Photo Gallery

Steve and Jeanne will then be interviewed about the Journey on:
Friday, January 14, 2011 during the 10 AM WSPA show YOUR CAROLINA with Jack Roper and Kimberly Kelly.

Steve Quam is riding his bicycle independent of consistent physical outside support. He is self-sufficient, carrying his own tent & camping gear, food, water, & essentials of life in the bicycle trailer he is towing. He embraced this challenge to draw attention to a very important issue: Parkinson's Disease.
Part 1: View Video

Part 2: View Video 

 A quick word of thanks to all who were able to attend Steve’s CELEBRATION at St. Matthew UMC Saturday, November 6, 2010. As many recognize, we still have a few weeks on the journey to give updates for. Keep checking back for more.

December 7, 2010:
Thoughts from Steve Quam about his PEDAL FOR PARKINSON’S JOURNEY

In many encounters along the way, numerous questions have been posed. Two of which I did not have an immediate answer for. The first being, AM I GOING TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT IT?   The other is: WHAT PHYSICAL ENDEAVOR AM I GOING TO DO NEXT? Being basically a non-reader and non-writer, I hadn’t given the first question any prior thought. But since this has come up again, again and again in conversations with people, especially as they heard various stories about my trip, I now think this would be worthwhile to do. As with my trip, I will not follow a strict schedule. When it happens, it will happen. The trip required so much planning and effort on everybody’s part, that I hadn’t given any thought to what was next. So now I throw it out to all of you to give me ideas for my next endeavor (it doesn’t necessarily need to involve a bicycle) to continue to bring awareness of Parkinson’s to people and build on the momentum that has already been started. Please email your responses to my personal address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Below are 2 ‘new’ updates, finishing the final weeks of Steve’s Journey. Sorry for the delay in writing these up and getting them posted. It would behove you to read well down the updates, as several got ‘out of order’ as he neared his Edisto destination. We have been kept busy in part with end of trip Celebrations and interviews, including an article in The Greenville News,(South Carolina) November 21, 2010 (see www.stmatthewumc.net home page for link). Tonight, December 7, at 6 PM, the Anderson County Council will present Steve with a PROCLAMATION commending his Journey. Upcoming events: Television show PRIME OF LIFE with Bill Sweezy and Missy Johnson will feature Steve’s journey in the following venues:  Saturday, January 8, 2011 7:30 AM Columbia ABC WOLO; Sunday, January 9, 2011 8:00 AM Greenville’s FOX WHNS; and Monday, January 10, 2011 12:30-1 PM NBC Charleston. The following Friday, January 14, 2011 during the 10 AM WSPA show YOUR CAROLINA with Jack Roper and Kimberly Kelly, Steve and Jeanne will be interviewed about the Journey.

October 29, 2010
Steve’s last week on the road: Having enjoyed his own bed at home for 2 nights and reconnecting with many friends, Steve staved off the urge to sleep in, arranging to leave  with another riding partner for the Saturday jaunt to Greenwood. Hans rode with his own challenges: gear limitations, and a heel spur that makes walking-but not bicycling difficult. Even South Carolina has steep hills. Just ask either of these guys! Enjoying dinner with old friends started the week and with new friends ended the week. Sunday provided a short ride from host’s home to church, then a chance to play his flute & share with the congregation before an arduous ride alone through a lot more hills battling a headwind. He was rewarded that evening though with another of God’s perfect timing blessings: the host church gathered for their monthly dinner. After serving with Jeanne as Pumpkin Carvin’ Contest judge, Steve shared with the group some adventures of the road. After some photographs by a newspaper the next morning, he encountered some of the heaviest blinding thunderstorms of the trip, leading to stopping 2 blocks short of his destination for shelter. Happy to reach the church & a warm shower later, he had a quiet evening. People on the road the next day made up for the early morning rainy chill. Leveling the playing field is now making longer days ‘easier’, and soon the final day is upon him.

A surprise arrival of son, Mikkel, delays the start to reassemble Steve’s old Lambert bicycle (remember the ride across Mississippi while the Kinesis bicycle was being serviced?) and soon Steve’s old and ‘new’ bikes are ‘on the road’ toward Edisto Beach. Jeanne is nearby in the car until the final few miles, when she parks the car in deference for her bicycle to be part of the final stretch of Steve’s valiant effort to educate the nation about Parkinson’s. Greeted very warmly at stops enroute, & with photographer capturing those final miles, Steve, his bicycle and trailer were doused by the Atlantic ocean waves as the group gathered to cheer his monumental personal achievement and listen to him share about a dream come true. As if this were not enough excitement for the day, Steve’s hosts provided a dinner party and housing for Jeanne & Mikkel, too. This week God’s hands and feet were connected to Hans, The McCoys, Sandy, Luke, The Rambos, The Kecks, Harry, Judy, Mark, Terry, Ann, Henry & Harriet and party, Anjell; and UMC congregations at Tranquil in Greenwood, Harmony in Johnston, St. John’s in Aiken, Bethel Park in Denmark, Bethel in Walterboro and Edisto Beach.

