And Now….Deep Thoughts…. by Mona Abalona

To sum up my 10 days with Pops Ride in just a few paragraphs is going to be tough.  I thought coming in mid ride would be more stressful seeing as the guys all had their routines locked down, but no, it was a smooth transition, out with the old, Dwayne and Jerry ( no pun intended) and in with the new, but since Nate-Dog is only 19 it is safe to say. Nathanial, Keith, and I arrived in Medford OR and we were met by Dwayne's wife Grace. Grace had the patience to drive for 3 hours, pick up 3 strangers and then drive for a few more hours just to pick up her husband, she must have missed him.  After some instructions from Shane, we were ready to settle in for the night.

What an adventure I had, from Medford OR to Paso Robles CA, it was fun, exciting and full of laughs. Oh don't get me wrong there were a few tense moments.  Sorry Doris, I almost took out your husband on the side of the road.... A miscommunication? or my inability to read BIKE sign language? 

I had a few firsts along the ride, a Black Bear decided to make a mad dash across the street while I was riding peacefully along the "Avenue of the Giants", a whale was slowly swimming across the bay in Point Arena CA, The Golden Gate was pretty intimidating but I was able to win it over, and then there was the first experience of sleeping under the stars, I liked it so much I did it once again a few nights later. I was able to introduce some of my Arizona 'family'  to my California family, when we rode into my hometown of Paso Robles, this was the start of my "oh no it's over already to my whoo hoo I get to see my family" phase.  I am grateful to Henry, Mom, Tawny, Lloyd, Miranda and Cavan for opening up their home and letting me bring in these wonderful people. I love all of you!  

If the views, the weather and the incredible giving nature of people didn't amaze me enough, then Carl and Jerry did. I learned that these two have such heart and strength! to ride every day, keep smiling and enjoy life no matter what they are handed.  Both of you astound  me! I hope I can look to you for inspiration when I feel like it is getting too tough.   Carl, I will dance with you on the street anytime! Yes, Jerry we will always stop at the fruit stands to purchase Cherries! 

I am back home now and ready to get back to normal, with a few less magical tears.  Luckily I do have my memories of my 10 days of awesomeness!!!!

Mona Abalona

Rachel and Mona

SAG from a Different point of view

 The View from the Side of the Road….from Duane!

POPs Wow Ride

Yes it can rain in Oregon.  Most of the day on Sunday – but are blessed to be with good people and a good cause.

Monday got to stay on Hwy 101 and what a great and beautiful state, lots of trees and cows – good for cheese and ice cream.  Gary and Rosemary Stutzman from Lebanon, OR along with Enie, Karen and Loren Nisley joined us for evening meal and fellowship.

Tuesday was bright and sunshine all day.  Brent Kauffman rode with the group and Howard Beachy drove along to take himself and Brent back to Lebanon after the days ride, real fun.  Chris’ kitchen sent scones from her bakery – that was wonderful.

Wed. was another great day, lots of good scenery, bridges and almost perfect weather – but do understand my view of all this is from in a very nice Edge “by Ford” – may be slightly different from a bike seat!  Another church has opened the doors to this six man team for dinner and the night.

Thursday- Made it to Port Orford mid afternoon, lots of wind and rain. Staying at a Christian Community Center – nice place.  These guys are fun to be with and for a very good cause.  Will head for So. Ore on Fri.

Friday:

What a beautiful coast line we saw today.  Sure glad I know the maker – he is Good.  Made it to Brookings.  Met up with Mona, Keith, Nate and Grace, as they came over from Medford airport.  Grace met them there this noon.  Grace and I will see Jerry Hogg to Medford airport tomorrow.  This Presbyterian church has “wow” people to open their facility to the “POPsRide” group and provide a delicious casserole.  All these hosts along Oregon have a real giving heart and it shows.

