Maidei goes on a world tour-Part 1 of the Bicycle Mystery Tour

[Trek-chick]

Love the skis :)

If she wants to come up North to MI, I'll show her around the Great lakes State.

[OakLeaf]

How fun! Glad she's enjoying the "slopes."

[kmehrzad]

How cool are those skis? Looks like Maidei needs to stay on the Bunny Slope for awhile.

[bmccasland]

How cool are those skis? Looks like Maidei needs to stay on the Bunny Slope for awhile.

Maybe she had trouble with the silver cord that comes off the ski tips :rolleyes::D

[Bike Chick]

Maybe she had trouble with the silver cord that comes off the ski tips :rolleyes::D

Ha! Ha! I knew someone would say something about that:D

[Bike Chick]

Before we began our long trip home, we visited Lowden State Park where the 48 foot statue of Chief Blackhawk sits on a 70 foot bluff overlooking the Rock River and the town of Oregon.

We got on the road and headed south, making a stop in Bloomington at the bike shop to stretch our legs and do a little shopping. Maidiei enjoyed the trip and was a good passenger. She even took a little nap with Yuki, our dog.

[Bike Chick]

(Sorry I'm dragging this out but want to add the pictures).

Once we arrived home, Maidiei made herself at home and was thrilled to see the new bike jersey given to her by the River to River Cycling Club.

[Bike Chick]

Today, Maidiei and I took a trip to Rend Lake and did some riding on the bike trail. She really enjoyed herself and wore her new jersey. After the ride, she took a break on the swings and did a little site-seeing.

[kmehrzad]

I adore Maidei's River 2 River Cycling Jersey. Where did you ever get one her size?

[shootingstar]

Wow, Maidei has lots of fun..and is acquiring some stuff. Her journey will get heavy. :p She's also getting her tiny white-green jersey from Susan O whenever she gets to Oregon by the coast.

[Bike Chick]

I adore Maidei's River 2 River Cycling Jersey. Where did you ever get one her size?

Our club got it from the company when we ordered jerseys and I saved it for Maidiei. It's a little long but it will work. She likes it!

[Bike Chick]

Maidei went to the SIU Saluki basketball game last night and got to meet Grey Dog. She really enjoyed herself.

She's wrapping up her week in Illinois and is planning to go to Michigan next to visit Trek-Chick.

[Bike Chick]

Maidiei is on her way to visit Trek-Chick......It was fun.

[Catrin]

Maidiei is getting quite the cultural taste of the Midwest - from a Broadway play to hitting the slopes to a basketball game - and she FINALLY got to ride - go Maidiei!

[Possegal]

Oh my gosh how fun is that picture with the mascot?! Too cute.

[Trek-chick]

She arrived in Michigan last night. I have a lot planned for her in the next few weeks. She will have the grand tour of MI with me. I am planning to take her on a ski trip to the U.P. at the end of the month. That way she can see both beautiful penninsula's of Michigan.

We are going to the Porcupine Mountains. It is on the far western side of the U.P. So, she will get to see at least three of our Great Lakes:D

I hope to get her out on a ride too but, we will se how the weather is in the next few weeks. Brrrrrrrrr;)

I will post pictures each week of her adventures with me.

[Trek-chick]

I will post some photos Monday. We are getting ready for our ski trip to the U.P.

Leaving Friday after work and may stop in Mackinaw City for the night. Then on to the Porkies for a week of Alpine and XC skiing in the backcountry. She will be ready for her next stop around Feb 6th.

[Trek-chick]

Well, here are a few photos of Maidei meeting the family....Raven the big Black lab, McKinley the Shihtzu. Maidei really liked the bike trailer we bought McKinley for Christmas :)

She also checked out my "shop" with my CX project build. Haven't done anything yet but, I'll get started on that after vacation.

Maidei also, really liked sitting by the fireplace:D

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/512mbcard007.jpg

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http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/512mbcard003-3.jpg

[Bike Chick]

Very nice! I think Maidei looks good on the Kona:D

[shootingstar]

Maidei looks very happy with the cute doggie family.

[kmehrzad]

Love the pics. The Kona is a beautiful shade of SCREAMING green. :) I'm sure it'll be SCREAMING fast when you're done with it.

Raven and McKinley are adorable, precious pals.

[OakLeaf]

Looks like she's staying warm by the fire!

[Zen]

Poor Madei. At this rate it's gonna take her five years to make it to the left coast.
Goodspeed, Little Madei.

[Melalvai]

Poor Madei. At this rate it's gonna take her five years to make it to the left coast.
Goodspeed, Little Madei.
That's ok, she has plenty of vacation saved up. I'm pretty sure she'd rather take her time and not feel rushed.

[Trek-chick]

Maidei is back from vacation with me....I will post photos this week. Who gets her next? She is ready to move on.....

[shootingstar]

I nominate that someone anywhere near the Canada. U.S. border take her...states near there or she enter into Canada into Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan. Or anywhere else heading northwest.

Maidei could come to me in April. I'm in Alberta. NWNBY are you interested out there in Edmonton before Calgary?

Then she could join me back to Vancouver around Easter where I could do a hand-off.

Looking forward to pics, Trek-chick!

[Trek-chick]

Maidei had a great time skiing with me for a week in Michigan's Upper Penninsula. The drive took us 11 hours but it was worth it. I finally got to ski powder for the first time:D We do not get that down by where I live too much. Maidei and I were knee deep in the fluffy powder a few days. We hit the downhill ski area first, then did a lot of XC skiing. We even did the 14 mile trip to Lake of the Clouds.

I did notice that all the trails we XC skiied on were used as bike trails in the summer.......maybe, next time maidei:(

Here are some photos of our trip...
You can see Maidei on the Mackinac Bridge, downhill skiing with me (it was bitter cold though, with winds coming off Lake Superior) all covered up;) Brrrrrrrrrr

Maidei at Lake of the Clouds overlook and doing some XC ski trails.

She had a blast and is ready to move on....

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/PORKIES023.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/PORKIES089.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/PORKIES007.jpg

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http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/PORKIES076.jpg

[inkspot]

I'll be glad to take her next. She can see the beauty of the prairies in winter ;)

[Trek-chick]

Maidei will be heading to our northern neighbor (Canada eh :) ). Inkspot will get her next:D

[shootingstar]

So inkspot, are you meeting with Ambikes when Maidei comes around to your neck of the woods, oops sorry it's the prairies? :D:p

Actually it's cool how Maidei is helping hook up folks.

