We Did It!

As Katherine rolled into St. Augustine, Florida and completed her cross-country cycling tour, the WOCN Society counted the donations for a final time. We exceeded our fundraising goal of $200,000 with a grand total of $214,252!

Cycling for Scholarships has undoubtedly been the Society's most comprehensive fundraising effort to date and we owe our success to our member supporters. By meeting our goal, the WOCN Foundation can fund educational scholarships for another five years and award an additional 100 scholarships. What an amazing accomplishment thanks to YOU!

Through it all, Katherine has endured the hot deserts of Arizona, the dusty hills of Texas, and the thick Florida humidity. She truly had an amazing journey. The WOCN Society applauds Katherine for her tremendous sacrifice and determination to raise awareness of WOC nursing. We are forever grateful to her generosity and example.



The bike pedals may stop, but the needs don't stop. If you'd like to continuing donating to the WOCN's Cycling for Scholarships campaign, please visit http://www.wocnfoundation.org/.

**Amount updated 5/23

According to Katherine: Day 57 Recap

A lazy morning by cycling tour standards. We were up at 6:00 instead of 5:15. We strolled leisurely through Old St. Augustine with Linda Moore and Kathy Cirinzione, two WOC nurses from Florida, for breakfast at 8:30, instead of 6:00! I will cycle with our sons later this morning. I'll have to wean myself slowly from my bike. Thanks to WOCN members, family, and friends for investing yourselves in the WOCN Society's future to ensure continuing expert and compassionate patient care.
 

Spinach frittata for breakfast at a reasonable hour.

Katherine and her husband Jack posed for a picture with two WOC nurses from Florida.

Feels so good to ride with our sons, John & Stephen.

According to Katherine: Day 56 Recap

It was easy to fly out of bed at 5:15 for a 6:00 breakfast and 6:45 departure. This was our LAST day. Many emotions were merging and colliding as we loaded luggage and pumped tires for the last time. I had some grapes and a banana for breakfast. Best I could do with all the butterflies.

The ride was 40 miles to the St. John's Fire Department where we reassembled for the 7-mile parade through town and to the beach. On the way, we rode under gorgeous trees draped in Spanish moss, by the banks of the mighty St. John's River, and past acres of potatoes growing. I thought Idaho had the corner on potatoes.

The men at the fire station were most hospitable. Our police escorts positioned themselves in front and back of our column of 17 cyclists with one guide driving the SAG Wagon. People along the way cheered boisterously without knowing what for! We loved it anyway! Most of us cried. Cycling over the Bridge of Lions was a thrill.

We all gathered here to begin our 7-mile ride with police escort through St. Augustine, over the Bridge of Lions, to Anastasia Beach where our family and friends were waiting. Sixteen women now always bonded in friendship by the extraordinary journey we shared.

And then, there we were. There were our families, friends and, for me, members of WOCN, management staff and our generous corporate sponsors. I felt so proud to be wearing the Convatec and Hollister, Inc. logos.

After all the hugs and kisses, we carried our bikes to the ocean where we ceremoniously dipped our front tire in the surf. Before it was over, most of us dipped half or all of ourselves into the cool Atlantic waters. Dr. Phyllis Bonham gave me the glorious news that we had met our goal of $200,000 for the Cycling for Scholarships Foundation. We toasted with champagne that Jack Jeter had brought for everyone.

Marge and I at the finish line!

We all enjoyed a picnic lunch and then dispersed to regroup later in the evening. WomanTours hosted a final dinner for "just us" or the 16 cyclists and two guides who completed the 3,100-mile tour. Everyone had an opportunity to reflect, remember, and to say good-bye and thank you.

Then we left that party to attend the grand WOCN celebration at the Leitner Museum. What a fabulous occasion that featured a cake, more champagne, the official announcement that to date $208,613 has been raised, and a fun slide show from the ride. I was amazed to be so honored. The Mayor had proclaimed the day as WOC Nursing Day in St. Augustine. Our sons presented me with a colorful metal cyclist sculpture. With their sister and Jack they had sent cards of encouragement nearly every day of the trip.  It was fun to have them participating in all the festivities.

