Thank you to everyone who kept in touch, sending their love and support to Bill
along his journey.
My husband and I did a biking adventure this summer through Elderhostel.
We went 90 miles over 4 days and you went 90 miles each day!!! We have
always biked around town, but had never tried that adventure. Now after
it is all finished, I keep thinking about your huge adventure which
you did for Betty. What a grueling experience it must have been, but as
I read all the notes and e-mail messages to you, I realize it was so very
rewarding. We are all proud of you. We have all been talking about your
trip and how proud SHE is of you. Our very best to you. C. H., RN, and the
rest of the "chemo crowd" at the Naples Medical Center.
What a great fete you have accomplished and for such a wonderful cause.
We are very proud of you and know everyone here at Audubon feels the same
way. I have flown twice the speed of sound many times, served two tours in
Vietnam but I could not have done what you accomplished on this great tour.
Looking forward to your return to paradise. You are the BEST. - D & M
Kudos on completing your quest. I am so in awe of what you have accomplished. As a sometime biker, I cannot imagine taking that on, let alone finishing it. You are special, my friend. And now... no more journal entries. What am I to do? It was as if I was riding with you. So a part of your trip...I feel an emptiness as I am sure you do now that it is over. Perhaps, a remake of Forrest Gump is in your future...with biking, not running. May you have a smooth recovery. -D
My sister has kept my entire family up to speed on your journey! What an experience it must have been and I bet you are both relieved and also sad it is over. Hopefully there are more challenges and reward ahead of you! Again congratulations on a tremendous achievement! -L
My name is Tom P. from McPherson, KS. On your trip across the country, you stayed overnight in McPherson in early July.
First of all, I want to congratulate you on your accomplishment. What a thrill that must have been to see the Atlantic after 52 days.
Secondly, thank you for your daily journal entries. I became aware of your trip by an article in our newspaper in which you were interviewed and they referred to your website. I then went to your website and read each day's journal entries up to that point and then followed you from KS to NH. I really appreciated the great pictures and your commentary and thoughts. Also, I liked how you described your pre-trip training and preparation.
I was really sorry that I hadn't learned about your trip until you were already through McPherson. It would have been fun to meet you all and maybe even give you a quick tour of our community. McPherson is an awesome place to live and also visit. If you are near again, please stop by and enjoy our community for a little longer.
My wife and I have just started riding over the last couple of years. We are in our late 40's so retirement is a ways off and it would be difficult to get away for a couple months. I do love to ride and your entries were such a treat. How I would absolutely love to try this some day. I can only imagine what it must have been like each day as you started, wondering what adventure or sight was ahead of you that day. I can think of no better way to see the country.
Sorry for the long email. As you can tell, your trip and diary really intrigued me. Thank you so much for being so diligent in sharing your experience.
Tom P.
McPherson, KS
We kept thinking about you while watching le Tour de France -- you've
had such an experience - not just the physical challenge but the solitude
that came with it. I believe, with time to reflect, you have the makings
of a good book. Your reflections that will "trickle up" over the next
couple of months will be the adhesive to connect your journal entries of
experiencing our Country first hand; the comraderie of meeting the daily
challenge with your "mates"; AND the challenge of being in the zone and
open to your inner voice. This is the beginning of the new sequel -
The Bill Story. It's now about you. You are a very special guy with so
much to offer everyone you touch. - P
Congratulations Bill. We are SO proud of you and happy for you that
the trip was such a wonderful success. I just read your final journal
entry, and it made me cry. What amazing friendships you’ve made and memories
you will have forever. We’re just glad for you that the trip was everything
you wanted and more. The American Cancer Society has certainly benefited
from your extraordinary efforts. We hope you found peace in your journey;
Betty would want you to be happy and at peace. We love you Bill, and we
want you to be happy. Again, CONGRATULATIONS!
- C & D
Your journal entries continue to be outstanding...keep them coming. I
could almost feel the pain associated with the wind and the 100 mile ride. - J
I am enthralled with Bill's journey and journal. Can hardly wait for each
episode, and only hope that he will continue to do his excellent reporting
for the next 3,000-some miles. Aint he sumthin?? With regards, A
Un petit Bonjour de vos amis qui pensent a vous! Nous avons regarde les
photos sur votre web. Dommage, nous ne sommes pas mentionnes. Nos bonnes pensees
et meilleurs voeux d'encouragement... D et J
Hi Bill, P and I are enjoying following your adventure across America.
We are all so proud of you and know you will breaze thru every day. Your new
friends sound very neat and supportive of the `old man'. Audubon tennis has slowed
down alot with Hans, Hugh, Herman and me sweating thru 3 sets. We miss your
booming serve. Be safe pal and we will see you soon. - F
Bill...Your journal has been outstanding...informative and entertaining.
The photos give a feel for the trip. Looks like some grim territory in
the gold mining region. Your training in the FIJI house has served you well...
awards and all! Keep up the good work...stay healthy. Regards, J
Dear G. Uncle Bill,
Mommy and Daddy told me all about
your bike ride. Maybe one day I'll be able to ride a bike. I want
you to know I am honored to be named after such a wonderful lady
(Mommy and Daddy told me all about G. Aunt Betty), and I want
you to know we will all be thinking and praying for you on your
ride.
