Day Four - A Thank You from Chuck

A THANK YOU POSTING

To the men and women of the armed forces, and their families - Thank you for everything you have done to help preserve this nation as a free nation. And for those who would disagree -- try going to another foreign country and see how much freedom we, as Americans have because of the sacrifices that were given.

This ride would not have been possible without the help of some medical staff. Dr. Frank Hrismalos and his staff, Dr. Larry Steele - Chiropractor - and his staff, and Dr Kathleen McTigue - Southern Indiana Dermatology Center, Thank you for the excellent treatment received from all three Drs.

My wife Jean, whom I have relied heavily on. Thank you for your patience when something around the house needed done but bike rides got priority. Thank you for taking time away from school to see that I make this trip in one piece. And Thank you for being such a "rough" coach! Indiana University would have more winning seasons IF you were part of the training team. My!!!! you're tough!

To my kids-- Kristina, and Chris, Thank you for your support, phone calls and emails. Dave- Kristinas husband and also Jenny - Chris' wife, thank you for your emails and calls. And I can't leave out the grandkids - thank you for being there - wishing me luck and sending me your love-- Thank you.

Hanna Magnuson and staff at the Fairfield Inn by Marriot, and Dawn Crawford from the Holiday Inn Express, Thank you.

To the Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Union 586 - thank you for your support -- I will not let you down and will continue to do my best while on this ride.

Matt Link, Benton Township Firefighter, friend, and fellow cyclist. Thank you for establishing this blog site, and helping me get on the internet to make my updates.

Scott Smith, Deputy Chief City of Bloomington Fire Department, Thank you sir for ALL of your help with posting my updates and encouraging me.

Hank West and Nancy at www.bikejerseys.com Thank you for helping me get the right clothing to get the job done.

Steve and Eric Dodds - Bicycle Doctor Thanks you for setting me straight a year ago and helping me pick a bike that would get me through this trip. Thank you for the service provided also.

John Dodd - Cycle Werx - bicycle shop in Cape Girardeau thank you for all of your help. John helped me in the early summer with a broken spoke on my front tire. And today, the 29th of September he helped me pick out a good pair of riding shoes. My others casued a sore spot on the ball of my foot, but today-- I didn't feel any pain - on the foot that is!!

Ken Clark - thank you for riding part of the first day -- it was a pleasure.

Steve Sturgeon Ellettsville Journal and James Boyd Herald-Times Thank you for the articles you had in your papers.

AND to each and every one who sends an email, makes a telephone call to me or Jean, or posts a comment on the blog site. Thank you -- your encouragement is what makes the pains and aches somewhat "numb".

And to those well wishers who offer their thoughts, prayers, or contribute to the two causes THANK YOU!!

Please check back tomorrow for more updates IF I haven't bored you yet!!

Thank you

Chuck

Day Four - A closer look

Bloomfield, Mo. Civil War Cemetary - A closer look at the neatly laid out cemetary honoring those who fought on both sides.

Day Four - Another tombstone memorializing those who fought and could not be identified.

Day Four - Bloomfield, MO.

Yep!! Look close at the flags. That is a Confederate flag you see!! Both sides were buried here, or honored here.
Bloomfield, Mo.

Day Four - More Headstones

These two brothers sertved together on the Ironclad. The one on the right was the one decapitated. The one on the left was told by his Captain to "throw the body overboard" and his reply "I can't sir, that's my brother"

Day Four - Some inscriptions should be left off!!

Day Four - Headstone

Civil War Buffs--- one of the inscriptions on a tombstone at the civil war cemetary.

Day Four - Another Cemetary

For you Civil War buffs (Ron Bateman) This cemetary is located at Bloomfield, Mo. I realize now just how tired I was. There was no spunk left(spunk? Did he have spunk before?), but I wanted to get some history in here also.

Day Four - Missouri Veterans Cemetary

Just as you pull off of the highway at Bloomfield, Mo for the Stars and Stripes museum you will pass the Missouri Veterans Cemetary.

Day Four - Stars & Stripes Museum (or have they put Chuck out to pasture?)

Picture was taken at Bloomfield, MO. Just on the other side of the barn is the Stars and Stripes Museum. I would suggest for all veterans interested in showing their kids or grandkids some of Americas military history to visit the museum - Its free! Notice to the right the Helicopter and "cannon". Oh yeah-- for you military guys - THIS IS THE
Stars and Stripes - as in the military newspaper we all read.

Day Four - Big Mac Attack !!!!

Not that you can't find a Mc D's in most towns, but this one was in Advance, Mo. Notice the size of the flag and how straight it is flying.

Day Four - Fighting the wind

Just took off from a rest park. Had to get a jacket on and its under my long sleeve jersey. The wind was pretty intense today. The temperature was some where around 70 degrees but wind made it feel like the mid 50s or lower.

Day 4 Cape Girardeau, MO.

