Day 15 & 16 (Pickerington, Ohio to Milwaukee, WI)

Yesterday morning (Saturday) was a real treat for me!

As I had said in a previous posting, someone from "The James" at The Ohio State University told me about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum being just down the road from them (about 15 miles) and for those that know me nowadays, I could not pass this up. This was worth all the rain that I have already run into. I am a member of the American Motorcycle Association which, is in the same parking lot at the museum but they were closed of course because it was Saturday.

I will be posting most of these photos on my photobucket.com website once I figure out how to share it out with everyone (make public). I'll probably get that done tonight and will post an update. So the museum was incredible and I wish I could have stayed longer. I met an old time motorcycle rider and enthusiast by the name of Ken Baumgarth who actually donated an old chopper to the Hall of Fame Museum quite some time ago. I really enjoyed hearing about his past travels back in the 60s and 70s in particular. He even told me about a women who was a friend of his by the name of Marla Garber. She was one of the pioneer women in motorcycling but Harley-Davidson refused to acknowledge her accomplishments as told to me by Ken. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame acknowledges her though. The museum was also exhibiting some of the Arlen Ness motorcycles that were just crazy, such as Mach Ness.

Well that is enough about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. So it was probably 10:30/11:00am by the time I pulled out of there and I head west by northwest towards Chicago. Now, I should tell you that my plan to stop in Chicago at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center (Northwestern University) was cancelled only because of a scheduling conflict and since I didn't make it to Chicago until Saturday it really was not fun at all. That day that would have been tough for them since it was Saturday. It did save me from having to travel into the city since I did arrive in the outskirts (Interstate 90) of Chicago during rush hour.Let me tell you how much fun that was. No, never mind it wasn't fun at all!

So, I decided that since I wanted to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the first place, I drove north towards Milwaukee. I must also say that Milwaukee really was a nice city and it has Lake Michigan next to it and a really nice downtown area. For those that do not know, they have the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, and of course the original home of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle factory or shed as it was originally. I have to make a confession here in front of all of you. I was not really that much into Harley-Davidson motorcycles but I do love motorcycles anyway and they do make some good looking bikes. So my confession is that H-D intrigued me from a nostalgic perspective and their support of our military in the past and present. How could you not appreciate that. I'm fairly sure though that many H-D owners and enthusiasts don't have the same perspective of metric or Asian market motorcycles. I see that when H-D riders pass me on the road and I extend the traditional "motorcycle waive" and many do not even wave back. That is OK though because I know my motorcycle will rarely see the side of the road unless I'm stretching out or getting something out of my luggage trunk and I'm also riding much more comfortable during my rides. Just remember, those of us who ride do it for the love of the ride and the freedom. It is something that you just can't explain unless you have had the bug yourself.

So, I have bored those of you who don't get into motorcycles yet? I'll get back to more of that upon explaining my visit to the H-D Museum. After a very stressful ride through Chicago, I made it to Milwaukee and after finding a hotel in town around 8:00pm, I called my wife and she reminded me that my next appointment is in Rochester, Minnesota at the Mayo Cancer Clinic which I knew but I did not realize that it is not until this coming Wednesday so I decided to stay in Milwaukee one extra day (Sunday) and do some sight seeing. As many of you probably don't know, doing this ride and making sure I make it to each cancer center visit, as well as doing e-mail and telephone follow-ups with others, and finally updating the blog site here, I get very tired and no time to really see things along the way and these two sightseeing trips were well overdue for me and a chance to rest up as well.

So, the visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum was very impressive and any motorcycle enthusiast should take this opportunity to visit here, if you ever get the chance. It is funny pulling up on a Honda Goldwing and parking next to all these Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They know I'm getting a comfortable ride compared to what they are use too. I'm not going to bore you with all the motorcycle stuff but to say this was really cool! I wonder if some of my H-D friends would visit the Honda Museum (I don't even know if there is one).

This evening I'll be busy posting as much as possible for all of you and getting my bags packed for tomorrow's journey to Rochester, Minnesota. "Keep the rubber on the road" and don't forget, i need your help with this fundraiser, if you have not already donated.

Pete West
pwestjr@gmail.com
(210) 563-0509 (cell)
http://www.active.com/donate/cruisinforacure (secure donation site)
http://cruisinforacure.blogspot.com (travel blog site)

14 (Cleveland & Columbus, OH)

Today was another really good day!

This morning I was up at 5:00am and was very eager to get over to the Cleveland Cancer Clinic but of course I had a 9:00am appointment and had to wait around for a bit. I stayed at the Cleveland Cancer Clinic Guesthouse across the street. This is where patients and their family members can stay before and after treatments as many travel very far to get treated here. I really enjoyed being there because I got to meet some really nice people and they asked about my trip around the country. So of course, they were very appreciative for what I was doing and it really gave me a sense of worth in what I’m doing.