If I've ever been so thankful and satisfied, I don't remember when. We fell into bed at 10:00, so I would be up for a ride in the morning with our sons. We did it!  So many people had a hand in it and deserve resounding applause. I can't imagine how long it will take to put the whole experience into perspective and to be able to express what it has meant and will continue to mean in years to come.

I am so grateful to so many.

According to Katherine: Day 55 Recap

We're poised in Palatka after a 73.5-mile ride for tomorrow's 47-mile ride into St. Augustine. It will be quite a parade and a glorious reunion. We'll celebrate as we put our front tire in the Atlantic. Thank you all for your love and support. It has meant the world and made the trip the defining life event that it was.

Welcome to Palatka! Soon we'll be on our way to St. Augustine, FL!

According to Katherine: With Age Comes Satisfaction

 (source)

Although I’ve given up a lot of things this past year, I’m completely satisfied with what I’ve gained. Many ask me “Has it been worth it?” In other words, have I sacrificed things that I wish I had not? I won’t lie, I have missed some things this past year, including entertaining friends at our mountain home and some of the ski season, but it was all worth it.

I’ve grown as a person. I’m working on maintaining a healthy physique to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. I have met a whole group of new friends. And I hope I'm encouraging young and old alike to be active.

I may be retired, but that doesn’t mean I should sit around and do nothing. It feels good to work toward growing as an individual, while giving back.

According to Katherine: Day 54

The day began with the temperature at 69 degrees and the humidity, 86 per cent. I had yogurt, fresh fruit, and a Lärabar for breakfast and was the first one out of the parking lot at 7:15. That would have been swell if I had gone the right direction!

I got about 5 bonus miles before getting back on the route. The predicted southeasterly winds slowed me down considerably in spots. The rain laden clouds hung low to keep us cool but dissipated by noon. It was our turn to SAG, so Marge and I split the 76 mile ride. We enjoyed pastoral scenes most of the day: cows grazing, sheep and goats munching in their pens, miniature horses, acres of pine forests, irrigation pivots watering newly planted fields, and beautiful wild flowers.

Among the most impressive sights we've seen all across the country are the County Courthouses. This is the Lafayette County Courthouse in Mayo, FL

The stench of the chicken megafarms as we passed them was a shock to the nose and reinforced my determination to remain a vegetarian! The highlight of the day was the visit to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The water was clear, turquoise, and cold. I resisted the temptation to swim in my bike clothes. I ate my PB&J like I did yesterday: a quarter every ten miles for the first 40 miles. I had nuts and Endurolytes and lots of energy drink while riding.

So wanted to go swimming in the cold spring water!

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

It was a hot 88 degrees when we arrived in High Springs. I had an iced cold Diet Dr. Pepper when we got into our room. I don't usually do that, but it seemed like a good idea. Dinner was chicken in almond butter sauce (tofu for Lisa and me), a variation on Asian slaw, fresh cubed pineapple, and banana pudding. I had a few bites of that and deemed it too high in calories for me!

2987 miles behind us. 113 miles to pedal. 2 days to go.

Dr. Jeter Day 54 on Polyvore.com

Bring Out The Bubbly!

We're so pleased to announce WOCN's Cycling for Scholarships initiative has surpassed its $200,000 goal, raising a total of $208,613.  We truly appreciate everyone who participated in this 3,100-mile journey to share their enthusiasm for the amazing care WOC nurses provide, and to make this career pathway for future nursing professionals.

Katherine and friends toast to the good news!

Donating does not have to stop! If you wish to donate to this great cause, please visit: http://www.wocnfoundation.com/.

According to Katherine: Day 53

This was Monday mourning coming down. How can we be so close to finished? The first day of our last week. The tear-open oatmeal was particularly awful. I had a little cup of fruit and a not-so-good English muffin. After we packed our PB&J and nuts we were off for the 54 mile ride to Perry, FL.

The temperature was 69 degrees and the clouds helped keep us cool. The head winds annoyed us from time to time but the roads were smooth and the shoulders, wide. It was absolutely flat, which challenges the legs of a 72-year-old. No coasting. Pedaling every minute.

You wouldn't see THIS from your car: manatees swimming in the Wakulla River.

