Coast to Coast.

The last two months have been, by far, the craziest two months of my life. After packing up and flying to San Francisco, a lot of things starting going wrong for me. When I arrived at Journey of Hope orientation I was given XXL bicycle shorts. Now, in case you haven't seen me in years or don't understand the size most people preparing for a cross-country cycling trip are, let me tell you these shorts were far too large. If I pulled them up to my chest, they still came down to my shins like waders. This extreme misfit cause some very unwanted chaffing. A few days later, as we began our trip, I had $2000 worth of property stolen from me in Sacremento. Fast forward another three weeks as we enter into Denver. I have a dramatic crash resulting in a broken collar bone and some road rash. For some reason, I just couldn't catch a break this summer. But even having what could have only been the worst possible trip, I had the best, most rewarding summer of my life. I learned a lot about myself, how to be a successful team, and the amazing abilities of people with disabilities.

Push America's core values are Abilities, Teamwork, Empathy, and Integrity. These tenants have never meant more to me than they do now. If you haven't taken the time to get to know a person with a physical or mental disability, you are missing out on meeting some of the most inspiring, heartwarming people in this world. When you focus on what you have in common rather than we're your differences lie, you realize there is more common ground than difference.  It is also important to focus on empathy, not sympathy. Just because someone has a disability does not mean that they want you to feel sorry for them. It is much more helpful and powerful to love someone for who they are than to feel bad for them.

I never thought I would have the physical and mental strength and endurance to complete a journey of this magnitude. I'm proud that I never gave up and pushed myself, along with my team, through to the finish. The arrival in Washington, D.C. may go down as the happiest moment of my life. Seeing my family and friends, along with 1,500 others, cheering us into the Capitol is a moving vision I will never forget.

As for the relationships I built along this trip. The men that I rode across this nation with will forever have a spot in my heart, and hopefully my life. We are spread across the country, from Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, California, and so many other states. Keeping in touch will not be easy, but definitely worth it. With out the support of these men, I never would have finished the trip, and I owe most of my success to them.

I would like to thank everyone who made this trip possible. Thank you to my parents and all of my family for all of your support and donations to this cause. I would also like to thank The Cottages of College Station. Without your donation, I probably would have had the opportunity to do this trip. I would also like to thank the Giles for their support and Dr. Giles for his help and advice that got me through my medical issues. I am deeply grateful for everyone who helped me along this journey, I will not forget your kindness.

This has been an eye opening and life changing summer that will be with me always. As I write this, I am on a plane back to Texas. I can't say how happy I  am to be returning to the greatest state in America. I can say from experience.

-John Patrick Welsh II
 ΠΑ 2012

Coast to Coast.

The last two months have been, by far, the craziest two months of my life. After packing up and flying to San Francisco, a lot of things starting going wrong for me. When I arrived at Journey of Hope orientation I was given XXL bicycle shorts. Now, in case you haven't seen me in years or don't understand the size most people preparing for a cross-country cycling trip are, let me tell you these shorts were far too large. If I pulled them up to my chest, they still came down to my shins like waders. This extreme misfit cause some very unwanted chaffing. A few days later, as we began our trip, I had $2000 worth of property stolen from me in Sacremento. Fast forward another three weeks as we enter into Denver. I have a dramatic crash resulting in a broken collar bone and some road rash. For some reason, I just couldn't catch a break this summer. But even having what could have only been the worst possible trip, I had the best, most rewarding summer of my life. I learned a lot about myself, how to be a successful team, and the amazing abilities of people with disabilities.

Push America's core values are Abilities, Teamwork, Empathy, and Integrity. These tenants have never meant more to me than they do now. If you haven't taken the time to get to know a person with a physical or mental disability, you are missing out on meeting some of the most inspiring, heartwarming people in this world. When you focus on what you have in common rather than we're your differences lie, you realize there is more common ground than difference.  It is also important to focus on empathy, not sympathy. Just because someone has a disability does not mean that they want you to feel sorry for them. It is much more helpful and powerful to love someone for who they are than to feel bad for them.

I never thought I would have the physical and mental strength and endurance to complete a journey of this magnitude. I'm proud that I never gave up and pushed myself, along with my team, through to the finish. The arrival in Washington, D.C. may go down as the happiest moment of my life. Seeing my family and friends, along with 1,500 others, cheering us into the Capitol is a moving vision I will never forget.

As for the relationships I built along this trip. The men that I rode across this nation with will forever have a spot in my heart, and hopefully my life. We are spread across the country, from Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, California, and so many other states. Keeping in touch will not be easy, but definitely worth it. With out the support of these men, I never would have finished the trip, and I owe most of my success to them.

