What a great kickoff for the TdT Sunday as we gathered under (fortunately) the Ed Soc building on the IUPUI campus! Thanks to all the riders, their supporters and families, the sponsors, and organizers that do so much to make Tdt happen! We were blessed to have IUPUI be your 1st stop for this year’s tour. Have a great tour, and thanks again,
Steve Stringer, IUPUI Grounds Dept
Linda Abrojena
on
July 23, 2008
Well, as the riders get ready to ride out this morning for day 3 of the Tour, I just want to say how impressed I am with the endurance these folks have! Yesterday from Bloomington to Vincennes was all rolling hills – 105 miles of it!! And yet on they go today, leaving from Vincennes, IN. This is an interesting little town, and the people here are gracious. Dinner last night on campus was great food! Our thanks to Vincennes University. – Linda (wife of rider, Gary Abrojena
Ellen Moran Wood
on
July 24, 2008
Collier Family,
We are thinking of you and hope you are having a great time.
The Wood Family
Auntie Mary
on
July 21, 2009
To Scott McPhee
I hope you are having the ride of your life! Enjoy and stay safe.
Auntie Mary
Linda Anderson
on
July 21, 2009
Doug “Shaggy” Anderson
Slade wanted to say Hi to his Grandpa….That boy sure misses his G’Pa….and Grandma misses you too!
You are doing great out there and we are all proud of you here at home!
Keep on rollin’ : )
XOXO
Hadley and Braeden McPhee
on
July 21, 2009
Hi Daddy!
Are you having fun? Are you in Millis yet? We miss you, Daddy.
Love, Braeden
Hi Daddy!
Did you meet new friends? Do you still like biking? I hope you are having fun. How many hotels have you slept in? Are you tired at the end of the day? Is your bike getting worn out? I miss you.
Love, Hadley
The Turner Family
on
July 23, 2009
To Scott McPhee
We are so proud of you and riding for what you truly believe in! Saving our trees and the environment. Safe ride. Love Heather, Eric & Emily
Mary,Braeden,Hadley,Emily
on
July 23, 2009
Hi Everyone,I will try to answer most of your questions. I am having fun, I still like riding my bike, (except for the 5 flat tires so far!) I have stayed in 5 hotels, my bike is not worn out yet, but it is getting really well used! I,m not in Millis yet. I miss you guys too! Thanks for all of your well wishes and support. Love, Dad (Scott McPhee)
Chip Womick
on
July 23, 2009
To Timmy-Tim-Tim,
Keep talkin’ ’bout the trees.
And keep ridin’ for the cause, rain and all.
We love you,
All the Tar Heel Womicks
Chip, Sharon, Cally, Maia, Margaret and Worth
Pete Orszulak
on
July 24, 2009
Hi Dad!
We are all so proud of you…keep up the good work! YOU ROCK! we love you.
Mom, Graham, Ben and Sydney
Joanne Hadley
on
July 25, 2009
Hi Scott,
Congratulation to you and all the riders on your ride. I am so proud of all you have done especially to educate the children about your cause. Have a great last day.
Love,
Auntie Jo
I think that I can speak for all past Tour riders who are missing this years’ adventure when I say that I’m with y’all in spirit and sincerly missing every mile, flat tire and tall tale along the road!!
The dedication, friendships and camaraderie behind the TdT are just a few reason which keep folks coming back year after year. Vive La TdT!!
Ride safe and ride tall…it’s an amazing accomplishment that only those who have ridden can truely appreciate.
KEEP SMILING!
Greg Hill
TEAM CANADA ROCKS
Linda Abrojena
on
July 31, 2010
Tour Update: Upon Arrival 7/17/2010
Chicago is a beautiful city, and the Palmer House Hotel is amazing! We had a great meal last night at Miller’s Pub next door, and some of the riders did a preliminary ride this morning along Lake Michigan. Tonight we are treated to a intimate benefit concert at the Omni Hotel in Chicago, with Chuck Leavell, formerly of the Rolling Stones. The adventure begins!
Linda Abrojena
on
July 31, 2010
Day 1 July 18, 2010 Sunday begins with ceremonies at Millenium Park where the riders take photos, including one in front of the famous “Cloud Gate” aka the Bean. A live radio broadcast with Mike Nowak show on WCPT includes interviews from 3 of the tour riders. Several of our sponsors are there, including Stihl, Bartlett, Asplundh, Davey and Illinois Arborists Association. The riders got caught in a downpour complete with thunder and lightning on their way to Zion.
