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My gracious boyfriend, Casey (the bike mechanic), my friend from work, Chris and I will be crossing the United States from Portland, OR to New York City over a period of 12 weeks this summer, 2011. In honor of my dear father, Don J. Kauth and our 3,000 other fellow Americans who were killed on September 11, 2001 we will reach NYC for the ten year anniversary memorial service via our humble yet reliable bicycles. While the destination undoubtedly has sentimental meaning to the country and to me, this trek, like all good treks, is definitely about the journey.
The plan is this: We leave the second week of June riding east along the beautiful Columbia river valley otherwise known as “The Gorge”. We split north into Washington after Hood River and cut up across the narrow of Idaho towards Flathead Lake in Montana. After Flathead, back down south into Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons. Then straight across Wyoming into The Badlands of South Dakota! Then a long stretch into Minnesota where we again will detour north towards the beautiful source of the Mighty Mississppi where we’ll navigate our way around those Great Lakes into Wisconsin and ultimately Michigan territory. Casey’s family lives in MI so we’ll rest up with his folks in southwest MI and then cut through Detroit over Lake Erie to reach Toronto to visit my big sister. Then around Lk. Ontario into northern NY for the homestretch. My mom lives in Saratoga Springs in Upstate NY so we’ll stay with her for a night or two before heading south to the Big Apple by September 11, 2011…easy as pie!
During the ride I will be posting journals to this blog about the people we meet, the food we eat, the places we sleep, the landscapes we see, and the obstacles we face. I will also document with tons of photos and personal reflections on what it is I’m finding out about my country and myself (and probably my boyfriend:) I really want to see for myself the greatness of this country that my dad loved so much. He had such a special place in his heart and in his conversational repertoire for American wilderness, policy, business, spirit, history, fortitude and determination. Ultimately, I think he was grateful for the genuine opportunity he had here. The ability to make a decent living for himself with hard work and some backbone.
This ride will obviously have its physical and mental challenges; it is a long way to ride but I know we can do it. Now I challenge you! Donate with me! I will be raising money for World Bicycle Relief, a wonderful organization created by Trek in 2005 to get reliable bicycles to those who need them in underdeveloped countries around the world! They are dedicated to providing access to independence and livelihood through the power of bicycles. You can check out more about World Bicycle Relief by clicking on the links below on this website under “Blogroll.” There is a really neat video I encourage you to check out, highlighting how your donations really can alter the course of someone’s life far away. Whatever amount is possible for you, every bit counts! If not, that’s OK, leave me a note of encouragement! Believe me, reading comments of solidarity will absolutely help us to keep pedaling:) Thank you!!
Cecelia P. Kauth
Cece
Casey
Well said Booms.
What he said! Still trying to map out where I want to meet you guys, I think it’s gonna be towards the end. <3 <3 Well done love!
Cece, Wishing you all the best on your amazing journey. It sounds like a great cause and I will check out the website to donate. Stay Strong!
Thank you Shannon’s Aunt Nancy!!! That is very kind of you to think of us and send support! I appreciate it so much!
Shannon told me about this awhile ago and I am so amazed your journey is about to start! I’ll be traveling in September so I hope to meet you guys with my sis in NY to celebrate your acomplishment. I’ll do my best to spread the word! xoxo
Lindsay! Thank you so, so much for your support and encouragement! It really helps to motivate and get these legs goin’! I would absolutely love to get a Lindsay-hug at the finish line in NY!! xoxo And thank you thank you thank you for your generous donation! 2 little kids are going to have new bicycles which they will use everyday because of your thoughtfulness!!
Dearest Cece, Uncle John & I wish you all a safe, rewarding, memorable & fun journey. Your mission seems so meaningful, you are a truly remarkable young woman, I am proud to call you my niece. I know your dad would be beaming about you too All my love
Thanks Aunt Ann & Uncle John! I really can’t wait to visit your farm/cabin this summer. Thanks for all your love and support…it does so much to motivate and inspire! Love you both!
Dear Cece,
You touched my heart with your loving tribute to Don. Your ride to remember and to help the less fortunate is truly admirable. Good luck on your great adventure!
Love,
Aunt Mary
Thanks Aunt Mary! It is so nice to get in touch finally! I hope you and Bill are doing well. I always think of him when I see cool birds…I will be sure to keep him posted if & when we see some neat ones throughout the long ride! Hope you’re staying cool & hydrated in hot, dry AZ! Love ya!
-C
Cece,
I think about your dad and pray for him everyday! This is such a great endeavor! He would be sooo proud that you are his daughter and so happy to see what you have become. I will donate what I can and send my prayers and hope your way! Good Luck!
