2,000 Miles Accomplished

On Sunday, September 21, 2008 at approximately 12:35 PM near the intersection of CR 200 W and CR 1100 N, the Cannondale rolled my 2000th mile for the Ride, Brooks, Ride. What a great experience it was this summer to ride all across Huntington County and the surrounding area in support of Huntington County United Way. Per mile pledges came in at $6.16/mile and are being matched dollar for dollar by the Lilly Endowment for a total of $12.32/mile. That translates into $12,320 in new money for the United Way Campaign and an additional $12,320 in matching money that will fund some exciting new community education initiatives that will be rolled out in 2009.

Thanks for your generous support and encouragement along the way. So many people will benefit from your giving and our community will be a better place because of you. I have included some photos for you to enjoy from the 2000th mile.

Last evening -- Tuesday night, September 23 -- a group of about 15 United Way Riders traveled from the University to the B & K Rootbeer stand for rootbeer and Coney dogs. What a great way to celebrate a big ride.

On a personal note -- I plan to continue riding. I really enjoy the hobby, activity, sport, excercise; whatever you want to call it. I enjoy the chance to be outdoors and the repetitive motion of cycling is a nice change of pace and an opportunity to put my mind in neutral. It has been fun, fulfilling and personally rewarding to take on a challenge and meet it. In fact, I am all set for a road trip to western Pennsylvania in October where a group of four of us will ride some wonderful Rails to Trails along the Allegheny and Clarion Rivers for two days.

I have enjoyed hearing from a number of you about your own decisions to get into motion on your own bikes. That is great and I encourage you to keep it up. I started riding last Labor Day (2007) and remember completing my first 10 mile ride and then my first 20 mile ride -- and now this year completing my first 100 mile ride (unimaginable last year) and on pace to ride 2800 - 3000 miles for the season.

All the best to you,

Brooks

Ride On

Hey gang -- as of September 11 -- ride total stands at 1837. I anticipate rolling over the 2000 mile mark on the evening of September 23. In fact you are invited to join me and a group of us on a 5 - 7 miles slow, easy ride that night -- just meet at the Huntington University Field House parking lot at 6:00 PM and we will ride the last leg of the journey and finish it off with coney dogs and rootbeer at the B&K rootbeer stand.

The United Way Campaign Kick-off happened yesterday and we are off to a great start. The Pacesetter companies did a great job leading the way and as a group are well above 2007 giving levels. That is great news and simply proves that even in the difficult economic times we face -- the caring, generous people of Huntington County open their hearts to neighbors in need.

Hope to see you on the 23rd for the Roll 2000 Ride -- Brooks

What a Great Weekend for Riding a Bike

Good Monday Morning to you all!

The riding over the weekend was minimal, but the weather was fabulous. My schedule did not allow me to ride in the Cornfest ride, but what a great weekend for this neat event. I do look forward to riding in it next year.

Ride totals are at 1598 toward the 2000 miles by October 31. Pledges are in at $6.008/mile. That totals up to about a $24K push for the United Way campaign, with the Lilly Endowment match.

This past Thursday there was a group ride with Jim Lewis, Chris Bucher, Blair Dowden, Dave Marty, Luke Fetters and myself. We went out and back to Mahon -- 22.5 miles and had a blast.

If you are looking for some fun rides -- don't forget the upcoming Huntington Bicycle Challenge on September 20 - 21. As well the LIVE UNITED Team Mini-Triathlon is set for October 5. Give me an email or a call at 260.224.0811 if you need additional information on either of these two events.

Have a great week of riding -- it looks to be another great week of weather.

Brooks

Ride Update

Good afternoon -- the past week or two have been fabulous from a weather perspective for riding a bike. As of last evening, the Ride, Brooks, Ride total miles stands at 1533 toward a goal of 2000 miles by October 31st. Barring accident or injury, I should have the goal met by the end of September.

Over the past few weeks, I have enjoyed some beautiful rides around Huntington county. Let me put a plug out for the for upcoming Huntington Bicycle Challenge on September 22 & 23. It is a two day event with two days of riding. I am registering for the Scenic Tour, which is about 60+/- miles each day around the county -- cost is only $30.00. If you need any information about this great event -- give me a call at 260.356.2400 and I will set you up with the registration forms.