We were left breathless with the multitude of blessings that God bestowed on Steve and our family during his journey. We never questioned the hand of God providing safety and protection every inch of Steve’s 4,224 miles, and every moment of his 4 month, 2 day physical exertion. Steve began his journey seeking prayer for a safe, enjoyable and productive ride to bring awareness to Parkinson’s. Those prayers were fully answered with more phenomenal contacts than Steve ever anticipated. We continue to praise God that we never had to call our “Safety list” into service, only twice having to send the hosts out to guide him ‘home’ for the night. There are no words to fully thank all who played a significant part in the safe attainment of the PEDAL FOR PARKINSON’S journey. May we all just lift our voice continuously in praise to GOD.

October 23, 2010 Update of Steve Quam’s PEDAL FOR PARKINSON’S Journey

After some challenging traffic and hills, Steve and his weekend riding partner, Roger, arrived to an abundance of food and provisions. Enroute they had found a Century Bicycle Ride for cancer awareness. At that Century Ride’s Rest Stop, Steve got his bicycle adjusted by a trained bicycle mechanic, and they both were nourished. The next day (Sunday), while Steve talked to the church youth, Roger shared with adults, and Jeanne connected with a host church down the road & continued to research ‘best route’ options for the few remaining rides toward home. Steve enjoyed having sporadic companionship on the road the previous weeks as Jeanne and Mikkel could join him, but Roger went a huge step further and towed the trailer! Oh what a relief it is! Some hosts could relate to the rigors of Steve’s physical undertaking: personally for one, vicariously for the other as their church had hosted another cross country bicyclist just the week before. The latter provided a wonderful evening opportunity to speak to the men’s leadership council. Host churches for the week provided volumes of food, fellowship, and comfortable ‘digs’ for each night midst immensely busy schedules for most. The ‘week’ culminated with the fastest 29 miles of the trip, arriving home at 11 AM. Steve reports his bicycle and trailer had a homing device that pulled him much like a magnet into Anderson, SC. The newspaper reporter came to the house, and by Sunday had written a wonderful article. Be sure to look it up if you haven’t already. The link to Anderson Independent Mail article Sunday, October 24, 2010

As further evidence of God’s perfect timing, Steve had enough time to ‘clean up his act’ before joining co-workers that evening to honor Roger for work in the Deaf community. Jeanne enjoyed having Steve home for nearly 48 hours before he headed out for his final week of this 4 month journey. Steve was immensely blessed by the hospitalities from Roger W, Ann, Laurie, Kelly, John Lloyd, Pam, Tom, Jim, Terry, Dell, Roger S, Mike; and Cumming, Gainesville, Homer, Carnesville, and Hartwell UMC’s.
October 18, 2010

In the middle of a full day of worship and fellowship in the Decatur/Falkville, AL communities, Steve bid Jeanne adieu for her travel back home & to work. Flute playing on this ‘rest day’ was true to Parkinson’s symptoms form: unpredictable. Steve was able to play nicely in the morning service, but unable to form an adequate embouchure in the evening service. The repairs on the Kinesis bicycle last week proved valuable when he approached the Eastern Mountain ranges, because the grades are steeper even though they are shorter. A discussion with Jeanne lead to the reworking of the route to Anderson, SC to avoid as many mountains as possible. Lookout Mountain Range extends from Chattanooga and seemed to be unavoidable, so Steve surprisingly found himself pushing the bicycle and trailer more than out West. The 55 mile day over the Eastern Mountains definitely was a challenge. He surpassed the 3,700 mile and 3,800 mile milestones this week, and, as it turned out, on the Tennessee River, he camped for his last time this trip. Entering into his 12th State, Georgia, also meant he crossed into the EASTERN TIME Zone on a long & arduous day. This brought him to the motel as the sun was all but hidden beneath the horizon. While several hoped for connections never materialized, the successful contacts were most accommodating. Last minute opportunities to speak to both Boy Scout leaders and a Girl Scout troop materialized in towns that were last minute additions to the route.  A friend traveled up to meet Steve and brought a friend along. What wonderful times with new and old friends, dinner hosts, & pastors. Praise be to God for providing the care, support, and protection Steve needed at just the right time and just the right amount. Thanks to Garth, The Robinson Family, Patty, Greg, Gary; Pastors Pearl, Mike, and Brian; Roundtop and Cornerstone Community Churches in Alabama; 1st Baptist Church of Decatur, AL; and Adairsville & Waleska, Georgia UMC’s.

