We were in the heat so much our days leading up to this chat, that we made sure we did this episode indoors with Air Conditioning running. This episode, we have a repeat guest and 3 new guests to chat with on the episode. Let’s start with our repeat guest, Mark, who was on our August 5th, 2021, episode titled, “FFR: Another One PTC” when we had the chance to talk about his own bicycle ride with fellow old man Martin from Portland, OR to San Francisco, CA. Anyway, I’ve been swamped lately trying to get things done as I finish my own journey and asked my friend to the write up:

I was asked by Dan to do the write up for this episode of Friends From the Road podcast.  My name is Mark Ruiz, and I was lucky enough to provide support across the Mojave Desert for Dan, Scotty, Ryan Rose, and Kevin. It was great fun and an honor to serve such a great group of young adventurers. Dan, as you may know, is headed towards the end of his adventure to ride to and through all 48 states. He is on number 47 and will complete his ride October 10 in Las Vegas. He ended up being an inspiration to the others, whom I will introduce in a sec, by his determination, positivity, and dedication to his cause, suicide awareness.

Scotty and Ryan Rose set out from San Diego to ride/rollerblade across the country. Scotty is providing support to Ryan for her attempt to break the Guinness speed record for rollerblading across the country. Scotty rides his fully loaded bicycle and provides encouragement and carries most of their equipment and lots of water. Ryan rollerblades and/or walks, when necessary, in her rollerblades 35 to 65+ miles per day. Some roads are smooth, and some are dirt roads. Scotty is there to help her up when she falls, which isn’t very often. They are also doing their adventure for Suicide Awareness. Learn more about their journey at https://www.ryanrolls.com/ and on her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ryanthegrill/

Kevin is a machinist who bought his bike ($25), welded brackets for disc breaks, made his own frame bag and decided to ride his bike to go see family in Philadelphia. This is his second bike tour and his longest. I think Kevin was very happy to be riding with others as he expected to not see anyone for a while. Follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kruser_kev/

And myself, I am retired, and met Dan while on a bike tour this summer. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge together with 4 other new friends. I offered to assist him across the desert. He hesitated at first but finally said Ok. I’m so glad he did. I got to spend some special time with Dan and met 3 more Friends From The Road.

Remember to Subscribe to the podcast for future releases, leave a comment about the episode, Share with friends and family, and at the least come back for another FFR Podcast Episode!

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Today's guest, Gregory Kampf, was kind enough to open his home to allow me to stay when passing through Huntington Beach, CA. We had connected like many of my connections through social media, reaching out months before about helping me when I got closer and as I did, it became a reality. Here we are, together in person, talking about Greg’s most recent bicycle adventure that he did with his partner, Lisa. They just got back from riding the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), a trail that I tell everyone to go ride. Listen to find out if he thinks the same thoughts. This wasn’t his first or only trip either, he’s been doing them since 1993, listing them off in the episode! He and Lisa are both educators so most of his and their journeys happen in the summer months and during school vacations. Greg is retired now but he shares the pros of being in the education field and his own love for service and teaching, as he started teaching at the bottom, as a tutor and a playground supervisor and finishing his career as superintendent.

Gregory tells us about how he was the first person in his family to go to college and become an educator. His love for teach also fed his love for adventures on his bicycle. One of those adventures led to the one thing we all wish to avoid, an accident. Greg shares his struggles after his accident, being hit at 60 mph, that left him with a broken leg in 2 places, pelvic ring expansion and other issues while on vacation near Kansas City, MO requiring him to be med flighted. After being laid up for 5 weeks, Greg returned to work as superintendent in a wheelchair, seeing the students even more eye to eye. He just had to move at a slower planned out pace, but he overcame his injuries putting in the extra effort and was able to get back to working at full swing and ultimately being able to get back to riding.

Remember to Subscribe to the podcast for future releases, leave a comment about the episode, Share with friends and family, and at the least come back for another FFR Podcast Episode!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Check out Strada Soul for durable and expertly hand-crafted products made from used bicycle inner tubes and upcycled materials. Stradasoul.com

Try Athletic Brewing (https://bit.ly/3aQ4u8n)

Brew without Compromise!

Use RWD20 to receive 20% OFF your first order!

Follow Dan’s Journey at Ridewithdanusa.com

Support Dan’s Cause for Suicide Awareness at Opaatmovement.com

OPAATM©2021

10 Month Update

Listen to what this episode is about!

The road till now, the struggles, the road ahead, October 10th, 2021 and the plan moving forward! 

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