So it was finally close enough to my appointment time and I headed over to The Center for Hematological Malignancies at Taussig Cancer Center to meet up with Allison Vellani and two of her other colleagues and since I wasn’t able to get a business card from them and after a very long day, I have completely forgotten their names. I’m so ver sorry about that ladies! Allison, please e-mail me everyone's name/title so that I can update this blog. I'm so very embarrassed. But I will say that they were so very nice to me and I was really impressed with the work they are doing at Cleveland Cancer Clinic. I did discover that CCC is the number one medical facility in the United States for organ transplantation and the site of the very “first” face transplant. Even kings and other diplomats (I don’t mean the Sacramento Kings either) come here as well.

So after figuring out the parking situation for my motorcycle (with my luggage on it) with the help of a Cleveland Cancer Clinic police officer (who, apparently was considered a hotty by the ladies as I could see it in their faces) I was able to get started on the tour of the facility. Before I forget though, I did want to mention this super cool fountain that was in the front of the building. I saw it the evening before and until I saw it today, I had no idea there actually was real water in it because it looked so perfectly still. It wasn’t until this morning when there was a little bit of wind this morning and it was just incredible to watch the way the water was moving around on the top of it.

I also was introduced to one of the social workers from the bone marrow program, who gave us a tour of the treatment area where patients sit in a private room and get their various drugs or bone marrow administered to them under direct medical supervision. Patients can be in these rooms with family or friends during the treatment which makes this process a lot more comfortable for them. I noticed patients in these rooms at the time and found this difficult to watch people go through this process. That is bravery if I ever saw it. I also learned some things myself about the donation of bone marrow and plan on signing up on the National Bone Marrow Registry myself, once I get back. A simple donation of your own bone marrow could be the difference between life and death for others. It is a lot easier than I had even heard and you don’t actually donate it until your bone marrow is a match for someone else. I simple swab of your cheek can determine that after it is tested.

So after completing the tour, I loaded back up onto my bike to try to make a 2:00-2:30pm appointment at The Ohio State’s James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute down in Columbus, Ohio. The weather turned out to be awesome on the way down there but there were a lot of speed traps as well.

Upon my arrival at “The James” (as many people know it by), I was greeted by Alison Vellani (protocol coordinator), Eileen Scahill (media relations), and Danielle (from the local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). I want to thank them again for the nice gift bags that they gave me. This was so very thoughtful. It was interesting because there I was at the largest university in the country, The Ohio State, home of the Buckeyes. Talk about feeling really impressed!

Once we got inside, I got to meet Dr. Joseph Flynn, D.O., who was very nice and very informative about what is going on at The James. Unfortunately, I did not ask for a business card so I have no details to offer other than this hyperlink. I’m such a slacker! During the tour I was introduced to a young lady who is a Ph.D who is one of the researchers/scientists. She gave us a tour of two of the research labs and then upon taking us into the offices where the administration side is performed, had me look out the window to see The Ohio State football stadium. What an incredible view! Of course, I took this picture and then a few more later after I drove around the stadium. It just amazes me to see things like this that I would normally see on TV. I will say though, it would have been nice to have Lisa with me and especially at Niagara Falls.

During my tour of the research labs, I met a gentleman who also owns a motorcycle (Suzuki V-Strom) and he told me about something I may want to go see which, is only 13-15 miles away. It is the home office of The American Motorcycle Association and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. I about died since I am a member and love motorcycles!!! So I decided to go and stay at a hotel that is located right around the corner from the AMA office and come 9:00am, I will be over there. It was closed when I arrived this evening. It is rather odd because it is located right next to a housing development. Odd location, I thought. This is a real treat for me and makes up for all the rain. So after my visit to the AMA, I will b e heading up north to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The visit to Chicago fell through because of scheduling conflicts.

OK, it is 10:30pm so I'm going to bed! These early mornings, long days, and late nights are very exhausting.

Day 13 (When Lightening Strikes)

Wow, what a day today was!

I got the day started off right with a little rain. Then to add to that, as I pulled up to the toll booth (at every town off of Interstate 90) to get back on the interstate, the light in the signal indicator said "Contact E-Z Pass". Great, I'm going to get pulled over by the state troopers now and they are going to hassle this guy with Texas plates. But alas, I asked the toll booth attendant about this and he gave me the telephone number to E-Z Pass for New York. Did I mention the nats (Mayflies or also known as Canadian Soldiers, so the notice in the hotel room says) that were flying around my face while trying to call them as well as the rain. As I got a hold of them, I discovered that I needed the New Jersey E-Z Pass people because that is where I bought it. Apparently, I had not registered it on the Internet but I needed to reload it with money anyway.

So, with that out of the way, away I go! As I journeyed through central and western New York State, my goal was to briefly visit the infamous, Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls, NY which is the oldest U.S. National Park. Prior to getting there though, I needed to become more familiar with more of that wonderful rain. I had very few breaks in rain, of some sort. So, I finally took I-90 over to I-190 north towards Niagara Falls and upon arriving there it looked "touristy" at first. I'm officially inventing this word and claiming it as mine. It's not in the dictionary yet so why not. Anyone know the number to the U.S. Patent office?
No really, it was beautiful but yet powerful and just incredibly amazing. I didn't see it on the Canadian side but I was pressed for time so these are the pictures of what I saw. I bought a DVD and a book though, at the gift store. Yes Lisa, I bought a magnet. It is our thing when we travel. I even bought a Niagara Falls sticker for my trailer. I should have been doing this all along the way but guess I didn't give it much thought before.

