Saturday, November 8, 2008

Friday, November 7, 2008

Fate & Music

Rowdy Johnson – My friend Rowdy. Our meeting was a page out of God’s book. We were, by design, destined to meet although our kindred spirits have known each other form the foundation of life.

For all those who know Rowdy, you all know his love for country music, his patriotism, and his knack for doing it his way! The day I met Rowdy, I also met Charlie Daniels. I met Rowdy in a huge parking lot with thousands of people in it. I heard some cool music that pulled me toward it. I ask the guy, “Who is that?” The guy said it was me, Rowdy Johnson! I was looking for someone to do the live music at my August 3rd auction for America’s wounded. It took Rowdy about two minutes to sign up for that endeavor. I told him it would have to be on a volunteer basis, cause I could not afford to pay him. He is an established musician but he did not bat an eye and said he’d be there! Since then he and I have become brothers. As he puts it, “I would follow Frank to hell and back.” I know he means it! We co-wrote “This Country of Mine”, which is now our theme song. We dedicate that song to our military. Rowdy has now become active in my mission as a civilian to serve our troops. I hope he know how much he means to me, because I would follow him to equal lengths. Rowdy is my friend and I believe in him as he believes in me!

God bless our soldiers everyone, they don’t back down and they don’t run!

Thanks Rowdy


The Colorado Connection

Adam Krueger – My friend, mentor, and brother. Here is a man that would drop all that he is doing to be there for me as well as Average Frank. For many years this man has been a treasured friend. At times we have gone years without seeing each other and yet we have not missed a beat. I am truly blessed to call him friend. He is a great patriot who stands up for what he believes and is the rock for those who can not stand on their own – the under dog! He believes in me and was 100% confident that I could ride a bicycle on a multi-thousand mile trek across America. He comes from a military family who has sacrificed much for their country. On many occasions I have missed him dearly; I miss him now! I am so proud to call him friend. He has taught me patience and loyalty. I am grateful to him.


Dallas Ink

c/o Sean E Bones – This is a short tribute to those artists across America who have stepped up to create a Memorial wall to our fallen heroes and P.O.W.’s and M.I.A.’s. This wall is all of ours, which is what I desired; a wall for Americans, by Americans, to Americans, all of you that have contributed, honor our fallen heroes. You are all great patriots. Soon a list of all of you will be added to my blog. You all deserve special mention. The wall has really grown and I am honored to wear it. To the families who have laid such a costly price upon the alter of freedom, We Salute You!


Jacksonville, FL and the Sacrifice Center

My time there was humbling and I an, as a patriot and father of one who has served over seas, proud that someone has created a tribute to our injured troops. For me personally, Dana and Sam, will hold a special place in my heart. They are employees there! Dana is one of the warmest and kindest hearts I know. She picked me up on the out skirts of Jacksonville when I was at the end of the most painful and difficult endeavors of my life. She is a shining star in a sometimes dark world. I will always be a friend to her. Stay gold my good sister!


Georgia Peaches, South Carolina Acquaintances

Mother and daughter who touched my heart in a matter of minutes. They took the time to stop on the side of the street to hear my story. We became instant buddies. Thanks for letting me into your hearts to new ideas and experiences. You were a blessing on a long lonely adventure. Your kind and generous spirits warm me. Keep an open mind and heart, adventure and love can be just around the corner, remember that!


North Carolina Ink

Boot & Bob – This was a chance meeting by the grace of God. I had been given a name in South Carolina of a soldier that had been killed in Iraq. His name is Christopher Cash. I was told then that he was a great soldier. I didn’t know then how good; I was soon to learn that a hundred or two miles up the road. That part of the story is forth coming. Keep your eyes open Mike in Elizabethtown, NC. This entry is to about Boot and Bob at Fantasy Tattoo Shop. This is not about the shop so much as it is about a great American. Boot, you have touched my life every bit as much as I have touched yours. You and Bob are some of the people I set out on my bike to meet; I have not been disappointed! You do me proud as do our sons. May your boy wear the protection of our Lord, as does mine. May his full battle regalia be a force of good and all that is the America Freedom Fighter. May he be kept safe by the hand of the almighty while serving all of us. May we be brothers from this day forth. I love you, Bro. We honor one another thru our sons.

Thank you, Boot
Thank you, Bob.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Planes, trains and automobiles, but mostly bikes

Hello to all of Average Frank’s supporters. I have spent about 75 days in the last 11 or 12 months alone in a tent or riding my bicycle down that long road into the heart of America and I thank the Lord for putting me there!

There have been many hardships and experiences along the way. Because of you America, I have embraced this mission and its tribulation with great honor. I used to report funny things along the way and it was good!!!

As many know, I recently wrapped up another very long bike ride across, or into the great country of ours. This latest ride had, once again, a profound impact on me and the way I see the world; I am ever changing, and am always a work in progress.