Linda Abrojena
on
July 31, 2010
Day 3 July 20, 2010 Yesterday the tour left Illinois Beach Resort in Zion. Located right on Lake Michigan, we could walk right outside onto the beach. The Lake is so huge it seems like an ocean! We had a luau dinner that night and the group rode out the next morning to Rockford, IL, about 77 miles. There have been falls, injuries and flat tires, but everyone is very upbeat and positive and enjoying the tour. Gary is doing great, while he has lost his voice. Last night we had dinner at the wonderful Anderson Japanese Gardens! It’s the morning of Day 3, the riders of the tour just left Rockford, IL with a police escort out of the city.
Linda Abrojena
on
July 31, 2010
July 21, 2010 The group rode 94.7 miles on Day 3, many of those miles on some beautiful scenic bike trail routes. A stop at Rock Cut State Park, and Le Aqua Na State Park afforded beautiful views, while the rolling hills gave them a challenging day. Stagecoach Trail took them into Galena, IL where we stayed at the DeSoto House Hotel, a 150 year old historic building, where several generals, presidents and many other famous people stayed. Abraham Lincoln used it as his campaign headquarters, and gave a campaign speech from that very balcony, with 1200-1500 people on the street below. General Grant (later our 18th President) stayed there too, and had a home in Galena as well. 85% of the buildings in town are on the historic national registry. It was fascinating to see this slice of our history preserved and treasured.
Linda Abrojena
on
July 31, 2010
July 22, 2010 Day 4 has us leaving the lovely historic town of Galena (I don’t want to go!!) The riders took to the hills again all through the morning of the ride. This route took them along the eastern border of Illinois, along the Mississippi, for a 90.6 mile ride. They rode the Mississippi River Trail to Savanna, IL, then on bike trails for the final 55 miles of beautiful scenery to reach downtown Moline, where they were greeted and welcomed by the Mayor, a Tree Dedication, and a Native Indian blessing. The Stoney Creek Inn had an interesting Northwoods theme and we could see the Mississippi River from our window.
Linda Abrojena
on
July 31, 2010
July 23, 2010 Day 6
Yesterday (Day 5) was another challenging day, probably the most so far. Some scenic areas included the 13 miles along the Hennepin Canal Bike Trail. More rolling hills through farmland, corn silos and barns, small towns along rural highways. As a driver, I had to make myself drive the required 40 to 50 mph along these stretches, instead of 65 or so as I’m used to in California. The riders had an option: 90 miles to Princeton or (as Gary did) 105 to Peoria, where the Mississippi Valley Stihl team gave us a warm welcome with dinner and a tour of the facility.
> This morning they ride out from Princeton (again with a police escort through town) headed for Naperville. They will do a tree dedication at a red covered bridge a few miles down the road, before heading to Silver Springs State Park for lunch. We are excited to see our boys, Gary Jr. and Jared and their families in Naperville when we get there – the end of the Tour! THANK YOU again, our sponsors for helping to make this important event happen. You have our gratitude and appreciation!
> This weekend will be the International Tree Climbing Championships!! Stay tuned!
What a great kickoff for the TdT Sunday as we gathered under (fortunately) the Ed Soc building on the IUPUI campus! Thanks to all the riders, their supporters and families, the sponsors, and organizers that do so much to make Tdt happen! We were blessed to have IUPUI be your 1st stop for this year’s tour. Have a great tour, and thanks again,
Steve Stringer, IUPUI Grounds Dept
Well, as the riders get ready to ride out this morning for day 3 of the Tour, I just want to say how impressed I am with the endurance these folks have! Yesterday from Bloomington to Vincennes was all rolling hills – 105 miles of it!! And yet on they go today, leaving from Vincennes, IN. This is an interesting little town, and the people here are gracious. Dinner last night on campus was great food! Our thanks to Vincennes University. – Linda (wife of rider, Gary Abrojena
Collier Family,
We are thinking of you and hope you are having a great time.
The Wood Family
To Scott McPhee
I hope you are having the ride of your life! Enjoy and stay safe.
Auntie Mary
Doug “Shaggy” Anderson
Slade wanted to say Hi to his Grandpa….That boy sure misses his G’Pa….and Grandma misses you too!
You are doing great out there and we are all proud of you here at home!
Keep on rollin’ : )
XOXO
Hi Daddy!
Are you having fun? Are you in Millis yet? We miss you, Daddy.
Love, Braeden
Hi Daddy!
Did you meet new friends? Do you still like biking? I hope you are having fun. How many hotels have you slept in? Are you tired at the end of the day? Is your bike getting worn out? I miss you.
Love, Hadley
To Scott McPhee
We are so proud of you and riding for what you truly believe in! Saving our trees and the environment. Safe ride. Love Heather, Eric & Emily
Hi Everyone,I will try to answer most of your questions. I am having fun, I still like riding my bike, (except for the 5 flat tires so far!) I have stayed in 5 hotels, my bike is not worn out yet, but it is getting really well used! I,m not in Millis yet. I miss you guys too! Thanks for all of your well wishes and support. Love, Dad (Scott McPhee)
To Timmy-Tim-Tim,
Keep talkin’ ’bout the trees.
