We arrived in Nashville

The Riders
(Riders pictured left to right) Mark Buckley, Pat Brennan, Gail Stoffregen, Tony Snyder, Greg Piskiewicz, Cliff Gartner, Matt Straley, Pat Reardon, Mike Wadas, George Maragos, Chuck Judy, Mike Lopez, Tim Rose, Sean Butler.

Support

Not pictured are the support crew. We could not have done this ride without them. Ignite President- Rich Pinskey, Sam Kamberis, Mark and Alicia Jadwin, Lindalu and Bill Bentley. They drove the support trucks, scouted the route ahead and followed us to make sure no one was left behind.  Did the grocery shopping and setup rest breaks each day. So grateful, tireless dedication from all of them.

Broadway Street. The main tourist strip in Nashville.

Bitter Sweet

In the end, the feeling for me is "Bitter Sweet". I'm relieved to have finished but sad to see it end. I am honored to have ridden 500 miles with such a dedicated group of friends. We accomplished our goal. We raise $40,000 which will directly benefit firefighter families battling cancer. Along the route we raised awareness of the problem with other towns people and firehouses. Hopefully they too will begin to address these problems, provide aid and campaign to make fire fighting safer for all who serve and dedicate their lives to helping others.

Here's my Garmin bike computer data from the 6 days of riding.

Final day early morning prep.

Beautiful route and roads today. Fields of green beans, corn, soy and tobacco.

 Many tobacco farms along the route into Tennessee. This new drying barn appears to house five levels.

 Matt greeting the drive up pharmacist Thomas Drug Store, Cross Plains Tennessee.

Matt Straley in front of the store.

Tony, Rich, Matt and Pat posing with the owner. Much of the Pharmacy and Old Fashion Soda Fountain are kept as it was in 1915.

Matt and Tony

Matt

There's a couple mile stretch of road in the farmland of Kentucky where the kids graffiti the road.

We stopped at Millersville FD for lunch today.

 Our last rest stop before heading into town.

The outskirts of Nashville.

Broadway with the Bridgestone Arena Tower ahead.

 We had a great steak dinner at Nashville "The Bottoms" #9 Station downtown.

 Cliff and Pat comparing scares

Gear packed up for the trip home.

430 miles ridden so far. 60 to go. We've nearly reached our goal. Just one day left.

Fridays route into Nashville

History marker about James Gentry on yesterdays route in Indiana.

Yesterday we stopped at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City Indiana for lunch. Memorial and gravesite of Nancy Hanks Lincoln. She died from an illness brought about by "milk poisoning". A poison found in the snake milk plant found throughout the Ohio River valley. Apparently cows that have eaten snake root transfer the poison through their milk to humans. Not until the 20th century was the poison discovered to be snakeroot. Advancements in modern dairy practices illuminate the threat today.

Tony Snyder enjoying the ride today.

Sean, Matt and Mike head up the one of the many hills today.

This was cool. Crossing the Green River on the Rochester Ferry. Transferring from Butler to Ohio County on Rt 369. This ferry is free, operated by the state. It is a cable guided, motor prop driven ferry. 

Everybody and support truck fit on the platform.

Mike Wadas enjoying the day.

Lots of open country.

Taking a break from the climbing.

There have been some bumps and bruises along. Fortunately no one was serious injured. Cliff shows off his wounds.

Everyone together at the Russellville fire house.

They really know how to smoke. The captain made this smoker from a LP gas tank. Pork shoulder and brisket were on the menu.

Mark cooked some of his famous steak taco's to compliment the meal.

 Is this the eclipse everyone was talking about?

 Fire graphics

Chow time

We've reached Owensboro Kentucky!

Todays route greeted us with rolling hills.

Conquering steep hills is a victory for us.

Stop of the day. Huntingburg Indiana. The support staff randomly stopped by a house because it looked like a nice place for us to take a break. Turns out the owner Wilma (pictured center) is a 33yr survivor of breast cancer. There have a few coincidental or fateful turn of events this ride. With each we find friendly and generous support for our cause. 

Cliff Gartner reaching the crest of the hill.

Matt Straley makes it to the top. Matt plans our routes from day to day.

Corn and Power. Like most of the midwest Indiana is a huge agricultural state. I noticed mostly corn and soy. Few power plants like the one in the distance.

The harvest is on. Many fields were in the process of harvest. 

We've arrived. I just love state signs.

Owensboro Fire Department greeted us as we arrived in town.

Our flag, presented from the ladder is a huge honor.

The brotherhood is alway there to help one another. Owensboro Fire Department graciously hosted a wonderful dinner for us at their fire house.

Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson came out to greet us and share some spirits at our hotel later that evening. Pictured here with Rich Pinskey of CFD, Ignite the Spirit.

Finally today..Firefighters on a mission. WTCO did a nice video piece about our efforts.
http://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/firefighters-on-a-mission/818967785