Day 4 Cape Girardeau, MO. Went back this morning to get the picture as it was just a little late when I went over the bridge last night. Cape Girardeau is a very historic Civil War town and river town. The flood wall has a mural depicting the history of the area from the very first inhabitants to 2004. If you haven't been to Cape Girardeau since 2004 it would really be worth your trip to see the wall and the historic sights.

Keep watching!!

Thanks for visiting

Day 4 Update!

Day 4 Update!

I keep wondering, and thinking to myself - as if there is anyone else to talk to out there on the road - who were all those people who said "boy, that trip sounds like fun!!" Wish they were here!! Ha ha!! It will be fun -- when its over!! I'm seeing some neat places as you can tell and meeting some people along the way. Even in the little town of Advance, Mo a lady got talking with Jean after she saw the car windows all painted up and gave us a contribution for 'shop with a firefighter' . She then left and to my surprise but not Jean's (she knew) , the lady came back, took several pictures. She then said she was going to get it to the paper and see if they would print it. Yeah guys-- I know now its a steak dinner for you. For those who don't know the "informal protocol" about your picture in the paper--IF your picture is in the local paper you have to buy pizza for everyone at the station, anything else-- another state and it becomes a steak dinner. Now thats just an "informal protocol" around the fire department.

Prior to leaving Cape Girardeau this morning I had to go buy a new pair of riding shoes. My shoes had caused a "hot spot" (sore) on the ball of my foot.

The weather hasn't been cooperating at all!! Another day of high winds. Sometimes hitting head on and other times coming from the sides. I really don't mean to complain BUT- just letting everyone know IF you plan a ride try to think about which direction the wind may blow. I don't think its going to be on my back!! Ha ha!

Tomorrow is a new day!! Duh, that makes sense! Poplar bluff to Birch Tree, Mo is about 75 miles. Alot of hills! For you bicyclists-- IF you think the hilly hundred is bad, try this 75 miles stretch.

Hope all are still having enjoyment out the blog. I have included some pictures of todays travel. May be of interest to some.

Thanks for visiting

Chuck

Hoosier firefighter rides through county - A Story from The Carmi Times

Published: Thursday, September 28, 2006 4:27 PM CDT
www.carmitimes.com

An Indiana firefighter passed through White County
Wednesday on his way to Branson, Mo. There's nothing unusual about that--except that the
fireman is aboard a bicycle.Chuck Welch of Ellettsville, Ind. is a fireman at nearby
Bloomington, Ind., as well as a member of the Masonic
Lodge in Ellettsville. He's making the long ride from the
southern Indiana town to the tourism center in
southwestern Missouri in order to raise money for the
Shop with a Firefighter program in Bloomington and to
help pay off his lodge's mortgage.
The 58-year-old Navy veteran, who plans to retire in February, is hoping to arrive in Branson Sunday and will take part in a reunion of fellow Vietnam veterans there.He left home Tuesday morning and stayed overnight in Mt. Carmel. Welch hoped to be in Vienna Wednesday night; his route takes him through Anna and Jonesboro, across the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau, Mo., then west.His daughter, Kristina Sandrick, has been traveling with him (via SUV) for the first leg of the trip, acting as "pack horse," she laughed, providing food and drinks when they're needed (they planned to stop at DiMaggio's in Carmi for spaghetti later Wednesday). Welch's wife will take over for the rest of the trip.
Does he plan to ride back to Ellettsville? No.This isn't the first time Welch has cycled through this area. He recalled his visit through "Egypt" in July, when temperatures topped the 100-degree mark.One may learn more about Welch's fundraising efforts by visiting this website:
www.ridingwithchuck.blogspot.com--Barry Cleveland

Day Three - Today's Update

Today I backed track 35 miles!! Jean took me back to Harrisburg, IL where I quit yesterday so I could start where I left off. As most of you know-- I will follow through to the best of my ability-- even if it means extra pain!

Got a slow start today. Was up late last night visiting with my sister from the Peoria IL area and one of her church friends, Shirley. I was really surprised to see her come all the way down to the soutern tip of Illinois just to see me on a bike!! Thanks Judy and Shirley!!

It was drizzilly most of the day, and very cool with the wind blowing about 58. Nice weather IF it wasn't so damp!! More "bumps" in the road-- Southern Illinois no matter what direction you go has HILLS and plenty of them! But I'm still winning! So far!

Got as far as Cape Girardeau, Mo today - a total of 240 miles so far. Tomorrow - Poplar Bluff, Mo. I will go back to the bridge at Cape Girardeau tomorrow morning to get a picture to say I was here! Not much light when I quit tonight!

Hope all are having fun and finding the blog site interesting. Thanks you for all of the encouragement that everyone has been sending! Till tomorrow!! Good night!!

Chuck

Day Three - Kate & the Soldier

Kate - my granddaughter standing beside the statue of a soldier at Stonefort, IL. Hey Kate--- why aren't you in school???? Thanks for your help. And while Im at it I have to say Thanks to my Grandsons - Nate and Wyatt for calling me on Tuesday wishing me Good Luck , be safe, we love you!! Thanks boys!!

