03 Sep Route 66 Here We Come!
In 24 hours Jen Dragon and I will embark on our long-awaited journey across the United States to join up with a group called “Ride for the Relay,” founded in 2006 by Rodger L. Fox. What fun it’s going to be when we all gather for the first time on Friday evening for our pre-ride meeting with the 80 other riders. We are only one of the TWO cars on the rally – the rest of the riders will all be on motorcycles! And speaking of our car – well – it’s not the 1966 T-bird from Thelma and Louise! But hopefully it’s sturdy. We will proudly be driving a 2001 Toyota (moving it across the country for an easterner who’s moved west) and to spice it up for the ride we’ve got some flame decals for the sides. Pictures coming …..lots of pictures coming!
The 80 participants are coming from 18 states and we will all set off bright and early at the beginning of Route 66 next to Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. My husband Richard and I drove this first leg of the trip several years ago and were very frustrated driving in circles looking for the actual beginning plaque – we couldn’t find it! So you can be sure that I am going to get a good picture this time around of the official beginning of the route!
The purpose of the road rally is of course to have fun and explore the glories of the famous “Mother Road” – but much more important, it’s a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Each rider will be “sponsoring” a loved one or friend who has battled with cancer, in the hope that the funds we raise will help find a cure.
I will be dedicating my ride to our dear friend Claudia Ainsley, otherwise known as “Bubby” of “Bubby’s Best”-most-delicious-traditional-Jewish-baked-goods-in-the-world. Our dear Bistro Bubby who was literally wowing customers at our Kingston cafe and bakery Bistro-to-Go with her knishes, rugelach, and mouth-watering pastries, has fallen most dramatically and quickly to cancer. We are all heartbroken and devastated by the news of her sudden illness and the speed of her decline. When I started this fundraising effort, I had no idea I would be devoting the ride and my desire for a cure to Claudia – but now I feel a tremendous desire to help eradicate this horrible disease.
If you are inspired to donate in support of Claudia or someone in your own life who has been touched by cancer, please click on this link and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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