Also, on October 5th is the LIVE UNITED Team Mini-Triathlon, sponsored by Parkview Huntington Hospital. Registration begins at 12:00 Noon and the ride, run, & swim events begin at 1:00 PM. This is a three person team event, with each person doing one of the events. All events are abbreviated distances -- 19 miles for the ride; 3.1 miles for the run and 500 yards for the swim. This event will be lots of fun and a great fund-raiser for the United Way Campaign. Registration fees are only $25.00/person and include a t-shirt. Give me a call if you need help getting a team registered.

This week I plan to ride on Tuesday and Thursday evening -- if you want to join in, meet me at 6:00 PM at the Huntington University Merillat Physical Center Parking Lot. I plan to ride between 15 - 25 miles each evening.

Brooks

Brooks the Biker

At long last, final photos of a large man in Spandex -- Enjoy, but don't burnout your eyes!

Brooks

Lots of Riding -- Still having fun

I am embarrassed by my delay in posting to the blog. The ride is going great -- lots of miles and fantastic weather. This past weekend, my friend Jim Lewis and I did my longest ride since RAIN -- riding to Bluffton and back on Saturday, August 2 -- 59.8 miles at an average speed of 15.3 mph. Ride totals are now at 1329 toward the goal of 2000 miles by October 31, 2008. I am averaging just over 100 miles/week, with 13 weeks to go.

I have had lots of fun with many of you on the Thursday night group rides -- Mark Featherston, Mark Shultz, Stan Bippus, Jeremy Winkleman, Cindy Gamrat, Blair Dowden, Jim Lewis, Brian Neel, Luke Fetters and Sandra Scheer, just to name a few.

In September I will be riding in the Huntington Bicycle Challenge and in October, I am organizing a cycling trip out in the hills of western Pennsylvania.

Last night, my brother Luke (just returned from 3 weeks in China) went out on a short ride -- 10.6 miles. Perhaps my worst ride of the year -- lots of humidity, low blood sugar, inadequate hydration, recovery from riding to Bluffton on Saturday -- resulted in a very slow average mph. Luke, a marathon runner was encouraging -- he tells me that there are bad days now and then.

Looking forward to more miles in the days and weeks to come.

Ride Across Indiana Update

Hey gang - it is Tuesday, July 15th and I am happy to say that I participated in the 22nd annual Ride Across INdiana (RAIN) this past Saturday. I did NOT make it across the entire state -- the ride began west of Terre Haute and followed US 40 (The Old National road) to Richmond (dropping south around Indianapolis from Plainfield to Greenfield) -- for a total ride of 160 miles.

I made it 102.6 miles to a little town south of Greenfield called New Palestine. It was my first century ride since being 17. There were about 1150 riders with the elite riders finishing the 160 miles in just under 7 hours -- WOW. Local people I know that rode were Brian Neel, Dr. Wynder and his son, as well as myself -- there may have been others from Huntington, but I don't know of them.

Total miles for the Ride Brooks Ride United Way Ride now stand at 1048 -- pledges are at $5,995/mile. In the next several weeks I am going to be doing a number of 20 -30 mile Huntington County rides in the evenings and weekends -- so, I will be emailing dates and times to those of you who might want to join in the fun.

Hope this finds you enjoying a beautiful summer day -- Keep pedalling -- Brooks

Monday night Ride with the Visitor's Bureau Gang

Tonight was a fun first. Had a chance to ride with the group that gathers each Monday evening June - August at 5:45 PM in front of the Visitor's Center at the corner of Jefferson and Market Streets. About 15 - 16 of us went for a 1:15 minute ride along the beginning portions of the Huntington Bicycle Challenge route that is used for that annual event in September. Nick Hancock, Jim Lewis, Sandy Scher, Max & Joann Sell, and Rex and Leanne Kline on their tandem were part of the group. If you are looking for some company on a nice evening ride -- here is a group to get connected with. Well organized and nice people.

Total miles for the 2008 Chairman's Ride now stand at 930. This Saturday is the Ride Across Indiana (RAIN). I will begin riding at Terre Haute at the Illinois line at 7:00 AM and head east toward Richmond along US 40. We will see how far I can go. My personal goal is to complete 100 miles and get past Indianapolis. I will be stunned and amazed if I make it to Richmond.

