Winona, MS to Meridian, MS

Above is updated Moon Lake in Western MS, and updated PACTOUR map showing what I have ridden so far in green, and what I have to ride colored in red.

Today on the ride I road through swamplands and stopped at a store in Popular Creek, MS and visited with the locals. They were very interested in seeing my route que sheet and hearing about Bike Across America. They were very nice people. The ride was very long on chipseal road that made the pedaling difficult. As I near the end of this ride I may not be able to post things daily to this site., but will have reflected comments as this magnificient ride comes to an end.

Lula, MS to Winona, MS

Today we road 114 miles for an average speed of 18 miles per hour. Really fast day. Above photos (thanks to some great photos from Ken's website) are the cotton fields and a bail of cotton I talked about yesterday. I even picked some cotton today to bring home to Cade, Casey and Cale.

I visited with some people in MS at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant about being screened for breast cancer, and talked to some women working behind the counter who had never been screened. So I had to give them the ABCF website address and explain how the screening process works. Afterwards an older man walked up to me and said "I was listening to your conversation and my wife is a breast cancer survivor..., and I would like to give this $10.00 to the foundation." I will tell you all, that I am on this ride for a special reason, and that is to meet people like I met today, and across this nation to tell the ABCF story. I am so blessed to have this experience. I only have 6 more days left on this tour and excited who I will meet next.

I will also share with you that people I am meeting along this tour are becoming my friends. The whole world should operate like the PACTOUR. Things operate smoothly, everyone meets everyone half way, they respect each other and sensitive to each others needs.

Other photos attached are the Mississippi River and the bridge crossing the river into MS.

Love,

Donna/Mom

More on the ride to Lula, MS

On the way to Lula, MS it started out very warm then cold then a hard headwind the last 25 miles for the overall 131 mile trip. The beautiful things about today were the harvesting of the cotton in the fields. It was everywhere like small clouds and looked like white silver. I also met with a local television station that interviewed another female rider and myself about the ABCF and her cancer story. Also talked with a local woman that was 39 years old who’s Mother and Sister both had breast cancer but she had never been screened. After our conversation she promised to call the ABCF screening number and get herself screened. This trip has been very exhausting but has been very rewarding seeing our country and meeting the people along the way, and especially representing the ABCF with the health wellness story to be shared and told nationwide. I also rode with Walter and Roger today. And they are angels. Both larger than me which meant a lot of the wind was blocked during the ride eastward. Also want to thank Cade, Casey and Cale for their prayers they have made for me and their comments of how proud they are of my participation in this event. I am proud of them as well and miss them, and will see them in 7 days at Tybee Island, GA. Love, Mom/Donna

Pine Bluff, AR to Lula, MS

Today we depart Pine Bluff, AR to Lula, MS crossing the Mississippi River covering over 131 miles with rolling hills, farms and alot of green trees (pine trees). Should be another beautiful route leading onward into Alabama then Georgia, with 7 days remaining on the tour. This has been a wonderful trip, I have been very tired physically, but all worth while especially representing the ABCF and experiencing all the people along the way, and have so many stories to share once completed. I appreciate everyone's support and prayers, and I will continue eastward. Meeting with television station this morning regarding the ABCF, so I will have lots to report on that event tomorrow. Love, Donna/Mom

Biking TowardsPine Bluff, AR

Well, I haven't been able to access the internet for the last couple days but was able to today, 27 Sep. Since my last message we have been through Amarillo, TX, Erick, OK, Hinton, OK, Paul's Valley, OK, McAlester, OK, Mean, AR, and Arkadelphia, AR. So post the map with all those towns and looking ahead we have about 8 more towns after today and the states of MS, AL and GA to bike through. The picture I attached below are of the views in Arkansas, And the Museum Sign for Route 66 in Oklahoma. I also attached an elevation map of the bike ride into Arkansas. Whew! I miss everyone very much, appreciate your daily support, and this great weather we have experienced so for. Stay in touch, love. Donna/Mom

I get by with a little help from my friends

To my lovely Cade, Casey, Cale, Family and Friends,

Thanks to the help of my dear, dear friends Charlie and Denise, I was able to pedal faster than I normally would as with each pedal stroke my friends guarded me from the wind and the elements. Can you believe I am done with day 15? Wow! I was able to distribute more good information about the American Breast Cancer Foundation and talk with people about good health and cancer detection. To move across our beautiful United States with my friend Fern, and many others in mind is such an honor. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to fellowship with my friends while bringing goodness of health to people in these little towns. Tomorrow is 114 miles with 10,000 feet of climbing. I so appreciate Cade, Casey and Cale and my team from Omaha that is sending thoughts and prayers. Love, Donna

