Our Plan

We started our journey today, March 13, nearly a year after losing our friend, Reid Brecher, to a relatively rare form of cancer called sarcoma. Sarcoma, once it is detected, is often very resistant to treatment. We chose to ride our bicycles from Los Angeles, CA, to Rockville, MD, in order to commemorate the end of our first year without Reid. We want to celebrate his life, friendship and remarkable spirit.

Our 4,000-mile trip, the Ride for Reid: Coast to Coast to Cure Sarcoma, has begun in Los Angeles, CA, and will take us through the desert Southwest, on to Nashville, TN, where Reid graduated from Vanderbilt University. We’ll finish up in Washington, DC, where Reid grew up and where he returned to start life as a young adult.

We will pull into the Brecher family driveway on May 12th, on what would have been Reid’s twenty-fifth birthday, with the hope of having raised $25,000 for the Sarcoma Foundation of America to fund a research grant in Reid’s name.

March 13, 2003 – Dana Point, CA

After staying up late with Reid’s parents last night, saying our goodbyes, and sleeping for about an hour, we got on the plane and arrived safely, and with all of our luggage, in Long Beach, CA, this morning. We assembled our bikes in the parking lot and left for a 50 mile trip to Dana Point, CA.

March 14, 2003 – Oceanside, CA

We camped last night at Dana Point and slept for 12 hours straight! This morning we got back on the road and rode from Dana Point to Oceanside CA. The route we had wanted to take went through Camp Pendleton. The Camp was closed to the public for security reasons, so instead we rode on the shoulders of Interstate 5.  It was quite a rush to ride alongside Interstate traffic. We encountered the first uphill slopes of our trip.

March 15 - 17, 2003 – San Diego, CA

After staying overnight at a motel in Oceanside on the 14th, we rode about 40 miles to get to San Diego on the 15th. We stayed with our friend Rob until this morning. We worked on some fundraising and web site details, ate some burgers to fuel up, and began our trip across the Sierra Juarez mountain range.

We crossed San Diego from the north through downtown. We continued out of the city toward Dulzura and started climbing up the mountains. In one day we climbed up to 1500 feet, down to 1200 and then up again to 2700 feet in elevation. We arrived in Potrero, CA, at 6:00 pm and set up camp.

March 18, 2003 – Jacumba, CA

The temperature got down to 40 degrees last night, and we woke up this morning ready to continue crossing the Sierra Juarez. We arrived in Jacumba fairly early, as today’s portion of the climb uphill was easier than yesterday's. We decided to stay overnight on the grounds of the Jacumba Hot Springs. We paid only a little more than we would have at the campground, but were generously allowed to use the spa. We could have gotten down to Imperial Valley, but decided instead to give ourselves a chance to rest and relax for a few hours.

March 19, 2003 – Calexico, CA

We descended today from Jacumba, CA, down to Mexicali, Mexico. After a visit south of the border, we re-entered the US and rode for about 75 miles across California’s Imperial Valley. We got into our motel room in Brawley, CA, in time to watch the war declared on television.

March 20, 2003 – Blythe, CA

We rode 67 miles across the desert today to reach Palo Verde. We passed through a town situated along the Colorado River after riding along the shoulder of the Chocolate Mountains and passing by an amazing sand dune. 

Along the way, we met a Dutch rider who started biking at the southern edge of Argentina 14 months ago and is planning to keep going until she reaches Alaska.

We decided to continue all the way to Blythe, CA, making today’s distance a total of 95 miles! We’re spending tonight in an RV park, where the gracious campground manager refused to charge us for setting up our tents.

March 21, 2003 – Quartzsite, AZ

Today, the first day of spring, we crossed the Colorado River into Arizona. We had to ride for 15 miles along the shoulder of Interstate I-10 as there is no alternate parallel route, what with the desert and all. We called it a short day and decided to stay here and relax after covering so much distance over the last couple of days. We checked our email at the local library and rested outside in the cool breeze amidst the gently sloping terrain.

March 22, 2003 – Wickenburg, AZ

After resting our sore legs and knees, we continued across the Arizona desert to Wickenburg.

 

March 24, 2003 – Phoenix, AZ

We met up again with the Dutch woman who is crossing the Americas from Southern Argentina to Alaska. We were graciously hosted by her friends who live in Phoenix, and finally got a chance to download our first set of pictures from the digital camera.

March 26, 2003 – Mesa, AZ

We stayed last night in Mesa, Arizona, before getting up and beginning our challenging ride up and over the Rockies.

