Name: Al and Dan	Linworth Animal Hospital - tracking the progress.
Date:    8/27/00 4:30 pm
Hi all; Temperature is 108 and we just pulled in to Hutchison, Kansas. It is off route by about 8 miles but it has a hostel in a church we decided to take advantage of. We rode about 78 miles today mainly because the wind wasn't hurting us much. We couldn't find much shade or rest stops so we just kept going. If we stop in the sun it just gets hotter without the air movement we create while riding. The library is about to close so I have to sign off for now. Al and Dan

Name: Gail Ross

Date:    8/27/00

Hi Al and Dan,,,My sister in law Gail Fellman emailed me and told me about your trip..that is so exciting..everyone wants to do it and never does but you guys really did it..al i hope you remember me..i was your old girlfriend in junior high...i married jay ross...i will follow your travels...gail

Name: Bob	Mr. McWhirter and his memories.
Date:    8/28/2000
WOW!! Gail Ross' entry is a tough act to follow. See what happens when you become famous.....or infamous. Your old girlfriends make contact with you. (Jane, you have nothing to worry about. Gail is a great gal but she's happily married and besides, you're the best!!)I emailed our cousins over the weekend about your adventure and I see that you already have received some well wishes from Gail (Fellmen) and Betsi as well as from Uncle Sid. You will likely get more from various people who are following your exploits and who think the website is great. I see that you are continuing to experience unbelieveably hot (over 100) temperatures in Kansas and I'm guessing that you are somewhere close to Girard, KS and fairly close to the Missouri line. Your biggest challenge now has got to be the heat and the winds. It's difficult to figure your exact intended path across Missouri because there are quite a few options. As you go further east the route is not as obvious to me as it was in the west where there were not that many choices. I sure hope you can get a little relief soon from the heat. How much water are you guys drinking each day? I'm sure it's a huge amount. I figure that, at the pace your on, you'll be in Berea, Kentucky by the middle of September and be in Yorktown by the end of September/beginning of October - probably in time for you to celebrate your 55th birthday, Al, in Columbus. I'm enjoying following your progress, but with that heat, frankly I'm glad I'm here in Ohio where temperatures have been much more civilized. Ever onward. Bob

Name: Sara and Andy Dale

Date:    08/28/00

Dan and Al we are so proud of you!!!! I have a little story to share with you. We were in Boston this summer for the Tall Ships. While viewing the tall ships, we saw a couple ride their bike over to the shore of the harbor and they stopped and put their hands in the water. We knew immediately that they had just finished their cross country bike trip. We went over and offered our congratulations. It was a moving experience to see them complete such an awesome accomplishment. It will be very moving for you, I am sure of that!

Name: Lisa Sabula	Crossing over the very top.
Date:    8/28/00
Hi Dan and Al, It sounds like it is really hot out there! It has been pretty cool here in Ohio for Aug. It seems as though it will warm up this week, so we will probably get some swimming in. We have been very busy getting ready for school. Drew and Clark started on 8/21. Drew started 4th grade, so he knows everything about everything that is going on...and is more than happy to share the rules with Clark. Clark, of course, started 1st grade (yes, he is finally in a grade!). He had a pretty good week, but some of the things that he learned were not learned out of a book. He actually had to put his own mustard on his hot dog! He also did not like what they were serving for lunch one day (and packing is not an option in our house), so he asked for a peanut better and jelly sandwich. Can you believe it, he had to spread his own jelly!!!! We had to have some practice sessions on the jelly spreading this week end, because it was a little stressful. Other than that, he had a great week. They also made Grammy happy, because they came and checked his speech on the 2nd day of school. As you are aware, he is doing better, but they are going to work with him. So, soon I guess I will have to talk right again as well. I took Drew and Clark to buy school shoes, and I had to buy Drew size 9 mens shoes! His feet look like boats! The guy at the shoe store wanted to know what we feed him ! They will both start playing soccer this week, so we have lots of soccer practice and games to look forward to. Alex and Mariclaire came and spent the week end with us this past week end. Toad Village has been expanded, and there were many toads and frogs chased down. They also got out the hammers, nails, and scraps of wood, and made a raft. They used empty milk jugs, and plastic pop bottles (which they taped together with duct tape) to make it float in the creek. It was not big enough to hold any of them, so Abbey was the lucky rider of the raft. It made me so happy to hear them laugh and talk, talk, talk! Andy is working hard on buiness development for his new AMS Assembly company. The great news is that he received a nice sized check last week for the delivery of his first lot of product. Mom is OK, but missing you. Margaret is OK, but missing you. As a matter of fact, we are all OK, but missing you. We love hearing how well you are doing, and can't wait to hear about this great adventure in person. Be safe. We love you lots. Drew and Clark say "we love you to the moon and back...a bzillion times" Love, Lisa, Andy, Drew and Clark... and Abbey

