Salute to Veterans Bicycle Ride

Follow-up story from the Herald-Times

2006-11-27T07:34:00.000-05:00

Firefighter’s bike ride raises more than $1,800 for charities

By James Boyd
331-4370 | jboyd@heraldt.com
November 27, 2006

A Bloomington firefighter who rode his bicycle 540 miles from Ellettsville to Branson, Mo., earlier this fall raised more than $1,800 for two local organizations.

Battalion Chief Chuck Welch completed the trek in early October, but just recently totaled the amount of funds raised on his trip.

Nearly $1,300 of the money will go to the Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586’s Shop with a Firefighter fund, which will help several children purchase necessities and toys next month during the holidays.

The other $550 was donated to the Ellettsville Masonic Lodge, where Welch is a member.

“The trip wasn’t about me, wasn’t about my age,” Welch said Saturday. “It started out as a salute to our veterans, but people kept asking me if I was riding for a charity. Finally I just said, ‘Fine, I’ll raise money for two charities!’”

Welch said he would’ve liked to have been able to raise more, but was grateful for those who donated to both causes.

“The overall ride went very well,” he said. “I hit a lot of hills in Missouri, and I knew it was going to be rough. But I made it.”

Welch was riding to attend the reunion of his Navy Vietnam veterans, which was held in Branson, Mo., last month.

He got the ultimate surprise when he pedaled into that town.

“My friend down there had arranged to have people standing out from the shopping malls cheering me on,” Welch said.

But as he looked closer, he realized he knew some of them.

“I saw that it was my family. I had no clue they were going to be there. That was just the best!”

Welch made it to the reunion on time, and came back to Bloomington — this time by car — and returned to the fire department.

Find out more

• Welch took time during his trip to write a blog about his experience. It’s still up and running at: www. ridingwithchuck.blogspot.com

• The Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586’s Shop with a Firefighter program accepts monetary donations year-round. The program pairs a firefighter with a child to provide both essentials and toys during the holidays.

Donations can be sent to: Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586, P.O. Box 474, Bloomington, IN 47401.

Reunion Group Picture

2006-10-13T21:10:00.000-04:00

Small as this reunion was we still had a wonderful time sitting around telling old sea stories, reminiscing about the past, and remembering some of those who had passed on.

Pictured Front row l to r Olaf Entwit - Alaska, Bernie Green - Florida, Mike Liska - Wisconsin

Back row l to r - Buck Owens - Texas, Jim Bieberitz - Wisconsin, Ken Fuchslocher - 2006 Branson Host - New York, Jim Wilson - St Louis, Myself - Bloomington, Indiana, and Andy Anderson - Oklahoma

We had several cancel out due to either personal illness or family illness.

Our next reunion will be in Green Bay, Wisconsin and I have been asked IF I am riding to it also. Two years is a long time away

A thank you from Chuck

2006-10-08T01:14:00.000-04:00

My Branson trip has been realized!! Pedalling from Ellettsville to Branson, MO to honor the men and women of the armed forces past and present is now completed. This ride has not been about Chuck or some of the places he has stopped at for pictures, excluding the ones in Bloomfield, MO at the Civil War Cemetary, The Stars and Stripes Museum, and the Missouri Veterans Cemetary.
If during your travels in everyday life you have enjoyed the freedom of this country, PLEASE take time to "thank" a veteran for his or her sacrifice. Many of our WWII veterans are passing away and some of the history of that war goes with them. The pride they have to tell their story shows in their face when they talk about their stories. Also the pain of losing buddies show. But take time today to say "thank you for your service". Tell your dad, grandfather, uncle, cousin, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt or friend.

To all the veterans who have checked in here on this blog site - and to all who hear of this ride I sincerely say-- Thank you for the sacrifice you or your family have made to help keep freedom in this country and world. Thank You!!

No Chuck, you can't trade !!!

2006-10-08T01:11:00.000-04:00

I want to again thank all of those people who checked in on this blog site, who took time to write comments or send emails, to those who phoned, To thank those who contributed in one way or another, (by setting up the blog, updating the blog site, or any other way)

I especially want to thank all the reporters who helped get the word out about what I was riding for and the two charities who would benefit from those who contributed monetarily.

