Back to Jamaica!!!!

We did it again! We just came back from Jamaica and this time brought 40 backpacks for the students.  With the help of a resort we were staying at, we were able to provide backpacks for 2 schools. 

This parish was a bit more well off than the one first visited.  The backpacks were well recieved.  The thing that surprised us the most was response from the boys when they saw the used soccer balls!

This time we visted two schools, one on each end of the parish of Trelawny.  The first, was a basic school (ages between 3 and 5) and the second was a primary school (elementary aged students)

Below are some pictures from St. Michaels Basic School.  To see all of the pictures from both schools:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.504230332938218.127516.122024834492105&type=3&l=98af30580e

Highway 50 in the Spring?

I've been thinking about riding across the country again. This time, I want to do it a bit differently. I would like to go East on Highway 50, then West on Highway 20. I would envision that it will take about a month.

Some lessons learned about the last trip:
1. Have a trailer vehicle. This is for two reasons. One to carry a bike if you need it to. Secondly and in my opinion, more important. A way to carry all of the gear. Then, we can focus on riding.

2. Make sure that you have validated the checklists. There were too many things forgotten. I would like to know that we have everything.

3. Throw away the schedule. Ride for the fun of it with the understanding that if you run out of time - turn around!

Any takers in coming along?

We did it!!!!

Well, it finally happened. I drank the koolaid! Nubs and I (my new riding partner) rode for a mile in the Trail of Tears. I saw several friends that I have not see in ages. In addition, I found out that it was actually fun. I thought about continuing on with the ride, but realized that it would be unlikely that I would have the opportunity to separate from the group until Florence. As such, I came home.

That got me thinking.... We are faced with challenges every day of our lives. Some of my friends (and Gray Ladies) are dealing with far more than anyone should be burdened with. But despite the challenge, each is riding their path like it is part of the journey and not the destination. I just hope that when it is my time to face such challenges that I ride more than a mile and keep going rather than just go home!

The weather is finally starting to turn and as such, Baby is calling for me to ride. Tomorrow, we will probably start looking for that quiet road with the falling leaves and if really lucky - the sweet smell of fall calling us to keep going until the sun goes down!


Keep on riding,


Shiny Side Up!
RoadRunner