Two dear friends of mine from Chattanooga Tenn., Kathleen Vlodek and her husband Bryan Hensley, and another old friend of ours, Hector Victoria are taking part in a fundraiser to fight Huntington’s Disease. They are fighting by bike. They started pedaling in St. Augustine, Fla., on their “Slowing the Way” fundraiser, and their final destination is Central Park in New York City in 30 days. They will be bicycling 60 miles a day. Hector Victoria, 37, whose father died from the disease, was diagnosed with Huntington’s earlier this year. They have raised $4,000 so far but their goal is $20,000. That means they will be peddling their message along the way. They will be visiting local newspapers and bike shops to spread the word and hand out pledge cards that they’ve created.

Huntington’s Disease is a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder for which there is, at present, no effective treatment or cure. HD slowly diminishes the affected individual’s ability to walk, think, talk and reason. Eventually, the person with HD becomes totally dependent upon others for his or her care. That sucks.

These are some really amazing people and they have been kind enough to keep us up to date with a daily journal filling us in with the ups and downs of their journey. And take a minute and visit www.firstgiving.com/slowingtheway.

- Tom Cheshire

Aug. 12
St. Augustine, Fla.

Bryan:
Well today started with a bang, well crash more like it. (Hector down, Hector Down). On our way to the St Augustine Record for a interview, Hector got to know his bike and also a bit of the Augustine tarmac. We were with family most of the day shopping for last minute supplies. We landed our first Hotel and it is nice and clean. Cant wait to get pedaling tomorrow. I’m feeling a little nervous but it could be the B12 drops. Before we hit the hot tub next door I packed up for tomorrow. The plan is be on the road by 7:30am but we see how easy it is to say goodbye tomorrow.

Hector:
I FELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  But luckily no damage occurred to the bicycle or myself.  Just getting used to the new bike. All is well now.  Getting very excited about the bicycle ride. Take care.

Kathleen:
I am riding my bike tomorrow for 55 miles. For the first time. I will write more tomorrow since I don’t know what else to say.

Aug. 13
Amelia Island, Fla.

Bryan:
Today was much like what I thought it would be, but hotter. We rode 39.1 miles before we had our first stop. We took the St Johns Ferry across the river. Jason Reed met us and we ate a a local place called the Sand Dollar. I drank water and then more water. We rode a total of 59.9 miles. The last 10 were definitely the hardest. The view along the coast was too amazing to describe so I won’t. The sun did what the sun does and sent down the rays straight to my face. all in all a good start to our trip. We got a room at the Amelia Island Hotel and what a wonderful group of people. Very welcoming.

Kathleen:
I cant believe I rode a bike for almost 60 miles today. We started out at 7:45 and rode on A1A, passing colorful beach houses, with intervals of dunes and flat glassy ocean. The sun was low, the roads were flat and we rode through sprinklers to keep cool. Then there was no shade. That’s when things got ugly for me, soooo HOT. We rode by the naval base and saw battleships and helicopters before we boarded the ferry. We had 16 more miles to our hotel, the water got more blue and the sand more white. I struggled for the last 10 miles, between the heat and my butt getting very sore, The hotel is worth it, they even had a gift bag in our room with a sweet letter and six bottles of water. Goodnight.

Hector :
First day was exciting and exhausting.  I FELL AGAIN!!! This accident was just as light as the first time. Was looking back to see if I was getting to far ahead and leaned over on to some sand. Luckily I was moving slow. I didnt overheat but my shoulders and legs are feeling sore and stiff.  I am a little scared about how they will feel in the morning. I have a feeling that I might be needing some clones by the end of this trip. Did get to unwind playing pool and drinking some beers with Jason and Sandy.  Got called a space cadette by someone drinking at the bar. Goodnight and take care.

Aug. 14
Brunswick, Ga.

Bryan:
We started with a quick four mile ride to the Amelia Island Ferry. We took the ferry into St Mary’s Ga. If you ever get a chance, Its well worth the time. We took US 17 for most of the day. The sun was out and out and out for the most of our ride, until the last three miles were we took a nice cooling rain shower. I’m feeling the ride today more than yesterday. Sore, tired and sore is how I’m ending the day. Total miles for today is 49.64 but it feels more like 100.

Kathleen:
I love that ferry ride, it was a narrated tour that took an hour where we went by cumberland island.We saw a band of wild horses (they say “band” instead of herd) grazing the tall grass that has so much salt content it shortens their lives to 15 years, causing hypertension and heart problems. I also saw a dolphin mother and her calf. As we headed to the town of Kingsland, Hector got a sudden burst of speed and got ahead of our designated turn so Bryan had to ask someone to drive up to him and tell him to turn around. By then, he was a speck on the horizon.

