Rob Paddor's Ride to Recovery
Daily Blog
Gulf Coast Challenge. March 4-March 9, 2012
New Orleans, LA to Tallahassee, FL
6 days and 400+ Miles
Daily Blog
Gulf Coast Challenge. March 4-March 9, 2012
New Orleans, LA to Tallahassee, FL
6 days and 400+ Miles
March 9, 2012. The Ride Ends
Van #6 finally arrives for the final lunch stop of the ride. Robert, our driver had picked up 2 more tired and weary cyclers, and the 3 of us walk to the USO Canteen for our final tasting of lunch, R2R style, Ramen noodle, Chili Mac, Bananas, oranges, pickles and energy snacks. We fill our water bottles for the last time, as we wait for the rest of riders to meet up with us so we can ride together for the final 15 miles to Tallahassee. They finally show up and we all start clapping, congratulating them for their efforts, because 20 or so of the riders started 108 miles back and are ready to join the rest of the fleet. Those riders finish their lunch and we line up for the final time. You could start to feel the emotion and the sadness that the ride will soon be over.
Soon the Florida State Police and County Sheriffs join us and escort us for the final miles. The pace is quick and we see more flags and Americans cheering us on as we make our way Downtown.
We fight the last few hill climbs and know that our final destination is close. After a few turns we make our way to the Doubletree Hotel in Tallahassee. The streets are narrow and then we are asked to ride one more lap, to City Hall. As we circle, we see more signs and thank you's and waves from City officials. We return to our hotels and get off out bikes for the last time. Many of the riders start hugging each other, because they know that we completed this ride together. It wasn't about any individual, but the group and the support we have shown for one another during the week.
Some lyrics from the music of Spring Awakening, the musical, epitomize this week:
Those you've known, and lost they walk behind you,
All alone, they linger till they find you,
Without them, the world goes dark around you,
And nothing is the same, until you know that they have found you.
Now they'll walk on my arm through the distant night.
And I won't let them stray from my heart
Through the wind, through the dark, through the winter light
I will read all their dreams to the stars
I'll walk now with them
I'll call on their names
I'll see their thoughts are known
I'll never let them go
They walk with my heart
And one day all will know
Lyrics(assorted)-Steven Sater
March 8/9, 2012. Days 7/8
I never got a chance to write last night, because of last night's activities which included a fried chicken dinner at a Shriner's clubhouse. Because of the long ride to Tallahassee, we had specific instructions for today's ride, including a time change to EST and a 108 mile leg.
Yesterday's ride, however, was the shortest leg of the week, only 59 miles. We left Ft. Walton Beach yesterday to promising skies and a little less wind. A JrROTC group led the Pledge of Allegiance and then we made our way east. Other than beach towns, there was no historical elements in yesterday's ride, however, on the way to Panama City, we passed through a couple of newer beach communities. Wyse and Rosemary Beach had the cutest little town and newer homes, apartments and shops, than anything I've seen on our Beach ride. The headwinds still were there, but with tight drafting, we kept up a decent pace. When we got to mile 50, I hit a wall and several riders, Terri, Ray, Dan, Danny Jerry and Robert helped me make it to the hotel, by having my back. Our rooms weren't ready, but our hotel, Wyndham Bay Resort, had a spa. Although I couldn't get any spa services, they were booked, it gave me a chance to use there jacuzzi and shower facilities, which were new and impressive. Like I said, the Shriner's served us a delicious chicken dinner and gave us a chance to enjoy something, other than pasta. Afterwards, the USO had an evening planned of, America's Got Talent. Karoke at its finest entertained the riders and the top entertainer received a Kindle. Being my last night on the ride, I wanted to get out a bit and took a cab to Pineapple Willie's a old family owned restaurant bar on the beach in Panama City. I rounded up a few riders and enjoyed a few drinks, alligator bites and nachos, and some terrific Raggae which now brings me to today.