Name: Kay and Mike, Canton,OH

Date:    8/28/00

Dear Dan and Al, What a wonderful adventure! We're having fun following you. We were in Colorado this summer so we know that route from Vail to Pueblo...we were in Leadville...10,200'...the air was a bit thin...went to our nephew's wedding on the banks of Turquoise Lake. We also saw those plains on our way to Colorado Springs...Pretty awesome looking for miles and seeing flat land with an occassional ranch. I stayed with Kay last Wednesday night. She's doing great. I nag at her a bit to keep her from missing you too much. Last time I stayed we watched Hillary on Jay Leno...something I'm certain you were sorry to miss. I agree that some of the politicians would love to tag onto your success with a "fender sticker"...do you have fenders on those bikes? Our prayers are with you...May the wind be at your backs. Love, Kay and Mike

Name: Larry Corman

Date:    8/28/00

Road Warriors, Looks as if even wihtout too much cooperation from mother nature you two can't be slowed.I rode my bike this weekend on an Indiana highway but hard as I tried I couldn't get a draft from a semi(and I was in the big ring). Your adventure sounds like it's going great. Hopefully the winds and temperature will get more favorable very soon. Keep the rubber side down and continue to have a great time. Larry

Name: Ken and Karen

Date:    8/29/00

You are moving right along despite the heat. We enjoyed your pics with Dave. Who is the bearded guy? Al, thanks for the post card and happy anniversary a few days late. Will check in with Jane to see how the home front is doing with school starting.

Name: Polly and Brax

Date:    August 29, 20000

We keep checking in on you two. Hope the weather changes for you and you can have some of our beautiful summer and fall weather. We are continually amazed that you are pumping right along the highway. Of course by now you are really in good shape. Keep it up and we can always say, "We are neighbors of these guys!".

Name: John Schilling

Date:    August 29, 2000

Al and Dan, Thanks for the postcard. It was nice to discover it in our pile of mail when we returned from our vacation. I thought about you guys as I encountered cyclists riding along the highways of Cape Cod. I managed to get a 25-mile ride in on the rusty old Schwinn Varsity 10-speed found in the basement of the house we rented. It certainly makes one appreciate the improvements in bicycle technology over the last 20 years! You two might want to consider the 200 mile Boston-to-Provincetown ride next year - you guys could knock that off in a day or two at the rate you're going! Best regards and continued strong tail winds!

Name: Pete Clark	Yes, but the price Al - the price is right!
Date:    Aug 29
Reading all the latest from AL and Dan, seeing the pictures Chris has loaded onto the web page makes it seem like I am begining to know a whole new circle of friends. As I read the log I can imagine these two wonderful men dipping their tires into the bay at York Town looking at each other in silence, turning around and riding all the way back to the Pacific ala Forest Gump! I have questions about the machines. Have you needed to change tires? How are your bearings holding up? You must be doing preventive maintenance to be doing so well. I saw Al had a problem with the derailer, (or what ever you call it.) Dan, with your sailing background I expected you to have a small Genoa pulling you eastward. Our prayers are following you both for a safe journey. To Chris: Great job on the web site Chris. This is award winning!

Name: Bob

Date:    8/29/2000 @ 8:50 p.m. ET

Well, this is the end of your 6th week in the saddle, boys. Has the bicycle seat made a permanent imprint on your butt yet? Soon you'll be saying "we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto", but right now you're probably saying "I'm melting". Thanks for the cards, Al. We really have enjoyed receiving them. You guys are true champions. Keep on "truckin".