The welcoming committee

2006-10-08T01:02:00.000-04:00

And what a surprise I had waiting for me at Branson. My whole family!! I must say I was really taken back by their support -- Thanks gang!!

Chuck and Family

2006-10-08T00:59:00.000-04:00

I must include David, my daughter's husband holding my granddaughter, without his gracious attitude toward this trip Kristina, my daughter, would not have been able to be my support for the first two days.

Chuck and Family

2006-10-08T00:58:00.000-04:00

I really need to include my son, and daughter for their support also!!

Chuck and Jean

2006-10-08T00:55:00.000-04:00

Without my wife, and her support this whole trip would not have come off as the success it has!!!

Reunion Attendee's

2006-10-08T00:45:00.000-04:00

Here are four of the couples that attended the reunion. Front row l to r Jean - my wife, Linda Wilson, Judy Bierberitz
Back Row l to r Buck Owens, his wife Jody, Jim Wilson, Myself, and Jim Bierberitz.

Update from Chuck 10-8-06

2006-10-08T00:43:00.000-04:00

Downtown old Branson has had a big face lift in the last two years. A new shopping area has been built with all quality stores like Bass Pro, Dress Barn, Build a Bear, Famous Dave's BBQ, and Belks. Of course there are more stores than these. To see what they are go to Yahoo and type in Branson Landing. This picture is of their new water "fountain" choreographed to music. It is spectacular at night with fire coming out of the large tubes.

Now we know who really rode the bike all that way !!!

2006-10-06T16:15:00.000-04:00

I tried to get Jean to take my place riding, but would she do it - NO! But here she is holding my bike while I take the picture. Sure Chuck, keep tallking :)

Branson Welcoming committee Pictures from the hometowndailynews.com

2006-10-04T14:48:00.000-04:00

Branson Fire Division Chief Ted Martin greeted Chuck Welch today on Branson's Avenue of Freedom. Welch is a battalion chief with the Bloomington-Indiana Fire Department. Welch road his bike 540 miles from his hometown of Ellettsville-Indiana to Branson. His fundraising ride was designed to honor all veterans. Welch is also in town to join Navy shipmates for a reunion.

Chuck is surprised at the intersection of Gretna Road and Highway 76 by the sight of his daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids...plus Chuck's wife who drove the chase car... he did not know they would be here to cheer him on.
(Photos by Ted Martin)

Branson Trip Realized !!

2006-10-04T00:11:00.000-04:00

Branson Trip Realized --lost miles have been made up, and Jean is resting better

I went out today and made up all the lost miles from yesterday. Riding in and around Branson is like Riding the route from Poplar Bluff to Birch Tree, only worse!! All miles are completed!! Jean is feeling a little better, and is resting. I will continue to make sure she gets her rest. Although it didn't seem like a rough job for her to do, sitting, waiting, watching traffic pass me at times and just the wondering about how things were going wore on her. It's over!!! The ride dedicated to the men and women of the armed forces past and present is done. Our job of saying "thank you" should never be done.

Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers, emails, and phone calls!! Without them I may not have made it!!!
Thanks for checking in here also. Keep watching the site as I will add some information during my reunion here in Branson.

Until then!!

Chuck

A special post from Chuck

2006-10-03T19:34:00.000-04:00

This was supposed to have been posted on day 6, but due to confusion on my part I didn't get it on here until today. Sorry Chuck !! Scott.

The last six days I have been pedalling from Ellettsville to Branson, MO to honor the men and women of the armed forces past and present. This ride has not been about Chuck or some of the places he has stopped at for pictures, excluding the ones in Bloomfield, MO at the Civil War Cemetary, The Stars and Stripes Museum, and the Missouri Veterans Cemetary.
If during your travels in everyday life you have enjoyed the freedom of this country, PLEASE take time to "thank" a veteran for his or her sacrifice. Many of our WWII veterans are passing away and some of the history of that war goes with them. The pride they have to tell their story shows in their face when they talk about their stories. Also the pain of losing buddies show. But take time today to say "thank you for your service". Tell your dad, grandfather, uncle, cousin, or friend.