October 11, 2010
After multiple worship & fellowship experiences with Covington 1st UMC, Steve, Jeanne and our son, Mikkel, bicycled the full 41.7 miles to Mikkel’s residence in Memphis. We had a great route into Memphis, avoiding the busiest of highways. While Mikkel returned to work Monday, Steve sought repair of his bicycle. It required several days in the shop, so Steve called his 38 year old Lambert bicycle that had been given to Mikkel back into service. This allowed Steve to continue the journey in the meantime.

Good progress was made through Mississippi before Jeanne drove Steve and Lambert back to Memphis to exchange bicycles for the rebuilt/reconditioned Kinesis bicycle after a 44 mile day of bicycling in Mississippi. Early the next morning, Steve closed out the few miles in Mississippi & entered his 11th state: Alabama. Fewer church connections during the week were more than compensated for with the comfort of having Jeanne along to SAG, and starting the week at Mikkel’s & ending it at niece Sonja’s homes. Tuesday, Steve and Jeanne bicycled to visit a former St. Matthew UMC family now living in Collierville, TN. It was great to visit with them. But the experience was further sweetened when Hilda produced a newspaper reporter within 30 minutes. Thanks to all the folks at Covington 1st UMC, Hilda & Sid, Kristine of Collierville Herald, Mikkel, Tony at Bicycle Plus, Memphis Bicycle Project, Gary, and the Lindsay family.

October 31, 2010

Steve Quam finished his solo bicycle ride Pacific waters to Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, October 28, 2010 about 4:00 PM thanks to many, many supporters. He is home safe and healthy. Be sure to continue to monitor this web site for the final weeks' diaries.

Steve Quam's Pedal for Parkinson's CELEBRATION AT ST. MATTHEW UMC, 701 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SOUTH CAROLINA will be held as a DESSERT SOCIAL (bring enough of your favorite dessert to share) on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 3:00 PM in the Gymnasium/Family Life Center.  Anybody who wants to bicycle/run/walk/cheer along any of the SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL from Travelers' Rest to the Cleveland Street YMCA (next to our church) should contact us ahead of time through This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   so we don't leave anybody behind that wanted to join us. The plan is to leave from the Trailhead adjacent to the Grandview Cemetery north of Travelers' Rest just off Hwy 276 around Noon.
Contact the church if you have any questions.

October 25, 2010

Steve featured in Anderson Independent

We are still behind on the weekly updates, but Steve is about to finish his Journey to Edisto Island. Please keep checking here for the final few weekly reports as there are many people to acknowledge.

Steve made it to Anderson on Thursday as planned. He took a rest day, then continued on toward the South Carolina Coast. Unlike previous reports, we are revealing his route for the final leg because he would love to see people along the way if anyone is nearby. He arrived safely in Aiken, will go into/through Denmark/Bamberg Tuesday, on to Walterboro on Wednesday. THURSDAY, October 28, 2010, IS the day he expects to dip his wheel in the Atlantic Ocean at Edisto Beach (straight ahead on SC 174 to the beach after parking area on the Left with Ocean right in front of you). I hesitate to give a time because he totally surprised me by arriving home hours ahead of what I thought he would last Thursday. Given the mileage for the day, 3 PM would be an absolute earliest arrival time. We will strive to arrive well before dark. If you can get there, we’d love it!

October 19, 2010

Sorry for the silence the last 2 update weeks. Steve has made great progress and finds himself fast approaching HOME in Anderson. He will pedal into Anderson on Thursday, OCTOBER 21. Please join him if you can to ride or to cheer him on. Contact Jeanne for details.

(suggested Thursday viewing would be the pieces of Hwy 81 and along Main Street in Homeland Park, or Broadway Lake Road piece either of which would be a bit less of a traffic issue-can see approaching for a bit of a distance, since the very final little bit once he leaves Broadway Lake Road to the house is virtually all 'downhill')
Here is a map so that you can welcome Steve home along his route to Anderson. Here are driving directions and mileage for the route as well.

October 4, 2010

 September 27, 2010

KATY TRAIL environs: Steve crossed the Kansas-Missouri border and was met with steep climbs. He arrived at his destination in time to rest a bit before Sunday Services with Adrian and Passaic UMC’s. Hosts are terrific between Katy Trail excursions. Clinton UMC folks bicycled the Trail more than an hour out with Steve to get him started off “on the right track” ; - ) The fellowship was wonderful. Steve had a golden surprise opportunity to speak to a large group of Boys Scouts about his Pedal For Parkinson’s journey at the end of that day. One of his rare rainy days greeted him as he left Boonville. Among interesting connections was a man on a recumbent trike pulling a one wheel trailer. The gentleman is a cancer survivor, but his doctor ordered no more 2 wheeled bicycling. Later on the trail he met a couple on 2 bikes headed to San Diego from Nags Head, North Carolina. I can see the headlines now: “Bicyclist chases dog”. As Steve was leaving the New Franklin Trailhead on the Katy Trail, a dog stood in the middle of the trail ahead. As he bicycled, the dog started yelping and running ahead on the trail as if being chased until a half mile later, the dog stopped, obviously frightened & ran back home past Steve. Steve continued to snake his way down the trail.

