Chuck Hardesty
Hello everyone,
Last year when I first thought about doing this ride, I was in about the worst shape since I was 15 or so, but have improved since then. In the past, I have done a few organized rides:
Bike Tour Of Colorado – did about 440 miles and 40,000 feet of climbing in a week;
GABA twice (Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure) that typically goes from the Grand Canyon to Mexico about 550 miles in a week.
I have not ridden in the east very much, but did a few unsupported rides to Indiana to visit family. They don’t think I am right in the head.
Mt favorite gadgets for my bike are:
1) my aero bars
2) training wheels
3) thinking about getting a Garmin
My legs are shaved. I don’t know about aerodynamics but I look better in my outfits. I will say that in the hot humid weather of St. Louis it certainly feels a lot cooler. (Tracey, that was for you)
I shaved my head once when I was in college and it traumatized me for life. I must have fallen on my head too many times as a baby (perhaps the time I rode my tricycle down the steps) and it is not aesthetically pleasing with all the bumps. I will not be shaving my head….
Nashville?
I have started a blog, yet I was a bit too late to contact any one organization/charity to ride for. I’m happy to link to Chet Basher, who is riding for Wounded Warriors Project. It’s a great cause and I urge those who are wanting to donate, to check out the link on my main page. It links right to Chet’s donation page.
Still trying to figure out how to get the weight down to 30 pounds per duffel. I may have to forgo shoes, a floor pump, the case of chamois butt’r and the zip off pants. I did notice that our Crossroads PDF’s stipulated how many articles of clothing to bring except underwear. I assume that means any number from zero to weight limit?
In all seriousness, I look forward to meeting everyone in a few short weeks. I know that you all must be intrepid souls who exemplify the words of Teddy Roosevelt:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Be safe
Chuck
chuckhardesty 
Chuck, I have no doubt that you will accomplish this task that you have set for yourself. I am so very proud of my big brother. I am going to tell everyone to follow your blog, so that they can encourage you and cheer you on. Love you, be safe, and talk to you soon.
THanks little sister – love you too!
Good luck Chuck! Enjoy every minute, the bad ones will be good ones later on. Do miss seeing you at work!
Hey Cheryl – I sometimes miss being there and seeing all of you. Never forget that there is a beer (or 2) at the end of every ride
May the wind always be at your back!! Good Luck.
Marc Kessler
Thanks Marc – and may the”wind” be with you as well.
Hey Chuck how you doing. I’ve always wondered what was going on with you.Kathy told me about the bike ride you and your friends are doing.I ride the grant trail which is the old railroad track which is behind Sherbrook Meadows Subdivision.Have a great ride man.
Hey Mark,
Very nice to hear from you! Kathy told me that you are FB friends. I will try to send you a FB friend invite. I have ridden on that trail a few times myself. It is a very nice place to ride. Hope that all is well with you.
Many thanks
Chuck
WOW Chuck! You simply amaze me. I do miss having you here at work, but I know you are doing what you love. Good luck and enjoy the memories as they will last a lifetime.
Thanks Lori – appreciate your comments and you following the ride. I miss you as well (and your sister). Hope that you area king well at Wells!
Chuck,
Have great rides. The scenery has to wonderful, and riding is one of the best ways to enjoy it. And by your blog, looks like you’re also enjoying the after-ride experiences.
Be safe.
Hi Mark,
Yes this is a scenic adventure! Now we are moving into the great plains and farming country. Some days we are really tired like today but we get a fresh shot the next… Hope all is well at WFA! Chuck
Best wishes, Chuck. Have fun and enjoy the scenery along the way. Rob & Tina Salarano
Hey Rob and Tina,
Very nice to hear from you!. Last time we met was under very sad circumstances. Hope that you both are doing great! We have 100 or so miles to ride each of the next couple of days – hope there is some scenery to distract me from my saddle! -Chuck
Can you believe it’s almost time for your adventure to begin! I am so excited for you! Good luck Chuck! Hugs!
Hi.
I read your 2017 GDV blog and enjoyed it very much.
I would like to consult with you about the ride.
boaz.pomerantz@gmail.com