This part of my blog is not about where I rode, to or form, nor is it about how many miles I’ve gone in my beloved son’s name and in the name of our courageous Wounded Warriors, because all know that I am committed to both!

This epic adventure has become about you, all whom I have met, all of whom my story and words have touched, all those who have stepped up to help me reach out to America, all those who have touched my heart in such a magnificent way, and last but not least, to those who have given in some way to show your support of our nations Freedom Fighters.

Some folks may call me Average Frank, but I’m just a guy on the bike! The amazing truth is that we are all an idea, a passion, and a calling named average Frank. I am the voice of that graciousness. I go forth as your voice, the voice of the average American, to shout from the roof tops to our soldiers, past and present that we care, we are proud of you, and we support you! You do serve a grateful nation. I hope I have served you all well!

That being said, I chose to start talking about you all and what you all mean to me, the guy on the bike. As I speak of you on occasion, it will be through tear filled eyes, ‘cause as tough as I am I still gets a little emotional about “this country of mine”.

They are not tears of pain or sorrow, or of anger, however, they are tears of exceedingly, great joy and pride in all of us who proudly say, “I am an American.”, and do something good for her! God bless the U.S.A.

It will take some time to get to all of you, but I will!

The only place I can start is with my Go Frank friends and family in Tucson, AZ. Dianne, Stephen, Alysia, Tyler, thanks for putting up with me for so long.

Ben: my sailor son and greatest inspiration. The way you have lived your life has, in many ways, saved mine. I thank you for that and I hope you know how much you mean to me.

Sean Furrier: Here is a man who owns a special place in my heart. From day one, this man truly believed in me and took a chance on me when I first said that I would ride across the nation at 45 years of age, to serve our wounded. He never once wavered in this belief in me. I know I have asked a lot of him and his family, yet he has never let me down. That also holds true to Rick and Jack Furrier. It was that support and tender mercies that has helped me reach for the stars. Without which none of this would be possible. These guys take no credit for their actions on my behalf because they are to humble and have taught me the meaning of humility and charity. Because of them, I know the road to happiness through love and charity! That is the gift they gave me, Thank you!

John Ranney: I would be hard pressed to find a better or more loyal and committed friend than him! There is nothing this man would not do for me, nor I for him. This is a guy who has worked hard all his life and has great pride in his country. We share minds in many ways! He is an ardent patriot and has taught what it means to be proud of what I have accomplished and to never take a back seat to anybody. Thanks John.

Jennifer Campbell & Judy Foutz: I am blessed to have my girls. They are the tender hearted ones who have taught me that it is okay for a man to cry, just not everyday! You love all the world and all its creatures. Your hearts are good; I am honored to know you.

To the rest of my Tucson team: My hat is off to you guys, who keep putting up with me, every time I walk in your doors. I know I’m a royal pain in the butt and have asked a lot of you all as well. You guys always understand the fact that I ask not for myself, but for what and who I believe in. Thanks for always being there for me!
Guys @AZ Complete Auto Glass
Dan & Angela @ Dan’s Toy Shop
Vince & Ann @ Mario’s Pizza
Eric & Jonath @ Myrmo’s
Tracy & Frank @ Big D’s
The Gang @ Alpha Graphics - Jesse & Keith
John Armstrong @ Tucson Automotive
Everybody @ Jack Furrier’s Western Tire
Mike @ Alltel
Brian @ Len’s Auto
Roger Battles
Mark @ musselman’s Honda
Fred @ Best Mattress
Sam @ Kelly’s Coffee
Dwayne @ bargain Basement Bikes
The Folks @ McGuire’s Jewelers

Friday, July 18, 2008

Friday, July 11, 2008

UPR.com & Jack Furrier's Donate Jeff Gordon Race Suit to WWP Auction

Wow! this is a big auction item - an actual Jeff Gordon's Sparco Driving Suit for Nascar.
It was incredible just seeing the suit when the pictures were taken. Join us August 3rd for our Silent Auction & Dinner & Live Music event at the Maverick in Tucson.



Thanks so much to the Furrier's, UPR.com, Jack Furrier's Tire & Auto Care for this great addition to our silent auction.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Even More Auction items for "The First Ever Event"

More fantastic silent auction items - you may walk out with a pair of Aaron Tippin's personalized autographed Levi's - or something else from your favorite artist including Toby Keith, Dwight Yoakam, The Bellamy Brothers, and of course the fiddle from Charlie Daniels.

These are very special personally signed items sent to Frank to support the fundraiser - each artist supports our troops and provided a part of themselves to make our little event a little bit better.
































For you automotive nuts

Don't worry - we've got the gifts for gearheads too, thanks to the Furrier's and Jack Furrier's Tire & Auto Care will have Nascar Race Tickets and NHRA Winternational Tickets for these upcoming events.