Everyone was up early as we end the ride today in Tallahassee. Because of the length of today's ride, 108 miles, all groups other than 108 ride milers were driven to a point, 37 miles closer to Tallahassee, which is where most riders began their ride. Because of my sore ribs, I'm taking the morning portion of the ride off, but I will finish the last 15 miles with the entire group, at our coordinated last lunch stop. That's it for now, I'm in a chase car picking up riders who ran out of gas and our now joining me and driver, Robert, in Van #6. Our driver Robert, is Army in Ft. Polk, Louisiana and was recruited just to,assist the riders by blocking traffic and, offering rides to riders as they wear out.
Tonight I'll finish up my blog, as I say goodbye to all my wonderful Military friends and staff from Ride2Recovery.
March 7, 2011. Day 6
Even with our American Legion Pastor praying for wind conditions for our ride, the wind got even heavier and the sunshine disappeared, with dark clouds. Although I've ridden 215 out of 217 miles, I didn't feel great when I woke up and I figured I was good for maybe 15 to 20 miles. The ride from Orange Beach, AL. to Ft. Walton Beach, FL. is 74 miles. I did make one brilliant decision though, I decided to switch and ride with the "D" newer riders, instead of the "C" better riders. There are "A" and "B" riders, as well, but they are in a total different class. I felt that yesterday's pace wore me out with going 15-16 mph, in a 20 mph headwind and today felt like 25 mph winds, with gusts over 30 mph.
We left at 9:00 and started with a slow pace of 10-11 mph. We were bunched up, for the purpose of drafting, which means that the riders in front block a good portion of the wind. I had a gas!! We had riders in our group called, "Redneck", "Tugboat", "Seabass" and of course, Gramps, which is R2R staff rider, Jim Penseyres.
The wind blowing on the beach was rough, but we kept plodding along. My Garmin, which records time, miles and calories went dead 5 minutes into the ride, so I didn't have the tools to help me. The first 7 miles were on the beach, but then we entered Florida and went a little North and trees and homes blocked some of the bluster. At this point, the sun decided to come out, but the strong winds continued. We entered the Pensacola city limits, where we stopped for an early lunch at American Legion Post 33. The early lunch gave me the energy I needed to keep going and then we came across a long bridge with a big hill. As we were going up, I got stuck behind a slow recumbent bike. I went around the rider and powered myself up the hill and then crashed, when my wheel hit my pedal cage while I was riding and I wiped out. I went down hard on my right elbow and forearm. The good news was, that we were going up a hill and with little speed, so my road rash was minimal. I did get back on the bike and kept going. After crossing the bridge, we went east to Gulf Breeze Pensacola and went back on the beach road. The winds were so strong for the next 10 miles there was a mini sand storm. There were no boats out or sun bathers. We did see a couple of kite board sailors, but it certainly wasn't a beach day. We stayed in our pack and carried on. We took a couple of water breaks, to hydrate and rest and kept going. I went another 50 miles and finished the ride adding 74 miles to my new total of 289 miles of riding in 4 days.
Dinner was at another American Legion Post and we had a repeat of salad and spaghetti and meatballs. Tonight was Beach Volley Ball night with ice cream sundaes. The USO continues to add quality entertainment to our wounded veterans. Tomorrow, we head to Panama City, a shorter ride of 59 miles. Let's pray for a wind shift!!
March 6, 2011. Day 5
Another beautiful morning in the South. Once again plenty of sunshine, but we had a 15 to 20 mile an hour headwind, which stayed with us all day. The pace was fast and the hills in Mobile, AL were brutal. After breakfast, we headed to downtown Mobile to have a meet and great with Mayor Sam Jones. He invited his city council to participate in the ceremony, where we heard great news with the Mobile Police. They agreed to let us use their underground tunnel which goes under a large portion of Mobile Bay. This allowed us to cut 8 miles from our ride. Cheers followed. Afterwards, we rode to the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Park on Mobile Bay. Aside from the battleship, there were retired airplanes, helicopters and monuments. We stayed for about 30 minutes and took pictures of these Military relics.
