Paul and Susan relaxing. Paul is a great singer but even better friend!
Thank you all very much for the prayers……………..BECAUSE THEY WORKED! You guessed it. Today we all got sunburn so that means there was no rain! I woke up this morning at a reasonable hour of 4am. That is an hour later than it has been, I guess I am getting used to the West coast time and should be completely used to it by Friday when I come home. When I looked out the window into the parking lot I saw rain and I just wanted to crawl back into bed and hope that no one would notice that I was not in front to ride. BUT I didn’t! Instead as I was going through my clothes to find anything that wasn’t filled with mud when it came to me. I took from home one thing that belonged to my mom and one thing that belonged to my dad. I came across my dad’s old thermal shirt that I happen to wear all the time. My dad had such a soul it was amazing. I know I have mentioned so much about my parents that people who didn’t even know them…..now know them. I decided I would pass on the special biking clothes and put his shirt on. I had such a sense of peace when I did it. I piled on the rest of the gear and headed down for breakfast. Everyone was eatting and getting ready to assemble in the front of the hotel as we do each morning joking about the rain and I was getting sicker just thinking about being soaked to the skin yet another day. I can admit to everyone today about yesterday because of course yesterday is a thing of the past, but I actually sobbed twice on that ride yesterday! YES cried like a baby! It was really the most horrifying thing I have ever done. How in heaven’s name I made it through is just amazing to me! But I did make it through. And today is even more amazing because after I put on my dad’s shirt the rain stopped and the sun actually came out. AND the ride was the most enjoyable experience I have ever had! We headed out in a large group of about 20 people. Dave Lynch was among us and of course Amy headed the troop!
The first few miles was a lot of traffic but traveling through it 20 strong was a sign of solidarity-you know we can get through traffic WE CAN CURE FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA! YEAH! i was feeling really great about what we are all doing. Most of the day was amazing……..beautiful landscape, coffee shops, long country roads, coffee shops, antique shops, horses, coffee shops. We even had quite a few miles on a designated bike trail. It was great. I ended up hanging most of the way with Tom DeCotis.
Tom-he is NOT drinking coffee!
He is the chairman of the board on FARA and a very humble man. His accomplishments are way too numerous to mention and his credibility like no other. But besides that he is a wonderful man; funny, intelligent, kind and a very good friend. We enjoyed some good coffee together (not great but good 
. It was a perfect day! The route was 66 miles I made it to 52 and my legs turned to rubber. When I say rubber I don’t mean like a tire I mean like and elastic band! So I knew when to SAG it in and head for the hot bath and biofreeze. I did learn a lot today: *Conquering your fears is an empowering thing *self discovery helps you grow no matter what age you are and most importantly *the advil bottle is not a package of m & m’s!
The excitement is mounting and people are really feeling good about our ride in tomorrow. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of looking for that treatment for my beautiful, wonderful daughters!
In Love and Peace
Always,
Meir
Amy-now a part of my life!
2:49 am on March 19th, 2009
amazing meir!!!. I knew you could do this and i hope you see in your heart what an accomplshment this is.
i also hope you are wearing sunscreen…at least spf 25 for out there!! ha ha ha
3:57 am on March 19th, 2009
YEAH! Its the last day! I’m sure by now you’re tired of hearing me say how amazng you are. BUT…YOU ARE AMAZING! I prayed all day for even a little sunshine and asked both yours and my spirits and guides to send just alittle bit of sunshine for your ride (maybe they over did it?) Your parents rode with you and have been keeping you safe and motivated (along with your girls!) So on the last day I will do the same and hope for the best.
Making it this far is such an accomplishment for you (actually…for anyone!) And I am so honored that I could read about it as it happened. KUDOS to you and all the others who have suffered the rain, traffic, hills and bumps along the way. FARA has such great support. The awareness you have spread along the way will surely help find a cure in the very near future.
Good Luck today and ride like the wind…this is it…after all these months of preparation and anticipation you can now move forward knowing you can accomplish anything you set out to do. We could all learn something from your adventure!
I love you and what you stand for…thanx for sharing
Can’t wait to see your smiling face when you return and hear all the “gritty” details!
Holly and I are meeting everyone tonight for the showing of The Cake Eaters and we are soooo excited!
Love to you and all who ride for FARA!
Suzy
4:14 am on March 19th, 2009
Mary it is so great you are surround by loved ones, both here and past. To be able to tap into your inter-strength is truly and amazing thing. Your ride with Team Ataxia is really inspiring. As I reflect on your blog I can’t help to see the similarity we as parents take are on as we deal with FA. Lot of crying, finding that inter-strength, surrounding ourselves with loving caring people, but each day pushing ourselves through another hill, just another mile. Know that we are with you in spirit and are sending you prays and strength. hang in there, norm
4:33 am on March 19th, 2009
So glad the sun was out! Matt and I were pleading with Mother Nature yesterday and praying. But I am sure it was your Dad that made it happen. Still no Starbucks? Your doing great without it. Hope today is as inspirational and sunny as yesterday. ENJOY TONIGHT knowing you don’t have to get on the bike until you are back in Connecticut. We will be thinking of you tonight at The Cake Eaters. Thanks for being you we are so lucky to have you, Sam and Alex in our lives.