So now, I'm finally heading towards Cleveland with about 115 miles to get there. Speaking of which, I'm watching the Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers playoff game on the TV. I'm pulling for Cleveland though since my Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs didn't make it.

OK, you guys quit getting me side-tracked! So today was interesting with all the rain but I have to tell you though, I cannot think of any other motorcycle I'd rather be on during these down pours. Visibility is probably the biggest issue if anything because it drives right through the rain just fine. I have a Tulsa windshield that I had recently purchased from a friend in my Goldwing Road Riders Association chapter (TX-H).

Now, I've got a funny for all of you here. I have a CB radio in my Goldwing and off course I can hear it through the helmets intercom system with microphone. So at one point when I was still in New York State, I had just pulled back onto Interstate 90 and I could see a storm just waiting to let loose. Moments later, a full fledge storm with thunder and lightning ensued. I'm thinking this couldn't have started before I got back on the interstate? But instead, it waited for little ole' me to come out and play. So of course it was really heavy and the lightening was making me just a tad nervous, so I pulled under an overpass and got off the bike and sat underneath the underpass for a couple few minutes or so then I decided to man up and get my rain suit (Frog Tog) on and ride. This was a "suck it up buttercup" moment. My mother-in-law would have been proud of me. She is a “suck it up” kinda gal. During my brief time under the overpass the cars and truckers were all passing me with my bike on the side of the road. By the way, I didn't see any Harley's on the road. Hmmm, interesting! Ok, I'm just picking on Jeff Y. at work. At least I did visit the World's Largest Harley Dealership in Daytona Beach, FL.

So when I got back on the bike, I'm eventually chatting with the truckers and when I identify myself as a biker and not a trucker, they are blown away that I'm riding along side them in the massive rain. One trucker was stunned when he discovered that they make a CB for a motorcycle and that I could talk with him. These guys are great but I can't tell you everything they say because this is the wrong rating for a blog site. All I know is that the stories are apparently true. Eventually, it started raining hard again and even they recommended that I find a dry spot until the rain died down. I did meet a really nice couple at a McDonalds in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is actually a professional Muskie fisherman. Now that would be an awesome job! Get paid to go fishing but he did say it only lasts six months. So, what is the problem with that?

I finally arrived at the Cleveland Cancer Clinic and was stunned by how beautiful the front entrance was. I'm not kidding, this was incredible! Those pictures will be on tomorrow night's blog along with my second visit down in Columbus, OH at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. I'm staying at the Cleveland Clinic Guesthouse across the street since I have to be there no later than 9:00am. This hotel accommodates cancer patients and their families that come with them for their treatments. I met a couple out front that I really liked and we had a nice conversation while I was unpacking my luggage from the bike and trailer.

Despite the rain which really wasn't a gloomy issue for me anyway, I enjoyed today's adventure. I will say that I'm very excited about tomorrow events and look forward to meeting all of the folks that I will be meeting. By the way I'm waiting to finish this until the basketball game is over. I know you all want to know.


Oh, before I forget I got the pictures of Dr. Tom Shea, Holly, and I at the University of North Carolina's Lineberger Cancer Research Center. Feel free to go back and check out that posting (Day 7, 8, & 9). OK, I'll tell you now. The Cleveland Cavaliers won Game 5 this evening and I was here.


Pete West
pwestjr@gmail.com
(210) 563-0509 (cell)
http://www.active.com/donate/cruisinforacure (secure donation website)
http://cruisinforacure.blogspot.com (travel blog site)

Day 10, 11, and 12 (Change in Itinerary)

Hi Every,

By the way Adrian, thanks for that Wild, Wild West, not! A little insider joke between colleagues. They must miss me at work! Yeah right.

Well, I made it to the Boston area but with much frustration. The onboard GPS that comes with the Goldwings is very unreliable when in the big cities like New York and Boston. It would literally not let me out of the cities before it would keep saying "Off Course", even though it would send me in that specific direction. This is actually a known issue for Goldwing owners. So, I have decided to start use my external GPS system (TomTom 720) and give that a try instead. The other one gets me to the city but that is all that it is good for. I'll never buy a Garmin, that is for sure. don't fbe fooled by them. Yes, I could pay $200 for the updates but my TomTom 720 updates for free through the Internet and you have to wonder why it won't find roads that have been around forever as opposed to paying for the updates.

I'm currently in Farmington, NY (western NY State) and will be heading to Cleveland, via Niagara Falls, NY. I figure I may never get out here again so I'd better do it now.

I spent Tuesday evening at my Uncle Roly and Aunt Kirsten's home in Medfield, MA. It was so good to see them after 16 years. I even got to see my cousin Christian who is really smart, good looking, and working on his MBA. By the way Christian send me the pictures you took of us. I forgot to take some. Well I was scheduled to visit Dana-Farber Comprehensive Cancer Center here in Boston but did not hear back from them and waited around until 11:30pm when I had to head west. They sounded like things were really crazy for them right now anyway, so I didn't mind. OK, I didn't want to get lost in the Boston area, again. The ride to Massachusetts was really nice though. After leaving the White Plains, NY area where the home office for The Leukemia & Lymphoma office is located the scenery was beautiful. I saw the best looking old and newer homes/mansions that I think I've every seen in my life. There were some very old colonial mansions in Connecticut that I so wanted to stop and take pictures of but being behind schedule deterred me from doing so.

