Here's the story of why I'm riding across america

Hello, I’m Dave Nowlan. I cycled from Encinitas, Calif., to Cape Cod, Mass. from April 22 through May 28, 2012 in an effort to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and to help fund research for a cure. My wife, Claire, and daughter, Julia, both have MS. I broke my back in a sledding accident almost three years ago; I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have recovered without being paralyzed and was able to ride this long cross continent adventure. Click on this link to “my story” for more information and why I continue riding. Here is a link to Information about MS

Monday, April 23, 2012

Day 1: To Banning CA

The beginning of the Journey arrived in grand style.  We left today from LEGOLAND with 3500 MS walkers cheering me on.  Many family and friends came to send us off, which made this event more special.   There was lots of positive energy, all of these folks came together with a single purpose- to help those with MS.  I was impressed and thankful to be part of it all.

For the first 15 miles I was escorted Rick Fultz and Jon Williams to get a great jump start.  Jon did the pulling, breaking the wind to ease my load.  This set me up for a great ride today, I met up with Claire after 40 miles in Old Town Temecula CA for lunch.  To my surprise my cousin, nephews and several friends all went out there to join us with another special send off, including Suzanne's group prayer for safe travels.

I made the first day's goal to Banning CA, about 88 miles in 6 hours and 9 minutes riding time.  There were a couple of long hard climbs through the mountains, and a nice tail wind increasing the speed a little.  Claire was there for me all the way, she's the best supporter I could imagine.  I feel good, and had a nice steak dinner to keep the nutrition up.  Day One was a complete success!!

PS: I had a little technical difficulty with the GPS tracking app (I forgot to turn it back on after my break at 66 miles) so this link to my route is a little short today, but still pretty cool.






Temecula Send Off

Posted by at

8 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 23, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    That is awesome. Love to you both - the Rabers

    ReplyDelete
  2. Greg HortonApril 23, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    Awesome Dave!

    ReplyDelete
  3. annie cApril 23, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    Those hills look steeper than anything you will ever see on Cape Cod
    Go Dave GO !!
    Love you
    Annie and Kevin

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 23, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    Dave and Claire we are so proud of you.
    Ride Dave Ride like Run forest run
    We love you guys.

    Vin & Margee

    ReplyDelete
  5. Vin & MargeeApril 23, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME

    keep rollin Nowlan

    love,
    Vin & Margee

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fultz FamApril 23, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    Ada says" I love you Papa and I hope you have a good bike wide and i hope you eat a wot of food and you be so healfthy. And I weally want you to come back Sunday." We are so proud of you and are going to keep checking in to see your progress. You are truly amazing! xoxoxo Lauri and Ada

    ReplyDelete
  7. SuzanneApril 23, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Thank you cousin Dave for letting us be a part of your day. Awesome day. Safe travels for both of you. . . " Rollin with Nowlan "
    Lots of Love, Suzanne, Leon, & Marc

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jon R. WilliamsApril 23, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Way to go, Dave. Happy to be your lead-out train. Keep the rubber side down!

    Jon & Melisa Williams

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)