Averagefrank & sidekick Nicholes start the biathlon.

4/14/10 Averagefrank here. Well, I started
my biathlon. We got started a little late. We
road into the night and made it to Piccacho
Peak. The night riding was beautiful and it was
nice & cool. It was an amazing change to
have Nick ride with me. Wish Tyler was
with us.
For my brother Joe, this ones for you!!!
It is an honor to get back on the bike and
ride for our troops again.
Thanks to all my friends in Tucson, for
responding to my effort. A very special
thanks to Nick for riding with me.
Thought, Mentors, Action = O

Nick's Post: Day one has been amazing. I have
never done anything like this before. It's
been just great! I am glad to be a part of
what Frank does. He's my best friend!
This has been the best experience of my
life.I want to send my love to Uncle Joe
and Kris Wolfe.
The hardest part has been
sitting in the seat and the sun.

He's getting back on the bike & running too!

Hello folks and friends, averagefrank here, how is everybody? Well, I'm doing it again; I'm getting back on my legendary bicycle and riding to Phoenix. When I reach Phoenix I will get off the bike and run in the Pat Tillman Foundations' Annual 4.2 K Run. I will be taking pledges to raise money for both the Sportsmens Legacy Foundation and do my part in the Pat Tillman Foundation; It's all about the kids and our service families. I think it's important to give a little more than you get. It's not a perfect world, but we do what we can. The Ride is sponsered and supported by: Dan's Toy Shop & European Auto Tech! The Run is supported by Lucky Wishbone & Best Mattress

Ending The Austin,TX. to Nashville Challenge

The first thing I want to say is, " there's no place like home". I love AZ. and my friends and family there, but I found myself yearning to get back to Texas; my new home! I missed my friends at the Hawthorn; Mike, Samantha, Brandon, Patty, Maria, Phil, and the rest; you guys rock and I have been made to feel at home here. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I missed my friends at Texas Pride BBQ. I missed my friends at Live Oak Fire Dept. I missed my friends at South-Paw Tattoo, and Wes at the Outback Steakhouse; I'm glad to be home.
If you have following my blog you'll know that this was a difficult ride. The weather was tough on this old bird, yet I can't wait to ride again, soon! It is what I can do; if I had my choice I would be next to my son in a fox hole in Iraq. Maybe it's my ADHD (smile)!
The road was rugged but I like to believe My work had an impact on a few Americans along the way; I noticed I'm not getting any less grey hair, what's up with that?
I got a call from Darryl Woreley this week, We met him in Nashville, it was awesome for him to call me; I believe it is good news but I can't spill the beans just yet. Darryl is one of those guys who looks you in the eye, says what he means, and means what he says; some folks appreciate that, some don't; I do! Thanks Darryl, I look foward to seeing you again real soon.
To the guys at the Sportsmens Legacy Foundation, It was my honor to put forth such an effort for your cause, our cause, our wounded, killed, and their children. What's next; I'm ready to go, yesterday!, quit fooling around! (smile)! I also got to briefly meet Forrest Griffin, UFC, at the fights in Nashville, TN.
Next Mission, Average Frank's Texas Bike Challenge. 800 miles of Texas; ready, set, go!
Billy Ray Cyrus in May, Kenny Chesney soon, and more to come. Welcome all, to the dream that is "Average Frank", it is not me, but all of us-- hence the name, "Average Frank Rides"!

I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag Of The United States Of America; To The Republic For Which It Stands, One Nation Under God; Indivisable, With Liberty And Justice For All


PWWE=Pray It--Will It--Want It--Earn It=PWWE

Refresh, Reflect To Tucson. Friends & Family

Just real quick, I want to salute my friends and family in Tucson, AZ. From the very conception of the idea of "averagefrank", they have been my rock! None of this would have been possible without these patriots; they believe in what I believe and I am honored!

Sean & the Furriers, John Ranney, Judy Foutz, Joe & gang @ AZ. Glass. Frank & Tracy, Dan & Angela, Eric & Jonath, Craig @ Holiday, Mo @ Undisputed, and John @ Ft. lowell auto.
Tyler, Alysia, Ben, Stephen, Jonathan, Courtney, Cameryn, Mom, Sisters, Brothers, And Pop. Nieces and nephews too!
Thanks for believing in me!