[spindizzy]

A tad backwards, but I could take her in Ontario after Manitoba. If not- send her on out west....

[MomOnBike]

If she could swing this far south, I'd like to host her here in Nebraska.

[jelee1311]

Where o where is she? We haven't heard from her in a month. Is she snow shoeing somewhere ? Did she have green beer for St. Pats? Please give us an update.

[inkspot]

Sorry for the late reply - Maidei is safely in Saskatoon, enjoying a last blast of winter before the Spring thaw! She's been busy getting involved in research!

[shootingstar]

Maidei wants you to de-stress, even for a health break...just so we know what your world looks like. :) She has travelled so far to get to you.

[shootingstar]

Just to let folks know, inkspot the TE forum member who has Maidei, is recovering from a car accident when she was visiting San Francisco.

She's back home in Saskatchewan. She does feel abit sore and banged up.:(

No life threatening injuries thank goodness.

[OakLeaf]

Oh! I'm sorry to hear that - but glad it wasn't worse. Hope Maidei is enjoying plenty of trashy TV and whatever else makes them both feel better! ;)

[inkspot]

Sorry all for the delay! Maidei is back to her old self, and I am recovering very slowly but surely - she's been good company while I heal! At long last I have a couple photos to share with you. While visiting me, Maidei bravely offered to hop into the MRI scanner and participate in some research. Here are her brain scans - she has a very lovely frontal lobe :)
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l614/inkspot79/IMG_1507.jpg
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l614/inkspot79/IMG_1509.jpg

Again, my apologies for the delay. She's now off to Calgary for the next part of her adventure.

[Bike Chick]

It's so good to hear from both of you. I hope you are feeling better and are recovering quickly. How awful for you!

[shootingstar]

Just update after Maidei's visit at the research lab with inkspot in Saskatchewan, she's been whipped over to Calgary, Alberta.

I still haven't picked her up from post office in last few days since I've had to move to another home and set up a new place by going home furnishings shopping immediately after work by bike.

She missed out on last night's presentation by dearie, who spoke to Calgary cycling advocates on cycling infrastructure developments and social marketing of cycling experience in Vancouver, BC. Over 28 people showed up, which included people representing 8 different cycling organizations.

But I know, she really wants to have fun.

We'll see. :D

[shootingstar]

So Maidei got a taste of Bike to Work Day in Calgary. She also went on a bison ride, was a bike-pedestrian path by Elbow River.

More pics and her impressions of Bike to Work Day (very different than Vancouver) in this city, plus how she assesses gourmet creme puffs, is in a blog post here. (http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/cycling-a-piece-of-maidie%e2%80%99s-global-relay-journey-calgary-alberta/)

[Trek-chick]

I love the photo of her on the bison:D Looks like she is having a great time.

[Crankin]

She's really had a long journey.

[ASammy1]

OMG! That Bison shot is just killing me :D

[Trek-chick]

Where oh where is Maidei??? Haven't heard from her in a while.......

[shootingstar]

She's coming with me to Vancouver. I hope to get her to Grog.

[shootingstar]

Maidei landed in Vancouver BC yesterday. This morning she was given a tour by a local artist for some new outdoor mosaics at a local park, Norquay Park. Here she is by a crab theme mosaic. The mosaics will be unveiled in a few weeks as part of Vancouver's 125th anniversary. She just had a privileged sneak preview.

There will be more. She's been busy...and will be over next few days. Watch out for more stuff on this thread!

[shootingstar]

Her stay in Vancouver on lst day. (https://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/maidei-touches-down-in-vancouver-b-c/)

At a bakery for my apple focaccia fix. Then at strange outdoor sculpture near a light rail station downtown. But more local pics in link above.

[bmccasland]

Glad to hear Maidei is out riding again. Looks like fun up in Vancouver.

[shootingstar]

Lots to see Beth, even without us going into Victoria while on Vancouver Island.

So Maidei got to go to Vancouver Island, a winery, a cheese tasting of local cheese, a cidery, etc. Beautiful cheap ferry ride (Walk-on passenger $14.00 and bike $2.00 one way on B.C. Ferry from Vancouver to Swartz Bay/Saanich area. 1.5 hr. long ferry ride.) There is a 35 km. bike route from ferry docks at Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island that takes one into Victoria.

More pics and her adventures here. (http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/2011/07/03/an-idyllic-summer-escape-to-vancouver-island-for-maidei/) Then she's gone over to Grog at this time, still in Vancouver but we await for next stage.

[TxDoc]

Wow! The photos on this thread are awesome!!! I cannot believe I missed it until today...
If Maidei wants to visit Texas after her Canadian travels, I'll be glad to show her around... :D

[Grog]

Hi everyone! Just thought I'd drop in to let you know that Maidei is enjoying the couch in our guest bedroom and taking a bit of a rest after her adventures with Shootingstar. I'll be taking her out for rides shortly and let you know all about it.

Is there anyone else in BC or Canada in general who would like to spend some time with her next? I haven't followed every message on this thread so I am not sure if she is supposed to get to her destination in the PNW on a timeline or if she can detour through Texas first. Please enlighten me!

[shootingstar]

Hope Maidei is having good adventures on your bike with you.

Where is she going after this?

[bluejellybean]

Hope Maidei is having good adventures on your bike with you.

Where is she going after this?

Vancouver Island?? :)

[Grog]

Vancouver Island?? :)

Well that would be ideal. Is that where you live, bluejellybean?

[bluejellybean]

YES! And I'd love to take her on a little west coast adventuring! :)


Well that would be ideal. Is that where you live, bluejellybean?

[roguedog]

hey.. so what's the haps out there...

[Grog]

Maidei is with me and we are both spending way too much time at home, not riding our bikes. Apologies for falling off the face of the earth and not even sending a postcard!

I will pass Maidei off to bluejellybean within the next two weeks and she can pursue further adventures!

[bluejellybean]

Looking forward to sharing her with the Island paradise!


Maidei is with me and we are both spending way too much time at home, not riding our bikes. Apologies for falling off the face of the earth and not even sending a postcard!