Keep me in your thoughts on Saturday -- Brooks

July 1st -- What a evening for a ride

Just got back in from a great ride out to Lagro and back with Jeremy Winkleman, Stan Bippus, Mark Featherston and Mark Shultz. We met at the university physical education center and rode out CR 500 N to 700 W and then south to Maple Grove Road and then west to 825 W south into Andrews and picked up McKeever Road that travels along with Wabash River to Lagro. 33.9 miles round trip.

Last week was a record week -- completed 143 miles. The Ride Across Indiana (RAIN) is in just 11 days -- July 12. I should pass the 1,000 mile mark for my United Way goal of 2,000 miles somewhere on my way between Terre Haute and Richmond that day. Hopefully the weather is like yesterday or today -- 75 degrees, low humidity and a 5 - 15 mph wind from the south west.

As of tonight the mileage total stands at 860! Yahoo!

Brooks

A New Week is Half Over

Good evening -- had a great ride last evening. Teamed up with Mark Featherston, Jim Lewis and Brian Neel and rode out to Lagro and then back to Huntington via the Salamonie State Park Forest and across the Salamonie Dam. It was simply beautiful. A long ride, 36.5 miles, with some hill work, but worthwhile nonetheless.

I have 48 total miles in so far this week and looks like a rainout for tonight. Hopefully I will get some miles in Thursday, Friday and Saturday to finish another strong week. Total miles since May 1st are at 731 and pledges are now at $5.673.

Having fun and hope you are too!

Brooks

Ride When You Can

Good Wednesday evening to you -- this week is a beautiful weather week for riding once again. Still a bit windy, but mild temps and low humidity. The long days that come with daylight savings time help as well. Schedule wise this is a difficult week to ride, but one of the things I am learning through this experience is the importance of simply getting a short ride in when I can. Even a half an hour riding around the neighborhoods close to home is better than sitting in front of the TV or computer. Every ride counts -- whether it is raising money for United Way or simply staying healthy and fit.

Tonight was simply another 10 - 11 mile ride around town -- delightful!

Keep spinning -- Brooks

A Big Week

Good evening and welcome back. It has been a great week weather wise and schedule wise to ride. My daughter, Lauren's wedding was this past Saturday, June 14th -- so I took the week leading up to that special day as vacation. It was also a great week for weather and I made the most of it -- logging over 136 miles -- my first over 100 mile week to date. Two of the rides were with the other brother Fetters (Luke) and this past Monday, I was able to ride again with my friend, Pastor Dave Marty.

The more I ride around our area, I am all the more proud of our community and county. Huntington County is a great place to ride a bike.

Pledges now stand at $5,598/mile -- Outstanding and such a big help to the people who rely on the programs provided through the United Way and the agencies. Total miles as of tonight -- June 16 are at 617. Which multiplied together and doubled with the generousity of our friends at the Lilly Endowment, bring the total dollars to $6512.00!

The fun tonight was going out on a leisurely ride with my wife, Barb. Her birthday was Saturday -- same day as the wedding. I surprised her on Wednesday with a new "cruiser" bike -- real comfortable. We took a quiet 3.9 mile ride out Flaxmill Road and in behind Schenkels Dairy to the back road into Victory Noll -- very relaxing, very enjoyable, very scenic.

Till next time -- Brooks

Lots of riding in the past week

Good Monday afternoon to you. Sorry to be delinquent in posting new information, but here is the latest. Total miles toward the goal of 2000 miles by October 31, 2008 stands at 526.2. Financial pledges toward the goal of $5.00/mile now stand at $5.573/mile!

The rides in the past week have been lots of fun, but I am sure ready for the wind to die down a bit. Last night was a group ride -- many of you have asked me to let you know when I am doing a scheduled ride so you can join the fun. Scott Trauner from the TAB, showed up at 7:00 PM at the HU Merillat Physical Education Center and we went for a 25.1 mile ride into the wind. We were both feeling the effort by the time we were done -- hot, windy -- at least there was no rain.
I will keep you posted on the upcoming group rides -- each of those rides will be different, as far as distance and speed -- because they are simply fun rides and may range from 5 miles to 25 miles, depending on the weather conditions and the capabilities of who shows up.

