Sending our kids to war

Unless you've had to do it yourself you would be hard pressed to fully understand the hardship of that endeaver. Last week Diane and I drove to eastern Louisiana to see our son off to war again. That is the hardest thing I've ever had to do but I try not to say bye, but see you when I see you, instead. We sort of all go to war when we send a loved one overseas and our hearts go out to all those families who wait patiently and pray daily for their loved ones safety; it is difficult, I know, but we remain vigilant.
To Ben, my treasured son and personal hero. It was so damn good to see you, you look so good and strong. You make me so proud and make me want to be a better man. You were always a good boy and a hard working young athlete, you were never afraid of putting in the work to be an acheiver. You will always do well because of that.
I beg you to keep your wits about you, do your job, and come home safely where we most certainly will be there waiting for you; you have my word on it, and write in your journal as much as possible. We love you son; God is with us all!

Horse ride and new friends

Down below I meant to mention some new buddies; I got Johnny and it goes blank! Besides Johnny; Judy, Jim, and Col. Rocky really made my day; a couple of times! You guys made me feel good about my effort even though I'm a little rough around the edges. Thanks for your support. It's nice to know that you folks are in this world, having you guys in it makes it a bit brighter. God bless!

Darius Rucker & Wounded Warriors !/18/09

I was able to set up a meet and greet with another group of warriors through Charlie V., really good guy in Nashville, before the Billy Ray Cyrus meet and greet. Diane and I had already met Darius at Cowboy Dance Hall in San Antonio and really enjoyed the show; Darius puts on one hell of a show. If you ever get a chance to go see Darius live, you should do it! Marcus, Jonathon, Jimmy, Betty, Ray, and Tim got into the show but only a few got to meet Darius. Someone dropped the ball on that one and our wounded missed most of the rodeo because their packets were messed up, we were trying to stop our vehicles from being towed. Eventually Duane from the Star experience got it right; thanks Duane! Some of our wounded warriors got frustrated and walked away and went back to the hospital; I am so sorry you guys didn't get to go. Perhaps it was just a mix up!
At the end of the evening we still made it a good time and look foward to our next get together.
John, We saw you go from hardly saying two words when we 1st met to smiling, laughing, and hugging in a matter of an hour or two. You above the rest warmed my heart because you came along way. You still have some way to go but I want you to know that your Mom, your friends, and I are behind you 100 %. Thanks for going with us; it meant alot to me.

Billy Ray Cyrus and the Wounded Warriors 2/14/09

I was able to get some of our wounded guys into the show at the At&t center in San Antonio during the rodeo season for a meet and greet with Mr. Cyrus. It was Valentines Day! Leroy and his boy Landon, Tyler, Matt & Michele, and Diane & I met Billy Ray, he signed autographs and talked to us for a bit. He is a very cool guy and we appreciate him meeting with us. We also met Paul A., he gave me a phone # in case we need anything from Billy Ray and Miley for the next benefit fundraiser. Thanks you guys!
Duane from the San Antonio Rodeo and Sarah from the AT&T center hooked us up and helped make it happen. The folks from the Star Experience should also be thanked as well as the AT&T center itself. I stepped on someone's toe there and apologized but my warrior friends were proud of me for making a stand to validate sacrifices made by our troops, past and present!

Guests of Honor Alamo Banquet

This posting is dedicated to our five special guests. You guys are the pride and joy of our great country and complete me as an American. You are also my friends! You have never treated me as an outsider or made me feel that I am not a small part of who you are; I am so proud of you and hope I have served you well, you inspire me to stay the course and I am honored; absolutely honored! Thanks for what you have sacrificed for me; I take it very personal; I wish the rest of America could know you like I do and be as greatful. Words are not enough for me, so the open road calls. do I have another 5000 miles left in me?, I certainly hope so!
Josh Stein: wounded on easter, gave his legs(didn't lose them, there is a difference) my brother from another mother. Rarely do you find such an inspiring young man who has faced such adversity. He has three wonderful daughters and great women to stand by him; I too stand by him. We hit it off instantly and we say bros for life! Thank you!
Leroy Petry: U.S. Army, my mechanical arm buddy and John Rich's source of joy(I'm sure, but you had to be there) Hanging with you and Landon has brought great joy to Diane & I. It may seem that we met by coincidence, I don't believe that! The 1st time we met I was able to do you a favor but don't thank me, thank Tracy Lawrence; he got us together. I respect you with all that I am and ride to hell and back for you. More great memories are ahead of us, if I can just calm down(smile).

