Recollecting and Reflecting

• I asked for prayers for safety for all the cyclists. No one was badly injured.
• I asked for prayers for no rain. There was not a drop of rain on any riding or resting day during our 58-day journey.
• I asked for prayers for no head winds. There were significant head winds and cross winds, but they didn't last too long; and they taught us to pedal stronger and trust God for perseverance to ride through them.
• I asked for prayers for no flat tires. There were any number of flat tires among the 16 cyclists and 2 guides. I had 3 and they were all in the parking lot - a convenient time and place to change them.

God’s grace never failed me. He was on time, in time, all the time. The epic bicycle trip from coast to coast, from San Diego to St. Augustine, was akin to two months in a prayer closet! My appreciation for the companionship, devotional and prayer time, and help with tedious tasks provided by my treasured friend, riding companion, and roommate, Marge, grew to dimensions that remain indescribable. Our minds were emptied so we could fully receive; our senses were quickened so we could relish the sweet and tantalizing aromas of the early morning —fresh desert air, manure on the crops, piney woods in East Texas, magnolias, jasmine, and honeysuckle in the South; rejoice in the beauty of every sunrise and swoon over every sunset. We descended into canyons and climbed demanding ascents; we marveled at vast desert vistas, endured bone chilling cold mornings and enervating Southern afternoons; we enjoyed excitement and stood down exhaustion. We saw helpfulness and hospitality in all 8 states; and we savored solitude and spirituality during every day. We experienced encouragement and affirmation from guides and fellow cyclists alike. We learned the importance of gratitude for something as small as a patch of shade from an overhanging branch to cool us when the temperatures soared, for a good shower in a motel room that was old and grubby, for the use of another’s cell phone when our provider’s service failed, for help with the dinner dishes from a pair who could have been resting in their rooms after an arduous day of cycling. We were welcomed by a Methodist congregation in Crawfordville, Fl for Easter Sunday worship and brunch. We formed friendships that will last a lifetime and made memories that will never fade. By every measure the trip was an enormous success. We all completed it. We all loved it and became stronger and more competent than we ever imagined we would be. Thanks to contributions from so many of you, my Cycling for Scholarships initiative has now brought in $213,513.00 and donations are still being made. I miss the simplicity of the road as much as I adore being in my own bed and close to my beloved Jack. I long for the challenge of every riding day as much as I delight in the slower pace of home. A bicycle trip across America is a marvelous metaphor for life. I learned that there is nothing in the world ahead of me that I can't handle - as long as I acknowledge God's sovereignty in it and the dozens of people required to go through it. This I know for certain: there is no such thing as self-sufficiency! Please be assured of my thankfulness for all of you who invested yourselves with prayers, checks and on-line contributions, calls and cards. You were crucial to the completion of a grand and glorious endeavor. I can't wait to see each of you very soon. In HIS service and care, Katherine

Resting, Recollecting, Reflecting

It's been 11 days since our jubilant arrival in St. Augustine. Not all of my stuff is put away. Not all the mail has been sorted and responded to. My to do list for the days and weeks ahead is growing longer as I try to get my head back home!

Katherine writes up a long to do list after she arrived home.

My body is thrilled to be back in my own bed and close to dear Jack. I'm amazed by the interest of so many people, people I don't even know. They don't want to hear much, but they do want to express congratulations. So nice.

The question most often asked is, "Did you ever think you couldn't go on? Could not or would not finish?" The answer is, "NEVER, NOT ONCE!" The most salient memories are of WOCN members, friends, and family who turned out at the beginning in San Diego, all along the way, and at the end. You know who you are and where you were to provide encouragement, support, smiles, hugs, help cleaning the SAG Wagon, help with washing and drying the dinner dishes, wound dressings, cool drinks, fruits, coffee, sweet treats, and contributions to Cycling for Scholarships fund. I cherish each memory of your collective kindness. I do want to give a special thank you to the WOCN leadership, the staff in our National Office, and Robbie Sharp, BSN, CWOCN, who mobilized most of Florida!

I will be able to do anything I set my mind to in the future if I have God's blessing and dozens of people lined up to help me get the job done; this I know for sure. In the case of this wondrous journey, we relied on support provided by so many people, too numerous to count and in roles too diverse to delineate. I learned for certain that there is no such thing as self-sufficiency.

Until the WOCN Conference concludes on June 8, I will plan to post a few more recollections and reflections. In the meantime, my coach insists I rest! Thank you for continuing this amazing trip with me.

Find Out About Katherine's Time in St. Augustine!

Check out the WOCN Cycling YouTube channel and the WOCN Flickr page to see the new clips and pictures of Katherine's time in St. Augustine!

www.flickr.com/photos/wocncycling/

www.youtube.com/WOCNcycling

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 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: With Age Comes Satisfaction

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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 45

It was a chilly 45 degrees this morning in Pascagoula. The beds and pillows at the motel were awful, but the kindnesses of the management made up for it! They added hard boiled eggs and yogurt for us to complement the cereal and English muffins (fun foreshadowing, little did we know!) they usually offer. I had two eggs and a yogurt, and took a PB&J sandwich and nuts to snack on.