I would like to thank everyone who made this trip possible. Thank you to my parents and all of my family for all of your support and donations to this cause. I would also like to thank The Cottages of College Station. Without your donation, I probably would have had the opportunity to do this trip. I would also like to thank the Giles for their support and Dr. Giles for his help and advice that got me through my medical issues. I am deeply grateful for everyone who helped me along this journey, I will not forget your kindness.

This has been an eye opening and life changing summer that will be with me always. As I write this, I am on a plane back to Texas. I can't say how happy I  am to be returning to the greatest state in America. I can say from experience.

-John Patrick Welsh II
 ΠΑ 2012

Hail to Pitt.

Just a few days left in the trip, so this will probably be one of my last posts. We arrived in Pittsburgh yesterday. Apparently some of "The Dark Knight Rises" was filmed here...and you can definitely tell. The city has a very gothic/Gotham feel to it that has a strange beauty. We went to a vantage point last night and I decided that Pitt has one of the coolest skylines I've seen.

Tomorrow we are back on the road and headed into the Appalacians. Though they will be nothing like the Rockies, we have a couple tough days ahead of us. I'm excited to be finishing up the ride, but this feeling is very mixed. I will definitely miss these guys and it might be a bit difficult to get back into the swing of the real world. Only five days left until the end the trip and our exciting arrival into DC. Wish us luck, hope to see you soon. -J.P.

Windy City and Pure Michigan.

Sorry for not posting in a while, things have been pretty busy. Since the last post, I've been back on the bike for several days. I've ridden through Milwakee, Chicago, South Bend, Kalamazoo, and tomorrow we ride deeper into Michigan. Chicago was pretty great. The city is so alive and exciting. I'll definitely be considering making a move here in the near future. My collarbone has also been holding up quite well. Although things did get pretty hairy today. After being in Michigan for maybe 5 miles, a giant mastiff, that was over 200 lbs, ran me down in the street, hitting my bike and nearly knocking me down. I strained my shoulder a bit in the process, but nothing too serious. I'm starting to get very excited for the DC arrival. Now, with it being less than two weeks away, things are getting close. I can't wait to ride into the capital and head back to the greatest state in USA. But until then, I intend to soak up every minute I can of this trip. So far, it's been the most challenging, and rewarding, experience of my life. -J.P.

Water World.

Thing have been going pretty well the past few days. One of the more eventful days was in Marshalltown, Iowa. After the morning's ride, we went to a small water park with members of the Central Iowa Arc. This water park was more like a public pool with a couple water slides and a lazy river and, to be honest, I haven't been to a public pool in several years. As soon as we arrive, we realize why it's been awhile since we've visited this scene...the average age is 14. There are 7th-8th grade aged kids are literally crawling around the park. No matter how awkward it is to be around these prepubescent Tweens, we all have a great time. This fun continued into the evening events with the same organization. We met the people of the Arc at a local bowling alley for dinner and a few casual rounds. I could play, because of my collarbone, but I still got to watch and spend some time getting to know Merry and Kathy (two of the Arc members). --I would have a picture with them up here but without an actual computer I have no idea how to upload it-- In other exciting news, I should be riding again four days from now. I'm pretty ready to get back on the bike. Although, I have been keeping busy. By the time I'm riding, I will have finished reading five books...which is probably more than I've read in the past year. Hopefully in the coming days I should have more news on biking and how my collarbone is coming along. Good evening- J.P.

Crew Blues.

I have now spent 6 days as a crew member...and it's awful. 6-8 hours out of every day is spent literally just waiting for cyclists to ride by. I would rather have a summer job at Home Depot testing nails with my face than spend an entire summer as a crew member. Lucky for me, my collarbone seems to be healing well. Which means I will hopefully be back on the bike within the next 2 weeks. And those two weeks couldn't come sooner. Every day I spend in the van I am losing strength and endurance. Just when I was actually becoming a decent cyclist, I'll have to start again from scratch. Anyway, I hope all of you had a wonderful 4th of July. I'll be sure to report back if anything of interest happens, but let's be serious...the van is no place for inspiration. Luckily, we should have some great friendship visits soon to come. Until then. -John Welsh II

Snap Decision.