We ate our PB&J in quarters at mile 10, 20, 30, and 40! The temperature had risen into the mid 80s when Marge and I arrived at the Hampton Inn at 12:30. The desk clerk could not understand why we were so elated that our room wasn't ready. We explained that we had never gotten in so early before! We got to have a fun lunch with most of the group at Mama's Italian Restaurant. I had a grilled veggie panini and home made, just fried, potato chips.

There was time to do our laundry and take a nap and time for me to receive the wonderful news that we are only $9,000 from our $200,000 goal for the WOCN Scholarship Fund. I spent an hour or so e-mailing  friends and colleagues asking them to call others to donate for the first time or donate a little more to help us "bring it home." Since our chef, Linda, had the night off we ordered pizza and had our supper in the motel lobby.

Our table tried to articulate the lessons we have learned on our journey. So many and yet still not clear enough to express. The motel had large fresh strawberries with white and dark chocolate for dipping. I helped myself to a half dozen of those! This was a night to put our tired bodies in the bed early to be ready for a an even longer flat ride tomorrow.

2911 miles behind us. 189 to pedal. 3 days to go.

Dr. Jeter Day 53 on Polyvore.com

We Need Your Support!

Check out what Bernie and Linda, WOCN members, have to say about the importance of donating to Cycling for Scholarships.  Bernie and Linda visited Katherine in Louisiana! 

Check out this video and more at the Cycling for Scholarships YouTube channel. 

Follow the link on the right or go to www.youtube.com/WOCNcycling.

According to Katherine: Day 52

It was a glorious Easter morning in Florida. Two members of the Crawfordville United Methodist Church came to get eight of us for their 8:00 service. Marge had found the church on line and I had called the pastor last week and asked if we could attend in our "unchurch" attire.  We enjoyed the service and a lavish brunch afterward. Southern church food is so good: macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, monkey bread, biscuits, fresh fruit, and more.

They may not have Easter frocks, but Kathy and Fiona have the bonnets!

We felt so welcomed by the pastor and the members. I spent the entire rest of this rest day on the bed talking to family and catching up on my blogs. Marge went to the pool. We enjoyed a couple of ginger snaps with our 4 o'clock coffee. The group gathered for dinner at 5:30 for pan seared grouper, quinoa salad, garlic mashed potatoes, and asparagus.  We all are beginning to ruminate about life after.  Our lights were out by 9:00.

It was a joy to worship and be welcomed at Crawfordville United Methodist Church on Easter Sunday. 

Only 4 more days.

Dr. Jeter Day 52 on Polyvore.com

According to Katherine: Day 51

I savored two helpings of scrambled eggs and hash browns before we left for the 48-mile ride to Crawfordville. The fog was very dense; the humidity was 93 per cent. The morning temperature was 65 degrees. Later in the day the temperature climbed to 89 degrees.

Marge cycled to the first SAG stop and we switched roles. While I was finishing my ride into Crawfordville she picked up tuna fish wraps from Subway. Robbie Sharpe, the indefatigable WOCN from Tallahassee, brought Harriett Loehme, a physical therapy expert in wound care, and they hosted a meet and greet at the Inn.

Sharon Aronovitch, Harriett Loehne, Farrah Hamilton, and Lisa Hamilton, Robbie Sharpe and me at the Meet and Greet at the Inn at Wildwood. 

My long time friend and colleague Sharon Aronovitch came along with local WOC nurses, Farrah Hamilton and Lisa Hamilton. We had a marvelous visit. Robbie presented me with two generous donations. One was her own; the other was given by Louise Bruner. That will help us reach our goal. Before dinner our two guides served up Margaritas and toasted our great group of 16 cyclists and the riding we have done. Always love the encouragement.

We had sausage (ours were soy) and beans over polenta and salad for dinner. I was not even tempted to taste the Dutch oven Dump cake with whipped cream. I'm sure I was asleep by 8:30, excited about going to the Crawfordville United Methodist Church to worship on Easter Sunday.

2857 miles behind us. 243 to pedal. 5 days to go.

Dr. Jeter Day 51 on Polyvore.com

According to Katherine: Day 50

This had to have been the most beautiful ride of the entire trip punctuated by a touching surprise! I had oatmeal and banana for breakfast and learned how to use a toothpick to divide a banana in thirds for a banana split!