Day Three - Support Cars

Both of my support cars were painted up by my daughter Kristina!! She did a nice job of drawing the states of Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri and showing the path I was taking-- However that is on the other side of the Expedition.

I have had a lot of phone calls and encouragement-- my son Chris has called everyday and keeps asking the age old question that every parent just loves to hear -- Are we there yet?? How much further?? I have to go!! Wow, what a character, but if you know me, you know Chris!!

Day Three - Trail of Tears

As the Cherokee is part of my family heritage I thought I would get a picture of this sign located on Highway 146 East of Ware, IL

Day Three - King Neptune up close

Just to prove to you that it was 19 million dollars!!!

Day Three - King Neptune

This was a monument to King Neptune the Navy Mascot Pig buried at a rest stop on highway 146 just east of highway 57. The next picture will be a little clearer - but the pig sold at auction for -- get this----$19,000,000.00 dollars to raise money for war bonds in WWII.l That's 19 million dollars--- I had to look twice myself!

Day Three - Stonefront, IL.

This picture was taken at Stonefort, IL. and was dedicated to the veterans of IL. My Grandaughter Kate ummm "skipped" school today to be with her old Grandpa.

Day Three - Stonefort, IL

Darn, my daughter caught me resting again !!

Day Two

5 Minutes after ending my day two ride !!

Day Two - 68 miles

Day two - 68 miles - not the hundred I wanted BUT I will have Jean transport me and the bike back to the stopping point and start there so I do get the full 540 miles in!!

Day two started out pretty nice - sunny, bright day no wind. How things change!! The wind was starting to pick up. Coming straight on! I had been going between 16 and 17.5 mph when I was slammed with the head winds. Now the best I could do was 9 and 11 mph. This kind of situation doe not make for a happy camper - Uh, I mean bicyclist!!
I fought the wind for most of the day. I did change direction but not force. Now it was coming out of the west. I got some reprieve - I finally had some trees lining the west side of the road blocking the wind - back up to 17.5!! Except when there was an opening!

They were calling for severe thunderstorms and I had talked to Dep. Chief Scott Smith over the phone (BFD weather central), and he said there was a "red blob" from Terre Haute, IN extending down at an angle through Illinois, coming right for me! I finally called it a day - beat from the frustration of not getting to my destination for the day and beat from having to fight the wind.

I didn't quit any time too soon!! Kristina - my daughter, and I loaded up the bike and started south to Vienna, IL, only 32 miles away. About 5 miles down the road we started seeing lightning and getting hit with higher winds. Another 5 miles and we started getting rain!


Short Update:
This evening I had a surpise! My sister from Pekin, IL and a lady from her church showed up at the hotel where we stayed in Vienna, IL . Pekin is near Peoria, IL. . They had quite a trip also -- Thank you for taking the time to wish your old brother well wishes!!! Thanks for coming with her Shirley!!


Thanks for visiting and please feel free to leave a comment!

Chuck

Day Two - Wednesday

I got a call this afternoon around 4pm from Chuck. He was on a rest break. He said he had "only" traveled 50 miles so far today due to a strong head-wind. He seemed to be in high spirits and couldn't talk long because he had to "get back on the road". He was a little concerned about the approaching storms but was going to ride as long as he could. I have not heard back from him this evening, possibly due to him being in a hotel with no internet service. I will post again as soon as I hear from him. If you would like to send him an encouraging note please send it too welchcfire@gmail.com.

Scott

Vincennes, Indiana - Day One

Here I am -- about 70 miles into the ride - Vincenes, IN - in front of the George Rogers Clark Memorial. Its just a swim across the Wabash to get into Illinois, at this point I can almost throw a stone across the river.


Chuck

Chuck and Ken at Sandborn, IN -- 47.5 miles into the first day.

Day One - Tuesday - 104 Miles !!!

Today I had the honor to have Ken Clark from the Bloomington area to join me for part of the day. Ken was at the Bloomington Exchange Club Meeting last week when I spoke about my bike ride. After the meeting he came up to me and asked if he could ride the first day. I didn't hestitate to have him join me. I said we would go at his speed, rest when he needed to and he could quit any time he wanted to. Ken rode from Bloomington to Sandborn - 47.5 miles!!! Ken is retired - 68 years young! I also found out he has had a hip replacement, but he did a marvelous job of moving down the highway.

We passed through Freedom, Indiana -- home of Babe Pierce -- Tarzan!!
At Vincennes my daughter Kristina took pictures of me at the George Rogers Clark Memorial.
I finally made it to Mt Carmel, IL - 104 miles today! I'm sorry I don't have pictures as of yet to post but please check back for the pictures. I will mention it maybe in the in the next post.
Tomorrow -- I will have between 96 to 100 miles to complete. Hope all are having fun reading the blog.

Thanks for stopping by to see how I'm doing.
Chuck