Tyler Harell: U. S. Army, where Leroy goes, Tyler goes, and where Average Frank goes, you go! I have had so much fun with you on a few occassions; I wouldn't trade those times for anything. Those times will be with me til I go to my grave. Thanks for just being you, you make me happy and proud to know you.
Matt Sondermann: U.S. Marine Corps, Matt, you are like my 4th son, the one I didn't know until recently. You and your folks have treated me like family from day one. Do you have any idea how much that means to me? Knowing you brings tears to my eyes; they are tears of profound pride and gratitude. I am so inspired by you! I was so happy that I could help make Valentines day good for you and your girl; you guys are keepers! I should want to know you all the days of my life. I am compelled to thank your Mom & Dad for the gift of you in my life; you guys validate all the tough days I,ve had on my bicycle: I'm ready to ride again, thank you!
John Wayne: U. S. Army (retired), I met JW in Virginia, I was lost in the Dismal swamp when I first talked to you. We met the next day, from that day on you will remain one of my life's best friends. I love you man! You have given so many years of your life to God, Country, and Family and it hurts me how some people treat you. I am your civilian voice and I am ready, willing, and able to step on some toes for you; I don't care who I may offend in your cause; you know the drill cause it is you who has taught me the meaning of PATRIOTISM. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you; you call it!!!!!!!!!!! I profess my deep pride in you as well as my intense gratitude to you. My friends and I flew him from VA. to be a guest of honor in Dec. in San Antonio and I was excited to have you there.
All you guys go to foreign lands to defend or preserve freedom world wide; I take my freedom very seriously and go to great lengths to say,"THANK YOU"!

Mustang Bob and 150 miles on horseback

In one word, ouch! I had to take one for the team on this one. I rode buck, my noble steed, for eight days in a row; which is proof that I have absolutely no good sense.

before I say too much more about the ride I must first thank my good friend Bob Green and his family. Britney you are the bomb on that horse and really helped me more than you know. I love watching you ride cause your so graceful, I think you taught me alot about how to ride and how to enjoy it, thanks buddy! Tina & Larry, Robert pulled support for the ride, thanks guys! Bob you take the cake! I hope you enjoy the gift; it meant a lot to give it to you. You were always johnny on the spot for me and it wouldn't have happened without you; I'll be more careful for what I wish for next time(smile).

We started on the 29th of Jan. 2009. The 1st thing I learned is to never ever drink 4 or 5 cups of coffee before you ride where you can't just jump off and go pee. There were about 300 riders and I held it til I couldn't any more, then I found a fense and an open field to go in; big mistake but I learned quickly. When I got back on the horse he tried to buck me off, I stayed on him but I pulled a muscle in my inner thigh; that happened in the first half hour. I knew it was gonna be a long 8 days. The second and third day I suffered; I was so sore. At the end of the 3rd day I was wondering if I could actually finish the 150 miles. If I had been riding for me I would have given up; maybe! Once again I was riding in my sons name for our troops so I couldn't give up, I had to finish! The 4th and 5th day I grunted it out but I noticed I was becoming a much better rider and the soreness was going away. The 6th,7th, and 8th day I felt really good and I was riding like a champ; it still looked much easier on Lonesome Dove(the movie). Now that I'm all healed up I realize how cool it actually was; cause I'm a real cowboy(not). I'm hoping to post some video soon.

I think I should say a little about some of the folks I was honored to meet. Johnny

