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Extra Mile America Awards

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:53:00 -0700

Over the next few weeks, I will take the time to go through every single interview again. I will review websites, pick up the phone and make some follow-up calls. I will go through all of my submitted stories, and in the end, I will give away ten $1,000 awards.

These choices represent the groups and individuals that inspired me. I wish I had 200 awards to give out.

To everybody...keep going the extra mile.

It is a mile less frequently traveled than others, but I have no doubt that it is THE mile where you will find life's greatest successes.

Extra Mile Day!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:47:00 -0700

In the end, 4,000 miles were pedaled.

In the end, 23 proclamations by cities and states were adopted.

In the end, over 200 extra mile people were interviewed.

In the end, nearly 70 television, radio, and newspaper interviews were conducted in 90+ days.

In the end, hundreds of emails of encouragement were received.

In the end, Mayors from San Francisco...to Salt Lake City...to Washington, D.C... to Boston joined in their support of the Extra Mile America Tour message.

In the end, I hope seeds were planted...and watered...reminding people that great things happen to us in life when we "go the extra mile."

Home!

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:38:00 -0600

Wow! That was a lot of driving...Boston to Sacramento, but Julian and I made it back! I think, truthfully, I was happier to not have to get back in the van and drive than I was in not having to get back on the bike!

Overall, the ride home was made richer with a few breaks in between. We visited the boyhood homes of JFK, John Glenn, and the Presidential library of Harry Truman. Besides that...it was just a flat out mission to get home!

After being on the road for 95 days and staying in hotels every night, it will be a real treat to walk through my own front door again!

The Rockies II

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:22:00 -0600

When I planned the Extra Mile America Tour, I admit that pedaling over the Rockies was always in the back of my mind. It would be one of my greatest physical tests, and I would definitely give a sigh of relief when I was coming down the back side.

That was part was true. In fact, when I made it to my highest peak in the Rockies, that moment was my biggest emotional day. On the inside, I was bursting.

What I didn't take into consideration was going over the Rockies again. On the way home.

Leaving Denver today was quite the experience. A heavy storm warning was in effect and the potential for up to 24 inches of snow to drop was very real. Driving through the blinding snow and slushy roads was no fun at at all. We made it down the back side...again...and although the storm will be with us till home...I let out my second sigh of relief after getting over the top of the mountains.

Half-way home

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:37:00 -0600

Today, I took the time to stop at the Harry S. Truman presidential library, home, and burial site. I have always admired Mr. Truman's rise from his Missouri farmer's roots to the White House and his great lifetime love with Bess. It's a hero's story all the way around.

We have been averaging 500+ miles a day driving so it isn't just one giant push...and tonight I find myself in WaKeeney, Kansas. Sitting behind the wheel has been cathartic and focusing on the road has given my brain a small reprieve from thinking about the Extra Mile America Tour.

In the next couple of days, however, I will start to review all of my extra mile interviews in an attempt to identify ten that I found extra inspiring...to me.

THAT will be very, very hard.

California

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:32:00 -0600

The long drive back has begun. Breaking the trip home in 500+ mile days, Julian and I are scheduled to be back in California on Thursday.

Just driving the miles home, I have begun to take a deeper appreciation of the bike ride itself. After now driving 1,000 miles back in the van, I can now look at a FULL U.S. map and say, "Wow! That was a long way!"

During the ride itself, I never allowed myself to look at any map other than the day's route. Looking at anything more than that was psychologically too overwhelming. That's how I break down ALL big goals...step-by-step.

I always know I can accomplish the NEXT step...so that's the only thing on which I focus.

"What is the next step?"

And that's all I do.

City #21...Boston!!

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:33:00 -0600

Navigating in the busy downtown streets of Boston today was a bit of a challenge, but eventually Julian and I made it to the beautiful downtown YMCA. The YMCA today is not like how I remember it as a kid. This one in particular has a $52 million budget and provides a wide range of social services to Boston residents. The building has been around since 1912 and this Y is one of the oldest anywhere.

I had some great people my last day to interview, but I have to say, I am glad there is no city #22 in which to visit. I am pretty darn tired after three months of constant bike pedaling and events.

After the event today, Julian and I got into the van...made a quick stop at JFK's birthplace...and headed back on the long road home.

Hard to believe I am finally going west again. It seems for so long figuring out the eastern direction on any road was all that mattered.

Not now.

Tonight, I would in fact be out of Massachusetts and back in Connecticut. The drive home has begun.

The Atlantic

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:26:00 -0600

The day was getting late, and it was bitter cold without my gloves. The sun was not sure if it wanted to hide for the rest of the day or still stay out and shine. Regardless, today was the day. I touched ocean.

In a place called Sandy Beach in Cohasset, Massachusetts, I dipped my front tire into the Atlantic. Ocean-to-ocean...I did it.

