I wanted to thank a few folks who provided considerable help along the way in the preparation for this adventure:

Andi Norwich who once again stepped in to  help me in a pinch with my blog. Andi and I worked together at Wells Fargo in different capacities and her upbeat spirit and creative energy have helped me out of a pickle on more than one occasion. On short notice, Andi stepped in to shape up my blog and add graphics / links etc. I didn’t have the time or energy and her assistance made my life less stressful.

Mike Weiss and Matt G (and many others there) from Big Shark Bicycles on Big Bend who helped me time and again with ideas, products, advice and words of encouragement. Mike took a personal interest in my adventure and helped me work through the many facets of building a bike to withstand the rigors of this ride. Matt has given me a lot of ideas on gear, bike packing and usually is the main man in keeping my bike in tip top shape. These guys go above and beyond.

The groundskeepers, rangers and police officers in Forest Park. Forest Park is the gem of the city and a perfect place for me to train. I estimate that I ride over 5000 miles a year in Forest Park and I am bale to observe the groundskeepers on a daily basis. It is a lot of work to keep the [park maintained and most of them have gotten to know me and I usually receive a smile or wave and they are always considerate when I pass and they are cutting the grass or trimming by lifting the blade or moving the mower. Thanks to the Rangers and Police Officers who regularly patrol the park and keep in safe and often respond to folks who have health issues in the park.

Amy from Boa Technologies: I have a tightening system on my shoes made by Boa Technologies. I inadvertently but through only my own haste and negligence I severed the small cable that facilitates holding the shoe on your foot like laces or straps would. I searched over the internet and although I could see there were replacement kits, none could get to me in Canada. I contacted Boa and told them I screwed up but would pay for overnight shipping and the parts if they could overnight them to me. Boa insisted on giving me the part as well as an additional replacement and shipping to me over night (International) at their expense. It gets better. There was a screw-up with Fedex and the package would not get to me before I started cycling. I spoke to folks at FedEx three times and they couldn’y do anything and said the best option Was for me to have the hotel in Canmore send them to a stop down the road. So I get another call from Fedex and they tell me they will courier the package from Calgary to Canmore same day. Fedex does not deliver on Saturday and I suspect that Amy did a little butt kicking. She also included a couple of extras. These small companies are Americas heart and soul.

The First Responders who work under hazardous conditions, are often underpaid and often suffer from an adversarial press who broadcast every indiscretion but never mention the 99% of their heroic actions. As I mentioned in the prior post, I am riding for The Backstoppers.

To anyone that I missed who has given me support, guidance, prayers and follow this journey. Thanks for the keeping me on the straight and narrow. Lots of friends have sent such positive vibes and words of encouragement that is truly heartening. I apologize for not mentioning more folks but I would be writing for days.

Tailwinds

Chuck