Name: Gary Levin

Date:    8/29/00

Hi Guys!! Way to go Cuz! What a trip!. I've been peeking in on your trip after Bob told us about it. Sounds fantastic. Glad to hear all is well, the equipment is working and no bear attacks yet. Great way to keep healthy and enjoy the country. Keep on truckin' ... and the best of luck.

Name: Jane

Date:    8-30-00

Eureka! Yes, that's where they are and it is hot, hot, hot. They stayed in an air conditioned hostel in Hutchison. On 8-28, it was already 85 degrees at 8:00 a.m. and of course it only got worse as the day went on. Hydration is critical so they're drinking plenty of liquids but Al said that very soon after refilling their water bottles with cold water, it heats up and is HOT water in no time. He's thinking they have about two more days in Kansas and then they'll be in Harry Truman's stomping ground. I like Larry's term: Road Warriors. It's so true.

Name: Ken and Karen

Date:    8-30-2000

Stopped by Linworth Hosptital and got a good look at your map. As far as Kansas goes I don't know why Dorothy didn't stay in OZ. i lived there at Ft. Leavenworth as an army brat (Karen was 2 years old) from '48 to winter of '52 when Dad had orders to move to Utah. Remember traveling across to Colorado when it was very cold. Hope a cooling,gentle breeze pushes you faster to the east soon.

Name: Mike Gutin

Date:    8/30/00

Hi Al and Dan, glad to read that all is going well for you. This will be the last post from me for a week. Leaving today for the Strawberry Music Festival near Yosemite. Really looking forward to it. Such a very happy place to spend my birthday making music with friends and family. Thanks for the card from Kansas Al. I'll be back home on Wed. Sept 6 and will check in on your progress then. Continued happy trails. love, Mike

Name: Al Allen

Date:    8/30/00

Dan and Al, gud to hear of your progress. Wednesday riders have been informed. Lots of luck and gud journey. By the Bye I'm on a recumbent now a BikeE, WOW! lushous riding. Met Diane today from the Vet Clinic on the Wed Ride, very nice lady. Later Al Allen

Name: Jane	"Look for the mooses under the willow trees".    Walden, WY - moose viewing capital.
Date:    9-1-00
Chanute, KS., home of the man who made the first glider, was home for them on 8-30. When Al called from Pittsburg, KS., last night, they were five miles from the Missouri border. At 7:00 p.m., it was 102 degrees but despite the heat, they rode over 60 miles that day. The Ozarks are ahead and they've heard from other riders that the "hills" are very steep and challenging. They continue to meet really interesting people and they sound strong and happy! Al's derailer (sp.?) was giving him trouble again but they found a good bike mechanic so it's fixed and working well.

Name: John Clark

Date:    Sept. 1, 2000

I hoping that you guys can find a nice place to hole up and enjoy that most blessed of holidays, Labor Day. I know that you have been laboring in the heat and need to keep out of the traffic over the week-end. It sounds like you are enjoying the trip but I know that the heat must be excruciating. You might as well be going over the Southern route. Anyway, have a nice holiday.

Name: Ken and Karen

Date:    9-2-00

You are sending some of your heat this way, but not nearly as bad as what you are having. As you travel through Missouri we will keep an eye on the map/where do cross the Mississippi?

Name: Joan Clingman

Date:    09-02-00

We just came from the animal hospital. Our 2nd black cat Owen has some kind of infection.(1st black cat was Midnight, the ravine rescue for you Dr. Gutin.) Dr Bird got us going on some med. Good Man. Your trip is so exciting. Like someone else wrote, it is the kind of trip we dream about but the rest of us never do. Drink in the scenery and the experiences for all of us. What a way to see the vastness and beauty of America. Being connected to the land in whatever way it is done, is so important. It renews your soul. Continued blessings to both of you on your jouney. It's great fun to watch your progress. Joan