I will pass Maidei off to bluejellybean within the next two weeks and she can pursue further adventures!

[Grog]

So Maidei has been hanging out with me for a few weeks. Unfortunately I was not riding very much, but she managed to come with me on a couple of trips. We had good times at home, too.

My husband was in a cycling race up a local big hill, Cypress Mountain. I drove ahead of the pack to meet him at the top (where he finished a nice 7th, just behind a few pros and his nemesis on hills... a chocolatier - not kidding), but stopped along the way to take a couple of shots of the nice views. I did not have my SLR unfortunately, so the shallow depth of field does not do justice to the scenery. The first pic shows Vancouver's downtown in the background, while the second features the Strait of Georgia, with Vancouver Island (where Maidei is headed next) in the distance.

Then yesterday I took her with me as I joined my club in a ride to Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, on the Sunshine Coast. Although it's technically on the mainland, one must take a ferry to get there. Maidei took a bit of sun on the upper deck, and then again at the Porpoise Bay sandy beach.

But really, Maidei has been spending a lot of time at home with me. I received her from ShootingStar as I was in the throes of my pregnancy's first trimester fatigue, and had to pause my riding season. So she hung out with me in a big fat chair, reading some appropriate literature.

She is now headed to visit BlueJellyBean, thanks to Canada Post!

Who will be next?

[shootingstar]

Congrats. Grog and Chris! Hope everything all works out.

And was that chocolatier..Thomas Haas? :D Only because dearie and I love going to his place for gourmet cake slice and coffee. He has the cycling jerseys on for sale with his store logo emblazoned across. He is a fit guy and surrounded by goodies in his daily job/operations.

[Caddy]

Have fun in the West Coast :)

[bluejellybean]

Looks good, grog...thanks for sharing! I'll take her out both road and mtn and hopefully show her some big trees, lakes and mountains! :)

[Grog]

And was that chocolatier..Thomas Haas? :D Only because dearie and I love going to his place for gourmet cake slice and coffee. He has the cycling jerseys on for sale with his store logo emblazoned across. He is a fit guy and surrounded by goodies in his daily job/operations.

Yes, Haas' the man! I heard he also did a very good performance up Mount Seymour this year. He's in amazing shape, only bones and muscles. He doesn't wear his own jersey though, he rides with TNA (which also includes Trevor Linden, former captain of the Canucks).

[bluejellybean]

I received Maidei today from Grog! I got the package after my ride, so tonight she's just chillin' on the Ruby waiting to ride and see some sites!

[shootingstar]

Look forward to see if Maidei will wow us with some sites in your area, bluejellybean! You're probably not far from a temperate rainforest area.

[bluejellybean]

Headin' out to the Terry Fox Run, Year 31 of 31! Looks like the rain is a comin' in this neck of the woods!

[TxDoc]

I received Maidei today from Grog! I got the package after my ride, so tonight she's just chillin' on the Ruby waiting to ride and see some sites!

This picture is too funny! Looking forward to seeing more photos of Maidei's adventures!

[bluejellybean]

Maidei was the only one that stayed dry as we went to check out the cruise ship docked here yesterday in a torrential downpour...still raining this morning. I have a feeling this is going to be a loooong wet season. :(

[shootingstar]

Is Maidei embarking a different journey at your end, bluejellybean? Last weekend did look a bit wet.

[bluejellybean]

Arrghh, I just took some pics on my phone from a nice muddy,rainy mtn bike ride through some trails, and the sun came out by the end showing our nice, lush greenery and juicy trails...and I just deleted them! I moved them to the memory card but they're not there...will try to recover them, but not holding out much hope. In the meantime, this is our cyclocross organizer from yesterday's record number of participants race!

[roguedog]

woo hoo.. awesome pic! lol.

[bluejellybean]

Ok, take 2! Not that I had to twist my own arm to go out on the trails again. Sorry for the poooor quality phone pics, it doesn't do justice to our green west coast!
Hopefully these show up in order:
1. On the way!
2. Through puddles...
3. And uprooted trees and mud...
4. Uphill through big trees...
5. And done. :)


I think by the end of this weekend I should have a few more pics than will probably be done with my turn with Maidei. October looks like it's going to be a busier month than I figured! Who's up next? She looooves to travel and ride!

[bluejellybean]

This is yesterday on the bridge two minutes from home after a long road ride. Cool, crisp, sunny Fall day...lovin' it!
So, I think this might be one of (if not the) last pic of my adventures with Maidei...she's looking for a new adopter to take her on! :)
Happy Thanksgiving (from Canada!)...

[HillSlugger]

I'd take her back in Maryland if that's ok.

[bluejellybean]

Ok, sounds good....although, how about we wait a bit to see if anyone closer wants to take her, and that way she can eventually travel through and make her way back to the other side? Any takers?

[bluejellybean]

Just thought I better pipe in here to see if anyone on the west coast wants to take her (she might have to slip on a plastic parka!)...and she can make her way 'cross country...otherwise I can send it to MD on the next flight! Post here or PM if interested. :) Happy riding!

[bluejellybean]

She'll be off to Hillslugger in the morning! :)

[HillSlugger]

Madei just arrived in Olney, MD. I didn't know she traveled with all those mementos. Very cool to look through. Can't wait to work out her itinerary.

[azfiddle]

Madei might enjoy the winter riding in Arizona when it gets too cold and snowy back east...I'd take her out for a spin if she can get here.

[HillSlugger]

Madei is bedded down for the night. We hope that the wind will allow us to ride outside tomorrow. Nighty night.

[HillSlugger]

It was blowing pretty hard, but we got out for a ride.

Started by stopping in the middle of town to get the "official" picture.
Then we headed north out of town; not much to see in Laytonsville.
Next we were into farmland, but all of the fields were now bare; the tree farm was pretty much the only thing to see.
As far as we know, these are the ONLY sandwiches and subs in Etchison; they're lucky to have even the one stop sign!.
Stopped by the historic Olney Theatre, founded in 1938 and recognized as the official State Summer Theater of Maryland.

[HillSlugger]

Posing for a portrait after our ride.
Then I met Manni deBear. She says she's "Queen of Everything", but I'm not sure what she's talking about.

