Day One: Jeremy and I left Dog Beach in San Diego Easter Sunday morning on March 23, 2007, at 7:30. It was a cool 52 degrees when we left, but the temperature soon rose to 80 by days end. The ride today was extremely difficult and challenging. There were a couple “nice” hills prior to Santee with a nice decline coming into Santee. However, after Lakeside it was all up hill the rest of the way. To make matters even more challenging, the Santa Anna winds kicked in around 10:00 and were with up all the way to 4,000 feet. After hours of whining and asking everyone we met how much higher the hill we were climbing was, we reached Alpine around noon. At Alpine we made a big mistake and ate a very large Mexican lunch which stayed with us the rest of the day. Prior to Alpine the decision was made to try for Pine Valley without a clear understanding of all the climbing that was involved to make that destination. The high point of the ride was 4,000 feet so the one mile cruise down hill to Pine Valley was a welcome relief. I got a couple cramps at 3,000 feet at mile 42, but was able to make it into Pine Valley okay. Both Jeremy and I ran out of water at mile 43. We arrived in Pine Valley around 4:15 p.m. very tired, but very satisfied with our progress. Monday offers more hills for about 30 miles and then a big ride down hill on the Interstate into Ocotillo.
Day Two: We left Pine Valley at 8:30 this morning. It was a beautiful day without a cloud in the sky and the temperature was 56 degrees. Since it was a little chilly we left with jackets on. After riding about a half mile in the wrong direction we decided to leave our jacket at the motel when we went by the motel in the right direction and headed in our favorite direction, up. We climbed to over 4,000 feet twice before reaching Live Oak Springs. Along the way we met Ron who rode with us to Jacumba. Along the way Jeremy almost ran over him, but only ended up hitting him with his break level and ripping his bike shirt. There were a lot of hills today, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. Coming into Jacumba Jeremy hit a section of uneven pavement and did an outstanding job keeping his bike up. Great move on his part. Just out of Jacumba we said good bye to the mountains and enjoyed a 10 mile decent down Interstate 8 to Ocotillo where Jeremy and I enjoyed a really nice lunch. Our goal was to make it to El Centro, but it was 95 degrees and we were not sure we could make it that far. Once we headed east out of Ocotillo it was flat, but the road to Seeley was really rough. We did make it to El Centro around 4:45 p.m. While going through Seeley Joyce made contract with one of most wonderful and caring person any of us have meet in a very long time. She provided us with supper and a motel room and even made a donation to Jeremy’s Ride. Meeting people like her is what makes a ride of this nature such a pleasant experience. Our total distance today was 74.1 miles.
Day Three: We left El Centro about 8:00 in the morning. It turned out to be a rough day. About eight miles out of El Centro, Jeremy blew a tire. We had extra tubes, but no extra tire. Joyce was still in El Cento so she brought out my old Raleigh that was brought along to use as a back up. Jeremy road my bike and I rode the Raleigh. Outside of Brawley we were actually below sea level. We also meet a guy from New Zealand who was skate boarding from Key West, Florida to Los Angles and then was heading to China to do the same thing. Things were going fine until we reached the sand dunes, just a little before Glamis, and I had a flat. I happened to be at a place that catered to motorcycle and sand dune buggies so I was able to fix the tire fixed and get some air and be on my way. It was a very lucky break. The sand dunes was one of the most interesting sites I had ever seen. The Chocolate Mountains in this area, but were not very impressive. Jeremy rode ahead into Glamis, not knowing I had a flat, which cause some tense moments. It wasn’t as hot today as yesterday due to some cloud cover. Even with the tire problems we made it to a camp ground in Palo Verde (236 population) which was a total distance of 82.2 miles for the day. We had a few small hills, but the terrain was mostly flat. Jeremy and I had some hot wings and two very good sandwiches in the local bar in Palo Verde for supper. If all goes well we should reach Salome, Arizona tomorrow evening. However, according to a couple other bikers heading west, there is a very nice campground in Hope, Arizona so we may stop there.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
We wish to thank all the following people/businesses for their kind donations that made Jeremy's fund raiser a tremendous success. Owens, Marshes, Arbys, Vista Inn, Guest House, Pirates Cove Marina, Rebers repair, Wertenberger, Buds, Johnsons Junction,Tom A Sak, Walmart, John Rakozi, Five Star, Aalco, Warren Huggy Bear, Knights of Columbus, and National Liquor.