Name: Al and Dan	Al holding up the sign.    Apparently they don't kid about wind out here.
Date:    9/2/00 3:00pm
Well, we're not in Kansas anymore! We crossed into Missouri yesterday morning and it didn't take long before the "hills" started. It's very similar to riding in the Hocking Hills of southeast Ohio. The landscape,farms and steep climbs are very reminesent. The temperature still has continued to fry us. But now Missouri has added humidity and flies that buzz our heads as we slowly climb up the never ending hills in our lowest gear (22x34 for you bike techies). We camped out last night in Ash Grove,Missouri (Pop.1128). There was no motel, but the lady at the town hall let us take showers at the swimming pool that had already closed. Cold water only but it felt great after 105'. The tents were uncomfortable due to the humidity and the fact that we were spoiled after " moteling" it through Kansas. Tonight we are in Marshfield, Mi. It was only a 50 mile day but we must have gone up and down 50 significant "rollers". We have been getting fresh cool water from the kind farmers on the route. They all think we are out of our minds , but seem used to seeing "our kind" out on their roads. One nice old gentleman offered us a watermellon from his garden. It was too heavy to carry along so we just ate it in his driveway while he told us about his experiences at the Battle of the Bulge in WW2. What a guy! He also told us it hasn't been this hot since '36. Anyway, thanks to everyone who has continued to follow our progress ( we now have covered over 2700miles). Your comments and encouragement are a continued source of joy for us as we seek out computers in the towns we pass through. Jane and Kay continue to manage the homefronts while Jim, Cindy , and the wonderfull staff at Linworth continue to labor in my absence . All of which allows me to continue my "vision quest". Thanks everyone! Al and Dan

Name: Bob

Date:    9/2/2000

Congratulations Al & Dan. At 2700 miles and 6 and 1/2 weeks you are 2/3 of the way through your trip. That's an average of about 415 miles a week or almost 60 miles per day over the last 46 days, and a good many of those days in 90 degree and 100 degree plus heat. You guys are supermen. (Are you from the planet Krypton?) I'd like to know what a "typical" day is like for you, if there is such a thing, i.e., starting and stopping times, food and liquid breaks, how you're getting to meet people, etc. How many tires have you gone through? Any blowouts? Are you mostly eating in restaurants or cooking out on your stove? Do your legs go in a circular bicycle motion when you sleep at night? Do you dream about long downhills? Have you heard any good jokes from the folk out there? What is this country really like? Stay safe and be well. Bob

Name: Jane	Next to the largest ball of twine this was very exciting.
Date:    9-3-00
Good to hear directly from them, wasn't it? Al called from Marshfield, MO. As he said in their last entry, it's getting VERY hilly as they move into the Ozarks. Al is sending home four lbs. of unnecessary clothing and is ready to jettison his handy, dandy chair. It was a godsend as they traveled through the western states with fewer inhabited (with people and real chairs and beds) stops but he's looking for a place to either pitch it in an ecological manner or looking for someone who looks like they need an extra chair... Typical day finds them up approx. 5:30, 45-60 minutes to gather and pack their gear, usually eat a bagel and juice from the night before, start riding when the sun comes up and if a breakfast place appears along the road and they're hungry, they stop. After 30-50 miles they look for a lunch stop and then ride to the closest town. Quick stop at a convenience store or a library to check the website, scout out a place to stay (inside or out)dinner and then some much needed sleep. Of course, you need to include meeting and talking with locals who inquire where they've been and where they're going. People love to share stories about themselves which Dan and Al love to hear. They continue to rely on reports and tips from bikers going west who have already traveled the byways of our guys' future. They've pedaled approx. 2700 miles out of the 4100 plus total. Kay and I are looking forward to our trip to Berea.

Name: Pete Clark

Date:    Sept. 3, 2000

It is so hard to believe it's September. I heard on the radio last night Casper Wy had an inch of snow in town and around 5" on the mountains. You guys got out of the Rockies just in time! Although I'll bet some 32' temperatures would be welcome to you around 2:00 in the afternoon. Are you going to stop and rest for the holiday and get out of the traffic? Everything in Ohio seems to be OK. Scattered showers for the past couple of days. Happy trails.