For information on the August 3rd Dinner Live Music, and Silent Auction - call Frank at 520 240 7988. 1 Ticket $20 or two for $30






Saturday, July 5, 2008

The Event - and My Ride with Jack Furrier

The First Ever Silent Auction and Dinner
Keep August 3 available - you won't be dissapointed if you spend the afternoon at a great event - two people $30 - you'll be fed, and entertained at the Maverick on E. Tanque Verde. We will have lots of great silent auction items including our first item - donated by Charlie Daniels himself. We have lots more cool stuff on the way - including for you Nascar fans - an autographed driving suit from Jeff Gordon, lots of other signed memorobilia.

Cost is just $20 or $30 for two and all proceeds go to Wounded Warrior Project and my friends in San Antonio - the Warrior and Family Support Center.
July 4th - riding with Jack Furrier

L: interview with event emcee - Richard Debernardis
Below: Our "Warrior Booth" - Rowdy Johnson sells T-shirts
Bottom: Nephew Cody pictured as he pulls out to quick start!










July 4th started early at the Jack Furrier's Tour for Tucson's Children - where over 1,000 riders lined up on Church street down town and beat the heat with a 6:00am start for the 27 mile fun ride - followed by a shorter kids ride (see Cody). It was the 15th year of what the biking community considers their star spangled wake up call on July 4th. It is a great event and we were able to talk to a lot of people about the Wounded Warrior Project and the upcoming charity event on August 3rd - one of our favorite entertainers - Rowdy Johnson - got up early to work the warrior tent while I was off riding!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Frank hit by average car today

Somewhere between Lordsburg and Deming NM today, Frank was hit by a car.

No, he was not riding his bike. Instead, he fell victim to a teenage driver backing out of the convenience store Frank was leaving. I would tell you the name of the town, but it was so small Frank wasn't sure it had one. He left his campspot east of Lordsburg, NM this morning - so guess about 40 miles further and stick a pin in the map.

The driver was a 16 year old boy who was shaking after seeing what had happened. Frank had to calm him down. Recounting his own teen years and the minefield of mistakes that get made, Frank let the young driver know that it was not the end of the 16 year olds world - it was "ok" .

The police and paramedics were called to the scene. Frank was hit by a Toyota Corolla. I told him I would say it was a Ford Superduty because the Corolla was hardly enough car to take him down. But, according to Frank, it happened very fast (i guess a Corolla could be pretty stealthy and slight). Frank never saw the car, he only felt the punch into his upper back as he was whipped around then thrown to the ground (on elbow) where he managed to roll out of the way and avoiding being run over completely. Check back - i will post a scan of the police report to verify the details.

The paramedics wanted Frank to get in the ambulance and get checked out at the clinic. Frank knew that his bike would not fit inside with him, so with the wind was howling, Frank refused their offer and chose to set up his tent instead and rest.

At about 4 pm Frank's sister Connie was on her way from Benson, AZ. Frank decided (after a few hours) that getting checked out at the hospital might not be a bad idea.

As for the trip to El Paso, it will have to wait - for at least a day. Stay tuned for an update.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Past Lordsburg to San Simon

1/2 way between Willcox, Arizona and Lordsburg, NM is San Simon.

The population of San Simon - zip code 85632 is 831 people - and covers about the same number of square miles - so you can ride a while without seeing anyone which Frank did today.

Then he rode some more and got through Lordsburg, NM and camped outside the city's eastern edge last night.

Monday, April 14, 2008

The Road To El Paso

Frank was pedaling and the wind was howling along Interstae 10 when Frank called in with his daily update. After the week delay on his trip back to El Paso, Frank was finally on his bike and on his way up 7 Mile Hill.

Yesterday, Frank made if from his interview with Tucson’s ABC Channel 9 and made it down to J-Six Road in Benson, Arizona by Sunday night where he stayed with his sister Connie.

As he was pedaling towards 7 mile hill, Frank outlined his riding plan for the day (long term planning by Frank’s standard) which included coasting down the other side of 7 mile and making it to Dragoon, Arizona and the Triangle T Guest Ranch where Frank plans on having lunch with the proprietor – Cali. After lunch it is another 30 miles to Willcox where Frank plans to camp tonight

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Spider Bite Delays Ride To El Paso

Frank was slowed but not stopped completely by a non-life threatening spider bite. As he was preparing to leave, he felt something crawling on his neck, reflexes took over and he slapped hard and killed a spider. A few minutes later the bite on his neck was swelling a little bit.

Somewhat concerned I asked, “Did you save the spider?” thinking it would be evidence needed to deternime just how sick he was about to get.

“Nothing left of him” Frank replied.

Hmmm…I thought for a second, most people would want to know if a bite that close to the brain stem would turn out to be dangerous. But who am I kidding? Frank has eaten more dangerous things than this spider and he has already survived a brown recluse bite. So put a little Neosporin on it, get an anti-biotic from the clinic – and wait 48 hrs to see if you can still walk and talk. If so, you are ready to ride.

Another day in the life of Frank – and this trip has not even begun. What’s next? Tune in to find out. The trip has been delayed for one week.