Heading to Hinton, OK

I am in Erick, OK this morning, Friday, 22 Sep (13 more days until arriving at Tybee Island, GA). Erick is the home of Roger Miller (his song "King of the Road" was famous). It's also the home of Harlee and Anabelle who entertained us last night at their Route 66 nostalgia museum. I was able to join in with my harmonica. One of the highlights of the trip was meeting these two people that brought such joy to the bikers on the tour.

Also want everyone to know how beautiful the trip was yesterday riding from Amarillo, TX to Erick, OK. The wind was blowing around 50 mph and even the tall weeds along the roadway were just bending and moving in such beauty. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful country to live in and experience.

I also got the chance to call into the elementary school back in Millard, NE and the Principal put me on the intercom so all the students could hear me. I talked about my trip, and reminded them about staying in physical shape, where I was heading next, and before they all departed school for the day they were to put some hugs on their teachers and thank them for being teachers.

Also added some additional pictures above from the last few days (picture of hotel we stayed at called the Big Texan in Amarillo, TX, photo of Anabelle and Harley in Erik, OK, elevation map of our ride from Clovis, NM to Amarillo, TX, and the state sign entering Texas with our Presidents name on the bottom), also my brother David met me for dinner last night (drove all the way from Tulsa, OK to see me, what a great brother), and my friends Charlie and Denise are meeting me tonight and will be riding with me from Hinton, OK to Paul's Valley, OK.


Love,

Donna/Mom

To my dear Cade, Casey, Cale, Kids Network, Launch and Rohwer Students

Dear Wonderful children and students,

I know each of you are meeting and exceeding your exercise goals. And I want to thank you so much for helping send good energy to me so that I can serve others with my ride. I am sending ALL of you great big HUGS and also sending energy back to you. Now, study your spelling lists very carefully, be respectful of your teachers and staff, and don't forget to tell Kathy in the lunch room thank you for serving you such delicious meals.

Perhaps when I get back, Mr. Sullivan will take a ride on his bicycle around the school with me? What do you thinkg?

Dear wonderful friends and family members,
I love all of you. Thank you Patsy, Pam, Denise, Jeannie, Daniel and Chris for taking the time to peek at this ride. I can feel your joy through my heart, and I love you all so very deeply and am so thankful to have the opportunity to serve my world like this. One person at a time, I am making connections orchestrated by God to make this world a better place with health promotion.

My friend Fern said to ride with bliss. I have taken this to heart and wish I could send to all of you the joy running through my heart and out to beautiful people in our world.


Love, Donna

Roswell, NM to Clovis, NM (Peggy Sue!)

Dear Blog readers, family, friends, Kid's Net and Rohwer Elementary,

Today was a beautiful day! I was one of the top 5 riders in and I averaged 21 mph for 109 miles. It was heavenly! The route from Roswell to Clovis was much "flatter" than the days past, and I found myself in my element. The opportunity to ride with such experienced riders is truly a blessing. I was able to do a tv interview for WIBM television and talk about cancer detection - AND - also mention my beautiful Cade, Casey and Cale as my training team! I hope that all of you are enjoying the beauty and sunshine that surrounds us every day. We have so many things to be thankful for, and I am so grateful for all of the prayers and support each and everyone of you is sending me along this journey to talk about cancer awareness. The great folks of Ruidoso, NM, KBUY radio station and Lincoln County Tours certainly displayed a terrific support for this pink pedals tour by challinging their disc jockey Perry Champion to ride out of the Ruidoso area on a bike they will raffle off for the American Breast Cancer Foundation. Way to go Perry!

To my beautiful friends at Kid's Network, thank you so much for following the route and making this trip memorable for all. I love each and every one of you. Take good care of one another.

See you in 16 days!

Love, Donna

PS: Above photos are of the antelope we saw yesteray and the Norman Perry Recording Studio in Clovis, NM where Buddy Holly recorded "Peggy Sue", and Roy Orbison recorded "Sugar Shack" in 1963.

