to help Jim for the rest of the trip. 

Here Jim and Mark pose with Cody Dickson and Alex Myles just before leaving Montgomery for Dothan.

Mark poses with his brother Steve and son.  Steve was able to visit for a few days and it was great sharing our adventures with him.

The boys on the road.  The weather continues to be very hot and humid but hey its summer in Alabama so no surprises here.  Riding with the crew is Keith and John in his three wheeler.  It was our extreme pleasure to ride with these fine gentlemen and they will be sorely missed.

The boys with Keith and Lane on the road.  Mark gives the thumbs up, or is he asking to be put out of his misery.  The boys left a lot of perspiration on the roads today.

More pics of the boys riding.  Did we mention it was hot today?  Note the steam evaporating.  Mirages abounded and some of the lads took to puddle jumping just to cool their fevered brows.  It was hot enough to fry Okra on the pavement.

Two very fine people and one crazy leprechan.  Pictured to the right is Keith and his lovely wife Jeanne.  Hats off to Keith for the fine socket he made for Jim.  And many thanks to Jeanne who put so much effort into the visitation yesterday.  Her energy and good (and sometimes a bit jaded) humor made us all smile.  Jeanne also provided us with a picnic lunch today under the shade of some pine trees.  Hey gang it just doesn't get better than this.  Thank you both for all you have done for us.  We will never forget you guys.

Asa, John's son holds a young puppy after his ride with us today.  He was quite a rider and used only a basic bicycle with one gear. 

Asa on the shoulders of Bruce and Jim.  The boys declared him to be king of the hills today for his perseverance and good humor.  What a kid.

The gang poses for one last photo with Keith, Jeanne, John, Asa and Lane.  They will be missed. 

The gang with a local police officer in Dothan.  The boys were promptly arrested after this photo for writing checks with insufficient funds.  Note to Meredy; Please send more bail money as our petty (translation bale fund) is severely overdrawn.

More fine folks we met on the road.  They are:  Paul Wingard, Katherine Wingard, Runyun Thomas, Paulette Lee, Nicholas Cooper, Janet Wingard.  It was a pleasure to meet them and talk about our adventures across the country.

Still more fine people we met on the road.  The boys are pictured with John Burchfield and her two daughters Amie and Erica.  Joan had seen us on a local news show and donated some funds to our cause.  Thank you Joan for all your kindness.

Tomorrow its time once again for a visitation.  This time we will be at the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center in Dothan.  The boys are pressing their tuxedos and working on a new number guaranteed to wow the audience with their new "Amputee Review".  Finally a special hello to Cheryl as she prepares for her surgery tomorrow.  Our thoughts are with you Cheryl (can you feel the love?).  Bye for now.  

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