After riding so far for so many days, it was hard to believe that I was finally through. Walking my bike across the sand and finally dipping my tire into the water was one of those moments that I had visualized happening for weeks, but now that it was finally here, it didn't seem real.

All of a sudden, too, I felt a lot more tired. Maybe because I know that I can finally rest. The bike ride part of the Extra Mile America Tour is over.

Chinese buffets

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:23:00 -0600

I'm not sure exactly, but an exaggerated estimate is I have eaten at what seems like thirty Chinese buffets on this bike trip. Being that I don't eat meat, it is a challenge at times to find restaurants with an appropriate menu choice for me...thus, Chinese buffets. I do believe I could qualify to be the "Jared" (Subway spokesperson) for Chinese restaurants.

No doubt, I am grateful for every single one of them that I have found, but I can assure you that I won't be visiting a restaurant anytime soon after returning home.

PS: Unless, of course, the spokesperson gig is available.

Angelo

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:15:00 -0600

I met a guy today who had a tough start in life.

He was born into a family with seven kids. Six siblings had different dads, and that's because there were twins. One or the other of his parents had HIV, serious drug addictions, and was incarcerated. He was raised in different foster homes.

Early in life, he, too, went the wrong way. Few opportunities were open to him, and he sold drugs to survive. He was caught and did jail time.

But today, Angelo Adams is a different guy. He has soft eyes and a kind voice. Gone is the angry man; present is the man who serves his community. He mentors young people, works with gang members, and mediates neighborhood conflicts. He helps those in the community who are in need of services get help.

Angelo is living proof that we can have a re-start in life. He reminds us that we have that choice.

We would all be lucky to know a guy like Angelo.

I do.

A fresh idea

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:04:00 -0600

Today, I was in Hartford, Connecticut...my 19th city on the Extra Mile America Tour.

My host in Hartford...Hands On Hartford...was fantastic and the people I met today were powerful in their commitment to make a difference, but what really caught my attention was something the host organization was doing.

The Hands On Hartford group purchased a "for profit" franchise...the Huntington Learning Center. With an increasing demand for services, but a decreasing pool of funds from which to draw, Hands On Hartford has decided to think outside the box completely in order to raise money.

I sense they will be a model for many non-profits around the country to follow.

Snow!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:00:00 -0600

It is hard to believe that just a few short months ago, I was pedaling through the Nevada desert in 110+ degree heat. Today, I sincerely missed those days.

Who would have thought?

Today it was soooo cold! It was hovering around 40 degrees not counting the harsh wind which, undoubtedly, brought the windchill levels down dramatically. The cold, the wind...and most of all...the rain (heavy downpour all day!) made the day my worst weather day of the Tour.

To top it off? It started snowing at the end of the day.

Wow!

Meet Arthur

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:21:00 -0600

Today, I met a super volunteer...Arthur. In fact, today was Arthur's 15th anniversary of volunteering at New York Cares...an organization that in 2008 had 48,000 other great volunteers (like Arthur) who participated in one project or another.

The really special thing about Arthur, though, is that he once stood in the very same food lines that he now serves. Back then during tougher days, Arthur vowed that when he got back on his feet, he would return the favor.

For the last fifteen years, Arthur has been keeping his word.

Plus some.

PS: Happy 69th birthday, Arthur!

Newark, New Jersey

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:45:00 -0600

Today was my Newark event day, and Jersey Cares played the role of my awesome host. In complete humility and support, the Executive Director of the organization, Brian Dean, gave me the use of his office for the day. It was a class act by a class guy.

The thing about Brian...and his whole amazing staff...Sherry, Ije, Elizabeth, Jon, Kerry, Charlene, and Heather...is that they really care. They do what they do not for a check, but for the chance to make a difference for another person.

In the case of this great team in New Jersey, they make a difference hundreds of times each month.

New Jersey is lucky to have such amazing, heart-driven...extra-mile...people.

And I am lucky to have met them.

Crossing the Delaware

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:53:00 -0600

In far less dramatic style, I walked my bike across the Delaware River today in a spot very near where George Washington famously led his troops in 1776.

His moment was forever captured in the paintings of him standing in the boat, looking forward to the opposite shore where the British troops unexpectedly slept. My moment was captured by my road manager, Julian, who snapped a picture of a guy (me!) with very tired legs thinking about that time 233 years earlier.

Both pictures will live in my mind a long time.

Philadelphia!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:50:00 -0600

I really enjoyed meeting a group of truly hard-working, passionate, and visionary Philadelphians. Greater Philadelphia Cares treated me wonderfully, and the conversations and organizations I shared today were memorable.

People are doing great things in life. We just don't hear enough about them.

PS: After the interviews, I had a chance to scramble around historic Philadelphia and visit lots of the sites. Anything and everything to do with Ben Franklin, I love. He is forever my all-time favorite historical figure. He simply did it all: entrepreneur, writer, inventor, diplomat...and an all-around extra mile guy. Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography is the single book that has more of an impact on my life than any other.