Yesterday morning before going to church (late service), I took a nice ride out River Road through Andrews and then out McKeever Road along the Wabash River to Lagro. Very, very, very pretty ride. Saw all kinds of wild life, including the biggest red-tailed hawk I have ever seen. The ride back in along SR 524 (Old US 24) was very nice and scenic. Even the 4 - 5 miles riding on US 24 was nice -- very broad shoulders and light traffic on Sunday mornings.

This morning I got to ride again with Pastor Dave Marty of Faith Chapel United Methodist Church in Goblesville. He and I enjoy longer rides and get to talk about all sorts of stuff. Today's ride went out to Bippus and back -- 20.1 miles.

This past Saturday was a big disappointment. The 62 mile B & O Trail Ride in Hendricks County was a washout. I drove down to Indianapolis in that crazy t-storm Friday evening, which only added insult to injury and proved my stupidity (according to my wife and many others who know and love me).

This week is vacation week. My oldest daughter is getting married on Saturday, so no riding after Friday noon until probably Monday. But if the weather holds, I should get some good rides in between now and Thursday. In fact, I hope to get out at 5:45 this evening to ride on the Monday night ride with the Huntington Bicycle Club.

Thanks for checking in -- keep on spinning,

Brooks

The Cardinal Greenway Trail -- Ride it, You'll Like it

Happy Monday -- Welcome to June 2008. What a great weekend, Sunday at least. Did not ride on Friday or Saturday -- way too windy. Sunday was a treat though and made up for the wind on the previous two days. I had always wanted to ride the Cardinal Greenway Trail which runs from Gaston to Losantville, Indiana through Muncie along US 35. I have traveled parellel to it on numerous occasions, but never rode it until Sunday. Jim Lewis and Brian Neel accompanied me and we rode the entire length and back for a round trip totalling 55.1 miles. With stops, the ride lasted just under 5 hours.

We took a leisurely ride out (with the wind) and picked up the pace on the way back in (against the wind). Not my favorite way to set up a route, but given the layout of the trail -- that is the way it had to be. It is the longest paved bike trail in the state of Indiana and what a neat feature for the folks living in that area.

Got out this evening for a 10.5 mile jaunt following my "close to town" route. Hope to get out for a short ride Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. No ride on Friday and then a big ride again on Saturday -- the B & O Trail Ride Fund Raiser in Indianapolis -- probably do between 45 - 62 miles that day.

Have a great evening -- Brooks

New Route -- New Pledges -- Lots of Fun -- May 29th

Good evening -- had a great evening to try a new route. Rode from Huntington to Markle and back -- 28.7 miles. Took Old 24 to Erie Stone Road to Meridian, south to Riverside Drive, then east through Bowerstown and on to CR 500 E. Then jogged down to CR 300 N and turned east, crossing over I-69 to CR 600 E (County Line Road) and south into Markle. Spent some time visiting with friends at the Markle Park. By the way, if you have never been to the Markle Park, you are missing out on one of the real hidden treasures of Huntington County. Lots of fun for the entire family -- swimming, tennis, playgrounds & and equipment, ball fields. There is always something to do or to see at the Markle Park.

I am on track for my first 100+ mile week of riding -- a neat milestone for a beginning cyclist. On Sunday, a group of about 5-6 of us are headed down to Gaston to ride the 28 mile Rails to Trails route, known as the Cardinal Trail. That will be fun. Tom Mills provided me with a route map for the Huntington County UPWARD 100 -- a 100 mile route that runs the perimeter of Huntington County, jogging through most of the small towns and "ghost" towns of Huntington County. I plan to start riding sections of that route in the next week or so.

A few more pledges came in the past few days -- the total per mile stands at $5.450/mile -- quite a motivation, when you think that everytime I do a 20 mile ride -- Huntington County United Way will receive around $220.00 with the pledges and the Lilly Endowment match.

I am enjoying riding with some of you and look forward to riding with any of you who might want to join me some evening or weekend.

Have a great weekend -- I will be doing a month-end wrap-up on Saturday evening for the month of May.

Brooks

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Hey bike bloggers -- accomplished a milestone yesterday and rode from Huntington to North Webster, 38.5 miles in 2:36 ride time. It felt really good and the scenery was wonderful. I left Huntington around 8:00 AM and stopped for a quick walk at the Sycamore Golf Course just west of North Manchester and then rode to Pierceton and took a break at the BP station at SR 13 and US 30. Got to the lake just before 11:00 AM. Special thanks to by brother in law, Greg Hauswald for teaching me about the Indiana Gazetteer, which outlines all the county roads across the state.