March 27, 2003 – Globe, AZ

We’re up in the mountains again! Today we covered 74 miles of road and 3400 feet of elevation to arrive in the city of Globe on the Gila Mountains of Arizona.
 

March 28 - 29, 2003 – Buckhorn, NM

In the past two days, since we left Globe, we’ve ridden across mountain ranges and climbed to the highest elevation of our trip.  Today alone, we rode up from 2800 feet in elevation to 4300 then down to 2600 and up again to 6300 (in total, we climbed a vertical mile!!) This was definitely the toughest day of the trip - in fact, even the toughest day in Jacob’s career experience. Shahar, the novice of the two of us, seems to have gotten accustomed to riding uphill. He managed to do that last stretch without stops.  

In an unfortunate turn of events, Jacob is experiencing some trouble with his knee and had to end the day by hitching a 15-mile ride in a pickup truck to Buckhorn, NM. The plan is to go to a local hospital in Silver City, about 40 miles away, tomorrow. It’s too early to say, but Shahar has begun contemplating finishing out the cross-country ride on his own. 

March 30, 2003 – Silver City, NM

Well, it’s Sunday. Having met up this morning at the campground, we can’t find a doctor available to take a look at the knee. We’re thinking maybe the problem is stemming from the bike, something that can be adjusted, perhaps. The nearest qualified bicycle shop is about 200 miles away in El Paso, TX.

Finally back in civilization, we’re taking advantage of the electricity and charging our phones and checking out the progress on this site!

The plan is for Jacob to take a bus tomorrow to El Paso, TX, to look for an orthopedic doctor and a qualified bike shop. Meanwhile Shahar will start riding to meet up with him. The next stretch stands to be difficult: climbing up from Silver City, NM, elevation 4800, to Emory Pass, elevation 8300. Emory Pass is the highest point of the entire southern cross-country route. We’ve been making climbs of similar height (should be about 3500 feet), but this one starts off at a higher elevation so the air may begin to get thin. After the Pass, the route should be downhill towards Las Cruces, NM, on the banks of the Rio Grande.

March 31, 2003 – Columbus, NM

Jacob’s bus ride to El Paso took about 3 and-a-half hours. Shahar set out on his bike alone with the same destination, but it will take about 2 or 3 days. On the way out of Silver City, he met another biker on his way East, taking the southern route. He’s an ex-investment banker who used to work in New York. He decided to take some time off before going to grad school and do this trip. They decided to bike together to El Paso. (Upon hearing that he would not be biking alone, Shahar’s parents in Maryland breathe an audible sigh of relief!)  

The two decided, instead of heading northeast to make the climb up to Emory Pass (another 3500 ft up to 8300), they would take the more southern, and flatter, approach to arrive in Columbus, NM. On the way there, the wind was working against them, which slowed them down considerably. Consequently, for the first time in the trip, they donned their headlamps and set up their flashing tail lamps, finally arriving in Columbus after nightfall.  

April 1, 2003 – El Paso, TX

The ride from Columbus, NM, was quite smooth. The tail wind propelled Shahar and the investment banker up to speeds of 24 mph! The average speed for the day was 16 mph, and our El Paso Reunion took place ahead of schedule!

April 2, 2003 – El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico

Together again!  And just in time for a day of sightseeing in El Paso and a walk across the bridge into Cuidad Juarez, Mexico.

It’s occurred to us, we’ve discussed speed and mileage thoroughly thus far in this journal, but what about the food! We’d like to especially thank Alberto’s Café in El Paso – they’ve earned our highest gratitude. We could also brag that in his 48-hour respite along the border, Jacob managed to consume 8 (count ‘em – 8!) chile relleno burritos, 2 enchiladas, and an entire jalapeno-laden Papa John’s large pizza, which, by the way, he ate in one sitting!

Yes we’re fine bikers, but eating, it seems, is where we shine!

 April 3, 2003 – Tornillo, TX

This morning we were interviewed about the ride by an ABC-affiliate station in El Paso for an item to be broadcast in the local evening news. Afterwards we excitedly read email from friends and also from supporters who have heard about the site (thank you).

Sadly, it seems Jacob’s knee is not in good shape. He’s decided to take the train back to New York to see an orthopedic specialist, hoping to rejoin the route in Nashville, TN. Shahar, after some contemplation, will keep riding, going it alone. He will try to get in touch with the investment banker and hopefully catch up so as to have some company.