Ruidoso, NM to Roswell, NM

Another spectacular weather day of cycling in New Mexico but a very COLD start! Our hotel last night was on the side of a mountain which meant an immediate climb followed shortly with a long, 8%, 1.5 mile descent, followed by another climb and another descent….well, you get the idea. Usually wouldn’t be much of an issue but our bike computers showed 36 degrees at the start. Some of us just couldn’t get warm for over an hour, even when the temps started to climb to the 60’s and even 70’s (and I have a sore throat and ache inside).

The ride was fairly flat today (Monday) with only 3,103 feet of climbing. The road we were on most of today was extremely quiet with only 2 cars passing us for about 50 miles. Along the way we saw a few herds of antelope and crossed a few running streams. By the way, the snake we saw yesterday was a rat snake, not a rattler according to local folks once we share the photo with them (looks like a rattle snake to me). Most of us took it easy today with some casual, chit-chat riding and we seemed to ride with some people we hadn’t ridden with yet on the tour. We’re now in booming Roswell, NM with a Wal-Mart down the street and real restaurants so we’re off for a nice dinner this evening and alot of rest tonight. Onto Clovis, NM tomorrow.

I initially started out my day with Perry Champion of KUBY radio station (disk jockey in pink shirt above left photo) that rode with me for 22 miles (the longest he has ever ridden), and the radio equipment vehicle (above right photo with Paul and Perry) that followed us was driven by Susan and Paul Kolb of www.lincolncountytours.com . Every 6-8 miles we would stop and Perry, Susan and Paul would set-up a live broadcast and we would talk about the Pink Pedals Bike Tour Across America and the American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF). They even obtained a donated bike that Perry was riding from Walmart in Ruidoso, NM that they are selling raffle tickets for the ABCF, and when I arrive at Tybee Island, GA on 5 Oct they are going to draw the winning ticket for the bike. These are wonderful people in Ruidoso, NM that truly represent the saying "Life is about helping each other." So a special thanks goes out to Perry, Susan, Paul and the community of Ruidoso, NM for their personal support of my journey through their wonderful state of NM.


Upon arrival in Roswell, NM tonight I went on WIBM (CBS affiliate) television broadcast to talk about the ABCF, the Pink Pedals Tour and early detection of cancer prevention. Again, another great group of people coming out to support this effort. Thanks to WIBM!

Below is a picture of the lunch wagon. They do a great job everyday serving delicious sandwiches, drinks, etc. The other two pictures are of the highway leading to Roswell, NM. Beautiful area. I saw one area today that was all blue..., blue flowers, blue skies, etc.

Socorro, NM to Ruidoso, NM

Today’s 105 mile route from Socorro to Ruidoso, NM (Sunday, 17 Sep) was absolutely beautiful! The weather was perfect with blue, sunny skies and temps around 80 degrees. Our terrain changed from desert to pine forest to lava fields back to Pine Forest, all in one day. The route was very hilly with 6,700 feet of climbing over the day. Along the way we saw the pictured snake above; not sure yet if it was a rattlesnake so if anyone knows for sure, let me know. We also saw the valley of lava rocks pictured above. I realized that this trip is no foolin’ around as 5 people have had difficulty with severe edema- supposedly related to exercise at altitude- something about the hypoxia-renin-angiotensin pathway; anyway, one rider had to make a visit to the emergency room last night for a diuretic injection. Also, 2 riders have abandoned the trip to head home. This is not a trip for the casual tourist, but I strongly believe in my cause for the American Breast Cancer Foundation, and will continue onward to Roswell, NM (maybe we will see a couple of space aliens)!

The First Week (10-16 Sep 06)

We finished our first week of our trip with a total of 844 miles and 38,381 feet of climbing after a long, 157 mile trek from Springerville, AZ to Socorro, NM. Many of us used today to recover from a long week and specifically, from yesterday’s brutal ride into the wind. It was interesting that the mood of the group today seemed to be more subdued and it seemed that many of us rode alone at our own comfortable, recovery paces. It’s strange to have a new mindset that a 157 mile ride served as a recovery ride! The weather was beautiful as we climbed into the New Mexico mountains and crossed over the continental divide (photos attached below) at almost 8,000 feet. Lunch was served at the top with hamburgers cooked on site and our usual, full assortment of snacks and drinks. The day was made particularly trying after yesterday’s brutal ride by the fact that we lost an hour overnight so our wakeup calls started at 4:00am!