Did I say “SNAKE”? Many snakes crossed the trail as Steve was bicycling. But of most concern  was a very large diamondback rattlesnake on the trail as Steve carefully went by. He had a delicious & delightful lunch at Abigail’s in Rocheport, an artsy craftsy town. Additional wildlife of the week: 15 wild turkeys, hundreds of white heron. Unusual sightings: Several 4 & 8 person crew (competition rowing) boats in a backyard on the Trail near Providence, MO.  A blow-out on the trailer just approaching the pre-arranged Globe Hotel: a Bed & Breakfast built for the Railroad crews years ago, made for an extremely busy night and morning with 57 miles to cover the next day. Upon leaving the hotel, the hostess graciously provided muffins for the road. When Steve took a break & a bite of these scrumptious delights, he contemplated turning back, never to leave again. The historical tour of Hermann was most fascinating & informative. While Hwy 94 was great, Hwy 47 was extremely unfriendly and unforgiving of bicyclists, including the bridge across the Missouri river into Washington. Steve was saved from this chaos by his host who lead him on back roads more accommodating for bicyclists.

Much appreciation goes to The Synders, The Lucases; Don; Jim D; Steve; Elmer; Jeanette; John H;  Roger G; Katy Trail Advocate; and Adrian, Clinton, Sedalia, Boonville’s Nelson Memorial, Hermann, Washington UMC’s in Missouri. Just when it seems one host exceeds all expectations, another comes along and finds a new way to meet a need. Blessings to each and every one this week and each of the 90 days to date of Steve’s journey.

September 20, 2010
Steve Featured in Peabody Gazette-Bulletin (View Story)

NEWSPAPER INTERVIEWS! Kansas may be desolate and have wind and storms, but they also have some great reporters that communicate effectively with their readers. Three hosts arranged for interviews after Steve arrived in their area: Marion County Register/Hillsboro Star-Journal, Peabody Gazette-Bulletin (View Story), Emporia Gazette and the Lewisburg & Osawatomie Journals.  Steve’s brother, Dave, who made the first contact about Steve’s journey with most of the host Pastors over the past 84 days, surprised him. Dave & Joyce (parents of the infamous Becki who helped back in Montana) were ‘traveling through’ Kansas on their way to high school reunions. Dave bicycled with Steve while Joyce carried the gear between the hosting locations. It was wonderful to also have a couple of days where the local hosts met Steve on the road and transported the gear.

The week began and closed with previously planned community gathering at host churches. Each were ideal opportunities for Steve to share his story.

Thanks and blessings to all those who contributed to his journey this week. Financial, emotional, spiritual, and/or physical support came from: the many, many unknown by name, Don & Connie, Lanette & friend, Linda, Ginny, Mike E, Adam S, Nancy G, Katherine, Dan, Matt B, Melody, Carl & Johanna, The Fitzgerald’s, Dave & Joyce, January, Johnna & Tim, and Kristen W. This week’s churches were: McPherson, Eastmoor, Emporia, Waverly, Garnett, New Lancaster UMC’s and Countryside Covenant Church. Blessings have been heaped upon Steve each day by Angels God has placed in his path. Give God the Glory and praise!

September 13, 2010

Here is a link to two pictures of Steve with very short stories on him. It was in the emporiagazette.com on September 16, 2010. Click on 'multimedia' then on 'photos' if the link below doesn't work.

THORNS and FLAT TIRES and flat tires and flat tires...: As one might imagine, the week  proved to be challenging with strong Kansas plains headwinds and desolate terrain that lead to long and exhausting days. Upon the advice of one pastor, route modifications provided a longer day, but the anticipated tailwind did reduce the expended energy quotient, making it so much more manageable than what had been experienced earlier in the week. Within one 55 hour period, Steve had 5 flat tires. That would cause many of us to strongly consider abandoning the goal. He never implied such a thought crossed his mind, simply changing each tire as they occurred and moved on. However, he teased about getting Motel Room #13 in the midst of those 55 hours. Despite the flat tires, mostly attributed to an off pavement tires-only-encounter with a batch of thorns, Steve averaged 38.3 miles per day for the week.