Meanwhile, Jacob’s spirit, which started this whole thing in the first place, remains present and vital as we continue on with this trip.

April 4, 2003 – Van Horn, TX

The next few days of the trip will involve biking through desolate desert areas. Even in the Interstate parts, my cell phone will probably not get reception. I’ve been riding alone and learned today that there is another bike rider half a day ahead of me. Guessing that it might be John, the ex-investment banker I rode with from Silver City to El Paso, I decided to ride farther than I had planned. I passed Sierra Blanca, TX, my intended destination and ended up biking 90 miles for the day. I made it all the way to Van Horn, TX, where I did in fact catch up with John.

April 5, 2003 – Fort Davis, TX

We’re crossing the Davis and Glass mountain ranges. The route zigzags through the Chihuahuan Desert. We’re determining our overnight stops by populated sites on the map (there are not very many!). Tonight will be Fort Davis and tomorrow Alpine, TX.

April 6, 2003 – Alpine, TX

Today Shahar got his first flat tire (ever!). John was riding ahead, and couldn’t hear Shahar calling for aid in fixing the tire. However, Shahar resiliently and with the help of his tool kit managed to fix the flat and catch up. We rode through the Chihuahuan Desert and arrived in Alpine, TX, where we rented a car to go out and tour Big Bend National Park. We left our bicycles in the storage room of the car rental place. There were two other bikes there, their owners probably seizing the same opportunity to go through the park, arguably the most remote and least visited park in the National Park system. Tonight we will sleep in a campground inside the park. Tomorrow we’ll spend some time there and then return the car to Alpine, TX, and get back on the bikes to continue on the route.

April 7, 2003 – Big Bend National Park, TX

We toured around this beautiful National Park today. The temperature reached 97 degrees! Clearly April is the end of the visiting season for this place. We were so impressed with what little we saw… this will be a great place to come back to and really take the time to explore!

April 8, 2003 – Sanderson, TX

As we drove back from 97-degree Big Bend up through the mountains to Alpine, TX, the temperature dropped down to a low of 37 degrees for the night! During our 86-mile bike ride to Sanderson, the temperature only got as high as 63º.

Tomorrow we’ll continue to ride across the sparsely populated desert. There are only three possible places to stay overnight: one is Langtry, TX, a small town about 60 miles away; the 2nd is Comstock, TX about 88 miles away; and the third is Amistad, TX, a long 109 miles away, probably outside the range of a daily bike ride.

April 9, 2003 – Seminole Canyon State Park, TX

Shahar here, on my own. John and I rode together for the first 60 miles of the day until we reached Langtry. John, who is less restricted by time than I am, decided to call it a day. I, however, have two deadlines in mind: the further one, of course, is to reach Rockville, MD, on May 12th. The closer one is to try to reach Austin, TX by April 16th in time to join the University of Texas Hillel for Passover Seder (since I won’t be with my family this year). I felt like I could go further for the day, so I decided to continue by myself. We agreed that if I felt lonely or tired, I would wait for John to catch up with me.

As evening approached and after riding 82 miles, I reached Seminole Canyon State Park and decided to go in to camp for the night. I shared the campground with a group of 60 4th-6th graders from the Judson Montessori School in San Antonio, TX, and their parents. They’re staying in the park on an environmental field trip.

The kids cooked me dinner, and their parents were very interested in my trip and the Ride for Reid project. They took pictures with me, and we talked about the trip. Some of the parents said they wished they had gone on such a journey when they were my age.

One of the parents set up a telescope and invited me to check out the planets. We saw Jupiter and its Galilean moons and the rings of Saturn. Seminole Canyon is so remote – it was a beautiful view.

April 10th, 2003 - Del Rio, TX

I got on my bike bright and early this morning. I looked with awe and admiration at the vast emptiness and desolation of the southwestern Texas desert. After about an hour I reached Comstock, TX. This is a tiny little town with a single store serving as a general store/gas station/restaurant.

As I ate breakfast, the Montessori kids from last night passed by on their way out of the park. They were excited to see me again and stopped to chat. One of the parents was so inspired by Reid’s story and by this trip that he wanted to give me a cash donation. I explained that I couldn’t carry so much money with me and that it’s better to donate by check or online anyhow, in terms of getting the tax deduction. I was really moved by his gesture.

Now that I’m riding alone, I leave earlier in the day and have more time to talk with people along the way. In the store in Comstock, I met a guy who walked all the way from Portland, OR to Texas! We had an interesting discussion about our views of the world – both in general and about our specific perspectives of seeing America at ground level.