After we left, the hills going south became an obstacle for the weaker riders. We were told earlier in our ride briefing, that lunch was at mile 31. Between the hills and the headwinds, it felt like 100 miles. Even with R2R staff riders at my back, literally pull me along, the hills wore me out and I bailed with 1 or 2 miles short of our lunch stop. However, after a lunch of Ramen noodle, oranges, honey roasted nuts and Monster drink beverages, I got back on my bike and finished the ride, going another32 miles. My 3 day total is approximately 215 miles and I've burned over 14,500 calories.
We finally made our way to Orange Beach, our last night in Alabama. We are in a Hilton Garden Inn hotel, and me and my roommate, Andy, have a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Tonight was another American Legion dinner, with Post 44 in Gulf Shores, AL. What made this night a bit different, we had a reception with up to 25 Legion members, both husbands and wives, greeting each rider with handshakes and hugs, thanking them all for their Service in the Military. The dinner was delicious, which include hot bread, salad, spaghetti, followed by white cake. John Wordin donated another signed jersey to the Legion Commander and then I put the thought in John's head to ask the Legion Pastor to pray for a wind shift. His prayers were heard and we hope for winds out of the west at our backs to make our 72 mile ride to Ft. Walton Beach more manageable.
Lastly, I want to share with you, the love and patriotism that Southern Americans have shown throughout our 3 day ride. Streets are lined with these citizens and the cheers and love they show is extraordinary. I saw a sign yesterday that says it all, "Because of you, we are free.". The ride wraps up Friday for me, when we finish in Tallahassee.
March 5, 2012. Day 4
Another day of beautiful sunshine in Gulfport, MS. The Gulf of Mexico was
sparkling without a cloud in the sky. Gulfport Mayor George Schloegel returned and
gave a great send off to the riders and shared what a wonderful home it is for
Military veterans. There is a lot of Military industry on the Gulf coast, including
the builder of drones that have been very successful on our war on terror. Our
first stop was a Military retirement community with magnificent grounds and newer
buildings. The veterans were lined up cheering and sharing their stories with the
riders. We then headed over to Keesler Air Force Base and did a ceremonial loop
around their entire facility of barracks, a small airport, and a golf course that
was being enjoyed by servicemen and their wives. We saw cadets jogging and the
riders were yelling out, Oorah, you dirty dogs and Semper Fi.
We then got back on Highway 90, that is just above the Gulf and continued on to
Biloxi, where we saw some rebuilding going on and several casinos. We then rode up
to a huge bridge, with plenty of hill climb, over the Bay of Biloxi and enjoyed the
panoramic views. We then left the coast continuing east and headed to Pascagula,
where the the Gulf returned and crossed 2 tall bridges and that's where I had my
first flat tire. A Shimano mechanic was right behind me and he and Danny Lupold, an
R2R staff rider, did a quick tire and wheel change in less than 30 seconds, and then
I was back on the road.
We finally got to the 35 mile mark and American Legion Post 160 hosted lunch, with a
Mardis Gras theme. Lunch consisted of the usual peanut butter and honey sandwiches,
Ramen noodle, cut up oranges, bananas and assorted desserts. At mile 48, we entered
Alabama state line, as the riders cried out some redneck slang. We finally reached
Mobile, which is miles North from the coast and at 70 miles, entered the Holiday
Inn. We were greeted by Army soldiers, in their digital camo and they assisted us
with our bags. Entering the hotel, we saw 8 or 9 massueses from a local Massage
Envy offering free massages. I signed up and 45 minutes later I had a serious neck
and shoulder massage, including stretching of my legs and arms. I was in a daze, as
I heard Chris Swan, R2R staff member, an announce that the bus was leaving in 2
minutes. I sprinted to my room, changed and just made the bus, as we enjoyed
another dinner from American Legion Post 250, which included pulled pork sandwiches,
baked beans and potato chips. We returned to our hotel after announcements and 2
rounds of Happy Birthday for one R2R rider and one staff member.