The total mileage after the weekend is at 324. No ride today -- busy day and questionable weather. Tommorow looks to be a good one as does Thursday and Friday. This Sunday a group of us are giving some serious thought to riding the Cardinal Trail that goes from Gaston through Muncie and on down toward the Richmond area. Should be lots of fun.

Thanks for checking in -- Brooks

PS -- sorry about no photos -- I am working on the technology.

Memorial Day is Upon us

Hi gang -- Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 2008 is upon us and finally we have what most of us would consider a beautiful spring day. Lots of sun, temps in the low 70's and a light breeze -- all told a wonderful day for a bike ride. Given the schedule of the day, I was only able to log 10.6 miles, but am I glad I squeezed in a ride this evening. Tomorrow looks to be a similar set of conditions. At this point the mileage total stands at 275 miles toward the 2000 mile goal. Several additional pledges of support came in the past several days and that total stands at $5.3505/mile with several other verbal pledges of support coming in the next several days.

It is fun to see folks out working in their yards and enjoying the weather. I am also enjoying some extended rides with some new "biker" friends. You meet the nicest people riding a bike -- try it sometime.

Till next time -- Brooks

A New Week and Some Great Progress

It has been a great couple of days since the last blog posting. The big news is that the pledges of support continue to come in and the per mile support level stands at a whopping $5.255/mile! That is sooooo huge and very cool. That means that every twenty mile ride brings in a total of about $210.00 for the 2008 Huntington County United Way campaign (including the $5.255/mile match from Lilly Endowment). What a great illustration of this year's campaign theme of "LIVE UNITED" -- lots of ordinary people doing ordinary things and together making extraordinary help come to life for those in need. I am so proud to be a part of this community.

And now for the mileage tally -- as of Sunday evening, May 18th -- I am at 226 miles toward the 2000 mile goal. The next couple of days look like good ride days and I have the route maps out. My goal is to be over 300 miles by this time next Tuesday, following the Memorial Day weekend.

Be looking for some cool coverage on the Ride, Brooks, Ride effort in the upcoming issues of the Herald Press and the Tab. I promise to have some photos on this site by this time next week.

Thanks for checking in and supporting the ride -- Brooks

Great ride on Thursday

Today I had a lot of fun riding with a couple of real cyclists -- Jim Lewis and Brian Neel. We met in the parking lot of Our Sunday Visitor and travelled into a stiff east wind out Old US 24 to Hosler Road and then on to Mayne Road and up to Station Road into Roanoke. Lots of fun, even with the nasty wind -- but man, was the ride home a breeze! Came back in CR 900 N to Old Fort Wayne Road to 600 N to Stults Road in past the Parkview Huntington Hospital and the University. 24.7 miles in just well under two hours of riding. I was nice to know that I could keep up with some guys that have been riding for several (many) years -- I don't think they were "dogging it" too bad to let me keep up.

Got my first flat tire just as I was getting home -- so tomorrow I get to figure out how to change a flat. Should be fun. The mileage total after today's ride stands at 179.8 miles and with a few additional pledges the support rate is at $4.498/mile (Goal is $5.00/mile).

Hope this finds you well and enjoying life -- Brooks

Monday -- and the cycling is fine

What a beautiful day for a ride. Sunny, partly cloudy skies with light breezes. Didn't get started until about 7:30 PM for my ride, but 15.7 miles later at a really good speed and I am home for the evening. Mileage tally for the 2000 mile ride stands at 125.8 as of 5/12/08. The rest of this week I am on vacation, gearing up for Melissa's graduation from Huntington University and the weather looks to be great for some additional extended rides. Word is out on the street and riders are UNITING -- an old high school classmate who rides is meeting up with me on Thursday afternoon -- should be a lot of fun.

Two more pledges of support came in over the weekend bringing that total to $4.358/mile toward a goal of $5.00/mile.

