First, let me thank Cindy and Mike at WRQ for their enthusiastic support. It is not often that one's bosses are so determined to make an project like this happen. A lot of companies describe the concept of taking an extended leave, but not many actually follow through. Larger thanks go to Doug Walker and Craig McKibbon, for creating a company where such endeavors are not just tolerated, but encouraged. They have also provided much of the technology that keeps me going out here on the road. And finally (on the corporate side) thanks go to all the WRQers who were inconvenienced my absence. You were the ones who were really paying the freight, and I am the first to acknowledge it.
Appreciation goes to Steve Bilenky for finishing my bike in very short order. He said he could do it in 2.5 weeks and he pulled it off. It is uncommon to find someone who will go out of his way for someone who makes a large request. Incidentally, the bike rides like a dream.
To everyone who saw me off from Seattle, I want you to know it means alot to me. Some of you are long and fast friends, and others were complete strangers. The six cyclists who went as far as Ellensburg, and the two who accompanied me to Missoula helped get me transitioned from a "normal" life to one on the road, deserve special mention.
To Paul, who bailed me out when I left my credit card at the pharmacy, just before the start, I will publicly state that the running tab that I owe has substantially lengthened.
To Terry and Kathy in Spokane, who welcomed us into their home for the night, under difficult circumstances, I send warm thanks. And also to Don and Carol in Missoula, for taking in a complete strangers and making them feel at home, I hope I can reciprocate. To Toby and Carol in Ennis, I won't tell anyone what a heavenly spot Ennis is. I have promised to call them when I reach Boston. To my closest new friends in Zumbrota, Minnesota I send thanks and greetings. I cannot help thinking of them as I hear about the dropping temperatures, remembering the warm greeting I got.
Part of the uncertainty of riding into a different town every day is not having anyone to contact in an emergency. In northern Wyoming that issue was put to rest by Kevin Hughes, a state police investigator, who offered to watch over my progress as I passed through his territory. It is very comforting, especially for my family, to know there are folks like him out there.
A big note of thanks goes out to the folks in the Public Library in Miles City, Montana, who greeted me with enthusiasm when I walked into their building, dripping with sweat, and requesting help in collecting information and photographs. They allowed me to, camp out in their facility for the afternoon, and helped me through the newspaper archives.
I had a very restful 5 days in Winnetka staying with my wife's family, refitting my bike with new tires and chain, catching up on sleep and fuel, and seeing something of the Chicago area. The local newspaper, the Winnetka Talk, stopped by for an interview, and as it turned out, the resulting article was responsible for contacts I made with many members of the Babcock family. My spirits were constantly being raised by email notes I receive from relatives of William Babcock in far flung places. They were all as enthusiastic as I, and most of them happy that it was I doing this trip, and not they.
On a very rainy Saturday, I was welcomed into the Ashtabula County Historical Society with warmth and energy by a woman named Liz, who seemed to share my for the hunt. Although our search came up empty, I have fond (and vivid) memories of a whole day spent near the stormy shores of Lake Erie.
Another stormy day off was spent in West Boyslton, awaiting the passage of another storm at the home of a classmate of my wife's. The rain was so heavy that they had a bit of a flood in the basement of their four year old house. Trying to make myself useful, I did some major rearranging in their basement as the water level rose steadily, but fortunately I didn't have to resort to bailing, They were most gracious hosts, especially when presented with a guest who wouldn't leave,
And then there was Boston. When I finally arrived at the Boston Public Garden, I found a whole host of Babcocks, a group with even more enthusiasm about Will Babcock than I. We jabbered for two hours about all aspects of the trip, and I felt like we could have gone on much longer. A video was made of the whole event and I get the greatest kick out of it. It's a classic in the home video genre!
I want to formally thank everyone I encountered on my way to Boston. This includes those who sent mail and those who I encountered along the road. I cannot believe how quickly time passed and I think that is due in large part to all the good will that was directed my way. Quite simply, it could not possibly have been a better trip.
Appreciation to Jerry who supplied much of the graphics on the site, and also for all of the small details which would have slipped by me in the rush at the end.
There were a number of occasions when, for one reason or another, I needed some technical help. There are a whole host of people at WRQ who pitched in to help me along. They're a good and able bunch.
Finally, thanks go out to my (extended) family for understanding my situation and helping me get there. My wife, Judy, gets special kudos, for her enthusiasm has been building every day. Everyone asks me "How did you get your wife to buy into this?". The answer is that she is a very generous person. After twenty years, the ties keep getting stronger.
Forever upbeat,
Dennis