On Tuesday I'll get a trip into DC!

[bluejellybean]

thanks for sharing! :)

[shootingstar]

Great stuff! Hope Maidei shows us some of the bike routes to /from DC. Wonder what she will see this time (it's her 2nd trip into DC I think..). Her journey has been long and unexpected!

[HillSlugger]

Office work is soooo boring! When can we get back on the road?

[HillSlugger]

Madei spent Thanksgiving with me and my family!

1. watching the turkey turn on the rotisserie
2. watching football with Sammi
3. the finished turkey
4. waiting to be served
5. MY SWEET POTATOES!

[HillSlugger]

Today we got out to ride off the Thanksgiving feast.

1. Brighton Dam Recreation Area
2. the reservoir side
3. the spillway
4. Homestone, c1926
5. I'm so small, I don't want ANYTHING to do with a monster worm!

[HillSlugger]

Who would like Madei next?

[shootingstar]

Hopefully Maidei can beat the Christmas mail rush. She's has some great meals and adventures at your end, HillSlugger.

(Or maybe post a snappy, eye-catching message in the general cycling topic area?)

[ladyicon]

I will take Madei. I live in San Diego,. and I am sure she would love the warm winter weather. We could even go to the beach and bike riding. Madei can join my large family for Christmas too.

[HillSlugger]

We now have three women interested in hosting Madei:

wackyjacky1 in Texas
azfiddle in Arizona
ladyicon in San Diego

So, how about I send her along to wackyjacky and then she goes to Arizona and San Diego? Sounds like a great way to spend the start of winter.

[azfiddle]

That works for me.

We'll be riding all winter out here in the desert, so if she has any intermediate stops, that's okay too. And maybe we can get the other Tucsonans to join us or to take Madei as well- there are at least 4 of us here :)

[ladyicon]

Sounds good to me.

[HillSlugger]

Madei is on her way to Texas

[TxDoc]

I'm going to get on the list too - when Maidei is up for new travels in Texas, I will be glad to show her around Houston :)

[missjean]

What a totally wonderful idea! You TE ladies are awesome.
I'm a late comer to Te and I'm really sorry I missed Maidei when she toured through New England - it would have been fun to show her the Granite State.

[shootingstar]

So where is Maidei now?

[HillSlugger]

She's laying low in Texas with Wacky Jackie

[TxDoc]

She's laying low in Texas with Wacky Jackie

Welcome to the Lone Star State, Maidei, I hope you will like it here!

[malkin]

What a totally wonderful idea! You TE ladies are awesome.
I'm a late comer to Te and I'm really sorry I missed Maidei when she toured through New England - it would have been fun to show her the Granite State.


If you check her history, she doesn't exactly have a well planned itinerary. Just get on her list when she's ready for a change in scenery.

[TxDoc]

So, what's the latest on Maidei's adventures? Waiting to see more cute pictures... :)

[azfiddle]

I think she would enjoy coming to Arizona before it gets too hot. She's still welcome to come for a visit here.

[missjean]

I think she would enjoy coming to Arizona before it gets too hot. She's still welcome to come for a visit here.

And, when it gets wicked hot out west, she can journey up to New Hampshire where it will be cooler.

[Crankin]

Where is Madie???

[TxDoc]

Where is Madie???

Don't know, but I hope she decides to come visit the Lone Star State at some point :)

[shootingstar]

Hopefully we'll all hear back from wackyjacky1 about Maidei.

[HillSlugger]

I know she arrived in Texas to WackyJacky before Christmas. Haven't heard anything since.

[shootingstar]

Hopefully wackyjacky is in good health.

[wackyjacky1]

Aaaaahhhhh!!! I'm so sorry to have been missing in action for so long!!! Between crappy weather, various illnesses and injuries to myself and family members, life has been VERY hectic, and life on a bicycle has been virtually impossible. Poor little Madei has been very paitently waiting for her adventure.

She DID get to visit the Alamo a couple weeks ago, and this weekend she will go to Luckenbach. After that, I think she'll be ready for her next stop on her world tour.

Where shall she go next? Y'all decide, then PM me with the address for her next stop.

Again, I'm so so so so so sorry for keeping you all in the dark for so long. :(

[TxDoc]

Ooohhhh... we soooo want to see photos of Maidei at The Alamo... :)

Have fun on your adventures in SA. If Maidei is up for a visit to Houston afterwards, and no one else near you is lined up first, I'll be glad to show her around.

[wackyjacky1]

PM me your address. I'll take Madei to the post office on Monday for her next stop on the Tour de Texas. :)

[azfiddle]

Don't forget- after Texas, she should visit to me to enjoy Arizona before the heat really sinks in (before June!).

[wackyjacky1]

Okey dokey, Madei is going to the post office today and will soon be on her way to visit TxDoc.

(After that, a trip to Arizona to visit azfiddle?)

Again, I want to apologize to everyone for keeping Madei for so long. My normally boring, routine lifestyle got sorta topsy-turvy for a bit, beginning just before the holidays, and is only now getting back to normal.

[TxDoc]

Howdy!
Maidei made it to Houston safely, got to try on her Houston Rodeo gear, and spent some time playing around and relaxing around the house...

[TxDoc]

Hi everyone,
I am stealing TxDoc's laptop, and her bike too :D
This seat is so comfy, I really want to take a nap on it...
I hope to go for a ride tomorrow, will keep you posted!

Maidei

[shootingstar]

Looking forward to Maidei's adventures in Houston. Her shipping box with her adventure memorbilia must be full of stuff by now. :D

[Catrin]

Looking forward to Maidei's adventures in Houston. Her shipping box with her adventure memorbilia must be full of stuff by now. :D

It was pretty full when I had her during very early 2011!

[TxDoc]

'morning y'all!!!
Maidei is having some fun in Houston!

Here she is recovering at a breakfast stop during a bike ride :)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14347&d=1334324936

She also decided to come visit the hospital.
Made herself comfortable in my office while I was teaching...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14348&d=1334325204

Helped with computer work...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14349&d=1334325219

And then, eager to help out, she joined for rounds and generated quite a bit of interest...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14350&d=1334325238


She also made it to visit another couple of hospitals as I was going to meet with a few collaborators.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14351&d=1334325862

She is now busy training for a small organized ride this weekend, so we will post some more adventures soon!