Later in the day I encountered a bicyclist going in the opposite direction on his way from Austin, TX, to Los Angeles. We exchanged stories about what each of us could expect in the road ahead. The guy, who works in a bike shop in Austin, invited me to camp at his place in Austin, which is close to the University. He also gave me the number of a co-worker from the bike shop. She might be able to arrange for me to attend a bike-fixing workshop while I’m there.

The ride today became sort of frustrating due to strong 15 mph head winds coming at me from the southeast. My average speed dropped down to 7 miles per hour… the 24 mph I was making between Columbus, NM, and El Paso, TX, seem a fond and distant memory!

Towns are sparse in this part of Texas, so I’m planning my stops carefully in order to get to Austin with enough time to at least bathe before the Seder. To be honest, I’ve really been enjoying the solitude of the landscape these past few days. It’s been so calm and quiet.

April 11, 2003 - Brackettville, TX

This morning I spent time in the library, answering e-mails and spending some time online. John has caught up with me again, and we will ride together at least until Austin, TX. Today we rode only to Brackettville, a short 30 mile total. Camp Wood, the next town on our route, was just too far away to reach in one day from Del Rio. The wind is still working against us, and the scenery is still arid desert…

April 12, 2003 - Leakey, TX

The ride today started in the flat desert, with the wind in our faces. It was beginning to get old, but then the terrain changed! It was hilly and involved trees. Even though the riding is tougher, it’s been a welcome change of pace.

We passed Camp Wood early enough to continue the extra 21 miles to Leakey, TX, for a total of 65 miles for the day. As we got into town we passed by the Bike Stop where a group of Harley riders were drinking beer at the end of their day of riding. We exchanged stories with them, and they seemed to admire our feats.

Tonight we have a free place to camp – the Bike Stop’s front lawn!

April 13, 2003 - Kerrville, TX

The route today took us through Texas Hill Country. This tree-covered area spotted with lamb and sheep ranches was a beautiful sight, such a contrast to the past month of riding through the desert of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

The terrain is hilly and we had some difficult climbs over three steep hills for a total of 4000 feet of elevation. As evening fell we had covered 76 miles and arrived in Kerrville, TX.

Good news from Jacob! The doctors found no permanent damage to his knee
and prescribed him some anti-inflammatory drugs. It looks like he’ll definitely be able to ride again.

April 14, 2003 - Blanco, TX

We continued to ride in a wide circle around San Antonio. The terrain in this area, full of rolling hills, reminds a bit of the Tuscany region of Italy. Indeed, we passed by a few signs for wineries.

We also passed near a llama farm where the camel-like animals from the Andes are raised. San Antonio is also a center for several large military installations, and the region is home to many soldiers and their families.

As we rode through a small town today we saw the funeral of a soldier killed in Iraq. We went into a store whose owner knew the soldier, and he told us about him.

The ride today was relatively short, only 62 miles. Tomorrow we will arrive in Austin, TX, with a day to spare before Passover.

Shahar has decided to stay at his friend Dan’s sister’s house in the suburbs instead of camping out on the lawn of the Austin bicyclist from a few days ago. The extra few miles it will take to get to the University from there seemed worth it in light of the shower and bed availability!

On the 16th in the early morning, Shahar is scheduled to appear live on
Austin’s Fox morning show to talk about the Ride for Reid.
 

April 15, 2003 - Austin, TX

We rode over 60 miles today and arrived in Austin, TX. I ran into a guy, a friend of the bicyclist I met the other day who is riding from Austin to LA, who arranged for me to take part in the “Yellow Bicycle Project.” In this seminar, I’ll check my bike and adjust it for the second half of the trip and also learn how to fix the bike by myself on the road.

After the grueling uphill ride to my friend Dan’s sister’s house, I was welcomed with open arms by Kim (Dan’s sister), John (her husband) and Jack (the baby).

Boy, it felt good to take a bath! Tomorrow in the early morning, John will drive me with the bike to the TV station to be interviewed for the morning show. I will probably hang out in Austin until the 18th and then set course to cross Texas toward the Mississippi River. At that point, I’ll turn north toward Nashville, TN, over the Appalachians to Virginia and finally to Rockville, MD - about 2000 more miles, if you add it all up.

April 16, 2003 – Austin, TX

I got to the studio by 6:40 AM and was interviewed live on the Austin Fox station. They showed pictures of Reid and of Jacob and me on the ride. It felt great.