Thank you,

Stay safe and we will see you when I return

Chuck

Riding for charity and in support of soldiers - A story from The Daily Register in Harrisburg, IL.

2006-10-03T19:25:00.000-04:00

Riding for charity and in support of soldiers
By Brian DeNealStaff WriterPublished: Saturday, September 30, 2006 7:39 AM CDT

VIENNA - Chuck Welch of Bloomington, Ind., passed through Harrisburg Wednesday and Thursday on a bicycle ride to Branson, Mo., for a reunion with his Vietnam War shipmates.Welch was a radio operator on board the USS Indra, a World War II landing ship tank converted into an auxiliary repair landing ship during the Vietnam War. The ship traveled up the rivers of the Mekong Delta and anchored in the middle of the river where the crew repaired damaged boats, Welch said.Welch retires as battalion chief of the Bloomington Fire Department in December after 31 years. Welch has been planning his trip for two years and is dedicating it to the men and women of the armed forces.
Weather caused Welch to make a repeat trip through Harrisburg Thursday. The first day, Tuesday, Welch reached Mount Carmel and Wednesday he was in Harrisburg."I did 68 miles (Wednesday). Because of the horrendous wind I gave up at Harrisburg Ponderosa," Welch said.His daughter was driving along as his support and took him to Vienna. Five minutes after loading the bike they saw the lightning and rain as a strong storm passed through.
Thursday morning Welch's daughter brought him back to Harrisburg so he could complete the Harrisburg to Vienna section honestly and by Thursday afternoon he was on Illinois Route 146 past Vienna on his way to Cape Girardeau, Mo., speaking on a cellular phone as big trucks zoomed past on the highway.He had ridden through some cold, nasty rain and was a day behind schedule. He had expected to make the trip in five days, but was allowing seven days for bad weather.Welch was in a good mood and was looking forward to his reunion.
"It's going to be amazing for me to see how people are doing. We'll be able to sit and talk about fun things we did, some serious things and about ones we lost recently," Welch said.There will also be a two World War II veterans who had served on the same ship during that war at the reunion.Welch said everyone he told about the ride assumed he was riding to raise money for a charity, so he decided to promote two charities that are important to him: The Ellettsville Masonic Lodge mortgage fund and the Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586 for its Shop With a Firefighter providing needy youth with Christmas presents.
He asks anyone who wants to send a check to mark either Masonic Lodge Mortgage -- Branson Bike Ride or Shop With a Firefighter -- Branson Bike Ride on the memo line.Checks may be sent to Ellettsville Masonic Lodge, care of Gary Brinley, Treasurer, P.O. Box 65 Ellettsville, Ind. 47429 or to Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586, P.O. Box 474, Bloomington, Ind. 47401.Welch invites people to follow his progress at the website www.ridingwithchuck.blogspot.com.

Day 7 - Branson !!!

2006-10-03T19:15:00.000-04:00

Day 7 Seymour to Branson (the trip cut short, but not completely, I will make up the mileage --- promise!)
As you see we stopped short of the goal of Springfield last night. I was tired and Jean was exhausted. Not much to do but sit in the car and wait but it wore heavy on her. A days trip is long for her but several days gets pretty intense. We talked about it last night and again this morning and decided to cut the trip short and ride into Branson from a little ways out. I called my friend from the fire department and told him our plan and he said he would meet me along the route. Little to my knowledge that he had arranged to have some people along the route waving me on!! Then I got to my last intersection and heard a bunch of people clapping, hooping it up, and screaming "good job" then I heard "Grandpa!" . Boy was I surprised!!
Chris and his wife Jenny and their two boys, Nate and Wyatt along with Kristina and her oldest daughter Kate were the ones waving me on. Of course I had to stop, get hugs, and tell them how surprised I was to see them!! What a day. All is not lost though-- I do plan to make up my mileage loss today - - Just could not afford losing Jean!!
If she gets a good nights rest and relaxes tomorrow morning she will be fine.

My friend, Ted Martin, of the Branson Fire Department did an excellent job of planning to have the people waving me on, and working with Chris and Kristina on time frames. Ted was able to go to supper with us tonight and he and Nate, our oldest grandson, hit it off pretty good!