It got hot again, but the sun was not as extreme as yesterday and we got to ride in the rain for the last few miles. In Woodvine, “home of the annual crawfish festival,” we met a really nice guy who ran Pizza and a Movie. Rode up a way along straight, hot roads with swamp alongside us until we found a corner store. Greg was the proprietor and we enjoyed a juicy Georgia peach before heading five more miles to our hotel.
Hector:
Today at about 33 miles we stopped in Woodbine and had tasty pizza.The owner of the pizza place told us that somewhere nearby they have annual rattlesnake roundups.  I can’t fathom the idea catching a rattlesnake. Tomorrow we are getting me a rear view mirror so I don’t get to far ahead.  Sometimes when I am riding on really narrow roads its scary trying to look back for the lost pack. It started raining for the last five miles of riding which is scary for me.  I know how hard it is for drivers to see bicyclers(ha!) in the rain.

Aug. 15
Richmond Hill, Ga.

Bryan:
How would I use these muscles riding a bicycle? Man today’s start was a little ruff. We headed out by 7:30 am, headed north on US 17. My body was not working with me but against me. Everything hurt. It did get better after the first 30 miles of the day. The area was amazing. We hit a small town newspaper and shot some photos at the welcome sign into the town. Lots of bridges today. Riding was nice thanks to the clouds above. Some how I still got burned though.  Hector didn’t fall today but as I looked back I saw him jump from his bicycle to his feet really quick. Stopped at a small fruit stand and Hambone gave me a peach. We are staying at a Comfort Suites in Richmond Hill Ga. What a room. I Think I will hit the bed early.

Kathleen:
Woke up at 6 a.m. today to escape the heat and take advantage of the breakfast bar. We started out  with the savannah  on either side of the road, the grass was brilliant green  up to the distant tree line.  Then we hit small neighborhood roads with Spanish moss hanging from the trees and morning mist. We got to US 17 where the road got busy and much less entertaining, straight as the eye could see. After about 20 miles we came into the town of Darien, a small shrimp and logging village that had its hay day before I-95 was built.
We had a snack and met the folks at the newspaper, then headed north. Riding along another straight hot road, I came across a tortoise basking in the sun. I got my camera and he walked right up to me. I turned him away from the road and as he made his way through the grass to his canal, I got my sore butt back in the saddle.  At our 60 mile mark, we pulled over at a fruit stand and Hectors chain broke. We called Sandy, who was up the road at our hotel, to come rescue us. We went to a bike shop in Savannah called Star Bikes, then went to the hotel. Tomorrow we will start where we left off, in Midway at the fruit stand - with a working chain.

Hector:
Today’s ride was better on my body than the last two days.  The sun stayed behind  the clouds allowing us to maintain a longer ride.  Kathleen failed to mention that the turtle seemed to be pretty stressed because she had to flip it over three or four times.  After we stopped  at the fruit stand for a delicious Georgia peach my chain broke.  We ended up riding a total 60 miles. So, I am exhausted.  Goodnight.

Aug. 16
Savannah

Bryan:
Well , no better way to start except with the present. I’m wrapped in a robe sitting in Hector’s room while we listen to some nice country music, and Kathleen and Sandy are in the tubs enjoying the warm water as Hector sit on a lounge chair enjoying the tunes.  Today’s ride was not a long one but for me its was a hard one. My legs are feeling like a pair of old tired shoes. The ones you should pass on but keep around because may need them again. We took US 17 in Savannah before 1pm. Only 27.8 miles to paradise. We are staying at the Mansion on Forsyth. The Manger sent a box of Key lime cookies to each room. The clerk was inviting and warm. The rooms are nicer than any place I have yet to have the pleasure. I hope to sleep early and sleep sound. Tomorrow maybe a wet ride north.

Kathleen:
We woke up before the alarm around 6:30, had a nice breakfast at the Comfort Suites and I noticed that the flags were at half-mast. I asked Mary Ann at the front desk and she informed me that a local Marine was brought home from Afghanistan, a sobering moment when I’ve been busy riding my bike for the past three days. It grounded me to reality and I thought of my sweet nephew that may be heading there for the Air Force.  I hate war. Sandy dropped us off at Hambones Fruit Stand where he gave each of us a  Georgia peach for the ride. We had quite a few bridges today, challenging, but I feel our average speed is improving. As we headed into Savannah, ominous clouds started forming and we found our hotel in a drizzle. The streets here are so amazing, huge live oaks covered in Spanish moss on either side and cobblestone streets with lamp posts that take you back to horse and buggy days. Our MANSION (wow) , is all brick with statues and original artwork lining the halls, lit with crystal chandeliers. Our room took our breath away, and the bed is the size of  a football field. I am currently residing in said bed in my white robe after a salt bath. Nice. My muscles are fooled and have no idea they will be taking me 45 miles to Beaufort tomorrow.

Hector:
Todays short ride fooled us into believing that today could be a semi rest day. This ride ended up being windy and uphill. We also had intentions of wondering around Savannah but it rained all day.  We ended up going to the Bicycle Link and bought a pair of bicycle shorts from Don that takes my outfit to the next level.  They make me look like a professional wrestler (Yeah). More photos will be posted soon I am sure.  I did get into the tub, filled with salts, and got to relax with some wine and music.  This five star hotel, called Mansion on Forsyth Park, allowed me to have the first bicycle valet experience.

Aug. 17
Beaufort, S.C.