As I was riding around Austin after the show, a car stopped to ask if I needed any help. The driver, it turns out, is also a bicyclist and wanted to know where I was riding from, since it was obvious from the 4 blue side bags around both of my wheels that I was riding a long way.

I told her about this trip, and she told about her acupuncture clinic. I mentioned how sore my entire body was and asked how much it would cost to get a massage at her and her husband’s place. She would hear none of it about the money and invited me to get a much-needed massage and acupuncture session for my aching body for free!

In the evening I went to the graduate students’ Seder at the University.

April 17, 2003 - Austin TX

After meeting new friends last night (including, coincidentally, mutual friends of people I know from home!), I took today off to tend to my bike and my sore muscles.

I went to the REI in Austin and to the “Yellow Bike Project” seminar. After almost 1,800 miles my bike chain already needs to be replaced, probably due to all the mountain riding. I should be in good shape now for the next 2,000 miles.

I then went to Merritt Acupuncture in Austin, TX, (a huge thank you!) where I got a much-needed massage for my sore muscles and acupuncture for the aches all over my body from the month of riding.  I feel refreshed now and ready to head back onto the road, which will eventually take me all the way to Reid’s parents’ house in Rockville, MD.

April 18, 2003 - Buescher State Park, TX

After staying out until 2:00 AM in Austin last night with people I met at the Yellow Bicycle Project, I started off a little late this afternoon and rode about 30 miles to Buescher State Park. A family having a picnic invited me to eat with them, and then I set up camp for the night.

April 19, 2003 - Navasota, TX

Today I rode 96 miles through intermittent rain showers and flat terrain scattered with beautiful wildflowers. In each town that I passed, there were families and well-dressed children having Easter Egg Hunts in the flowered fields.

By evening, I got to Navasota, TX. I’ve been using these Adventure Bicycling map books to pick out my route. The next book will take me through the rest of Texas and into Louisiana up until I cross the Mississippi.

April 20, 2003 - Coldspring, TX

It rained all day, and the forecast for the next week or so is pretty much predicting showers every day.

By late afternoon, I finished up 70 miles of riding and arrived in Coldspring, TX. I had a reunion/dinner with my college friend Danielle, who drove 60 miles north from Houston just to meet up with me! It’s still raining, and my knee is starting to bother me. I talked it over with Jacob, and we decided it might be a result of the new, more efficient pedals I installed on the bike two days ago in Austin.

I decided to get a ride with Danielle to Houston, where I’ll rest my knee for a day and find a bicycle shop to re-adjust the pedals before coming back here to continue the ride.

April 21, 2003 – Coldspring, TX

Well, I went to a bike shop in Houston, and they adjusted my new pedals. They suggested that I ride 20 miles and then reassess and make the changes myself if necessary. They also suggested that I take a break for a couple of days to give my knee a chance to heal, but I’m not sure if I’ll have the time.

Danielle drove me back to Coldspring, and I decided to stay and camp here for the night. Tomorrow I’ll get up and get going, resuming where I left off.

Meanwhile, it looks like Jacob should probably be re-joining me within a week or two, which I am definitely looking forward to.

April 22 - 25, 2003 - Shepherd, TX

I left Coldspring the morning of the 22nd, but after just 10 miles on the road my knee started bothering me again. I decided not to let it get any worse, so I stopped at the next available town: Shepherd, TX - population 2,000. I went into the local pharmacy to consult with the pharmacist, Juan Cantu. I told Juan about my knee and about the ride. A dedicated hiker, he understood my pain. He referred me to a friend of his, a doctor, who is also an avid bicyclist.

The doctor decided that the solution would be anti-inflammatory drugs. Juan filled the prescription, and neither of them would take any payment for their services. I was told to rest for two days until the drugs would take effect. As if their generosity were not already enough, Juan offered to let me stay in a house he owns and is currently renovating near the pharmacy. I have met such great people on this trip!

It’s nice getting acquainted with the people and the way of life of this town. I’ve written an article for the local paper, and I have a phone interview scheduled with a local radio station. I’m planning to get back on the road on Thursday.

April 25, 2003 – Kountze, TX

I said goodbye this morning to the wonderful people of Shepherd, TX. I rested my knee there for three days and also happened to meet back up with John, the former investment banker with whom I’ve ridden most of the way, on and off, since Silver City, NM.