Hope all is fine there - - and don't worry there is plenty of roadway for me to get my miles in! Thank you for your support and thoughts, as well as your email.

Chuck and Jean

After passing a group of people waving me on, my friend Ted Martin form the Branson Fire Department, took me back to the Bob Hope Memorial Drive. While returning to the Drive this small group of people were there and I stopped and shook hands with each of them.

My whole crew!!

Front row (l to r)- Kate, Wyatt, Nate
Back row (l to r)- Wife- Jean, daughter - Kristina, Me, my daughter in law - Jenny, and my son- Chris

What a surprise to see them here in Branson. Signs were courtesy of my sister who visited me on my second day.

This blog isn't over yet!! Hang in there for a while longer!!! And THANKS for all of your thoughts, prayers, emails and for stopping byThank a Veteran for his sacrifices he or she made!

Chuck

Day 7 - Branson !!!

2006-10-03T07:29:00.000-04:00

If you look close, up there on the corner are a few people cheering me on. There was a photographer who is just behind the telephone pole in this view. To my total surprise, I didn't know who it was until I heard a couple of them yell "Grandpa"!! I had to look again, and then realized it was my son Chris, his wife Jenny, and their two sons Nate and Wyatt, my daughter Kristina, and her oldest daughter Kate. My son in law, Dave, had to stay home because of his job and kept the youngest grandaughter, Claire, with him.

Day 7 - Branson !!!

2006-10-03T07:27:00.000-04:00

Just as I was hitting around 36 miles per hour on the downhill slope the stop light changed and I had to stop. Now if you have been in Branson, you know that with my luck on the other side of this light is another hill. I will tell you in no uncertain terms - most of the hills may not be long but they sure are steep!!!

Day 7 - Branson !!!

2006-10-03T07:22:00.000-04:00

After passing the Bob Hope Memorial Drive sign on the downhill slope I returned to get a picture of the sign. I think my friend knew that their was another group ahead that needed time to get things planned!

Day 6 - Update

2006-10-02T08:16:00.000-04:00

Day 6 - Birch Tree, MO to Seymour, MO -- Total miles today 82 miles

Sometimes you set goals a little lofty and can't carry it through!! When we were planning this trip the rolling hills in this section looked like some of our small rolling hills around Indiana, nothing big, nothing long. Guess they seemed small after driving up some of the BIG hills between Poplar Bluff and Birch Tree. They were long up hill grades sometimes climbing as much as 1.5 miles some of them steep!! I guess to make a long story short, I didn't make it to Springfield, MO today!

We stopped at Seymour this evening and will finish the trip tomorrow -- that's no lofty goal -- thats "do-able"!

I just received a call from a friend in Branson, Deputy Chief of Technical Services, Ted Martin and he says that my route takes me in on what is now called Bob Hope Memorial Ave (named for Hope for all he did for the men and women of the armed forces). Then I will be on another road that has recently been re-named FREEDOM Avenue. I will take some pictures while on these streets!

Looking forward to the completion of the ride! So is Jean, it has taken a toll on her. Just sitting and waiting for me and wondering if I was doing okay. I didn't want her following me, so I had her go ahead to the next designated rest stop and wait. As I said before -- she makes a dandy coach.

I will include the pictures from Mansfiel and any others we may have taken along today's route.
Hope the children will enjoy seeing some of the "Little House on the Prairie" history.

Keep watching the blog site I will also include pictures from the USS Indra's reunion, and sites around Branson. IF you haven't been to downtown 'Old" Branson in a while they have a beautiful water show choreographed to music.

More tomorrow - thanks for visiting the site.

Chuck

Day 6 - Food !!

2006-10-02T08:12:00.000-04:00

Don't let the outside appearance fool you - the food was excellent!! Birch Tree diner! When we got to Birch Tree last night it was 6:30 PM and we were told the diner closed at 7PM. I didn't even change clothes!! I went there, poked my head in and asked if I could come in dressed in my riding gear, an old gentleman said "well you're in here, have a seat!". Of course the car was still had the windows painted. A family of 4 came in and after sitting there quite a while the father looked over at us and said, "you from Indiana??". I said "yes, I don't exactly blend in do I". He just laughed! We struck up a conversation and just carried on like we had known each other for years.