[TxDoc]

don't tell the TxDoc I'm having pizza for breakfast... :D

Maidei

[malkin]

Hey!
Looks like she met Dub'yah and Laura Bush!

[OakLeaf]

Also the top fell, so it's not a dream. ;)

[shootingstar]

She's seeing all sorts of stuff!

[TxDoc]

Maidei enjoying the breakfast of champions...

[shootingstar]

Maidei loves pancakes. She had them too when she was with us in Calgary for Bike to Work Day around same time last year!

[TxDoc]

So last Sunday Maidei participated in a local ride.
Here she is...

Ready to start

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14384&d=1334682485

saying hello to a few cows on the way

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14385&d=1334682503

posing with a few cycling buddies at a rest stop

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14386&d=1334682515

and finally she completed the ride and was a bit tired at the end :)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14387&d=1334682525

Now it is time for a day or two of rest, before moving on to new adventures!

[TxDoc]

Last weekend Maidei visited the riders of the BPMS150, and is now ready to pack the suitcase for a new adventure...

Azfiddle, are you next in line to host Maidei? If so, then let me know your address and I will get her on the way to you.

[azfiddle]

Madei is coming to Arizona!!! I'm very excited, and will be taking her to see Saguaro National Park and Mount Lemmon. We'll try to keep cool as the desert is heating up now.

Please let us know where Maidei's itinerary will go after she comes to stay with me in Tucson. Anyone else in Arizona? Southern California?

Sharon

[Melalvai]

If she could come to Missouri I'll take her on Bike Across Kansas with me. I'll pm you my address!

[owlice]

I like how this thread is titled "Part 1" and it's up to 42 pages... :D

[shootingstar]

If one could live the life of Maidei....worldwide travels, pampered, looked after too while travelling. :rolleyes: And free rides too!

[TxDoc]

If one could live the life of Maidei....worldwide travels, pampered, looked after too while travelling. :rolleyes: And free rides too!

Seriously!
I tried to ask for some career advice, but she was rather secretive... ;)

[administrator]

Has anyone tried Animaps?

http://www.animaps.com/

This could be a VERY COOL way to track maidei's journey. I set up an account and started a map, but don't have time right now to go back through the posts and enter waypoints and photos. It looks relatively easy to do - I spent a few minutes on it and got it to sort-of work - with a bit of effort it looks like it can do some slick presentations (see the demos).

Any volunteers?

http://www.animaps.com/pb/1065011/2436/maideis_world_tour

[Catrin]

Has anyone tried Animaps?

http://www.animaps.com/

This could be a VERY COOL way to track maidei's journey. I set up an account and started a map, but don't have time right now to go back through the posts and enter waypoints and photos. It looks relatively easy to do - I spent a few minutes on it and got it to sort-of work - with a bit of effort it looks like it can do some slick presentations (see the demos).

Any volunteers?

http://www.animaps.com/pb/1065011/2436/maideis_world_tour

What a great idea! As one of her former hosts I would be happy to work on this :) it will take a bit of time but I don't mind.

[azfiddle]

Maidei arrived in Tucson today, with her box of wonderful travel souvenirs and mementos. I made sure she was snug in my jersey pocket, and we had a late afternoon ride to Saguaro National Park together. Pics coming soon!

[azfiddle]

Madei is really enjoying her visit to Tucson! She has had morning and evening visits to Saguaro National Park, and came with me to my classroom. The 7th graders really enjoyed finding out about her travels and wanted to have their pictures taken with her.

We have seen a LOT of interesting wildlife so far: A very robust Regal Horned Lizard, Desert Spiny Lizards, Western Whiptails and Lesser Earless Lizards. No snakes though. Today we saw a Gila Monster, hiding under a bush. We've seen loads of birds, including a Harris' Hawk, a migrant Western Tanager, a Broad-billed Hummingbird, and all the common desert species. We also saw 2 sleeping javalinas outside the window of the visitor center at Saguaro NP.

[azfiddle]

Photos of Madei in Tucson so far- they include (not in order, sorry), getting ready to ride up to Saguaro NP, the entrance to the park, the display at the high point of the loop ride (resting after our 500 foot climb), learning about ecology with some of my students, posing with me and Dogmama from TE, who happened to join the Zona Cycling group ride today, and the picture of the Gila Monster. Madei was a little scared, and didn't want to pose with the Glia Monster ;-)

[Catrin]

I've started figuring out the Animaps interface, it is a cool toy to play with....errrrr....I mean a good tool with which to map Maidei's adventures :cool:

It is slow going though, especially in Australia. There isn't any way to search for the location other than panning to the area you need. So I go to Google maps to figure out where something is in Australia, then pan and zoom to find it. She has traveled a lot, it would be interesting to figure out just how many miles she has traveled over the years!

[azfiddle]

How funny you mentioned that- one of my cycling friends asked me about that on the ride today! She has already gone over 85 miles with me.

[shootingstar]

What a great idea to let the students in on Maidei's trip. Good to see you and Dogmama!

Lots of lizard types in your area. :)

Catrin, you have alot of patience to plough through previous entries to figure out Maidei's journey. Look forward to seeing the map, even if it's only 1-2 countries at the beginning.

[azfiddle]

Here is a link to more photos from Madei's 2nd visit to Saguaro National park. My DH took these. The Saguaros are in full bloom and the Palo Verde trees are past their peak but still full of yellow blossoms. The last pictures are from the Audubon Birdathon awards/barbecue (which Madei did not attend).

https://picasaweb.google.com/111797230591473921162/20120512ByEyeFi?authkey=Gv1sRgCLfuz4Kl8sryuQE&feat=email#5742217838570553154

[azfiddle]

Maidei took her last two rides with me. On Weds, May 16, we did the Ride of Silence in Tucson. About 100 riders followed a 10 mile circuit in honor of those who have suffered loss of life or injury due to crashes with vehicles on the road. We rode to the start and came home as it was getting dark, but with plenty of lights.