As you will notice in this update, I'm actually having to go backwards in telling you everything. Yesterday after I checked out of the hotel in White Plains, NY, prior to my visit to the LLS home office up the road, I got a returned call from them and was very disappointed. So much, that I thought I was going to have to end this trip and come home. No, seriously! After explaining my legitimate frustrations about the major communications issues or there lack of, between LLS and the cancer research centers that I had already visited, I was basically told that my expectations were higher than the support that LLS could offer. I almost felt like I was wasting mine and everyone else's time and effort. Not what someone who is traveling all the way around the country, wants to hear but there is a light at the end of this tunnel.

Basically, when I had showed up to a few of the cancer research centers along the way, they had no idea who I was and what I was trying to accomplish. Luckily though, after explaining it to them, they were very gracious and gave me a tour of their facility and explained to me about some of the research that they are involved in. I will say though, it is amazing what strides researchers and doctors have made over the years when it comes to leukemia and lymphoma. It is a tremendous amount of dedicated time, effort, and most of all money. What I really want to do though is get the cancer research centers to e-mail me what they have been doing because so that I can put something together for those of you that are reading my blog site. This way would be much more effective and I won't hack it apart in trying to explain.

So anyway, I went to visit with Nancy Klein (Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer) and Pamela Edelstein (Director of National Media Events) and after discussing what had happened they offered to help me fix the situation and move forward. Do you want to talk about a big stress relief or what? Nancy had me working with Pamela on re-doing my itinerary to work with what we have confirmed already. So this means not going up into Maine and working my way around and down and cutting out some of the originally planned visits. Pamela called the LLS chapters directly to have them help coordinate my visits with their designated cancer research centers which, is how this normally works, as I have also discovered. This seems to be working very well and after my visit to Dana-Farber Cancer Research Center, I will head towrds Cleveland, OH. and then Columbus, OH. After working with them, I felt so much better and that I was getting the specific support I needed to accomplish this trip. I should also say that I met Andrea (misplaced her business card) who interviewed me for their June E-News letter that goes out to people that I don't know at all but the interview will be in there. I'm sure to cancer clinics and local LLS chapters.

I'm really not going to bore you with my journey through each of the states as I was just riding and trying to make as much progress as possible. I did get smart in New York and was told about the E-Z Pass which is good in most of the east coast states. This way I don't have to stop at each of the toll booths and dig out change for the toll roads. Basically, I attached this electronic device on my windshield and make sure it has enough money and I can go through the toll booths without trying to dig out money from my pockets on the bike. Motorcycles really get ripped off though when it comes to the toll roads. Yes, I'm pulling a one axle (two wheeled) trailer but they are charging motorcycles twice the amount of a car and how many wheels does a car have? 4 How many wheels do I have with my trailer, 4. Someone please explain the logic behind this thinking. I will be contacting the American Motorcycle Association's legislative group to bring this up and see about having it changed. I understand about tractor trailers and counting the axles but my bike is not a tractor trailer either. OK, enough of me whinning.

By the way, I want to give a shout out to my awesome wife. Lisa has been behind the scenes and helping me with the itinerary and coordination as well with the cancer research centers. I could not do this without her. Because of her job and our zoo (two dogs and a cat) Lisa was not able to do this trip with me but I'm glad that is the case because this trip would have put her over the edge in many ways.

OK, there really isn't much more to tell. I'm working on my Photobucket.com account to allow all of you to see all of my pictures. I still have some uploading to do though. And I'm working on the video but it really isn't turning out the way I'd like so more to come soon.

Oh, before I forget. Below is my new itinerary as well:

Revised itinerary

Tuesday, May 26, 2009.

Date City Cancer Center Contacts

Wednesday
May 27 Boston Dana Farber (cancelled)

Friday
May 29 Cleveland am. Cleveland Clinic
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Columbus pm Ohio State James Cancer
Hospital & Solove Research Center

Monday
June 1 Chicago Robert H. Laurie Comp.
Cancer Center

Wednesday
June 3 Rochester Mayo Clinic & Comprehensive Cancer Center

Monday
June 8 Seattle Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Cancer Center

Thursday
June 11 Irvine Choa Family Comp.
Cancer Center

Friday
June 12 Tucson Arizona Cancer Center

Tuesday
June 16 San Antonio

Contacts: LLS Home Office - Pamela Edelstein
914-821-8848
edelsteinp@lls.org
Pete West Cell : 210-563-0509
pwestjr@gmail.com

Travel blog: https://crusinforacure.blogspot.com/

Donation site: https://www.active.com/donate/crusingforacure

Day 7, 8, & 9 (Wow, I'm Behind)

Hi All,

I'm going to start this off with a somber moment. I'm actually feeling emotional right now as I watch the Memorial Day television program that is taking place in Washington D.C. As a military veteran and American, I sit here thinking about our men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and places unknown and it saddens me that they have to be there. But most of all, it saddens me to think of the ones that were severely injured or died. I think of the pain and the loss that the families have. I hope on this day and tomorrow you will all remember all of our past and present military personnel and the ones that either died or injured.