Day 6 - Laura Ingalls Wilder

2006-10-02T08:10:00.000-04:00

A bust of Laura Ingalls Wilder sat right in front of the town square as you drive into the center of town.

Day 6 - Jean's on the Prarie too !!!!

2006-10-02T08:07:00.000-04:00

Day 6 - Laura Ingalls WIlder Info

2006-10-02T08:04:00.000-04:00

Day 6 - Is it Chuck Welch or Charles Ingalls???? Hmmmmm

2006-10-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Highway going past the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum has been renamed as - Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Highway

I took a side trip off the main highway to get a picture at the Laura Ingalls Wilder home and Museum.

Standing in front of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home - this home is the place where all of the "Little House on the Prairie" books were written.

Day 6 - Museum

2006-10-02T07:58:00.000-04:00

Sometimes its hard to smile when you're tired and have aches!! Chris and Kristina, we have a picture of the two of you back in 1983 when Chris, you were 12 and Kristina you were 8. The picture was taken at this same spot!

At a convenience store in Mansfield, MO I took a break prior to going to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home, and also contemplated a "trade" with the cycle rider of this fine looking Harley. We talked about 20 minutes with them. I coulldn't get him to trade.

Day 5 - Poplar Bluff to Birch Tree, MO - 89 miles covered

2006-10-01T01:19:00.000-04:00

Today, what a day!!! Nice, 53, cloudy but cleared late in the afternoon and warmed up quite a bit. If you look at the Itenerary on the blog site for Poplar Bluff to Birch Tree you will find the distance is only 65 miles, BUT I got 89 miles in. How, took a wrong turn again. Wasn't looking when I should have been. I will discuss a "Life's Lesson" at the end of this post. Todays route took me through the Mark Twain National Forrest, and through Van Buren, MO a "hot spot" for water recreation. Boating, canoeing, tubing, swimming, and fishing on the Current River. Very picturesque Valley!

This section of the route was going to be the worse part of the trip, however, I found it easier than the last three!! The weather cooperated and everything went smooth!!

Jean was again "tough" on me!!! As I said yesterday-- IF IU had her for an assistant coach they could have a winning season!! She just wants to see me make it through this trip in good shape, both physically and mentally. But the jury is still out on whether the mental aspect will ever be okay for me!! Ha ha!!

Now for a "Life's Lesson"

As I said earlier in this posting, I covered 89 miles instead of 65. Because I had my head down pedalling and trying to get the job done.

NOW--- When life deals you a "bad hand", don't hang your head down because you will miss something.

I was able to make my goal today, dispite the set back. I also saw a coyote, deer, hawks, horses, beautiful homes and countryside. Keep your head up!!

Hope you are still having a good time checking in to see the progress. Wish I could tell how many were checking in.

Tomorrow, from Birch Tree, MO to Springfield, MO 117 miles or there about!! Hope I can do it!!

Take care and thanks for the encouragement.

and for the guys at the fire department - thanks for each email.

Chuck

Day Five - Sneaky Jean !!

2006-10-01T01:16:00.000-04:00

We stayed over night in Birch Tree, MO. On Sunday morning prior to taking off Jean asked a lady if she would take a picture for us. Here we are with the car and the map of Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri showing my route!

AH HA! back on July 18th I bought Jean a Waffle cone with butter pecan ice cream. It was a large one. Today as we were at the same rest area she said now don't go and buy one of those cones--- I didn't know that she would buy one after I left and eat it!!! But as you can see-- it is a small cone!!!

Day Five - Go Chuck Go !!

2006-10-01T01:11:00.000-04:00

Seems like Jean likes to catch me taking a break!! Just sitting there putting down grapes like they were going out of style!!

Check out the nice sign my sister made for me!! Jean was has been standing out with this sign and another one that has "USA VETS" on it. But , that keeps me going!!

Day Four - A Thank You from Chuck

2006-09-29T23:42:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-29T23:30:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-09-29T23:28:00.000-04:00

Day Four - Bloomfield, MO.