Today, May 20, we did an ascent up the lower part of Mount Lemmon, to about 4200 feet Molino Basin. It was just high enough to get out of the lower Sonoran Desert and into the lowest oak trees, yuccas and grass of the upper Sonoran Desert. We just didn't have time to ride up into the pine forest higher up. We got a bit of a late start- almost 7:30 am and it was pretty warm climbing up the mountain. Coming down was delicious- over 30 mph for most of the way to the base. We met my DH at the cafe for iced mocha and a pastry.

The photos are in the wrong order: on the right is Maidei at the Babad Duag overlook, about 3 miles up and 3300 feet elevation, then at 4000 feet, and the left hand picture is our final stop at Molino Basin, under the oaks but sunny grassy hillsides are in the background- about 4300 feet. Last pic- Maidei enjoying the cyclists hangout and part of my iced mocha at Le Buzz Cafe at the base of the mountain.
I'll be sending Maidei on her way this week to her next destination with Melalvai in Missouri.

[Catrin]

It is going to take me quite some time to get Maidei's photos/journey on Animaps. If anyone wants to help out let me know. It is fun, but a slow process... just send me a PM if you want to help out and we can decide the best way to do this.

[lovelygamer]

This is the cutest thing ever!!!:D

[azfiddle]

We gave Maidei her very last ride with us on Sunday- 68 miles south of Tucson to Sahuarita and back. She (and I) posed for a picture at a sign that could be interpreted as a "flat-fixing zone" (or an upside down bike route sign). She enjoyed great looks at a pair of Gray Hawks that must be nesting in the pecan orchards there.

Maidei is heading out to Missouri now for new adventures!

[Melalvai]

Maidei arrived back in Missouri yesterday. Opening her box and looking through all the postcards, maps, notes, and trinkets was so exciting. I wonder what we'll add to the box.

Maidei joined me this morning biking out to pick blueberries. She is excited about participating in Bike Across Kansas next week!
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/100_5320-144x300.jpg
Maidei rides in the basket

http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/100_5319-300x225.jpg
Maidei helps Nell pick blueberries

http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/100_5318-300x225.jpg
Maidei tries a few blueberries herself. Yum!

[shootingstar]

I appreciated seeing more through Maidei's eyes when she was in Arizona and now in Missouri. Hope the weather is good during the ride!

[Melalvai]

Maidei will be on Bike Across Kansas with me through June 16. Where should I send her next?

[Melalvai]

Maidei and I are in Kansas, ready to get on the bus which will take us 8 hrs across Kansas so we can bike 8 days back! My parents were thrilled with her and we I showed them her box. Mom saw the little mementos and said "She has to have a Jayhawk!" She immediately fetched a tiny crocheted red and blue Jayhawk finger puppet. (Maidei could wear it as a hat!)

Both Mom & Dad got on Team Estrogen and started reading about Maidei's journeys. I've been following her from the start, but here's some trivia I had forgotten:

Maidei is pronounced "muh-DAY". Maidei has a twin sister Monica who lives in Zimbabwe with a child who has a family member with AIDS. Maidei's bicycle is from Madagascar.

[Melalvai]

Maidei and I reached the Missouri river today after 8 days on our bikes. Somehow my legs & butt are a lot more sore than Maidei's! We saw so many interesting things in Kansas, made some good friends, and ate a lot. Maidei and I both need cleaned up and a little repair work, then she'll be on her way to her next stop--where will it be?? pm me!!

I'll post more of our story but for now here are a couple pictures.
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/100_5433-300x225.jpg
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/100_5354-300x225.jpg

[shootingstar]

So what distance did you and Maidei cover over 8 days. No rain? Model her Jayhawk hat on her.

[Melalvai]

So what distance did you and Maidei cover over 8 days. No rain? Model her Jayhawk hat on her.
525 miles. Didn't get more than a light spattering on the bike, but we sure got it in the tent. I do have a picture with the Jayhawk hat!

[Melalvai]

http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/100_5446-225x300.jpg
Maidei's jayhawk hat

I got her cleaned up and repaired her mouth--she looks much happier now! I'm going out of town and my flight leaves in a couple hours so I won't have a chance to ship her until early next week. Hopefully, over the weekend I'll get some of our adventures posted. In the meantime, here's some of the stories I've been posting about the trip:
http://www.kemenel.org/melalvai/

My favorite story from the trip, about riding a tandem for a day (edit: warning-- this will bring tears to your eyes)
http://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.com/community/blogs/bicycling_and_walking_around_kirksville/x1632374137/The-BAK-End

A Kansas "breeze":
http://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.com/community/blogs/bicycling_and_walking_around_kirksville/x1154472716/BAK-Kansas-breeze

[Melalvai]

Here's a post that is just about Maidei (http://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.com/community/blogs/bicycling_and_walking_around_kirksville/x1154472782/BAK-Maidei). I have a lot more pictures of her! Slowly I will get them sorted and put the interesting ones up. Funny how her trip in Kansas generated more pics than her visits to more interesting places...or maybe that's just me, I take lots of pictures and I talk a lot about them. :)

Today I was just too busy but I'm hoping tomorrow to get her shipped to her next host.

If you don't want to visit the blog post, here are the pictures:
http://d2om8tvz4lgco4.cloudfront.net/@@ugc/x1154472780/g11e3840000000000005ffd7ff33f2e356840e4e427911a48a72260379c.jpg
Joe couldn't come, so his family brought Flat Joe!

http://d2om8tvz4lgco4.cloudfront.net/@@ugc/x1952074832/g11e38400000000000074021a9d2e948b3933c361aab2c38aeb2acf5c8a.jpg
The biggest ball of twine in the world (Cawker City, KS)

http://d2om8tvz4lgco4.cloudfront.net/@@ugc/x1280582320/g11e38400000000000075d247f03e7d2e69f66defd111cd5bcd5fc79896.jpg
Historic limestone castle...gas station?

[Trek-chick]

Maidei arrived in Michigan Saturday. Last time I had her it was January so, we did not get to do any cycling. I am excited to show her some great cycling spots in SE Michigan :)

She just missed a mountain biking camping weekend with us. We got home late Sunday night and there she was waiting on my porch. Been busy unpacking so, she has just had some rest time between trips for now.

[Catrin]

I would love to have her back in Indianapolis. We were limited to indoor activities when she was here last time so she never got to ride. I don't know what her itinerary is but I wouldn't mind hosting her again :cool:

[Trek-chick]

Catrin, I will gladly send her to you after she hangs out with me in Michigan for a bit.