This morning we set out on the road to Kountze. After about 30 miles my knee started bothering me again. After some consultation, I decided to change the pedals on my bike from the new ones I got in Austin back to the original pair. In the next 20 miles, my pain started to decrease. We’re in Kountze now for the night, and I’m icing my knee. Tomorrow I’ll have to decide whether to keep going or to rest my knee for a few more days.

April 26, 2003 – Silsbee, TX

John and I embarked on the 91-mile ride to the Louisiana State Line. However, and sadly, I soon realized that my knee wouldn’t make it. I decided to go back and rest for a few days. I said a hurried farewell to John right as a truck stopped by and gave me a lift back to Silsbee, a small town just a few miles east of Kountze.

As the truck arrived in Silsbee, we couldn’t find a motel so the driver dropped me off in the middle of town. I went into the local police station to ask for directions to the nearest motel. When the police officers heard my story, they invited me to have lunch at the station and set out to find me a housing solution. First they tried to get in touch with the local organizers of the Relay for Life, a cancer advocacy group whose banners I’ve seen frequently along the route. Then they called the local pastor, figuring he might have some ideas for housing a biker on a charity ride.

The pastor, Joe Patterson, busy with organizing a big-tent non-denominational gathering of 17 churches, took the time out to come drive me to a nearby motel. He offered me one of the reserved rooms for out-of-town convention guests. Like so many of the people I’ve met here, the pastor wouldn’t hear my wishes to pay for the motel. Again and again in my travels in this part of the country, I have encountered such amazing hospitality!

After resting my knee for a few hours, I joined my hosts at the big-tent church convention. Pastor Patterson introduced me to Jerri Frazier, a member of his congregation who is a physical therapist. She had special insight into my trip, as she’s helped with rehabilitating sarcoma survivors as part of her experiences in therapy. She explained how holding my foot at the wrong angle could strain my muscles and cause my kneecap to twist, which is what can cause the inflammation. She assured me that my inflammation was low grade and suggested that I continue my current treatment. She also suggested getting a knee brace before I got back on the road.

April 27, 2003 – Silsbee, TX

Today, Sunday, I was invited to Trinity Baptist Church where Bob Roberts, an Evangelist preacher, was delivering a sermon. In the middle of his speaking he talked about how he, as a child, was embarrassed once by a pastor referring to him in a sermon… he then walked toward me and introduced me to the congregation and gave me the microphone to talk about the Ride for Reid.

Later, the entire congregation prayed for my knee, and when the collection plate was passed, half of the money raised was dedicated to the Sarcoma Foundation as a donation to the Ride for Reid. I spent the afternoon with the people I had met, and had an intellectual conversation about spirituality with Pastor Joe Patterson, Preacher Bob Roberts and Minister Bo Parker from Mississippi. I got quite a beautiful view of the good people of the Bible Belt!

April 28, 2003 – Kirbyville, TX

This morning I decided to start riding again. After sleeping well, I went to the pharmacy to buy a knee brace. I wasn’t sure which one was right for me, so I called Jerri Frazier, the physical therapist. She immediately drove to the pharmacy to meet me, chose the right brace and showed me how to properly adjust it. She even insisted on paying for it. Her kindness is immensely appreciated – it’s warming my heart and healing my knee.

I rode slowly, stopping at gas stations along the way to get ice. My knee started feeling much better… After 43 miles I stopped in Kirbyville, as I could not reach the next town, Merryville, LA, before nightfall.

Meanwhile, Jacob has taken the train and arrived in New Orleans with his bike! Since it will take me longer than had been anticipated to reach the Mississippi, he’ll take the opportunity to stay in town for a few days to enjoy the Jazz Fest. After the music festival, he’ll get on his bike and ride along the Mississippi River for 120 miles to meet me in St. Francisville, LA.

April 29, 2003 – De Ridder, LA

I continued on the road today, stopping for about 15 minutes every five miles or so to stretch or ice my knee. On the road I met two other cyclists, also riding cross-country.

We crossed together into Louisiana, and arrived in De Ridder but found that the local hotel had no vacancies. The lovely people there let us stay in the hotel conference room and use their facilities – most notably the hot tub, which is providing some much needed comfort for my poor, sore body!

April 30 – May 3, 2003 – Oberlin, LA

On the road from De Ridder to Oberlin, LA, Shahar unfortunately came down with a bad case of food poisoning. He spent most of the time alone in the hotel in Oberlin and ended up in a clinic in nearby Kinder, where he was treated for dehydration.