Jeremy would like to thanks to all his friends at J.D.s located in Huntington, and Millers located in Andrews. Jeremy's comment was, "You guys have been a great support to me and this bike ride would not be possible without you helping me." Jeremy said the list was to big to mention everyone but each one of the people that helped me and believe in me. Jeremy also said, "All of my friends are very special to me. I think you all so much. I will see you in May when I finish the ride and get back home. I look forward to telling you all about my trip and having fun.
Jeremy would like to thanks to all his friends at J.D.s located in Huntington, and Millers located in Andrews. Jeremy's comment was, "You guys have been a great support to me and this bike ride would not be possible without you helping me." Jeremy said the list was to big to mention everyone but each one of the people that helped me and believe in me. Jeremy also said, "All of my friends are very special to me. I think you all so much. I will see you in May when I finish the ride and get back home. I look forward to telling you all about my trip and having fun.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The following article was published in The Herald-Press in Huntington, Indiana on March 3, 2008.
This ride will show he can
By CALEB SANDERS, Staff Writer
Jeremy Winkelman, left, and his uncle Stan Bippus discuss
their planned cross-country bicycle trip - a trip Winkelman
says will show that people with handicaps don’t have to give
up their dreams. (Herald-Press/Matthew Berry)
Learning to overcome a physical disability can be daunting. And for Huntington's Jeremy Winkelman, it has been no easy task. Soon after Winkelman was born, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects the brain and impairs movement.“My parents were told I would not be able to walk because my legs were weak,” Winkelman said.”But I did.”The 29-year-old was also told that he would not be able to play baseball or basketball - and that he would not be able to ride a bike.
Winkelman has stood up and proved them wrong, able to do all of these things and more.Now he wants to showcase his determination by participating in a cross-country bike ride with his uncle, Stan Bippus. The two will embark on their journey March 23, when Winkelman will dip his back tire in the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, Calif., and travel the 3,100 miles to St. Augustine, Fla., and the Atlantic Ocean. “At first I didn't think I could do it, but my parents told me they knew I could do it if I really wanted to,” Winkelman said. “My uncle said he would ride with me to make sure I didn't quit when I got tired and sore.”
The two will travel along the southern rim of the United States across the plains of Texas and the painted deserts of Arizona. Along the way, they will stop at schools and organizations to show that individuals with a handicap can accomplish major physical challenges. He also wants to raise money that would help to support programs for young people with special needs.“I hope to raise money for other people that help special kids like myself,” Winkelman said. His goal to raise a penny for every mile that he rides. All public schools located in towns that he will pass through will be notified of his ride, the purpose of the ride and the tentative arrival date. The ride has a fixed schedule and the bikers have planned specific locations for overnight stops.“We will be camping mostly,” Bippus said. “But Jeremy's mother, Joyce, will also be calling ahead and trying to set up locations for us to stay at.”Hoping to average around 60 to 70 miles per day, Winkelman and Bippus know that it will be a big challenge, but say they are both up to it.“I am looking forward the physical challenge and really looking forward to helping Jeremy get through it,” Bippus said. “But I am also concerned with my endurance.”Joyce will be following the pair in her car and will be available with water and other items they need. They plan on taking regular breaks.Bippus is no stranger to physical tests. He has climbed to the highest points in 48 of the 50 states. On Sunday, the 68-year-old Bippus was to climb the highest point in Hawaii and plans to tackle Mt. Ranier in Washington a week after the bike ride.Winkelman has accompanied Bippus on hikes to the highest points in Michigan, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Delaware. Now he looks forward to an even bigger accomplishment with the ride.“My uncle has definitely been my inspiration,” he said.Winkelman has already received $1,134 from the HELP board to cover gas expenses and has also received $250 from the Bippus Lions Club. But even on a bare bones budget, Winkelman is still seeking support.A fund-raising benefit will be held at 2 p.m. on March 8 at JD's, 23 E. Market St. The dinner will include grilled chicken, brats, sides and desserts for $5 a person. Mail contributions can be sent to Jeremy's Ride, Huntington County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 5037, Huntington, IN 46750.Once they head off on their ride, those interested in keeping up with their progress can head over to http://www.jeremysride.blogspot.com/.“There you will have the opportunity to hear updates, see photos and track where we will be,” Bippus said. “This blog will be a great resource for teachers and parents to use to motivate their students to excel by taking on difficult challenges using Jeremy as a role model.”Actor Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for portraying a man who overcame cerebral palsy, and Winkelman hopes to write his own chapter through the ride.“I want to show people that just because I have some physical problem, I can still do what other people can do who do have the physical problems,” he said.