Love you, LEW
Bill, we read, with excitement, your journal about the beginnings of your
journey. G and I wish you the best of luck and hope that you also have a
wonderful tome while you are laboring away.
I envy you taking on this heroic challenge and am proud that we can call
you a friend. L just completed radiation treatment and will
start chemo in about six weeks. You are her inspiration and we thank you for
this wonderful effort. -L&P.
Willie - Go out there and kick some butt. We will be thinking about you
and following along on our map. It is an awesome challenge which will leave
you with many wonderful memories. All the best, C
Just wanted to say GOOD LUCK on your trip. Hopefully you will have good
weather, good health, and make some new good friends along the way. I still
can’t believe you are really going to ride your bike 3,796 miles. I am totally
in awe of your endeavor… WOW. Take Care and Good Luck. - C
P.S. We’ll be praying for you each night.
Half of doing it.. is believing you can. Good luck to you, Bill.
Have a great journey!! Love, Mother
What a wonderful way to honor Betty's memory! I'm behind you all the way!
May you see wonderous sights
As you climb to great heights,
Meet no dog that bites
And have restful nights.
May your tires have air
And the weather be fair
As you ride cross country
With the wind in your hair.
Love, A
Thanks for including my father in your list of survivors. Because of
people like you, there will be a cure for cancer. Keep in mind that all
the people you and Betty have touched over the years while battling this
disease, there are countless others that you will never know but you will
have touched them too by your selflessness giving of your time and energy.
Good luck and our thoughts and prayers are with you on your journey. - B
I truly wish you the best of luck. I wanted to ask you if you would
carry my Mom's name on your list. She died of breast
cancer 24 years ago and I still miss her terribly. May the wind always be
at your back... - P
Betty would be so very proud of you!! Her admiring smile and love
and support will be with you all the way. Ours will be too! Take care!
...and be safe. - J
WOO HOO! You GO!
- Best wishes from your second grade friends at Ridge Mills School, Rome, NY
See all the notes to Bill
from Ridge Mills School students.
We are so awed that you are taking on the America by Bicycle Cross
Country Challenge for Betty, for cancer, and for your own personal goals.
Our best wishes and ample moral support go with you! - J & C
Your "plans for the summer" are a great tribute to both Betty and
yourself, especially after having back surgery. I will follow your website
with much interest, and know that you will do very well. Please know that
you will be in my thoughts and prayers on your journey across country.
With love and admiration, P.
We're awed and uplifted by your venture.....and will be following it on
the web. You will have dozens of stories, like the one about the Rome, NY
second graders, to bask in. - S & S
All the best to you, and I'll be at attention on the website every day.
Vaya con Dios, and of course, may the wind be always be at your back. - A
Bill, I am in awe of the magnitude of your Quest....and so proud of
you for taking it on! You will be in my thoughts along the way. - D
We all know someone fighting this horrible disease and hope the
funds you raise will bring a cure closer. Good luck! - G & B K
May your ride be filled with sunshine and flowers AND endurance, water,
energy, good views, friendly people, sturdy wheels, shortcuts?,
restful "rest days." Our Best~ God Bless, A and J
As someone whose family has been devasted by cancer, I'm filled with
admiration and respect for the trip you are undertaking--- Best of luck!
- BC
Perge! Delta Love! - J & K
Bill, I have your itinerary hanging from my desk so will be checking
on you every day. Please don't break down out there because I'm not
leaving the tennis court to pick you up! You will be in our prayers &
we wish you the best of luck. - B & A
We are very impressed with your planned undertaking.
A great way to see part of the country for a very good cause. Good luck! B & P
I needed to tell you how impressed I am with your whole
undertaking. It is a marvelous tribute you are doing in memory of Betty
and the fact that the scroll with the names of loved ones of your
friends are going also makes it doubly poignant. I have great admiration
for you. - KD
Have you gone crazy... San Francisco to Portsmouth! Betty is
thrilled I'm sure. We will follow your progress
with much interest. When one goes public with their intentions it
increases the pressure that much more. I'm proud to say you and Betty
are our friends. - B and C
Quite a feat. He has my admiration. -WJT
Karen and I send our very best wishes and good luck on your ride. I
would go with you but I would have to do it on my Harley. Also that "work
issue" keeps getting in the way. - All the best, B
Good luck. Betty is proud and will be with you every peddle of the
way. - Your biker chic friend, C
"I am certain this will be an adventure of a lifetime and a chance to
accomplish something most people never dream possible. And you will
accomplish it because I know you can. Trust me one does not have to be
Lance (or even Andy for that matter) just be in decent shape and want to
do it is all." - M
"We are both impressed with your accomplishments and your commitment
to the ride across America. We will be following your ride on your web
site, though in mid-July you will have to share our attention with Lance
Armstrong. We hope your training and the ride will go very well. It
will surely be an accomplishment of a lifetime." - L & E
"I celebrate your ride planned for this summer. I am sure that you
will carry the name of my father, James W Batey with you. I would like
to add the name of William (Bill) L Smith to your list, which you will
carry as you ride. This man was a friend of my father's and a dear second
father to me. When I told my friend of this, she said that our fathers
'would ride together again'." - S