I apologize for not posting in a while, I've been a bit preoccupied. Three days ago, on our ride into Denver, I took a bit of a spill. As I was coming down the last switchback, of the last downhill of Rockies, my speed got a little out of control. In order for me to make the turn, I would have to go over into the other lane...but an SUV was taking the lane as oncoming traffic. I tugged on the brakes to avoided hitting said SUV, and when I did the speed wobbles set in. Followed quickly by me performing a front flip over the handlebars.. Now at 0 mph this may be a cool trick. At 5 mph this is a magic act. But, at 25 mph it's a broken collarbone. Of course, as I was laying on the side of the street, I didn't know this. I remember a couple things from those few minutes waiting on the ambulance. I remember heckling the girl driving that thought she hit me. After several jokes in her direction, and after she had stopped crying, she reminded me that I was the one on the ground and she could easily kick me in the shoulder and send me flying off the cliff in pain. I admired her sass, even of it was a late arrival... I also remember taking this moment to shamelessly rain hate on any cyclists who were annoying me at the time. I can vividly picture myself telling one to shut up with the medical advice until he received a degree (in a slightly aggressive/offensive tone). Finally, after 3 minutes of agony, the ambulance arrive with a solid dose of Phentanol to ease my pain. The rest of the ride to hospital was a blur of questioning by paramedics, followed by sarcastic, unhelpful answers from myself. When we finally made it to the hospital, there was very little of note. Aside from being put on some sweet meds (pretty sure it was OxyContin), the X-ray process was pretty standard. Needless to say, the last few days have not been ideal. Hopefully these next couple of weeks will go well and I'll be back on the bike before Chicago. Either way, I will be finishing this trip on a bike...even if they have to duct tape me to the top of it. Love you guys, don't be too mad if I don't post frequently. I only have one hand...and it's my right one. Everyone have a great America's Birthday, we'll talk to you soon. -John Fratrick

Loveland.

Today's ride was possibly the best one we will have all summer. However, it did start out quite rough. We left Breckinridge and rode about 15 miles to the base of Loveland pass. From there we had a grueling 10 mile climb to the top of the pass. On the bright side, the whole ride up was surrounded by ski resorts and beautiful peaks. The whole climb took about two and a half hours, but once we reached the top we had breezy ride down the mountain into Empire, Colorado. As of today, we have officially conquered the West and the Rockies! Sorry if this post seems to ramble, it's pretty late. More details tomorrow, just thought I'd give a bit of an update! -JP

Wendy on Wheels Goes to Colorado.

Yesterday we finally made our way into Colorado, and I may have to add it to my favorite states. The weather has been the best we've had all summer (cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon with a breeze all day). Today's ride was a pretty gruelling 90 miles, but when we arrived in Craig, we were greeted by all the kids of the Boys and Girls Club. After an hour of basketball and Dance Dance Revolution, we sat the kids down and read them Wendy on Wheels.  This children's book series was written by a Pi Kapp's wife, and it is...awkward to say the least. Let me point out that this series is about a girl in a wheelchair, and is supposed to show chidren that having a disability shouldn't stop you from doing things you enjoy. One of the books is entitled "Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand," and is riddled with off color puns, including, but not limited to, "I won't sit for this," and "I must put my wheel down." I'm not sure if the author did this intentionally, but it makes it difficult to take the books seriously. On the upside, most of the 7-10 year olds listening to the book don't pick up on these subtleties, so hopefully they are getting the deeper message. Tomorrow we are headed to Steamboat Springs. Its only a 45 mile ride, but there will probably be a few tough climbs. The next few days will be exhausting, but there should be a pretty good reward... After monday, we are done with the Rocky Mountains. Alas, monday is a long way from now, so until then enjoy this image that I finally learned how to upload onto this blog thing. -John Patrick Welsh II

Colorado State Line!



On to Bigger, and Taller Things.

Tonight is our last night in Utah. I have to say I'm gonna miss it. Salt Lake and Park City were a lot of fun, and the whole state is gorgeous. I would definitely suggest visiting to anyone who has never been. Yesterday we explored quite a bit of Park City. We wandered around Olympic Park for a while then hit up Main St for some delicious subs at a local deli. I spotted a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, so I obviously had to get a carmel apple (it was just as good as I had hoped). Today we had an 85 mile day. I've been told that I've been a bit too cynical in past for posts, so I'll just say that today's ride was a breeze. The next few days we have some longer rides into Colorado. I'm a bit nervous about the 105 miler from Steamboat to Breckinridge, but I'm sure it'll be cake. Hopefully Colorado will be full of some awesome rides and great friendship visits. I'm looking forward to dominating the rocky mountains and telling y'all all about them. Until then, enjoy sea level. -John Patrick

The Salty State of Utah.