This ride will show he can
By CALEB SANDERS, Staff Writer
Jeremy Winkelman, left, and his uncle Stan Bippus discuss their planned cross-country bicycle trip - a trip Winkelman
says will show that people with handicaps don’t have to give
up their dreams. (Herald-Press/Matthew Berry)
Learning to overcome a physical disability can be daunting. And for Huntington's Jeremy Winkelman, it has been no easy task. Soon after Winkelman was born, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects the brain and impairs movement.“My parents were told I would not be able to walk because my legs were weak,” Winkelman said.”But I did.”The 29-year-old was also told that he would not be able to play baseball or basketball - and that he would not be able to ride a bike.
Winkelman has stood up and proved them wrong, able to do all of these things and more.Now he wants to showcase his determination by participating in a cross-country bike ride with his uncle, Stan Bippus. The two will embark on their journey March 23, when Winkelman will dip his back tire in the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, Calif., and travel the 3,100 miles to St. Augustine, Fla., and the Atlantic Ocean. “At first I didn't think I could do it, but my parents told me they knew I could do it if I really wanted to,” Winkelman said. “My uncle said he would ride with me to make sure I didn't quit when I got tired and sore.”
The two will travel along the southern rim of the United States across the plains of Texas and the painted deserts of Arizona. Along the way, they will stop at schools and organizations to show that individuals with a handicap can accomplish major physical challenges. He also wants to raise money that would help to support programs for young people with special needs.“I hope to raise money for other people that help special kids like myself,” Winkelman said. His goal to raise a penny for every mile that he rides. All public schools located in towns that he will pass through will be notified of his ride, the purpose of the ride and the tentative arrival date. The ride has a fixed schedule and the bikers have planned specific locations for overnight stops.“We will be camping mostly,” Bippus said. “But Jeremy's mother, Joyce, will also be calling ahead and trying to set up locations for us to stay at.”Hoping to average around 60 to 70 miles per day, Winkelman and Bippus know that it will be a big challenge, but say they are both up to it.“I am looking forward the physical challenge and really looking forward to helping Jeremy get through it,” Bippus said. “But I am also concerned with my endurance.”Joyce will be following the pair in her car and will be available with water and other items they need. They plan on taking regular breaks.Bippus is no stranger to physical tests. He has climbed to the highest points in 48 of the 50 states. On Sunday, the 68-year-old Bippus was to climb the highest point in Hawaii and plans to tackle Mt. Ranier in Washington a week after the bike ride.Winkelman has accompanied Bippus on hikes to the highest points in Michigan, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Delaware. Now he looks forward to an even bigger accomplishment with the ride.“My uncle has definitely been my inspiration,” he said.Winkelman has already received $1,134 from the HELP board to cover gas expenses and has also received $250 from the Bippus Lions Club. But even on a bare bones budget, Winkelman is still seeking support.A fund-raising benefit will be held at 2 p.m. on March 8 at JD's, 23 E. Market St. The dinner will include grilled chicken, brats, sides and desserts for $5 a person. Mail contributions can be sent to Jeremy's Ride, Huntington County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 5037, Huntington, IN 46750.Once they head off on their ride, those interested in keeping up with their progress can head over to http://www.jeremysride.blogspot.com/.“There you will have the opportunity to hear updates, see photos and track where we will be,” Bippus said. “This blog will be a great resource for teachers and parents to use to motivate their students to excel by taking on difficult challenges using Jeremy as a role model.”Actor Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for portraying a man who overcame cerebral palsy, and Winkelman hopes to write his own chapter through the ride.“I want to show people that just because I have some physical problem, I can still do what other people can do who do have the physical problems,” he said.
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