Wilmington, Delaware

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:42:00 -0600

It's hard to top a day like today. My event day "IN the middle of it all...in WilmINgton" was truly special.

I had an event with the First Lady of Delaware, Carla Markell, and was even presented the "Key to the City" by Mayor Baker. It was fun stuff.

But...

My favorite part of the day was meeting some of the great extra mile people from Delaware...

Lynne Robinson retired from teaching and with her extra mile friend Rich Philips, they have created an organization that takes the cheer of pets into the lives of those who are going through tough times in life. Nearly 250 volunteers...and their pets...make the rounds each month now!

Sally Pitts-Rakes developed a peer mentoring/tutoring program for students who are held back in 8th grade. For the past 2 years, Sally has recruited and trained 21 students from a high school who have now mentored and tutored 117 students.

Carolyn Kohn lost her 3-year-old son, Brady, from complications from aplastic anemia. Now, with the extra mile vision of Kendall Massett, they are a leading force in the country to educate and fund non-embryonic stem cell research. Lives are being extended...and hope provided...because of their work.

Andrew McKnight leads a dynamic program that takes 18-21 year old, out-of-school youth and and helps teach them construction skills...while paying them to finish their high school education.

Mark Stanzilis is one of those super volunteer heroes. Currently a member of AmeriCorps, he now has sights set on his next mission...the Peace Corps. And he is 48.

Gene Mayhew was the original Chairman of the National MS Society Delaware Chapter's Bike to the Bay event from 1982 to 1997. He was the leader in taking the organization from 22 riders to over 1,300 riders. The Delaware Chapter has now raised over $1.3 million for research and programs for those with multiple sclerosis.

Joan Hicks is another super volunteer. She volunteers at multiple worthy Wilmington locations (a hospital, a homeless shelter, and she adopted a highway for litter removal!), and has now clocked in over 4,000 hours of volunteer service in her lifetime.

I noted that the people I met in Delaware did what they did for a love of service...pure and simple. And when that is the main focus, great things are always built.

PS: A special thank you, too, to Clare Garrison with the State Office of Volunteerism. Clare, you created a great day...thank you!!!

Baltimore

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:40:00 -0600

Some of the locations I have had the privilege to conduct my interviews have been unbelievable. Today in Baltimore was another one of those special locations.

The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park & Museum is a beautiful location sitting right on the water's shore. With floor-to-ceiling views of the giant ships to look out upon, it was a gorgeous view sure to be captured in my mind's eye for years to come.

A very special thank you to Marsha Reeves-Jews (from the Museum) and Kelly Hodge-Williams (from Business Volunteers Unlimited Maryland)...two special, extra mile people who made my Baltimore visit "A+."

BWI Airport

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 11:06:00 -0600

Today was definitely a different type of riding. "Out" are the deer and sounds of nature. "In' are the close-passing cars and traffic lights. Riding in conditions like this is tiring because your focus needs to be so sharp. They are not my favorite ride days.

But I made it from D.C. to Baltimore.

The biggest challenge of the day was getting around the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. I took a separate bike path away from my support van, but trying to find it later was not easy. Getting lost in the middle of what seemed to be a million cars following the short-term and long-term parking signs for about thirty minutes was not fun. On a bike, turning around and going another way is just not a fast proposition. After pedaling a couple of miles off course, I finally got my bearings and got going the right way on 170.

Phew.

D.C.!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:11:00 -0600

Greater DC Cares and the very passionate and charismatic leader, Dr. Madye Henson, of this organization that serves over 750 area nonprofits and has a volunteer base of over 13,000 were amazing hosts today for city #13 on the Extra Mile America Tour. Conducting my interviews just five blocks from the White House, I felt a real sense of awe in our nation's capitol. I have been fortunate to come to Washington many times in my life, but every time, I still get caught up in the history of this great city.

Today, too, was a great day for meeting some interesting people representing unique interests: fighting modern slavery (Ray Lian, Stop Modern Slavery), building Democracy 2.0 (Ian Storrar, Mobilize.org), sparking interest in science and technology for young minorities (Charles H. Britt, Center for Minority Achievement in Science and Technology), empowering African communities regarding human rights issues (Gannon Gillespie, Tostan), food and exercise disorders (Cary Larson, Rock Recovery), giving homeless children the chance to take art classes (Marget Maurer, Project Create), and teaching conflict resolution skills in the Middle East (Nevzer Stacey, HasNa). It was my privilege to share time with such passionate and purposeful people.

Before leaving D.C. today, I took some time to visit all of the monuments...again. Each time seeing them always feels like my first time. My favorite? The FDR Memorial. A new one on my list? The Extra Mile Memorial (15th and Pennsylvania Ave.). Stars on the sidewalk honor extraordinary "extra mile" Americans who have given so much through dedication to service and volunteerism.

It was a fitting way to end my day in D.C.