Lee
Thank you so much Lee! Your kind words and support mean so much to me! It is so amazing to hear from you and have your encouragement after so many years!! I hope things are great with you, Lee! Lots of love your way:)
-C
Hello you two, just subscribed and looking forward to following your ride across the USA. Mom and I love both of you and are anxiously waiting for your visit to Michigan. Be careful and be safe. Casey’s Dad (Jerry)
I am amazed about the trip you and my grandson, Casey the bicycle mechanic, are undertaking. That and your fund raising will be a real accomplishment for you and others. When I met you on our trip to Portland 2 years ago I knew you were special. And to think I will see you again soon when you come through West Michigan. I’m praying for your safety and good health.
Love, Grandma Mac
Hey! My first of many comments, I’m sure. Hope beginning went well. Will be meeting you, come hell or high water, in South Dakota or thereabouts. Flying to meet Pat & Shauna in New Mexico. Will drive to wherever you are after that Will definitely hit the Badlands no matter what.
Marty Galinak (Corey’s Dad)
Wow! I’m so honored/grateful that Corey decided to join you. A little jealous too! Corey and I talked briefly of a cross country bike trip last year….If he had told me about it sooner, there may have been five riders. Looking forward to meeting you somewhere on the route, maybe around Detroit, if not, surely at the finish line. Enjoy it all!!!!
Best of luck to all of you. You are setting off on the journey of a lifetime. Enjoy the ride! Hopefully we will cross paths in our journeys.
What an awesome adventure!
Love to read the posts.
ride safely and God bless.
I have so enjoyed & look forward to the blogs re this amazing journey!
Safe pedaling,God Bless & “May the wind be always at your back”
.
Eileen Hutcherson (chris’ Mom)
Great blogs (always). The people out in the Northwest sound very special. Also, it’s great to see the comments people are making. Can’t wait to meet Casey’s family! Have been playing w/where to fly into. I’d love to see the UP, but have to figure time and airfare. Keep on bloggin’, bike safely, Mom
Are you homeless or are you free free?
Querida Cece!!!
You´re amazing and the reason why you´re doing this incredible bike trip makes me have tears in my eyes and getting goose bumps. I wish you all the best, a lot of power (but I´m sure you´ll make it) and I´m proud of you!!! I really can´t wait to meet you in September and I would be an honor for me to join you on your last miles to New York City.
I send you a big hug from Bavaria
Cece- I am very inspired by your story and am producing a series for espn about women that I would love to discuss with you. I dont know how else to reach you other than here. My email is becca@brainstorminproductions.com. Please get in touch if you can.
Thanks
Becca!
Cece-so happy that my sister saw the article in the Saratogian. I have known your entire family since the late 60s and have wonderful memories. You are doing a great thing that many will identify with. I will be eagerly reading your blogs, providing support and reaching out to my friends for their support.
Good luck and great travels. JoAnn Whalen
Thank you JoAnn! I am happy that you have enjoyed the blogs. They are fun to write…with such great material and all:)
How have you known the family? I know my parents were not yet in Saratoga in the 60′s…
Thanks again for the support and kind words!
Best,
Cece
Cece–What a great adventure and way to educate others to the need for bicycles in developing countries. Enjoy the beauty of this vast country. Best of luck.
Tom and Betsey Porter (Erin’s Mom and Dad)
Thank you so much Tom & Betsey! I so appreciate the support. It means so much to hear from people in the community and from our family’s past:)
Hope everything is going well with the Porter’s!
Best,
Cece
Hi Cece, I think your ride is a great way to memorialize your Dad. I knew him from working with him for a couple of years in the late ’90s. I’d like to help build some additional awareness of your ride through my own blog, as your ride enters its final stages. Maybe you could shoot me a quick email with your plans for the remainder of the ride? Best of luck to all of you in your last 200 +/- miles.
Down to the last leg…Cece. Ken and I are so proud of you and what you have accomplished! What an amazing woman you are!!! You have great stories to share and wonderful memories that will remain with you always. Your dad is smiling down at you and the rest of your riding buddies…Can’t wait to meet up with you again in New York City. Safe travels and see you in a few days. Love ya! Aunt Vanessa & Uncle Ken
Cece!! This is really cool. I’ve been out of the country so long I didn’t realize you were doing this until now! I see that you’re almost to NYC. Glad to see you’re doing so well, and I’ll be sure to send a few pennies (or more) your way for World Bicycle Relief.
Best Wishes, Ashley Titolo