Keep on spinning -- Brooks

Its Friday -- A week into the ride

Hard to believe a week has already gone by -- the running total is at 88.7 miles toward goal of 2000 miles by October 31, 2008. Barb (my wife) and I are headed to Indianapolis this weekend to spend Mother's Day with our oldest daughter and her fiancee. The weather on Saturday is supposed to be fantastic -- the bike is going on the back of the Vibe and I hope to put some significant miles on the bike over the Monon Trail. The knee is doing better -- visited with Dr. Derek Dyer again today. Pledges of support still are coming in -- the per mile total stands at $4.288/mile. Not far to go to that $5.00/mile goal.

Thanks for your encouragement and support -- here's to some good weather and long rides.

Brooks

Another Great Day for Riding a Bike

Today, without a doubt was the most perfect day for riding a bicycle. Mid 70's, no wind, sunny and partly cloudy skies. The only disappointing part was that I only had time to log 12.0 miles. This is one of those days you feel like riding for hours. The good news is that the stamina is picking up -- rode the 12.0 miles in 48:23 -- an average of 14.8 mph. That's getting better and close to my goal of 15.0 mph for some extended event rides that I have planned for later this summer. Tomorrow, Wednesday is a full day -- so regardless of the weather -- no riding for Brooks until at least Thursday.

Till then -- Brooks

Great day for a ride

It was a perfectly gorgeous spring day and the riding was good -- 19.4 miles. It was the 300 W north to Goblesville route then east to Meridian and back into town via Old US 24 and Erie Stone Road. No return trip is complete without the last 1/2 mile up the Division Street hill. Average speed today 13.8 mph -- getting stronger every day. The wind was strong out of the west southwest, so it factored into the fatigue level. Got the all clear from Derek Dyer on my knee -- still have some tenderness, but the mobility is good and painfree.

Tomorrow is to be another splendid day for riding. Got a neat email from a person today who has decided to try cycling again as a form of regular exercise -- felt pretty cool. I wish her good luck and happy riding.

Till Tuesday -- Brooks

Back in the Saddle Again

The knee is recovering nicely -- got a 10.8 mile ride in on Saturday and plan to do something similar today. The next couple of weeks look good for logging some significant miles. Got "Old Blue" the trusty 1973 World (Schwinn) Traveler back from the bike shop yesterday, all outfitted with new high-pressure tires and a much needed new rear derailleur. This is my back-up bike and the one I use to ride around town or on routes that have significant car traffic. Should have some photos later this week.

The pledges continue to come in each day -- the per mile total stands at $4.163 toward the goal of $5.00/mile. This is a great response and is an incredible motivation to keep climbing back on the seat. Several of you have indicated an interest in riding with me some throughout the season. I am putting together an email directory of interested riders and will keep you posted on when and where some group rides are being formed.

Keep riding -- Brooks

First day Ride

May 1st, 2008 nice day for a ride, until I decided to saddle up. About .5 miles from the house, I had to lay the bike down to avoid a wreckless car. Skinned up the left knee and tweaked it a bit, but got on the bike, just like dad taught me to as a kid and rode 20.3 miles. Spent the evening with alternating cold and hot compresses and going to see Drs. Dyers this morning (May 2). Good news is that there is no pain in the pedalling motion -- just pain when I work the knee side to side or twist it.

See you down the road -- Brooks

Ride, Brooks, Ride

Tomorrow is the big day -- the ride of 2000 miles in support of Huntington County United Way, begins with the push of a single pedal. Between May 1 and October 31, 2008 -- 2008 United Way Campaign Chairman, Brooks Fetters plans to ride 2000 miles to raise $10,000 ($5.00/mile) in new campaign money that will be matched by an additional $10,000 from the Lilly Endowment.

To date (April 30, 2008) 64 individuals, couples and/or businesses have pledged $3.933/mile for the 2000 miles.

The weather for May Day looks to be outstanding for a ride -- the bike is prepped and ready to roll. Here's to a successful ride.

If you would like to ride along with Brooks sometime, drop him an email at bfetters@keymemories.com and he will get in touch and set up some ride times. Most weekday rides are in the late afternoon or evening and go between 12 - 20 miles. Most weekend rides are on Saturday & Sunday late morning/afternoon/evening and go between 15 - 30 miles. Brooks never rides in the rain -- strictly a fair-weather cyclist.

If you would like to contribute to the cause -- simply email Brooks with your pledge per mile amount. All contributions will be tax deductible and you will be billed in November by the Huntington County United Way office.

See you on the road -- Brooks