Wed. April 1st 2009, Still in Nashville, TN

Started the day visiting some friends at Audio Productions. Lindsay guided me in and Christian and friends welcomed me once again. I first met them with Aaron Tippin in Sept. 08. I really enjoy their company and they are such good people; they got me the Tim McGraw autographed childrens book for my last auction, very cool, thank you guys for being so good to me; it means so much!
While there ABC news came through again. Al did the interview and it went well. Bart set that up and Heather did the follow up on the story and went out of her way to foward me the links. ABC news has been johnny on the spot with getting the word out and I am greatful to them, all of them, for helping with that. Thanks ABC!
Then it was off to Bass Pro Shop in Nashville where I did a little photo opp with Galina Dearmin (apperal manager) realy nice person; fun to talk to for sure and look foward to talking with her again someday; maybe with a group of our SLF kids!
Then it was off to the UFC fights at the Sommet in downtown Nashville. I met Forrest Griffin and was able to get a photo of him and hand him some info for Joe Rogan or Dana White. It would be really neat to get them familiar with the SLF or get them to sponser me a bit; I am a huge fan. Thanks Forrest!
I also met Marty Stuawart at the waffle house. I took a picture with him and passed on a ittle info of my mission. He was eating and I didn't want to be rude while he ate but he was very gracious.

Daryl Woreley,Becky, and The Grand Ole Opry

Tues. evening we got over to the Opry House; I was trying to get a meeting with Mr. Daryl Worley. He is a big supporter of our troops from the country music world. I met Mr. Robbie and Gordon there. Robbie does security there and Gordon is the Opry House manager. It turns out that Gordon is from a long line of military service; Grandpa, Pop, and Brothers all served America during war time. It was quite an honor to meet him; he, without hesitation, did what he could to get that meeting for me. Thanks Gordon & Robbie!
While at the show I met veteran Mark Raley (U.S. Navy, Vietnam Era). We talked and shared a moment; I welcomed him home with open arms and it was a beautiful thing. It seems our Vienam Vets are some of our most patriotic vets and I'd like to welcome all of them home. To this day they still don't get the props they deserve; they too have served our nation and have my un-dying gratitude. Thanks Mark and thanks to your wife as well; it meant alot to me to meet you and to recieve an email from you!
Leo at the Fairfield Marriott gave me a great deal on a room in Nashville; he got a call from my friend Chris at the Marriott in Springfield, MO. and the good deed was done. Thank you guys for looking after old average frank!
Which brings me to Daryl Worley and Becky Pine. Daryl is one of the most amazing little fellers(smile) I've met. He welcomed Diane and I and spent a copious amount of time with us back-stage. I really like Daryl as a person; he is very genuine. I certainly look foward to hangin with him again Becky was awesome too; I hope to talk to her soon. Thanks for your time Mr. Daryl and Becky. I wish your man well also Becky; you know what I mean!

Tues. March 31st average frank makes Nashville

My lord, it's been a long ride. Before I left Clarksville I met Mr. & Mrs. Miller, they lost a loved one as a result of the war on terrorism; his name is Ben Miller, MI. As promised he is part of average frank's memorial wall and until my last breath will go where I go. Wes and Keith at Artistic Ink took me in and worked their magic on my wall; they added Ben's name to a great memorial of American KIA. Thank you guys,(Wes & Keith).
When I got into Nashville my friend Chris(Fairfield, Mariott Joplin, MO. contacted Leo, Fairfield, Mariott, Nashville, TN. to hook average frank up with a decent place to lay his head), good deal you guys! Roy at Mariott in Nashville was awesome; he took great care of business for me and I am greatful!
The lord worked his magic Tues. through Gordon and Robbie at the Grand Ole Opry House. They made it possible for me to make a connection to Daryl Worlely. Daryl spent a copious amount of time with Diane and I. Daryl is an awesome patriot and shows much love for our troops; so does Becky Pine( military wife). I was so honored to be amongst such good folks. If we are listening closely we will hear the will of God and respond accordingly; there is iron in the will of the great I Am; it is he who commands our meeting through or according to our means, to facilitate a greater cause. Through Aaron & Thea Tippin, and Charlie Daniels, many things have been accomplished by an average dad who never in his humble life thought these things were possible a year or so ago; it can only be the will of Jesus and those who truely believe that these deeds are done; however, much work is needed.
In closing tonight, the Deans of Dallas have captured my heart and my profound commitment. More about that is forth-coming in a song.
Average Frank, humble servant!