~Duane

Day #23 - Riding through Farmville

Day #23

Pismo Beach to Goleta

Today was a bittersweet day since we had to say good bye to Mona when we left.  Thanks for everything Mona and we miss you already.  And thanks again to Trish, Marva, Tawney, Lloyd, Miranda and Cevan for hosting us the last two nights in your home.  We cannot thank you enough for your gracious hospitality.  Before we took off, Carl handed out  awards for the Tour de Mona Abalona.  Good thing Kyle and I got #1 SAG.  Be a rough rest of the week if we did not win that one.  ;-)  Of course, we might have that revoked if Kyle keeps stopping right before a hill.

Tour de Mona Abalona awards - thanks Carl

This morning we had about a 30 minute drive to our start in Pismo Beach.  After letting the bikes out we got about a block before we saw (and smelled)  Old West Cinnamon Rolls which had a line out the door so we had to stop and check that out.  They looked and smelled amazing (for those that don’t know me, I don’t eat sugar or bread so no cinnamon rolls for me)  but they had AMAZING coffee.  I don’t know what it was but it was delicious.

The SAG team's daily Selfie from Pismo Beach

We spent the day traveling through Farmville today.  It was beautiful and extremely fragrant.  I could smell strawberries for quite a while and then I got a whiff of something and could not figure it out.  Thought it might be brussel sprouts but turns out it was broccoli and cauliflower.  We watched a whole team of workers harvest some cauliflower and they wrap it up right on the spot to go to the store.  Impressive operation.  

 

Cool Old Farmhouse

Lunch on the Golf Course - Carl's cousins joined us

View from the road today

At one point I stopped to go to the bathroom at a gas station and then drove another mile to wait for the guys.  I waited and waited and they did not show up.  Then I waited some more and I was thinking, “Did I take that long to go to the bathroom?”  “Did they pass me already and I’m waiting for nothing?”  “How long should I wait before I call Kyle?”  (This reminds me of a childhood memory - waiting for the school bus … I’d get there right on time and no other people were there so I’d wonder…did I miss the bus?  How long should I wait till I walk home and have my mom drive me?  What if I walk home and then the bus goes past?)  I had the same feeling today.  And I picked up my phone to call Kyle (which I apparently do too much according to Shannon who was trying to take a nap yesterday) when I could see Keith’s bright green jacket coming down the road.  (by the way, usually I had missed the bus)

They conquered the hill - Victory!

Today we packed it in around 4:30 and made the long drive to Carpenteria.   This is the last overnight accommodation I had secured – last week – because the city of Goleta has been eluding me since I started this project in early February.  Thank you Leisa Ames for hooking me  up with David Magnusson at the LDS church in Carpenteria.  He welcomed us with popsicles and maps with restaurant suggestions.  He escorted us to the State Park with the ‘safest beach in California’ so the riders could shower and Kyle, Dave and I played a rousing game of bolo ball (or ladder ball) while we waited.  Then we went to a steakhouse where you cook your own steak.  (Sounds like eating at home to me.) Shane and I cooked the steak and chicken for everyone and it was delicious.  Thanks Dave for all of your help and for spending time with us this evening. 

 

The view from the bathroom stop on the way to Carpinteria

Waiting for Shannon to get quarters for the shower

Dave and Kyle

Please share POPsRide on Facebook with everyone you know. We are trying to get to 1000 likes by the time we finish and we can use your help.  Thanks for your support and see you on down the road.

Day #22 - Wine, Olives and Firemen

Day #22

Tour de Mona- Pasa Robles Wine Country

What a nice relaxing day we had today.  This ride down the coast has no days built in for rest  and recovery so today we sort of created our own rest day.  Rather than drive 30 miles to the coast to ride 70 miles and then drive back 30 miles, we made the executive decision to do a ‘Tour de Mona Abalona” around Pasa Robles wine country.  Even better was the fact that we did not have to pack up the cars for a morning which was a nice break.  Kyle and I mapped our ride last night (who knew I had 12 Facebook friends who also use MAP my Ride?)  and off we went after we were well fed by our extremely gracious hosts! 