Steve passed 2,500 miles on the same day as his 5th longest day of the trip at 65.8 miles, and his 5th flat tire of the week. He had a wide range of sleeping accommodations. While he directly had support from churches along the route every night but one, his week held the award for UNIQUE HOUSING: one night camping in a city park/frisbee golf course, another sleeping in what had been the choir loft of a Church recently converted into a home. Then there was the community’s ministerial alliance effort, which coordinated his housing in the local youth center. Provisions at a couple motels and churches rounded out the week and ALL WERE very much appreciated!

Most interesting conversation of the week was with about five 10 year old girls who saw him changing a couple of the previously mentioned flat tires in their local park. Without parental prodding, they seriously inquired about Steve’s trip, including the funding raising efforts, trying to learn how they might raise funds for their favorite charity. Hats off the the youth in Dighton! Ness City should get an award for FRIENDLIEST city! Other applause goes to: Ron W, Nancy P, Gene, Dennis, Rick, Warren, Mark & Jill, Tom S, Don S; Scott City Baptist Church & UMC & Ministerial Alliance; Lyons Church of the Nazarene; Eads, Dighton, Ness City, and Great Bend UMC’s. GOD IS SO GOOD !

September 6, 2010

REUNIONS and NEW BICYCLING PARTNERS: At the close of the last Update, Steve was pausing his push East on the bicycle, so that God could bless him with opportunities to be with his son, wife, mother, siblings, various other family & friends in his home town and home UMC. Timing was near perfect for Mikkel to be in Denver on a business trip within hours of Steve flying out of Denver, so they met at DIA briefly. Jeanne and Steve ‘touched down’ on separate flights into MSP within 15 minutes of the other where they gathered later that day with many family members & friends to celebrate Steve’s mom’s 98th birthday. He had opportunities throughout his brief stay there to share about Parkinson’s and his trip.

Once back in Denver, he was reunited with last week’s hosts & the gear he had stored with them. From Steve: “After breakfast at Heidi’s restaurant and a complete bicycle tour of Downtown Denver, I was escorted by a 60” high-wheeler, a 3 wheeler-recumbent, and a carbon fiber road bicycle.” These gentlemen (2 are persons with Parkinson’s) were amazing with colorful histories of their own and all very supportive of this Journey. Additional blessing arrived in the form of SAG support for the 3rd longest mileage-of-the-trip day at 68.3. Average daily since start of the trip stands at 32.13 miles.

Thanks to Kristi, Paul & Barbara B, Paul Z, Don & Jen H., Nancy B., Cooper, Mike & Ti, Carrie, Ben, Ron W., Yvonne & Gene E.; Highlands, Minnehaha, Parker, Limon, Hugo, and Kit Carson UMC’s. Remiss from last week: thanks also to Albertsen’s and Whole Foods.

August 30, 2010

SUPPORT and then MORE SUPPORT:  Last week we left you hanging with a teaser, because of the overwhelming support that Steve was entering. Fewer miles, but many, many connections were made with the famous and the not so famous. Each, however, made wonderful contributions to Steve’s ultimate goal of PARKINSON’S AWARENESS. Levi continued SAG duties through the weekend, sharing the hospitality of new friends. Levi has now made it safely home.

Steve was treated to: a Massage, the opportunity to be part of a Music Therapy Parkinson’s research project, board meetings & meetings with multiple donors to the Davis Phinney Foundation (and all supportive of Steve’s efforts), service on his bicycle and trailer, a photo shoot and dinner with Davis Phinney himself, an interview with a media specialist investigating the story, escort bicyclists to and from congested communities, bus tickets for the area, grocery store gift certificates, a fun ride in a restored 1930 Ford Model A Cabriolet and a full week of real beds in private homes or motel accommodations. There was little possibility of weight loss in this week with all the scrumptuous food. 

Daily miles were few, but he still reached the monumental 2,000 miles within 60 days of his departure from Anacortes, WA, completing travel through the 4th of 13 United States. He started the week by entering the 5th State, Colorado. Early trip estimates of 4,000 miles may be off several hundred miles, but he is not daunted by the task ahead.  He will soon explore the midwest plains with the major mountains behind him.

With the long list of assistants this week, I fear I’ll miss someone. Please forgive my error if I do & know Steve remembers all you did for him. Boat loads of thanks go to: Ray, Bill & Elaine, Steve S., Levi, Barbara H, Marian, Ruth, Sarah J, Amy, Cindy, Davis, Peggy, Keith, Sharon & Paul, Paul & Barbara, Paul & Carolyn, Ned & Mark, Sara P, Susie A, The Fort Collins Parkinson’s Support Group, and Christ UMC in Ft. Collins, Colorado staff and a multitude of parishioners, and Lee’s Cyclery, Campus Cycles. “Thanks to the hosts for putting Steve up and a special thanks to all for putting up with Steve.” (a Steveism)