Upon our return, the USO set-up a Casino Night, which every person was given $2000.
in fake money, with a picture of Jeff Hill, V.P. USO U.S. Operations on it. The
games included black jack, poker games, roulette and a craps. The action was loud
and the riders got to turn in their winnings, with a chance to win raffle prizes
that included an iPod, digital camera, a Kindle and 2 Guitar Heroes. A good time
was had by all.
Lastly, I wanted to share with you my ride success. I have completed 151 miles in 2
days, and have burned off more than 10,000 calories, according to my Garmin. The
ride continues tomorrow, with another 79 miles as we enter Orange Beach and a NASCAR
night, which is in the works.
March 4. Day 3 Let's ride!
The day started at 6:00 a.m. of packing our bags, breakfast and a 8:15 ride briefing. The sun was out, as we made our way to the National World War II Museum, our first stop. We were treated to an unbelievable performance by the "Victory Belles", a vocal trio who sang all the old standards from the World War II era and could have been mistaken for the Andrew Sisters, in their vintage uniforms, hairdos, make up and 3 part harmonies. Presentations were given by a local Army Lt. Colenel and R2R rider Michael McNaughton, new Director of Veteran Affairs for the state of Louisiana. A special guest made an appearance and spoke briefly, Paul Prudhomee, chef and restauranteur of the legendary K-Paul Louisiana Kitchen, a French Quarter landmark.
We finally departed on our ride, which took us back up the Mississippi river, and East out of downtown New Orleans. The ride continued through some of the devastated parts of New Orleans, that are still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina. Our ride made it's way up Elysian Fields, and then turned east up Robertson crossing the famous Desire street. We crossed a bridge out of New Orleans and climbed and then I witnessed a terrible bike accident on the downhill, a cycler losing control, flying off the bike and rolling down the bridge like a rag doll. He was finished for the day. Ride highlights included cycling through the bayous and forests of Louisiana, as we made our way into Mississippi. At mile marker 60, we were hosted to a nice lunch by a local Americam Legion Auxillary Post 77 in Waveland MS. Before long, the Gulf of Mexico was on our right and old Civil War homes were on our left as we made our way to Bay St. Louis and our last stop Gulfport, 79.1 miles from New Orleans. Needless to say, I was beat, with sore thighs, hands, shoulders and neck. Two Advils later, I cleaned up and enjoyed a 7:00 dinner hosted in our hotel, by the same American Legion Post.
Dinner included, pulled pork, beans, potato salad and cole slaw. Tonight's speakers included, the mayor of Gulf Port, rider and USO executive, Jeff Kent and Congressman Steven Palazzo. Additional highlights included a $10,000 check from the American Legion Post and some crude comedy from some local comedy clubs. Tomorrow is another long ride, 65 miles to Mobile, AL.
March 3, 2012 Day 2 GCC Pre-Ride
After hosting such a wonderful dinner party, John Wordin, President of Ride2Recovery, asked me if I was interested in giving a tour of New Orleans, on our bikes. Our ride group included Sara Bell, John's assistant and Jim Penseyres, veteran and R2R staff bike fitter. I suggested we start our ride with a stop at Cafe Dumond, a historic coffee shop that brews coffee and chicory and makes donuts called beignets, a New Orleans specialty. Afterwards we biked up the Mississippi river on the landmark Riverwalk. We then headed up St. Charles Ave. and made our way uptown. We made a left on Louisiana Ave. and headed to another New Orleans gem, the Garden district, which features magnificent antebellum homes. We segued up Prytania St. and entered the beautiful Audobon Park. Audubon Park is just how I remembered from my college days, with huge oak trees, with hanging Spanish moss. The park was busy with walkers, cyclers, golfers and families. We headed North, got back to St. Charles and entered the Tulane campus, which is directly across the street from the park. Being at Tulane, gave me a dejavu, as I shared old college stories and pointed out the beautiful historic buildings. We headed back downtown so we could be there for the 11:00 a.m. R2R rider registration. It was great to see my R2R family, as we shared stories again from our 9/11 ride last September. Lunch followed with oysters on the half shell and another oyster po-boy. The afternoon included a mandatory ride meeting at 3:00, going over all the rules of the ride/road.