Days 13,14,and 15 Riding Hard Through Turmoil

The next few days can be summed up as ridiculous. As I make my way accross the eastern half of Missouri the weather has been brutal. The rain, snow, side-ways wind, and the mud and muck has put the hurt on old average frank. One night the wind came in at about 50 miles an hour; it shook the crap out of my tent and tore a couple small holes in it. I was lucky to get through that night in one piece. This sort of weather is FUBAR and makes it awefully tough on this old man, (sure do love you Ben, and troops);or maybe I have a screw loose (smile).
The sun finally came out on Sunday and Monday which gave me the chance to really step it up a knotch toward my destination, i.e. Nashville, TN. I got through the few miles of Illinios,through Paduca, KY. and into Clarksville, TN. Yea, I made it to Tennessee, I am so stoked to be in the great state of TN. Since I first met Aaron Tippin in TN. I have fallen in love with the state and people on TN. On Tuesday I will ride my happy butt into Nashville. I chose to finish in Nashville because you would be hard pressed to find better support for for our troops any where else. TN,TX,NC,KY,and SC are great American states (keep in mind I have not been to all 50 states yet), but I have been impressed by the folks in the South, including AZ.
My goal in Nashville is to meet and encourage the Country western singers to help in some way to support the Sportsmens Legacy Foundation of which I am the Ambassador of Good Will; the country folks are the grass-root people who love and support,with great pride, our country and the men and women who defend her; I am also one of those patiots; I rode my bicycle to Nashville to to earn the right to ask for your support. Thank God for Tennessee and thank you to Tennessee. Average Frank

PWWE=Pray It-Will It-Want It-Earn It-PWWE

Day 12 Out Of Springfield

. Great weather and felt awesome. Good to be pedaling toward Nashville again. Knocked out about 68 miles before meeting John at McDonalds. He had a lap-top and let me check my email. I had missed a call from my son Ben, in Iraq earlier (bummer), I hate missing my rare phone calls from him but he left me an email. He said he was good and all was well! I must thank John for the computer time. I rode another 12 miles to Subway for food and drink. I had some issues withmy bank account that crippled my progress. I had to call my new friend and Bro Kyle Hicks. What a cool guy he turned out to be. We have so much in common! Kyle is an avid outdoorsman with some great kills (white-tailed deer).I look foward to working and hunting on his farm in MO. Thanks to Kyle and family I was well taken care of, and fed, good stuff!
I also met John Walker at Subway, I enjoyed talking with him. The folks at Subway allowed me to charge my phone which was nice of them.

Day 11 Rained out in Springfield

An uneventful day cause of crappy weather. Started out and the wind was worse than yesterday! 50-70 mile winds in the area with severe thunderstorms came at about noon. Good thing I turned back . Lois at DAYS INN gave me a half price room to keep me out of the elements. Cleared up by sunset. Hit the road @ the crack of Dawn . Best thing about today was John Rich on Hannity. Good for you John, you said it right !

Day 10 Into Springfield, Mo . Yee-Ha We're There !

After battling 40 mile an hour winds i finally made Springfield , Mo . In all my miles I have never 6 -7 days of constant wind . No matter how strong of a rider you are the wind really gets to you . I am so sick of the wind . I made it to Bass Pro and talked to the folks there. The corp. folks were cool . I did an ABC News interview that went well , I guess . It's all about the SPORTS MENS LEGACY ! Dallas from KSPR was great . I did the interview @ Bass Pro because I believe the Legacy & Bass Pro go hand in hand. I live what they sell and could be a wonderful spokes- person for outdoor adventure and gear testing. I hope they respond with some sort of endorsement or sponsership on behalf the SLF.

Day 9 out of Joplin Area , finally !

75 miles to Springfield and a few more to BASS PRO SHOP . I got a break from the rain but the wind was still strong I felt great and rode hard for 55 miles, off the side of I-44 I spotted a cool little pond and a good place to set up camp. Slept good but no fish in the pond ; looks like another MRE dinner . I want to thank my daughter, Alysia , For calling me every day . She really makes my day. I also want to thank my wife for always being there for me . She helps me get thought the toughest days and I sure miss her .

Day 9 Hold up at the Marriot

Day 8 is un-eventful due to the rainy weather, 3 to 5 inches still forecasted for the area.I would love to get out and ride because being couped up is hard on my ADHD(smile)! Springfield is looming but somewhat illusive; but I'll get there or my name ain't average frank. Today I will get caught up on paperwork
Rain or shine I'll head out Sunday morning and ride the best that I can.
I want to encourage folks to donate your pennies to the Sportsmens Legacy Foundation, these miles are very tough so please help make them count. I also encourage people I meet to comment on my blog; it would be nice to hear some fair and balanced input from you all.
I waited for fox news yesterday but no call; I guess they were short on reporters, maybe next time!
At the Marriot is Rhonda, she works there and is swiftly becoming a friend. She has a good heart and has been willing to help average frank where she can. She drove me to walmart to get some rain pants. It is, as I have said, people like her that help fuel my positive attitude when days are tough. She is among many who have made me feel that my efforts are valuable. I wish to thank you Rhonda, thank, thank you Rhonda; isn't there a song like that(smile)!