August 23, 2010

MILEAGE: A major increase in miles per day was the highlight of this past week. He exceeded his previous daily record not just one day but twice, going 400.6 miles for the week, averaging 57.2 daily. The new ‘most miles in a day’ 80 mile trek was amazingly done without any support. In the middle of Wyoming, there was no good viable place to stop and he reports: “once I got on my way and was making good ground, I made the decision to go all the way to Lander.” Thanks to his very accommodating last-minute-notice hostess, & an understanding community member who allowed him to use her phone, Steve connected at the brink of darkness. Another operative phrase for the week was: no PHONE service. Coupled with tracker operator failure, connections to the support crew along the way created some challenging moments and rather high anxiety for some of us. On the eve of the last update, our nephew confirmed this was the week he could help SAG. Levi drove across the country for days each way. He found Steve on the route (praise God, Levi’s phone had service in the area, so Jeanne could provide timely ‘sightings’ of Steve’s whereabouts). His assistance made it possible for Steve to reach such a mileage pinnacle. It makes a huge difference in energy available to cover ground when Steve doesn’t need to tow the weight of the supplies in the trailer. Having to bicycle on the shoulder of the road with potholes and debris in Wyoming per Officer’s request was an energy zapper. There were definite challenges during the week. But for each, God provided safety and multiple blessings in the form of support: Medicine Bow Baptist Church and Lander, Rawlins & Laramie UMC’s; Trisha, John, and Levi. We seem unable to say thank you enough to our friends, family, supporters, and of course, to God. Stay tuned for next week’s update, as Steve receives an overwhelming outpouring of support as he enters his 5th State.

August 16, 2010

CAMPING was the name of the game this week. But isn’t that what all of us dream about when we visit our National Parks and Forests. He started in West Yellowstone, MT, and bicycled across the border into Wyoming and through Yellowstone NP, through Teton National Forest, and along the Rocky Mountains. He just kept climbing higher with mountain passes at 8,391’ and peaked at 9,658’ at the 3rd Continental Divide crossing for the week. Weather patterns generally were summer storms-fierce, followed by sunshine & calm. One storm caught him by surprise. He was camping at 8,600’ and the rain came heavy and long through the night. He awoke in the morning to an ice covered scene. Wisely, he crawled back into his sleeping bag and ‘let nature take it’s course to warm things up before continuing on his journey. Despite a late start to the day and another 1,000’ climb to Togwotee Pass, he traveled nearly 40 miles and rewarded himself with a motel bed, shower, and restaurant meal after 9 straight days of camping.

Sights he beheld: Old Faithful eruption, great blue heron, trumpeter swan, chipmunk, prairie dog, bull elk with a huge rack, separately a female elk, and a herd of elk. People were helpful and friendly along the way. Innumerable families reported they had ‘seen (him) on the road’ after he arrived at this or that campground. Of course, the wait to watch Old Faithful provided lots of time to share about Parkinson’s and the trip.

Daily average mileage dropped considerably for the week related to weather, steep climbs, consistently higher altitude, and another flat tire before he started out for the day, The last lead to a good thing: the first rest day since July 25. Nevertheless, he reached the 1,500 mile mark and entered his 4th State. God remains so faithful. He is truly an AWESOME GOD with a myriad of miracles woven throughout the journey. Thank you for your continuous prayers and thoughts! Blessings!

August 9, 2010

The week of new records: He raised his weekly daily average to 37.5 miles per day (32.23 miles/day over the 42 trip days). This increase was only realized with some great support. This time frame includes a final half day of SAG support from Becki and Jami so he was able to climb Chief Joseph Pass with less of a heavy load. The next day he climbed to a new high of 7,340’ while towing all of his own gear up Big Hole Pass. The unpleasant records were: back to back days of flat tires plus an equipment failure; and wind and rain storms became the unfortunate new normal. He camped more days this week than before on this trip. Bethel UMC graciously provided indoor housing & support, keeping his camping days to only 5 rather than six out of the seven nights.

Interesting people along the way: Mountain bicyclist going from Canada to Mexico across the Continental Divide Trail (met at Steve’s 1st crossing of the Continental Divide); Bicyclist couple from England; campers with colorful pasts who shared the little they had; a shepherd herding sheep; a Ranger who checked on his safety at 2 different campsites days apart; and a brochure photographer at Earthquake Lake. Becki had gotten the ball rolling by bicycling with Steve again at the start of the week. By Wednesday, his host bicycled out about 20 miles to meet him and ‘escort him home’, and then the next day bicycled with him for part of the day. If that wasn’t enough, this same host family transported his gear, making another very steep climb 2 days later less arduous. A reward to all was an assemblage to reconnect Steve with his gear and these hosts, as well as to Montana friends who formerly lived in South Carolina. The 2 couples and Steve shared a wonderful meal & fellowship before going their separate ways once again.