Name: Carolyn and Dan

Date:    Sept 3, 2000

You must be getting close. It is hot and humid here now. Must be because Al and Dan are on their way. Sounds like Berea is by invitation only. Would hate to spoil anyone's fun. Keep on biken! Best Wishes to you both. Carolyn and Dan

Name: Linda & Ted Beegle

Date:    9/3/00

Happy Labor Day, literally and figurativly! Here's a tip....Freeze the water in your water bottles, if you can find a place to freeze water overnight. It SLOWLY melts the next day in the heat and sun and stays COLD. Remember to discard some of the water because it will expand a little as it freezes, but I bet you remember that from Physics 101, huh? We are all so proud of you both! Hugs from the Beegles.

Name: Zach Smith

Date:    9-5-00

Hey Dan and Al! Thanks for the postcard, It was Great to hear from you.. Glad you guys are doing well. ATTENTION TEAM "R" MEMBERS: I would again like to invite everyone to Alum Creek this Sunday morning. Come at 8:00 ready to ride.. We plan to ride the Dry Run. So hope to see Everyone There! Keep Up the good work Dan and Al!

Name: Bob

Date:    9/5/2000

It looks like Mother Nature has taken some pity on you guys. High temperatures now in the relatively balmy 80s. Where do you cross the Mississippi into Illinois? Is it at Cape Girardeau? Or further north? My guess is that you were somewhere near Ellington, MO., as of last night. The weather today in Cleveland is in the high 60s and sunny. Went to the Indian's game yesterday; drizzled all day; Indians won 5-1; they have been playing good ball in the last month and are in first place in the wild card race by 2 games. Ohio State beat Fresno State soundly last Sat; State's defense was great but offense needs improvement. Mom says "hi". We all send our love.

Name: Monty & Martha

Date:    9/4/00

Hi Dan & Al: Beep Beep!! Have enjoyed watching your progress. If time was available to us it would be great to peek in on you guys along the road but since it's not we'll just have to settle for your updates. Would love to hear about your cooking experiences. Who is the cook and what are you eating to keep all this energy flowing? We're impressed by the enormity of your endeavor especially at your age, Dan, Ha! Monty may have attempted this in his 20s but not in this day and age. No way - we're proud of you and know you will make the entire route. Hope you have a CamCorder so we can see some of the scenes upon your return. All's well with the Florida family and will be looking forward to following your progress and seeing all of you guys again. Keep pumping!! Lots of Love Monty & Martha

Name: Zach Smith

Date:    9/5/00

Hey Everyone,TEAM RIVERLEA: I have a CORRECTION to make on my last post. I said that the group was planning on meeting in the Alum Creek Parking lot for the Dry run ride. We are going to meet at the DRY RUN PARKING LOT - it should be at the HIGH SCHOOL. Hope to see the team there. Pass The Word, Zach

Name: Caroline & Carly Pharmer	Truth in advertising!
Date:    9-5-00
Dad & AL, You two sure did labor your way through Labor Day. As for us, we went to Daytona Beach, saw a Shriner's Rodeo with the kids and friends, and had a cookout. We had a great time here and thought of you two putting the petal to the metal on your journey. Carly has been home sick from school yesterday and today with pink eye and an unrelated virus which has given her tummy troubles and a fever. It has been nice to get to spend some quiet time with her while she is recovering. Bill has heard of a 150 mile charity bike event that is 75 miles from Orlando to the Ocala National Forest, and then 75 miles back the 2nd day in the middle of October. He wants to do it, but needs a buddy to go. He is working on a couple of friends of ours and hopes to meet the challenge. Sam is doing great in school this year,(5th grade seems to be really good for him.) He is also doing great at the guitar lessons. I have all the postcards and love to look at them and think abbout what a great thing that you are both doing in your prime! Keep it up, and lots of love to you both!! XOXO :)

Name: Al and Dan

Date:    9/6/00 1:15pm

Hi everybody, We are in Farmington, Mo. for lunch. The weather has cooled considerably and we camped out the last several nights. I think the Ozarks are over with (it's been like a bad dream). The Mississippi river is within reach the day after tomorrow. We cross at a town called Chester, Ill. ( home of Popeye's creator, complete with a statue of Popeye in the town's square) Two nights ago we camped along the Current River and the mosquitos and flies were as hungrey as we were. We cooked tuna noodle cassarole and shared it with the the bugs before hiding in our tents for the night. More later after we cross into Popeye land. Al and Dan ps: A note to Ann Henderson: Have you formed two Marathon teams yet? As I recall we had enough people for two teams. Keep me posted - Dan.