2006-09-29T23:26:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-29T23:23:00.000-04:00

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!!

2006-09-29T23:22:00.000-04:00

Day Four - Headstone

2006-09-29T23:20:00.000-04:00

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

Day Four - Another Cemetary

2006-09-29T23:14:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-29T23:07:00.000-04:00

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?)

2006-09-29T23:04:00.000-04:00

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 !!!!

2006-09-29T23:03:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-09-29T22:54:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-09-29T22:52:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-29T16:56:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-29T07:01:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-28T23:45:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-28T23:44:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-28T23:43:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-28T23:42:00.000-04:00

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

Day Three - King Neptune

2006-09-28T23:39:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-09-28T23:26:00.001-04:00

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

2006-09-28T23:26:00.000-04:00

Darn, my daughter caught me resting again !!

Day Two

2006-09-28T09:49:00.000-04:00

5 Minutes after ending my day two ride !!

Day Two - 68 miles

2006-09-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-28T00:52:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-27T09:29:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-09-27T09:26:00.000-04:00

Day One - Tuesday - 104 Miles !!!

2006-09-27T00:06:00.000-04:00

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

Monroe-to-Branson bike ride a tribute to heroes - Hoosiertimes Story

2006-09-24T21:36:00.000-04:00

Firefighter honors military to raise money for two good causes
By James Boyd, Hoosier Times September 24, 2006

BLOOMINGTON — Chuck Welch was somewhere in Missouri last year when he told his plan to a garage station attendant named Earl.
Welch had informed Earl that he’d be riding his bicycle from Ellettsville, Ind., to Branson, Mo., and he sure would appreciate a good route without many hills.
"He said, ‘Son, write these directions down and you’ll be fine,’" Welch said.
Earl, it turns out, drives a route in Missouri from Poplar Bluff to Branson every year, hauling hay behind him, and he knows the way that poses the least danger of losing his cargo.
Welch won’t be carrying much cargo when he departs this Tuesday, but he’ll still need all the help he can get.
Welch, a Bloomington Fire Department Battalion chief, hopes to complete the 540-mile journey in six days, arriving in time for the annual reunion with his fellow Vietnam naval veterans.
He’s dedicating his ride to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.
"They don’t get thanked enough for what they’ve done," Welch said. "This is my way of thanking them."
Along the way, he’s also hoping to raise money for two causes close to his heart.
The first is the Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586’s annual Shop with a Firefighter program, which pairs less fortunate children with a firefighter and an allowance to buy necessities and toys over the holidays.
Welch is also raising funds to help pay off the mortgage for the Ellettsville Masonic Lodge, where he’s a member.
The journey will be long, but he’s already come a long way. Before Welch could attempt to pedal 540 miles, he had to first become a bicyclist.
‘I swore I’d never wear those funky shorts!’
A year ago, Welch was in Branson for the reunion of his former Navy Vietnam veterans when he saw someone pushing a bike up a long hill.
"I thought then that I could probably ride up it," Welch said. That’s when he got the idea to ride from Ellettsville to Branson. But he wasn’t sure if he’d really be able to do it, so Welch kept the idea secret until he decided he could complete the journey.
After he broke the news to his wife, Jean, she offered him a simple piece of advice.
"You better start riding," she said.
So ride he did. His first few treks a year ago were no more than a few miles, and Welch was pedaling dressed in T-shirts and jean shorts.
People weren’t exactly confusing him with Lance Armstrong.
After getting a few more miles on his legs, he finally caved in and went to a local bike shop.
"I took a drooling towel with me," Welch said with a smile.
Getting the $2,500 bike he wanted wasn’t going to happen, so he chose one for half the price.
"We definitely couldn’t afford the big one, yet," he said.
Welch kept riding, with the full support of his daughter, Kristina Sandrick, and his son, Chris.
Soon, he found himself turning into a "real cyclist."
He now rides in spandex.
"I swore I’d never wear those funky shorts," Welch explains, but now he’s got several pairs and a collection of cycling jersey.
And now he’s constantly trying to persuade people to come ride with him.
Welch will ride two miles, eight miles, 120 miles, if that’s what it takes to get you on a bike.
But first he’s got to make it to Missouri, where a crew of his former shipmates are waiting to meet once again. Most of them don’t even know Welch is riding 540 miles to the reunion.
It’s not attention he’s after; he simply wants to pay tribute — no matter how humbly or quietly — to those he feels don’t get honored enough.
His wife and daughter will be following him on his way there, driving their car ahead every day to Welch’s first rest stop. They’ll meet up with him, lay out a lounge chair, feed him yet another Powerbar, then send him off again.
Welch is hoping to knock out 100 miles a day for the first three days. The fourth, when he expects to reach Poplar Bluff, is when the hills will start.
"We don’t have hills around here," Welch said. "Those are hills!"
If all goes according to plan, he’ll be able to crank out 75 miles a day over the hilly sections.
"I’m just hoping I hold up," he said. "This is a big undertaking. I’m just testing this old man’s ability."
The ride
Chuck Welch will ride from his Ellettsville home to Branson, Mo., starting on Tuesday.
In addition to honoring the U.S. armed forces, Welch is raising money for two causes. Donations can be sent to at the following addresses:
• Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586, P.O. Box 474, Bloomington, IN 47401
• Ellettsville Masonic Lodge, c/o Gary Brinley, Treasurer, P.O. Box 65, Ellettsville, IN 47429
Checks should be labeled as either "Masonic Lodge Mortgage — Branson Bike Ride" or "Shop With a Firefighter — Branson Bike Ride" on the memo line. Bike trip blog: Chuck Welch will be chronicling his trip on a blog. You can read his daily thoughts at ridingwithchuck.blogspot.com.