We were pedaling 43 miles under clear skies to Dauphin Island, AL. We left at 8:30 a.m. for what is now considered a very short ride! It was a gorgeous ride, except for a tiring head wind. We stopped at the "Welcome to Alabama" sign and took lots of photos.

Today, Alabama. Tuesday, it's Florida!

Along the way I was careful about hydration, which is hard when it's cooler and you don't feel thirsty. I ate the sandwich and worked on the nuts. At the end of the ride, we saw the 3.7-mile bridge in the distance. As we approached it loomed higher, but it was only a six percent grade -- fun going up and over!

The 3.7-mile bridge we crossed.

It's beginning to look like the beach.

At the end of the bridge was our lunch destination, Barnacle Bill's. Most of us ordered the blackened grouper sandwich and sweet potato fries with freshly brewed iced tea. Divine. Just as the seven of us were finishing, an attractive 60-ish male cyclist opened the door and exclaimed loudly enough for the whole restaurant to hear, "I've found them! I've finally found the girls."

He was so excited to find us!

He was Dave of Dave, Matthew and John, three Brits who are doing the same route across America that we are. The two cyclists call themselves "Two Tykes on Bikes." It seems that men in Yorkshire, England are called "tykes." They had heard about us several weeks ago, and had been "chasing us" ever since. They are doing about 100 miles per day. John drives the RV, which is their SAG and sleeping vehicle. We had an uproarious half hour visit. They said they saw the bikes out in front of the restaurant, and thought they'd take a chance that it was "the girls." Their blog, which Dave writes in rhyme, is www.dmjacrossusa.tumblr.com.

Dave's great logo: Two Tykes on Bikes.

Dave, Matthew, and John wearing our WomanTours safety triangles.

After all the hoopla, during which Dave and Matthew scarfed up every one of our leftover sweet potato fries, they were off for 40 more miles, and we pedaled a mile or so to our comfy digs at the Dauphin Island Beach Resort, where we will be for the night and tomorrow for our rest day. We have a washer and dryer in our condo -- pure luxury!

We celebrated our guide Carol's birthday with her favorite meal: lasagna, spinach and strawberry salad and garlic and cheese bread. Her brother had arranged for a gorgeous cake that tasted like tiramisu, and three kinds of ice cream. I could not resist the cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

What a memorable day it was. Rest tomorrow will be divine. 2,532 miles behind us. 568 miles to pedal. Only 11 days and hundreds of WOCN Scholarship Fund donations to go.

Dr. Jeter Day 45 on Polyvore.com

Cheering From the Sidelines: Smith & Nephew

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Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people’s lives, whether through innovative products or through contributions in local communities where we work and live. As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, I can personally testify to the excellent resources WOCN provides nurses and we believe funding the education of WOC nurses will create a stable foundation for the future success of the field. ~ Patricia Burns, Vice President, Clinical Affairs, North America, Advanced Wound Management at Smith & Nephew

According to Katherine: Who Do You Admire?

One very famous woman has demonstrated two traits throughout her career.

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Oprah has shown generosity and gratitude and because of her, I’ve worked to strengthen those traits in my own life. The number one lesson I learned from her is that it's not necessary to give big to be big givers.

That lesson has changed my life. I may not be able to reach the $200,000 goal myself, but I can help contribute and inspire others to give whatever they can to support such a great cause.

Oprah impacts millions of viewers, and I hope she would be glad to know I am one of them. She’s become a positive force in my life, and an inspiration. 

Who inspires you?

Cheering from the Sidelines: Hollister, Inc.

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Hollister dedicates itself to be a company which looks outward to the needs of healthcare professionals, which includes future WOC nurses, and the people they serve. If Hollister Incorporated can assist with providing students the means to participate in educational programs we will do so proudly, and without hesitation, for the betterment of the community as a whole. ~ Dan Yrigoyen, General Manager of US Ostomy and Wound Care

Cheering From the Sidelines: ConvaTec

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ConvaTec is proud to support Cycling for Scholarships and the opportunity it provides future WOC nurses by funding specialist educational programs. Through quality education, new WOC nurses will enter the workforce equipped with the tools they need to help them and their patients succeed. ~ Brad Barton, President of ConvaTec USA

Link Love

How can you not be inspired by Katherine's journey so far? If you're following along with this blog, and looking for an easy way to donate to the Cycling for Scholarship initiative, we've made it easy for you!

Simply look to the right column of the blog, and click on the thermometer logo, WOCN Foundation logo or Adopt-A-Stop map to access the pages where you can make your donation.

 

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Questions or problems? Comment below, and we'll work quickly to respond and sort out any issues.