OK, now where do I start? I must apologize for being so late with this. Hopefully, I can catch up and get back on track with my journey. These last several days have been busy trying to make up as much time as possible. So I made it through South Carolina with a quick peek at the "South of the Border" tourist trap but it didn't get me. I did find Interstate 95 in South Carolina to be very bumpy and I was ready to get to North Carolina.

Again, I will say that my conversations with the truckers as well as between themselves has helped my days go by much faster and it definitely keeps me awake. I do want to tell you about a gentleman that I met at a KFC in Georgia. I know, your thinking he hasn't said anything about Georgia but this stood out to me and deserves a mention. I was talking with a gentleman by the name of Dr. Alfred L. Howard Sr. (Ed.D) who thanked me for what I was doing and he handed me the only cash he left left in his wallet after getting his meal and this really stood out to me. He wanted to give more, as he told me but he gave what he had left. I'm always taken back by people that give without any thought behind it, just because they want to help in some sort of way. I want to thank Dr. Howard for this special gift of giving to help others. He didn't know me from Adam (as they say) but gave me cash to help towards the trip since I told him that my wife and I are funding this entirely. God bless you Dr. Howard!

My trip through North Carolina was beautiful and the roads were maintained quite well as far as the interstate was concerned. Don't get me wrong South Carolina was just as beautiful though and this had to do with a bright sunny day without rain. After all of the rain in Florida, well lets just say it made me appreciate the sunny states that much more.

Now, my next official stop was the University of North Carolina's Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. I was greeted by Holly Rio (Program Assistant) and Mary Rice-Seagrooves (Special Events Coordinator), and Dr. Thomas C. Shea (Director, Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation). I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with them and what a warm reception. We did have a photo op on and around my Goldwing and even had Dr. Shea sit on it. I know he got the itch to ride. Don't let him tell you any different. :) I should have just given him the keys.So anyway, Dr. Shea toured me around a bit and showed me the new hospital that the state legislature approved.

My next stop was about 18-20 miles away at the University of Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center but because of the weekend holiday, they let there staff go home early and there was one no to tour me around their facilities so I proceeded to briefly visit with a friend in Durham, NC. I was absolutely amazed by how close the two universities were which explains the rivalry.

Now yesterday was probably the most difficult day I had yet, as far as exhaustion (due to heat) and bumper-to-bumper traffic. Yes, I made it to the Virginia/Washington DC/Baltimore, MD area. My next stop was two visit with three friends of mine in Burke, VA and then Baltimore, MD. Well because an e-mail came into my cell phone late, I didn't get the message that no one was home at the first stop and so I was a little frustrated but this was not any one's fault. It just was, what it was.

So I headed to Baltimore to visit with buddy, Richard "Dennis" Kernan (aka...The Boy) and his wife, Michelle. Long story behind the aka name but I had to put it in here to try to embarrass him. Now I should tell you though, that my onboard Garmin GPS (built into the motorcycle) was pretty reliable until I got into this metro area. It kept saying stay right during a road split and when I did that, it would say, Off Course". So because of this happening so many times, it took me much longer to find Dennis and Michelle's home. I literally thought I was going to pass out when I got stuck in a bumper-to-bumper traffic situation. I felt very dehydrated from having to wait so long for it to clear up and the temperature was really hot on the road. This was the first time this has happened to me but I managed to get through it and pull off in time.

I finally pulled into an Exxon gas station which is something I would not normally do as I will not support Exxon by purchasing their fuel. Long story so I won't get into it and Lisa is probably saying thank God right about now, as she reads this. Not another conspiracy theory. So I topped off my gas tank and got a big bottle of a particular sports drink. Hey, if they aren't going to pay me to mention their name then why put it in there.

Eventually, I arrived at Dennis and Michelle's home and we immediately went to Ruby Tuesday's because we were all starving. I stayed with them for just a couple of hours before heading to my hometown of Dover, Delaware. I should mention also that on all of the toll roads, (several states) they charged me twice the amount they charge a car because I have a one axle (two wheels) trailer, even though though I have the same amount of wheels that a car would have (4). What moron wrote that law? Let's see, a car weighs how much compared to a motorcycle and small trailer? I felt like they were treating me like a tractor trailer.

So as I got closer to Dover, DE I realized that I didn't recognize the area where the exit was in south Smyrna, DE. It took me a minute. I decided to go down my old street where we had our house (built in 1899) on Governors Ave. and I was in shock with the neighborhood. It had gone to hell and back compared to when I lived there. I proceeded to downtown Dover which looked virtually abandoned. OK, I being somewhat dramatic but not much. There were a lot of abandoned buidling that use to thrive on Loockerman Street. The part that really bothers me was that the Dover Downs Casino, Hotel, and Spa. I would think that it should be bringing in a lot of extra revenue for the city but apparently not or they are putting the money towards other things and letting the downtown area fall to the wayside. Some politicians screwed up here. And this is supposed to be the capital of the state. Huh?