Alamo Banquet Dec.7th, 2008

Well on Dec. 7th Pearl Harbor Day and Fred's B-day we held our second ever dinner/auction benefit for our woundeded warriors. We promised the proceeds to Judith at the Warrior and Family Support Center at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and we delivered. Judith said there were no small fish and made us feel good about our effort. The benefit fundraiser was held at the world famous Texas Pride BBQ in Adkins,TX. Tony and the staff really stepped up for this one. He is an awesome host and a good friend; I sure do admire and respect the folks at Texas Pride.
Once again my friends in the country music world hooked me up with a host of cool autographed memorabilia.Hats off to Charlie Daniels, Aaron Tippin, Tracy Lawrence, Dwight Yoakom, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, and Moe Bandy. You guys rock and we couldn't make it happen without you, thanks! Thanks also to my friends at Audio Productions in Nashville, TN.
These benefits are an attempt to build another go frank bridge accross America on behalf of our woundeded, killed in action, and their families; similar to the bridge I've tried to build with a multi thousand mile bike ride (which will resume very soon) into the heart of our great people. It is hard to start from scratch in each city and sort of takes a can do attitude when you know so few people, but I am making new friends and stepping on some toes along the way. I'm intense, I get it, I just want to get the job done; what ever it takes! The go frank team helps me get it done as there is no way I can do it by myself. Average frank is an idea not a person. I'm proud that the go frank team lives by one good rule: thought minus action equals zero; thanks team! We are the civilian can- doers for our troops. I feel like a pebble cast into the pond, its' ripple reaches all shores, yet it was not my idea to cast the pebble; I just happen to be paying attention for once(smile)! We are all blessed to share our beliefs. It is a mission of gratitude and hope.
Thank you to Fredd Bergman for all his kind words(not) and stern wisdom in helping me along. Thanks for my web site. He's a good man and I've grown fond of our friendship; but he is hard on me sometimes, but out of love and for good, always!
Thanks to Butch and Chris Bryson(and Tina). I donated my bike to an auction for Operation Iraqi Comfort in Sept. at an Aaron Tippin show when I was on the road with Aaron. I had about 5000 miles on that hog, anyway, Tony from Texas Pride bought it that evening and kept it. Then Tony donated it to our Dec. 7th auction, where Butch & Chris bought it so that I could have my treasured bike back as a wonderful gesture of their gratitude for my work, I suppose. That was very generous and it warmed my heart. It seemed it was my bike again and immediately asked if I could re-donate it on the spot; so I did! The bike never really was mine to begin with; it was our wounded warriors, I was just the rider, riding for those that cannot just yet, (it was Sean Furriers bike too). Then Tony bought it again and vowed to keep recycling the bike; we are gonna offer it at every auction we do from now on so that it sort of takes on a life of it's own, aint that the coolest? It might be the most expensive bike in America someday; Tony says he's gonna keep buying it.

Getting caught up on my blog

average frank here. hi everybody i need to get caught up on my blog!!!
On Dec. 4th 2008 I was able to take some wounded warriors to Randy Carrols christmas bash in San Antonio. Compliments of Tracy Lawrence, thanks Tracy! We had a great time and you made it happen. Average Frank,Diane, Leroy, Tyler, and John Wayne met Randy Carrol, Leann Womack, Jessica Simpson, and Billy Currington, that was cool. We hung out back stage with Jake Owen, Tracy Lawrence,and John Rich. These guys have big hearts and showed my wounded friends how much they mean to us; they were very graciuos. After the show we went on thier bus and our new found country friends showed love to our troops, past and present, by playing patriotic songs with their acoustic guitars, awesome! Then they took us all for a beer or two at the closest establishment; needless to say it was a real groove. We all had a great time and want to thank those guys. We hope we can see you soon!

past and present

In 1994 I hit a guy on a bicycle, sadly he died. He had a dog with him; they were both DOA. It was an apparent suicide. he almost took me with him, damaging some nerves in my neck, which left me some-what paralized and in deep physical and emotional pain. I felt so sorry for myself, I felt sorry for him and his dog too, but mostly felt sorry for myself. Ive been an avid athlete and rock climber most of my life and now I couln't do jack, why me,wa wa wa? I thought I was stong and could recover but the re-occuring nightmarish dreams and the pain haunted me nearly every night; I dreaded going to sleep. I did some drugs, fought with my beloved wife, and ignored my kids. I got caught with a small of drugs. I pleaded guilty because I was guilty! I did some days in jail and then successfully completed three years probation. However, I lost my wife and children in the chaos; I had hit rock bottom. One day I tripped over a small pocket bible, picked it up and started reading, before I new it I was most of the way through the book of John and asking to be baptized. I turned to our best buddy Jesus; he has never let me down although I still had much work to do in my own life; I still had issues! I started counseling for my bad dreams of the accident and drug and alchohol use. I completed that as well. Before too long the dreams subsided and I got my health back, then I re-united with my wife and children. We were devorced by then but we fought with all our will and with the grace of God and our family's blessing we were re-married on 1/1/08. I've gotton a few traffic tickets since then but went on to coach wrestling for some years and to also compete in the same tournaments that my boys wrestled in. Until recently coaching was one of the great joys of my life. The point is that if a man is really willing to put the work in he can overcome many things; the most important thing though is to keep your faith; being of strong faith gives all the armor of God and there is much hope in knowing that. Some said I couldn't ride accross America on a bicycle, then I did. Thanks to all those who have offered an olive branch or a hand shake to me; it means alot.

Frank's Website - www.AverageFrankRides.com

Please see my new website - it is a work in progress.

www.averagefrankrides.com

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.