When I arrive in Ruidoso, NM on Monday the local radio disk jocky of station KUBY has organized a community wide fundraising activity for the American Breast Cancer Foudation with local women and men sharing their stories living with breast cancer. Discussion will also cover the values of early detection and mamogram programs. We want to express a special thanks to this local radio station and the people of this community.

Dona/Mom

Winslow, AZ to Springerville, AZ onto Sorocco, NM

I attached a picture above of the entire tour map. When we arrive in Socorro, NM this evening, 16 Sepember (Sat) we will be 28% through this tour towards or goal of Tybee Island, GA.

Payback was big time all day yesterday, 15 September (Friday). We left Winslow, AZ at our usual 6:45am time and we rode past the corner made famous in the Eagles song (Standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ (photo above). Next, we started our trek on I-40 for several miles with a headwind or crosswind for the entire day. The wind was blowing at a constant 20+ knots with gusts to 40mph - it was absolutely relentless all day with 4,407 feet of climbing in wide open desert, upward terrain (photo of desert above, no trees for protection from the wind). I have to say that in the end this was one of the hardest days I’ve ever spent on a bike...., I was (and others agree) totally exhausted when we pulled into our hotel in Springerville, AZ on the New Mexico line (still in Mountain Time Zone). Just in case we were thinking today (Saturday) might be a recovery day, it’s not..., it's the longest trek of the tour at 157 miles with over 4,000 feet of climbing. Wish us luck today.

Donna/Mom

Spider & Bitsi (Official PAC Tour Mascot)

Cotonwood, AZ to Winslow, AZ (Whew, what a Day!)

I had wet socks all the way from Cottonwood, AZ to mile 78 due to the pooring rain, and couldn't see a thing trough my glasses let alone know where I was going, but could feel the hills and upgrades all day today. I took a picture of two giant spiders (you know the big hairy ones), picture of one of them is attached above. I also rode through the rain today, then sunny skies, then rain, then sunny again, then cloudy, then sunny again, etc. The weather keeps changing as I was riding through it today.

I met a woman today named Terry and she said she had four mamagrams this year, and through all the continuing testing she got so stressed-out over the testing, she quit her job and moved out to Arizona to enjoy the beauty of the earth and relax. I shared everything with her about the American Breast Cancer Foundation and when we were done talking she wanted to make a donation and was excited to learn that women nationwide were getting their screenings for breast cancer. I had a very meaningful and touching conversation with Terry and learned much from her personal journey (and she has no cancer). Every year people need to take care of themselves and be screened.

Well tomorrow we ride through the Petrified Forest (wood that has turned to rock) and will be on our way to Heber, AZ, and we will be officially 25% through over ride across America. I have taken alot of great photos and will get them uploaded as soon as I have proper internet access.

Also attached photo of the PAC tour mascot above "Bitzi".

Donna/Mom

Photos Biking Towards Cottonwood, AZ

Dear Kids Network (Cottonwood to Winslow, AZ

Today was the most brutal day of cycling I have ever experienced. There was 8,500 feet of climbing and 114 miles. Having said that, I know of 1,000 people that would give even 10 seconds of their life to enjoy this opportunity. We certainly have so many things to be thankful for in life, and it is this grateful attitude, and knowing that I am riding to tell people about cancer detection, that makes every move I make for a terrific cause.

Here are some pictures of things I saw today. The scenery, rainbows, and people that I met today were lovely.

Donna/Mom

Dear Kids Network

Everytime you exercise you send good energy to my muscles. I look forward to seeing your checklist when I get home.

Today I saw a big monster giant cactus and a whole bunch of caterpillars crossing (marching) the road at the same time. It is so beautiful in the desert. And it is very very hot.

You may ask "What?..No photo of the Arizona state line…our first border crossing for the trip?" That’s because we started the day at 6:45am by riding directly towards a spectacular thunderstorm with clearly defined lightning strikes directly ahead of us! Oh, and did I mention that the 25-30 knot wind was, of course, a headwind? But today would have to be called ‘the day of the flat tire’ as several of us had multiple flats along the way. So bikers had held a record of 4 flat tires, but a rider from Australia beat us all with 5 flat tires. Seems that while we had to ride the interstate-10 for about 25 miles, some bikers tires picked up tiny pieces of metal that are shed from truck tires. I think every tire had a small piece of metal protruding into the tube. At one point a biker even flatted a tire on both front and rear simultaneously.