[Catrin]

Catrin, I will gladly send her to you after she hangs out with me in Michigan for a bit.

Cool - no rush :)

[Trek-chick]

We are going on vacation in a few weeks and plan to do some mountain biking in Michigan's UP so, I will send her after that. Then Maidei can experience both penninsula's of Michigan by bike :)

We will be back on July 31st. I'll PM you for your address when we get back.

[Catrin]

We are going on vacation in a few weeks and plan to do some mountain biking in Michigan's UP so, I will send her after that. Then Maidei can experience both penninsula's of Michigan by bike :)

We will be back on July 31st. I'll PM you for your address when we get back.

Perfect! That will give me plenty of time to show her around before the Sub-9 Super-D MTB race in mid-August at which I volunteer - she can help me check in the racers and experience the wonderful trails at Brown County with me :cool:

[shootingstar]

Looks like Maidei will experience some heat/humidity and fall colour later. :)

[Trek-chick]

Well, Maidei has been enjoying her time here in Michigan. We have been kind of sidelined indoors, with this heatwave we had. It was over 100* for like 5 days in a row:eek: (maybe more). So...we just stayed inside and rode the trainer together most days :( Boring and I was going crazy but Maidei was good company.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/bianchi1.jpg

I have the Bianchi on the trainer for now. Need to get a spare rear wheel for the trainer tire soon.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/bianchi2.jpg

FINALLY on Sunday the weather broke!!!!!! And with highs in the 80's we hit the road to the local park. One of my favorite places to ride. I grabbed my Cyclocross bike. Sorry, Bianchi but the CX bike is my go to bike now....It is the most comfortable bike I have and it even has an aluminum fork too. Must be those beefy CX tires that keep the ride smooth.

I added a Salsa Cowbell bar--LOVE these handlebars-- I highly recommend them. They will be awesome once Cross season starts up. I also changed out the pink for blue bartape and black/blue carbon bottle cage. I love the new look to the bike--all black with a touch of blue.

We did 20 miles at the park Sunday...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/giant3.jpg

Stopped on the bridge to take some pictures...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/giant.jpg

Then, we made a sidetrip out to the nature center....Here we rested, refilled water and enjoyed the great weather for a bit.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/giant4.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/giant5.jpg

[Trek-chick]

Well, we had a great vacaton in Michagan's UP. We saw tons of wildlife...2 black bears, an Elk, eagles, and ospreys to name a few. Maidei had lots of fun mountain biking through the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

I need to get totally unpacked and go through my photos. We took over 300 :eek: so, I will go through them and post some up on Monday.

Catrin, I will get Maidei organized and sent out Monday as well....please PM me you address.

[Melalvai]

She's so cute on the trainer. I miss her!

[Trek-chick]

Well, I actually do not have any pictures of maidei from our vacation. We lost one camera card that had over 100 pictures on it :( I hope to find it stuffed in a pocket or somewhere but, I looked everywhere this weekend and can not find the maidei photos

I do have other pictures I can post. Maidei made a friend when we were there...a barred owl that we named Barry. He is in some of the photos. We even saw a barred owl one night on the trip.:D

The trip was awesome and DH and I mountain biked every other day in the Refuge, and we took a side trip to Grand Island-- and circumnavigated the entire Island by bike. It was a blast!!! Maidei loved it. She and Barry are cycling buddies now so, he will go in the box to her next destination.

Here are the photos from the Refuge...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012029.jpg

Here's Barry :)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012034.jpg

...time to hit the trails.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012016.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012011.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012035.jpg

We drove to Marquette (the UP's largest city) one day and I had to get a photo of their cool bike racks around the city--they had several like this one...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012026.jpg

[Trek-chick]

Next stop Grand Island

The views and cliffs are stunning here. We did the 26 miles around the island in about 2.5-3 hours with stops. Lots of kayakers around the Island too. Also, it is close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore--kayaker paradise:D We did a boat tour of the pictured rocks but, the weather was not the greatest and we had to turn around half-way through. I think maidei got sea-sick. :( Lake Superior can be nasty.

Lake Superior was sooooo BLUE!!!
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012008.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012010.jpg

..on the trails/fire roads around the Island. Only a few roads can be used by cars, the rest is for cyclist and hikers--gotta love that!!
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012044.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012050-1.jpg

Good view of a beach area by the lake.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012038.jpg

Barry hanging out by the lake
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012039.jpg

Barry on a bridge--ther are a bunch of kayaks in the background--hard to see though
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012001.jpg

Cliff views...
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012052.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m86/beebop1/SENEYTRIP2012054.jpg

[Catrin]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures!

Maidei landed back in Indianapolis today, and it was good to see all of the new additions to her traveling memorabilla! I wasn't too surprised to see that she no longer fits in her box AND she has a buddy now, how cool is that!

Thankfully her stay can be longer this time AND it isn't in the dead of winter :) Among other things, she is going to be helping out at a Super-D (downhill) mountain bike race next weekend!

[shootingstar]

Hope you find your camera Trek-Chick! :confused: Great adventures in humid/hot Michigan there!

We have to see Maidei's new companion in that care-box that she travels with each fellow TE cyclist in her onward journey with Catrin and beyond.

[Trek-chick]

Thanks, that is the problem with bringing two cameras i guess but, one is really nice and just too heavy to tote around. thankfully i did not lose that one.

[Catrin]

There will be more pictures over the next week or so, but here are a couple.

I went to Bosu class Friday morning before heading out for a weekend of mountain biking and camping, Maidei really wanted to go as well. Maidei was curious about this "Bosu" thing. Her companion wasn't interested in leaving home at 5am!

After checking out the list of exercises for the hour long class she sat down for a few minutes to conserve her energy :) Then she had to try one of them for size and thinks she might have to take off her jersey for the class.

[Catrin]

Here are a couple of photos from the Sub-9 Super-D mtb/camping weekend two weeks ago. I had hopes of having Maidei and her new friend help with my volunteer activities, but the organizer has a 3 year old who was quite taken with her. I am unsure what would have happened to the two companions if they had gone adventuring ;)

In the first picture, Maidei is catching some rays before the bike ride, while her companion was checking out possible nesting places on the bike.

