June 12 – Austintown to Cleveland, OH (73 Miles)

Greetings from Cleveland

DHR traveled 73 miles yesterday for a total of 885 miles since leaving Boston.

Yesterday was another picture perfect day. We had sunny skies with temperatures in the high 60s. It could just be me, but the 10-12 mph winds felt like a headwind no matter which direction we turned.

We started the day with three riders including full ride partner Mikolaj “Nic” Tropicha-Dolny and one day rider Steve Weyland, who drove in from Kentucky. Markos Sinclair also rode the second half of the day after spending most of the last two weeks piloting the RV.

We were fortunate to have a police escort leaving Austintown. After traveling for about 10 miles via mostly country roads we traveled about 50 miles on various bike paths, mostly in great condition, some not so much so. We also stopped for a scenic picnic lunch next to a lake. Getting into Cleveland was relatively easy since we arrived on a Sunday afternoon.

Extraordinary Dads

We met and honored some extraordinary dads yesterday, many who were bicycling with their kids. See photos and captions below. The most profound encounter was with a couple: Rob and Colleen Munshower and their kids Valerie and Adam. Colleen insisted on praying over us and asking God to protect us. It reminded me of a very similar encounter we had in Prescott, AZ last year with Tim Parker, who did the same and presented me the Full Armor of God coin. I recounted the story for them and Colleen said she didn’t have a “coin” to present us, but that her maiden name was Coyne. God has a very interesting sense of humor. The evening was capped off by dinner at the Winking Lizard in downtown Cleveland. Good food and great service.

If you have not yet donated, we can use your help to reach our fundraising goal before Father’s Day. Please do so by clicking here.

If you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift, please consider a Great Dad Coin as well as purchasing a copy of my new book entitled 21st Century Dads: A Father’s Journey To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence, available on Amazon. As a reminder, all the proceeds go to charity.

Also, for anyone who donates $100 or more, I will send you an autographed copy of my book.

We’re off to Sandusky today to start week #3.

Thanks again. Make it a great day!!!

David

With Raymond Scebbi, a single dad and his daughters; Isabella(8) and Destiny(13). FYI, Raymond has lost more than 200 lbs and works for Stand For The Silent, a local non profit that caters to those impacted by bullying.

The Munch Bunch from l to r; Colleen, Adam(9), Valerie(13) and Rob. Colleen offered a beautiful prayer for our safe passage and the work we’re doing to encourage father involvement. It was a palpable experience.

With Janic and his two boys Kai and Jayce fishing, while his wife and daughter were doing their thing.

One of many minor obstacles today. No biggie 🙂

Markos (second from right) suiting up to ride after lunch.

A very relaxing picnic lunch with pond nearby.

With John Haag and son Owen(6) of Stow, OH, who wrapped up fishing shortly before we arrived.

Nic and Steve out for a Sunday ride 🙂

With Tracy, Greg and their two boys; Andrew and Tommy.

With Nic and Steve as we entered Ravenna, OH.

Fellow Riders Nic and Steve with crew from l to r; Lincoln Markos, Wilk and Ryan.

Playing “Where is Nic?” with all the high-tech gear aboard BIG Brother Gary’s truck.

Prior to the escort with officers Josh Watkins and Allen Phillips of the Austintown Police Department.

With Isaac Gore, a father of 11 from a blended family, a breakfast buddy, and who plays Santa Clause each December.

Angela and Jerome Perry, a Navy Iraqi Freedom veteran with their son Parker(7).