Gears for Glen Rides!

So I guess you're all wondering how the ride went huh?

Well... let's see what I can do to catch you up! Friday was a crazed day of laundry, packing, making sure treats were in the freezer for the dogs, note was on the back door for dog sitter, etc etc. And still we made it out by around 1:30... not too bad. Mandatory Starbucks stop and we were on our way. Traffic was bad, but not hideous. The car behaved beautifully... triple digit heat, stop and go traffic, air conditioner running and it never skipped a beat. I love my car. We have the first 4 Beatles cd's Starbucks is carrying, so we did a lot of singing on the way to Fairfield!

Stopped once for milkshakes... Kevin and I have to be careful.. this keeping weight on Glen thing could be dangerous! Got check into the hotel. Took a rest.. went to dinner. One minor choking incident at dinner but otherwise uneventful, and the food was really good. Back to the hotel where dear friend Lisa and her two girls stopped by to wish us luck. Lisa's eldest, Heather, is now entering training for her Navy career, so it was a good chance to see her off too!

Up WAY earlier than we wanted to on Sunday. Kev went and got coffee and breakfast and brought it to the room. What great kid!! Packed up and headed to Yountville, and once again the GPS in the car was flawless. Met up with the Garrett clan, along with our nephew Brian. Gave everyone their Gears for Glen shirts... Sue Goelple of Saggittarius Screen Prints, a dear dear friend dating back to homeschool days, did an AMAZING job. Everyone loved them, and looked awesome. (team photo coming soon... need to get Kevin's camera so I can get the rest of the pictures.)

So... off went the Garretts on the 25 mile ride, then half an hour later, the Campagnas were ready to go. Glen had trouble getting started... there was a slight downhill, and he was struggling with the toe clips as well. Just really couldn't get the bike moving. With some patient help from Brian and Kevin, he got started and off they went... Brian leading the way, Kevin bringing up the lead, Glen tucked safely in between. Once they got going, they really didn't want to risk another start up issue, so they did the entire route without stopping, and Glen made it all the way. According to Kev's trip computer, it was closer to 13+ miles than it was to 10.

While they were out, Sharon and her schnauzer puppy BeBe were there to keep me company, as well as getting a chance to chat with other ALS families and hear their stories. A little over an hour later, the Campagna contingent returned triumphant, having completed the entire route! (Yes.. I know I already said they made it all the way. I'll say it again: Glen rode his bike over 10 miles! With no stops. It's amazing!) The overcast managed to keep the weather relatively comfortable for most of the morning, so while people were tired and thirsty, we had no dehydration problems. However, Glen's legs were tired enough he couldn't get off the bike. Again.. Bri & Kevin demonstrated the kind of creativity ALS tends to inspire, and without batting an eye... the took the seat off the bike,and rolled it out from under Glen like it was the most normal thing in the world. Did I mention how great they are!?

Soon after Brian left to take care of his own wonderful family, the Garretts made it back from their ride and about the same time... lunch was ready! This made Kevin a much happier camper.. and me rather uncomfortable because it turns out the Veterans Home in Yountville has a yellow jacket problem, and as soon as Kev brought his plate back, he got swarmed. He didn't seem to mind much, but I'm allergic to the little beasts, and I really didn't want Glen to have to deal with them! Interestingly, we moved to a table much closer to one of the many yellow jacket traps, and they left us totally alone!

After lunch, it was over to Penngrove for a visit with cousins we hadn't seen in ages, at Chuck & Karen Campagna's home. Gave Glen & Kevin a chance to shower, and Glen a chance to get in some more groceries! Food and friendship were both wonderful, and all too soon, it was time to head back to San Jose.

Got home to find that my dogs had been PERFECT, thanks to a wonderful dog sitter and a couple of really good dogs. This morning everyone slept in.. yayyy!!

I've posted the first of the pictures at www.picturetrails.com The username is twoskaters, and the ride pictures are in the Glen album. There are more pictures, but I need to get Kev's camera from him so I can upload them. For some reason, the pictures from my iPhone didn't come out great on picture trails. I'll try to tweak them this week.. in the meantime, if you have a Facebook account you can see them in my album there.

I don't have a final fundraising amount yet, but it is over $5,500 for the team. You're all the best... thank you!