Rachel Hokanson

Rachel Hokanson

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Marietta, Ohio already?!



I was just looking at the comments on all the other posts, something I hadn't gotten to do yet. I just wanted to thank everyone for the nice notes! I miss you guys!

We arrived yesterday in Marietta after a long 90 mile day. It was an interesting and overall good day, although three people took spills down a very steep hill (it was very scary, and I am so thankful one of them wasn't me) and a group of about 15 took a 10 mile long detour after missing the first turn out of Cameron, West Virginia. So some people have already reached the 100 mile mark in one day!




Yesterday morning included one climb, but after that it was pretty much smooth sailing. Around mile 20 we reached Ohio which I found extremely fulfilling. A few miles into Ohio, a friend I was riding with, Carrie Porter got a flat, and I ended up changing it for her, which I also found fulfilling, as I haven't had to change one yet and haven't in the past. After we got back on the road, it was pretty much 60 miles down the same road, and was relatively flat. You have no idea how exciting this was for me. We had lunch around mile 50 at a small diner in Sardis, OH. I had a raspberry waffle cone first... you also have no idea how exciting this was for me. After lunch I set off with the same girl and the last 40 miles pretty much flew by. Marietta is an interesting town, I took a walk this morning and many buildings were built in the 1800s. There are also many small shops and whatnots around.

To report on the boy who fell a few days ago and got a concussion, he is doing well, but still has a few days left in the van. He slept pretty much all day every day the first 3 days after his crash, but is definately perking up. His grandparents called him and told him that they heard about his fall but knew that he could get back on the bike and ride. I thought that was really sweet and encouraging of them.

The three people who fell yesterday are all okay, the girl is pretty sore and was shaken up at first but is okay now. One of the boys actually fell over the side of the mountain about 20 feet, but basically has no scratches on his body somehow. The other boy wasn't so lucky, his bike was damaged and he ended up riding single speed the next 60 miles of the trip. For anyone who knows about bikes... wow. He's also pretty scratched up but also optimistic.

I've been talking on the phone with my parents most nights, it's very nice. I also just received a really nice email from my mom that made me really happy. My parents and Perry are planning to visit Kansas- that's only 13 days! I can't wait. Plus, I think I have family to see in Ohio. Things are going great.

Until next time,
Rachel

One note. There was one proud moment where I had three servings of ice cream after an especially difficult day where we were only suppose to go 70 miles and ended up going 90 due to faulty directions. It was awesome.

10 comments:

Tom Hokanson said...

Best post ever, Rach!! You are are splendid cyclist and in my thoughts every day. Love - Dad

Jill said...

and i'm coming too.

Jill said...

plus, i am sending you a really REALLY good care package. with snacks. you will like it.

perry said...

go rach go!

Bill Hatcher said...

Hi Rachel. I really enjoyed this latest post with news of recent mishaps and waffle cone treats and all. I'm glad you are doing so well and enjoying everything. I have your route map posted on the wall in my office.
Take care,
Bill Hatcher

DWA said...

Rachel:

Thank you for visiting with us @ Christ Church in Marietta. We really enjoyed hosting your group. Your friendly, cooperative, spirit is a real joy!

Good luck on the remainder of your journey.

--Don Archer

Joan Hokanson said...

Enjoyed the post!
Keep on pedaling sure and steady!
You can do it!
We love you bunches!
Your Mama

lhohertz said...

Hi Rachel, just touching base to say hello. We're so proud of you. Keep up the good work. Talk to you soon.
Love Laurie

DWA said...

Dear Rachel,

Christ Church in Marietta thoroughly enjoyed the Bike and Build team. We found your group to be exceptionally polite, fun, and hard working. The whole group was such a great group of folks. We applaud your efforts and wish you health on your trip.

Blessings,
Sandy Archer

Craig Hohertz said...

I think if would be kind of cool to crash down the side of a mountain, just avoid the rocks along the way. I'm not suggesting you do that. Also... I usually eat ice cream BEFORE I work out. Don't tell anyone! You're doing an awesome thing there, keep on truckin. luv ya Mr. Craig

Here's the itinerary:

(click a town to view the weather forecast)
Week:
Date
City - State
Miles

06/11 Providence - RI 0
06/12 Providence - RI 0
06/13 BUILD DAY 0
06/14 Plainfield - CT 37
06/15 Middletown - CT 46
06/16 Danbury - CT 65
06/17 Middletown - NY 74

06/18 Stroudsburg - PA 60
06/19 Reading - PA 70
06/20 Harrisburg - PA 64
06/21 BUILD DAY 0
06/22 Knobsville - PA 72
06/23 Berlin - PA 64
06/24 Fairchance - PA 50

06/25 Cameron - WV 57
06/26 Marietta - OH 90
06/27 BUILD DAY 0
06/28 McArthur - OH 73
06/29 Hillsboro - OH 70
06/30 Cincinnati - OH 60
07/01 Seymour - IN 73

07/02 Linton - IN 81
07/03 Paris - IL 75
07/04 Taylorville - IL 96
07/05 DAY OFF 0
07/06 Pittsfield - IL 86
07/07 Hannibal - MO 40
07/08 Moberly - MO 70

07/09 Richmond - MO 92
07/10 Lawrence - KS 80
07/11 BUILD DAY 0
07/12 BUILD DAY 0
07/13 BUILD DAY 0
07/14 Wamego - KS 75
07/15 Concordia - KS 99

07/16 Lebanon - KS 73
07/17 Alma - NE 62
07/18 McCook - NE 76
07/19 Holyoke - CO 99
07/20 DAY OFF 0
07/21 Stoneham - CO 74
07/22 Ft. Collins - CO 77

07/23 Estes Park - CO 42
07/24 Granby - CO 61
07/25 Steamboat Springs - CO 80
07/26 BUILD DAY 0
07/27 Maybell - CO 72
07/28 Vernal - UT 90
07/29 Duchesne - UT 58

07/30 Park City - UT 70
07/31 DAY OFF 0
08/01 Grantsville - UT 65
08/02 Wendover - UT 60
08/03 Wells - NV 60
08/04 Elko - NV 50
08/05 Battle Mountain - NV 72

08/06 Winnemucca - NV 54
08/07 Lovelock - NV 74
08/08 Sparks - NV 93
08/09 BUILD DAY 0
08/10 South Lake Tahoe - CA 60
08/11 DAY OFF 0
08/12 Placerville - CA 61

08/13 Davis - CA 57
08/14 Rutherford - CA 45
08/15 San Rafael - CA 61
08/16 San Francisco - CA 18
 
**Subject to change