Who are those masked men?

We had a beautiful ride through the rolling hills and plush vineyards.  I cannot believe how many wineries we passed. We found one that opened at 10am for wine tasting and were their first customers of the day.  Oh, don’t freak out, wine tasting is called tasting not drinking.  Shannon decided he needed even more of a rest so Shane hopped on the tandem with POPs for the rest of the day.

While I was standing on the corner today waiting for the guys to point them in the right direction,  a very nice man stopped and asked me if I needed assistance.  Can I tell you that that is the very first time that anyone has asked me if I was OK?  I found that very interesting.  Lots of people have stopped to talk to me but No One has done it to make sure I was OK.  Thank you kind passerby!

A bit down the road we found what we were really looking for, an Olive farm with olive oil tasting.  Yummy.  I tried quite a few (which is pretty difficult when you don’t eat bread – feels strange to just drink it off a spoon but boy does my hair feel softer today) but I could not taste the flavor in any of them.  The farm was so beautiful that we decided to have lunch at the picnic tables out front.  While eating our delicious sandwiches tons of planes started circling overhead – a fire had broken out just over the ridge.  Kyle and Shannon went to check it out to make sure it was safe for us and came back to let us know, not only was it safe but there were tons of Firemen.  Happy Birthday Mona. 

After lunch, the ride went fast and we got back to Mona’s family around 2.  Kyle and I cleaned out the coolers so that we do not have to gag every time we  open one to get anything out and then headed to the store to get more ice and popsicles for Carl.  So, in this county you have to bring your own bag or buy one at the grocery store. Well, no one told me that so I was looking around for the bags to put  my things in and the lady said, you can buy one for 10 cents.  I offered her a $20 and she took pity on me and just gave me a bag.  Thanks for your donation.   I cannot believe Oregon isn’t doing this….c’mon people…jump on the bag ban!  I like it.

We went to visit Mona’s twin brother and then found another olive oil store downtown Paso Robles.  I finally tasted an oil that I could tell the flavor.  Jalapeno olive oil.  So I had to get some.  And then the lady suggested I get some Pineapple white balsamic vinegar to go with it for salad.  It sounds awful but I mixed the two and ate it with my spoon and I cannot wait to have salad at home.  It is a taste explosion in your mouth.  Who needs Hidden Valley Ranch? 

Had another Amazing dinner back at the ranch.  Grilled Dogs, chili, homemade potato salad and macaroni salad. Thank you so much Trish ( Henry), Tawney, Lloyd, Marva, Miranda, and Kevin for your hospitality.  We are so grateful and appreciate you opening your home to us. 

Time to get some zzz’s.  See ya on down the road in Goleta!

Day #21 - It's Mustache Sunday

Day #21

Carmel to San Simeon

I like to get up early and take a shower (if there is one available) and not be in the way for when everyone else gets up.  Sometimes that causes a problem when there are noisy screen doors between you and the showers.  I suggested propping it open last night for just that reason but no one thought that was a good idea (not sure why and pretty sure they regretted that decision when I woke them all up this morning with the squeaky door.)  I think it will take a few days to adjust again to sleeping on an airmattress again so I hope I did not snore too loudly last night.  You know what they say…if you do not hear anyone snoring, then you are probably the one who did it.

When I decided to come back for this last week, I was worried (just a little but not enough to keep me away) that I would be in the way because they already had two drivers scheduled to be here.  Turns out it was a blessing that I came because Ed decided not to join us this week after scheduling his plane on the wrong day and the logistical nightmare for him to get caught up with us tonight.  Ed, if you are reading this, I am sorry you are not here.  But I also cannot tell a lie…..I am truly happy I am not a third wheel and that I will be more useful this week.    