Day 8 Out of Joplin, But Not Very Far

Many that know me know how much I hate backtracking. Bad weather is once again bearing down on me; maybe an inch and a half to three inches of rain here-abouts. I've rode through the rain before but the frigid wind is what gets you. It slows you down to a mere crawl and it takes a grueling effort to push through it.
That being said, I elected to turn back a few miles and stay on the eastern outskirts of town close to I-44 so that as weather breaks, I can get back at it; I'll be a day or two behind but I will live to ride another day. So shall it be said; so shall it be done!
At Long john silvers I met Brian, a fellow christian, we talked a while and and I enjoyed his company; he too, was on a bicycle. Maybe we'll do a ride together some day! he let me listen to some good christian music on his i-pod, very cool. Thanks buddy!
I stopped at La Quinta to get a room and met Chandra Rose (manager), she would of gladly givin me a place to rest tonight but they were out of comp rooms. However, I do appreciate her effort and she was very nice.
Micheal, the maintenence guy heard me and referred me to Chris Beyer, manager at the Fairfield Marriot accross the street. Chris stepped up for "Average Frank" in a really big way. He hooked me up with a nice warm and comfortable place to lay me weary head; out of the rain! My hat is off to you guys and I thank you so much. If your ever in Joplin and need a place, I recommend the Marriot or the La Quinta off I-44 at exit # 8, you can't go wrong with either!
Finally, I talked to Stephanie Marsh at Fox News hoping they would have someone to do my story. She was a breath of fresh air and helped me change a few words on my blog. I was still a little upset about almost being run over and worded some of my blog with malice, I'm sorry!
Thanks for reminding me of the important things today; we all need that from time to time; I'm still a work in progress and my mission is made clear on occassion through ways and folks I don't always expect. God is with us all....... Hey Ben!
PWWE=Pray It- Will It-Want It- Earn It=PWWE

Day 7 Long Uphills & Heavy Winds to Joplin, MO.

After eating breakfest I got on the road to Joplin. I suffered some, and made really bad time but I kept with it. I had a very long uphill battle into a constant 20 mile an hour wind. A 20 mph wind may not seem like much, but try it in the cold, on a bike, loaded with 55 lbs. of gear; very tough work. I got into joplin,MO., Wished I was not so overworked from the difficult elements of a long road trip because joplin was a little hard on me at first. I almost got ran over by some cat that saw me but turned in front of me anyways; not a very nice guy; say a prayer for him! The Police didn't do too much to help but that's life. All we can do is say a prayer for people like that and then push foward so as to put people like that behind us. Maybe I looked like a bum to those cats but you should of seen the bird-brain who tried to run me over then pulled a shovel on me and threatened my life with it. Since I started riding my bike I have been robbed, run over, weathered, shot gunned, and insulted by law dogs; yet I ride in my sons name while he is at war defending the freedoms of a great nation, including the ones that are not so nice. It is a bit troubling but the jerks I have encountered along the way have only made me stronger and more resolve, I guess I should say thanks!
Ben, I hope all is well with you and I sure do love ya and miss ya! God is with us all--
PWWE=Pray It- Will It- Want It-Earn It=PWWE

I took a wrong road that lead me about 12 miles of course on day 7 and had to back track; 24 miles for nothing, in a sense!
Really bad weather with up to 3 inches of rain is about 20 hours behind me today but headed my way; my luck it'll be a rough couple days, joyful, joyful!