Today was our first day off in over a week, and it was much needed. We spent last night and today exploring all that Salt Lake City has to offer. ...and by that I mean we went to a filthy Chinese buffet called "Crazy Jim's China Buffet." I'm now %65 sure I will wake up with a stomach flu. On a lighter note, four buses of "natives" filed into the buffet right when we got there so we got a refund after they ate all of the choice delicacies. Oddly enough, most interaction in SLC was in the city's fine eateries. Last night we (about 15 of us) wandered into a nearby Red Robin for dinner. After eating, we were approached by two Mormon girls from Utah university. They asked us which sports team we were on, then we ended up talking to them for an hour or so (these are the first girls we spent any time with in almost a month). Of course this story ends with them attempting to evangelize, and wrangle, us into joining them at their "ward" this morning. I politely informed them that I was catholic and I would not be joining them. Over all a pretty nice couple days in Salt Lake. Tomorrow we head to Park City, where I believe we will be kayaking. More details to come. Happy Father's Day. -J.P.

The "Great" State of Nevada.

Apologies for the time between posts. It's seems as though there is not a single wifi connection in northern Nevada. This is, of course, just one of several things about this state that I was misled on. At the beginning of Nevada, we were told it was flat. It's not. We were told it was a desert. Deserts are hot, right? Wrong. It's been between 30 and 50 degrees every day since California. We have two days left of riding in Nevada and I never thought I'd be as happy to go to Utah...but that's enough complaining for one post. Only two weeks in and I can say I've already met so many awesome people. Even the longest days on the bike have been some of the best times I've had. Though Nevada may be ruled off my list of places to move, I have enjoyed how beautiful and unique this high desert really is. Still, I can't wait for the Rockies! Hopefully the next for town have more than 500 people, and with a little luck, an Internet provider. Until next time, JP

Kirkwood.

Yesterday was the most physically enduring day I can remember. We started our day at 6:00 am, had a quick breakfast at Mel and Fayes Diner (one of our great sponsors), then jumped on the bike. We literally climbed the Sierra Nevadas the entire day. Beginning at 1500 ft, we slowly crossed 95 miles up the mountainside at an average pace of 6 mph. There was one point we my pace line and I inched along at 3 mph for well over an hour. There were a couple times when I was convinced I wouldn't be able to finish this infamous day on the Journey of Hope. Without the encouragement of my friends, I'm sure I would have been just another victim of Kirkwood. Never again will I take car travel for granted. Today we have our first day off of the trip. After yesterday's events, it is much needed. We are going on a boat tour of Lake Tahoe and spending the rest of the day. After four days of biking, we have finally made it out of California and into Nevada. Two years ago, if I were asked if I'd ever cross a state with a bicycle, I would have laughed. I guess a few things have changed. It's good to be here in Tahoe and I can't wait to cross the rest of America. Until next time, -J.P.

California Love.

After two days of riding there are a few things I can say with certainty about California. The west coast is much colder than you may assume, their "hills" are much more like mountains, and it has some of the most beautiful scenery. Today we road 2,800 ft in elevation with a 67 mile day over all, and with two days under our belt, we are nearing the 150 mile mark. About half way into the days ride we got caught in the rain and couldn't seem to escape it all day. Of course, the 50 degree weather didn't help much either. I feel good so far, but the next two days will be the test. Wednesday we take on the most infamous day on the Journey of Hope: Kirkwood. It's a 95 mile day, 70 of which are continuously up a mountainside. We will be going from 75-4,800 ft. It's going to be tough but I'm sure very rewarding. I never really knew just how amazing the California country side is, but today I was completely in awe. Staring at gorges and rivers cutting through the side of mountains are a great way to avoid burning legs. We eventually made it out of the "hills" and coasted into Sacramento. We were greated at the state Capitol before heading to a friendship visit/sweet concert. So far this has all been a great experience. I can't wait to see what's in store. I'll do my best to post more frequently, but until next time, stay cool. -J.P.

Billion Dollar Baby.

Finally made in out to California Sunday night, and so far so good. The last few days have been spent in Napa enjoying my sisters fairy tale of a life. Hundred dollar dinners and billion dollar bottles of wine have been a recurring theme...I'm still not quite sure how she affords this rock star lifestyle, but it's awesome. Tomorrow, I head into San Francisco to meet the men that I will be riding across America with. Nervous. Excited. Unprepared. Everyday from here on out is bound to be an adventure, more posts to come soon... Hopefully they will be a bit more exciting.

Reverse Manifest Destiny.

In the late 1800's, many Americans believed it was not only our right, but our destiny, to travel across the countryside to the west coast and stake our claim.  Over 100 years later, 80 men will be headed back east to serve, and raise awareness for, those with disabilities.

In a little more than a week, I will be leaving home to begin the Journey of Hope, a cross-country trek from San Francisco to the lawns of our nation's capitol in Washington D.C. Over the follow weeks, I will be posting about my trip, my experiences, and the wonderful people I will surely meet. See you on the other side...of America.