2006-09-21T19:58:00.000-04:00

Go The Extra Mile With Me

On September 26th, 2006, I will leave Ellettsville on a journey covering 540 miles to Branson, Mo. This journey will be to a reunion of shipmates I served along with in Viet Nam. It’s not the reunion I am asking you to join with me but the journey. I am dedicating it to the men and women of our Armed Forces, both past and present.
So what is so special about this journey?? And why do I ask you to join me?? I am going to bike to Branson, that’s as in “ bicycle”. I am hoping I can cover that distance in 5 days but have allowed 7 days just in case of bad weather or rough terrain, as in hills. I envisioned this trip 2 years ago and started making plans to see it through. I started making small bicycle trips, 15 miles in length and then realized I needed more miles per day if I was to see my goal attained. A cancer ride in Mooresville was the starting point, 35 miles. Several individual trips down St. Rd. 446, around Lake Monroe and back to Bloomington comprised 42.5 miles each. I have had success and have reached my goal of 80 miles and also 100 miles in a day, so I am confident this journey can be completed, and continue to train toward that end.

So where do you fit in?? Go that extra mile with me!!

What I am asking you to do is PLEDGE or DONATE a monetary gift, not to me, but to one of two organizations. The organizations are 1) the Ellettsville Masonic Lodge, to which the money will be used toward paying off the mortgage and 2) the Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586, who would use the money donated to their ‘Shop with a Firefighter’ shopping program for the less fortunate children around Christmas. Your donation will go straight to the organization of your choice. The addresses for both organizations are listed below. Please mark your check on the ‘memo’ line that it is for either the mortgage or shop with a firefighter along with the following – Branson Bike Ride. For example:

‘memo’ Masonic Lodge Mortgage - Branson Bike Ride
Or
‘memo’ Shop with a Firefighter - Branson Bike Ride

Ellettsville Masonic Lodge Bloomington Metropolitan Firefighters Local 586
c/o Gary Brinley – Treasurer P.O. Box 474
P.O. Box 65 Bloomington, IN 47401
Ellettsville, IN 47429

Thank you for your support in GOING THE EXTRA MILE with me! My wife and I have spent a lot of time and money in traveling the route, riding it, cost of food, gas, and hotel rooms in an effort to make this a success. AND I have to thank her for the success and encouragement. Thanks, Honey!

A Brother in both organizations,

Chuck Welch

2006-09-20T15:30:00.000-04:00

Go the Extra Mile with Me!