"One for the Road...."

New London,CT to Providence,RI with one to go.......best part about todays' ride was that at the end I was able to see Dani and Brit at the hospital. An emotionally draining trip with a huge highlight at the end.
So many good people along and through this ride, that my last blog tomorrow will try to thank all those people. If I miss anyone I apologize in advance.....
In the morning I will leave Hasbro Chidrens' and arrive at Norton H.S. between 2:30/3:00, I feel at this point that I might float in as the emotions are on a high and the ride is still ongoing. Once this ride is over, work will still be needed to be done. As usual I CHALLENGE all of you to make a difference, by doing something, anything, just attempt to make a difference. Trying, effort, is half the battle, lethargy, prograstination will always win without effort.
A ton of times I thought about calling it quits, but I couldn't because I couldn't let Dani, Brit or anyone else think that was okay.
Effort, Attitude, Commitment, Dedication..... Love.
Life is a CHALLENGE, face it!!
Take care of each other and hopefully I'll see you tomorrow.....One for the Road.
As always,
Tom

"Finding Neverland"

I believe the glass is half full, I believe the glasses are "rose" colored, I believe we can all make a difference.....the ride is almost over and because of that some of you will think after this blog I've finally "lost" it. Quite the opposite, I've found it...... today was amazing so this will be a long one.
I'm now in Greenwich,CT, should be Stamford(next door)but the wildest day ended with everything coming together. Christian, Sandra, Anthony, and Kenny at the SHERA--- in Stamford, don't stop trying to make a difference and it was an honor to meet you today.....you just got a real world lesson and it bothered you...that's good so don't stop trying to do the right thing!
Mr. Tom Delaney, Ms. Polly Irving, Maria and Suzy, thank you for being warm, generous and supportive, your Hotel (to be named later) deserves every accolade and award it has received, the staff and facility are inspiring. Maria, you should stay with this company and congrats on your first day, I was glad to be part of it.
I've come to realize why I'm doing this ride, I'm upset that three beautiful young ladies were robbed of the innocence of thier youth in a senseless act of violence that should never have occurred, it was cowardly and has affected so many people who will never be the same again.... a needless tragedy. It's why I ride!
I will spend the rest of my life helping kids and attempting to make a difference...please try to treat each other the way you wish to be treated!
I finish this ride on Saturday, but for me it is only the beginning, I CHALLENGE all of you to find a passion and take it for a ride....when you see me in the future ask me about today and I will gladly share this inspiring story!
Be safe, take care of each other and I will see you all very soon,
Tom
P.S. I miss and love all of you!
P.P.S. Favorite movies......"Finding Neverland", "Big Fish", and "Field of Dreams"

Familiar Faces

AandP, Dunkin Donuts, Cumberland Farms. It's starting to look familiar, and boy do I miss you guys....Dani,Britt and the family I hope to see you all Friday night...I'm only 65+ miles outside of NYC and it feels good.
I appreciate all the support and wish I could bottle all the positive reaction to the ride and spread it among all the problem places and people who really need it.
Dani stay strong and realize so many people are fighting with you, Britt, I can't wait to here that voice, I really miss you guys.
Dad, Ty and the rest of my family, I need a good meal....Ty's birthday....feeling tired and old, but I realize we're almost there......please keep the pledges coming and don't forget the main reason for the ride......another beautiful day, please all remember to enjoy each other...
Love all you guys and take care of each other.....see you soon,
Tom

The "Green Bean Ride" or 147 miles of FUN!

My day off on Sunday paid huge dividends....my legs were strong and I rode the longest ride of my life...147 miles from the dropoff on Fishermens Island,VA to Lewes,DE.....in over 8 hours.
The first 75 miles had green beans all along the roadside , not just in certain areas, but scattered for the whole 75.....go figure, but it certainly piqued my interest.
I caught the Lewes Ferry and made Cape May,NJ by 6pm a amazing day and ride with a ton of stories....The best of which,,upon finding a Hotel late in Cape May, a voice from behind called, "Coach Simms?"....imagine my shock when it turned out to be a girl who went to school with my older son...go figure!!!
Be Good and Talk Soon,
Tom

Triple the fun !!!!

3 Blogs tonight....time to catch up!
Sunday, my only non-riding day.....was long and boring, Spences to the rescue, I had dinner with Doug, Kim, and Andrew....amazing "southern hospitality! It was a wonderful evening topped off by a Red Sox win.
The day off did wonders ......Monday 147 miles from outside Virginia Beach,VA to Rehoboth Beach,DE and Tuesday, 95 miles from Cape May to Toms River,NJ.
I'm going to blog about both rides, I'm staying strong (right knee, talk later) and 4 rides to go....Stay strong and see you all on Saturday...
As always look out for each other,
Tom

"A new look on life"

Erin and Sean, a young couple from Virginia Beach are the latest in a growing list of new and personal friends in my life.....I'm not sure if it's the tragedy or an awakening in myself that has made me more aware of the people who enter and exit my life on a daily basis. For whatever reason I look at people differently, I only wish to surround myself with positive, life is good people!
Life is way to short to mope, complain, ridicule, find fault, etc, etc, etc. It is much more important to try to give 100% on a daily basis, and not what someone else wants me to give, but what I know I should and can do.
I think we have been conditioned to fit in, fit in to someone else's plan......there's only one plan and we don't control it. I know for me this is new, so I don't know where it's going to take me, but I do know it's where I'm suppose to go. Erin and Sean talked about all sorts of young couple issues and it was exciting to hear a youthful exuberant outlook on life.....careers, new family, seeing and living in a brave new world, all part of thier plan. Anxious yet excited
There is only one plan and you deal with it when it presents itself....stay positive and stay strong and go for it.
As always keep each other safe, I miss you all,
Tom
P.S. "A journey of a million miles begins with one step"....Amanda, Dani, Britt, Wayne, Melissa, all of the Canns, and Spences
you are in my prayers and thoughts always!

Conversation with a stranger.........

My leg's, left hamstring/ right knee, are finally feeling the ride.......I knew it would eventually happen so oh well! I had the good fortune of meeting a man, Warren, who helped make the day a success. I made New Bern, NC at 3:30 when at 9:30 this morning I didn't think I had a chance.
We met through an injury stop, and had a chance to talk about the ride and what had brought me to where I was today....he actually cared and listened intently to the horrific tragedy in August that had brought me to this spot in Wilmington, NC.
We talked about much more as he helped me locate ice and we spoke about both our families and the challenges of raising a family in this world. After he departed and I had iced for an hour or so, I decided to continue the ride and made my miles...I went through a half hour torrential downpour and vivid lightning storm but felt invigorated by this chance meeting. It was nice to talk with someone who reinforced my feelings about the world and the good people in it. McKenzie and Harrison, you have a very, very nice man for a Dad, who went out of his way to help a stranger today....Give him an extra hug tonight before bed!
As always, take care of each other and I will see you soon,
Tom
P.S. I spoke with Danielle last night and she sounded great...please keep praying for the whole family, thank you.