Bryan:
What can I say about today. We crossed over into S.C. I had to ride over a bridge that was not for bicyclers or pedestrians and especially me. What a high bridge. As soon as I got into SC. I got bitten by mosquitoes. Hector had a flat, broke the straps on his pedals, and he also trashed his knee. What a day.  We hit no rain but the clouds were spread out so the sun had its chance to lay it down on us. Just a little burnt not too bad. I would like to say THANK YOU to every who has donated so far. We are getting a few checks and as soon as we can we will get them on the First Giving site. With that said, we have only raised 50 dollars online since the trip has started. We need help spreading the word. We are not wanting those who have already given to give more but to pass along our sites and spread the message. So we can get new donations and raise more awareness for HD.

Kathleen:
We got going this morning at 8:30, a little late and even though the sun had only been up for a few hours it felt stifling hot. When we received our bikes from the valet, I noticed all of the metal was sweating from the temperature change. We rode down the sleepy Sunday streets with glorious Victorians and green parks on every block. The dew even clung to the hanging Spanish moss. Then came the bridge. A suspension that rose to the heavens and gave us a view of Savannah on one side and industry on the other, which gave the air a peculiar odor. On the other side was South Carolina. We made it through a state! Along the marsh I noticed tons of glowing spider webs as the sun dried the dew from them and waterfowl flying among cattails. A note to the South Carolina D.M.V. - the scenic byway 170 is needing attention. It is very difficult to manage very bumpy roads by bicycle with a tiny seat and narrow tires. Ouch. We stopped at a Parkers gas station and a sweet lady donated $10.00. That lifted my spirits since we have had no donations via online since we left. Bryan and I got to change our first flat today, thank you Zac for teaching us this fine art. We crossed the very wide river and now I am in The Cuthbert House Inn overlooking the bay. This B&B was built circa 1810 and was owned by Union General Saxton. We also got to attend a social where we met the other guests, who were very nice and  they served  hors d’oeuvres and wine. I will sign off now, tired and sore and wondering how tomorrow will feel. 69 miles!

Hector via Sandy:
Hector is out of commission, so I’m going to write for him tonight.  Bryan failed to mention that he hates bridges, it was a quick ride over the Savanna River Bridge.  Everyone rode really fast this morning and by noon, when I rendezvoused with them, they were almost to their destination.  Apparently, I gave them bad luck because as soon as I left them Hector got a flat tire, then broke is petal strap, and then his knee started to hurt.  Overall, it was a good day, but tomorrow’s 69 miles will be scary.

Aug. 18
Charleston, SC

Bryan:
Hello I hope everyone is well. We had a big ride today. I think its the biggest of the trip (70.5 Miles). We had a early start, out by 7 am. 50 miles done by noon. Stopped off at a fast food chain. Nothing else around for 20 miles. As we rode into Charleston we had not a clue where to go. No room booked yet so we hit the city to put in the rounds. We had a bit of luck but its was mostly the kindness of strangers. Elizabeth from the Rutledge House Inn was more than helpful.
The house was built by one of the 55 signers of the U.S. Constitution. The house and staff are the best I have seen yet. We feel so blessed to be on this trip and meeting and experiencing the people and towns.

Kathleen:
Beaufort paid us a scenic farewell, with the sun rising over the bay and showering the marsh along the road. Within 30 minutes I noticed my arms were beading with sweat. The road got straight and busy as we passed a Marine air base which was the last sign of civilization for about 20 miles. Then we discovered a town called Ashepoo. As we trekked on, with thick forest of pine and oak on either side of us, I began to notice the things you can only notice at 10 miles an hour. The trunks of the trees were rooted in water, the many armadillos that didn’t make it across the road, the sound of waterfowl and cicadas. My legs were covered in black dust from the passing cars and I got stung twice by something I never saw. Maybe the heat was getting to me. We got into town and had no place to stay so we called some places and went into a hotel telling them our story, but they all seemed to have no vacancy. Charleston is a lot bigger than I thought, and we just decided to ride around until we found something. After crossing a terrifying busy bridge, we ended up the historic part of town. We saw the Rutledge House Inn B&B and gave it a try. Elizabeth was immediately accepting and by this time we looked and felt pathetic, she noticed our sad puppy eyes and gave us a room. WOW! This place has two carriage houses leading to a courtyard as you enter the circa 1763 mansion. When we entered our expansive room, Damien came to our door with a silver tray of fresh lemonade, sweet tea and chocolate cookies. Now I will recover!
p.s. We are at $4,220 and counting- thank you!

Hector:
The ride was hot, humid, and congested.  Lots of cars zooming past within centimeters of our bodies.  Honking to remind us to look over at their middle finger salutes.  (HOORAY!)  Charleston turned out to be a much older city than I had anticipated.  We wandered over and ate delicious falafel sandwiches at the The Pita Pit. Afterwards we came back to the room and watched television till we passed out one by one.

Hector Victoria, Kathleen Vlodek-Hensley and Bryan Hensley
Slowing The Way 1300 Miles 30 Days 3 Friends 1 Cause.

www.firstgiving.com/slowingtheway

www.myspace.com/slowingtheway

www.HDSA.org

PART II: 420 miles later. Coming Friday, Aug. 28.