Meanwhile, Jacob, who was riding north from New Orleans, changed course and headed west toward Shahar. On May 2 in the evening we finally reunited in Oberlin. Today, May 3, 2003, on the anniversary of Reid’s passing, we spent the day together in the area.

Tomorrow, May 4, we will continue the ride toward the Mississippi River.

May 4, 2003 – Alexandria, LA

May 5, 2003 (updated) - Natchez, MS

We began today with the goal of getting to the Mississippi River.  The biking was going great.  But after about 50 miles, Shahar realized that his knee was failing him again. He knew that this was a bad sign and probably meant the end of his participation in the Ride for Reid. 

He made the decision that he was going to bike across the Mississippi River under his own power regardless of the consequences.  It meant a lot to him to achieve that milestone.

So, for the last 24 miles, Shahar biked gingerly, and sometimes one-leggedly.  Then at the end of a long day, Jacob and Shahar crossed the Mississippi together.  At that point we made the difficult decision that Shahar would have to go home and Jacob would continue on his own.  However our spirits were high as we joked that we should have named the trip the “Relay for Reid”. In the evening we enjoyed a crawfish feast and then settled in for the night in a motel facing the River.

May 6, 2003 - Natchez, MS

We spent the day in Natchez.   We saw large houses that we left over from a time long ago when Natchez was a main cotton port and half of America’s millionaires lived there.  We then found the Temple B’nai Israel which is a relic from that time period, which once boasted over 200 Jewish families.  Now the congregation is down to ten people.  A member of the Temple told us that it will eventually be turned into a museum.  We asked them if we could camp on their grounds, but they then insisted on putting us up in a motel so that they would not have to worry about our safety.

May 7, 2003 - Jackson, MS

As Shahar was boarding the Greyhound bus for his 30-hour ride back to Maryland, I set off towards the Natchez Trace Parkway, an ancient Native American trail that has been preserved and turned into a scenic route.  As I was riding I saw two alligators and continually kept an eye out for possible tornado’s that were forecasted in the area.

May 8, 2003 - Kosciusko, MS

I rode along the Natchez Trace, still keeping an eye open for alligators and tornadoes – yet it was a small bee that stung me… In the evening I had to ride a few miles off the Trace to find a place to sleep in Kosciusko, MS.

Meanwhile, Shahar on the bus to DC had a chance to return a good deed. An elderly man had mistakenly boarded the wrong bus. When the man realized the mistake he asked what he could do. The driver’s only solution was to take him all the way to Richmond where the man would have to catch another bus for a 200-mile ride south. Shahar immediately took out 20 dollars and gave it to the man so that he could catch a taxi to his intended destination. Another passenger added $7 to make sure the man had enough for the fare. The man was very grateful, remarking that we had made his day. He said he would now be happy even if he had to walk to his destination.

May 9-10, 2003 -Tupelo, MS

I continued the ride northeast on the Natchez Trace towards Tupelo, MS the birthplace of Elvis Presley.  On Saturday I started again towards Nashville, but I soon felt sick, and caught a ride back to Tupelo with a Park Ranger.

May 11, 2003 - Mile 370 on the Natchez Trace, TN

Today I rode 108 miles and passed through three states. I started in Tupelo, Mississippi, then cut the corner of Alabama for 30 miles to arrive in Tennessee. The landscape in this part of the Ride is beautiful; pastures and rolling hills. A notable wildlife moment occurred when, as I was riding I saw a turtle slowly wandering on the road. I stopped and moved him to safety off the road.

Seeing as towns are so sparsely located along the Natchez Trace, I wisely armed myself with sandwich crackers and Little Debbie’s for sustenance.

Historically, this is part of the Trail of Tears of Native Americans and the route of Sherman’s March in the Civil War. But I see it as Jacob’s March to DC!

May 12, 2003 - Nashville, TN

Today would have been Reid’s 25th birthday. Jacob and Shahar celebrated it in two areas important in Reid’s life. Jacob, after riding 90 miles, arrived in Nashville, TN where Reid had graduated from Vanderbilt University. Jacob is staying there with our friend Christian, who is working on a PhD from Vanderbilt.

Shahar spent the day with Reid’s family as well as several friends. The mood was upbeat and everyone enjoyed themselves. Appropriately, one of Reid’s favorite foods (crab cakes) was prepared for dinner.

May 15, 2003

 I have reached Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I'll be updating the site with more detailed entrees soon.

May 12, 2003 - Nashville, TN

Today would have been Reid’s 25th birthday. Jacob and Shahar celebrated it in two areas important in Reid’s life. Jacob, after riding 90 miles, arrived in Nashville, TN where Reid had graduated from Vanderbilt University. Jacob is staying there with our friend Christian, who is working on a PhD from Vanderbilt.