Among the many blessings of the week was the home CVS Pharmacist, Travis, who relieved Jeanne’s anxiety by arranging for an independent pharmacy to fill Steve’s prescriptions. Thanks also to Sara in Dr. Carr’s office, Ennis Pharmacy, Becki, Jami, Rev. Nardi, Bethel and Dillon Grace UMC’s, the Kirshes and the Batchelors for their parts in Steve’s journey.

August 2, 2010

View Video Interview

What an amazing week! The support and opportunities to share with family and many new friends have made the week fly by. Even the miles purred along pretty well. He averaged a few less per day this week than last, at just under 32.5, but reached his next highest per day on this trip with great support from two guests. His niece & a friend traveled from Reno ( yes, NEVADA!) to SAG and bicycle along for parts of two days. While the trio were together, they weathered 2 hail storms-one with hail ping pong ball size! God was watching over Steve this week beyond the weather, so we are so grateful for the 1,000 safely-traveled-mile mark. He had an interview with the Missoula NBC affiliate’s early morning show, MONTANA TODAY and earlier had received this report from a passerby: “I read about you in the Bozeman paper.” We have yet to receive a copy of the later, but hope someone will be able to produce it for his scrapbook. We have received several positive responses to the TV interview. One of Davis Phinney’s former teachers stopped to swap memories, as did other motorists, bicyclists & pedestrians. Steve stopped to share with the Adventure Cycling folks who create many maps for trips like these. His picture now graces their wall along with many many others who use their maps and have ridden through the area. Speaking of pictures, thanks to cousin Sharon, his pictures were finally sent to Jeanne, some new pictures will grace the web sites soon. Thanks also to others who spent time with Steve recently for sending pictures. Assistance ranged from very public: keci-tv13 staff, ACA staff to an array of connections with organizations, family and new friends: GWRRA Virgil and Pat, Sharon, Ken, Becki, Jami, Bishop Rogers, Bigfork & Stevensville UMC’s. Thanks to all. Blessings to all who have lifted Steve up with your prayers, your presence, and/or your tangible gifts.
 

July 26, 2010

Steve reached several Milestones and First’s for this ride or his lifetime during the week.
He has completed more miles than for any previous bicycle trip, reaching 800 miles on his final approach to Glacier National Park on his 26th day of the trip. He managed to avoid being chased by any dogs until mile 844, when in South Carolina perspective, “a dog the size of a horse” broke the spell. No harm done, as the dog responded to it’s owner’s beckoning and Steve’s firm: “GO HOME!” He went the farthest in one day on THIS trip: 67.1 miles, so he had time for an up and back dip into British Columbia north of Eureka, MT, the next day. His original plan from Idaho to Canada was determined to be unreasonable before he embarked on that leg, due to a gravel road surface & extremely high Pass elevation. He was rewarded at the end of the Canada excursion (on bicycle, mind you) day with a wood-fire-heated hot tub & luxuries far & above the most exclusive remote Resort. He was PASSED by a tractor hauling a load of Hay during a rest break. Later, he PASSED the tractor back. On another day, he played leap frog with a SAG supported trio bicycling for Dystonia awareness. We wish much success to their team. He enjoyed playing his flute for more church services, but this week he also had a public audience in the National Park. A 7 year old girl was mesmerized for minutes on end as he played, primarily for his own enjoyment. His week was split fairly evenly between homes & camping. On his long 14 1/3 hour day covering over 67 miles, he got caught in a thunderstorm. But, he also had the privilege to see more turkeys, deer, and an osprey nest which eased the stress of such a long day. Missed in last week’s report were the sighting of a flock of 25-30 wild turkeys up close, then three Eagles while cycling, as well as Elk and deer in one host’s yard. The 2nd storm of the week hit a few hours after his arrival in Glacier NP. It left gear wet for days, but hostesses/hosts down the road rectified the situation post haste upon his arrival. He appreciates the SAG support (Support And Gear transport) as situations allowed. Travel is considerably easier without the trailer, or even with much of the weight removed from the trailer when gear can be taken by car/truck to a point down the road. He enjoyed a bicycle ride with host teenage children, and added a bundle of miles trying to communicate with Jeanne so she could coordinate a visit for sight seeing Glacier National Park with his cousin: Mission accomplished! Steve finds other bicyclists, & the public supportive, including those that are delayed by his slow progress up steep terrain. Average miles per day for the week: 36.5. The shout out list includes those directly providing food, shelter, laundry & grooming facilities as well as social time & leisure excursions. But this week there were also a host of folks ‘behind the scenes’ organizing & facilitating the safe, enjoyable, & productive progress toward his goal. Thanks to Pastor Brent & family, the Mauritsen crew, Sue & Joe, Dianne, Larry, Jane, Chelli, Loren, Katie, Mary, Eric, Chris, Dave, Sandi, Cindy, and Glacier Rafting Co. We continuously thank God for Steve’s safety in this endeavor. We covet your prayers.
 