And keep ridin’ for the cause, rain and all.
We love you,
All the Tar Heel Womicks
Chip, Sharon, Cally, Maia, Margaret and Worth
Hi Dad!
We are all so proud of you…keep up the good work! YOU ROCK!
we love you.
Mom, Graham, Ben and Sydney
Hi Scott,
Congratulation to you and all the riders on your ride. I am so proud of all you have done especially to educate the children about your cause. Have a great last day.
Love,
Auntie Jo
I think that I can speak for all past Tour riders who are missing this years’ adventure when I say that I’m with y’all in spirit and sincerly missing every mile, flat tire and tall tale along the road!!
The dedication, friendships and camaraderie behind the TdT are just a few reason which keep folks coming back year after year. Vive La TdT!!
Ride safe and ride tall…it’s an amazing accomplishment that only those who have ridden can truely appreciate.
KEEP SMILING!
Greg Hill
TEAM CANADA ROCKS
Tour Update: Upon Arrival 7/17/2010
Chicago is a beautiful city, and the Palmer House Hotel is amazing! We had a great meal last night at Miller’s Pub next door, and some of the riders did a preliminary ride this morning along Lake Michigan. Tonight we are treated to a intimate benefit concert at the Omni Hotel in Chicago, with Chuck Leavell, formerly of the Rolling Stones. The adventure begins!
Day 1 July 18, 2010 Sunday begins with ceremonies at Millenium Park where the riders take photos, including one in front of the famous “Cloud Gate” aka the Bean. A live radio broadcast with Mike Nowak show on WCPT includes interviews from 3 of the tour riders. Several of our sponsors are there, including Stihl, Bartlett, Asplundh, Davey and Illinois Arborists Association. The riders got caught in a downpour complete with thunder and lightning on their way to Zion.
Day 3 July 20, 2010 Yesterday the tour left Illinois Beach Resort in Zion. Located right on Lake Michigan, we could walk right outside onto the beach. The Lake is so huge it seems like an ocean! We had a luau dinner that night and the group rode out the next morning to Rockford, IL, about 77 miles. There have been falls, injuries and flat tires, but everyone is very upbeat and positive and enjoying the tour. Gary is doing great, while he has lost his voice. Last night we had dinner at the wonderful Anderson Japanese Gardens! It’s the morning of Day 3, the riders of the tour just left Rockford, IL with a police escort out of the city.
July 21, 2010 The group rode 94.7 miles on Day 3, many of those miles on some beautiful scenic bike trail routes. A stop at Rock Cut State Park, and Le Aqua Na State Park afforded beautiful views, while the rolling hills gave them a challenging day. Stagecoach Trail took them into Galena, IL where we stayed at the DeSoto House Hotel, a 150 year old historic building, where several generals, presidents and many other famous people stayed. Abraham Lincoln used it as his campaign headquarters, and gave a campaign speech from that very balcony, with 1200-1500 people on the street below. General Grant (later our 18th President) stayed there too, and had a home in Galena as well. 85% of the buildings in town are on the historic national registry. It was fascinating to see this slice of our history preserved and treasured.
July 22, 2010 Day 4 has us leaving the lovely historic town of Galena (I don’t want to go!!) The riders took to the hills again all through the morning of the ride. This route took them along the eastern border of Illinois, along the Mississippi, for a 90.6 mile ride. They rode the Mississippi River Trail to Savanna, IL, then on bike trails for the final 55 miles of beautiful scenery to reach downtown Moline, where they were greeted and welcomed by the Mayor, a Tree Dedication, and a Native Indian blessing. The Stoney Creek Inn had an interesting Northwoods theme and we could see the Mississippi River from our window.
July 23, 2010 Day 6
Yesterday (Day 5) was another challenging day, probably the most so far. Some scenic areas included the 13 miles along the Hennepin Canal Bike Trail. More rolling hills through farmland, corn silos and barns, small towns along rural highways. As a driver, I had to make myself drive the required 40 to 50 mph along these stretches, instead of 65 or so as I’m used to in California. The riders had an option: 90 miles to Princeton or (as Gary did) 105 to Peoria, where the Mississippi Valley Stihl team gave us a warm welcome with dinner and a tour of the facility.
> This morning they ride out from Princeton (again with a police escort through town) headed for Naperville. They will do a tree dedication at a red covered bridge a few miles down the road, before heading to Silver Springs State Park for lunch. We are excited to see our boys, Gary Jr. and Jared and their families in Naperville when we get there – the end of the Tour! THANK YOU again, our sponsors for helping to make this important event happen. You have our gratitude and appreciation!
> This weekend will be the International Tree Climbing Championships!! Stay tuned!