Dinner was called for 7:00 in the opulent hotel ballroom. Our dinner cuisine included red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, and a spicy chicken dish. Dessert included bread pudding, with creme fraiche and square pecan bars. Our dinner speakers included title sponsor, United Health Care and Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed (USMC, Ret.). The Lt. Col. was a pretty funny guy, who asked us to spend money in our restaurants, bars, and suggested parking tickets were okay, too. He said New Orleans needs the revenue. Lastly, he said be careful, because we don't mind the money, in the event you get arrested. The house cracked up and you could here Marines with their customary call, Oorah, battle cry!! The night ended with a few drinks at the comfortable hotel bar. I was so tired and I never made it back to the French Quarter.
March 2, 2012 Gulf Coast Challenge Pre-Ride
After getting an award seat in First Class, my arrival in New Orleans went without a hitch, sans major turbulence for the first hour of our flight. Little did we know that tornados were destroying the Midwest below us, with death and destruction. My old Tulane friend, Alan Smason, picked me up at the airport and our first stop was a regular lunch spot from my college days called Domilise's. After devouring a fried oyster po-boy, we went to the PBS studio, WYES, and I watched a taping of a local show, called Stepping Out, which is a show like, ABC's 190North, a show which previews New Orleans culture. Alan is a featured panelist who reviews and previews New Orleans theater. He dropped me off at the hotel, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, afterwards, that just reopened following a $300Million renovation, post Katrina. I met up with some R2R staff and scheduled a dinner party for eight, at Dickie Brennan's Palace Cafe. We all enjoyed the Cajun food and subsequently walked off dinner in the French Quarter. We walked up Royal and saw magnificent French antique stores, made a left on St. Louis and crashed Antoine's restaurant, where I gave everyone a tour of the of this historical gem. Dining rooms include, Wine, 1840, Escargot, Rex and Proteous rooms to name a few. These dining rooms include vintage photos, Mardis Gras costumes, including all the props, beads and Mardis GRAS doubloons. Our tired group walked back to our hotel, after a brief stroll on Bourbon Street.
The day started at 6:00 a.m. of packing our bags, breakfast and a 8:15 ride briefing. The sun was out, as we made our way to the National World War II Museum, our first stop. We were treated to an unbelievable performance by the "Victory Belles", a vocal trio who sang all the old standards from the World War II era and could have been mistaken for the Andrew Sisters, in their vintage uniforms, hairdos, make up and 3 part harmonies. Presentations were given by a local Army Lt. Colenel and R2R rider Michael McNaughton, new Director of Veteran Affairs for the state of Louisiana. A special guest made an appearance and spoke briefly, Paul Prudhomee, chef and restauranteur of the legendary K-Paul Louisiana Kitchen, a French Quarter landmark.
We finally departed on our ride, which took us back up the Mississippi river, and East out of downtown New Orleans. The ride continued through some of the devastated parts of New Orleans, that are still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina. Our ride made it's way up Elysian Fields, and then turned east up Robertson crossing the famous Desire street. We crossed a bridge out of New Orleans and climbed and then I witnessed a terrible bike accident on the downhill, a cycler losing control, flying off the bike and rolling down the bridge like a rag doll. He was finished for the day. Ride highlights included cycling through the bayous and forests of Louisiana, as we made our way into Mississippi. At mile marker 60, we were hosted to a nice lunch by a local Americam Legion Auxillary Post 77 in Waveland MS. Before long, the Gulf of Mexico was on our right and old Civil War homes were on our left as we made our way to Bay St. Louis and our last stop Gulfport, 79.1 miles from New Orleans. Needless to say, I was beat, with sore thighs, hands, shoulders and neck. Two Advils later, I cleaned up and enjoyed a 7:00 dinner hosted in our hotel, by the same American Legion Post.
