July 7 - Quebec City

Great weather in Quebec City until this morning.  We decided that the rain would not spoil our fun and used public transportation to tour the city.  This French speaking provinces of Canada remind me of our visit to France many years ago.

The group cheered when we saw the welcoming sign at our hotel.

July 5 and 6 - Lake George, New York

The drive to Quebec City takes two days. We stopped half way and visited our cousins Robin and Bert Weber in Lake George, NY.
On the same day, my cousin Wendy Block was visiting her aunt and uncle nearby at Lake Nebo.
We joined Wendy and her family the next day for breakfast. Since there is no road around the lake, we were transported to their home by motorboat.

July 4 - Celebration in Indio, California

My Heritage Palms "Wheelers" bike group is celebrating the fourth in patriotic attire. What great smiles for 6:30 in the morning. Of course, they are cycling early to avoid the heat in the desert this time of year.

July 4 - Celebration in Washington, D.C.

My grandchildren Adina and Ryan arrived last night from New Hampshire. What a great Fourth of July with everyone. The fireworks near the Washington Monument were spectacular.

July 2 - Packing Begins

Getting ready for a month long bike trip is always challenging.  Today I am walking around the house gathering supplies, bike stuff, vitamins, protein bars, carb bars, duct tape, inner tubes, tire patches, cycling glasses, extra glasses, healthy snacks, etc.  Cycling clothing considerations are easy in comparison to the everyday "stuff" we need.

In the middle of the pile is another card which reads "Life isn't always about where the road leads, it's about the good friends who make the ride worthwhile." How true!

July 1 - A Surprise

I am continuing to cycle to raise money to help all those afflicted with Parkinson's disease, like my brother Michael and my mother's nephew Harvey. Year after year friends and family support my "cycling to make a difference" and I receive many notes of encouragement.

Today, I was surprised with a generous donation from The Kramers and a t-shirt that I will cherish and wear on my trip. How appropriate - a bicycle along the beach in San Diego.  They know how much I love our new winter retreat in California.

June 30 - Canada 2014 Preparation

I can't believe we leave for Canada in five days to be reunited with Ken and Nancy Wright, leaders of Bike Across America. Our last training ride was to Savage Mill in Maryland.  Margaret, Ziva and I just couldn't help posing on this giant size chair.

To prepare for our trip, we cycled over two months.  Our goal was to build up endurance and increase mileage. When we finally reached 50 miles ride on three consecutive days, we were ready.