[Catrin]

I seem to keep forgetting to actually take my camera on the trail, so here is another shot of our fearless globe-trotting duo checking out a friends mountain bike when we returned from our ride this past weekend.

As you can see, they are both ready for action! Either that, or they are resting and thanking their lucky stars they survived my crash on the trail! Not to worry fearless duo, you were quite safe in my hydration pack - certainly safer than I was :rolleyes:

Maidei requested I add a map of the wonderful trail system at Brown County State Park before sending her to her next hostess, and I will do that. We have more activities planned for the Labor Day weekend, rain permitting, but after that it is probably time for her to travel to her next stop.

Who wants her next? I do want to take her road riding with me and hopefully I can remember my camera this time - and to actually stop to provide her a photo op!

[shootingstar]

Maybe the 3 yr. old could have considered a tricycle ride with Maidei. :)

[Catrin]

Maybe the 3 yr. old could have considered a tricycle ride with Maidei. :)

My concern was more about where they would wind up if we lost track of her - that little one moves FAST :) BTW, that 3 year old has already had her first mountain bike ride - on her Strider - at age 2 ;)

[shootingstar]

Yea, young children can whip around all over the place with not a care in the world.

[Catrin]

Yea, young children can whip around all over the place with not a care in the world.

So much fun to watch :) She DID get to play with Maidei, just no pictures ;)

[ASammy1]

Hi Catrin,

I will take Madei next if nobody else has has offered. I would love to introduce her to Illinois' Prairie Path!

Let me know :D

[Catrin]

Hi Catrin,

I will take Madei next if nobody else has has offered. I would love to introduce her to Illinois' Prairie Path!

Let me know :D

Sorry, I just saw this post. I won't have time to mail her until next week if that is ok with you - life is....really busy right now. PM me your postal address and I will send her on her way after she gets a chance to go mountain biking with me one more time ;)

[Bike Chick]

Catrin,
Do you still have Maidei? If no one else has spoken for her, could I get her again? I regret that I didn't take her to St. Louis last year and I'm planning to be there for a few days in a couple of weeks. I know she would love to see the Arch. And if no one objects to me keeping her for 6 weeks, I could take her to Ironman Florida as well.

[Catrin]

Catrin,
Do you still have Maidei? If no one else has spoken for her, could I get her again? I regret that I didn't take her to St. Louis last year and I'm planning to be there for a few days in a couple of weeks. I know she would love to see the Arch. And if no one objects to me keeping her for 6 weeks, I could take her to Ironman Florida as well.

She is going to Illinois later this week to spend some time with ASammy1. Perhaps you could coordinate with her so you can take her to the Ironman? Also, I didn't know you are doing an Ironman, that is seriously cool!

[Bike Chick]

I'm not doing Ironman, DH is, but I am running the Chicago marathon October 7. I completely forgot about that. I wonder if Maidei would like to run the Chicago marathon? I'll try to coordinate with ASammy1. What part of Illinois would that be? Do you know?

[Catrin]

I'm not doing Ironman, DH is, but I am running the Chicago marathon October 7. I completely forgot about that. I wonder if Maidei would like to run the Chicago marathon? I'll try to coordinate with ASammy1. What part of Illinois would that be? Do you know?

Elmhurst, IL

I bet Maidei WOULD like to run the Chicago marathon, she's been doing a lot of riding - and will also with ASammy1 so it will give her some cross training. Can't have Maidei getting overuse injuries :)

[Bike Chick]

Oh my, I haven't thought of overuse injuries! Maybe I'll take her to a good massage therapist after the m:)arathon. I want her to be in good shape to enjoy the Ironman!

[shootingstar]

Lookin' forward to Maidei adventures with some cross-training too.

[ASammy1]

Well it looks like Maidei is going to have one heck of a weekend! She will be attending the Madonna concert on Thursday, seeing a comedy show at Second City on Friday and running the Fort to Base (Fort Sheridan to Great Lakes Naval Base) race on Sunday! She is very excited for me to post pictures!

Thanks Catrin!

[shootingstar]

How's Maidei doing on her journey?

[ASammy1]

Sorry I haven't checked in. There was an unexpected death in my family and therefore I haven't had much time to spend w/ Maidei ... Maidei is on her way to Southern Illinois now.

[shootingstar]

So where is Maidei now?

[azfiddle]

Yes, wondering the same thing- where has Madei traveled to?

[OakLeaf]

I hope ASammy is ok.....

[ASammy1]

Hi OakLeaf. I'm fine just been very busy. I sent Madei to Bike Chick in November...

[Trek-chick]

Has Maidei retired??? I kind of miss her ;)

[Bike Chick]

No Maidei hasn't retired. I am embarrassed to say that I still have her. Sammy sent her to me last November because I wanted to take her to the Florida Ironman and she arrived while we were gone. Shortly after that, my mother fell, ended up in the hospital, then the nursing home and it was a crazy few months. I put Maidei up on a shelf for safe keeping during all that and, quite frankly forgot she was there. I just found her a few weeks ago when I was cleaning. I took the box down and peeked inside to see what was in it and was mortified to find Maidei. I am sorry and beg forgiveness please. I would be happy to forward her on to the next person who would like her, just give me the word. I am so ashamed!

[Trek-chick]

No worries, she probably needed a break from her travels anyway. I say take her for a ride somewhere...she will move on when she is ready. Hope all is well with Mom too.

I know how it is with people in the hospital. My Mother and brother-in -law are in right now soooooo my riding is basically non-existent.

But they need me now, more than I need a bike ride.

[Bike Chick]

Thanks for your kind words, Trek-chick. I'm doing a century with a friend this weekend on an organized ride. I may just take her with me. She could use a long bike ride. I'll just hang on to her until someone sends me a message wanting her. I hope your mother and brother-in-law are doing better.

[ASammy1]

Bike Chick- Just saw this today. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and hope all is ok now.

[NbyNW]

Oh, wow. I've lived in 3 different cities since this all got started. Haven't been able to follow it all. I hope Maidei has been moving around more than I have!

[Whocautencen]

Well Primelissa, Your tour looks really much amazing and im sure that you had spend great time while your tour. I have not been top such kind of places ever, So would you like tio share some names of the most attractive places there?