Name: Jane

Date:    9-6-00

They traveled from Marshfield to Houston, MO., but had been warned by east to west riders that Houston was not a safe place to camp out. It was good to hear they moteled it there and had no problems. On their way to Ellington, MO,they found Johnson's Shut In State Park (that shut in part conjures up some strange images) and called from there last night. The name Shut-In Park has something to do with the water near there being shut in by rock outcroppings. When Dave was with them, he had given them some noodles which really came in handy as there were no stores nearby to get supplies. Al was figuring they're approx. two days from the Mississippi River where they'll cross at a place called Chester. The Ozarks are proving to be a challenge with never-ending steep hills. As to Berea, Kay and I will be glad to pass on any messages from all of you. So please feel free to e-mail me at jgreader@aol.com or give Kay or me a call with your good wishes and we'll deliver them to the guys when we get there. We're planning to have a little celebration when they return from Yorktown. We'll be letting everyone know when that will be once we determine when they'll be dipping those wheels in the Atlantic. What an achievement this whole adventure is! Truly amazing!

Name: Trudy

Date:    9-6-00

You guys are soooo much fun! Thanks for letting us be a part of your dream. Thanks to Jane/Kay and Chris for letting us be a part of your dream! Dan, it's about time for you to ask, "ARE WE THERE YET?" Al will not laugh, but ask anyway! Senate members/staffers ask me, "Where are they today?" You're famous! Sending you more of the love and support that I read in each message~~~:PICK UP~~~Are you pickin' up?

Name: Gail Fellman

Date:    9/6/00

Hi Al & Dan, This has been a terrific experience for me to have my first cousin accomplishing such an incredible feat. Wishing you the best and hope the worst is behind you. I'm really enjoying the entries. Stay safe & healthy! Gail

Name: Larry Corman

Date:    9/6/00

Hello chain gang, I can't believe your so close to Ohio so fast.Seems like you just left.You better slow down or this thing will be history in a flash. Dan that tandem training must be helpfull. Al I hope your learning about vaseline wasn't too painfull.I can't decide whether to get the two of you Yellow or polkadot jerseys, Either would be appropriate.Glad the whether has broken for you , enjoy the last thrid of your journey. Larry

Name: Teresa

Date:    9-8-00

Glad to see you are still doing so well. Missing your smiling face at the office, but otherwise everything is good. Take Care!

Name: Mary Ann	It was 105 this day - they weren't watching    for ice - they were praying for ice!
Date:    September 7, 2000
We miss you guys- (well Charlie doesn't miss Al)The girls started school and Chelsea just loves the middle school. She thinks she is so mature now. She actually has homework, so it is fun to watch her attempts at organization. Amelia got the Homework Queen for a teacher again this year. The whole class stayed with the teacher as she looped up to teach 6th grade. She was assigned a "bigger than big" report on China, so she is already back at it. Soccer is five night a week for her, so she is busy as usual. Her first big game is tomorrow night against the number one team in the area. The goal is to hold their own. Olivia is running for student council this year. In her poster she says that she will listen to what other people say and let other people talk. That will be quite a challenge for her! fourth grade means that she is upstairs at Evening Street and that is quite a step. It won't be much longer before they are all in high school. Chris is planning to ride the Dry Run this weekend and thought maybe Olivia could do it with him, but she has a game later and it may take all her energy to ride the 65 miles. Chelsea is riding Sprite as much as she can, although Alisha says that it is time to move to another horse that can jump a little higher. We are horse shopping now, but it could take awhile. i am in no hurry. The kitchen addition is moving along and tomorrow we should have electricity out there. I am hoping by the end of September to have moved in. We are anxious for your two to return home. - love, mary ann

Name: Ann

Date:    9/7/00

Dan, I just saw your note about the marathon teams. I'll get busy on that right away. Are you in? Looks like your tour is going great. You've got yourself a whole bunch of groupies out there writing to you! I've just spent the last hour reading old entries. I just got back from a week of riding and camping in New Brunswick, Canada, and I have decided that the hardest part of extended camping is getting that damn sleeping bag back into the stuff sack every morning. I'm psychically sending each of you an extra ounce energy to use each morning as you cram the bag back in. We anxiously await your splendid and triumphant return.