Shahar spent the day with Reid’s family as well as several friends. The mood was upbeat and everyone enjoyed themselves. Appropriately, one of Reid’s favorite foods (crab cakes) was prepared for dinner.

May 13, 2003 - Nashville, TN

Today I met with Thomas Schwartz, one of Reid’s college professors from Vanderbilt University.  He had many fond recollections about Reid, and was very moved by the Ride.

Christian and I later went to a bar and won a trivia contest against 12 teams.  We did so on the last question of the competition.  We were quite proud of ourselves.  Christian decided to ride out with me for the first 30 miles out of Nashville.

May 15, 2003 – Kingston, TN

Yesterday I rode through Cookeville, Tennessee, and then crossed over into the Eastern Time Zone.  I am now in Kingston and feel as though I am approaching the finish line.

May 16 – 17, 2003 Knoxville, TN

I spent 1 ½ days here with my cousin Ben.  It has been a much needed rest.  We went to see a Minor League Baseball game, which was fun and relaxing.  Then we ate at a Waffle House, which was significant because Reid enjoyed eating there and indeed the last time I was at one was with Reid.

May 19, 2003 Damascus, VA

I know I am getting close because I am now in Virginia.  I met a guy who rode across the country in the past and he (Brett) let me stay with himself, his wife Amy, and their baby (future bicyclist) Laurel.  Their hospitality is greatly appreciated.

I am riding through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains now.

May 20, 2003 Radford, VA

I have been riding near the Appalachian Trail and have come across several hikers.  Believe it or not, but I think they actually smell worse than I do.  That provides me with a certain level of comfort.

My huge appetite is back.  I went to a Thai Restaurant and ate two generously sized entrees and a desert.  I cannot afford to eat like this for too much longer.

Meanwhile, back in Maryland, Shahar went to Sports medicine Doctor and got good news and bad news; the good news is that there is no permanent damage to his knee and with some physical therapy and rest it would recover completely.  The bad news is that it is too soon for him to ride long distance this month.  Still, Shahar intends to ride his bike for a short symbolic distance to the Brecher driveway.

May 21, 2003 - Buchanan, VA

Today I learned to love the hills.  It was a beautiful rainy day, and everything looked green.  I’m enjoying the ride and the end of the road is really near.

May 22, 2003 Cookie Lady’s House, VA

Today I rode along the Blue Ridge Parkway while completely engulfed in a cloud.  Visibility was so poor that the only way I could tell if I was riding uphill or downhill was by how hard I was peddling.  It was kind of a surreal experience.  As I approached Charlottesville, I heard about a lady that provides shelter and cookies to bicyclists along the Trans America Trail.  Her name is Jean Curry and she has been hosting bicyclists since 1976.  In return, every biker leaves behind a souvenir (a postcard, picture, shirt, etc.)  My stay at the “Cookie Lady’s” house was a welcome change from campgrounds and motels.

May 23, 2003 Culpepper, VA

The route from Charlottesville to Culpepper includes the notorious Vesuvious Hill, which consists of a 13% grade uphill for 4 miles.  The one positive was that as I climbed the hill, I left the torrential rains below me as I entered into the cloud above.

May 24, 2003 Rockville, MD

The rain continued today so I changed the route. Instead of going on the narrow road from Culpepper to Fredericksburg, VA, I opted to ride on the wide-shouldered Rte. 29 through Manassas to Arlington and then, after dinner, across the Potomac and all the way home for a good shower and a sleep in my own bed.

May 25, 2003 Rockville, MD

On this, the last day of the Ride For Reid, four riders participated in the Ride: Jacob, his dad Dan, Reid’s father Rick and Reid’s youngest brother Jordan.  We started from the Washington Harbor on the Potomac in Georgetown and rode up hill along Rock Creek towards Rockville.  The pace was slightly slower than the one Jacob was following in previous days J…  As the riders turned into North Farm, Shahar was waiting for them to ride with Jacob for the last couple of blocks.

When we arrived at the Brechers’ driveway, we were greeted by an enthusiastic group of about 60 family, friends, and neighbors.  Then, Dr. Mark Thornton, the president of the Sarcoma Foundation of America praised and congratulated us, followed by a heartfelt speech by Reid’s mother, Sande.  Afterward, everyone stayed for a festive reception at the Brecher home.