So as I sit here in the Comfort Inn (Oops, I mentioned there name) in Dover, I think about my journey and how fast all these states past by me. So when many are thinking about all the stuff that I apparently get to see, I can tell you that I'm really seeing a lot of freeway and rest stops instead. And by the way, I didn't get to visit with my three daughters and grandson after all. This was rather disappointing but alas, tomorrow I move forward knowing that every dollar I raise during this trip will possibly help people in some small way, who are suffering from cancer which is what my own mother died from.

If you have not been able to donate (http://www.active.com/donate/cruisinforacure) yet, I hope you will consider donating what you can to help me, help others. I cannot do this alone. I need your help.

OK, it is really late and I need some sleep so I can get an early start and beat potential rain. Tomorrow, I will be heading up to Wilmington, Delaware to visit with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society chapter office, then Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles stadium), and New York City (Columbia University, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center), and possibly straight to the corporate office of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Great Plains, NY, given enough time.

Pete West
(210) 563-0509
pwestjr@gmail.com
http://www.active.com/donate/cruisinforacure
http://cruisinforacure.blogspot.com/

Day 6 (Port St. Lucie, FL to Walterboro, SC)

Well, let me first say I love having the CB radio on my Honda Goldwing. I have been chatting with the truckers left and right and before I know it, time flies. They also let me know when "Smokies/Bear" (police radar) are in the area and I return the favor to others. I gave myself the call sign "Wing and a Prayer" because that is how I am doing this trip, On a Wing and a Prayer. Get it??? Arr arr, earth humor.

I got to stay overnight at my parents house in Port St. Lucie and I did the old, "I'm home from college mom" which many will know means I have laundry. I did it though but they did help me fold them up this morning when I was trying to pack everything up and get the bike loaded. For those that are curious, yes my parents are Mr. & Mrs. Claus. No seriously!

I almost forgot. I got to visit the worlds largest Harley-Davison dealership in Daytona, FL. It really is very impressive. I took a lot of pictures so I will share that out on my Photobucket website once I figure out how to share it out to the Public. I know, I know, they still aren't Goldwings though. Until they can have a Harley that has all the extra features that the Goldwing has, Goldwing will always rule the touring market. I also got to visit J & P Cycles which is in the same complex. I actually get their catalog. I did find out some very sad new though. The lady at the cash register told me about a supervisor (Tami) there that just recently found out her 13 year old son was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. I would like people to include him (name unknown at this time) in your prayers. As many people know, this is very difficult for the child but also difficult for the parents and they will need our prayers. I hope to hear from Tami soon as I left a message and my business card with the lady at the register.

I did run into quite a bit of heavy rain today in Georgia but I pulled over and put on my rain gear (Frog Tog) and then continued on. Today got a little tricky because I was getting e-mails on my phone about my visits in North Carolina and I just was not able to follow back up with the people concerned until quite sometime later. Its not like being in a car and picking up the phone. Thank God Lisa has been able to be a go-between for me when communicating with the cancer research centers.

I'm in Walterboro, SC now at a Motel 6. I got in at 9:20pm. Long day but then again I couldn't get out of Port St. Lucie until 8:45am because I was chatting with a really nice gentleman by the name of Dean Gallupe at Starbucks on my way out. He works for Treasure Coast Hospice in Port St. Lucie, FL. I also met his friend Harry Butsko who is a chaplain for hospice. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with them and time got away from me but then this is part of what this trip is about meeting people and telling them about what I'm doing.

I should be in Chapel Hill, NC at the University of North Carolina's Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center tomorrow and then at Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Duke, Durham, NC. Unfortunately, I'm still a ways out from Chapel Hill so I might not be about to meet Dr. Thomas Shea but I'm not giving up on the yet. Guess, I need to twist the throttle a bit more tomorrow.

Note of Interest:
I do want the various facilities that I am scheduled to visit know that I am probably one and a half to two days behind on my current itinerary so please be patient with me as I deal with the weather issues that are causing the delays currently here in the Southeast part of the country.

Day 4 & 5 (Severe Rain Delays)

Day 4:

Sorry I'm a little behind on this folks. I arrive in Miami much later than expect, last night after a heavy downpour about the last 11 miles on Alligator Alley. Talk about a little nerve wrecking with semi-tucks speeding past me.

As I previously stated, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in Brooksville, FL the third evening and the next day, I took off to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa Bay, FL. I should tell you that we did not get a confirmation on my visit from the person that we had as a point of contact. So being the persistent person that some of you know me as, I went there anyway and surprised some of the folks that I met. In a nut shell they were wonderful and I really enjoyed meeting many of the people that I did such as Odalsys Capote (Executive Director and Chief of Staff-Office of the President/CEO & Center Director), Cody Northrup (Coordinator, Institutional Advocacy) who along with Terri Hewitt (Coordinator, Public Relations) who came over from the public relations office to give me a very thorough tour of the facilities. Actually, I was very impressed and even got to see one of the actual research labs where doctors, scientists, and lab people try to find a cure and to learn more about the cancers and what causes them. This was my first tour of an actual lab. I also met two other people that are key to Moffitt such as , Alan F. List, M.D. (Clinical Sciences, Physician-In-Chief) and Gary Reuther, Ph.D. I thoroughly enjoyed Gary explaining what is going on at Moffitt from a research prospective.