Name: Nancy/Frank

Date:    9/7/00

Hello once again. By now you both should have the pulse rate of Indurain, lungs of Armstrong, and the legs of Heiden! Time for some upper body work? You should have to go through some sort of ceremony (like x-ing the international date line) when you cross the Missisippi. Your description of a day on the road was interesting reading. Hope your weather is improving- it's great here today. Happy spinning! Nancy/Frank

Name: N/F Addendum

Date:    same

Don't you worry Al, the office is doing just fine WITHOUT you -

Name: Bob

Date:    9/8/2000 @ 6:28. a.m.

I wouldn't recommend jumping in the mighty Mississip. Maybe in Mark Twain's day but not today. Maybe you could just spit into the river as you cross over it. After crossing you'll officially be in the eastern portion of the U.S. Take a picture of the Murphysboro welcome sign for Jane. Proud to be one of your "groupies". Bob

Name: Betsy

Date:    Sept.8

Dear Dan - What a great device the internet is to allow us to travel vicariously with you across the U.S. With the forest fires in the West, you must have seen some spectacular sunsets. I am leaving for Italy on Sept. 15 and, unfortunately, won't be back until Oct. 5 but I hope you and Al will feel free to stay at the house. The key to the front door is under the mat, the beds are made and there is beer in the frig. On this last leg of your "Adventure of a Lifetime", may the sun smile on you and the wind be your friend. Betsy

Name: Dianne, from Cleveland

Date:    9/8/2K

Hi Guys! I've been off line for a while...but I'm back! Just spent a fun half hour catching up on all the e-mail you've received over the past three weeks. Isn't it great? So many folks out there pulling for both of you. To me, it seems like the time has flown by, considering you've travelled over 2800 miles. How does it feel to you? Maybe I should ask your "buns" the same question. :) I wonder what they'd say!! Al, thanks for remembering us with your postcards. They're a welcome treat. Also, thanks for your well wishes. (I'm feeling great.) Anyhow, keep up the super-duper work. Lots of love & hugs, Dianne

Name: Patty (Cleveland's TOSRV)

Date:    9/8/00

Hey Guys! It's great (and amazing) hearing about all you've accomplished! The 2700 miles under your belt is fantastic. Sounds like your challenges are a bit more than XOBA...including hotter than Dan had to put up with last year. I can't imagine what you guys are doing and yet I am totally jealous! Keep those updates coming! Patty

Name: Jane and Kay

Date:    9-10-00

They're biking MACHINES! They are in Illinois (home of I don't know what except old Abe lived there). They were in Carbondale on 9-7 and called from Harrisburg on 9-8. I think Berea is in sight soon. As you've read in their posts, the weather is much better. Al sent more pictures. Chris has them and will get them on the website. Thanks, Chris! All along, I should have been entering that the messages were from both Kay and me! Yikes! I'm losing it...I'm sure there are friends of Dan and Kay' out there wondering who Jane is.

Name: Clara & Frank

Date:    9/10/2000

Al&Dan: You're becoming Rivderlea Celebrities and you certainly have earned it. Here we're coming out of a heat wave and picking tomatoes every day. (Sorry we can't share some with you.) We hope you're seeing some good looking tomatoes as you drive through the South. (Ha Ha) With the warm weather and occassional rain the grass keeps growing so we are still quite some cutups here. Leaves are falling but we're saving some for you. Frank says: "I took my wife to Europe this summer. You know how it is you always take something you don't need." Actually from Clara she really enjoyed the trip to Austria and Germany.