LOVE, Me, Jack, Matthew and Blue
4:58 am on March 19th, 2009
HI MEIR,
NO I AM NOT YELLING AT YOU, I AM JUST SO HAPPY FOR YOU THAT I AM TALKING WITH LOTS OF ENTHUSIASM. YOU ARE DIGGING DEEPER THAN YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD, DOESNT IT FEEL GREAT. KEEP ON PEDALING. LOVE YOU, MICKI
5:03 am on March 19th, 2009
So – what’s the female equivalent name of Lance? It takes an incredibly strong willed and faithful person to conquer what has been laid at your feet. To choose to raise yourself above your fears and Ride it out makes all who are watching believe! A good cry is a part of the conquering – even we shed tears when we read your blog – ours are tears of Love for Sam, Alex and you along with your entire entourage of riders. Be safe and God Bless!
5:31 am on March 19th, 2009
I wake up every morning not being able to WAIT to see what your day was like yesterday–and now here it is, the LAST DAY OF THE BIKE RIDE! Wow! I am so proud of you, Meir. And I can’t wait to hear all your details when you get back! Stay safe on this last day! And I hope hope HOPE you get another day of sun. (At least some semi-sun.) No rain.
love,
Sandi
5:38 am on March 19th, 2009
Way to go Meir…you are almost there. What an amazing experience for you, everyone should challenge themselves in life at something they never thought they could do, it must be so incredibly rewarding.I can’t wait to hear about your ride today.
Love,
Julie
5:49 am on March 19th, 2009
Hi Mary:
My brother lives out in Idaho, so I know exactly what your talking about when you describe the roads, with the drop-offs and the never ending logging trucks whizzing by! Whenever I am out there, I am scared to be in a car next to one of those trucks, never mind being on a foot-wide bike lane!! I know that your guardian angels will keep you safe! I have been thinking about you and will continue to pray for your safe finish at the end. What an accomplishment this will be in your life. You truly set an example for all man kind!
Love,
Fran
7:00 am on March 19th, 2009
Hi Mar ~ guess I crossed to many toes and arms … sunburn and not mud today … you are there …. think about joing your girls and vacation in a couple of days
) You accompolished a outstanding goal …. safe trip home
Lauren
7:35 am on March 19th, 2009
This journey you’re on in really quite something to say the least. Why now and not May? Tonite I’ll be joining Laura, Auntie Gay and your ladies for a bite to eat and then off to the movie in Stamford…must remember the kleenex!
It’s really nice to know special people with celebrity other than Hollywood and Politics!
Be well…and
Shine On!
SOC
7:46 am on March 19th, 2009
This is it Meir, down to the wire! Starbucks will be waiting for you at end of the ride! We are sooooo proud of you!!
9:36 am on March 19th, 2009
Hey Meir,
Can’t wait to see you today. What an awesome accomplishment! Sounds like you have made wonderful new friends and nurtured existing friendships, too. No way this team does anything but succeed in accomplishing its goal. Thank you so much.
Love,
Ron
10:01 am on March 19th, 2009
Mary, I tell you all the time you are my mentor in life, this has proved to me – you are not only my mentor, you are my hero and GOD in my eyes, your strength is beyond anyone or anything I know. You are the bestest mom in the world. I’m sure you daughters are very proud of you. I know the Town of North Branford is. See you soon, keep up the spirit and the great work and with all of our help a cure WILL be found. love you :O) Gina
4:31 pm on March 19th, 2009
One more day! A life changing experience I’ll bet. Can’t wait to see you on your return home. A hero’s welcome is in order! Here’s hoping the weather on the last day of the ride shines on you all!
JD
11:58 am on March 20th, 2009
What wonderful adventure! You must be so proud of all you have done, and how you have reached out to encourage others along the way. You were such a happy person when I met you in the hotel lobby and it has touched my HEART to have had the pleasure of meeting you. May GOD be your portion as you continue to encourage others along this road of life we all travel. GOD BLESS you and those whome you love!!. Hope to see you some day peddling your bike across the deserts of Yuma Arizona.
10:33 am on March 24th, 2009
Now that your ride is over — we all hope you’ll continue to write your blog & share your adventures of kidness!
5:35 am on March 25th, 2009
You did it! What an amazing accomplishment. I am so proud of you. You will forever remember this experience and reflect on its meaning. I only hope that I could someday do something so life changing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts often and that I am so fortunate to have met all of you. You are truly an inspiring family! Keep on writing your blog – it brings a smile to my face every time I read it!
Love,
Fran