Biking for Babies

Finally done! Me and Jimmy made it to Chicago this evening at around 6p.m. at the famous “bean”. The last 15 miles of the ride was about the most exhilarating of my life. I felt like a bike messenger navigating in and out of traffic–definitely saw my life flash before my eyes many times in such a short period. Avoiding potholes, construction, and cars took complete focus. It was very cold today–started out at 28 degrees with a northerly wind.

Stopped in Aurora to pray a bit at the Planned Parenthood. There were about 10 of us there. Hopefully, we made at least one person think about what they were doing–maybe the volunteer who seemed to be the parking valet at Planned Parenthood.

One guy flipped us off with a “Keep Christ in Christmas” bumper sticker–I can’t stand hypocrites. Okay, enough negatives…

I’m definitely very glad that Jimmy and I were blessed to do this. It was a great opportunity and I hope that it did more than raise money, but also inspire people to make a difference in the pro-life movement. Thanks again to everyone who made this ride possible!

–There’s still time to donate to our cause! Click on the donate button on the side bar and make a donation to help me reach my goal of $10,000!–

–We also still have Biking for Babies T-shirts in stock. Please get one and wear it around!–

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Day 5 = success!!  Thank you for all of your prayers and support.  Big day tomorrow!

First and foremost, I wanted to correct our daily mileage from yesterday.  I started our odomoter after we got out of the C-U area.  With that, our daily mileage came out to 122 miles (Urbana - Peoria).  My apologies for the error.

Now, I’d like to fill you all in on today’s endeavor.  Today was a good reliever.  The ride was long, but smooth.  Daily mileage = 127 miles & Total mileage = 550.  It was quite humorous.  We hit the 500 mile mark before lunch.

During the Ride: We hit a bit of a tailwind/crosswind, which helped out.  To end out, we averaged out approx. 17/18 miles per hour.

After the Ride:  We were greeted by some stellar students and admin at NIU newman center.  Mike and I also had the privilege of meeting up with my older sister, Katie.  In addition, we had a surprise visit from members my extended family.  It was quite the blessing to see the Balzer’s.  It has been far far too long!  I’d like to give a shout out to thank the Balzer’s (from Rockford) for coming out and meeting us at the Newman center.

Now, it’s time to gear up and prepare for tomorrow’s grand finale.  We’ll be meeting in Aurora at the abortion clinic.  For now, we are planning to pray a rosary.  We’d love for anyone and everyone to join us.  If that does not work, we’ll be finishing up in Chicago (Grant Millenium Park).  The final time is TBD.  Call Stacy Hague, Katie Becker or John Paul Deddens for updates.  Our hope is that someone will have internet access to check the website for any inquiries.

Keep Rockin’!  Fight the good fight and we’ll continue to Ride to win.

God bless -J

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Hello everyone!  Another successful and blessed day.  Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support.  Mike and I really appreciate it.  It is truly amazing to see God’s work being done w/ the accomplishments thus far. 

Today’s ride was rough!  We faced a pretty brutal headwind for a large portion of our trek. 

THE RIDE:  After a delayed departure, we rolled into ISU around 2 pm.  There we were greeted by some solid FOCUS missionaries, as well some stellar students from ISU.  We also had the privilege of seeing the Brock Perkes. (making a surprise visit from Decatur)  After a wonderful lunch, we continued on the difficult journey and finally rolled into Bradley at 6:15ish pm. 

AFTER THE RIDE:  At Bradley we were greeted by family (Uncle John and my cousin Megan), as well as Jared from the Catholic Post, Fr. Brownsey, some more stellar FOCUS missionaries, and some solid Bradley students.  After a delicious meal, I had the opportunity to visit with my Godmother.  It was great blessing to see her!  Please pray for her (specifically for strength and healing).  We finished out the day celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation w/ Fr. Brownsey presiding.  All and all, in was an action-packed and fun-filled day.

Total miles for the day = 114 miles.  Total mileage = 424 miles.  We will be venturing on to Dekalb tomorrow.  Mike (navigator and weatherman) informed me that we’ll be looking at a little tailwind for a portion of our ride.  (Very exciting!)  Please continue to pray for the success of our efforts, as well as pray for a greater respect for LIFE!

St. Sebastian -pray for us, St. Christopher -pray for us, St. Michael -pray for us, Mary, Queen of Victory -pray for us

God bless! -J

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Just finished up our third day of riding today from Teutopolis to Champaign being carried in on the tailwinds of the south. Legs starting to get a bit sore. We were graciously welcomed by the wonderful people at the Newman Center at EIU. We were also treated to dinner at the Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center here in Champaign–great food and great people. Frank Brummer, whose house we stayed at last night, was great in getting a lot of media coverage for us in Effingham yesterday with the local newspaper interiewing us upon our arrival, led in by Frank and our friends Anne Marie Brummer and Stacie Hague. There were also two radio interviews this morning as well as daily mass. Looking forward to the second half of the trip as well as some rest for these sore legs! I want to express thanks (again) to all who have continuously helped make this ride possible!

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Thanks be to God, another successful day.  We’re are now 1/3 of the way complete.  (210 miles down!)

It has been a great ride so far.  The first day was filled with rolling hills and today was filled with cross winds. 

 Day One:  We finished out at about 93 miles and had a great warm welcome from the Shaefer’s.  We also had the pleasure of going to mass and received a blessing from Mike’s priest, Fr. Mark.  Mike’s parents were very hospitable and the food was fantastic!  I also had the opportunity to visit with my extended family.  (Uncle Joe, Aunt Kris and kids!)  It was quite the treat!

Day Two:  Today, we finished out at 210 miles.  Mr. Frank Brummer and his wonderful daughter Ms. Anne Marie Brummer, as well as Ms. Stacy Hague graced us with their presence.  Mr. Brummer was our “saving grace” meeting us at about 66 miles and riding us into (leading the way, against the wind)  Mulberry Grove for lunch.  After cleaning up, we went to mass at Sacred Heart (in Effingham).  Now, we’re getting ready and looking forward to some Brummer-style homecooking.

Mike and I greatly appreciate all of your prayers and all of your support.  St. Sebastian -Pray for us, St. Christopher -Pray for us, St. Michael -Pray for us, Mary, Queen of Victory -Pray for us!!

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