Name: Mike Gutin	Whatever a prairie chicken is,    here's their capital.
Date:    9/11/00
Hi Al and Dan, congratulations on making it to Illinois already. Sounds like you are making really good time on your trip. Glad to hear that the heat has subsided, but it sounds like the bugs have not. I returned from the Strawberry Music Festival on Tuesday Sept. 5 where I had a great time. A favorite French Canadian band of mine from Quebec named La Bottine Souriante was playing at the festival. I had met those guys at a couple of previous concerts here in southern California and we became friends. My friends in La Bottine put me on the back stage list so I could go back stage to visit them. In the ten years that I have been going to Strawberry, this was the first time I got to back stage. I also got to meet and talk with several of the other performers including Martin Hayes (tremendous Irish and Scottish fiddler), Tim O'Brien (great bluegrass and Irish mandolin, fiddler, vocalist). I was up late jamming with a lot of great players until 4 or 5 in the morning evey night. Had three days of unexpectedly cold and rainy weather. Very unusual for that time of year. The weather cleared by the second last day and then the sun finally came out on the very last day. Spent one extra night camping there after all of the other campers had left to fight their way home in the Labor Day traffic. Had a a big brown bear come into our camp the last night there. I suspect that he was as interested as we were in the steak and mashed potato dinner we were preparing for dinner. We managed to chase him away several times by making a lot of noise and chucking rocks at him (that's what the ranger told us to do). Anyway, it made for a nervous last night sleeping in the tent with all of the other campers gone. We didn't get eaten and so the bear turned out not to be a problem. Really busy since I got back in town. Engineering work coming out the wazu all of sudden. Must be because everyone is back to work from summer vacation, the price of crude oil is way up and so some of my oil company clients are starting to spend money again, and the economy is good in general and so the building contractors that I work for are all busy with construction projects. Am also playing a lot of gigs. Over this past weekend, my band played for two dances and a Klezmer wedding reception, and I played at a night club in Santa Barbara with an eclectic sor t of word jazz band for the release of their CD, which I play on. Life is good! Wishing you all the best on the remainder of your adventure. Hope that the good weather holds out and that you will get to enjoy the fall colors as time passes and you progress toward the east coast. Thanks Al for your latest card from Missouri. love, Mike

Name: John Clark

Date:    Sept. 11

You guys are making such good time it is unbelieveable. Don't forget to stop once in a while to enjoy. It is fun reading about your progress. If I did your trip it would have to be on a motorcycle, which is probably a bad word to you fellas.

Name: John Schilling

Date:    September 11, 2000

Al and Dan, You guys are really pounding out the miles! Thought about you alot during the WBC Dry Run yesterday, particularly when cranking up the Legend Valley 'hill' in my lowest gear. Wonder how you guys can go up that sort of terrain day after day, in record heat, on bikes that weigh 50+ lbs. more than mine!! You're on a mission! OK, moving on to other sports - I suppose you have picked up the news that OSU won its first game of the year in the new 'Shoe. Yes, the construction was completed in time for the game to be played, although as of 1 p.m. on the day (Friday) before the game I was still skeptical that it would be ready. Miracles did occur overnight. I'll give you a tour (walking!) of the renovation after you return home. On the other hand, don't rush home to watch the Reds in post-season play, Dan - looks like they're about done for the year. Maybe a new stadium would help them, too!

Name: Caroline Pharmer

Date:    9-11-00

Dad & Al, My heros! This has been a great ride for me as well. I have totally enjoyed the comments from everyone, and keeping up with the family through this site. GO GUYS! I LOVE YA DAD! Keep those cards and letters coming and I might listen to Mozart just for you! Bye for now.

Name: Cris and Sarah

Date:    9/11/00

Hello Dad and Dan, We are here in columbus enjoying the Team Riverlea chronicles. We think you look rather handsome with the new beard. We cant wait to see you South of the Mason-Dixon. Kodak and Charlotte, especially charlotte, give their love to you. Love, Sarah and Cris.

Name: Ken and Karen

Date:    9-12-00

Took a look at the map this morning and just couldn't believe how far you have biked. Hope the storms don't hamper you too much or too long. At least the wind is behind you (we hope!). Some cool weather coming behind the front. On to Berea!