It was 65 degrees and very foggy with no wind as we were loading our luggage. The guides deemed the fog had lifted enough for us to ride safely just before 8:00 and we were off for the 54-mile ride to Quincy. I had packed the PB&J for lunch and snacks for in between and filled the water bottles for the 5 hour ride and we bade good-bye to Marianna.

Immediately we were cycling in a breathtaking countryside bathed in the aromas of magnolia, freshly mown grass, pine forests, and honeysuckle. We passed fences laden with climbing roses, horse farms, large plantation homes surrounded by white fences, acres of well-managed pine trees, row after row of young tomato plants and fields plowed and ready for planting. We cycled under high canopies of trees on serene, untravelled roads.

We crossed the Chattahoochee River and cycled up a big hill as if it were a slight rise! My, how strong and accomplished we have become! Somewhere between Chattahoochee and Quincy, as we turned onto a new road, two handsome men in a spiffy Corvette appeared. It was Alvin Word, a CWOCN from Cleveland, TN, and his brother-in-law, Gary Smith. He had promised he would do his best to meet me on the route somewhere. Alvin drove 13 MPH beside me for 5 miles to the SAG stop, so we were able to have a good visit while I pedaled.

Alvin Word travel led from Gulfport, MS, where he had been on business, to catch up with me. More than a little out of his way back to Cleveland, TN

At the SAG stop, he gave us some pink Coban and transparent film dressings to cover the various "owies" we have incurred and a case of bottled water. He has been a major donor to and fundraiser for Cycling for Scholarships, and it was such a compliment that he would drive so far out of his way to meet up. Shortly after they drove off to return to Tennessee, I saw the car coming back. One of our cyclists had told him about a big mean dog up the way. He had made a U-Turn and identified where it was and continued on back to warn Marge and me. Then he made another U-Turn to go back and run interference between us and that hateful hound. Dear Alvin.

The town of Quincy is lovely. We passed a unique variety of bayonet bush and went back to photograph it. The owners loved telling us that they had created it from styrofoam egg cartons. After we passed through town we were not sure we were on the right road, so we asked a man in a pickup truck. He assured us that we were but that the motel was "a far piece up the way, maybe 2 or 3 miles." He offered to  put our bikes in the back of his truck and drive us out to the Hampton Inn. We thanked him but told him we needed to stop for lunch first!

I was startled by this unique version of a bayonet bush until I saw that the blossoms were made out of styrofoam egg cartons!

We pedaled on and found a Chinese restaurant in the next block. I wolfed down a large plate of rice and vegetables and she had cashew chicken. We had several glasses of refreshing iced tea. A few hours after we got in and finished our laundry, it was time for Linda's delicious dinner of bean burritos and salad  and the baklava Sean and Carol had brought us in Pensacola. No, siree, I didn't eat one! What a memorable day it was!

2809 miles behind us. 291 left to pedal. 6 days to go.

Dr. Jeter Day 50 on Polyvore.com

According to Katherine: Day 49

We woke up this morning to the realization that we have only one more week on this amazing adventure. We are all overcome with myriad emotions.

It was a long, hot, humid day! When we began the 94-mile ride to Marianna it was 68 degrees and so the humidity was 93 percent. The temperature would get to the high 80s. It is always much hotter on the pavement.

I had a little yogurt and a little oatmeal for breakfast, and packed the PB&J sandwich, energy bar and nuts to sustain us for the ride and the heat. Marge and I figured how to ride half and SAG half of the day and it worked perfectly.

I was savoring a wonderful ride until two large, barking dogs ran out beside me. I saw there were no cars behind me and pedaled out into Highway 90 as fast as I could. Once they retreated I returned to the bike lane. I had to get off my bike until the quivering dissipated. I was so thankful that I had stayed upright and that the dogs had not chased me any farther. I have promised Jack Jeter that all my doggie desires have disappeared. He's relieved and thankful.

The second SAG stop was beside a flower shop and the ladies were so nice to let us use their restroom. We were beginning to pour water on one another to cool off. The third SAG stop was under a huge shade tree beside a day care. We all tiptoed in to use the bathroom without disturbing the sleeping cherubs. We poured more water on each other outside.