I helped Mona fix a gourmet breakfast… pancakes, eggs and sausage with fresh percolated coffee (I have missed Shane’s Smoke Jumper roasted coffee from Flagstaff – Starbucks just does not cut it sometimes) and then we were off and on the road.  Carl wanted to go to church so Kyle took him and  for the first few hours, Mona and I were on our own for support and we had NO cell service all day.  It was like being back in Canada.  Because of these factors, we stayed within a couple miles of the guys till Kyle made it back to the group around 11:15 am.

Mustache Sunday 

Wow, there are some huge scenic differences this leg of the ride compared to when I was here two weeks ago.  We are driving along the Pacific Coast Highway now and it is spectacular.  It is a very windy (and I mean it in both senses of the word:  lots of wind and lots of turns) road that runs along the ocean for most of the time.  It is sometimes high above the ocean and others fairly close to sea level.  We had a whole mix of weather today too: cold and very windy, warm and windy, warm, cold, 57 but feels like 40, good thing I had layers with me in the car.  

Another thing I have noticed is the difference in the riders.  Shane, Shannon, POPs and Carl have been here for the entire journey and the difference in their level of conditioning is amazing.  We went up some hills today that would have knocked them out two weeks ago.  Today I stopped at the top of a brutal hill expecting that they would need a rest and they just waved and blew on by me. 

Mona & Carl Dancing for the Riders - they just blew right past

There has also been a scheduling change (approved by POPsRide Corporate.) Instead of riding every single mile of the route, the ride ends each day at 4:30.  Then everyone gets loaded into the vehicles and it is off to the overnight.  What a smart decision.  This time around it is NOT about someone doing every single mile.  It is about the experience.  It is about how Parkinsons can’t hold you back from doing the physical things you want to do.  It is about people accomplishing something amazing together with the help of friends and the generosity of strangers. 

So we stopped riding today at the top of a very long and windy hill. Loaded up the cars and drove on to our overnight destination of Mona’s sister’s house in Paso Robles.  We made a few stops along the way to sightsee like the tourists we are.  We drove past one beach and Keith said, “Look at all that driftwood” and I said, I think those are seals.  Well good thing I was the lead car because I decided for all of us that we had to go check that out.  The Entire Beach was covered with sleeping seals soaking up the sun. 

Seagull checking out the tandem

I have actually been down the PCH before- we used to take driving trips when I was a kid and one time we took this drive.  My favorite stop along that trip was the Hearst Castle in San Simeon which was where we officially ‘ended’ today’s route. Up on the hill we could see the castle and I know this has nothing to do with the ride but I have been dreaming about these pools regularly over the years so I just want to share them with you.

 

The Outdoor Pool

The Indoor Pool

 The moment we turned off the coast highway the terrain changed to farms and rolling hills.  We passed several wineries and even the Hidden Valley Ranch which made me crave salad.  Mona’s sister made us her famous fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy and I got to satisfy my salad and ranch craving. 

We actually get to stay with Mona’s family two nights in a row because they are located diagonally inland from two of our stopping points so it is equal distance both nights.  That is very convenient because we do not have to load up and unload the vehicles today.  Plus we get to spend more time with Mona’s family and after careful consideration and approval from corporate we decided to modify Day #22's route a bit.  Instead of driving the 35 miles back to the coast, riding for 70 and then driving the 35 miles back here, we are going on a wine country tour right around here.  Man, our corporate office makes very wise, well thought out, and sensible decisions.  Don’t you wish all upper management would do the same?

Kyle, Keith and I headed out to get gas and groceries and when we came back, Kyle and I figured out the route for our wine/olive farm tour tomorrow.  Jerry, Kyle can never be the Grand Master of SAG support like you, but you trained him well Master Yoda and trying to fill your shoes, he is.

Well, I am pooped and gonna sleep like a baby tonight.  (Why is that a good example of sleeping well by the way?  Don’t babies wake up every couple of hours and cry until you feed them?)

See ya on down the road at the olive farm.