Today’s route took us from the town of Blythe, in California to Wickenburg, Arizona. Along the way we had to stop at a construction site and waited..and waited..and waited for permission by the DOT workers to go through. We waited so long that honestly, the DOT workers had a shift change!…and I thought that stuff only happens in Nebraska!

Tomorow (Wednesday, 13 September) we will be departing Wickenburg, AZ and biking 114 miles climbing 7,000 feet to a town called Cottonwood, AZ. By Thursday this week we will begin climbing out of the desert into the pine forests of Prescott, Arizona. The days are much cooler there, but the climbs will be challenging. Our route goes over several 7,000 foot mountains then drops into 4,000 foot valleys (hope we don't get dizzy). The old copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona has a historic charm as a 130 year old settlement that we will ride through.

Donna/Mom

Dear Kids Network

I arrived in Blythe, CA yesterday (127 miles for El Centro, CA). I will be crossing the Colorado River this morning and leaving the Pacific Time Zone and entering the Rocky Mountain Time Zone heading towards Wickenburg, AZ (about 100 miles today).

During these next couple of days I will cross this expansive desert over giant sand dunes and rolling road dips. The daytime temperatures will be hot over 100 degrees (35 C) during this section. The support staff will take special precautions by keeping the reststops closer together and supplying lots of ice and cold drinks.

I think about you each and every pedal stroke. Keep excercising at school. You're all doing great! I will see you when I get home.

Donna/Mom

To Cade, Casey, Cale and Wonderful Students at Rohwer Elementary School

Dear Beautiful Cade, Casey Cale and wonderful students at Rohwer Elementary School,
To my lovely children and friends, Iappreciate your support and love as I serve the American Breast Cancer Foundation. I look forward to learning with you as I move across the beautiful United States. I hope you enjoy the pictures attached of people in San Diego and the ocean.
Tomorrow I cycle 127 miles to get to El Centro, California. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to do this as your mom, and to serve and love others.

Love,
Mom

Thank You

This trip would not be made possible without the following supporters. To the American Breast Cancer Foundation. Thank you for all your organziation does to bring inspiration and hope to those in need. This organization serves countless individuals with early detection programs, and for this I am grateful. To my family, Cade, Casey and Cale Allen, may you know that your teamwork with me has provided the wind beneath my wings. I love you all so very much my lovely children. May the learning never cease in your lifetime. Thank you Rohwer Elementary for your love of learning and the opportunity to share this trek with students, parents, facutly and staff. The LAUNCH program, operated by Mrs. Votech, Mrs. Peterson, and Mrs. Ryckman is truly the way to create educated citizens. Thank you so much! To Corporate Fitness Works, my humble thank you as you not only take wellness out to the world, you bring it to your employees and practice what you preach. Thank you to Nebraska Methodist College and my sincere colleagues that truly supported this dream coming true, dream to serve others. I cannot thank enough the enthusiasm and support that has come from the Millard Hills Dental Center. To Dr. Sheridan, April and staff at this fine center, I am so thankful to know you. To all of my family members and friends, I thank you. I will keep all updated as time permits on this wonderful journey across America for the American Breast Cancer Foundation, and my friends living with cancer. I am so thankful to all that have participated in prayer, giving, and encouragement to this Pink Pedals Tour. Gratefully, Donna Allen

Launching this Sunday!
The tour leaves from San Diego this sunday!
Here are the actual Pink Pedals...

Press Release
American Breast Cancer Foundation
Baltimore, Maryland

Donna Allen, a Health Promotion professor at Nebraska Methodist College, will conduct a cross country bike tour this fall to promote breast cancer awareness and the importance of physical fitness. The tour is dedicated to Ms. Allen’s close friend Fern – a cancer survivor, and will benefit the American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF). Ms. Allen is committed to physical fitness, and serves as an example to encourage others toward perseverance and determination in their lives.

The goals of the tour are to inform those who can benefit from ABCF’s Key to Life Breast Cancer Screening Assistance Program, which provides grants to those who cannot afford live-saving mammograms and biopsies; and to encourage everyone toward increased physical fitness.
For more information about the American Breast Cancer Foundation, visit www.abcf.org