Day 6 Miami To Beyond Baxter Springs

Up from Miami was fairly easy riding. I rode through Baxter and was going over a bridge when I spotted fish jumping out of the water below, it was 4:oo pm. I stopped there and decided to set up camp. Got my fishing pole out and commenced to scaring up some dinner; caught me about a 14 inch catfish and a small crappie. They were damn good eating after being cooked on an open flame.
While fishing I fell half way into the water; Kansas mud in awefully slick. The fire I built helped dry and warm me; I was good to go! I didn't put my rain fly on early and about 3:oo in the morning it rained on me. I got a little wet but got up and installed my rain fly; no worries after that.
After packing my camp I pulled into a small but great bakery and cafe; named Souper Sweet, the eggs were perfect the service was wonderful. If you're ever passing through Baxter Springs, Kansas I highly recommend stopping there
Eggs are ett, now it,s off to Joplin,MO. and beyond

Up From Vinita, OK. to Miami, OK day 5

. I got a late start out of Vinita because my lap top didn't take a charge; it seems the plug at the motel was no good. Rode a pretty tough head wind late in the day. I'm a little sore today. Got into Miami, ate, then went to radio shack to check my lap-top battery. While there I met Adam, he works there, they let me plug in for a while. Adam told me about someone he cared about that was lost in war; his name will become part of my memorial wall. Thanks Adam from radio shack!
Then I went down to the church that Adam sent me to for some more power and I met Pastor Gary, who welcomed me openly. It turns out that Gary is a Purple Heart from Vietnam; Welcome home my friend. It was an honor to meet you Sir! Being a Christian, Gary gave me power, a shower, and a great prayer. He told me I could camp-out next to the church, then he ran a power cord out of the front door of the chuch in case I needed power during the night. Thank you brother!
Outside the church I met A couple Police Officers; Americas' finest, I assure you! David Dean was a Marine and did time in the sandbox. He lost a friend or two there; he gave me the name of one of those mates for my memorial wall. The names will be revealed very soon. IT was so good to meet you guys; you just never know where you're gonna meet your next good friend. I ride for all you guys!
One of the best elements that keeps me motivated to stay the course and embrace the hardship is the fact that I get to meet Americans like the ones I met today; it was a great day to ride. Tomorrow I will ride in honor of Adam and David's fallen brother. Thanks for sharing!

PWWE= Pray It-Will It-Want It-Earn It=PWWE

Day 4, Mon. March 16th. Broken Arrow to Vinita, OK.

Came up to Broken Arrow with Loudog last night and started the day there. With another Walmart delay I was finally on my way. I want to say thanks to Lou real quick!
I rode a little over 60 miles today after a two day break. The ride was un-eventful and I want to talk about other things.
I am dedicating todays ride to my boy Ben and to the Deans of Dallas. I thought about you guys alot today and this is personal. I believe that on a civlian level I have a unique perspective on freedom; when one sees America at ten miles an hour one recieves an education in the cities of our nation, you learn what it means and what it costs to be free. Dean Jr. is a pilot in the Navy and Ben is a sailor. When the Statue of Liberty started shaking her fist Guys like Ben, Dean, JW, Leroy, Matt, Tyler, Josh, and countful others stepped up to get'er done. They put their lives in harms way for all; and they never ask why, what for; they know why they're there, end of story!
Thank you will never be enough and I love you ALL. You complete me! I watched Dean Sr. from across the table at dinner the other night and as he watched his son speak with us, I could not only see his profound pride and love for his boy, but I could feel it; its' energy if you will. I understand that with all of my heart; I feel ya Dean. We have raised some good ones buddy!
Ben arrived in Iraq today and starts another tour of duty; tough days and some inevitable worry will consume part of me but I choose to do something positive with that burden. I do what I do because of you and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am honored!
So, today was for you guys and I'll get back to SLF business tommorow. God is with us all!

PWWE= Pray It--Will It--Want It--Earn It=PWWE

I Finally Meet the Deans of Dallas

I met Both Deans and family on Sat. the 14th at Gloria's Resturaunt. We all sat down for a great dinner; Diane and Loudog were with me. It was awesome to meet the Deans; I really think we have something here. We must really be blessed! They are all I hoped for and are strong Christians.
The Deans' booked Diane and I a room at the Westin Resort Hotel in Frisco,TX. What a wonderful place, but it ain't me, it ain't Payne,(kidding), it is such a luxurious hotel and customer service was too much. We met Jeff Jones and his girl Heather there and really enjoyed their company. The next day I thanked the Deans' and then asked them," once you get into a Westin bed, how do you get out"?, the bed was so comfortable. Thanks you guys!

Papalitos, Good Dinner, Great Service

LouDog took me to dinner at Papalitos in Arlington, TX. I had the rock lobster and chicken fahitas. The food was good, bathrooms were clean, and the service was excellent. Our server's name was James, this kid was worth something! All too often we ignore to give credit where credit is do; I don't want to live that way! I am glad for my visit to Papalitos and would recommend eating there; ask for James!