Jack sent Marge, Lisa, and me the neck coolers from Wal-Mart that are filled with superabsorbent. Great things for biking and hiking.   The length of the ride and the heat of the day provided the perfect excuse for another Mocha Java Chiller at the Sonic a mile or two before the motel.    Robbie Sharpe, the indefatigable CWOCN from Tallahassee, had arranged a really big "do" with nurses, administrators, physicians, and others at a restaurant near the hotel. I rode over so she could take a picture when we arrived. We saw a black cloud and heard some thunder just before dinner, but the rain never came.

One of the goals of the journey was to raise awareness about WOC nursing. Morgan, a reporter from the Jackson County Times in Marianna, FL, was interviewing me for a story. 

We have been so blessed. After our healthy meal of real and tofu BBQ and salads, I joined the mutidisciplinary gathering at the restaurant to talk about the importance of the WOC specialty and to encourage young Shanna Watson, who will start the WebWOC program next month. I was so happy to be recumbent at the end of that long, hot, happy day!

Shanna Watson from Marianna, FL will begin the WebWOC program through Metropolitan State University on May 9, 2011. She deserves scholarship funds!

2755 miles behind us. 345 miles to pedal. 7 days to go.

Dr. Jeter Day 49 on Polyvore.com

Jerry Out“spoke”n: Hip to Your Grip

Before we start to look at hand positioning for road bikes, let's talk about bike gloves. Gloves designed to absorb compression to the hand and wrist much like shocks on your car. And they are imperative for safe riding!

Now, about those positions. Ideally, as we have already discussed, your wrists should be kept neutral -- or, in line with your forearm (see pictures C, D and E, below). 

If the wrist is put in maximal extension (picture F, below) it will put undue pressure on the nerves and vessels that travel through the wrist, potentially causing numbness and diminished circulation.   

Another way to take pressure off your hands and wrists is to install aerobars (pictures A and B, below).   

Not only do you have the added benefit of improving your speed with these bars, as they make the rider more aerodynamic, but you are offered an option to take the weight off of your hands.  These bars have been a lifesaver for my own wrist and hands.

Picture A

Picture B

Picture C

Picture D

Picture E

Picture F

I hope you've enjoyed my posts, exploring how attention to stretching, posture and hand positioning can help you hit the road and exercise pain-free!

According to Katherine: Day 48 Recap

It was 74 degrees with very high humidity and a little fog when we started out for Crestview. I had choked down one hard boiled egg and some oatmeal before we left.  I made a PB&J and packed some nuts for the 68-mile ride.

It was so much fun shifting gears that work and I am so grateful to Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC for helping someone he's never met and stepping in to deal with a bike he didn't sell. Eric of Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL did the fixing and I was over the moon knowing that the last nine days would be smooth riding.

We enjoyed some nice rolling terrain, which I didn't realize Florida had. We were really good about hydrating, swigging on our energy drink, and eating on this hot, humid day with temperatures in the high 80s. Floridians tell us this isn't hot!

Just one of the beautiful scenes during our ride to Crestview. We were still so close to the ocean.


As we rode through Crestview a Sonic called our name. We had to have a Mocha Java Chiller to celebrate gears that shifted properly and 68 miles well done.

I was amazed and delighted to see ski friends Jack and Sharon Godwin from Niceville, FL waiting to welcome us in front of the Hampton Inn. We had a fun brief visit. We needed to get laundry done and shower before dinner. They promised to return later.

Jack and Sharon Godwin drove from Niceville, FL to celebrate our amazing adventure. Such a compliment.

Dinner was a fabulous variation of Shepherd's Pie with vegetables and sweet potatoes, salad, and fruit. After the dinner dishes were done, I had another visit with the Godwins and welcomed sleep the minute my head hit the pillow.

2,661 miles behind us. 439 miles to pedal. 8 days to go.

Dr. Jeter Day 48 on Polyvore.com

Cheerin' for the Gearin'

I am powerless to resist Mocha Java Chillers from Sonic. They are the perfect tonic for frustration and the most exquisite elixir for celebration. I indulged in this Chiller because I'm cheerin' for the gearin'.  Thanks to Dave Naderman at Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC and Eric at Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL, my shifter is working better than ever.