Unfortunately, because of the unannounced surprise visit to H. Lee Moffitt, this took a little while to coordinate once I got there and to complete the tour so it did put me behind by about a half a day but I am so very glad that I did decide to give it a shot. I should tell you that H. Lee Moffitt is the states primary comprehensive cancer center and very well renowned.

So, back on the road! As you might already know from the weather reports on Weather.com it did rain periodically throughout the trip but nothing like when I arrived at the beginning of the famous Alligator Alley which is 100 miles long. Apparently before the state installed fencing along the everglades and swamp land, alligators would actually be seen right up on the highway which is a problem for vehicles and especially motorcycles but alas they installed fencing. The first 5 miles or so was pretty rainy but then it dried out until the last 11 miles when it dumped mass amounts of rain and then having trucks speed by me made it more even more knuckle-busting for me. Thank God I own a Goldwing with a larger Tulsa windshield and new tires. My motorcycle performed absolutely flawlessly unlike a particular persons bike, that I work with would have in this situation. Hi Jeff Y! Oops, no name dropping. :)

So, I finally made it through Alligator Alley which I did enjoy, overall. I then headed to Miami, where I had a room waiting for me with compliments from my brother-in-law, Greg. I cannot begin to tell you what incredible service I got at the Courtyard by Marriott. The restaurant was still open until 10:00pm and so I took a real fast shower, changed and proceeded to have dinner. I finally went to bed at around 12:00am because I had some e-mails to catch up on and other work to do but I woke up at 4:30am and could not go back to sleep so I got all of my gear ready to depart and after breakfast, pulled out. I want to thank my brother-in-law, Greg Presnol, the evening staff at the Miami Courtyard, in particular to include people like Gregory, Rudy, Jim, and a few other names that I forgot. They really made me feel welcomed and interested in my trip as well.

Day 5:

As I write this, I'm so tired but alas, I will move forward for those of you waiting on an update. I left Miami at about 8:10am and headed towards The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. They knew I was scheduled to arrive at some point and made me feel so welcomed. The ladies all introduced themselves to me and I spoke quite thoroughly with the ladies that are heading up the Team In Training season. They were so nice and eager to find out about my trip so far. I almost forgot that they even gave me a Team In Training t-shirt that I know I will wear during the trip. GO TEAM!

As I proceeded to move north on US I-95 towards my parents home in Port St. Lucie, FL I noticed that another storm front was moving in from the east very quickly so I decided to stay overnight at my parents instead of pushing onward. Because I got behind schedule from the day before, I was contemplating just visiting for a couple hours and then going north toward Jacksonville, FL. It was so nice to see my parents as well as my sister, brother-in-law (same guy), and my niece, Ellie.

Tomorrow morning I will be pulling out by daylight and trying to make up some lost time so I will be out there much longer.

Quick Note:
I realize that I will be arriving at a couple of the facilities later than anticipated but please be patient with me. Riding in really bad weather is not worth rushing. I will make contact with you as quickly as possible.


Pete West
pwestjr@gmail.com
(210) 563-0509 (cell)
http://www.active.com/donate/cruisinforacure (secure donation website)
http://cruisinforacure.blogspot.com (travel blog site)

Day 2 & 3 (Stop the Rain)

Greetings from the Brooksville, Florida Holiday Inn Express!

I suppose I should start with yesterday. Yesterday was definitely wet but my Goldwing and Frog Tog rain gear kept me dry for the most part. The bike really has a lot to do with that though, in the way it is designed. Now, this doesn't mean I'm not sick of the rain though. Rain always delays things.

I crossed the 18-mile Henderson Bayou bridge (Louisiana) in the rain and had to actually stop where a convenience store has a real Bengal tiger captive in a cage as some sort of side show. Apparently someone is trying to do something about this tiger being locked up in a small cage. I put in over 540 miles yesterday which really was a lot considering the rain but I had to keep plugging forward.

So the bridge crossing was wet but it was fascinating to see all those trees under the water or partially sticking up. I was not able to take pictures though as it was raining and unsafe to pull over. My trustworthy Honda Goldwing held up quite well in the rain and I made sure to take it easy.

Anyway, I made it to Pace, Florida where one of our (Lisa and I) dearest friends lives. Marcy Roche and her son and daughter-in-law put me up for the night and it was so good to actually she her and finally meet her son (Eddy), daugther-in-law (Mindy), and granddaughter (Mariah). It was so awesome to catch up with Marcy and see her little dog Joey. We were all housemates back in Bothell, Washington where we use to live.

So day 3 and I left Pace, FL a little later than normal but I got to sleep until 6:00am. Wahoo! I think given that it is now almost 11:00pm (EST), I'll try to take advantage of a little extra sleep tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll sleep until 6:10am. wouldn't that be exciting. So I headed east on Interstate 10 towards Tallahassee, FL (around the city) and then south on Highway 19/27. Today's trip was not very exciting at all and was actually quite boring but it only drizzled, off and on today so there is a positive in everything. So I made it to the Holiday Inn Express here in Brooksville, FL and it is pretty nice compared to the Howard Johnson's (IH-610 and Main) in Houston, TX.