Dinner included, pulled pork, beans, potato salad and cole slaw. Tonight's speakers included, the mayor of Gulf Port, rider and USO executive, Jeff Kent and Congressman Steven Palazzo. Additional highlights included a $10,000 check from the American Legion Post and some crude comedy from some local comedy clubs. Tomorrow is another long ride, 65 miles to Mobile, AL.
March 3, 2012 Day 2 GCC Pre-Ride
After hosting such a wonderful dinner party, John Wordin, President of Ride2Recovery, asked me if I was interested in giving a tour of New Orleans, on our bikes. Our ride group included Sara Bell, John's assistant and Jim Penseyres, veteran and R2R staff bike fitter. I suggested we start our ride with a stop at Cafe Dumond, a historic coffee shop that brews coffee and chicory and makes donuts called beignets, a New Orleans specialty. Afterwards we biked up the Mississippi river on the landmark Riverwalk. We then headed up St. Charles Ave. and made our way uptown. We made a left on Louisiana Ave. and headed to another New Orleans gem, the Garden district, which features magnificent antebellum homes. We segued up Prytania St. and entered the beautiful Audobon Park. Audubon Park is just how I remembered from my college days, with huge oak trees, with hanging Spanish moss. The park was busy with walkers, cyclers, golfers and families. We headed North, got back to St. Charles and entered the Tulane campus, which is directly across the street from the park. Being at Tulane, gave me a dejavu, as I shared old college stories and pointed out the beautiful historic buildings. We headed back downtown so we could be there for the 11:00 a.m. R2R rider registration. It was great to see my R2R family, as we shared stories again from our 9/11 ride last September. Lunch followed with oysters on the half shell and another oyster po-boy. The afternoon included a mandatory ride meeting at 3:00, going over all the rules of the ride/road.
Dinner was called for 7:00 in the opulent hotel ballroom. Our dinner cuisine included red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, and a spicy chicken dish. Dessert included bread pudding, with creme fraiche and square pecan bars. Our dinner speakers included title sponsor, United Health Care and Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed (USMC, Ret.). The Lt. Col. was a pretty funny guy, who asked us to spend money in our restaurants, bars, and suggested parking tickets were okay, too. He said New Orleans needs the revenue. Lastly, he said be careful, because we don't mind the money, in the event you get arrested. The house cracked up and you could here Marines with their customary call, Oorah, battle cry!! The night ended with a few drinks at the comfortable hotel bar. I was so tired and I never made it back to the French Quarter.
March 2, 2012 Gulf Coast Challenge Pre-Ride
After getting an award seat in First Class, my arrival in New Orleans went without a hitch, sans major turbulence for the first hour of our flight. Little did we know that tornados were destroying the Midwest below us, with death and destruction. My old Tulane friend, Alan Smason, picked me up at the airport and our first stop was a regular lunch spot from my college days called Domilise's. After devouring a fried oyster po-boy, we went to the PBS studio, WYES, and I watched a taping of a local show, called Stepping Out, which is a show like, ABC's 190North, a show which previews New Orleans culture. Alan is a featured panelist who reviews and previews New Orleans theater. He dropped me off at the hotel, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, afterwards, that just reopened following a $300Million renovation, post Katrina. I met up with some R2R staff and scheduled a dinner party for eight, at Dickie Brennan's Palace Cafe. We all enjoyed the Cajun food and subsequently walked off dinner in the French Quarter. We walked up Royal and saw magnificent French antique stores, made a left on St. Louis and crashed Antoine's restaurant, where I gave everyone a tour of the of this historical gem. Dining rooms include, Wine, 1840, Escargot, Rex and Proteous rooms to name a few. These dining rooms include vintage photos, Mardis Gras costumes, including all the props, beads and Mardis GRAS doubloons. Our tired group walked back to our hotel, after a brief stroll on Bourbon Street.