July 19, 2010 

After an invigorating (ok, more honestly, tiring) morning 1 1/2 HOUR additional 1000’ elevation climb to the summit of Sherman Pass (at 5675’), Steve descended the first 1000’ elevation drop in 6 MINUTES. The remainder of the descent to Kettle Falls was not so dramatic & all of it brought him safely to his night’s pre-arranged lodging. He did find himself riding on a flat tire before the end of the day, however. Prepared for that eventuality, he took it in stride, did what he had to do, but not before “the heaven’s opened up”. Given the heat and dehydration he had experienced just hours before, there was more relief than distress & he carried on after Nature’s Shower. He was privileged to worship with & play his flute for the Colville congregation at their annual Columbia River-side worship service. Steve has had several wonderful, patient hosts/hostesses this past week. He shared dinners; reflected on common acute psychiatric work experiences; visited an auto museum (among his favorite vacation past times); took a tour & got a history lesson of the sights in Sandpoint, ID; renewed connection with a couple of women who had seen him earlier on the ride; and was surprised by the availability of wireless internet connections as he rolled through little Addy, Washington. After a rest day, he returned to pedaling more energized and increased his mileage so that he averaged 43 miles daily over this week. Fewer major mountains on the route certainly was a contributing factor. The need to camp only once was instrumental in the increased daily miles, too. Setting up and breaking down camp requires much time and energy. Steve is so pleased to have had the opportunity to be with other people for a few hours a day wherever he has been hosted. Additional shout outs of thanks go to Coeur d’Alene’s Community UMC, Sandpoint UMC, and the Troy and Libby, Montana UMC’s as well as to the Brown’s in Spokane and Tim in Bonner’s Ferry for their generosity and support.

July 12, 2010

Despite another range of high mountain passes, Steve improved his average per day to 26 miles by doing very long days. More than one night he found himself seeking a place to set up camp at the side of the road because darkness was closing in. Although he arrived at a 4,020’ elevation campground outside Okanogan well before dark, it’s water system was not working. This forced him to descend the mountain for lodging, arriving in twilight conditions. Later in the week, he had to stop as darkness enveloped the mountain just shy of his goal to camp at an even higher elevation. He stayed in city parks, a fledgling campground and found respite another couple of nights in motels: extremely opposites in amenities. Mazama has quite a resort but the Shell station with rooms in Tonasket provided shelter adequate for a weary pedaler (or is that peddler? as Steve would quip). And about another town, Steve said: “I am now leaving Twisp, after all it is only a Twisp of fate that I spent the night here.” He enjoyed conversations across the road to on-coming long distance bicyclists and wishes each of them the best on their journey. Shout outs to the woman who persisted in the search to find him in the unincorporated, almost-2-business-town of Wauconda after hearing a News Report about his Pedal for Parkinson’s tour (thanks to Eric) and the woman who bought his lunch in Republic. Thanks to the Wauconda Campground owners for the tent and waived fee as a donation to the cause. His health is holding, taking a rest day after a mountainous day that wore out his knee. Jeanne sends a big thank you to Chris for developing the PFP pages you see here.

July 5th, 2010

Steve is averaging about 20 miles per day, hauling in his bicycle trailer over 100 lbs of essentials to stay self-sustaining. The climbs are extremely slow and difficult. He brakes hard to keep the speed at 30 MPH on the downhills. He has encountered drizzles of rain on occasion, and snow at public rest areas (Elevation 5,477’), but more frequently the weather is fine for bicycling. About one campsite he said: “I’m along a beautiful mountain river with the view of snow capped mountains above and a high waterfall.” Wildlife includes Does and Bucks in close proximity. Shout outs go to Anacortes UMC, Sedro-Woolley UMC, Marblemount Assembly of God, brother Dave, sister Patricia, cousin Katie and Katie’s friend Richard who supplied a roadside camping location. Thanks to the National Park Rangers who checked in on Steve’s safety following someone else’s bear sighting. He has had some opportunities to informally share about Parkinson’s, and a family shared their lunch at a mountain pass rest area.
 

Day 1

After visiting with family who live or were visiting the Seattle area, Steve & his belongings were transported to Anacortes, Washington. He had the privilege to 'sit-in' as musicians call it, with the Contemporary Service band at the United Methodist Church there before he visited the beach of the Pacific waters and he began his 4 month trek bicyling East.

A last minute offer from another United Methodist Church down the road provided him a dry place to spend his 'first night on his own'.