Now the problem I have for tomorrow is that we (LLS San Antonio and I) still have not received a confirmation invitation from a cancer center in Tampa for tomorrow. I'm hopeful that we will now, though. If not I head to Miami (via Alligator Alley) and probably stay over and visit my brother-in-law, Greg and possibly stay at his hotel, if he'll let me. :) He is the General Manager for the Marriott, Courtyard Hotel. It depends on what time I make it down there. Personally, I have stayed at Courtyards and absolutely love them and the service. No, that wasn't a plug, really. :)

Well folks, I thinking I'm up-to-date and I really need some serious sleep. I bid you good evening.

Pete West
pwestjr@gmail.com

(210) 563-0509 (cell)

http://www.active.com/donate/cruisinforacure (secure donation website)

http://cruisinforacure.blogspot.com/ (Cruisin' For A Cure travel blog site)

Day 1 (Ride to M.D. Anderson CRC)

Today went very well. I want to thank those of you that came to the send-off party/gathering. This really meant a lot to me in preparation of my departure. We had a small crowd but I was excited to see everyone there. I want to thank the two Goldwing Road Riders Association chapters (H & U) for coming out with your Goldwings and giving my moral support. Also, I wanted to thank Cammie, Hannah, and Jeremy for helping Lisa and I setup this morning.

This morning we left at about 11:30ish and I led the group out on our way to Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center. Patrick & Mary Browning came out to San Antonio from M.D. Anderson to escort me to Houston. Both Patrick & Mary work at M.D. Anderson and Patrick is the President of the "Riders For the Cure" motorcycle group which is also current and former employees of M.D. Anderson. Last year alone I believe Patrick told me that they helped raise $18,000.00 towards the cure for cancer.

By the time we reached Buckee's (famous rest stop in Luling, TX) the last two Goldwing riders headed back because of an up coming storm that was heading to San Antonio. So Patrick, Mary, and I pushed forward to Houston. We did get some rain (enough to put on rain gear) but the combination of rain and gusting winds made the ride a little tense. Nothing like being pushed off the road when it is wet.

We finally arrived at M.D. Anderson at about 4:15pm and were greeted by the clinic security to keep watch over our bikes and also Tee Couch who took us on a tour of the main clinic. I have to tell you, this did not even feel like that hospital feel. It felt like a really nice (not five star but nice) hotel and very calming atmosphere. I was impressed with the decor' and love the big fish aquariums in the main lobby area. I wish I would have take more pictures but was very interested in what Tee and some of the staff were telling me about what is going on at M.D. Anderson. I'm not going to do this justice by trying to remember everything that these folks told me but M.D. Anderson definitely sounded like cutting edge technology in research and patient care. I would recommend to anyone to take a tour of this facility and find out exactly what is going on there.

As I sit here in the Howard Johnson hotel (not overly impressed but a place to lay my head for the night) my thoughts are with people that have been stricken with cancer. I can't help but think just how scared someone feels when having to deal with cancer. I got a little nervous when we went into the pediatric ward of the clinic because as my wife can tell you, I struggle with kids suffering and dying. That is a quick way to get a tear check out of me.

Well, I'm going to cut this short and get ready for bed. Tomorrow, I head towards Louisiana and hopefully, if I can make contact with this other motorcycle group, they will escort me to the Texas/Louisiana border. If not I continue on by myself. I'll post pictures tomorrow as I'm really exhausted right now.

First TV Appearance on Great Day SA (San Antonio)

Hello!

Wow, it is hard to believe that I'm one day away from heading out around the country on my motorcycle. I guess it is still hard to believe and unfortunately it requires me to fold my laundry and getting my clothes pack. I just can not get out of doing my chores. Everything else is packed and the bike is clean and ready to go.

Yesterday, Deborah Barker (South Texas Chapter of LLS - Deputy Executive Director) and I were interviewed by "Great Day SA" at the KENS 5 TV station here in San Antonio and it was really fun to do. It looks weird to see the video on their website and think, is that really how I sound. I was shooting to look skinnier and better looking but that didn't work out for some reason. I was a little nervous though thinking that people that know me here in San Antonio are seeing this let alone the people I send this link out to. I did flub the donation website address when asked but they posted it as well so I have been redeemed. I do want to thank Eileen Teves (co-host) and Andy (camera man) for helping me through the interview.

Interview on Great Day SA

So it looks like everything is in order and ready to go. I will be escorted by other motorcycles to M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, Texas tomorrow after the send-off party at the South Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you are in the local area the address is 431 Isom Rd., Suite 125, San Antonio, TX 78216. You can use one of the online map searches for directions.

I wanted to thank everyone that was involved in helping me with this event and trip and especially those that sent/submitted donations. That really is the goal here which is to raise money to help researchers, scientists, and doctors cure cancer. Know this...cancer effects everyone of us in one way, shape, or form at some points in our lives which could be directly or indirectly so help me and many others in this fight against cancer. This is a national fundraiser so please do not think it is just a fundraiser for Texas just because I live here now. It is for the country and I need everyone's help.