Rotary Log: March 14, 2013 (Peter's big adventure)

Today was our last winter meeting, or so we would think.  Nature, obvious to us now, has a different plan.  The meeting began with another wonderful meal that included remarkably colorful garnishes--unique, but delectable varieties of cauliflower including Fukushima red, Chernobyl green and Three-mile Island blue. 

General announcements were just that—general.  Here’s the list.  Next week is the annual Poetry Hoot.  Janice Wood reminded us about the upcoming Rotary 90^th celebration to be held at the Jarvis Center on March 30.  

Jon Flagg informed us about a comedy show at the Portsmouth Gaslight staring very funny Maine comedian Bob Marley (postponed because of snow to the 26^{th -} Here's a little luck of the Irish...this coupon code will get you two tickets for the price of one! Get 'em while they're still available! Go to: http://tinyurl.com/avhjdnm Select a minimum of two tickets & insert Coupon Code: BUY-1-GET-1).  The Cash Committee gave a check for $3,000 to the Portsmouth Greeters at Pease who have greeted over 500 waves of returning troops—well done and well deserved.  And our very own Gene Bailey is celebrating 30 years in Rotary.  Congratulations!   

We were graced with the presence of three guests including Don Vittum, Brandon Clayson and the irrepressible former Rotarian Bill Burke, well remembered for his masterful use of misdirection and mirth to cajole the uninitiated red dot Rotarian into immediate service.  Ah, yes, some of us former red-dotters remember that. 

On a sober note, President Nancy informed us about Catherine Jarvis’ health struggles and asked for prayers.  Then we were informed about her passing and now hope all the prayers given have been heard.  God bless for a live well lived.

            Butch Ricci gave us the President’s minute and regaled us with his foibles that took place within the first month of his Rotarian reign.  DWI, engagement and Mike Tyson biting off Evander Holyfield’s ear were just some of the highlights.  With that start, Butch should be a shoe-in for President of Rotary International.  On a more serious note, Butch was instrumental in coordinating with the 3-H club to construct a children’s school for orphans in Rio de Janeiro and was instrumental (along with Scott Stringham) in the formation of the Rotary Sunrise Club celebrating its 16^th anniversary this year. 

Happy dollars abounded.  Janice Cassidy informed us her son will be heading to the Space Station on a Russian rocket ship—God speed!  Eric Weinrieb informed us his niece, an Interact Club member, is heading to El Salvador—safe trip!  Marie Brownwell is set to become a grandmother for the sixth time and to celebrate her 40^th wedding anniversary.  Congratulations on both fronts!  Bob Loch, a.k.a. “Tube” gave $5 to inform us about the PHS girls’ varsity basketball team going after a state championship and about a certain guard with a last name remarkably similar to Bob’s.  Good luck!  Lastly, we were informed about Gloria LaFleur’s new granddaughter Aoife, pronounced property by none other than our resident Rotarian engineer, James Peterson, who candidly remarked it helped to have an employee with the same name.  Touché!

 For the main attraction, Peter Billip gave us his rendition of that Steve Martin comedy classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles---------------------without the planes, without the trains and without the automobiles.  Yes, he took a plane to the starting point, but that doesn’t count and is beside the point.  Peter’s longtime friend, Stephen Kosacz, played the role of a remarkably slimmed down John Candy. 

Peter began by giving us a snapshot of his colorful past including his graduation from UNH followed by a stint with the Peace Corps in Guatemala where he worked in a saw mill and participated in a forestry project.  He followed that with a backpack trip around the world that included time in India, Nepal, you get the picture.  Apparently these early influences gave birth to the idea of doing a transcontinental bike ride.  A kernel of inspiration followed by years of careful planning turned dream into reality.

The trip began well enough in the State of Washington, where Peter and Stephen wasted no time getting their gear in order and hitting the road.  Washington state and Glacier National Park, in particular, proved to be the most scenic and dramatic.  Then came the vast mid-western states and the endless flat—did I say FLAT?!--geography.  Unlimited ice cream (and a likely fifty-day supply of Lactaid) made this segment of the trip all the more pleasant.  Peter enthralled us with descriptions of all the characters they played along the way (to kill time) with names right out of a Jack Kerouac novel—Vinnie in Montana, Preacher Steven and Pilgrim Peter in Michigan to name a few.

As all good hikers and bikers do, Peter and Stephen packed everything they thought they would need and soon learned more is not always better.  Shipments of unneeded supplies were sent back home when possible.  Rain or shine, our game travelers forged on, slept under the stars, ate when they could, and experienced everything from exhilaration, mind-numbing heat (110°F at one point), exhaustion, monotony, being soaked, parched---you name it; they experienced it on this trip. 

As for run-ins with nature, there was one.  Stephen was the recipient of several dog bites on his hand.  This prompted them to make bear spray their next purchase, which, as luck would have it, was never used.  The movie version currently entitled “Bikes, Backpacks and Bites” will use a bear in place of the dog for dramatic effect.

So, after four flat tires, 3,600 miles, 2.5 million pedal strokes a piece, 11 states, 400 hours in the saddle and 57 days, our intrepid travelers reached their destination of the shores of Maine where family and friends celebrated their triumphant return.  Will they do it again?  In a word—no.  But other bike adventures are not out of the question.  Thanks to Peter for a very enjoyable presentation.

For the last order of business, Magdalena Soutcheva won the country club gift certificate and Donna Lewallen won the 50/50 for $83.  There was no match, which stood at $175.