I love these guys for getting the shifter shifting and giving me another excuse for slurping down a Mocha Java Chiller!

Enjoying my Mocha Java Chiller!

Shutterbug Cyclist: Smörgåsbord Fit for Cyclists

 Hungry cyclists -- 16 total! -- line up to enjoy pork roast, scalloped potatoes and more. There's always a vegetarian option for the two of us who don't eat meat.

Happy Easter from Katherine!



Enjoying the scenery on a lovely Easter afternoon.



According to Katherine: Move!

(source)

It saddens me to hear people say they dislike exercise, or even worse: “I hate to exercise.” Moving your body shouldn’t be drudgery! People can experience that natural high from releasing endorphins through a variety of ways: Walking, running, swimming, biking or even doing an exercise DVD.

Let’s not get confused, I’m no Jane Fonda. I’m just an ordinary female trying to be as healthy as possible, to live a longer and more fulfilling life.

Motivation should come from within. People should want to better themselves. Men and women alike would look and feel a lot better if they adhered to the principles introduced in the book Younger Next Year.

I encourage the people around me to get out and move. If you don’t move, you’ll miss out!

According to Katherine: Day 47 Recap

After a lovely rest, it was back on the bike again. Linda cooked us a full breakfast in the condo. I had scrambled eggs and oatmeal. I was to drive the SAG Wagon the first half of our 60-mile day to Pensacola. I left the condo at 7:15 to be first in line for the 8:00 ferry.

American flag and the Alabama state flag waving as we prepared to leave for Florida.

Patiently waiting for the ferry!


The temperature was 74 degrees and the humidity was 83 percent. The ferry ride across the mouth of the Mobile Bay was 45 minutes. The ticket taker gave us a break and charged $4.50 for bikers instead of $5.00 for pedestrians!

We crossed over the intercoastal highway.

 We passed fairly close to a couple of natural gas rigs. Pelicans were waiting to welcome us on the other side. I stopped for the cyclists at about 18 miles and then again at the "Welcome to Florida" sign. I knew we'd all want a picture of that momentous occasion. Marge and I switched there and I rode on to Pensacola.

This was an exciting and emotional moment for all of the riders.

I stopped at Bikes Plus where Eric was waiting to try his hand at getting all my gears shifting. I left the bike with him and Marge and I joined several other cyclists at a fun restaurant on the water. We each had crawfish etouffee and thought it was delicious. I was glad to leave that PB&J in the bag for tomorrow!

When we got to the motel we were surprised and delighted to see that Carol Breamer, a WOC nurse and Sean McMillen from Hollister, Inc. had welcome signs and a tub of iced cold drinks. They came back after dinner and brought delicious Whoopee Pies and coffee from Panera Bread. We were all thrilled.


A refreshing welcome when we arrived in Pensacola!

Like all versatile WOC nurses, Joan pitched in to dry the dishes. We had quite a party with members of the UOAA chapter, WOC nurses, the KCI rep, Amanda Brignac from Convatec. We even had Brittany, who hopes to get a scholarship to attend Emory. The UOAA Chapter of Pensacola honored its WOC nurses with a $225.00 contribution to the Scholarship Fund.


Amanda Brignac representing Convatec, one of our corporate sponsors.



Carol Breamer, a Pensacola WOC nurse, and Sean McMillen from Hollister, Inc. sure do know how to host a celebration!

It was a marvelous day, and my bike was pronounced fixed and delivered back to me at the motel by our guide, Carol.  Dear friends of mine, Bernie and Anita Wall from Brewton, AL, drove in to welcome me shortly after we got to the motel. Our friendship goes all the way back to West Point in the 70s.

My dear friends, Bernie and Anita Wall from Brewton, AL drove in to welcome me shortly after we got to the motel.

2,592 miles behind us. 508 miles to pedal. 9 days to go.

Dr. Jeter Day 47 on Polyvore.com

Photo Friday: Going Ape Over Anti Monkey Butt

The Anti Monkey Butt folks sent two canisters of powder and a hat. What wonderfully-useful gifts!